Reporter 8 27 15

INSIDE:

FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2015

R E P O R T E R REPORTER

THE THE THE 4 SECTIONS 32 PAGES

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

Volume LVI No. 23

USPS 118-690

75¢ 75¢ $1.00

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Thursday, August 27, 2015

A good sign – football is back

No. 1 is coming to town

Seven season openers will be played in the area

THE THE

R EPORT ER

USPS 118-690 mont and last year, the Knights opened the season with a 56-34 USPS 118-690 road setback.

This weekend, thousands of The other six games will feaarea fans will be heading out ture teams not as familiar with to stadiums to watch the start each other. of the 2015 high school football Marist plays Mount Carmel season in Illinois. at Soldier Field and it promises And they won’t have far to go. to be a tough game for a RedSeven of the 10 area schools in Hawks team that missed the the Reporter-Regional area will playoffs last year for the first host opening games and the other time since 2007. The Caravan Serving Evergreen Park, Hickory Hills, Oak Lawn, Palos Hills and Worth Thursday, March 1, 2007 three are not terriblyChicago far away. Ridge, won 12 state titles and last year Just fourServing of the 10 Chicago games are Ridge, went aEvergreen disappointingPark, 5-4 in Hickory the Hills, Oak Lawn, Palos Hills and Worth Thursday, March 1, 2007 rematches from the 2014 open- regular season and was in danger ing week. of missing the regular season but won three postseason games and Brother Rice hosts Michi- reached the Class 7A semifinals gan power Brother Rice out of before bowing to eventual state Bloomfield Hills. Last year, the champ Providence.

Photo by Jeff Vorva Michigan squad beat the CruRichards and its unique sideline signs are back for another football season. The Bulldogs will St. Laurence, which qualified saders 40-34 but that convinced for the playoffs for the first time visit Lincoln-Way North on Friday night. members of the Chicago team since 2009 last year, had opened that they could play with the big the past two seasons with the score of 135-6, including Oak boys and they went on to knock historic Battle of Burbank against Lawn’s 49-0 rout of Kenwood. off Loyola, Mt. Carmel and St. Reavis but this year the Vikings Stagg, which opened its seaRita to earn a tie for first in the will battle Benet. The up-and- son with Hillcrest the past two FRIDAY Catholic League Blue. The visi- down Redwings have gone 1-8, years, switched up and will host tors are ranked 16th in Michigan 11-2, 6-4 and 6-4 the past four Minooka this year. The Indians Lake Station (Ind.) at Evergreen Park, 7 p.m. by the MLive website and had a seasons. were a power from 2009-2011 but Lane at Oak Lawn, 7 p.m.

33-game winning streak snapped Richards heads to Frankfort the past three seasons they have last year in a Division 2 Regional to take on Lincoln-Way North, a failed to finish with a winning Minooka at Stagg, 7 p.m. game. team that has gone 24-8 the past record. Stagg is hoping to avoid Niles North at Shepard, 7 p.m.

Evergreen Park hosts Lake three seasons. Two weeks ago, the its 10th straight losing season.

Station (Ind.) and last year the Lincoln-Way school board voted to Sandburg, which opened the Richards at Lincoln-Way North, 7:15 p.m.

Mustangs held a 14-0 early lead close North after the school year past two seasons against LincolnBenet at St. Laurence, 7:30 p.m. when rain and lightning post- so this figures to be an emotional Way Central, visits Naperville poned the game to Saturday and season for the Phoenix as they North. North was 2-7 last year Marist vs. Mt. Carmel (at Soldier Field), 7:30 p.m. they didn’t miss a beat, complet- prepare for their final campaign. but had made it to the playoffs Sandburg at Naperville North, 7:30 p.m. ing a 55-13 victory.

Oak Lawn hosts Lane out of the 17 straight years prior to that Shepard hosts Niles North Chicago Public League. Lane was including a Class 8A state title Westmont at Chicago Christian, 7:30 p.m. in Palos Heights and hopes to 4-5 last year. Area teams played in 2007. It was North’s first losSATURDAY avenge a 49-14 road setback from four Public League teams in the ing season since 1983. Sandburg last year. first two weeks of 2014 and won made it to the playoffs six straight Brother Rice (Mich.) at Brother Rice, 2:30 p.m.

Chicago Christian hosts West- all four games by a combined seasons but fell short in 2014.

By Jeff Vorva Reporter Editor

2 SECTIONS 22 PAGES 2 SECTIONS 22 PAGES Volume XLVII No. 50 St. Xavier Univer-

Volume XLVII coach No. 50 sity football

Mike Feminis (pictured) and his team are ranked fourth in the nation in the NAIA. They host No. 1 Marian of Indiana on Saturday in Chicago.

See sports

75¢ 75¢

WEEK 1 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Vorva writes that he will never learn about getting hyped up for football (page 3), Hanania wonders when some people will ever learn to take care of their yards (page 6) and Parker is learning a lot as she goes back to school (page 10).

Golf wars heat up Palos Park portrayed as bad guy as three golf courses – including Cog Hill – appear ready to be annexed

Grand day for Grand Marshal

By Jeff Vorva Reporter Editor It’s not a fore-gone conclusion, but it appears the city of Palos Park will be picking up three golf courses by early 2016.

The village of Lemont, which is losing the courses, is teed-off about it.

Lemont officials are not waving the white flag just yet, but they see the writing on the wall that they could be close to losing 1,400 acres of unincorporated land which includes Cog Hill, Gleneagles and

Military hero Bob Burns enjoys his moment of glory at the Worth Days parade Sunday.

See Page 4

ANALYSIS Mid- Iron golf courses.

Lemont folks are upset and have portrayed Palos Park in unflattering terms.

The Rev. Glenn Bergmark of Lemont told the Reporter’s Dermot Connolly after Monday’s meeting in Lemont that officials’ actions in Palos Park were “very selfish and self-centered.”

“I’ve seen a lot of annexation attempts over the years, but this

is the most egregious,” he added.

Another resident, Ray Lehner, a referred to Palos Park as a “political predatory parasite.”

Cog Hill is the jewel in the middle of all of this as it has the home to several big amateur tournaments and hosted the PGA’s Western Open 16 times and the BMW Championship from 200911. Some of the greatest golfers, including Tiger Woods, Ben Crenshaw and Jim Furyk, have (Continued on page 5)

INDEX Police News........................2 Our Neighborhood.............4 Sudoku.............................4 Commentary.....................6

Photo by Steve Neuhaus

Death Notices....................7

Bet you can’t do this Photo courtesy of coghillgolf.com

Consumer......................9

Cog Hill, which has hosted numerous professional golf events, could be annexed to Palos Hills in early 2016. For more stories, see page 5.

I T’ S B E T T E R AT

BMX entertainer Matt Wilhelm performs a stunt for the students and parents at Saturday’s District 123 Back to School Extravaganza at Oak Lawn Hometown Middle School. For more news around the area as the new school year opens, see page 8.

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The Reporter Thursday, August 27, 2015

POLICE & COMMUNITY NEWS

Palos Hills is 10th safest town in state according to website

By Michael Gilbert Correspondent

Palos Hills shot up in the rankings.

Last year, the website www. onlyinyourstate.com listed the city as the 25th safest and most peaceful place to live in Illinois.

One year later and Palos Hills moved up 15 spots to No. 10 in the state.

The website based its rankings off the number of violent crimes, property crimes and total crimes per population.

“It is an incredible honor for this town to receive that,” Mayor Gerald Bennett said. “Over the years we have continued to drop our crime rate per population. To receive this recognition is something to say about our police department and the job they do, and it says a lot about the residents of our community.”

Lake Forest occupied the top spot on the list. Homer Glen at No. 9 was the only other south suburban town to crack the top 10.

Palos Hills Police Chief Paul Madigan said his department has spent a great amount of time educating residents both young and old on potential scams and ruse burglaries.

Written notice has appeared in the city’s newsletter and on its website and verbally at city

council meetings.

“People prey on the seniors and people prey on kids,” Madigan said. “We focus a lot of attention on those two groups. We spend a lot of time communicating the information we have [on scams] to the community. We try to keep them educated and we’ve got them calling us every time they see something suspicious and that helps us keep the crime down.”

Bennett also praised school districts 117 and 118 as well as Stagg High School and Moraine Valley Community College for contributing to the award. He said he sent emails to the administrators of the schools that serve Palos Hills to notify them of the honor.

Alderman Mike Lebarre (3rd Ward), who previously served on the North Palos School District 117 Board of Education, suggested the city invite members of the police department and school districts to an upcoming council meeting to be personally recognized.

“We have some great schools and we obviously have some great families that do a great job in making this a peaceful city,” Bennett said. “It’s certainly good for this community and people who want to come here later.”

As chairman of the city council’s public safety committee,

Alderman Marty Kleefisch (1st Ward) said he was especially proud of the honor.

“We have very good residents – that’s our starting point,” Kleefisch said. “We’ve spent some federal grant money on anti-crime programs for the senior citizens and children and those have had an effect.

“Palos Hills has a reputation for being a quiet, peaceful and law-abiding community and we cherish that and hope that it’s going to continue. This is special for me, our residents, the police department and everybody that works in public safety.”

Alderman Joe Marrotta (4th Ward) credited the work of the police department for helping the city obtain the award and also said the honor could help bring in potential businesses.

“I would think this would attract businesses knowing that we have such a low crime rate,” Marrotta said. “It’s a very good thing.”

Although the city does not receive a physical award, Madigan said that didn’t stop him from the telling his force the good news.

“They don’t get a lot of appreciation so they deserve it,” Madigan said. “It’s a very proud moment.”

Road rage leads to head trauma Chicago Ridge police are investigating Friday's case of road rage that left a 16-year-old boy in critical condition with severe head trauma, after falling off the hood of a car.

He remained in hospital life

THE

support as of Tuesday, according to published reports.

People in two vehicles got into an altercation near the intersection of 99th Street and Ridgeland Avenue about 9 p.m., according to Chicago Ridge police reports.

REPORTER

Chicago Ridge / Evergreen Park / Hickory Hills Oak Lawn / Palos Hills / Worth Publisher Amy Richards Editor Jeff Vorva Sports Editor Ken Karrson Graphic Design/Layout Kari Nelson To advertise call (708) 448-6161 To subscribe call (708) 448-6161 / Fax (708) 448-4012 Website: TheReporterOnline.net e-Mail: thereporter@comcast.net The weekly by

by Southwest the Regional Publishing Corp.

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Gerrard Gonzalez, 30, of the 7800 block of West 95th Street, Hickory Hills, was charged with retail theft following an incident at Kohls department store at Chicago Ridge Mall at 8:13 p.m.

Aug. 22. Police said store security guards detained him after he left the store with cologne and perfume in a child’s backpack worth a total of $260.99.

William Nevels, 50, of the 6600 block of West 104th Place, Chicago Ridge, was charged with driving on a suspended license, possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to signal when he was stopped at 6:22 a.m. Aug. 24 in the 6600 block of West 104th Place.

Nicholas M. Arends, 26, of the 10700 block of South Depot Street, Worth, was charged with driving on a suspended license and speeding following a traffic stop at 9:23 a.m. Aug. 21 at 111th Street and Laramie Avenue.

Richard M. Korpal, 60, of the 11500 block of Lee Road, Alsip, was charged with driving on a suspended license and having an obstructed windshield when he was stopped at 8:37 p.m. Aug. 23 in the 10300 block of South Barnard Drive.

Szymon P. Jeskierski, 21, of the 5800 block of West 77th Street, Burbank, was charged The cars then continued driving with driving under the influence on Ridgeland until a second fight of alcohol, improper lane usage, broke out near 106th Street. The driving on the median and disboy who ended up getting injured obeying a traffic control device got out of one of the cars with a following a stop at 3:56 a.m. Aug. baseball bat, and struck the other 21 at 95th Street and Ridgeland vehicle and its driver, police said. Avenue. Police said he appeared The driver tried to stop the intoxicated when stopped for a fight by driving to 107th Street traffic violation, and failed field and Harlem Avenue, according sobriety tests. to police, but the vehicle with Police are investigating a case the 16-year-old followed and the youth got out again, climbed onto of criminal damage to multiple the other car, and struck it repeat- cars in the parking lot of The edly with the bat, said police. The Crossing bar, 10236 S. Ridgeland driver kept going, with the teen Ave. that occurred between 11:30 on the hood for several blocks, p.m. Aug. 19 and 12:30 a.m. Aug. until the teen was thrown from 20. During that time, someone the top of the car in the 10600 slashed the tires of 19 cars parked block of Southwest Highway. outside the bar.

Police said the youth hit his head on the pavement, and was taken to a hospital.

No charges were immediately filed against the driver, a 19-yearDrew W. Davis, 22, of the old from Chicago Ridge because 3400 block of West 147th Street, a preliminary investigation found Midlothian, was charged with obthat he the driver was acting in structing identification following self-defense. Immediately after a traffic stop at 5:42 p.m. Aug. the incident, he went to the 23, in the 7700 block of West Chicago Ridge police station to 95th Street. Police said Davis first tell his side of the story. gave a false name when they en--Reporter News countered him with two other people, loitering near a broken down car. The three were then Area police departments Chicago Ridge 425-7831 pulled over after they got into a Evergreen Park 422-2142 car with expired registration and drove away. He was arrested after Hickory Hills 598-4900 giving the false name a second Oak Lawn 499-7722 time. The driver of the car was Palos Hills 598-2272 issued a verbal warning about Worth 448-3979 the registration and let go.

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Maritza Sanchez, 25, of the 4700 block of South Hermitage Avenue, Chicago, was charged with using a handheld phone while driving, and no proof of insurance, when she was stopped at 6:04 p.m. Aug. 22, in the 8800 block of West 95th Street. Her passenger, Jose Alberto Arzate, 23, of the 100 block of 157th Street in Calumet City, was charged with obstructing identification and not wearing a seatbelt after giving a false name.

Paul J. Glaum, 41, of the 8700 block of South 81st Avenue, Hickory Hills, was charged with driv-

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ing on a suspended license after a traffic stop at 2:20 p.m. Aug. 19, in the 8600 block of Kean Avenue. Police said it had been suspended since 2012.

Scott R. Brown, 54, of the 8700 block of 83rd Avenue in Hickory Hills, faces multiple charges following a traffic stop at 9:24 p.m. Aug. 18, in the 9500 block of South Roberts Road. Police said he was charged with driving on a suspended license, one red taillight, and possession of cannabis and drug paraphernalia found in the car.

Henry Tereszczenko, 33, of the 9200 block of South 90th Avenue, Hickory Hills, was arrested on an outstanding warrant from DuPage County for contempt of court following a traffic stop at 5:32 p.m. Aug. 17 in the 8800 block of 89th Avenue. Police said he was stopped for not having a front license plate, but it was in the trunk of the car.

block of South McCarthy Road, Palos Park, were charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia when police responded to a reported drug transaction at 3:30 p.m. Aug. 7 in the 10500 block of South Major Avenue.

Both were found with bags of heroin, syringes and other items used for injecting drugs on their laps, police said.

A taxi driver told police that three men fled from his cab, owing him $150, in the 9500 block of south 54th Avenue, at 10:26 p.m. Aug. 14, after he transported them from Arlington Park Racetrack. The 40-year-old victim said two of the men, who appeared to be in their 20s, fled from the car immediately. He said the third, about 45 years old, refused to pay the fare and got out of the car also, but turned back and punched the driver in the face when he tried to take his picture.

Oak Lawn

Palos Hills

Trina Kimberly Ebony Bell, 29, of the 900 block of West Lakeside Place, Chicago, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and improper parking in the roadway when police found her at the wheel of her car in the 9400 block of South Pulaski Road at 12:34 a.m. Aug. 16. Police said her parked and running car was blocking a lane, causing drivers to go around her. They said Bell registered .171 blood-alcohol count on a breath test.

Kathleen Polacek, 30, of Orland Park, was charged with violating an order of protection after police responding to report of a suspicious person at 1 a.m. Aug. 18 found her hiding in bushes on Eastwood Drive. Witnesses told police she had gotten out of a car and had been looking in the windows of a home in the area.

Two women face charges of possession of hypodermic needles and drug equipment when they were found sitting outside a business, using an electrical outlet to charge a phone in the 9000 block of South Cicero Avenue at 10:54 p.m. Aug. 16. Police said Allison Marie Luchene, 20, of Hammond, Ind., admitted owning the 11 hypodermic needles, burned metal spoon and other drug paraphernalia found in a purse beside her. Catherine M. Convey, 37, of Chicago Heights, admitted ownership of nine needles and drug paraphernalia in a bag she had left in an unlocked moving truck parked nearby.

Chevrolet emblems were reported to have been pried off six 2015 Chevrolet Silverados parked in the Webb Chevrolet lot at 9440 S. Cicero Ave. sometime between midnight Aug. 15 and 11 a.m. Aug. 17. The vandalism cost the dealership an estimated $275, police were told.

Craig McDonnell, 55, of the 9800 block of South Turner Avenue, Evergreen Park, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, and several other offenses when he was stopped at 10:40 p.m. Aug. 12 in the 4200 block of west 95th Street. Police said he failed field sobriety tests and refused to submit a breath sample.

A bag containing several ounces of marijuana and a metal pipe were found in a box in the car, along with an open bottle of beer.

He was also cited for failure to driving without headlights when required, improper lane usage and illegal transportation of alcohol.

Aaliyah S. Polk, 18, of the 8800 block of South Francisco Avenue, Evergreen Park, was charged with assault following a road rage incident in which she allegedly punched another female driver in the 9800 block of South Central Avenue at 5:10 p.m. Aug. 13. Witnesses told police that Polk was driving ahead of the other woman, age 20, who allegedly honked for her to turn right at an intersection where it was not permitted. After both vehicles turned the corner and parked in a lot, Polk allegedly went over to the other woman’s car and punched her in the face.

Polk was picked up a short time later in the 10300 block of South Parkside Avenue.

Piotr G. Mierzejewski, 26, of the 4900 block of South Lotus Avenue, Central Stickney, and Rahmi M. Salhi, 26, of the 7800

Michael Senica, 36, of Orland Park, was charged with disorderly conduct at 11 p.m. Aug. 18 for allegedly causing several disturbances at Durbin’s restaurant, 10151 S. Roberts Road in recent days. Police said he had been told not to return to the restaurant, after yelling obscenities and threatening employees several times. But he kept coming back.

A criminal damage report was filed by a man who told police he parked his car in the Cour D’Alene lot at 4 p.m. Aug. 17 and found it covered with scratches when he returned at 9 a.m. Aug. 18.

Graffiti vandalism was reported in two places in Palos Hills on Aug. 19. At 9 a.m., a green utility box was found spray-painted with two stars and a smiley face, and at 2 p.m., police reported finding a wall in the 10400 block of South Roberts Road defaced with black and pink spray paint. There was no indication that the cases were related, according to police.

Worth Ishaak I. Hamdan, 21, of the 7600 block of Ponderosa Court, Orland Park, was charged with criminal damage to property following an incident at 12:36 a.m.

Aug. 16, at an apartment building in the 10700 block of South Harlem Avenue. A 24-year-old man told police Hamdan had been threatening him, and he chased him into his apartment building, breaking the door. Hamdan then fled to his home, where he was arrested.

Zdzislaw T. Szygenda, 54, of the 10100 block of South Roberts Road, Palos Hills, was arrested on a warrant from Lake County, Ind., after police said he was involved in a domestic disturbance at 4:44 p.m. Aug. 18, at Palos Motel, 10800 S. Harlem Ave., Worth.

Kyle B. Dorner, 20, of the 8800 block of South 84th Avenue, Hickory Hills, and a juvenile male, were both charged with battery for allegedly beating up a 40 yearold Hickory Hills man at 12:39 a.m. Aug. 21, in the 8200 block of West 107th Street. The victim said he witnessed both offenders urinating in the street, and as he walked by, they chased him down and punched him.

Keymon K. Ammons, 23, of the 10500 block of South Brooks Lane, Chicago Ridge, was charged with domestic battery at 7:46 p.m.

Aug. 19, after allegedly punching a woman repeatedly while she was driving him to a casino. Police said the victim drove to the police station to make the report, and Ammons was arrested outside.

Thursday, August 27, 2015 The Reporter

3

Against my better judgement, I am ready for some football!!!

I never learn.

This is the time of year I get geeked up for football.

Really geeked up.

We are just a day away from the 2015 area high school season.

In seasons past, this was the time of year that I couldn’t wait for things to start.

And it’s not just because of the football itself.

I enjoy seeing and sniffing the thick smoke from the grills as some parents or teachers are making brats or burgers for the concession stands.

It’s cool to smell the fresh-cut grass although with the new artificial turf at many stadiums, that pleasure is waning.

I like hearing the bands even though some of them can hit a few sour notes now and again.

Hearing the bellowing of crazed first-year assistant and sophomore coaches who treat the sport as if their mother’s life depends on it always amuses me the first week. Sooner or later, they mellow out – a little.

Seeing old and familiar faces on the sidelines is always a treat.

Some guys have been following their teams forever and they still have the passion to do it another season.

And then there is that final huddle before the game starts.

Whether a team is a state championship contender or a sub-.500 team, that huddle features a

IMPRESSIONS By Jeff Vorva

bunch of dudes screaming until their lungs give way. They are pumped up and ready to go into a season in which they have no idea what’s going to happen in the next nine weeks.

That moment is golden.

And then the game starts.

For me, that’s when reality hits.

Penalties. Fumbles. Bad football.

And I stand there thinking “I got all geeked up for THIS?�

And I vow that next year, I won’t get so amped up.

But I never learn.

One year, I remember making a long trip to about five or six different towns in order to get special preseason football sections so that I could be up on as many teams as possible. I even made the trip to Palos Heights to pick up the Reporter/Regional’s section even though I didn’t know at the time that I would be someday be working here.

With the exception of a 10-year gap in which I covered the Cubs, I have covered a bunch of sea-

son openers. A few were classic games. Many others were dogs.

Two years ago, when I took over as editor of the Reporter, a part of my job was to go out and cover two games on a Friday night as a photographer.

Wow! I got to experience two openers in one night! I hit the jackpot.

But I never learn.

The first night of football in 2013 was so bad with rain and lighting that eventually most of the area games were postponed.

I drove to Burbank, Oak Lawn, Palos Heights, back to Oak Lawn and back to Burbank waiting for a game to start and couldn’t find one. Long after I got home, I found out that Oak Lawn High School indeed got its game going hours before the scheduled kickoff and played deep into the night.

That was a lousy weekend and last year, the weather played some games with the games as well.

Usually the play gets crisper and better in the third or fourth week. Then the storylines start kicking into gear. That’s when I should be getting excited.

But I never learn.

So it’s 2015. I have been covering sports since 1977. After all of these years, I finally vowed not to get excited for this season.

During the summer, when the teams were playing 7-on-7 games, I mostly ignored it.

Improvements in line for bus shelter

By Dermot Connolly Staff writer Plans are picking up speed in Chicago Ridge to make a bus shelter adjacent to Holy Sepulchre Cemetery on 111th Street more accessible to people using wheelchairs, Chicago Ridge Mayor Chuck Tokar said at the Aug. 18 Village Board meeting.

The Pace bus stop located just east of Austin Avenue, near the entrance of Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, is currently surrounded by grass. This makes it a virtual island, practically inaccessible to anyone in a wheelchair or with any problem walking.

Noting that the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act is being marked this year, Tokar had expressed frustration at an earlier meeting about the amount of “red tape� that had to be cut through to build a short sidewalk. This is due largely to the number of entities involved in the site, including the village, Pace Suburban Bus Service, Worth Township and the Archdiocese of Chicago, which owns the cemetery. They all appear to be working together now.

Tokar said the Archdiocese has agreed to provide an easement allowing the work to be done. The sidewalk will be built along the curb line, leading to the cemetery driveway beside it.

Photo by Dermot Connolly

A bus shelter in Chicago Ridge will be more accessable to people in wheelchairs. “[Worth Township} Supervisor [Kevin] Hughes is very enthusiastic about the project,� said Tokar, who expects the township will complete the work this year after all the details are finalized.

In other business relating to local improvements, Tokar said that the village expects to spend close to $30,000 in reimbursements to local businesses through the façade improvement program. He said the businesses

planning to spruce up their exteriors include Jesse’s Tavern, 10501 S. Ridgeland Ave.; Nick’s Pizza, 10507 S. Ridgeland Ave. ; McDonald-Linn VFW Post 177, 10739 S. Ridgeland Ave.; and Jenny’s Steakhouse, 11041 S. Menard Ave. “They will only get the money if they do the improvements, and come in with the receipts,� said the mayor.

I took a mild interest when the schedules came out, but that was about it.

Then this month, it started to hit me. Lincoln-Way North is closing and two of our teams – Richards and Sandburg – will face the Phoenix in non-conference games in the first two weeks.

I started talking to people about Marist playing Mt. Carmel on Friday at Soldier Field.

That game should be pretty cool.

Uh, oh.

My interest was getting bigger.

There is one of the best programs in the history of Michigan football named Brother Rice and that team is coming to Chicago on Saturday to play our Brother Rice.

And then, just to mess with me, fate took over. After dropping my son, T.J. off to college, we made a side trip through a small town called Arcola and it is football crazy. A bunch of the light poles had drawings of the Arcola players and we passed the high school field and a youth game was going on. I heard the whistles of the refs, the roar of the crowd and the clunk of pads hitting pads.

That hooked me.

So no matter if there is a tornado Friday night or 200 yards Photo by Jeff Vorva of penalties in the first quarter Light poles with Arcola football players on them in that football of a game I am at, I am geeked crazy town helped columnist Jeff Vorva get excited about the up for the season.

2015 high school season even though he vowed he wouldn’t.

I never learn.

Some classes cut as MVCC enrollment is slashed

By Kelly White Correspondent

Moraine Valley Community College is experiencing a dramatic decline in credit hour enrollment this fall semester.

The drop, however, was to be expected, according to Moraine Valley officials.

But it's still a concern as some classes had to be cancelled the first week of school.

The fall 2015 enrollment dropped to 135,197 credit hours - as of last Wednesday night from the fall 2014 enrollment of 144,764 total paid credit hours, putting the college at a 9,567 credit hour deficit from the previous year.

Spring 2015 enrollment also took a dwindle down from the fall 2014 enrollment, resting at 135,997 credit hours. a year before, the spring semester of 2014 had an enrollment of 143,888 credit hours. “We are down enrollment; however, this is becoming a national trend that a lot of colleges and universities are facing,� Moraine Valley Board President, Sylvia Jenkins, said at last Wednesday’s board meeting.

Some classes have been cancelled the first week of school due to low enrollment, with teachers leaving signs posted on classroom doors. “We don’t want to lose any stu-

dents by having to cancel classes and have them choose a course at another time,� Jenkins said. “We understand students have fixed life schedules they are working with when they are choosing their college courses.�

Students have been notified in advance prior to any class cancellations this semester. The idea to combine courses with low enrollment, instead of cancelling them, was suggested by Trustee Eileen O’Sullivan.

General education courses with a wide range of enrollment options have already begun combining, according to Jenkins.

Composition 1 or COM-101, an entry level writing course required to obtain an associate’s degree at the college, and also needed for those students planning on continuing on to obtain a bachelor’s degree, typically has 80 sections offered each semester. This fall, the sections dropped only ten shy to 70 sections, still leaving a wide range of available course times for students, but officials are feeling disheartened about having to cut class selection times. “Combining courses and eliminating section times is a very difficult process as students pick course offerings based on their personal schedule,� Jenkins said.

The trend of the drop in enrollment was projected, Moraine Valley Chair Joseph Murphy said, and enrollment is expected to

continue to decline as semesters continue to progress yearly at the college. “We knew based on the number of high school students enrolled within our district that our enrollment would take a decline,� Jenkins said, “But as far as budgeting is concerned, we are OK.�

Late starting classes begin the last week of August at Moraine’s Blue Island and Tinley Park offcampus locations, with registration still open for those courses.

School officials are hoping to see an increase in enrollment over the next few weeks with those courses.

The decline in credit courses was not noticeable during Moraine Valley Welcome Days, which took place on campus on Tuesday, Aug. 18 and Wednesday, Aug. 19, according to Student Trustee, Karim Awwad.

In other news...

Welcome Days consisted of a two-day event hosted by Moraine Valley Student Life as the club welcomed students back to campus with two days of activities and fun designed to get students acquainted with the college and its many services and resources. “It was a very warm welcoming seeing everyone back on campus again during Welcome Days,�

O’Sullivan said, “I really liked seeing the parking lot full and it is great to have everyone back.�

Palos Hills officials want to soak in more information before deciding on rain barrels

By Michael Gilbert Correspondent Palos Hills rolled out the barrel at its city council meeting last week, but it wasn’t a barrel of fun for one official.

Alderman Mark Brachman (2nd Ward) was seeking the council’s approval last Thursday on an intergovernmental agreement with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District that would allow the government agency to distribute rain barrels free of charge to Palos Hills residents. “To me, it’s a no-brainer to go ahead and sign an agreement [with the MWRD],� said Brachman, who actually had a 55-gallon rain barrel the MWRD had delivered to city hall earlier in the week located right below him on the dais. “For us it’s just an excellent way of conserving.�

While no one on the council disputed the green benefits the rain barrels provide, many aldermen were opposed to approving the intergovernmental agreement last week citing the close proximity of the council meeting and the MWRD presenting the agreement to the city.

Mayor Gerald Bennett said the MWRD delivered the intergovernmental agreement to the city that week and the council was seeing the document for the first time. “I would like to read this through this,� Alderman Marty Kleefisch (1st Ward) told Brachman after learning he was going to seek approval on the agreement that evening. “We’re not balking or against [rain barrels] it’s just that this is new news and we want to read through it and know what we’re voting on,� Alderman Ricky Moore (4th Ward) added.

Kleefisch said he was concerned over the lack of rules the city has

regarding the placement of rain barrels. He noted how without an ordinance in place a resident could locate the rain barrel anywhere on their property, even in the front yard.

He also wanted staff to reach out to towns that signed the intergovernmental agreement to see what problems or issues they have experienced.

Brachman told Kleefisch the city is currently operating without an ordinance and any resident could purchase a rain barrel and place it wherever they wanted. He then recommended the council approve the agreement with the MWRD that night and then begin working on a rain barrel ordinance to be approved in the near future. “The ordinance is really for only what policy you want to set,� Bennett noted. “The question first becomes whether you want residents to have rain barrels.�

Kleefisch, however, wasn’t interested in approving an agreement with the MWRD until a key question is answered. “That’s a moot point for me right now,� he told Bennett. “First I want to know how these programs worked in other towns before I agree to an agreement.�

Alderman Pauline Stratton (2nd Ward) also stated her desire to read the packet of information the MWRD presented to the city before voting. She wondered whether the standing water in the barrels could lead to a greater risk of the West Nile virus.

Alderman Mary Ann Schultz (5th Ward) then suggested a vote be delayed until the meeting on Sept. 3. “I think if we’re uneasy on this we should just take a breather and hold off for two weeks,� Schultz said. “It’s not like it’s dire straits and we need to do this right now.�

Brachman told the council he

was “amazed� by the decision to delay approving the agreement. “I’m amazed that people are blocking it,� Brachman said. “You are voting on whether or not you can get a free rain barrel.�

Schultz responded to Brachman by saying “it’s not that simple.� “Mark you’ve sat up here and you know that if we don’t have all our ducks in place we’re going to get burned,� Schultz said. “We’re just asking for another two weeks to read it over.�

After the meeting Brachman said he was “surprised, but not upset� that the council didn’t approve the intergovernmental agreement. “The issue is where to put the rain barrels and how to maintain them,� he said. “I’ll bring the item back in two weeks for the council to approve or not approve.�

Photo by Michael Gilbert

Palos Hills Alderman Mark Brachman (center) shows Alderman Joe Marrotta how the rain barrel dispenses collected water. City officials are considering entering into an intergovernmental with the MWRD that would allow residents to receive free rain barrels.

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The Reporter Thursday, August 27, 2015

Our Neighborhood

Rain, rain goes away and Worth Days parade goes on

By Jeff Vorva Reporter Editor It rained most of Sunday morning but the Worth Days parade went off as planned under a mixture of sunny and cloudy skies.

Veteran Bob Burns of Worth was the Grand Marshal of the parade, and is a man Worth Trustee Colleen McElroy says is “truly and American hero.’’

“Bob had an intense role while in the Navy,’’ she said. “He served on several battleships, starting off as regular crew or a first class seaman “Bob was directly in the atomic bomb (in 1945).

“The atomic bomb known as Little Boy was dropped on Hiroshima by an American B-29 bomber, the Enola Gay, directly killing an estimated 80,000 people. By the end of the year, injury and radiation brought total casualties to 90,000–140,000.”

McElroy, a curator of the town’s history museum, said Burns assisted in the cleanup.

“They don’t understand why I’m still here, the doctors, because the radiation is still there.” Burns told McElroy. “I feel it all the time but I’m still going.”

Burns is the committee chairman of Pack 3668 and Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 668 in Worth. He recently went on the Honor Flight Chicago tour that honors veterans from WWII by taking them on a tour of monuments and memorials in Washington.

Here are a few photos from the parade.

(Above) Worth’s Bob Burns was the Grand Marshal of the 2015 Worth Days parade on Sunday.

(Left) Congressman Dan Lipinski hands off some candy to kids at the parade.

(Right) Unicyclist Joseph Bilder of Chicago Ridge cycles in this year’s parade. The brother of former Worth mayor Jim Builder is a yearly fixture at the parade.

(Below) Worth Trustee Tedd Mersch is decked out in red, white and blue for the parade.

Photos by Jeff Vorva

A clown skids around 111th Street during the Worth Days parade on Sunday.

SUDOKU

Adults and kids alike chase candy thrown during the parade.

RETRO

By Mark Andrews

The object of the game is to fill all the blank squares with the correct numbers. Each row of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Each column of 9 numbers must include all digits1 through 9 in any order. Each 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all digits 1 through 9.

Compiled by Jeff Vorva

News and events from our archives.

Rodeo, rodeo 50 years ago

From the Aug. 26 issue The story: Lance Corporal Morris O. Musik, whose family lived in Palos Hills, was killed in action in Viet Nam. He was a Marine who was believed to be killed during heavy fighting on the Van Tuong peninsula.

The quote: “I have never been able to figure out why a couple thousand people will vote in a beauty contest but only a few hundred will turn out for something as important as a village water election.’’ – Reporter Columnist Gary Fuller on voter apathy.

Fun fact: Evergreen Park was getting excited about the fire department’s rodeo, which was slated to being some of the top rodeo cowboys in the country to town including Mel Potter of Tucson, Arizona.

Kids! It’s just a guy in a suit!

(Solution on page 9)

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History of the World

From the Aug. 30, 1990 issue The story: Moraine Valley President Fred Gaskin resigned and would receive $150,000 remaining on his contract. A series of charges by the board that were not made public were withdrawn against him.

The quote: “I don’t know what side of the field to sit on. Talk about a sibling rivalry. This will put a strain on our family relationship.” – Palos Heights parent Marilyn Hauser, who had a daughter at Sandburg and a son at Stagg thanks to a boundary shift within District 230. She was asked there she planned to sit when the two teams’ football teams were ready to play each other.

Fun fact: A large line of people (pictured) waited to get the autograph Michelangelo of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at Oak Lawn Family Days.

Hitney with her best shot

From the Aug. 25, 2005 issue The story: A fixture for 21 years, Oak Lawn deputy village clerk Dee Hitney (pictured) announced her retirement.

The quote: “My father is 91 years old and he just passed his driver’s test – again. I told him to let me know when he’s driving on 95th Street.

I’ll be over on 87th Street. – Retiring Oak Lawn deputy village clerk Dee Hitney joking about taking care of her parents.

Fun fact: An Oak Lawn man told Chicago Ridge police he must have fallen asleep behind the wheel waiting for a train to pass when his vehicle was found stopped in the middle of the road with the engine running at 102nd Street and Ridgeland Avenue. The cops found “several” open bottles of beer on the floor and console of his vehicle. He was charged with DUI.

Aug. 27: ON THIS DATE in 1883, the island volcano Krakatoa erupted; tsunamis claimed 36,000 lives on Java and Sumatra.

Aug 28: ON THIS DATE in 1609, Henry Hudson explored Delaware Bay for the Netherlands.

In 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. gave his “I have a dream” speech.

Aug 29: ON THIS DATE in 1862, the Second Battle of Bull Run (Manassas) began.

Aug 30: ON THIS DATE in 1963, the hot line communications link between Washington and Moscow became operational.

Aug 31: ON THIS DATE in 1897, Thomas Edison patented his movie camera. In 1907, England, Russia and France formed the Triple Entente; this group became allies during World War I. Sept. 1: ON THIS DATE in 1666, the Great London Fire began, destroying 80 percent of the city. In 1939, Germany invaded Poland to touch off World War II in Europe.

Sept. 2: ON THIS DATE in 1945, Japanese officials formally surrendered aboard a U.S. battleship in Tokyo Bay to end World War II in the Pacific. In 1963, CBS and NBC both extended their evening news broadcasts from 15 minutes to 30.

Answer to last week’s question: When Germany invaded Poland in 1939 to trigger World War II in Europe, France had the continent’s largest army. Germany’s was the third largest.

This week’s question: In 1565, the first permanent European settlement in the presentday United States was formed at what location?

(Mark Andrews can be reached via e-mail at mlandrews@embarqmail.com.)

Thursday, August 27, 2015 The Reporter

5

Palos Park-Lemont go to battle over property Reverend calls Palos Park ‘selfish’ and ‘self-centered’

By Dermot Connolly Staff writer Lemont Mayor Brian Reaves promised an overflow crowd at its village board meeting on Monday that he would work to prevent Palos Park from annexing four properties totaling 1,400 acres of unincorporated Cook County land.

“I will do everything in my power to fight this,” he promised the crowd, encouraging them to do the same by contacting officials in Palos Park and Cook County to express their own displeasure.

“I will do whatever I can to stop this.”

The four unincorporated properties in dispute are Cog Hill Golf & Country Club, a public golf course that was home to the PGA’s Western Open from 1991 to 2006; The Gleneagles Country Club; Mid-Iron Golf Course and Ludwigs Feed Store Corp., known locally as Ludwig Farm. Because the properties are adjacent to the village of Lemont, and completely separate from Palos Park, Reaves and everyone who spoke during public comment agreed that it makes no sense to allow the annexation. Lemont had future development plans for the properties, but Palos Park made the first move.

“It is a true misappropriation of what belongs to Lemont. (These properties) have been a part of Lemont forever,” said the mayor.

He pointed out that allowing Palos Park to annex the disconnected properties would split up his own village. “Can you imagine coming to Route 83 and Main Street, and seeing “Welcome to Lemont, and then welcome to Palos Park, and back to Lemont again? It is ridiculous.”

Responding to an audience question, he said the annexation would also break the area into separate ZIP codes.

Palos Park is surrounded by forest preserve district property, and in order for the annexation to work, the village needs to obtain a piece of Cook County Forest Preserve District property that now separates it from the Mid-Iron driving range, at 126th Street and Bell Road. This would meet the requirement that a municipality be contiguous to property it annexes.

Palos Park would provide Lake Michigan water free of charge to a nearby Forest Preserve District police station, and give zoning rights back to the forest preserve district because the village

Golf

(Continued from page 1)

won there.

This will be huge for the Palos area for bragging rights.

“They can toot their own horn that they will have a high-quality course that every year wins a top national ranking,” said Worth’s Tim Cronin, founder of the Illinois Golfer website. “It can host tournaments from every tour.’’

Cog Hill is the jewel of a

doesn’t want to develop the land.

Reaves said the water issue should be “taken off the table,” because it would be much easier for Lemont to provide the water mains needed for access to Lake Michigan water than Palos Park.

“If they really want to pay for Lake Michigan water, we can give it to them,” he said.

Palos Park Mayor John Mahoney has said that the Mid-Iron Golf Course, which did not open this year, could be part of a commercial development in the future. And to officials at the Lemont meeting said there is enough space on the Lundy Farm piece to build about 200 homes, and 400 more on the Gleneagles property. “(Because the properties would still be within the boundaries of Lemont school districts) It could have a huge impact on our schools,” said Reaves, answering a question from a Boy Scout in his junior year at Lemont High School.

Reaves and others at the meeting said the annexation issue, which has been in discussion since at least 2009, stems from the property owners being “disgruntled” with Lemont, for one reason or another. All the property owners have applied to Palos Park for annexation.

“Whatever has upset these individuals, this shouldn’t be allowed,” said the mayor.

When asked if the deal could go through without support from Lemont residents, Reaves said, “unfortunately, we don’t have any official say in the matter.”

Officials acknowledged that what Palos Park is trying to do is legal.

State Sen. Christine Radogno (R-), who lives in Lemont, was at the meeting to hear from residents, and afterward expressed her displeasure with the annexation moves being made by Palos Park and the “wealthy disgruntled landowners”.

“This is terrible public policy, to have a community eight miles away making decisions that will affect this community. It is clear that Palos Park is using the Forest Preserve Board to get around the legislation (against municipalities annexing property not connected to them).

If the Forest Preserve Board of Cook County approves the deal with Palos Park to take ownership of the piece of Forest Preserve property, the annexation can go ahead with the approval of the Palos Park Board. The Forest Preserve Board is made up of the

Despite annexation flareups, Palos Park mayor said he is still ‘cordial’ with Lemont boss

Photo by Dermott Connolly

Lemont Mayor Brian Reaves says that he will do everything in his power to stop Palos Park from annexing 1,400 acres of land that includes three golf courses. same people as the Cook County Board, and since Cook County Commissioner Sean Morrison (R-17th) lives in Palos Park and supports the annexation, many people expressed resignation about the whole process.

However, residents such as Kathy Hendrickson suggested forming a community group to lobby against it, saying residents might have more influence than officials.

“That is your right to do,” said Reaves, noting that the next meeting of the Cook county Forest Preserve Board is Sept. 8.

Other residents said they will begin attending Palos Park Village Board meetings, which are held at the same time as those in Lemont.

“This has been going on for a long time. Follow the money trail,” said Hendrickson. “I’m saying this because I want you to get fired up. I want you all to fight this,” she said, appealing to residents to lobby against the annexation.

The Rev. Glenn Bergmark, a resident of Lemont since 1965 and chairman of the Environmental Advisory Commission, described the action being taken by Palos Park as “very selfish and selfcentered.”

“I’ve seen a lot of annexation attempts over the years, but this is the most egregious.”

Ray Lehner, a resident of the Equestrian Estates subdivision, was more direct. Noting that after much deliberation, residents of his subdivision rejected annexation overtures from Palos Park several years ago. He referred to the neighboring community as a “political predatory parasite.”

By Michael Gilbert Correspondent Palos Park Mayor John Mahoney described his relationship with his Lemont counterpart, Brian Reaves, as “cordial.”

“We see each other and speak very often,” Mahoney told The Regional News following Palos Park’s village board meeting Monday. “In fact, tomorrow morning I believe we have a transportation meeting together with the Southwest Conference of Mayors so we serve on a committee together. We see each other at golf outings too. We have a cordial relationship.”

The two should have plenty to discuss at their next tee time.

Reaves has been vocal in his opposition of Palos Park’s plans to annex four properties, totaling 1,400 acres of unincorporated Cook County land into the village.

Included in that land is Cog Hill Golf & Country Club, a public golf course that was home to the PGA’s Western Open from 1991 to 2006. The Gleneagles Country Club, Mid-Iron Golf Course and Ludwigs Feed Store Corp. are the

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Worth scotches townhome propoal

By Sharon L. Filkins Correspondent A controversial proposal for the construction of six townhomes at 10959 S. Harlem Avenue in Worth, is off the table again.

In the village’s Aug. 18 board meeting, Trustee Rich Dziedzic, While Cog Hills is currently not Monday’s meeting in that com- chair of Building, Licensing and hosting PGA tours, Cronin said munity and Mahoney said his Ordinances, announced that the officials for the PGA Champion- relationship with Lemont mayor project was no longer under consideration. ship and U.S. Open have checked Brian Reaves is still “cordial.’’

Dziedzic said the only informa“Obviously [Reaves] is not out the course and have given it tion he had was that negotiations favorable reviews. So having one very happy with what we are or two of the four golf majors doing, but the property owners between the property owner and associated with Palos Park would have come to Palos Park [seek- the developer Kiltormer Construcbe a huge selling point for the ing annexation],” Mahoney said. tion, Inc., had fallen apart.

The project had been plagued city if it wants to lure high-end “Although Lemont has had a longheld expectation that would be from the beginning with problems business and housing.

Reporter correspondent Mi- developed in Lemont, there is no over the number of variances rechael Gilbert talked with Palos legal connection other than their quested by the developer. The Real Estate Development Board Park Mayor John Mahoney after long-held expectation.”

(REDB) had at first denied the requests, but at the July 21 board meeting, the trustees had asked that some considerations be given so the project could move forward.

The matter was tabled in that meeting and the parties involved were given until Aug. 18 to produce renderings and other information of the proposed project.

The Aug. 18 board agenda included an announcement for a hearing of the REDB to review the requested variances including a decreased setback requirement, a decrease from the 20,000 square feet of lot area normally required and a decrease in the rear yard Photo courtesy of Coghillgolf.com setback and to provide less than a property fight between Lemont and Palos Park. 7-foot landscape buffer and for a reduced amount of parking spaces.

Following Dziedzic’s announcement, the request for the hearing was denied. None of the parties involved were present at the meetoperate a small business with a form at morainevalley.edu/ccce. ing. Mayor Mary Werner stated two-year track record and show For more information or to submit that if the project was started a nomination, call Jermaine Ford again, the participants would have continued growth.

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• Two ordinances were preinfluence in business with five to --Moraine Valley sented and approved. The first 10 years of professional experiCommunity College ence.

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The awards will be presented at the 20th annual Business Champion Awards on Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 4:30 to 7 p.m., in the college’s Moraine Business and Conference Center. The program recognizes the valuable contributions businesses and their advocates make to the economic development of Chicago’s southwest suburbs.

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erty owners have submitted annexation petitions to the village.

The annexations have been on Palos Park’s radar since 2009.

“The next step is negotiating the annexation agreements,” Mahoney said, noting the properties, which are currently on well water, would be part of Palos Park’s Lake Michigan water system. “We are working steadily, but there is a lot involved. That’s why I’m thinking more early 2016 [for approval from the village board].”

The properties of Cog Hill and Gleneagles have a combined six, 18-hole golf courses, Mahoney said.

“One of the primary focuses for me is the opportunity to enhance our outdoor recreation amenities,” Mahoney said.

Palos Park resident Mike Gaichas told the board Monday he was in favor of the annexations, most notably because Cog Hill would become part of the village.

“I support this idea in principle,” he said. “It would be quite an asset and feather in the Palos Park cap.”

Mid-Iron’s golf course has been casting a shadow in the fight between Lemont and Palos Park.

Moraine seeks business champs Moraine Valley Community College’s Corporate, Community and Continuing Education subdivision is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its Business Champion Awards.

Nominations are being accepted for the 2015 Business Champion Awards through Sept. 1 for awards in the following categories: • Training and Development— businesses that make a significant investment in their workforce by encouraging lifelong learning.

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other three properties.

The Mid-Iron Golf Course has not been in operation this year, and Mahoney said the property, 12680 Bell Road, could be part of a commercial development in the future.

Reaves has previously said the four properties are part of his village’s comprehensive plan, and annexing them into Palos Park would change the landscape of Lemont.

But Mahoney said each of the four property owners want to annex into Palos Park and an agreement could come as soon as early 2016. The Palos Park Village Board is the only public body that needs to approve the agreements, Mahoney said.

“Obviously [Reaves] is not very happy with what we are doing, but the property owners have come to Palos Park [seeking annexation],” Mahoney said.

“Although Lemont has had a longheld expectation that would be developed in Lemont, there is no legal connection other than their long-held expectation.”

Mahoney said each of the prop-

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one was an amendment relating to the position of the village’s Code Enforcement Officer. The amendment called for the position to be changed from part-time to full-time.

The village recently hired Cody Padanik to the position. He previously served in Lemont.

The second approved ordinance allows the number of liquor licenses to be increased, granting a Class H Liquor License for Waldo Cooney, Inc. • In an interesting twist to the meeting, Trustee Peter Kats announced that he and Public Works Director Wayne Demonbreun, had recently observed a drone circling the village water tower.

“I am concerned about this. The tower is the water supply for the village. What kind of security do we have against this kind of thing?” he asked. “It is alarming.”

Werner said that last week a man had come into the Village Hall inquiring about regulations for drones. He said he was asking because he wanted to take aerial photos of the Worth Days parade occurring on August 23.

Werner turned to the Village Attorney, Dan Bolin, asking if there were any regulations for drone activity. Bolin said the man should contact the FAA as they are in process if establishing new regulations concerning the drones.

• Trustee Warren Soldan, chair of Public Safety, announced that the Police Department has been conducting Operation Chill in cooperation with the 7-11 convenience store, throughout the village for the last month. The program is designed to encourage young people to get outside during the summer days, and maybe do helpful things around town, or for their neighbors.

If an officer observes kids playing nicely together in a group activity, helping a neighbor, or picking up trash from the streets, they will reward them with a ticket. The ticket is actually a coupon for a free Slurpee any flavor from the 7-11. Each officer has 500 tickets to disburse.

• On another police matter, Sergeant Cristiano Fernandez presented a commendation to officer Daniel Cichocki for his heroism on May 6. Cichocki responded to a 9-1-1 call that a suicidal man was going to hang himself in a garage. Cichocki arrived, saw the man standing on a chair in a locked garage placing a noose around his neck. He immediately called the paramedics, and was able to keep the man’s attention long enough for help to arrive. The man was transported to the hospital and survived.

• Trustee Tedd Muersch, Jr., was absent, with notice given.

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United Trust Bank (as of Aug. 24) RATES

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6

The Reporter

Thursday, August 27, 2015

COMMENTARY THE

REPORTER

An Independent Newspaper Amy Richards Publisher

Jeff Vorva Editor

Published Weekly Founded March, 16, 1960

Letters to the Editor Taxpayers much pay attention Dear Editor: The recent outrage regarding the decision to close Lincoln Way North High School exposed a critical flaw in people’s understanding of how taxing bodies manage money. In interview after interview, people said they had no idea the high school district was in such financial trouble. What’s really frightening is that so many other taxing bodies are in similar financial crisis and most people don’t even realize how this might impact their future financial health.

The Cook County Treasurer’s Office has a special link at the bottom of its website to help property owners figure out how much debt each government owes. You have to scroll down to the bottom of the page to find it, but you can’t miss the large, all capitalized sentence saying “WANT TO SEE YOUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT DEBT?” It’s important for taxpayers to pay attention to how much debt local taxing bodies have accumulated. When I look at my local government information, I see that the City of Palos Hills owes a mind-boggling $13 million in unfunded pension liabilities.

For years now Mayor Bennett and other elected officials have been bragging about how Palos Hills always has a balanced budget.

In fact, this was on a campaign handout during the last election cycle. If Palos Hills owes $13 million in pension payments, then clearly some budget line is out of whack. How can a budget be balanced if the city is not making its pension payments? Sooner than we’d like to think, Mayor Bennett will have to deal with this out-of-control debt. You know who is going to pay for it?

Every Palos Hills property owner, of course.

When I click through to other local taxing bodies I find that the North Palos Fire Protection District owes $5 million to its pension fund and Palos Township owes $510,000 to its pension fund.

These debts are spread across a larger population than the City of Palos Hills unfunded pension debt, but the cost will eventually trickle down to Palos Hills taxpayers.

If you haven’t paid attention to how much your taxing bodies owe in unfunded pension liabilities and other debt, now is the time.

You can visit www.cookcountytreasurer.com/taxingdistrictsearch. aspx to search by property pin or taxing body. Once you find the information, be sure to ask your elected officials how they plan to pay down their debts. Too many elected officials are waiting for Springfield to solve their problems. Taxpayers understand that Springfield isn’t riding on a white horse to rescue local taxing bodies. It is time elected officials stopped waiting for Springfield and started the hard work of figuring out how to pay down their government debt without breaking taxpayers’ backs.

Sincerely, Shari Schmidt Palos Hills

It’s easy to weed out lazy people – just look at their crummy yards I can handle rising taxes. I can handle the fact that this summer has been horrible, weather-wise. I can handle drivers who race to get in front my car and then slow down.

And, I can even handle Donald Trump. Let’s be honest.

Trump is saying it like it is and telling you what the other candidates are afraid to tell us.

But, what I can’t handle are neighbors who don’t care for their lawns or maintain their homes.

Is it too much to cut the grass? Paint the house? Pick up the garbage? @*#&$(!!!

When I was young, we didn’t care for other racial groups, but we did care for our homes. That’s changed. A bad home no longer becomes a racial invective. Race doesn’t matter as much anymore, but some homes are going to pot.

The worst thing is to drive by a home that looks like a dump.

Is it too much to mow the lawn? Is it too difficult to kill

the weeds like yellow dandelions, Dutch clover, ground ivy, chickweed, broadleaf plantain or oxalis or more commonly called three-leaf clovers.

Yes. I know my weeds, because I care about how my home looks. It’s like taking a bath with soap because I don’t want to smell.

Drive around the neighborhood and some homes look like a dump. And why? Because the homeowners are lazy. It’s not about money.

If a breadwinner loses his or her job, I can understand it.

But that’s not really the problem. I know people who barely can pay their bills go out and clean up their homes, while people living in expensive 4,000 square foot mansions can’t mow their lawns, can’t scrape off the peeling paint, and can’t pick up the junk on their property?

Do you trim the bushes and the trees? Do you paint the house? Clean the trash? Collect bulk items and toss them out, or just lean them against the

building.

Do you have a beater – an old rusted out piece of junk car sitting on your driveway dripping oil and looking like a rust petri dish? Or worse, maybe the rusted out piece of junk is parked along the curb in front of someone else’s home?

Do you have bikes laying on the lawn or sidewalks? Toys strewn about? Do you let your garbage can sit out there for days after the garbage man has already driven by?

If you care about your property, you know exactly what I’m talking about.

The other day I saw a broken garbage can lying on the front lawn of a neighbor’s home. For three days. The grass was nearly a foot tall.

And you can see the weeds creeping up on the driveway just to get away from the lawn jungle.

It’s disgusting.

Trim the trees and branches hanging down at waist level over the sidewalk.

The Grapevine By Ray Hanania

I think local governments have the wright to pass laws imposing stiff penalties on homeowners who don’t mow their lawns, and have properties covered in junk. Broken fences. Trash strewn all over.

I walk my dog and see these homes all the time. (BTW, I scoop the poop. That’s another problem with some. They don’t.)

I wish we could take snapshots with our cell phone cameras and turn them in to the village for a police crackdown.

That would be fun to watch on the TV news sometime.

Ray Hanania is an awardwinning former Chicago City Hall reporter. Reach him at rghanania@gmail.com.

Missing the simpler times Dear Editor: Ray Hanania shared some reflective thoughts in his column a few weeks ago.

He pondered why the world has "gone to pot" -- one of my favorite catch phrases from days gone by. It sure describes the state of just about anything these days. Maybe some younger readers haven't a clue what it means but I sure do.

One thing for sure, we live in a complicated world of over choice.

I am a baby boomer. My childhood was so much simpler. That simplicity was also security. One kind of Oreo, Ritz cracker, Silvercup bread, bologna and maybe about five or six TV stations (if the rabbit ears and horizontal/vertical adjustments worked.) We also drank water from the kitchen sink!

I don't have to point out today's big box store shelves and the bazillion choices offered. Every time I see a new version of an Oreo, Ritz cracker or flavored water I just take a deep sigh and wish for simpler times. Really, how many kinds of butter can there be? It's that way with everything manufactured today. Over choice!!

My best times with family were taking rides to Lake Michigan, looking out the window and reflecting. I was actually thinking about what was out there. Imagination! Driving home at night, my Dad would make up stories about the man in the moon following us as we drove along. And yes, we sang, too.

So simple.

Today, while riding in cars, kids are plugged into hand held iPads and tablets to watch movies or play video games. They're sure missing a lot of wonder aren't they? Even in restaurants, look around at the number of televisions to replace any kind of conversation. And I even see toddlers plopped into booster seats with a small screen placed in front of them. They are deprived of the opportunity to learn, all in the name of keeping them quiet (and out of the way.)

Nothing is simple anymore.

Complicated!

Technology took care of that. (I do appreciate some of the functions, however, like sending these thoughts by email.)

The summer was endless for me as a child. Especially August, the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer. My parents and other adults didn't organize my childhood and play time. We had rules to abide by, some chores and expectations but when it came to play, well, we were on our own. Nowadays, every possible activity for children is organized by adults from playdates to camps and mini workshops for any imaginable skill or experience. You almost have to enroll your child to experience childhood. Good grief!

Some families today don't have dinner together on a regular basis because the kids are scattered with activities, parents are working late or busy on Facebook. And then there is the decision of which carry out food to get. Too many choices. (We ate what was on our plate. And if it was fried Spam, it tasted delicious. No choices.)

Also, today's parents feel they must plan super-sized events for their kids. Look at what has happened to the birthday party. Now it's an industry! Millions of dollars spent on themes, animals, adventures, bouncy houses and more. Again, excess. And the insecurity of "what will they think." Imagine the plight of the parent who has a home party with hot dogs, cake and a few games.

It's all too much pressure.

Some parents say that they cannot wait for school to start.

Perhaps they just don't want their kids around or are tired of the endless moaning about "nothing to do." How sad. As a parent, I loved the summer days when my boys were at home. Sure they got on my nerves, isn't that what kids do best? But they played and had fun...outside even.

So it is in part the complicated, over choice, too much stuff world that we live in which has caused it to "go to pot." Our children deserve better. It is not their fault but they are the ultimate victims. Many children are frantic at times because they don't know where to turn first. Their personal resourcefulness is diminished because adults have constructed childhood for them, solved all their problems, and they are just simply overwhelmed by too much stuff and too many choices.

I know some very good parents out there who are making good choices for their their children. Stand up and be counted! The world needs you to keep it from sinking into the pot!

I cherish the memories of my childhood, simple times, going back to school after Labor Day and I am filled with gratitude always.

Sincerely, Cynthia Marks Palos Park

Inside The First Amendment

Despite settled law, schools still struggle to get religion right

By Charles C. Haynes Although I can’t cite a scientific survey to prove it, I have detected a recent upswing in conflicts over religion in public schools.

Just as I was beginning to believe that most schools were finally getting religion right, it appears that the trend is in the other direction.

Two examples from the past school year — one from each end of the spectrum — will suffice to illustrate the wider problem.

Last spring, a Colorado school district was sued by a teacher for multiple, egregious violations of the Establishment clause of the First Amendment — including school-sponsored prayers at school events, distribution of religious literature by district employees, and religious activities endorsed by the school.

Two weeks ago, the district settled the case by agreeing to end unconstitutional promotion of religion by school officials.

Meanwhile in Nevada, a public charter school barely avoided an expensive lawsuit by apologizing for telling a sixth-grade student that she could not use a Bible verse in her “All About Me” project — an assignment that was supposed to include “an inspirational saying.”

School officials agreed to allow the student to re-submit her project — this time with the Bible verse included.

What’s striking about these conflicts — and others like them across the country — is that far too many school officials are violating settled law. Either they don’t know the law or, worse yet, they simply choose to ignore it.

For decades now, the U.S. Supreme Court has drawn a clear First Amendment line between “between government speech endorsing religion, which the Establishment Clause forbids, and private speech endorsing religion, which the Free Speech and Free Exercise Clauses protect,” to quote Justice Sandra Day O’Connor’s majority opinion in Board of Education v. Mergens (1990).

In other words, public school officials are constitutionally required to remain neutral toward religion when carrying out their duties. Students, however, are constitutionally protected to express their faith during the school day — as long as they don’t disrupt the school or infringe on the rights of others.

This is not — or should not be — a LeftRight issue. For more than two decades, a broad range of religious, educational and civil

liberties groups — including the American Jewish Committee, Christian Legal Society, National School Boards Association, National Association of Evangelicals, National PTA and many others — have endorsed consensus guidelines on the constitutional role of religion in public schools under current law.

(Copies of the guidelines can be downloaded from www.religiousfreedomcenter.org).

Since August is workshop time in most school districts, here is a modest proposal for school leaders that would save tax dollars, build parental support and uphold the rights of all students: Provide your teachers and administrators with in-service training by non-partisan, qualified experts on how to apply the religious-liberty principles of the First Amendment.

After all, why waste money on lawyers and lawsuits that can be much better spent on innovative classroom resources, higher teachers’ salaries or new technology?

Charles C. Haynes is vice president of the Newseum Institute and executive director of the Religious Freedom Center. E-mail: chaynes@ newseum.org Web: www.religiousfreedomcenter.org Twitter: @hayneschaynes

Thursday, August 27, 2015 The Reporter

7

TCC spikers serve up a good Palos Preserves get campground Officials mark Camp Bullfrog Lake’s opening time at Providence Center The Trinity Christian College women's volleyball team took an afternoon off the court recently and spent time cleaning and playing Bingo with residents at Providence Christian Healthcare & Rehab Center of Palos Heights.

Karliegh Krchmery, a marketing major from Merrionette Park, and the Trolls’ lone senior, said that the pre-season volunteer works allows the team to have fun and bond while giving back to the community.

“As a Christian-based program, we want to get out and do what we can,” she said. “This year, we decided to come here, because it’s also a Christian place and seemed like a good fit.”

The women organized books and movies, washed walls and tables in the kitchen, cleaned the patio for an upcoming barbecue, cleaned wheelchairs, and assisted residents for Bingo.

“We got in some team bonding, too," Krchmery said. “We had a lot of fun, and we’ll definitely do it again.”

The team has already made plans with Providence Life Enrichment Director Diane Giglio to spend another afternoon volunteering next semester.

“They certainly make our job a little easier, with their effort from start to finish,” Giglio said.

“I’d like to thank them for the excellent job they did in cleaning, organizing, and helping us serve our clients. They demonstrate how to be a blessing and share their time with others.”

Providence is always looking for volunteers — anyone who is interested can call 708-597-1000.

“My girls had a great time serving at Providence,” Trinity Volleyball Coach Bill Schepel said.

“I think it reminded them how

By Jack Murray Regional News Editor

Submitted photo

Hanna Bresser, a freshman on the Trinity Christian College women’s volleyball team, assists a resident to a Bingo game at the Providence Center. blessed they are and the importance of giving back. They were impacted by how grateful the residents were, and as a group,

we felt very appreciated by the Providence staff, which I'm sure will lead us back there sometime.”

--Providence Center

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Generations of youngsters who have gone sledding or fishing at Bullfrog Lake forest preserve can return with their kids or grandkids to “rough it” overnight now that the Camp Bullfrog Lake campground is open for camping.

Palos Park Mayor John Mahoney, Cook County Commissioner Sean Morrison (R-17th District) and the mayor of Willow Springs joined the Forest Preserves of Cook County General Superintendent Arnold Randall for a ribbon-cutting opening celebration of the new campground last Friday.

With their backs to the lake, facing a row of newly built cabins available for rental on the high ground above, Mayor Mahoney and Commissioner Morrison, who also lives in Palos Park, both noted the century-long bond between the Palos area and the forest preserves nearly surrounding their community before the cut the bight orange ribbon with Supt. Randall and Willow Springs’ mayor. Both the village of Palos Park and forest preserve district each marked their 100th anniversary last year.

“All good things are wild and free,” Palos Park’s Mayor Mahoney quoted Thoreau in his remarks, pointing out that Palos Park is bounded in three sides by the forest preserves. The new amenities expand the recreational opportunities long afforded by the Palos area, he added.

As a Cook County commissioner, Morrison also sits on the board of commissioners of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Recently appointed to the seat resigned by Orland Park’s Elizabeth “Liz” Doody Gorman, Morrison, who is also the elected Palos Township Republican committeeman, was introduced by Supt. Randall as the county commissioner whose district contains the most forest preserve land of any other on the county board.

He and Mayor Mahoney congratulated the forest preserve district’s three-year effort, funded by a 2012 bond issue, to provide camping in Cook County.

Camp Bullfrog Lake offers year-round camping, group activities and fishing.

Its location in the Palos Preserves of southwestern Cook County provides access to some of the district’s most popular destinations, Supt. Randall noted.

“We are a 20-minute hike to the Little Red Schoolhouse Nature,” he said, and in close proximity to Maple Lake, Sagawau Environmental Learning Centers, and the Stone House single-track mountain bike trail for campers and mountain bikers.

The officials later made the short drive to Maple Lake for another official opening of a newly remodeled Maple Lake Boathouse. It features a concession area, dock, and boat and other watercraft rentals, plus a spot for fishermen to buy bait and tackle.

More than 6,500 campers since Memorial Day have already camped at Camp Bullfrog Lake, Camp Sullivan in Oak Forest and other campgrounds opened this year by the Cook County Forest Preserves, Randall said. “We’ve had 500 campers so far at Bullfrog Lake,” he added.

County Board President Toni Preckwinkle made it a goal to return public camping in the district. “Experiencing the outdoors and connecting with nature no longer has to mean extended travel,” she said. “We are proud to provide access to the many benefits of outdoor activities to families right here in Cook County.”

Besides Camp Bullfrog Lake, at 9600 Wolf Road in Willow Springs, additional sites are Camp Sullivan in Oak Forest, phase one now open, Camp Shabbona Woods in South Holland, Camp Reinberg in Palatine and coming soon Dan Beard in Northbrook.

Camp Bullfrog Lake lodging options include two-bedroom (heated and air conditioned) cabins with private bathroom, tent camping, walk-up and drive-up

(with electric service) campsites, as well as small rustic cabins.

The site offers new restrooms and shower facilities, a small concession area, a common area for field games and special events as well as three picnic pavilions overlooking scenic Bullfrog Lake, a district spokesman said.

The county campsites offer optional daily activities and regular special events for campers.

This free programming is provided by Forest Preserve staff and varies by site, but includes archery, campfires and nature hikes. Gear rental, Camping 101 and Family Campouts are also available.

Visit FPDCC.com/camping for a full list of amenities at each campsite and to make reservations for all opened campsites.

Reservations can also be made by calling 855-YES-CAMP or in-person at Forest Preserves of Cook County Headquarters (536 N. Harlem Avenue in River Forest) between Monday and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Also, Saturday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. for in-person reservations.

The sites are managed by Billy Casper Golf, the longtime manager of the county’s golf courses.

Campsites have 24-hour staff and will be monitored with regular patrols by the Forest Preserves Police Department. Camps Sullivan, Bullfrog and Reinberg are open 362 days a year but closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Fees vary by season and day, but range from $30 for a weekday tent pad to $200 for a Saturday night stay at a 36-bed bunkhouse (at Camp Sullivan) for Cook County residents. Nonresidents will pay $10 more per night. There is also a 50 percent discount for all non-profit organizations.

Death Notices

1 7 10 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 23 24 25 29 31 34 37 39 40 43 44 45 46 48 50 51 53 56 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70

Across Monday Night Football regular until 1983 Gobbled, as a turkey Site with a “Buy It Now” option Mecca’s peninsula In the bath “__ Rock” Hires a new crew for Styled after Shot up Confounded British illumination?

Jamaican genre Walkway material Meter or liter Med. plan option “Twin Peaks” co-creator David White House maiden name between Pierce and Welch Dr. J hairstyle Lone Ranger and Tonto, e.g.

Confounded British posies?

First __ Horner’s find Have a strong desire (for) Things to fulfill It’s on the streets Flanders river Vinegar vessel Dangerous snake Confounded British residences?

Actor Bean of “Game of Thrones” Aegean __ Give one’s word Stock options, e.g.

WWII intel agcy.

Look through partially open curtains, say Round components Vague degree Flowed in circles

Down Prep for a marathon, with “up” N.L. Cy Young Award winner three years after Dwight 3 Nordic language 4 “Voice of Israel” author 5 Rory McIlroy’s milieu 6 Big name in vision correction 7 Like an excited puppy’s tail 8 Takes to task 9 Web business 10 San Francisco-to-Teaneck interstate 11 Round servers 12 Iowa State city 13 Swerve from a course 21 “I’ll pass” 22 Clumsy sort 25 Citified 26 “Cross my heart” 27 “Bless my soul!”

28 Howe’er 30 Molten rock 32 Bend 33 Car wash employee, at times 35 Excites 36 Wire thickness unit 38 “Kidnapped” author’s monogram 41 Most eccentric 42 Manner 47 Round components 49 Cloth remnant 52 HP competitor 54 Configure 55 Prepared for a shot 56 Texture 57 “I don’t mind eels / Except as meals / And the way they feels” poet 58 Previously driven, say 59 TomKat’s daughter 60 Lake at one end of the Niagara River 61 Final email step 62 Place for a pedi 1 2

(Answers on page 9)

Jesus Garcia Jesus Garcia died Aug. 19 at his Palos Hills home. He was 88.

Services were Aug. 2 from Palos Gaidas Funeral Home to Sacred Heart Church in Palos Hills. Interment was at St. Mary Cemetery.

Mr. Garcia, a native of Mexico, was a retired mechanic. He worked for many years for New Process Baking in Chicago.

Survivors include his children, Guadalupe (Leonard) Asuncion, Maria Rios, Antonio (Joanne) Garcia, Carmen Velez and Juanita Munoz; 17 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and sisters, Esther Hernandez and Anita Canchola.

Lois Hannan Lois Hannan (nee Froehner), 83, of Evergreen Park, died Aug. 14 at Palos Community Hospital.

Services were held Aug. 19 at Kosary Funeral Home in Evergreen Park. Interment was in Peotone Cemetery.

Mrs. Hannan was a retired school teacher.

She is survived by her husband, Charles Hannan; daughter, Carla Carter; sons, Patrick and John Hannan; and four grandchildren.

Joseph Martin Joseph D. Martin, 58, of Worth, died Aug. 18 at his home.

Visitation is being held from 3 to 8 p.m. today (Thursday) at Schmaedeke Funeral Home, 10701 S. Harlem Ave., Worth.

Services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday at the funeral home, followed by interment at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood.

Mr. Martin, a native of Chicago and veteran of the U.S. armed forces, was a tradesman in the millwork industry. He was a member of Glenn Maker American Legion Post 1160.

Survivors include his son, Joseph M. Martin; and daughters, Jessica (Bryan) Johnston and Brittany Martin.

Photo courtesy Rick Boehm

Cutting the ribbon ceremonially opening the Camp Bullfrog Lake campground last Friday are Cook County Forest Preserves General Supt. Arnold Randall (from left), Palos Park Mayor John Mahoney, Cook County Commissioner Sean Morrison and Willow Springs Mayor Alan Nowaczyk.

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Printed on Recycled Paper Please Recycle Your Reporter

8

The Reporter Thursday, August 27, 2015

SCHOOLS / COMMUNITY NEWS

Sounds good: Brian McCarty to be inducted into OLCHS Hall of Fame Oak Lawn Community High School alum Brian L. McCarty (1972) will be inducted in the school’s Alumni Hall of Fame on Sept. 14. McCarty will also serve as the featured speaker for the school’s Academic Letter Ceremony that same evening.

Upon graduating, McCarty attended DePaul University then began his professional audio recording career at Viking Studios in Denver, Colorado. In 1977, he began his film sound career at The Burbank Studios in Hollywood. McCarty focused primarily on production sound and was part of a team that garnered Oscar Nominations for Best Sound for the feature films “Altered States,” “On Golden Pond” and “Dick Tracy.” His accomplishments in sound recording and movie music also include the Oscar-nominated films “Sister Act,” “The Postman Always Rings Twice,” “Starship Trooper,” “Jerry Maguire,” “As Good As It Gets,” “The Big Lebowski,” as well as dozens more.

McCarty is a 27-year member of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE).

He has authored engineering standards for new technology such as Digital Cinema and Ultra High Definition Television (UHDTV). He has also served as the chairperson of the technical Committee Sound for Digital Cinema and Television at the Audio Engineering Society (AES).

In the 1990’s, McCarty recognized the film sound reproduction

Brian McCarty was not keeping pace with the rest of the audio industry so he began a two-decade push on standards to address the issues. His work resulted in the development of new Standards for Measurement and Equalization of Sound Systems in Rooms for the Audio Engineering Society. He has also authored several technical papers on cinema audio, and has lectured at universities around the world including Columbia College in Chicago.

Building on his Hollywood success, McCarty has served as a consultant and project manager for the Bose Corporation, managing the design and launch of a new professional audio product.

He was also the first film sound engineer to lecture and consult

with the Chinese film studios, starting in 1985 – including Shanghai, Beijing, Xi’an, and Ermei (Chengdu). In 1999, McCarty was recognized by the Australian Government as a Distinguished Talent and established residency there with Sandra (Marolt) McCarty, also OLCHS ’72. McCarty is the Managing Director of Coral Sea Studios in Cairns, Queensland Australia.

McCarty credits his love and appreciation for music to his two OLCHS Band Directors, Richard Pettibone and Charles Yara. McCarty is still known to play bassoon as well as Hammond Organ from time to time.

McCarty is the school’s 19th Alumni Hall of Fame inductee.

Four others will be inducted throughout the 2015-16 school year. James Dague (1984) and Jayne Saniat (1982) will be inducted on Oct. 23, as part of the school’s fall musical. William Reiners (1955) will be inducted on Monday, Oct. 26,as part of the school’s National Honor Society Ceremony. William Vail (1967) is tentatively scheduled to be inducted on March 2, as part of the Winter Sports Awards Ceremony. To learn more about the selection process or to nominate a candidate, please refer to the school’s website at www.olchs.org --OLCHS

Double duty

Submitted photo

Sophomore Terrell Wilkerson was busy Friday night as he is a member of the Richards football program, which held a public scrimmage, and a drummer in the band, which performed at halftime.

EP schools host another Bash Evergreen Park Elementary School District 124 thrusted enthusiasm into the atmosphere at its third annual Back to School Bash Friday, August 14.

Parents, students, teachers and staff gathered to commemorate the end of summer and beginning of the school year.

The BTC Bash offered D124 the opportunity to raise funds for its foundation. The EP D124 Foundation was established to bring educational tools and technology to the students by making small funds quickly assessable to teacher needs.

Submitted Photo After its third year, some parents said the event brings the Violet Summers and Lily McDermott enjoy the Back to School Bash. community and district together.

During the Bash, D124 pro- our work clothes and we’re the “We love D124. This is the third child we’ve put through vided an educational experience only ones that wear these colors.”

Several students dressed school here,” said Eddie McDer- to the community by partnermott. His wife, Bernadette, was ing with the EP Police and Fire themselves in the uniforms and took turns pretending to drive the DJ and his daughter, Lily, is Department.

The EP Police Department the parked firetruck. a kindergartner at Southeast. “I The Bash culminated with have nothing but good things to offered Child IDs. “ This is popular among par- D124’s Superintendent, Robert say. They’re Fantastic!”

There were also a few new- ents,” said Officer Patrick Cu- Machak announcing the winners nico. “It’s good having these of several raffles. Each school comers.

Matt and Sheryl Webster said pictures in our database. It’s offered an honorary principal it’s their first time at the BTS been helpful in the past when for the day prize. In addition, there were gift cards, limo and Bash. Their daughter, Melanie children have wandered off.”

The EP Fire Department said firetruck ride winners and even is a kindergartner at Southwest.

“It’s a little overwhelming send- it wants kids to know who they a couple of popular electronics.

Samantha Ricks from Northing her to school full day,” said are and what they look like Mrs. Webster, who is expecting before an emergency occurs so east said, “This was awesome. I liked the food, the face painting her second child in October. they’re not afraid.

“Firefighters aren’t scary. We’re and especially being able to see “But, we’ve been made to feel welcome and registration and community helpers,” said Lieu- my friends.” packet pickup was easy.”

--District 124 tenant, Ed Dunne. “These are

Bulletin Board

Grand design

Photo by Dermot Connolly

Dan Teoro, chairman of the 39th Annual Arrowhead Chicago Area Council Fishing Derby, presents Oak Lawn resident Michael Reising, 9, of Webelos Pack 3652, based at Oak Lawn Community Church, 9000 S. Ridgeland Ave., with the trophy for designing the winning patch for the fishing derby held Aug. 16 at Tampier Lake in Lemont. Committee member John Pognant is at right.

Campus Leaders DRAKE UNIVERSITY Patrick Maguire of Oak Lawn was named to the dean's list at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. This academic honor is achieved by earning a grade point average of 3.5 or higher for the spring semester.

Are heroes born?

Or are they made?

Inside every child is a hidden strength, an unknown ability, a hero waiting to be discovered. In afterschool programs, kids get involved in all kinds of activities – scholastic, athletic and creative. Activities that help them realize they have the potential to do better and reach further than they ever imagined. Because in the end, that’s what makes a hero. Let us know you want afterschool programs in your area. Call 1-800-USA-LEARN.

www.afterschoolalliance.org

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON Several local residents were among the 6,700 graduates who participated in the University of Wisconsin-Madison's spring commencement exercises.

Brendan Getches of Oak Law graduated from the College of Letters and Science, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. Getches majored in economics and theatre and drama. Another Oak Lawn resident, Julia Martin, also graduated from the College of Letters and Science, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology.

Jamie Cozzie of Palos Hills graduated from the College of Engineering, earning a Bachelor of Science-Civil Engineering.

Cozzie majored in civil engineering. Asimina Pappas, also of Palos Hills, graduated from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology.

MORAINE VALLEY Moraine Valley seeking employers for mock interview day The Job Resource Center at Moraine Valley Community College is seeking employers to participate in a mock interview day Wednesday, Sept.

23, from 2 to 5 p.m. The event will be in the Moraine Business and Conference Center, Building M, on 9000 W. College Pkwy., Palos Hills.

Interviewers must be affiliated with a business and have experience conducting interviews on a professional level. They will engage in a formal, 30-minute mock interview with students, alumni and community members. During the first 20 minutes, employers will ask a series of general interview questions provided by the college. The remaining 10 minutes will be used to offer feedback and helpful tips to the interviewee.

Business people who would like to volunteer their time as interviewers should call 974-5313, or email jrc@morainevalley.edu.

SAINT XAVIER UNIVERSITY SXU’s Student Veteran Alliance awarded $10,000 for Campus Veteran Center Saint Xavier University’s Student Veteran Alliance has been awarded a $10,000 from the Home Depot Foundation’s VetCenter grant and Student Veterans of America to fund renovations for SXU’s Student Veteran Resource Center. The funds will help to modernize the space, while also making it more efficient for student veteran use.

Since 2008, the Student Veterans of America (SVA) has helped those returning from military service obtain the resources, support and advocacy needed to help achieve success in higher education and after graduation. For the second year, SVA in partnership with the Home Depot Foundation are helping to fund veteran resource centers on college campuses across the country.

This grant will be used to update the space – new paint, carpet, window treatments, light fixtures, and furniture. These renovations will help encourage additional veterans to take advantage of the camaraderie, services and overall welcoming atmosphere offered by the SVRC. Currently, the furnishing within SXU’s Student Veteran Resource Center allow up to nine veterans to effectively utilize the space. With an average of 23 student veterans frequenting the SVRC on a daily basis, the grant will allow for new furnishings to accommodate each and every student.

SXU’s Student Veteran Alliance chapter advocates for student veterans and their families and promotes camaraderie through social support. The alliance holds meetings twice a semester to discuss potential volunteer and event opportunities. All interested service members seeking a higher education degree in a vet-friendly environment should apply to SXU. For more information on the resources available to veterans, please visit the SXU website.

Saint Xavier University awarded U.S. Department of Education Grant Saint Xavier University was awarded a five-year

grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Student Support Services, a federal TRiO program, to benefit the University’s Student Success Program. The grant, which totals $292,338 per year, will enable SXU to continue providing support services to 200 students each year. The grant will pay for 92 percent of the program and SXU will cover the remaining eight percent.

SXU Art Gallery presents Jim Eichorst’s ‘Stories of Stuff’ Saint Xavier University’s Art Gallery presents “Stories of Stuff” exhibit by Jim Eichorst throughTuesday, Sept. 15 in the SXU Gallery on the Chicago Campus, 3700 W. 103rd St. In an effort to introduce the artist to the community, there will also be an artist’s presentation and reception on Wednesday, Sept. 2 at 3:30 p.m.

SXU Art Gallery hours are from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. For more information visit sxu.edu.

SXU to host 15th annual Cougar 5K Run/ Walk during 2015 Homecoming week Saint Xavier University will host the 15th Annual Cougar 5K Run/Walk starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26 during its 2015 Homecoming Week celebration. The race begins and ends at SXU’s Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St, and travels through Evergreen Park.

Pre-registration is $30 for runners/walkers, $27 for SXU faculty, staff and alumni and $25 for SXU students. Prices increase to $35 for runners/walkers as well as SXU students on race day. The Cougar 5K family rate is $75 for two adults and one child age 17 or younger from the same immediate family. Each additional child is $20. The family rate registration fee will not be available on race day, so visit sxu.edu, keyword: cougar 5k to register as soon as possible.

All participants will receive a white cotton long-sleeve Cougar 5K shirt. Participants that register before Friday, Sept. 11 have the option to purchase a white dry-tech long-sleeve Cougar 5K shirt for an additional $5 instead of the white cotton shirt.

Participants can receive tickets to the Homecoming Football game at 1 p.m., where they can watch Saint Xavier University take on Siena Heights University (MI). Tickets can be picked up at the Gear Check area between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. on race day.

Prize money for the top three overall male and female runners will be sponsored by Axion. First place overall male/female wins $150 each, second place overall male/female wins $100 each, and third place overall male/female wins $50 each.

Also, break the current male or female record and win Axion’s $100 award. Males must break 15:21 and females must break 18:52.

For more information or to register, visit the Cougar 5K Run/Walk website or call our Cougar 5K hotline at 773-298-3592.

Thursday, August 27, 2015 The Reporter

CONSUMER

9

Best Bits moves into bigger location No secrets to investment success Comings & Goings By Bob Bong Five years ago, Joy Metzger opened a store in Palos Park that specialized in all-natural pet food because she wanted the best for her dog and others.

In July, she moved Joy's Best Friends Best Bites into new digs at 11323 W. 143rd St. in Orland Park. The new store is twice the size of the original store at 13034 S LaGrange Road and now features a pet treat bakery.

"We started out making birthday cakes, mini bundt cakes, cookies and pup cakes," said Metzger. "Our newest bakery item is a six-inch pizza with mozzarella cheese and bacon for dogs."

She said it took a while to be certified by the Illinois Department of Agriculture.

"My treats will meet the dietary needs of any pet," she said. "I use no sugar, no dyes and no preservatives. I can also make gluten-free and grain-free treats."

She said she makes treats for both dogs and cats.

"Cats don't eat the same treats as dogs," she said. "I use catnip and the treats are smaller."

She said her baked goods are human grade but she can't sell or promote them for people.

"A doggie birthday cake may look like a people cake," she said.

"But it wouldn't taste the same.

For one thing, I don't use sugar."

Metzger said the new store stocks all of the previous foods and toys for pets as well as more brands.

"I ran out of space for all of the products available," she said.

Brands range from Acana to Fussie Cat to Wild Calling and Zignature.

The shop also features a doit-yourself dog wash. She said it resembles a self-serve car wash with a timer and a built-in shampooer and dryer for the dogs. She said the wash is self-contained so people with more than one dog can wash one and keep the other with them.

It also remains a pet-friendly business with her two boxers, Layla and Arnie, acting as the official store greeters. The store also has a donation barrel for the Orland Township Pet Food Pantry.

She said business has remained steady despite the move.

"About 90 percent of my customers say I'm closer to where they live," said the Orland Park resident, who traded a job as a CPA for a pet-sitting service about 14 years ago and couldn't be happier.

She said she now has her brother-in-law working at the store and two part-time employees.

Store hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Friday and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

"We open earlier on Saturday and Sunday so people can come in

Photo by Bob Bong

Best Bites has taken its fancy pet treats and moved to Orland Park. and wash their dogs before they get going for the day," she said.

For information, call 708-4031510, visit the website at www. joysbestfriendsbestbites.com or check out her Facebook page at Joy's Best Friends Best Bites.

Service King acquires Riverdale Body Shop Texas-based Service King Collision Repair Centers last week announced the acquisition of Riverdale Body Shop's eight southland repair facilities.

Officials from Service King and Riverdale Body Shop mutually agreed upon terms of the deal on Aug. 14, with the acquisition effective immediately. Through the partnership, Service King substantially bolsters its premium auto repair service in the Chicago market, now offering at 22 locations across the area. It also moves Indiana for the first time as two of Riverdale's sites are in the Hoosier State.

“This is a fantastic partnership for Service King and our Chicago customers,” said Jerod Guerin, Service King Regional Vice President. “Riverdale Body Shop has built an excellent business with eight fantastic auto repair facilities providing the very best in collision repair service. We are thrilled to welcome its teammates and customers to the Service King family and look forward to providing auto repair services at the standard our customers and insurance partners have come to expect.”

An area of rapid growth for Service King in 2015, the Riverdale acquisition marks Service King’s third expansion in the Chicago market since March. Service King now officially operates 251 locations in 22 states. All locations provide free estimates, on-site rental assistance and a written lifetime warranty.

“Riverdale Body Shop has been proud to serve the Chicago area for 45 years,” said Larry Seida, Riverdale Body Shop Owner. “We are a great company with great employees. I’m looking forward to the future as we merge in with another great company, Service King.”

MOOYAH celebrates Oak Lawn grand opening MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes is preparing for its debut in Chicago’s south suburbs. MOOYAH’s Oak Lawn location, which opened on July 13, is located at 6256 West 95thStreet and will host a grand opening Saturday. The location is owned and operated by father/son team, Faysal and Kal Mohamed, who will also be opening their second location by late summer or early fall of in Joliet. The openings are part of MOOYAH’s plan to expand across the greater Chicago area and add ten additional restaurants over the next two years.

“I was looking to invest in the very best option in the booming ‘better burger’ industry,” said Kal Mohamed. “I came across MOOYAH and was very impressed with the food, atmosphere and knew this would be a perfect business opportunity and addition to the Chicagoland area.”

CROSSWORD Answers

At MOOYAH, customers can choose from a variety of bun options, such as baked in-house artisan white or multigrain wheat buns and hand-crafted lettuce buns to accompany the neverfrozen 100 percent American beef patty, all-natural Jennie-O turkey patty or the mouthwatering black bean veggie patty.

Each gourmet burger can be customized with five cheese options, applewood smoked bacon, sliced avocado, along with nine free veggie toppings and 11 free sauces.

MOOYAH French fries come together in a six-step process that takes a total of 24 hours to prepare. Customers also have the choice of sweet potato fries. MOOYAH offers real ice cream shakes, allowing Guests to choose from 10 flavors ranging from vanilla to Hershey’s chocolate to Reese’s to strawberry banana and more.

--MOOYAH

SUDOKU Solution

Riverdale Body Shop was founded in the south suburbs in 1970. Its locations include Alsip, Tinley Park, Orland Park, Chicago Heights, Highland, Ind., Schererville, Ind., and the Chatham and Roseland communities in Chicago.

Noodles & Company opens in Evergreen Noodles and Company is now open at 9542 S. Western Ave. in Evergreen Park. The restaurant features a variety of pasta dishes.

Hours are from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

For information, call 708-2298061 or visit the company website at www.noodles.com.

Gourmet burger joint opens in Oak Lawn Another new business recently opened in the Oak Lawn Promenade shopping center when Kal and Sam Mohamed debuted the first Mooyah Burger, Fries and Shakes restaurant at 656 W. 95th St. It's the first franchise for the brothers, who graduated from Richards High School in Oak Lawn.

They opened the Texas-based franchise that features beef and turkey burgers, a black bean veggie burger, french fries, salads and ice cream shakes.

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

The brothers have a deal for 10 of the hamburger joints and have already started work on a second franchise in Joliet.

Mooyah was founded in 2007.

The chain has about 80 locations mostly in the South, but is expanding aggressively in the Midwest.

For information, call 708-9075571 or visit their Facebook page at MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes (Oak Lawn, IL).

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

You can also catch up on Comings & Goings in other parts of the Southland at www.southlandbusinessnews.com and www. southlandsavvy.blogspot.com

Seniors CHICAGO/ORLAND PARK Smith Crossing, Smith Village to host free support groups for caregivers Sept. 3 at Smith Crossing in Orland Park, Sept. 8 at Smith Village in Chicago In September, residents in and around Orland Park and Chicago’s Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood who provide care for older adults with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia will be able to take advantage of special programs offered by two of the area’s leading continuing care retirement communities.

The first meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 3, at Smith Crossing, 10501 Emilie Lane, Orland Park. Participants should enter at 104th Avenue and 183rd Street. Leading the open forum discussion will be Dana Mahler, life enrichment director, and Amy Majcina, director of social services. For more information, or to reserve a place, call 326-2300, or send an email to familyandfriends@smithcrossing.org.

Beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8, Smith Village’s Memory Support Coordinator Diane Morgan will welcome guest speaker Jaquelyn Widmayer, hospice specialist at Gentiva, to talk about hospice and palliative care.

Smith Village is located at 2320 W. 113th Place, in the Beverly/ Morgan Park area of Chicago. For more information, or to reserve a place, call 773-474-7300, or send an email to familyandfriends@ smithvillage.org.

Light refreshments will be served before both meetings, which will end at 7:30 p.m.

Many people look for the “secrets” to investment success. Is it timing the market just right?

Is it finding those hot stocks or getting in on the “ground floor” of the next big thing? Actually, these types of moves have little relevance to the vast majority of investors — even the most successful ones. So let’s take a look at some steps you can take that can be effective in helping you work toward your financial goals.

• It’s time in the market… not market timing. Some investors think they can succeed at “market timing” — buying when the price is low and selling when the price is high. And this would indeed be a good strategy if they could predict highs and lows. No one can accurately forecast these peaks and valleys, though. So, instead of ducking in and out of the market in a vain attempt to catch the highs and lows, simply stay invested. The more time you spend in the market, the lesser the impact you’re likely to feel from short-term price swings. And if you’re always invested, you’ll always be in a position to benefit from the next market rally.

• It’s “buy and hold” — not “buy and sell.” Even if you aren’t trying to time the market, you may be tempted to buy and

sell frequently as you look for new and better opportunities.

Yet, this constant buying and selling can be costly. Frequent trading, with all the additions and subtractions from your portfolio, can make it hard for you to follow a consistent, unified investment strategy. You’re better off purchasing quality investments and holding them for the long term, until either your needs change or the investments themselves no longer possess the same attributes they did when you purchased them.

• It’s building a strong foundation — not getting in on the “ground floor.” Many people regret not being one of the initial investors of a company that has done spectacularly well.

But most new companies don’t achieve anywhere near that level of success. So, instead of looking for the next big thing on the “ground floor,” try to build a strong “foundation” consisting of a mix of quality investments suitable for your risk tolerance, goals and time horizon. This type of investing may not sound glamorous, but a strong foundation is better equipped than a possibly shaky ground floor to withstand the shifting winds of market forces.

• It’s cool-headed thinking – not chasing “hot stocks” — If you browse the internet or watch one of the investment shows on cable television, you are bound to read or hear about “hot” stocks. But by the time the news reaches you, these stocks may already be cooling off. Even more importantly, they might not be right for your needs in the first place. Instead of chasing after hot stocks, which, by their nature, carry a strong emotional component (namely, the desire for quick, big gains), try to coolly and dispassionately analyze your situation to determine which investments are really most appropriate for your goals.

There really aren’t any shortcuts to reaching your desired financial destination. But by taking the slow and steady path, you can work toward getting there.

Area Property Tran$fer$ Following are the property transfers in the area, according to the latest report, as received from the Cook County Recorder of Deeds Office. The Reporter Newspaper does not attempt to correct errors made by that office.

Chicago Ridge Rodriguez Gumercina to Shawar Mohammad, 10600 Orchard Ln, $175,000; Kopsky April to Szarek Sylwia, 10298 Southwest Hwy, Unit #13C, $97,000; Bielanski Aleksandra to KCD Prop LLC, 5737 Ridgemont Ln, $475,000.

Evergreen Park Zwonitzer Darren M to Obrien William A Jr, 9837 S Trumbull Ave, $345,000; Raddatz Steven to Black Kenyatta, 9620 S Troy St, $125,000; Murphy John F to Tellez Edubiges, 9342 S Springfield Ave, $230,000; Wessman Michael J to Whirity Ashley, 10106 S Homan Ave, $175,000; Henney Ronald E to Hernandez Juan, 9116 S Hamlin Ave, $169,000; Meier Anita to Sanders Ericka, 9555 S Maplewood Ave, $142,500; Transier Gertrude A Tr to Skarr Chauntelle Marie, 9104 S Hamlin Ave, $163,000; Berglind Thomas to Kelleher Gema K, 9145 S Hamlin Ave, $172,000; TNTW Distinctive Prop LLC to Royster Jeremiah, 9207 S Kedzie Ave, $124,000.

Hickory Hills Coleman Martin A to Tabor Adam D, 8336 94th St, $335,000; Valaveris Adrianna K to Kostelic Marek, 8142 W 90th St, $233,000; Fannie Mae to Yafai Mohamed, 9309 S 82nd Ave, $185,000.

Oak Lawn Melvin Kevin to Strehmann

Thomas M, 9709 S Kenton Ave, $201,000; Pudinoff Lorainne to Puk Brandon, 10004 Buell Ct, $145,000; Parzuch Janusz to Countryside Bk, 6737 W 95th St, $135,000; Fannie Mae to Medel Michael J, 10132 52nd Ave, $201,000; Ras Closing Services LLC to Simcsak Albert Jr, 5356 Alexander Pl, $188,000; Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to Davis Maple, 10002 Pulaski Rd, Unit #201, $68,000; Fannie Mae to Shilwa Nabil, 10429 Mansfield Ave, Unit #104292, $79,000; Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to Midland IRA Inc FBO David Kendell 1636127, 9426 54th Ct, $80,000; Kulawiak Thomas W Tr to Johnson Larry E, 10900 Kilpatrick Ave, Unit #1C, $35,000; Renewd Homes Inc to Mollo Jonnie A, 4429 101st St, $231,000; Boecker Charles A III to Boecker John L, 9611 Robertson Ave, $170,000; Fannie Mae to Gonzalez Diego A, 10632 S Kostner Ave, $138,000; Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to Cole Th Oaklawn IL LLC, 9150 S Cicero Ave, $278,000; KRC Rose Tr Trust 82128 to Mcintosh Stuart, 5311 102nd St, $181,000; Tweedie John N Tr to Nies Kimberly Jennifer, 10929 S Kenton Ave, $245,000; Wills David H to KrzystofBansley Karen, 9608 S Knox Ave, $148,000; Masson Sheena L to Warner Christina, 4945 91st Pl, $180,000; Fox Stephen A to Salameh Sammy M, 5623 107th St, Unit #1B, $75,000.

Donatas, 10527 S 88th Ave, $151,000; Prusinowski Lukasz to Abrams Justin S, 8244 Chestnut Dr, Unit #38D, $143,000; Georgantonis Demetrios to Shelo Tomir, 8844 W 99th St, $225,000;

Marquette Bk Extr to Marinkovic Jovan, 11327 S Roberts Rd, Unit E, $90,000.

Worth Delaney Steven K to Capra Christina M, 7410 W 115th St, $90,000; Newcastle West LLC to Harrison Timothy J, 7346 W 114th Pl, $130,500; Punzo Hugo to Dalis Abdalbaset, 6932 W Crandall Ave, $212,000.

Palos Hills Krupa Wojciech to Egan Maureen M, 11277 S Roberts Rd, Unit H, $128,500; Citimortgage Inc to Balcius

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10

The Reporter Thursday, August 27, 2015

The

Back Page

WHEREIZIT? Ahhhh, yer mudda wears army

boots.

Or combat boots.

We had a lot of folks who got the reference to the old insult.

By the way, we saw an interesting message board debating what that phrase actually means. Some thought it meant your family was poor and mom had to go out and work. Some thought it meant dear ol’ ma was like a drill sergeant.

Still others thought it meant that your mother was a lesbian.

Whatever the true meaning of it is, we had plenty of winners.

Palos Heights Crystine Busch deserves a military salute for being the first with the correct answer.

Others who marched to victory were Evergreen Park’s Jan Merchantz, Jim Long and Bernie Mysliwiec, Chicago Ridge’s Dan and Kathy Higgins, Worth’s E.J. Oahueke, Theresa and George Rebersky and Celeste Cameron, Palos Hills’ Joe Marotta, Palos Heights’ Jim Cap, Oak Lawn’s

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Matt Vari, Christine O’Grady, and Steve Rosenbaum and the Friday Night Ladies From the O-Towns and Their Birthday Boy From the Burbs.

Incorrect answers were bowling shoes, comfortable or sensible shoes and slippers.

This week, we change things up. This is not a WHATIZIT, but a WHEREIZIT. The clue is that it might look like it’s in Rome, but it’s not in Rome.

So, WHEREIZIT? Send those guesses by Monday night to thereporter@comcast. net with either WHATIZIT or WHEREIZIT in the subject line. Don’t forget your name and hometown.

Community Briefs COOK COUNTY Cook County veterans, reservists and military personnel to be honored The fifth annual Salute to the Armed Forces, a free patriot celebration, will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15 at in the Grand Ballroom of the Double Tree Hotel by Hilton, 5000 W. 127th St., Alsip.

All branches of serviceman and women, veterans and reservists, will be honored for serving the U.S.A. at a ceremony within the celebration. All honorees must pre-register to attend.

Doors open at 12:30 p.m.

Registration is required for anyone wishing to be honored at the patriot ceremony. Honorees should list their name, branch of serve, phone number, email address and number of guests attending. Registration is due by Tuesday, Oct. 13.

For more information, or to register, call Cook County Commissioner Joan Patricia Murphy’s office at 389-2125, or fax information to 389-2240.

Attendees can share in an afternoon of fellowship and appreciation for their courage and dedication. Those that have served in the United States Armed Forces in war and peacetime will be honored for their contribution and sacrifice to our great Nation. This celebration is presented by Murphy, Vitas Innovative Hospice Care, Dignity Memorial, and Double Tree Hotel by Hilton.

All branches of military service men and women will receive an honorary Salute certificate and custom designed brass commemorative pin. The ceremony of appreciation will also include a POW-MIA Remembrance Service, noted guest speakers, patriot entertainment and Color Guard presentation. Refreshments will be served to all honorees and guests.

HICKORY HILLS Hickory Hills Police introduces new community program, Dog Walker Watch The Community Policing Division of the Hickory Hills Police Department has launched a new program, Dog Walker Watch.

It is a crime awareness program sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch and is coordinated at the local level by law enforcement.

The program encourages dog walkers, and walkers in general, to serve as “extra eyes and ears” for local law enforcement and report all suspicious activity. Those who would like to participate shuld contact Officer Heidi Wagner at either 5984900, or hwagner@hickoryhillspd.us.

OAK LAWN Oak Lawn Park District Community Theatre looking for Smokey Joe Café cast The Oak Lawn Park District Community Theatre has announced a casting call for the production of, Smokey Joe’s Café, at 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, and at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14, at the Oak View Center, 4625 W. 110th St. Callbacks, if necessary, will be at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept.

15. Show dates are November 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, and 22.

All those auditioning must be 16 or older. Participants should dress comfortably and be prepared to sing a song from the show.nFor more information, call 857-2200.

Submitted photo

Puppet show highlights Family Fun Night Southwest Chicago Christian School in Oak Lawn hosted a “Family Fun Night” for families in the community on Friday. The event featured carnival games, food, a puppet show, a presentation from Cold Blooded Creatures, and a movie in the school’s field to conclude the night. Pictured are the Calvin Christian Reformed Church Puppet Show team.

HICKORY HILLS/PALOS HILLS/OAK LAWN/VARIOUS LOCATIONS Businesses urged to attend free seminar regarding chip card processing and liability The Hills Chamber of Commerce will present a free Small Business Series Roadshow to give an important free educational seminar regarding: “EMV (‘Chip”) Card Processing Deadline and Data Breaches: What You Need to Know,” at various locations.

The topics under discussion will be: card processing after Oct 1st, understanding EMV (“chip cards”), what liability shift means, and data breaches and how to reduce the risk. The speaker will be Stacy Adams, regional manager of TransFirst.

As of Oct. 1, any business that accepts face-to-face card payments and processes a counterfeit transaction on a nonEMV enabled terminal, the liability for that transaction is no longer the card issuer. The liability will shift to the business.

Space is limited for the free business seminar and should take 90 minutes, including the question and answer time.

Registration is being taken online at emarquettebank.com/emv, and is due by Sept. 7. For more information, call 364-9027.

The various sessions will be held: Session 1: Wed., Sept 9 at 10 a.m., Marquette Bank Community Room, 6316 S. Western Ave., Chicago; Session 2: Wed., Sept 9 at 2 p.m., Oak Lawn Public Library, 9427 Raymond Ave., Oak Lawn; Session 3: Wed., Sept 9 at 6 p.m., Saint Xavier University - Orland Park Campus, 18230 Orland Parkway; Session 4: Thurs., Sept 10 at 10 a.m., Lemont Park District, 16028 W. 127th St., Lemont; and Session 5: Thurs., Sept 10, at 2 p.m., Fountaindale Public Library, 300 W. Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook.

Heading back to school I went back to school.

“College? you may ask?

Nope. Elementary school!

On Aug 3 I became the communications coordinator for the Evergreen Park Elementary School District 124.

I’m super excited but I’ve already ran into an issue.

I don’t know what to wear to work. I’m used to throwing on whatever is near me when I drop my daughter, Donae, curbside at school.

“Mom, why do you always wear sunglasses in the morning-even when it’s cloudy,” she asked? I did not respond. I think she’s on to me.

“Bye. Have a great day!” I say before nervously driving away, hoping not to be seen. The bus picks up my second daughter, Rhonda-Rene, from our house shortly thereafter. It’s not so easy to dodge them, seeing how I have to help her on the bus.

“Morning,” I shout to the driver. Once Rhonda-Rene’s touched that top step, I flutter off like a butterfly.

I’m usually embarrassed by my disheveled appearance.

When I enter the premises of my new job this year, I hope to appear more appropriate. I’ll be in and out of all five schools.

It’s great that I get to write since it’s like breathing. If I couldn’t do it I’d wither like an unwatered plant. It’s also fun that I get to take pictures seeing how I’m ridiculously addicted to photography. You should hear my husband Don, “You paid how much for that lens?”

This position is perfectly suited for me because of the kids. I love being able to engage the youth in my community. I believe the biggest impacts are made on small levels. I find it crucial that we seek to establish genuine relationships with all children, not just our own.

I started volunteering in D124 two years ago when Donae en-

tered kindergarten and Rhonda-Rene, preschool. I was a fulltime stayat-home mom who wanted to be hands-on in partnering with the school for my kids’ education.

But after the first class, I began to bond with all the kids. I found them to be inquisitive, intelligent and funny, very funny! One preschooler said to me, “What? Are you one of those good moms or something? Is that why you’re always coming here?”

So preschoolers can quantify what being a good parent is? Well, in this little girls mind, a present parent is a good one.

Not all of them were easy on me though. I got put in check on a day I felt inclined to provide a reinforced directive the teacher had given.

“Come on guys, time to clean up.” I said to two little boys that continued to play against the teacher’s request. One of them looked me straight in the eye and said, “Oh no. You’re Rhonda-Rene’s mom!”

In other words, you don’t tell me what to do Mrs. Parker! He sure told me! I got a little chuckle out of that one.

Someone once told me I should have been a teacher and that I’d missed my calling.

Ta! I disagreed totally after seeing what teachers actually do in the classroom. I have huge respect for teachers and the stamina it takes to engage, teach and direct an entire class of 20 plus students. Nope, that’s a calling I do not possess. It’s hard work being a teacher that’s why as a parent I provide as much support to them as possible. It’s not all their responsibility to teach my kids, it’s a collaborate effort.

I encourage all parents to volunteer in some capacity. The schools could really use your help.

I’m looking forward to getting to know the students as I go back to school myself.

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Making music for the crowd

The Worth Junior High band was one of the many attractions during the Worth Days Parade on Sunday. For more photos, see page 4.

Library Notes OAK LAWN The Oak Lawn Public Library is located at 9427 S. Raymond Ave. For more information, or to register for a program, call 422-4990, or visit olpl.org.

Closures/Parking: The Oak Lawn Public Library will be closed for Labor Day Sunday, Sept. 6 and Monday, Sept. 7; and for In-Service training & special projects on Thursday, Sept. 10;

Friday, Sept. 11; Saturday, Sept.

12; and Sunday, Sept. 13. Regular Library hours will resume on Monday, Sept. 14 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Parking around the Library will be reduced due to the Village’s Fall on the Green festival setup, which will affect our area from Tuesday, Sept. 8 through Tuesday, Sept. 15.

Sept 1: In honor of Septem-

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ber’s National Library Card signup month, the Oak Lawn Public Library will begin unveiling its new Library card designs for kids, teens and adults. The cards will reflect the Library’s new visual brand, including the refreshed logo and vibrant color scheme.

Kids’ cards will feature the drawings of artist Kevin Luthardt, who painted the “Imagination” mural in the Youth Services Department.

All Oak Lawn residents are eligible for a free Library card and online catalog account. Residents under the age of 16 must have a legal guardian present to obtain or renew a card. Cards are also available for businesses with an Oak Lawn address.

Those applying in person should do so at the first floor Customer Services Desk and present a driver's license, state identification or other government-issued card with a photo and a current address.

Patrons getting a new library card account in September will be entered into a drawing for a Kindle Fire HDX. For those who already have library cards, just show the library card at the Customer Services Desk, and bring a newsletter, to receive a small prize each week, while supplies last.

Sept. 1: Patrons can learn to make a new craft that they can take home at 7 p.m. at the Oak Lawn Public Library. All levels of creativity welcome and all materials are provided.

Sept. 6: Registration begins for the youth services techies program. Techies, who need to be between the ages of 11 and

14, provide basic assistance for Youth Services computers, such as signing on, saving and printing at the Oak Lawn Public Library. Orientation begins on Wednesday, Sept. 16 from 4 to 5 p.m. Schedules are arranged with volunteers.

Sept. 14: It’s Elephant and Piggie time for 5 to 7 year olds at the Oak Lawn Public Library.

Youngsters can join library staff for some silly stories and a piggy puppet craft from 3:45 to 4:30 p.m. Registration is not required.

Sept. 15, 22 and 29: The Baby Goose music program for children 3 to 18 months old, uses rhymes, songs and finger-plays to practice early literacy skills with your baby on Tuesdays from 10 to 10:20 a.m. at the Oak Lawn Public Library. Registration begins 10 days before each date.

Sept. 15, 22 and 29: Patrons can help their children, ages 4 and 5, get ready for kindergarten with stories, songs and learning activities at the Oak Lawn Public Library, Tuesdays from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Registration begins 10 days before each date.

Sept. 15: The Oak Lawn Library is hosting representatives from the Moraine Valley Community College Admissions Office from 7 to 8:30 p.m. High school students are urged to bring themselves and a friend to this informational evening. Patrons bringing a friend might win a free T-shirt.

Sept. 16: The Super Smash Brothers tournament for preteens and teens 11 to 14 will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Oak Lawn Public Library. Registration is not required.

Sept. 17: Patrons can join physical and occupational therapists from Advocate Christ Medical Center at 6:30pm at the Oak Lawn Public Library, to learn the healthiest ways to take care of the spine. This is a preview of a free fitness and education series that will be offered at Advocate Christ Medical Center.

Sept. 19: Students will complete in hands-on activities that utilize Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) topics at the Oak Lawn Public Library. There are different times for different age groups. Children ages 2 to 4, with an adult, will meet from 10 to 10:30am; ages 5 to 6 from 11 to 11:45 a.m.; ages 7 to 9 from 1 to 1:45 p.m., and ages 10 to 14 from 2to 3 p.m. Registration begins 10 days before each date.

Tuesdays in September: With a Oak Lawn Public Library card, patrons can find items to borrow, use online resources and download eBooks. On Tuesdays in September (minus Sept. 8), the Library staff will be in the lobby demonstrating some of their favorite services, which are available with an Oak Lawn Public Library card.

Zinio – Tuesday, Sept. 1 from noon to 7 p.m. Patrons can explore the wide range of magazines that can be downloaded right to their computer or device. The library will have some tablets to practice on, and patrons are welcome to bring your own. eBooks – Tuesday, Sept. 15 from noon to 7 p.m. Patrons can check out what titles the Oak Lawn Public Library has available for download in fiction and non-fiction.

The library will have some devices to practice on, and patrons are welcome to bring your own.

Mango – Tuesday, Sept. 22 from noon to 7 p.m. Patrons can have fun while learning a new language. They can sign up for one of three in-depth training sessions that will be held in October.

Databases – Tuesday, Sept.

29 from noon to 7 p.m. Patrons can examine the wealth of information they can access using the library’s incredible databases, from car repair and consumer information to legal research and searching family history.

Ongoing: Oak Lawn Library patrons are asked to donate their “gently used” books, magazines, CDs and videos to the Friends of the Oak Lawn Library Ongoing Book Sale at the Oak Lawn Public Library. Due to space limitations, the Friends will not accept Readers Digest Condensed Books, encyclopedias and older textbooks. 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.

The Regional News • The Reporter

SPORTS Thursday, 27,2015 2015 Thursday,August March 5,

Ken Karrson, Sports Editor • sports@regionalpublishing.com

Southwest • Section 2, Page 1

A tough test right out of the gate No. 1 Marian first up for SXU football team

By Jeff Vorva

Reporter Editor The biggest NAIA football game in the nation to kick off the 2015 season is in our own backyard.

St. Xavier University, ranked fourth in the NAIA coaches’ preseason poll, hosts No. 1 Marian University out of Indianapolis at 6 p.m. on Saturday at Bruce R. Deaton Field. The game can be heard on WXAV (88.3 FM).

Cougars coach Mike Feminis, whose 2011 club won a national title and who has guided four other SXU squads to Final Four appearances, doesn’t put a lot of stock in preseason rankings but is convinced the Knights are the real deal.

“Marian deserves its No. 1 ranking [because] it was a national runner-up last year,” Feminis said.

“And they are returning everybody — they have all 11 starters back on defense and eight of 11 on offense. [So] they are certainly deserving of their ranking.

“We’ll find out if we are deserving of our ranking right away.

We have nine of 11 returning on offense, but we have to retool a little on defense. But I like the guys who have come in and what I’ve seen from the younger guys.”

These two teams knocked heads last year in Indianapolis and SXU came up with a convincing 6538 victory over the Knights in Week 1. Marian split its first four contests before embarking on a run that resulted in eight consecu-

tive triumphs and a berth opposite Southern Oregon in the NAIA title game in Daytona Beach, Fla. The Knights fell short, 55-31, but have become an annual contender. The same holds true for the Cougars, who fell to Southern Oregon in a semifinal matchup, 62-37. SXU hosted a semifinal for the first time in school history.

Quarterback Hayden Northern is back to lead Marian after throwing for 2,939 yards and 22 touchdowns a year ago. With Northern guiding it, the Knights’ offense averaged 33.9 points and 409.6 yards per game in 2014, but it must do without tailback Tevin Lake, a four-year regular who rushed for 1,385 yards and 17 TDs in his final campaign.

Marian’s defense surrendered

an average of 20.5 points and 304.8 yards.

SXU will test the Knights’ prevention corps with an attack that features many of the same people who allowed the Cougars to average 38.1 points and 456.8 yards per contest. Opponents averaged 27.8 points and 398.3 yards against SXU’s defense in 2014.

Back to trigger the Cougars’ offense is junior quarterback John Rhode, who passed for 3,609 yards and 31 touchdowns. Sophomore tailback Mike Ivlow ran for 10 Photo by Jeff Vorva scores and a team-high 519 yards, St. Xavier University football coach Mike Feminis oversees a recent practice. but four other SXU players rushed His Cougars, ranked fourth nationally in the NAIA preseason poll, host top-ranked Marian University in Saturday’s season-opener. for at least 220 yards.

VOLLEYBALL PREVIEW

It’s another year and another dream Mighty Macs gear up for next title chase

By Anthony Nasella For the many years Jen DeJarld has coached volleyball at Mother McAuley, a trip to the state finals almost seems like a given.

While such an expectation would be unreasonable for most schools in most sports, the Mighty Macs have been a steady presence on the volleyball season’s final day over the years, most recently when the 2013 team won the Class 4A championship in thrilling fashion over Benet Academy.

Last season, however, McAuley and Benet were denied a rematch in the 2014 finals because of a head-scratching decision by the Illinois High School Association to realign the state tournament.

Both schools were instead placed in the same supersectional, where the Redwings gained revenge by dropping the Macs in three sets.

Benet went on to capture a state title of its own last November.

But DeJarld has retooled her 2015 squad, and with seven players back in the fold everyone is once again thinking big.

“Our team motto this year is: reload, refresh and rebound,” DeJarld said. “We reloaded our program with a lot of really talented kids. I think that people will actually accept us being maybe a step slower this year, but I think they’ll be really surprised by the

level of talent we have coming in.”

Of the seven returnees, setter Jane DeJarld and middle blocker Kayla Caffey come in with the most varsity experience. DeJarld and defensive specialist Emily Mayer both made noise on the national-club scene over the summer, which creates even more anticipation around McAuley.

“Jane has been watching state championships for 17 years now, so she knows what it’s about,” Coach DeJarld said. “Yet she’s hungry to get her own because she wasn’t on the varsity team in 2013. She was on the JV team, so she’s very eager to win this year.

“And the club team that Jane and Emily were on finished fifth in the nation, so they’re both coming off a very successful and exciting season. We’re hoping that success on the national level will have a positive impact.”

Among the other players about whom DeJarld is excited, sophomore outside hitter Charley Niego and junior right-side/outside hitter Katie O’Connell are definitely making waves.

“Charley and Katie have exploded onto the scene this year and have become two really powerful hitters,” DeJarld said. “They will both be, I think, nice surprises.

Strong ball control is our greatest asset and we have some very powerful swingers all around.”

Those individuals will get plenty of chances to prove their worth in a schedule filled with difficult matches. That includes a realigned Girls Catholic Athletic Conference featuring strong programs like Wheaton-St. Francis and Rosary, plus a third trip to Louisville for one of the nation’s most challenging tournaments.

“The new teams have definitely made our conference a lot tougher and created more parity,” she said. “[And] the tournament in Louisville will definitely give us some challenges early on. But in order to be the best, you have to play and beat the best teams.”

The Macs have emotionally rebounded from the disappointing end to last season, but DeJarld admitted it is still being used as a catalyst. That’s important since another tournament realignment won’t take place for three more years.

“The girls are carrying that memory a little bit,” DeJarld said.

“This year, though, we’re prepared for the reality of it. And since there’s nothing we can do it about — crying and complaining won’t help — we simply prepare for the state tournament with tougher matches.

“A lot of teams have been put in compromising situations, but (Continued on page 3)

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Mother McAuley players, shown celebrating a sectional victory over Sandburg in 2014, are seeking a bigger accomplishment this fall as they take aim at the program’s second Class 4A championship in three years.

WEEKLY FOOTBALL FORECAST

Welcome to the third year of the famous Football Forecast! We offered a chance for some new blood to join our band of merry misfits but no one took us up on that. So we have the same six chuckleheads battling it out in 2015, Vorva, the Reporter editor, is the defending regular-season king and postseason MVP. Sports editor Ken Karrson was the inaugural king in 2013. Former Reporter editor Jason Maholy was the first postseason MVP in 2013. Sports writer Anthony Nasella, faithful reader Wally Findysz and former Reporter reporter Bob Rakow vow they want to earn some recognition this year. So let the games begin:

Lake Station (Ind.) at Evergreen Park Lane at Oak Lawn Minooka at Stagg Niles North at Shepard Richards at LW North

Benet at St. Laurence Marist vs Mt. Carmel at Soldier Field Sandburg at Naperville North Westmont at Chicago Christian Brother Rice (Mich.) at Brother Rice Marian (Ind.) at St. Xavier University

Ken Karrson Evergreen Park Oak Lawn Minooka Niles North Richards Benet Mt. Carmel Naperville N. Chicago Christian BR-Chicago SXU

Jeff Vorva Evergreen Park Oak Lawn Minooka Niles North LW North Benet Mt. Carmel Naperville N. Westmont BR-Michigan Marian

Anthony Nasella Evergreen Park Oak Lawn Stagg Niles North Richards Benet Mt. Carmel Naperville N. Chicago Christian BR-Chicago SXU

Jason Maholy Evergreen Park Oak Lawn Minooka Shepard Richards Benet Marist Naperville N. Westmont BR-Chicago SXU

Wally Findysz Evergreen Park Oak Lawn

Minooka Niles North Richards Benet Mt. Carmel Naperville N. Westmont BR-Mich SXU

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2 Section 2

Thursday, August 27, 2015

In Jordan ruling, court didn’t make mis-steak

Grocery chains are used to selling what could rather graphically be described as dead animals.

They’re a little less accustomed to becoming dead meat themselves.

But for lack of a more sophisticated term, that’s what Safeway Corp., one-time operator of Dominick’s Foods in the Chicagoland area, became last week in a federal court. Making it so was a jury, which sided with Michael Jordan in his lawsuit against Dominick’s, a now-defunct business.

Parent company Safeway Corp., though, is still going and it is from that organization Jordan will draw the $8.9 million in damages he was awarded for unlawful use of his image. The case stemmed from a 2009 advertisement appearing in a special issue of Sports Illustrated that commemorated the former Chicago Bull’s induction into the NBA Hall of Fame.

Ostensibly meant to congratulate Jordan, the ad might have gone unnoticed had it not been for a few seemingly minor details.

One was the presence of No. 23 and a silhouette of a basketball player, which obviously represented Jordan. Just in case there was still some confusion, the words “Michael Jordan … you are a cut above” were also featured.

Since Dominick’s didn’t have any sort of formal agreement with Jordan, it was probably tip-toeing pretty close to the line of acceptability even with those elements. But then the grocery chain’s marketers pushed it over the cliff.

Included as well was a coupon for $2 off on Rancher’s Reserve steaks, which Dominick’s carried at the time. Suddenly, Dominick’s was looking to drum up additional business by tying its promotion to Jordan, who already had a stake in some steakhouses.

Uh-oh, bad move. Had the coupon been linked to, say, Bobby Hansen or Luc Longley or some other nondescript character on any of the Bulls championship squads, there’s likely no fuss. Guys like that don’t normally warrant much attention and are probably appreciative when anyone at all notices.

Of course, it would have been silly to run an ad saying, “Jack Haley … nice job warming the bench,” but you get the general idea.

Everyone wanted a piece of Jordan, but he didn’t let everyone have a piece. Although it may have seemed otherwise when he was in his heyday and popped up regularly in every media form hawking an array of products, Jordan in reality was fairly selective about who he did business with — and as he told the jury, he was the one with the final say regarding any use of his name or likeness.

So it’s evident Dominick’s goofed in a big, $8.9 million way.

But while the jury’s decision wasn’t incorrect, it has met with more than a few detractors.

Why the commotion? Part of it involves the amount of money.

While $8.9 million would be a life-changing figure for the vast majority of Americans, it supposedly doesn’t even equal what Jordan earns per corporate deal. But that’s difficult for most of us to wrap our heads around, so we just look at it as a sign of pure greed on Jordan’s part, especially when the actual guilty party no longer exists.

Yes, Safeway is around, but Dominick’s isn’t, which is the only thing most casual observers typically consider. To them, Jordan is a vulture trying to pick meat — steak perhaps? — off a bare carcass.

But do one’s rights work disproportionately to his or her wealth?

In other words, just because someone doesn’t need the additional money, should he or she be prohibited from pursuing damages when the situation calls for it?

Jordan supposedly is going to donate the money he was awarded to charity. That’s certainly an admirable gesture, but it’s not a requirement for receiving the payout.

Other critics contend that Jordan was given a financial windfall despite the fact he suffered no real damages. Dominick’s didn’t do anything to tarnish his image — heck, Jordan’s done more of that himself with his divorce and alleged gambling addiction — so why should it have been found guilty of wrongdoing?

Again, we get back to individual rights, and Jordan has the right — the obligation really — to not allow others to profit from his notoriety unless he chooses to let them through a business agreement. And that brings us back to the $2 coupon, which truly was the smoking gun here.

For those of you who believe Jordan is being ridiculous, I want you to consider Michael Buffer. If the name doesn’t immediately ring a bell, think of boxing and other high-profile sporting events.

At many of those has been a tuxedoed announcer who is known for uttering a five-word sentence, the last word of which is dramatically drawn out when Buffer says it and rhymes with “humble,” which he most definitely is not. Buffer actually managed to get his famous phrase copyrighted — much like Miami Heat general manager Pat Riley once did with the term “three-peat” — and is quick to sue anyone who uses it without his permission.

To date, he reportedly has made tens of millions of dollars either by shouting it himself or hunting down anyone else who made the mistake of doing so in a public setting. Some will label Buffer nuts; I say he’s brilliant for having the foresight to do what he did.

The Jordan verdict, in a way, falls into a similar category. But for those who still are bothered by the decision, remember one thing: We created the monster.

As I pointed out here a few weeks ago, celebrities take whatever leash we give them. The public fawned over Jordan almost from the get-go and it’s never stopped — evidently a couple of the jurors were eager to have their picture taken with Jordan after the verdict was rendered.

Yes, he’s highly skilled but so are a lot of guys who have played NBA basketball. He, however, was the one who was virtually deified and we helped make it possible for him to amass his fortune — if we don’t buy lots and lots of what he’s selling, old MJ doesn’t command the kind of mind-numbing corporate paydays he apparently still enjoys.

And, as someone astutely pointed out, Jordan in court was merely exhibiting the same kind of tenacity he always did on the court: win by whatever means necessary. That mindset isn’t quite so endearing when it involves legalities, I guess.

So the next time you shop at a Safeway-owned store and balk at the prices, don’t blame the folks working there, even if they ultimately get rewarded an hourly rate well above what they should.

Go to the real source of discontent.

Under those conditions, it won’t be as easy to be like — or even just to like — Mike.

BARTOSH

The Regional News - The Reporter

SXU SPORTS SUMMARY

Cougars open with split decision

Opening day ended better than it began.

St. Xavier University’s first trip onto the volleyball court in 2015 did not produce the desired result. In fact, the outcome was downright painful as the Cougars fought through five sets before suffering a threepoint loss to Lourdes (Ohio) University in the deciding game.

But after falling to that 25-27, 25-16, 2729, 25-23, 15-12 defeat in its season-opener at Robert Morris University’s Eagles Invitational on Saturday, SXU rebounded to take down the University of St. Francis (Ind.) 18-25, 26-24, 25-13, 17-25, 15-8 in a later encounter that same day.

Senior middle blocker Heidi Gregerson, senior right-side hitter Meghan Falsey and redshirt freshman setter Courtney Joyce were SXU’s headliners. Gregerson and Falsey were forces along the net as they registered 53 total kills between them over the two matches.

Falsey complemented her 26 kills with seven total blocks, two of which were solo efforts.

Joyce, a Mother McAuley alumnus and Western Illinois University transfer, sparked the Cougars’ floor game with 90 assists. Along with those Joyce contributed 15 kills, 29 digs and four service aces in her SXU debut.

Gregerson registered 15 of her kills versus Lourdes while Falsey,

junior middle blocker Melanie Miller and sophomore outside hitter Syndey McPhillips each put down 11. In addition, McPhillips had 15 digs, one more than Joyce, who also distributed 46 of her assists.

Falsey (15 kills, four block assists, four aces), McPhillips (14 kills, match-high 17 digs) and Joyce (44 assists, 15 digs) paced the Cougars in their victory.

SXU and Trinity Christian College will serve as co-hosts of a tournament this weekend.

ALUMNI GAME

The Cougars baseball and softball programs will host a coed alumni 12-inch, slow-pitch softball game on Saturday, Sept. 26, at Richard R. Ferrell Field.

The inaugural contest will begin at 10:30 a.m. and be part of the university’s homecoming weekend. Food and beverages will be provided for all alumni and their family members in attendance.

Those individuals interested in attending or participating should contact either baseball coach Rocco Mossuto at (773) 298-3103 or mossuto@sxu.edu, or softball coach Myra Minuskin at (773) 298-3100 or minuskin@sxu.edu. Walk-ups are welcome the day of the event.

MORAINE ATHLETICS WRAP

Cyclones golfer holding fo(u)rth

By Maura Vizza Sure, winning is always the goal, but fourth place was satisfying to Moraine Valley College golfers in their 2015 debut.

The Cyclones were part of a 10-team field at the Aldeen Golf Course in Rockford, a group that included fellow Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference member Waubonsee College. Moraine wound up 20 strokes ahead of the Chiefs behind the leadership of Dave Karwoski, whose 18-hole score of 78 on a blustery day was good for fifth place among 50 individuals.

Other Cyclones scorers in the Aldeen Preview were Scott Borden (81), John Orowick (82) and Matt Contey (83). Aldeen Golf Course will also be the site of the National Junior College Athletic Association Region IV Tournament in October.

“I’m happy with our first tournament on a tough day — it was windy the whole time,” Moraine coach Bob Freudenthal said. “But it was a good day. Now I’m looking forward to the season even more.

“If this were the regional tournament, we would’ve gone to nationals based on who in our region competed today.”

Contey is a returning all-region performer for the Cyclones, who captured the ISCC title last fall.

Individually, Contey advanced to the NJCAA tourney and carded scores in the 70s on three of the four days. His highest total was a third-round 80.

Karwoski earned all-conference honors in 2014 and Orowick, Borden and John Nagle also bring experience with them. Nagle is considered Moraine’s most improved player while Orowick is

Submitted photo

Maggie Hacker unloads a shot during Moraine Valley College’s season-opening match against Joliet Junior College. Hacker had a goal and assist in the Cyclones’ 5-0 win last Thursday.

its biggest hitter.

Newcomers expected to play roles for the Cyclones include Steve Andreano, Conner Liloe and Stagg graduate Robert Stark, a former high school football player and an imposing figure on the links.

“I’m cautiously optimistic,” said Freudenthal, who’s in his 25th season. “We have the potential to do well, but they need to step up. We have the talent to compete at conference and regionals, especially with the returners.

“All I ask for is a respectable season.”

WOMEN’S SOCCER

After warming up with an exhibition rout of Madison College, the Cyclones began their regular season in similarly impressive fashion last Thursday as they blanked Joliet Junior College 5-0.

That was the same score by which Moraine upended Madison.

Marbella Rodriguez, who had a hat trick in the preseason match, notched an unassisted goal before the 20-minute mark. She later assisted on one of Ewelina Kmin’s pair of tallies. Maggie Hacker (goal, assist) and Alex Abed (goal) also chipped in for the Cyclones, who controlled the flow of the contest and were finished scoring shortly after halftime.

Submitted photo

Moraine Valley College’s Marbella Rodriguez leaves her feet while in pursuit of the ball last Thursday vs. Joliet Junior College.

SOFTBALL

Break out the cleats and mitts and head to the softball diamond to have a shot at becoming a Cyclone.

The team is holding tryouts on four different days: Monday, Sept.

7, Sept. 14 and Sept. 16. All try-

outs will commence at 4:30 p.m. on the field behind Building “P” on the main campus. All full-time Moraine students are eligible to attend.

For more information, contact coach Natalie Wigginton at 2571892 or natalie.wigginton@morainevalley.edu.

Preparing for No. 1

Photos by Jeff Vorva

(Above) St. Xavier University’s John Glover turns the corner and makes some progress on a carry during a recent practice.

Casual Italian Dining

Cheering On The

BROTHER RICE CRUSADERS! Have an Awesome Season 12231 S. HARLEM AVENUE • PALOS HEIGHTS • (708) 361-1226

(Left) Matt Johnson leaps to make an interception during a recent St. Xavier University football practice. Johnson and the rest of the Cougars defense will have their hands full against No. 1-ranked Marian University in Saturday’s season-opening clash.

The Regional News - The Reporter

Thursday, August 27, 2015 Section 2

3

TRINITY SPORTS REPORT

Trolls women handily beat first two soccer opponents

By Amy Strong Two matches does not a season make, but there’s no ignoring the value of a good start.

That’s how Trinity Christian College’s women’s soccer team ushered in its latest campaign. The Trolls outscored Dordt and Waldorf colleges by a combined 6-1 count last weekend to hit the ground running in 2015.

Amazingly, Trinity was outshot 9-1 by Dordt during the first half of Friday’s clash but entered intermission locked in a scoreless tie. Nine minutes into the second half the Trolls stole a Defenders throw-in and eventually tallied as Deidre Bia set up freshman Jessica Bianchi’s marker.

An insurance goal came with just 17 seconds remaining as Cassidy Bosselaar scored off a Bianchi assist. Trinity netminder Liz Schutte finished with nine saves as Dordt held a 16-7 shot advantage for the day. *** The next day brought more success in Iowa as the Trolls downed Waldorf 4-1. This time they struck immediately as Tarryn South and Jessica Owen both found the back of the net within the first three minutes, the latter doing so after receiving a pass from Bia. Although it didn’t score again prior to the break, Trinity held a massive 20-3 edge in shots taken. Then at the outset of the second half Bianchi tallied off an Owen assist to increase the Trolls’ margin to 3-0.

Waldorf, which was outshot 33-5

overall, shaved its deficit to two midway through the half, but Amy Tadla’s goal with five minutes left restored Trinity’s three-goal lead. Schutte was credited with three saves in the triumph.

Fifteen current players were on the 2014 roster, including seven starters.

Key returnees include junior midfielder/ foward Kayla Diemer, junior defender/ forward Samantha Burgess and senior midfielder Adriana Puente. Bianchi and freshman defender Elly Brummel head up the list of 10 newcomers.

The Trolls, who are being coached by Jon Lenarz for the 14th year and coming off an 11-7-2 season, return to action Friday when they host Clarke College.

MEN’S SOCCER

Jose Dominguez’s ninth coaching campaign didn’t get underway in the manner he hoped as the Trolls got tagged with a pair of setbacks in the opening week.

Dordt pinned a 2-1 loss on Trinity while Walrdorf rolled to a 6-1 victory.

The Trolls are not yet operating at full strength due to some injuries and eligibility issues, but they still hung tough against the Defenders last Friday. Trinity converted its lone shot of the first half into a goal as freshman Javier Contreras made the most of a pass from Richie Carrillo in the 33rd minute.

That slim lead stayed in place until five minutes of the second half had elapsed.

That’s when Dordt pulled even, and it continued to pressure the Trolls by unleashing a total of 14 shots on goal.

Volleyball preview (Continued from page 1)

it is what it is.”

Still loving what she does, DeJarld said she is looking forward to the season and whatever it brings.

“I’m very excited about coaching this team,” she said. “It’s refreshing to get new faces that are bringing some real experience at a young age.”

MOTHER MCAULEY 2014 Record: 36-4.

Head coach: Jen DeJarld.

• Who’s gone: Ryann DeJarld, (Notre Dame), Kelsey Clark (George Washington), Kennedy Arundel (Connecticut), Carla Cahill (Costal Carolina), Amber Casey (University of St. Francis), Maggie Scanlon.

• Who’s back: Jane DeJarld, S, Sr.; Kayla Caffey, MH, Sr.; Emily Mayer, DS, Sr.; Erin Nagy, DS, Sr.; Abby O’Brien, OH, Jr.; Katie O’Connell, RS/OH, Jr.; Emma Reilly, DS, Jr. • Who’s new: Paige Pappas, OH/RS, Jr.; Mary Kate Boland, MH, Jr.; Bridget Burke, MH, Jr.; Evie Gorman, OH, Sr.; Kaitlyn Johnson, RS, Sr.; Amanda Horn, MH, So.; Charley Niego, OH, So.; Ashley Maher, DS, Jr. • Outlook: Having to replace almost an entire lineup of talented players from a supersectional qualifier would be a tall order for any program, but Mighty Macs coach Jen DeJarld has made a career of weathering transitional storms by utilizing fresh talent to rapidly rebuild championship-caliber clubs. To be sure, this year’s McAuley squad possesses plenty of ability. Most of the seven seniors returning for 2015 were part of the 2013 squad that won the Class 4A championship, so DeJarld will be counting on that core to guide the ship until the newcomers become fully immersed in McAuley’s championship culture.

• Coach’s comment: “The seven returners will lead their teammates in the same way as last year’s team: with a strong work ethic.

Our goals every year are the same: win conference [and] win state — that never changes. These kids have all experienced what it feels like to go downstate and win a championship as either freshmen or sophomores, so that’s definitely ingrained in their heads. …They want to leave their mark within our program by having another successful season.” — DeJarld.

SANDBURG 2014 Record: 32-6.

Head coach: David Vales.

• Who’s gone: Sami Knight (Southern Illinois-Edwardsville), Julia Borschel (North Carolina-Ashville), Leah Lane.

• Who’s back: Gillian Thanasouras, OH, Sr.; Morgan Kmak, L, Sr.; Caroline Stefanon, MH, Sr. • Who’s new: Anna Jonynas, OH, Jr.; Madison Hart, MH, So. • Outlook: The Eagles’ superb 2014 campaign ended with a hardfought, three-set loss to Mother McAuley in a sectional final, but they’re gearing up for another deep tournament run this fall. Thanasouras, whom coach David Vales calls Sandburg’s best all-around player, will supply experience and leadership. Stefanon will support Thanasouras in the kills department while Kmak anchors the defense and floor game with a steady flow of digs and passes. Newcomer Hart is already getting tested by teammate Stefanon in practice every day, so she’ll be prepared for whatever awaits her. Jonynas is listed at 5-9 but jumps out of the gym and should give the Eagles a big weapon along the net. The Lyons Township Quad, Wheaton Classic and Plainfield Invitational will test Sandburg’s mettle.

• Coach’s comment: “The girls are trying to figure out their own identity, and the early tournament [at Lyons] will help in [that regard]. We have starters back from last year who have been there and we’re counting on them to guide the young players.

“Gillian stays on the court, fires everyone up and gets everyone to play [while] Morgan is a focused player who leads by example.

We’re looking to stay competitive and win the SWSC Blue [again].

We lost a lot of experience with seven seniors graduating, but I consider the practices last year preparation for this year’s seniors in making them ready to continue the tradition of excellence.” — Vales

MARIST 2014 Record: 28-9.

Head coach: Julie Popp-Hopkins.

• Who’s gone: Lizzie Zaleski (Valparaiso), Colleen Reilly (Wofford).

• Who’s back: Cameron Enright, OH, Sr.; Ann Marie Stifter, MH, Sr.; Emily Graff, OH, Sr.; Allyssa Rizzo, DS/L, Sr.; Haley Belcik, DS/L, Sr.; Margaret Murphy, DS/L, Sr.; Madeline Dunterman, Jr.; Grace Green, So. • Who’s new: Molly Murrihy, S, So., S. • Outlook: Third-year coach Julie Popp Hopkins returns a solid group of players from last season’s regional-champion squad that will look to contend for the East Suburban Catholic Conference title and advance deep into the state tournament. Both Stifter and Enright (315 kills, 310 digs, 47 aces) are three-year varsity starters and were All-ESCC selections in 2014. Hopkins said Stifter has taken her game to the next level by developing greater power, court awareness and scoring ability. Enright was named the outstanding player at the Nike Tournament of Champions and is a threat from the service line, on defense, in the backcourt and with her shot-making ability. Graf

five saves.

Contreras, a forward, is one of the Trolls’ more heralded newcomers along with junior defenders Osvaldo Castanon and Santana Caicedo. Top returnees among the dozen who were part of a 5-11-1 season in 2014 are junior forward Mauricio Salgado, senior defender Armando Villanueva, junior midfielder Rey Bahena and senior midfielder Fernando Avalos.

Huntington University visits Trinity today.

VOLLEYBALL

Hampering the locals as well was the loss of a defender to a red card, which left Trinity shorthanded over the final 30 minutes.

Still, the Defenders didn’t produce the deciding marker until the 70th minute.

Trolls goalies Gabe Fennema and Noah Miller made six saves between them as Dordt held a hefty 19-shot advantage on Trinity. *** The Trolls also drew first blood versus Waldorf, but Jose Zepulveda’s penaltykick goal in the 13th minute was all they could muster on Saturday.

The Warriors were up 2-1 at halftime and then blew the match open with four more scores when play resumed. Three of those occurred in a stretch of just four minutes. Waldorf ended the day with a 24-16 edge in shots.

Trinity keeper Mark Hall recorded

Fresh off a National Christian College Athletic Association championship season that included 38 wins, the Trolls didn’t enjoy a particularly auspicious debut as they triumphed only once in four outings at last weekend’s Grace College Invitational in Winona Lake, Ind. Trinity’s victory came in its initial match as it held off Point Park, a Pennsylvania program that received votes in the NAIA preseason poll, 27-25, 25-22, 25-21. Freshman Kacie Stoll and senior Karleigh Krchmery put down 14 and nine kills, respectively, for the Trolls, who totaled 35 as a team, 13 more than Point Park.

Michelle Busscher had 16 digs to pace Trinity in that category while Stoll added 11.

Tourney host Grace outlasted the Trolls 23-25, 25-21, 25-21, 25-13 in Friday’s second match, doing so in part because of a massive 50-27 advantage in kills.

(261 kills, 90 blocks) was all-tournament at the Nike event and sets herself apart with an explosive arm swing while Rizzo is solid on both defense and serve-receive and demonstrates strong leadership skills. The key regular-season matches will be against Glenbard West, Wheaton-St. Francis, Mother McAuley, Notre Dame Academy of Kentucky and Benet Academy.

• Coach’s comment: “I’m extremely excited heading into the 2015 season. This year we have a core group of returning seniors that bring with them leadership and experience [to go] along with some great newcomers. Our serve-receive and defense are key elements that will set us apart from other teams. Adding to that our strong blocking presence and solid offense, we will have a great balance within our team. This year I feel we have the experience and heart that will keep us running all season.” — Popp-Hopkins

SHEPARD 2014 Record: 30-7.

Head coach: Dan Grunauer.

• Who’s gone: Briana Haugh, Jessica Ferguson, Chasz Wells.

• Who’s back: Caroline Graham, S, Sr.; Kendall Yerkes, OH, Sr.; Abbey Graham, L, Sr.; Amanda Carberry, MH/RS, Sr.; Abby Newsome, OH, Sr.; Jenny Kempczynski, S/DS, Sr.; Heather Banis, L, Sr. • Who’s new: Sarah Kiwan, MH, Sr. • Outlook: With only three players graduated and seven returning from last season’s historic 30-win team that made a perfect run through the South Suburban Conference Red, hope is springing eternal for the Astros. Among the 2015 goals is earning the program’s first regional title since 1992. Shepard’s three biggest assets are Yerkes (350 kills, 196 digs, 49 service aces, 10 solo blocks), Abbey Graham (202 kills, 276 digs, 74 aces, 10 solo blocks) and Caroline Graham (836 assists, 196 digs, 41 aces), but the overall work ethic is making Dan Grunauer one happy and stress-free coach. Tournaments at Plainfield North, Rich East and Oak Lawn will help the Astros become battle-tested as will matches against Chicago Christian, Stagg and Lyons Township, the latter of which beat Shepard in three close encounters last season. During the summer the Astros notched triumphs over Sandburg and Lincoln-Way East, a pair of firsts for Shepard volleyball.

• Coach’s comment: “We are definitely optimistic about the season.

This is just a phenomenal group of kids who work ridiculously hard and it’s reflected in our seniors, who have accepted the juniors into our culture. I’m very blessed because it’s fun to sit back and watch the seniors take the initiative and teach it to the juniors; I haven’t had to coach much on that level because they’ve beaten me to the punch.

How incredible and important it is to see kids take such ownership.

“We didn’t get blown out in our three meetings last year against Lyons; we were right there, so we’re looking forward to the challenge of facing them again. I can’t lie and say that winning a regional title and ending that long streak isn’t a focal point. The girls gave, and continue to give, all they have. Now, you can see how hard they’ve worked in the offseason with how we’ve played in the summer.

“To beat the teams we beat this summer and get recognition from a great coach like [Sandburg’s] Dave Vales, it was great moment for the team and how far we’ve come in the past five years. But we have more ground to take.” — Grunauer

STAGG 2014 Record: 19-17.

Head coach: Deanna Storino.

• Who’s gone: Lexi Mantas (Kent State), Ari Mantas, Allison Stefan, Amanda Collins, Katie Dwyer.

• Who’s back: Maddie Duffner, S, So.; Jess Ochenkowski, DS, Sr.; Nia Pappas, MH, Sr.; Beca Lungu, MH, Sr.; Hayley Gartner, RS, Sr.; Heather Fane, OH, Sr..

• Who’s new: Anna Djikas, MH, So.; Jessi Glow, OH, Jr.; Cara Mahoney, S, Jr.; Kelly Roach, RS, Jr.; Olivia Waight, MH, Jr.; Alyssa Migler, DS, Jr.; Meg Polk, DS, Jr. • Outlook: Despite graduating some very talented performers from last year’s squad, the Chargers look to improve on what they did in 2014. Duffner, who heads up the group of veterans, is already distinguishing herself among her peers according to coach Deanna Storino. Also turning heads in terms of leadership has been Pappas. Meanwhile, Storino will look for newcomer Djikas to continue providing the big swing and blocking skills she has already demonstrated. In a schedule loaded with tough matches and that includes tournament appearances at Rich East and the Asics Challenge, Stagg has plenty of opportunities to compete, improve and excel.

• Coach’s comment: “We definitely believe we’re more than capable of realizing the goals we’ve set. The tournaments we’re competing in will be challenging, but we’re always looking to advance to the gold bracket at each one.

“Maddie Duffner is one of the best setters Stagg has had and is an awesome, disciplined player; she works really hard and needs no setter help. She is a well-rounded person with a good head on her shoulders. Nia Pappas has also stepped up her game a lot and stepped into a leadership role. Her teammates call her the team mom because she takes charge and sets a good example for the other kids.

Jessi Glow is [an] extremely consistent hitter and a leader on the floor while Anna Dijkas has also been doing good things in camp and at practice.

“We have the chance to be a strong team. If we keep working hard, we’ll be in good shape.” — Storino

Stoll (18 kills), Krchmery (seven kills, 11 digs), Busscher (21 digs) and Tori Mantel (19) were the Trolls’ key figures in defeat. *** Saturday featured Trinity suffering a pair of three-set losses. Doling them out were Indiana University-East (25-18, 25-16, 25-21) and Indiana UniversityKokomo (25-21, 25-12, 25-21).

Twenty-one hitting errors dogged the Trolls in the opener as those offset 21 kills.

By contrast, IU-East racked up 39 kills while posting a .295 attack percentage.

Krchmery (six kills, eight digs), Cailey DeJong (six kills) and Busscher (eight digs) were Trinity’s individual notables.

IU-Kokomo also got the better of the Trolls at the net (41 kills to 30). Krchmery (10 kills) and Mantel (24 assists, nine digs) topped Trinity.

Bill Schepel is coaching the Trolls for the ninth season. Krchmery, a senior defensive specialist/libero, and sophomore middle hitter Danielle Oeverman lead a cast of six veterans while right-side hitter Stoll and fellow freshman Kortney Pollema, a defensive specialist, headline a group of 10 rookies.

Trinity co-hosts a tournament with St. Xavier University this weekend. *** Men’s and women’s cross country begin competition Sept. 4 at the University of St. Francis, the men’s golf team starts its season that same weekend at Olivet Nazarene and women’s golf kicks off its inaugural season Sept. 11 at Bethel College.

QUEEN OF PEACE 2014 Record: 11-18.

Head coach: Karen Van Assen.

• Who’s gone: Sydney Schergen, Kaitlyn Myles, Abby Bennett, Mary Keenan, Bethany Kingsley, Kylie McGivney.

• Who’s back: Colleen Corbett, S, Sr.; Bridgett Hannon, RS, Sr.; Sam Stirn, MH, Sr.; Morgan Smith, OH, Sr.; Ciarra Juggan, DS, Sr.; Katie O’Leary, OH, Sr.; Jordan Jakubowski, MH, Sr. • Who’s new: Patsy Fox, S, Jr.; Haley Doyle, MH, Jr.; Maddie Fogarty, DS, Jr.; Erica Gens, DS, Sr.; Amanda Baran, OH, Sr.; Katlyn Carrington, MH, Sr.; Lauren Stevens, DS, Sr. • Outlook: The Pride have a new head coach for 2015, but she’s a familiar face to area volleyball fans. Former Mt. Assisi boss Karen Van Assen takes over at Queen of Peace, which has a senior-laden roster. Seven of 11 upperclassmen played as juniors on the Pride’s 2014 team that won a Class 3A regional title. With such an experienced group on hand, Van Assen’s goals are to have Peace repeat as Girls Catholic Athletic Conference Blue champion and make a deep postseason run. Corbett has been on the Pride varsity since her freshman season, Hannon made great strides during summer play and Baran, a 6-foot outside hitter, has created excitement within the program with her potential.

• Coach’s comment: “We are senior-heavy, and that experience should help us when we get to our tournaments [at St. Viator, Oswego East and Maine West]. That experience will [also] prove helpful for us [as we seek] to win conference.

“We did well in the summer league. The girls really looked to Colleen Corbett for leadership. Sam Stirn has a goal of 70 kills, but she should easily double that. We’re excited with what we have on varsity and on our other levels. I have my coaching staff back too.

“I’m looking forward to having a positive impact and helping to bring the program back to its former glory.” — Van Assen

OAK LAWN 2014 Record: 17-15.

Head coach: Dennis McNamara.

• Who’s gone: Simona Tomczak, Brianna Markusic, Alyssa Radiocic, Ashley Labuda.

• Who’s back: Sam Lesiak, MH, Sr.; Alli Yacko, OH, So.; Rebecca Suarez, S, Sr.; Sam Foley, RS, Sr.; Jessica Gavras, L, Sr.; Camryn Landingham, Jr. • Who’s new: Amanda Bulow, So.; Michelle Labuda, Jr.; Colleen Murray, Jr. • Outlook: Six Spartans return from a year ago to form the foundation for 2015. Oak Lawn won eight South Suburban Conference Red matches while finishing second in the standings and should be a factor again, especially if some of the newcomers assimilate quickly. Veteran coach Dennis McNamara, who sports a 249-162 career record over 14 seasons, will be counting on Yacko (148 kills, 151 digs, 48 aces, 33 blocks), Lesiak (112 kills, 69 blocks, 12 digs), Suarez (651 assists, 98 digs, 35 blocks, 20 kills, 19 aces), Foley (67 kills, 43 blocks, 21 digs, 12 assists), Gavras (155 digs, 21 aces) and Landingham (35 digs, 21 aces) as his mainstays. Some of Oak Lawn’s key matches will come against De LaSalle, Shepard, Lemont and TF South as well as in the two-day Spartan Classic.

• Coach’s comment: “The strength of this year’s team will be our ability to pass and play defense, and I am hoping that will keep us in a lot of games. Five of our six starters saw significant time last season and I am hoping that experience, along with [input from] some new faces, will give us the ability to contend for the conference title as well as advance deep into the state playoffs.” — McNamara

RICHARDS 2014 RECORD: 14-16.

Head coach: Ray Van Syckle.

• Who’s gone: Dana Wujcik, Lexie Badon, Halee Barker.

• Who’s back: Kelly Lind, OH, Sr.; Sara Kiziak, MH, Sr.; Nicole Hansen, L/DS, Sr. • Who’s new: Abby Fletcher, OH/L, So.; Lisa Costa, S, Jr.; Amber Ryan, OH/RS, Jr.; Sarah Murczek, OH, Fr. • Outlook: Members of last year’s South Suburban Conference Red-champion sophomore squad are joining a solid group of seniors to push for a varsity title in 2015, which would be an improvement over last year’s 7-6 league showing. Second-year coach Ray Van Syckle is confident that his younger talent will be able to turn some heads, but Lind, Kisziak and Hansen are around to provide the necessary senior leadership and savvy. If the veterans and newcomers can mesh without much trouble, the Bulldogs could enjoy a strong season.

• Coach’s comment: “Barring the always-present threat of injuries, this group should be fun to watch. The girls have a great passion for the game to go along with the talent, so we’ll see how we put things together. Either way it’s going to be a fun ride” — Van Syckle

EVERGREEN PARK 2014 Record: 15-16.

Head coach: Carrie Berry.

• Who’s gone: Nicole Larkin, Maggie Kehoe, Vivica Price.

• Who’s back: Emma Przeslicke, OH, Sr.; Maddie Vojacek, MH, Sr.; Gabby Lasinek, MH/OH, Sr.; Sydney Cerrantano, S, Jr. • Who’s new: Abby Butler, MH, So. • Outlook: Despite losing Kehoe and Price to transfers, Mustangs coach Carrie Berry is optimistic with her team’s remaining players and (Continued on page 4)

4 Section 2

Thursday, August 27, 2015

The Regional News - The Reporter

Volleyball preview (Continued from page 3)

the prospects for a winning season and regional championship. Berry refers to Przeslicke and Vojacek her dynamic duo. A four-year starter who led Evergreen Park in kills last season, Przeslicke demonstrates versatility in that she can pass, set and attack. Vojacek’s athleticism and work ethic magnifies her reputation as an all-around player. Cerrantano paced the Mustangs in assists in 2014 while Lasinek will be playing full time, again in her natural middle position after covering the outside for portiond of last season. Berry calls Butler one of the strongest girls in the program.

• Coach’s comments: “This team has great senior leadership. These seniors are focused and have been working hard the past three years.

They are eager for a winning season.

“We also had our best summer league season. They are fun to watch.

Our strengths are our offense, setting and serving; our weaknesses are ball control on serve-receive.” — Berry

CHICAGO CHRISTIAN 2014 Record: 30-9.

Head coach: Chrissy Gust.

• Who’s gone: Leah Kamp (Calvin), Anna Kamp (Calvin), Samantha Kubik (College of St. Rose, Albany) Melanie Belstra (Trinity), Stephanie Kuiper (Dordt), Barbara Arrington, Victoria Skala.

• Who’s back: Abby Leo, DS, Jr.; Emily Vilender, S, Jr.; Aaryana Moore, OH/RH, Jr.

• Who’s new: Abigail Joritz, S/RH, Jr.; Julia Conrad, DS/L, Jr.; Alyssa Rumbuc, RH, Jr.; Alyssa Van Kuiken, MH, Jr.; Kaelyn Daniel, OH/RS, So.; Danielle Tyson, MH, So.; Lauren Jelderks, DS, Jr.; Madelyn Cruz, OH, Jr. • Outlook: A year ago the Knights put together an incredible 24-match winning streak on their way to a conference co-championship and berth in the Class 3A Illiana Christian Sectional final, accomplishments that made coach Chrissy Gust’s debut season a success. Chicago Christian will look to make more waves in 2015, though duplicating last season’s success will be a greater challenge with seven players from that 30win team having graduated. However, Gust remains confident in her three returnees and the eight rookies who’ll join them. Vilender is the team captain and viewed as the Knights’ steadiest performer, but Gust is counting on the youngsters to make a positive impression and take advantage of the opportunities presented them.

• Coach’s comment: “One of the great things is that our team this year will [also] be our team next year, yet we don’t want to just look forward to next year. We know what we have in Emily, Abby and Aaryana, and we have some very talented newcomers who are experiencing their first year of varsity. And with so many new players, it will allow me to rein the program in and incorporate my own style of coaching and how I believe the program should be.

“Having eight seniors last season in my first year, I just kind of kept [doing] what the girls were used to. This year, it will be much different. The girls are very coachable and very excited to learn and grow. Being young will have its challenges, but I believe the girls will be up to the challenge.” — Gust

Community Sports News MCAULEY’S DRIVER SIGNS LETTER OF INTENT

Briana Driver, who graduated from Mother McAuley this spring, has signed a letter of intent to continue her academic and track careers at the University of Illinois.

Driver won the Class 3A long-jump title in May with a leap of 19 feet, 7 inches at Charleston. Earlier in the season, she went 20-1 1/2 at Thornton’s Carol Urich Invitational. That jump ranked as the best prep effort nationwide at the time.

In addition to her championship, Driver took eighth in the state 100-meter dash and was a member of two top-six relay contingents.

She joined Alexandria Bryant, Rachel Funches and Evelyn Gorman to place fourth in the 800-relay and then teamed with Bryant, Ashley Bryja and Stacey Manahan to produce a sixth in the 1,600-relay.

Those finishes enabled the Mighty Macs to lock up the No. 10 position in the team standings with 22 points.

STAMPEDE HAVE ROSTER SPOTS AVAILABLE

The Palos Stampede Baseball 14U team has a few roster spots still available for the 2016 season. Players with pitching or catching experience are especially needed.

The Stampede will play a competitive schedule comprised largely of local tournaments and opposition. One tourney will take place in Milwaukee. Winter workouts begin in early January and a primary goal is to get players prepared for their high school seasons.

Players must be 14 years of age as May 1, 2016. For more information or to schedule a private tryout, contact Dan Szykowny at 906-7148 or dannyszy@yahoo.com.

HILLS HAWKS WIN CHAMPIONSHIP

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The Palos Hills Hawks 16U softball team beat the New Lenox All-Stars 8-3 to claim the NSA Land of Lincoln Rec State Championships title in Kankakee. That victory, which came after the Hawks had fallen behind 2-0 in the first inning, followed one over Portage in the semifinals and a 3-0 showing in pool play.

Comprising the Hawks’ roster were Kathy Hawkins, Abby Minervini, Marissa Bedolla, Alexa Minervini, Kassie Kawka, Morgan Moran, Urte Barauskas, Colleen Curtin, Carly Uhlir, Kayla Wetzig, Olivia Poholik and Genae Grobowski. Sam Janc, Ron Moran, Paul Wetzig and Bill Popp were the team’s coaches.

FALL BALL REGISTRATION FOR OAK LAWN BASEBALL

Oak Lawn Baseball is conducting online registration for its fall baseball and softball leagues, which begin after Labor Day and run through mid-October.

Baseball will be played at the Shetland (ages 5-6), Pinto (6-7), Mustang (8-9) and Bronco (10-11) levels while softball will feature 8U, 10U and 12U divisions. Games are scheduled for the weekends weather permitting.

Team jerseys will be provided, but players must supply their own hats, pants and socks. Registration and payment will be accepted online, but two in-person payment dates will also be held. Visit www.oaklawnbaseball.com for details.

For any questions, baseball players should contact boyspresident@ oaklawnbaseball.com and softball players should contact girlspresident@oaklawnbaseball.com.

SOUTHSIDE SHOOTERS TRYOUTS IN AUGUST

The Southside Shooters will conduct tryouts and hold an organizational meeting on Monday at Moraine Valley College’s “G” building gymnasium The tryouts are open to youngsters in grades 4-8 and will run as follows: grades 4 and 5 from 6-7 p.m.; grades 6 and 7 from 7-8; and grade 8 from 8-9. For more information, contact Bill Finn at coachfinn34@yahoo.com.

DE LA SALLE LOOKING FOR BASEBALL COACH

De La Salle Institute in Chicago is looking to fill a head-coaching vacancy with its varsity baseball team. Teaching positions are available for the 2015-16 school year.

Interested candidates should contact athletic director Tom White at (312) 842-7355, ext. 118 or white.@dls.org.

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