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

Volume LVII, No. 26

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Thursday, September 15, 2016

Chicago Ridge targets rat population Solutions offered during long meeting at packed Village Hall

By Dermot Connolly Chicago Ridge officials promised to remedy a rat problem that is concerning many residents, as evidenced by the standing-roomonly crowd at a town hall meeting on the issue Saturday morning at Village Hall.

Nathan Comanse, of Guardian Pest Control, spoke during the three-hour meeting about the work his company has done since being hired four months ago, and what residents and businesses can do to reduce the rodent population.

“Everyone has to work as a team,” he said.

Many residents became alarmed when they heard the village had closed the Royal Palace banquet facility indefinitely last week due to a rat infestation found in the basement of the building at 6254 W. 111th St. A broken dumpster behind the Pepe’s restaurant at 6336 W. 111th St. has turned into a feeding ground for rats, infuriating nearby residents who are finding rats in their yards. Other badly maintained dumpsters behind some multi-unit buildings around the village also have been blamed.

When asked how the problem at Royal Palace were allowed to get so bad, Trustee Bill McFarland

Photo by Dermot Connolly

The auditorium was filled for a town hall meeting held in Chicago Ridge Village Hall on Saturday to discuss a rat problem in the village.

said the latest available paperwork shows that an inspection of the property was done last

April. However, Trustee Bruce Quintos argued that several other documents provided to trustees

CHICAGO RIDGE

By Joe Boyle

By Dermot Connolly

See SETTLEMENT, Page 9

Submitted photo

Shepard High School students read the names of all victims who perished on Sept. 11, 2001. Perry Wilson, 17, read the names while Lily Minet and Tyler Harvey, a Worth resident, provide guard service at the 9/11 JROTC memorial ceremony held on Friday at Shepard High School in Palos Heights.

‘WE ALL MUST

Public libraries in the southwest suburbs have been adding additional programs the past few years, much to the delight of regular patrons and students.

The additional programs have been drawing more people, many of them grade-school children and teens. Security guards have been added during regular hours at most local libraries.

But some patrons have called The Reporter office wondering if the reason for that is because some disturbances have occurred at some local libraries.

Sara Kennedy, assistant director of public services at Green Hills Library, 8611 W. 103rd St., Palos Hills, said that a security guard has been on staff at the facility for the past couple of months. However, she pointed out it is not because of any specific reason or due to a specific incident.

“We have so many programs here and we are pretty busy,” said Kennedy. “We just need another body on site to help

monitor things.”

Kennedy said the Green Hills staff often has to answer questions at the front desk and they are often called away to another section of the library. She said the presence of a security guard is a benefit because the guard can help visitors while staff can respond to questions elsewhere.

“But nothing has happened,” Kennedy retiterated. “We have three floors here so we just think it is a good idea to have a security guard on hand.”

Kennedy said the security guard was hired by another company. A security guard works from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The presence of a security guard has caught the attention of some patrons, Kennedy said.

“A few people were asking us,” Kennedy said. “It’s not because of any problems. They were just curious. Some other libraries have security.”

Rose Gilman, library director at the Chicago Ridge Library, See LIBRARIES, Page 9

Shepard High School reflects on the events of 9/11

By Kelly White The administration, faculty and student body at Shepard High School in Palos Heights gathered on the school campus grounds last Friday to remember and reflect on the horrific events that shook our nation on Sept. 11, 2001.

For the fourth year in a row, the Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) at Shepard High School held a 9/11 memorial event.

JROTC is a program offered to high schools that teaches students character education, student achievement, wellness, leadership and diversity.

The 113 students in the program are under the guidance of Major Dan Johnson and Master Sergeant Chris Saberniak.

“Sept. 11 is a day we all must remember because of all the people who lost their lives,” said Paulina Witek, 16, of Worth. “I enjoyed helping out with this ceremony because we are all honoring and paying our respects to all who perished on that day. I believe this is truly beneficial for everyone.”

The U.S. was the victim of a terrorist attack on Sept. 11, 2001 that killed nearly 3,000 people and injured thousands more. Two planes crashed into the two World Trade Center buildings in New York City, and another aircraft also deliberately crashed into the Pentagon. A fourth plane crashed and killed all the passengers in Shanksville, Pa., 80 miles southeast of Pittsburgh.

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The inscription on this rock greets passersby to the Chicago Ridge Prairie at the corner of 105th and Menard. The Chicago Ridge Prairie beat the odds and became a reality as a nature preserve that borders Oak Lawn and Chicago Ridge. Story and more photos on Page 9.

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son bait his company puts outs “is only good if something eats it.

Rats aren’t really picky, but they know what they like. If they have other preferred foods available, they won’t eat bait.

“Dog feces is a fine food source for rats. It is like filet mignon for them, unfortunately,” he added, stressing the need to pick up after dogs immediately, on public streets as well as yards.

Comanse also advised against using birdfeeders, because rats and mice eat the seeds that get scattered on the ground.

He said rats live near water sources, and fixing leaky spigots and pipes would cut off access to it. He said just as with mosquito prevention, getting rid of any standing water is also helpful.

Local library staffs welcome addition of security guards

Board OKs $200,000 settlement to former police chief The Chicago Ridge Village Board at its Sept. 6 meeting approved a $200,000 payout to settle the village’s part in a Cook County court case involving former Police Chief Tim Baldermann and former Deputy Chief Dennis Kapelinski.

The vote was 5-1 to approve the settlement, with only Trustee Bruce Quintos voting against it.

“I am against the deal. I am against any settlement,” said Quintos.

The case dates back to 2010, when Baldermann left on disability and Kapelinski retired from the police department.

Tokar pointed out that the suit against the former officials was originally filed by the Police Pension Board, and the village signed on later. The Police Pension Board is seeking to amend a disability package extended to the village’s former police chief, and the retirement package awarded to Kapelinski.

The issue centers around how their final salary figures were calculated to determine their benefit packages, with the value of accrued vacation time added to the final salary figures, resulting in “pension spikes.”’

When a resident asked during public comment why the village was settling, Mayor Chuck Tokar said it would actually save the village money. “We’ve had bills of $15,000 and $17,000 per month on this,” said Tokar.

“It is almost always better to settle and get half a loaf, than maybe not get anything at all.

The court could end up ruling against us,” the mayor said.

Tokar pointed out after the meeting that Quintos was a trustee

indicate there had not been an inspection since last year. He said the information showing the April inspection was not date-stamped, and was only turned in to the village by the health inspector on Friday.

“It could be a clerical error,” McFarland said after the meeting, acknowledging that trustees were given three different documents with conflicting data about when inspections were done.

Comanse focused much of his talk on what residents can do to help solve the problem. He said preventing rats from getting access to the “food, structure and water” they need to survive is the first step.

“There are no free rides, Make life as difficult as possible for them,” he said.

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2 The Reporter

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Palos Hills Police investigating reported robbery, sexual assault Palos Hills police are investigating a reported robbery and sexual assault that occurred at about 5 a.m. Friday in the vicinity of 99th Street and 84th Avenue.

A resident of the 10300 block of South Harlem Avenue told police that she was returning home from work when a man confronted her as she got out of her car. She said he pointed a gun at her and demanded that she drive to 99th Street and 84th Avenue, where the assault occurred. He then took her purse containing her cellphone and wallet and fled on foot.

The offender was described as black, thin, 18 or 19 years old,

POLICE REPORTS Chicago Ridge DUI charge

Alan Warren, 27, of the 5700 block of West Ridgemont Lane, Chicago Ridge, was charged with aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol at 11:05 p.m. Sept. 4 in the 11100 block of South Central Avenue. Police said he registered a .240 bloodalcohol count on a breath test, three times the legal limit. He was also cited for driving without insurance, speeding and disobeying a traffic control device. He was held for a bond hearing.

Police sketch of suspect

about 5-foot-6 and 120 pounds.

He was wearing a gray hoodie and blue jeans.

Suspended licenses • Adrienne M. Mack, 33, of the 10200 block of South Ridgeland Avenue, Chicago Ridge, was charged with driving on a suspended license following a traffic stop in the 10300 block of Southwest Highway at 1:55 p.m. last Thursday. Police said she was also cited for driving without insurance and speeding. She is due in court on Oct. 12.

• Jaser Abugdairi, 37, of South Bend, Ind., was charged with driving on a suspended license following a traffic stop at 6:33 p.m. last Thursday in the 9500 block of South Nashville Avenue.

Police said he was also cited for driving without insurance, improper lane usage and improper use of special plates by a car dealer. He is due in court on Oct. 12.

• Denae Evans, 26, of the 10500 block of South Mason Avenue, Oak Lawn, was charged with driving on a suspended license following a traffic stop at 5:55 p.m. last Thursday in the 10700 block of South McVicker Avenue. Police said she was also cited for driving without insurance and speeding.

She is due in court on Oct. 12.

• Anna M. Ligas, 24, of the 7600 block of South Cork Avenue, Justice, was charged with driving on a suspended license following a traffic stop at 99th Street and Oak Park Avenue at 4:15 p.m.

Aug. 31. Police said she was also cited for disobeying a stop sign.

She is due in court on Oct. 12.

Oak Lawn Police report drunk driver arrests The Oak Lawn Police Department made 17 drunk driving arrests during the recent Labor Day crackdown.

In addition, 134 of seat belt citations were written — 77 of which occurred during nighttime hours.

“Law enforcement officers have one of the toughest jobs in the country. Day and night, 24/7, we work tirelessly to protect citizens, seeing our fair share of troubling and devastating

scenes,” said Oak Lawn Police Sgt. Michael Acke. “Drunk driving crashes are all too familiar.”

“As traffic safety partners, we do our best to make sure drivers and road users are safe. Yet there’s still so much for us to do. Help us spread the message: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” Acke said.”

The crackdown was made possible by federal highway safety funds through the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Domestic battery

Greg Washington, 29, of the 10600 block of Brooks Lane, Chicago Ridge, was charged with domestic battery following an altercation in his home at 11:30 p.m. Aug. 31. Police said a woman told them that the two had argued over tacos being made for dinner.

He allegedly spat on her 10 times.

He was held for a court hearing.

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Aggravated battery

Jerrett J. Collins, 19, was charged with felony aggravated battery charges following an altercation with staff where he worked at McDonald’s, 8715 S. Kedzie Ave., at 5 p.m. Sept. 5.

Police said he was also cited for

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block of West 87th Street, Justice, was arrested on an outstanding Hickory Hills warrant for failure to appear in court on a license charge. Police said he was held for a bond hearing. Kelly is due in court on Oct. 18.

Assault charge

Outstanding warrant

John Kenneth Schisley, 35, of Evergreen Park, was charged with misdemeanor assault after allegedly punching a man who was sitting outside his own residence in the 9500 block of South Kedzie Avenue at 6 p.m. Sept. 2.

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Westchester, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol following a traffic incident at 11 p.m. Sept. 4 in the 3900 block of West 95th Street. Police said Marsala lost control of her car and drove up on a lawn, striking a porch and causing minor damage.

Retail thefts • Ada Rachel Woodard, 19, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft at Walmart, 2500 W. 95th St., at 1:15 p.m. Sept. 2. Police said she took miscellaneous cosmetics worth $26.50. She was also cited for possession of drug equipment.

• Leah Rachel Dzendrowski, 35, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft at Walmart at 10:40 a.m. Sept. 3. Police said she took miscellaneous items, including mothballs and lightbulbs valued at $132.

• Ramiriam Gabriella Zayemeni-Jakar, 22, of Evanston, was charged with retail theft at 4 p.m.

Sept. 3. Police said she took assorted cosmetics worth $35.16.

• A man and woman from Chicago were charged with retail theft at 3 p.m. Sept. 4 at Walmart.

Police said Magdalena RomanCarillo, 29, took miscellaneous items valued at $104, while Juan Rivera Santiago, 32, took items worth $33.

• Tylisha M. Allen, 27, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft at Walmart at 2:30 p.m. last Thursday. Police said she took pajamas and other clothing worth a total of $52.

Criminal damage

Police are investigating a report of criminal damage and assault that occurred at 1 p.m. Sept. 1 at the Citgo gas station at 3601 W. 95th St. Police said a station attendant reported that an unknown man pulled a knife on him and smashed the front window before fleeing. The victim was unable to provide a description of the man or the car he drove away in.

Hickory Hills Suspended license

• Michael L. Galati, 61, was charged with felony theft at Shirey Cadillac, 10125 S. Cicero Ave., where he worked, at 10:47 a.m.

Aug. 31. Police said the chief financial officer of the dealership reported finding discrepancies in the amounts of money that Galati was writing receipts for, and turning in to the company, leading to a loss of $1,350. In one case, he allegedly accepted a $6,000 payment from a customer but only turned over $5,000 to the company. He was held for a bond hearing.

• Kimberly M. Shobe, 20, of the 8700 block of South Beck Place, Hometown, was charged with theft at 9:43 p.m. Aug. 26 at Speedway, 95th Street and McVicker Avenue. Police said she had been employed at the gas station, and was viewed on camera making fraudulent returns and taking money from the register totaling to $199.21. She is due in court on Sept. 28.

License charges • Chris Anthony Brooks, 33, was charged with driving on a revoked license following a traffic stop at 9:55 p.m. Aug. 31 in the 10600 block of South Pulaski Road. Police said he was also cited for driving with only one headlamp. He is due in court on Oct. 5.

• Kyle A. Lewis, 21, was charged with driving on a suspended license following a traffic stop at 3:46 p.m. Aug. 30 at 93rd and Keeler Avenue. Police said he was also cited for passing an unloading school bus. He is due in court on Sept. 20.

• John A. Stein, 44, was charged with driving on a suspended license following a traffic stop at 2:17 a.m. Sept. 1, at 95th Street and McVicker Avenue. Police said he was also cited for having no rear registration plate light, no insurance and improper use of registration because license plates for a different car were on it. Stein is due in court on Sept, 26. A passenger, Genny Jennifer Chez, 32, was also arrested on an outstanding warrant from Elk Grove Village for larceny. The warrant was discovered when she told police she was licensed and could take possession of the car.

with disorderly conduct following a disturbance at TGIF restaurant, 5420 W. 95th St., at 9:33 p.m. Aug. 29. Police said Hill refused to pay the bill and became verbally abusive to staff. He avoided being charged with theft of service because his wife paid the bill.

He is due in court on Sept. 27.

Vandalism

Two ceramic lawn statues and a ceramic flowerpot were found broken outside a home in the 9100 block of South Massasoit Avenue at 2:25 a.m. Sept. 1. The victims suspect that the vandalism had occurred sometime between midnight and 1:30 a.m. They said someone had rang the doorbell during that time, but left when the door wasn’t answered.

Palos Hills Drug possession

Daniel Velasquez, 49, of Palos Hills, was charged with felony possession of a controlled substance following a traffic stop at 11 p.m. Sept. 6 at 103rd Street and Roberts Road. Police said he was also cited for driving on a suspended license, no insurance, and three other traffic citations.

They said a bag containing crack cocaine was found in his possession. He was held for a bond hearing.

Car thefts • A silver Jeep was reported stolen out of a driveway in the 8100 block of Valley Drive at midnight on Sept. 7. Police said the victim reported leaving the vehicle running in the driveway while he went into his house. It was missing when he came back outside.

• A Nissan Maxima was reported stolen from the 8400 block of West 99th Terrace at 5 p.m. last Thursday. The owner of the vehicle said she parked it on the block about 8 p.m. the day before, and it was gone when she returned.

Assault report

A woman reported being threatened with a bar and punched in the back of the head by a woman in the 10300 block of South Roberts Road at midnight last Thursday. Police found and questioned the alleged offender, but no complaints were signed.

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

Area Police Departments

Chicago Ridge Evergreen Park Hickory Hills Oak Lawn Palos Hills Disorderly conduct Jermaine Hill, 34, was charged Worth

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

Inaugural Steven A. Smith Police Officer of the Year Award to be presented Sept. 20 Shortly after the sudden and tragic death of Officer Steven A. Smith on Sept. 13, 2015, the Chicago Ridge Police Department announced the formation of the Annual Steven A. Smith Officer of the Year Award.

The Chicago Ridge Police De-

partment is now inviting residents to the inaugural Steven A. Smith Police Officer of the Year Award presentation being held at the beginning of the Chicago Ridge Village Board meeting at 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 20 in the Village Hall, 10455 S. Ridgeland Ave. Ste-

ven’s mother, Lisa Smith, will be presenting the award in memory of her son.

A meet-and-greet reception following the presentation will give residents an opportunity to meet the officers and their families.

Operating Engineers Local 150 contributes $300,000 to Navy families

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Shavelle L. Brown, 20, of the 8500 block of West 87th Street, Hickory Hills, was arrested on an outstanding warrant at her home at 3:40 p.m. Monday. Police said the warrant issued on Friday was related to a previous arrest for battery and criminal damage to property. She was held for a bond hearing provide a description of the man or the car he drove away in.

Anjelica M. Marsala, 23, of Thefts

Robin Kelly, 23, of the 6600 block of West Marquette Road, Chicago, was charged with driving on a suspended license following a traffic stop at 1:05 p.m. Friday in the 7900 block of West 91st Street. Her passenger, Javon B. Nelson, 23, of the 8600

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International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 president-business manager James M. Sweeney presented a check

for $300,000 to the Navy SEALNaval Special Warfare Family Foundation at Local 150’s charity golf fundraiser in August.

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The James M. Sweeney Classic drew more than 500 golfers to four golf courses in Lemont, and the check was presented to Craig Cassel, secretary of the Foundation.

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Thursday, September 15, 2016

The Reporter

‘Hey Jude’ encore, not once, but twice

OAK LAWN VILLAGE BOARD

Trustee says problems with restaurant are being addressed

L

abor Day has passed, which brings the unofficial end of summer. When I was a kid and I arrived in the classroom the day after Labor Day, that meant summer was over.

Of course, we know that is not the case. Autumn actually arrives on Thursday, Sept. 22. Summer will be hanging around for another week and some of those days will be warm. The main difference this time of year is that the nights are cooler and the days are not as long.

For instance, I just enjoyed a weekend of music and I was not cooped up in a theater. My wife and I enjoyed the outdoors beginning on Friday for the last free concert in Burr Ridge. This particular concert was held because of a rainout during the summer.

This allowed the band Reckless an opportunity to perform and close out the outdoor concert season.

The concerts are fun and you can bring your own food and refreshments. Food also can be purchased from a local restaurant that has a Joe stand near the stage. Since these concerts are Boyle held on Friday nights, they are well attended.

I have gone there on a few occasions, and I’ve seen some of the same people anchoring down in a specific location.

Many of these people arrive in large groups with blankets, refreshments, fruit plates and deep-dish pizza. By the end of the concert, these individuals are feeling pretty good. It may have something to do with those refreshments. Reckless did not disappoint, playing a variety of music ranging from Janis Joplin, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Pat Benatar, Bruno Mars to Fall Out Boy. The band played nonstop for the scheduled hour-and-a-half and went over the limit with the expected encore. They closed out with a pretty solid rendition of “Hey Jude” that had the crowd up swaying their hands back and forth.

The majority of adults and kids who attend these concerts are not even from Burr Ridge. They are mostly from Chicago, Oak Lawn, Orland Park and Tinley Park. But that figures. Residents from the city and the southwest suburbs like to have a good time.

And that leads us to the Fall on the Green festival in Oak Lawn, which was held this past weekend adjacent to the Oak Lawn Library and Oak Lawn Municipal Center. I took some photos for our paper there on Saturday afternoon. A large crowd was already beginning to gather at the Village Green and the nearby restaurants. A beer tent was set up and included musical entertainment.

After getting a series of photos of kids playing on a variety of rides, I headed back home to prepare to come back that evening.

My wife and I arrived later in the afternoon and had a meal from one of the large group of vendors under one of the tents.

After we ate, we began to look for a seat in front of the main stage in preparation to see American English, the popular Beatles tribute band that does the fest circuit during the summer. However, we got there too late, as the majority of the seats were already taken.

I reminded my wife that we’ll have to arrive a little earlier next year. In any event, we ventured off to the right of the stage. I have ended up in the same area near the beer tent in the past and could still hear the band well. We could see half the stage, but that did not matter. I have seen American English several times.

As is always the case, we see people we know. It is good to see them because we don’t come in contact with them as often as we did in the past. They are linked to another time when their kids went to school with our kids. Sometimes I run into parents whose sons played baseball with my son. That’s what is great about these local festivals. You bump into neighbors and people you have known through the years.

American English’s performance is broken up into three parts: the early Liverpool years featuring the songs the Beatles played when they appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show; the “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” phase when the band members are dressed in the costumes featured on the iconic album cover; and the Beatles’ final years, when their hair rested on their shoulders as they played songs from “Abbey Road” and “Let It Be.” My wife and I marveled at the size of the crowd that filled the area near the stage at 95th and Cook Avenue and extended as far back as the Village Green. It is always interesting to hear which songs American English will play from the vast Beatles catalog.

Everyone was having a great time and I even managed to stroll up near the stage for the final numbers. And, of course, the band came back for an encore, much to the delight of the crowd that ranged from the middle-aged to teens.

And what was the encore? Why “Hey Jude,” of course.

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

3

Alcohol license relinquished, ‘advanced security measures’ added at Chuck E. Cheese

By Dermot Connolly

Photo by Kelly White

Claire Cushing, 3, of Evergreen Park, is working hard on her handmade cards for hospitalized children at the Evergreen Park Public Library.

Making art with heart

Local youngsters create cards for hospitalized kids

By Kelly White Evergreen Park Public Library’s youth patrons have extended their heart in a project geared towards hospitalized children.

On Sept. 7, 20 library patrons, consisting of young children and their parents, gathered at Evergreen Park Public Library, 9400 S. Troy Ave., to make handmade cards for hospitalized children.

The cards were created out of construction paper with markers, colored pencils and crayons – each with an uplifting and encouraging message written inside and a drawing on the front.

“This was a great event to get the kids actively involved in something important,” said Evergreen Park resident Colleen Cushing.

Cushing attended the event with her two children, Charlie, 5, and Claire, 3.

“This is a lot of fun,” Claire Cushing said as she sprinkled her card with glitter.

The event was free and open to the general public.

It was organized and guided

by Laura Meyer, the children’s librarian.

“Kids love to make cards and be creative so it’s fun for them to make cards for someone else,” Meyer said.

“It also gives them a chance to brighten the day of another child.”

Meyer contacted Cards for Hospitalized Kids, a nonfor-profit organization based out of Chicago. She said that the organization is an internationally recognized charitable organization that spreads hope, joy and magic to hospitalized kids across America through uplifting, handmade cards. The program has been running for five years and at the discre-

Photo by Kelly White

Charlie Cushing, 5, of Evergreen Park, is making handmade cards for hospitalized children.

tion of the organization, over 100,000 children in hospitals in all 50 states have received a personalized card through the organization thanks to volunteers like those at Evergreen Park Public Library.

Meyer personally sent the 100 handmade cards to Cards for Hospitalized Kids.

The cards did not need to be in individual envelopes and will be delivered from volunteers of the organization to hospitalized children.

“The cards were made on our fanciest construction paper cards that you’ve ever seen,” Meyer said. “This is the first time we held this event, but we are going to continue it once a month through December.”

Participants were not instructed by library staff on what to write inside of the cards; instead the staff encouraged them to be creative and unique, keeping each card happy and positive, according to Meyer.

“We just wanted to send

uplifting messages that focused on the whole child, rather than their illness,” Meyer said. “The project was unique because it gave anyone in the community an opportunity to volunteer, be crafty and do something kind for someone else.”

The cards held a variety of messages including, “You are awesome” and “Never forget how amazing you are.”

Writing a card with the message, “You are awesome” on the cover was Asiyah Arasheed, 11, of Evergreen Park.

“I chose this message because I truly believe that everyone is awesome in their own way,” Arasheed said.

“I’m having a lot of fun here today making cards for hospitalized children. I really enjoy making people happy.”

The library will hold more card-making days from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 5, Nov. 2 and Dec. 7 on the first Wednesday of the month.

The Chuck E. Cheese chain of restaurants are billed as family entertainment centers, but the Oak Lawn location at 4031 W. 95th St. has a reputation as a trouble spot. Trustee Terry Vorderer (4th) said he recently met with owners of the Texas-based company in an effort to resolve the chronic problems.

“It is a very big issue with people in my district,” said Vorderer, who reported at the village board meeting on Tuesday that since being elected three years ago, he has been working with owners of the local establishment to address the concerns.

“As a result of these meetings, advanced security measures have been incorporated,” Vorderer said.

For instance, the liquor license was voluntarily relinquished by the owners, who also have bolstered security with at least two off-duty police officers in the restaurant. Sections of seating also were removed to prevent overcrowding.

In addition, the owner of the shopping plaza where the restaurant is located pays for a police vehicle and an off-duty officer to monitor the parking lot.

“All of these items and more were instituted at the request of the village with the goal of advancing the safety and security of a place designed to attract and entertain young children and families alike. Unfortunately, while these measures were successful, they are not perfect, as evidenced by the latest incident in August,” said Vorderer.

He was referring to an incident in which a domestic dispute between customers escalated, and a man injured police officers as they were arresting him.

The trustee said that on Sept. 10, he and Mayor Sandra Bury, Village Manager Larry Deetjen, Village Clerk Jane Quinlan and the village’s legal counsel had a two-hour meeting with Chuck E. Cheese President Roger Cardinale and senior vice president Rudy Rodriguez, who arrived from Irving, Texas, for the meeting. Their attorneys and regional manager also were in attendance.

“We discussed our continued safety and security concerns for those families visiting Chuck E. Cheese and the neighboring stores, and sought real solutions to the problems plaguing this area,” Voderer said.

He said Chuck E. Cheese has agreed to retain a security consultant who will be providing his findings at the next village board meeting at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29.

“After this report is reviewed by our police department and our comments have been incorporated, the consultant will present it at the first October board meeting (Oct. 11), so the public will know that these issues will be addressed in a swift and meaningful manner,” Vorderer said.

He noted that the company owners have already promised to perform additional staff training in spotting potential trouble and taking corrective measures before things get out of control.

“In the end, the concerns of not only my constituents but all the citizens of Oak Lawn regarding this problem will not fall on deaf ears, and we will continue in our efforts to make sure this area is not only family-friendly, but also safe and secure,” Vorderer said.

Moraine Valley to host transfer workshops for IIT Tech students Students who have been left without college classes to attend due to the abrupt closing of ITT Tech on Sept. 7 can continue their education at Moraine Valley Community College.

Moraine Valley is hosting a ITT Student Transfer Workshop to assist with the switch. The next session is from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 19 at the Admissions Office, Building S,

Room S101, on the main campus, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills.

Admissions representatives and academic advisors from Moraine Valley are ready to help these

Debate-watching parties to be held at SXU

Students and residents can attend the first debate watching party from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 26 at St. Xavier University, 3700 W. 103rd St., Chicago.

The presidential debate will appear on a huge screen in McGuire Hall. Local elected officials will also be in attendance. Students and residents in attendance will learn about how national issues and how it can affect local issues.

The vice presidential debate will take place from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 4 in the fourth floor board room The next presidential debate will take place from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19 in the fourth floor board room.

Doors open at 7:15 p.m. Local elected officials will answer questions from 7:30 to 7:45 p.m. SXU students and residents can register to vote at all of the debate watching parties.

Voter registration requirements include being a U.S. citizen, must be at least 18 years old by Election Day, and need to be a resident of the precinct at least 30 days prior to the election. Students and residents should also bring two forms of identification with at least one showing of the current residence. A

Social Security card is also valid.

For a link to the State Board of Election’s page to vote in Illinois, go to https://www.elections.il.gov/ Downloads/ElectionInformation/ PDF/registervote.pdf

Light refreshments will also be available at all the parties. All SXU students and residents interested in watching the debates on the SXU campus need to register by emailing newsroom@sxu.edu.

students with transferring to the college without wasting time or money.

ITT Tech students also can learn more about becoming a Moraine Valley student, submit

specific questions or complete an online application at morainevalley.edu/itt.

4 The Reporter

Our Neighborhood

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Huge crowds enjoy Fall on the Green in Oak Lawn More activities for the kids, along with a wide array of food and entertainment, were among the highlight of the 21st annual Fall on the Green festival held this past weekend in Oak Lawn.

Slides, a Euro-bungee, an obstacle course, the wrecking ball and wall climbing were available for kids of all ages. The arts

and crafts tent featured 55 vendors. A senior hospitality tent was added this year, and bingo was played there. The fest also featured an auto showcase and business tents.

A tent also was provided for teens to hang out in. For all the young kids, several inflatables and a tattoo and sticker table

were available.

Fall on the Green also offered musical entertainment all weekend. 7th Heaven performed Friday night and American English, the popular Beatles tribute band, performed on the main stage Saturday night before a huge crowd.

The 21st annual Fall on the Green festival drew A mom and her daughter visit the Fall on the Green at 95th and Cook Avenue Saturday afternoon. large crowds last weekend in Oak Lawn.

This youngster is having a great time on the Euro-bungee, in which kids of all ages could sit in a chair attached to a swinging bungee, at the Fall on the Green festival.

This youngster has fun going down a slide at the section that included rides for kids Saturday afternoon at the annual Fall on the Green near the Oak Lawn Municipal Center.

This girl is about to reach the top of the climbing wall, one of several activities for kids, at the annual Fall on the Green festival in Oak Lawn.

Fifty-One Lincoln performs Saturday afternoon in the beer tent at Fall on the Green.

Photos by Joe Boyle

Palos Market welcomes back Camille’s Confections Camille’s Confections, located at 12216 S. Harlem Ave. in Palos Heights, will join the Palos Heights Farmers Market Community Tent on Wednesday, Sept. 21.

Camille’s Confections sells homemade toffee in half- and full-pound packages and made with real butter in a variety of flavors. The Original Handmade English Toffee will be available at the market, but many other varieties are available. They include Coconut Macadamia Dark Chocolate and White Chocolate Cranberry Almond. Camille’s is now taking orders for Thanksgiving and Christmas, corporate gift giving, hostess, teacher, family gifts, and more.

The Palos Heights Library will also be a guest of the Sept. 21 Community Tent. Library staff will be at the market from 10 a.m. to noon to register Palos Heights residents for new library cards.

September is Library Card Signup month and all new cardholders will be entered into a drawing to win a $25 Target gift card. Additional Library giveaways will also take place.

The Palos Heights Library Story Hour will now take place at the library. The market would like to thank the library for entertaining and enriching the children at the

market all summer long.

Beautiful large mum plants in a large variety of colors are available while supplies last. The mums and many other fall perennial plants can be found at the Hiemenz Nursery tent.

Great fall fruits and vegetables are at the market every week. Stop by and pick up everything you need for back to school lunches.

Samples of available produce include apples, apricots, plums, peaches, berries, melons, tomatoes, lettuces, kale, spinach, radishes, kohlrabi, beets, summer and fall squashes, carrots, cucumbers, mushrooms, green and wax beans, various onions, green and red cabbage, cucumbers, corn, many colors of peppers, eggplant and more can be purchased very week.

Other food products available include breads, bakery, pies and noodles, cheeses, eggs, butter, olive oils and vinegars, jams and local honey, beef, pork, bacon, sausages and chicken, salsas, pasta sauces and Italian peppers, three different varieties of ready to eat tamales, pizza and pizza products, ready to bake pizza, pesto, and organic and vegan frozen vegetable patties and wraps, soups, desserts and peppers. Finally, pick up everything you need for fall gatherings, back to school, or football

tailgate parties at Pampered Chef.

LINK cards are accepted at the Palos Heights Farmers Market.

New in 2016, the Palos market is offering “Palos Bucks Double Value” on all LINK transactions, while sponsorship dollars are available.

The market is proud to announce that it is the recipient of a LINK UP Illinois USDA Grant, for the support of the promotion of the Palos Heights Farmers Market LINK program. Recipients must stop at the City Tent to start the process. While at the City Tent, pick up or have endorsed your “Frequent Shopper Card.” Ten card endorsements will enter you into a year-end market raffle held on Oct. 12 at noon.

Bring a canned food donation (fruit, vegetable or protein only), or donate fresh fruit or vegetables from the market, and double credit will be given to your Frequent Shopper Card. In addition, Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program and WIC Farmers Market Coupons are accepted at all farmers’ tents. The coupons are available for lowincome seniors, and are good for fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs at farmers markets.

The market is partnering with Dr. John Principe MD of WellbeingMD Center for Life for the 2016 “Recipes of the Week.”This week’s recipe is “Butternut Squash Hummus.” Stop by the City Tent to pick up this week’s recipe along with previous summer recipes. In addition, all previous recipes can be found at www.WellbeingMD. com, or at www.palosheights.org.

The market would like to thank this year’s Palos Heights Farmers Market Sponsors. They include Dr. John Principe, MD of Wellbeing MD Center for Life, The Private Bank, BMO Harris Bank, CNB Bank and Trust, United Trust Bank, Palos Heights Mayor Bob Straz, Running for Kicks, Bon A Pit, Golden Shoes and Type Concepts Inc. Additional information about the Palos Heights Farmers Market can be found at www. palosheights.org, by calling 708361-1800, Facebook or email farmersmarket@palosheights.org — Palos Heights Farmers Market

Compiled by Joe Boyle

News and events from our archives

Worth teens take YMCA trip for ‘Urban Exposure’ • 50 years ago

From the Sept. 15, 1966 issue The story: Worth teenagers Pam Hickey and Gene Ricketts joined other suburban teens and took part in the “Urban Exposure Program” sponsored by the Southwest YMCA in Oak Lawn.

Hickey and Ricketts are both juniors at Richards High School in Oak Lawn. The purpose of the program is to give teenagers first-hand experience in observing everyday life in Chicago.

Both Hickey and Ricketts hand never lived in the city.

Guests also included teens from Indiana, Ohio and Virginia. The students took buses from Oak Lawn Community High School to YMCAs in the city. They had an opportunity to meet and talk to kids from Chicago.

The quote: “I thought those kids were great,” said Ricketts. “They enjoy the same activities we do, have the same ideas on many things, and were a lot of fun.”

Stagg receives national award; D230 reps meet president • 25 years ago

From the Sept. 12, 1991 issue The story: A team of three District 230 representatives will accept Stagg High School’s national Award of Excellence this month at the White House.

Stagg Principal Jim Naylor, District 230 Supt. Ronald Barnes and School Board President John Novosel will accept the award on Sept. 25 from President George Bush. Stagg was one of 222 high schools nationally to win a Secondary Schools Recognition Award from the U.S. Department of Education. The department annually selects schools “that are continuing to concentrate on improvements and meeting the needs of students,” according to District 230 spokesperson Jim Sibley.

The quote: “Just applying for the award was good for us to go through,” said Naylor. “It gave us a sense that we’re doing some pretty good things, and it let us look at areas where we have to improve. You don’t have a chance to do that too often in the daily bustle of school.”

Shepard High School celebrates 30th anniversary • 10 years ago

From the Sept. 14, 2006 issue The story: Alumni, faculty and staff administrators came together to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Shepard High School in Palos Heights. A dinner-dance and an evening of music were held in the school gym.

Alumni and present and former staff members reminisced about the first year of the school in 1976. Astronaut Alan B. Shepard appeared at the building’s dedication ceremony. The ceremony took place in the school gym, where Shepard was presented with a ceremonial key to the building.

During a short speech, Shepard said he was delighted that the school was named in his honor.

He encouraged students to set their goals high. The ceremony came 15 years after Shepard piloted Freedom 7 through 15 minutes of sub-orbital flight on May 5, 1961, making him the first American astronaut in space.

The quote: I remember seeing him as a man with such courage, such confidence,” said Dan Byrne, an English teacher at Shepard. “In person you could literally see it. It was visible in the way he walked and talked. That’s what we saw. He wasn’t egotistical. He was just a confident, courageous man.”

Thursday, September 15, 2016

The Reporter

WHATIZIT?

Hickory Hills approves small tax hike for homeowners

By Sharon L. Filkins

Hickory Hills homeowners will see only an 0.7 percent increase in their property tax bill next year following the city council’s approval of an ordinance levying taxes for fiscal year May 1, 2016 ending April 30, 2017.

A recent report from the Cook County Clerk’s Office stated the 0.7 percent increase is the lowest increase since the Tax Cap Law began over 20 years ago.

City Attorney Vince Cainkar stated that traditionally homeowners would see a 4.9 percent increase in their real estate Taxes but the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL), also known as the Tax Cap Law, limits the increase in revenue that districts may collect to the rate of inflation.

According to a June 13 press release from the Cook County Clerk’s office, a tax bill is based on the amount of money sought from taxing districts (the levy), the property’s assessed value, the state equalization factor and the applicable tax rate.

It stated further that in most

Submitted photos

Retiring Sgt. Gary Kolnar (left) is congratulated by Chief Al Vodicka during the Hickory Hills City Council meeting last Thursday. Right: Vodicka welcomes Glenn Tienstra to the position of sergeant.

cases, districts this year were limited to an increase equal to the 2015 Consumer Price Index (CPI) of 0.8 percent. Home Rule districts, debit obligations, other special purpose funds, and value derived from new property and terminated Tax Increment Financing (TIFs) Districts are exempt from this limitation.

In other action, the council voted unanimously to change the Hickory Hills Employee Health Insurance provider from Blue Cross/Blue Shield to Aetna. The action came following a lengthy discussion in a specially called meeting of the Committee of

the Whole, held just prior to the regularly scheduled council meeting.

Mayor Mike Howley said the decision involved considerable input from the employees.

“We believe this change will provide a significant saving for our employees. We have asked them to document their experience with this new company during this first year so that we can evaluate its performance at the end of the year.”

On another matter, Police Chief Al Vodicka presided over a swearing-in of Glenn Tienstra to the position of sergeant.

Vodicka said Tienstra, who started with the department in 2001, worked as an undercover agent for 11 years.

“During those years, he worked on assignments with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Bureau and the Immigration/Customs Enforcement. Working with the FBI and ATF, he helped coordinate one of the largest drug busts and confiscations in the county.

With his background and experience, we are very happy to have him in this new role in our department.”

Tienstra replaces Sgt. Gary Kolnar, who retired after 26 years and served as Juvenile Specialist, teaching the DARE program for 15 years.

“Sgt. Kolnar has been a valuable asset to our department and dedicated to serving our community,” said Vodicka. “I believe I can safely say that he took the most pleasure out of serving as DARE officer through the years.

We are going to miss him.”

Kolnar was present and received a standing ovation from the council and the audience.

5

Photo by Joe Boyle

The clue for this week’s Whatizit photo quiz is: Behind terrace.

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

Last week’s Whatizit proved to be a stumper. We did have some readers who responded, but they were unable to identify the Worth Park District Terrace Centre, 11500 S. Beloit Ave. This is where Worth residents go to have their questions answered about a variety of programs. Many events also take place there.

Worth residents Carol and Jerry Janicki were the only readers to answer correctly.

The Worth Museum is located in this building and features years of history about the town that is known at the “Friendly Village.” We thought some readers would have recalled that the Worth Days festival took place last month just next door to the Terrace Centre near the baseball field and along the boat launch.

SUDOKU

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

EVERGREEN PARK Evergreen Park residents can view unclaimed bicycles

Evergreen Park residents who have lost bicycles in 2016 may view unclaimed bicycles for identification of ownership from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays through Oct. 15 at the police department, 9420 S. Kedzie Ave. The Evergreen Park Police Department offers this opportunity annually, as a goodfaith effort to identify, locate and give notice to owners of unclaimed bicycles. Residents will be required to provide an accurate and detailed description of their missing bicycles, as well as a serial number and/or receipt for the found bike. After Oct. 15, any unclaimed bicycles will be donated to charity.

More information may be obtained by contacting Evidence Control Officer Rizzo at (708) 229-8180.

HICKORY HILLS Hickory Hills Park District Fall Fest planned for kids

The Hickory Hills Park District Fall Festival will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24 at Kasey Meadow Park, 8047 W. 91st Place, Hickory Hills.

Advance registration is $4 for children 1 to 2 years old, and $10 for children ages 3 to 12 and teens ages 13 and up. The fee for adults is $2. Pre-registration ends at 5 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 23. Tickets can be purchased at the Cynthia Neal Center, 8047 W. 91st Place, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Registration at the fest is $12 for all ages.

Activities for kids include pony rides, inflatable monster truck bounce, giant inflatable double side, berry-go-round, frog hopper, petting zoo, pie eating contest, ice cream madness, golf fish toss and face painting.

OAK LAWN Oak Lawn Garden Club to meet and will plant tree

The Oak Lawn Garden Club, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary, will gather for a meeting at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept.

22 at the Oak View Center, 4625 W. 110th St., Oak Lawn.

The guest speaker will be Nancy Schumm, author, photographer, environmentalist of “Pioneer Gardens,” who will show club members flowers and plants that were used by pioneer women. At noon, members will proceed to Little Wolfe Wildlife, 109th Street and Laramie Avenue, for a tree planting ceremony making the club’s 60th anniversary.

More extensive history is available on the Oak Lawn Garden Club’s website at www. oaklawngardenclub.org.

St. Linus Parish to hold annual ‘Hawktoberfest’

The sixth annual St. Linus “Hawktoberfest 2016” will be held from 4 to 11 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 17 under the big top tent on Hawk Field, which is located on the school grounds at 10400 S. Lawler Ave., Oak Lawn.

Musical entertainment will be provided by Elsie Harrigan, a St. Linus alum, at 4 p.m., and Vitto Zatto, a Vegas style singer at 6 p.m. Audiomatic will perform at 8 p.m. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

Activities for kids include jumpees, games and street hockey. For adults, there will be a beer tent, raffles and music. Tickets are $10 per person in advance of $15 per person at the door.

Tickets are available in the rectory or on the website at www.stlinusoaklawn.org/hawktoberfest/

Oak Lawn film group to view, discuss classic ‘Red River’

CineVerse, the Oak Lawn Park District’s weekly film discussion group open to anyone age 17 and over, will screen and discuss Howard Hawks’ classic 1948 western “Red River” from 7 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Sept 21 at the Oak View Community Center, 4625 W. 110th St., Oak Lawn.

Members should check the building signage

for the correct room number. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 529-9028 or visit cineversegroup.blogspot.com.

Splash pad is still open at Centennial Aquatic Center

Both pools are closed for the summer, but the Centennial Aquatic Center’s splash pad, 9401 S. Nashville Ave, Oak Lawn, is open and can be attended free from 9 a.m. to dusk daily, weather permitting.

Spray pads are also available at Sullivan Park, 99th Street and Kostner Avenue; Wolfe Wildlife Refuge Center, 109th Street and Laramie Avenue; and Worthbrook Park, 89th Place and Ridgeland Avenue, in Oak Lawn.

Oak Lawn Bible Church welcomes prospective new members

Prospective new members will be welcomed at 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 25 in the Oak Lawn Bible Church parlor, 9345 S. 54th Ave. Senior Pastor Rob Wheeler will lead a class for new members of the church, anyone considering becoming a member, or residents who want more information about the church. The class will focus on core Christian doctrine and the beliefs of the Oak Lawn Bible Church.

The class will take place over six consecutive Sundays. No fee will be accepted but registration is required. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 857-9800.

Fall Fest to be held at Pilgrim Faith Church

The annual Fall Fest will be held beginning at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1 at Pilgrim Faith United Church of Christ, 9411 S. 51st Ave., Oak Lawn.

The fest will include an outdoor playground and fire pit area behind the church. Homemade chili, hot dogs, s’mores, hot chocolate and apple cider will be provided. Games will be held for all ages. A bonfire will also be held. A freewill donation will be accepted.

AWANA CLUB program begins at Oak Lawn Bible Church

The AWANA Club has begun with sessions scheduled from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the Oak Lawn Bible Church, 9345 S. 54th Ave., Oak Lawn.

Children from preschool through fifth grade can participate in Cubbies, Sparks and Truth and Training groups. Sixth-graders through high school-age students can join UNITE. Children need not be members of the church to attend. Small dues are required for participation in AWANA An adult Bible Study also meets from 7 to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays and welcomes the parents and guardians of those children attending AWANA. For more information about Oak Lawn Bible Church, visit the website at oaklawnbible.org, like them on Facebook, call the church at (708) .857-9800 or email info@oaklawnbible.org.

Free seminar on suicide prevention to be held at Pilgrim Faith Church

NAMI Southwest is sponsoring a free seminar at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18 at Pilgrim Faith United Church of Christ, 9411 S. 51st Ave. Karen Shockley, MS, LCPC, the director of the Counseling Center at St. Xavier University, will speak about “QPR: Gatekeeper Training for Suicide Prevention.” This program teaches the warning signs of a suicide crisis and helps train participants on how to respond appropriately. In the U.S today, suicide is the second leading cause of death in youth between the ages of 15 and 24. It is estimated more than 90 percent of people who die by suicide have an underlying mental illness. Each day, 18 to 22 veterans die by suicide, according to the NAMI.

PALOS HILLS Sacred Heart to hold Vendor Fair/Ladies Night Out

The annual Sacred Heart Parish CCW Fall

Vendor Fair/Ladies Night Out will be held from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23 at the parish’s Ministry Center, 8245 W. 111th St., Palos Hills.

Featured will be over 30 direct sales vendors who will be on hand to assist guests.

Vendors will be providing demonstrations throughout the evening to showcase the latest trends in fashion, makeup, household items and more.

Appetizers, concessions, beverages, raffle prizes and more to be had at this first Ladies Night Out. Residents can follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ events/1103487493063236/.

WORTH Family Fall Fest to be held at Gale Moore Park

The annual Family Fall Fest will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24 at Gale Moore Park, 10901 S. Nordica Ave., Worth.

Residents can go on hayride through the park or see how they can launch a minipumpkin from the sling shot. Family members can pick up a pumpkin in the pumpkin patch, or search for money and candy at the “Penny in the Haystack.”

The Kiddie Run for children ages 3 to 11 can also take part in the short foot race at the Fall Family Fest. Awards will be given for first through third place in each age division with T-shirts being presented to all participants on a first come, first served basis. The Kiddie Run begins at 12:15 p.m. with check-in at 11:30 a.m. The registration fee is $10 for residents and $15 for nonresidents by Friday, Sept. 16. The fee is $15 for residents and $20 for non-residents on the day of the race.

Food will be available along with crafts.

Admission is free. For more information on the Family Fall Fest and other Worth Park District programs and services, call (708) 448-7080 or visit the park district’s website at www.worthparkdistrict.org.

Answers on Page 7

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Marrs-Meyer AL Post to hold last summer concert

The Marrs-Meyer American Legion Post 991 will hold its last outdoor concert for the summer from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept 17 on the post grounds, 11001 S. Depot Ave, Worth.

The band Ed Wood will perform. Drinks and food will be provided. Raffles will also be held. The concert will take place rain or shine.

Senior Lunch Bunch plans next outing

The Worth Park District Senior Lunch Bunch will travel to Chuck’s BBQ in Darien on Wednesday, Sept. 21.

Transportation is provided by the Worth Park District. The menu will be made available at the time of registration. The lunch bunch takes trips to local restaurants each month. The group will leave on the park district’s min-bus from the Worth Terrace Centre, 11500 S. Beloit Ave., at 10:30 a.m.

The expected return is at 2 p.m.

The registration fee is $8 for residents and $12 for non-residents. For more information on the Senior Lunch Bunch and other Worth Park District programs and services, call (708) 448-7080. Residents can also visit the park district’s website at www.worthparkdistrict. org.

Teen Movie Night to be held at Terrace Centre

A Teen Movie Night will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23 at the Worth Park District’s Terrace Centre, 11500 S. Beloit Ave. Guests can also bring a friend. Popcorn will be provided during the PG-13 rated movie.

The registration fee is $1 for residents and $2 for non-residents. The registration deadline is Friday, Sept. 16.

For more information on the Teen Movie Night and other Worth Park District programs and services, call (708) 448-7080 or visit the park district’s website at www.worthparkdistrict.org

ACROSS 1 Visits 8 Legal test, familiarly 14 Reporter’s needs 15 Punk rock surname 16 Like some watches 18 Cost-of-living fig.

19 Feed in a bag 20 “Am __ the right track? ” 22 Bath floater 26 Gumbo veggie 27 Nylons, fishnets, etc.

28 Petty squabbles 29 Penny-__ 30 “I’ll have another” responder 34 Neon, or fuel for a Neon 35 Patchwork plaything 36 Public image, briefly 39 Freaked out 40 One-eighties 41 Freak out 44 Shows proof of 46 Player with a record 14 100-RBI seasons 47 Running a marathon may be on it 50 ‘90s “SNL” regular Meadows 51 “__ Jim” 52 Knack for snappy comebacks 53 Project suggested by the starts of 16-, 22-, 35- and 47-Across 59 River through Toledo 60 Hall who won on “Celebrity Apprentice” in 2012 61 Linen closet stack 62 Jones with a diary

DOWN

1 Cincinnati-to-Nashville dir.

2 Shelley’s “__ Skylark” 3 Pariahs 4 Private school student 5 Parchment user 6 Atmo- kin 7 “Ash Wednesday” poet’s monogram 8 __ by fire 9 Speed 10 Ambulance VIPs 11 Fluffy scarf 12 Golfer Sorenstam, who was among the first women to become honorary members of St Andrews golf club in February 2015 13 Comeback 17 More than sniffle 21 “One Mic” rapper 22 Carpet type 23 The last Mrs. Chaplin 24 __ renewal 25 How some wines are sorted 26 Facing: Abbr.

28 Pommes frites sprinkling 31 Nutritional stat 32 Coin for Putin 33 …cole attendee 35 Korean soldier 36 Speaking from memory 37 Spud sprouts 38 Furtive attention-getter 39 Saturn, for one 40 Like sketchbook paper 41 Collected dust 42 Rainbow makers 43 Big brass output 45 Formal admission 47 Lisa of “Enemy of the State” 48 They can be hard to fight 49 Atlanta-based health agcy.

51 Sherbet flavor 54 Repent 55 Photo __ 56 Throw too low, say 57 Merkel’s “never” 58 Captured Answers on Page 7

6 The Reporter

COMMENTARY

THE

Thursday, September 15, 2016

REPORTER

An Independent Newspaper Amy Richards Publisher

Joe Boyle Editor

Published Weekly Founded March 16, 1960

Ray Hanania

Nation’s biggest challenge is credit card debt

Lesson from 9/11: We must not live in fear

T

he 15th anniversary of 9/11 has come and gone, but the effects of that tragic day will continue to be felt for years to come.

Before Sept. 11, 2001, the world was a different place. Television commercials before 9/11 for airline companies emphasized how fast they would get passengers through the airport for a flight. We don’t see commercials like that anymore. Americans have become accustomed to waiting in long lines to have their baggage checked.

Anyone who is going to be a passenger on a plane these days will arrive at least two hours before their flight is scheduled to depart.

That is the new normal. No more rushing through airports. This is due to tighter security at airports because of the terrorists who crashed two planes into the World Trade Center Twin Towers, as well as the aircraft that crashed into the Pentagon and the fourth plane that crashed in Shanksville, Pa. All this happened on Sept. 11, 2001. This was the first time this nation was attacked on American soil. It was a shocking event.

Who could be responsible for such vile acts? Many Americans were either going to school or to work that Tuesday morning 15 years ago. The first plane hit at 7:46 a.m. Central time. Many of us may have heard about it on TV or our car radios as we went to work.

Many of us probably assumed it was an accident involving a small plane. But when the second plane hit the World Trade Center less than 15 minutes later, we started to take notice. Many of us rushed to TVs if we had them at work. If we were at home, we tuned in because someone called us. Even after seeing the smoke gushing out of the buildings, it was difficult to register what was happening.

A few minutes later, one live report showed a giant hole in the Pentagon, with smoke rising into the air. Seasoned broadcaster Peter Jennings was quiet as the footage was shown on our TV screens. He seemed momentarily stunned before stating that he was not sure what he was looking at. He also reported about the plane crashing in Shanksville. He did not know if it was related to what we’d already witnessed.

We were attacked and did not know why or by whom. It was only later in the morning that the name of Osama bin Laden was mentioned, due to similar attacks overseas. But none of those attacks reached the magnitude of what took place on 9/11. Nearly 3,000 people died as a result of those attacks. Most of those people were Americans, but others among the fatalities were from different countries. The world collectively shed tears on 9/11.

We could go on and on about how this could have been prevented. The U.S. government was quite aware of bin Laden’s influence and recent attacks that were attributed to him. He was the subject of an ABC-TV report, and in the late 1990s he was mentioned in one magazine as being the “most dangerous man in the world.”

In any event, after the shock wore off following the attacks, many Americans became angry. All of a sudden, everyone knew who bin Laden was. But the black cloud of 9/11 continues to cover us even after the killing of bin Laden in 2011. Unfortunately, some American fears resulted in blaming or assuming some residents had ties to al-Qaeda or that they couldn’t be trusted. Sometimes our fears spark ignorance. Blaming residents who have nothing to do with terrorism is the result of those fears that still stem from 9/11.

The effects of those terrorist attacks had a negative impact on businesses, and many closed as a result of 9/11. Whether you agree or disagree with our subsequent invasion of Iraq, it occurred because of 9/11. Many legislators were pressured to vote to approve the invasion because the Bush administration was convinced that Iraq was involved in the 9/11 attacks.

Some legislators, community leaders and even celebrities had their patriotism questioned when they disagreed with plans to invade Iraq. History has told us that Iraq did not have anything to do with the 9/11 invasion. But many Americans were passionate about bringing down terrorism. While a growing number of Americans may have disagreed with the invasion, the invasion happened because of 9/11.

We had plenty of heroes after 9/11. First responders from across the nation arrived in New York to assist in looking for survivors and to clean up the debris in New York. Many citizens helped others to safety after the Twin Towers were hit. We also heard of stories of compassion and helping others across the country in the wake of 9/11.

We were shaken as a nation on 9/11, and many of us remain wary. But we must continue to resist living in fear. We think most Americans continue to defy these acts of hate. Those are the lessons we all should have learned from those terrorist attacks 15 years ago.

Fall can be filled with dining, outdoor fun Fall is just around the corner, and some residents view the coming months as a time of retreat — a period in which residents will remain indoors as the weather takes a turn for the worst.

If we have noticed anything the past couple of years, the weather has been unpredictable. It’s something the Chicago area is known for. While some of our readers might spend more time indoors as summer comes to a close, that does not mean there is nothing to do in the southwest suburbs.

We suggest venturing outdoors for a night of dining or to take a walk through the many parks in the area. Autumn days can be brisk, but plenty of warm days are still ahead.

In an Evergreen Park Village Board meeting story that appeared in The Reporter on Sept. 8, it was reported that two ordinances were approved at the session, with one benefiting an existing restaurant. Residents can have something different at Thithi’s, a Thai, Vietnamese and French cuisine dining establishment at 91st and Kedzie Avenue. The other restaurant that received approval was Wu’s, a Japanese steak house that is under construction at 95th Street and Sacramento Avenue.

We have many places where residents can get plenty of good food. We mention these two Evergreen Park restaurants as an example of what these owners think of the southwest suburbs. The owners of these establishments see a demand by residents for a night out at a local restaurant. Colder weather will not deter our readers from enjoying good food and having a good time.

All you have to do is drive up and down 95th Street in Evergreen Park, Oak Lawn and Hickory Hills and find numerous options, from bakeries to chain restaurants to establishments that serve breakfast only. And we know there are many good dining experiences to be had in our other communities.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Monday for the Chicago Ridge Prairie, land that was purchased by the Oak Lawn Park District that is actually in Chicago Ridge. In a story featured in this edition of The Reporter, it is mentioned that the prairie has a path that stretches just under a mile that allows residents to walk along and see unique plants on land that was once a dump site. We suggest residents drop by 105th and Menard and go for a stroll.

And just this past Wednesday, the new Carson’s opened its doors for the first time to an eager crowd of customers. This is the first phase of retail shops and restaurants that will be built to replace The Plaza.

Summer may be ending, but fall could be sizzling in the southwest suburbs if you give it a chance.

remember the JFK assassination. I remember the 9/11 terrorism. And, I remember the very first time I used a credit card. How many people remember that?

The Vietnam War ended and I had been transferred to an Air National Guard base in Peoria.

When I got home to Burbank, I borrowed my mom’s car to drive to Peoria. She gave me a plastic card and she explained I could use it to get gasoline from Shell.

Wow, how the world changed since I left to join the fight against the Commie bastards!

The tank was filled and I jumped in without thinking — pretty much the same way we got into the Vietnam War, and later the Iraq War. I drove to Peoria. On the way back, I passed a Shell Station outside of Pontiac.

I didn’t fill up the tank, the owner did. And he checked the oil and cleaned the windshield, too — something only homeless people do these days. The gas cost $6 and I handed him the plastic card. A few minutes later, he returned and said it didn’t work.

I was in uniform, and that buzz cut was still fresh down the back of my neck. Turned out the owner served during World War II. He told me I could mail the money when I got home. And I did, as soon as I got home — with a letter explaining how much I appreciated his courtesy, and his respect, which came from trust.

Little did I know that paying off credit card debt would soon become a life-long struggle, like trying to lose weight, and trust would become a thing of the past.

Credit card debt is our biggest challenge not only for individuals but for the entire country. Credit cards have taught us to mortgage the future, something, as it turns out, government does all too well.

Credit cards let us buy what we can’t afford. Usually junk we don’t really need.

If I could tell one thing to young people, it’s to avoid using a credit card.

If I could tell one thing to congressmen — as if they would listen — I would say crack down on credit card interest rates. They are really out of line.

The other day I got this expensively designed letter and costly brochure from Discover that lavished praise and played to my ego. I have a great credit rating. (Why do they get to know more about my credit history than I do?)

They begged, pleaded and cajoled me to sign up for their card. They even offered me no interest for six months.

Buried deep in all of it was the interest rate they would charge: 25 percent. Gangsters don’t charge “25 percent.”

Credit card companies can charge outrageous interest, even though the average consumer barely earns 1/2 percent on their savings accounts.

Actually, our “savings account” is really money we give to the bank for “protection.”

Gangsters call it “pizzo.” They charge us to use our money so they can make huge profits. It’s a twisted “protection racket.”

If all things were equal, the bank should ONLY be allowed to charge five percent above the federal prime interest rate (3.5 percent today).

The banks are gangsters. Like Columbian drug killer Pablo Escobar and Mexican murderer El Chapo Guzman, the bankers give huge amounts of money to the politicians so the politicians can protect their interests, not the interests of the people.

We must change that. Why do we care more about helping foreign countries than helping our own people?

Why is the issue of immigration more important than credit card debt?

I miss that moment in time when two strangers could meet as “Americans” with a shared purpose and goal based on a sense of courtesy, respect and trust.

That’s true patriotism. Caring about fellow Americans and addressing the real problem we face in this country — mounting credit card debt.

Mounting government debt. Mortgaging the future of our children to give political insiders huge pensions to secure their future while the rest of us struggle with barely enough to survive.

Give me a leader who truly cares about that!

I America’s wars: We never really leave

By Glenn Mollette President Obama said on Sept. 6 that the United States will spend $90 million over the next three years to clear unexploded bombs dropped on Laos during the Vietnam War. A decade ago we began spending $2.5 million a year to $15 million this year.

During the Vietnam War, America spent nine years bombing Laos with the goal of blocking supplies to Vietnam and fighting communist forces in northern Laos.

Our bombing effort left tens of millions of unexploded cluster bombs. These bombs are about the size of a baseball.

During the nine-year bombing, we conducted 580,000 missions over Laos and dropped over 270 million cluster bombs on this neutral country. An estimated 80 million of the cluster bombs failed to detonate and thousands have been killed since 1973 when we ended the bombing.

We need to clean our mess up in Laos.

This is good news for that tiny country.

It’s not so great news for America.

Our war expenditures continue to be bad news for America — $90 million out the window for more international efforts.

We have communities all over our country with dilapidated schools, outdated or unsafe water supplies, desperate economies and yet we take from our own people to spend more and more overseas.

How much more will we spend in Southeast Asia? The numbers are worse than horrific: 58,220 Americans died, 153,303 were wounded and 1,643 missing.

It is estimated that up to 300,000 Vietnam veterans committed suicide and approximately 700,000 soldiers suffered psychological trauma.

The Vietnam War cost us almost $100

billion in today’s dollars; this doesn’t include the $350 billion up to $900 billion in veterans’ benefits and interest. Because of the Vietnam War, the American economy suffered. The 1960s were a great economic growth time in this country that spiraled to an economic crisis in the 1970s.

Since Vietnam we have spent trillions on Iraq and Afghanistan. Just in Iraq over 4,400 U.S. service personnel were killed directly. The numbers again are brutal; 32,223 troops were injured and 134,000 civilians killed directly. 655,000 persons died in Iraq since the invasion who would have not died if we had not have invaded the country.

America spent $1.7 trillion in war expenses. We gave $75 billion to American subcontracting companies, largest of all Halliburton. We aren’t done in Iraq. We still have military personnel deployed and some of our military leadership looks back and wishes we had kept a stronger presence. Therefore, because of ISIS, we will never leave Afghanistan.

It just seems like we can never really leave. How many places can we go and maintain an American military presence?

Currently, we have 662 military bases in 38 countries. Many of these bases are very small, yet we are there. How long can we really afford to maintain so much military and American efforts throughout the world?

There is so much to do in America. I’m not against helping other people, but we are way overboard. We can’t afford to pay our retirees what we promised and we are in a medical crisis.

Helping Laos is not the wrong gesture.

It just proves that we never really leave.

Glenn Mollette is a syndicated columnist and the author of 11 books.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

U.S. symbols of unity represent commitment to freedom The flag of the United States, the Star Spangled Banner, the Pledge of Allegiance, the Liberty Bell, the Statue of Liberty.

These national symbols represent over two centuries of our nation’s struggles with freedom from oppression from foreign governments and their influences to provide protection for the American people from enslavement Both U.S. citizens and non-citizens have fought and died in unpopular wars so our nation could live with freedoms that are not universal to all countries. In times of war our nation’s young men have been drafted into the Armed Forces and served honorably and others have died in service to their country.

The Sept.11, 2001 attack on our nation’s citizens so affected Arizona Cardinals safety Pat Tillman, 27, that he left a multi-million dollar NFL career to join the

Army. He became a sergeant in an Army Rangers unit in Afghanistan. Tillman felt NFL football was secondary to a sense of honor and duty in service to his country.

He never returned to NFL football as he was killed in a firefight on combat patrol on April 22, 2004 in Afghanistan.

NFL San Francisco ‘49s quarterback Colin Kaepernick as a player gives a completely opposite impression to Tillman’s sense of honor and duty “that these honored dead have not died in vain.” During our nation’s course of history, there have been countless unpopular sides, but as a nation there is strength in unity.

Regardless of these issues, Americans know that our nation’s symbols have withstood the test of time and are there for all to use honorably.

— Dan Dwornik, Palos Heights

Day without water is a reality for some cities We have all experienced the frustration rising from our aging infrastructure as we travel on our roads throughout Cook County, and residents are vocal in their demand to fix the problem. Now picture a separate, hidden infrastructure system that is larger and, in some cases, a hundred years older than those roads and bridges.

You can’t see it, but it ensures we are able to go about our daily routines without a second thought. These are our water and wastewater systems – underground, out of sight and out of mind. They work 24/7, 365 days a year, to bring clean, safe water to us and take it away after we use it to be treated before it is safely released back into the environment.

What happens when these systems fail to keep up with our needs? Imagine a day without water.

You would not be able to make your coffee, brush your teeth, shower, or flush the toilet.

For some communities around America, this has been a reality. Flint, Mich., immediately comes to mind where people’s health was compromised due to negligent water control practices.

That’s why we at the Metropolitan

Water Reclamation District are taking part in a nationwide educational effort called “Imagine a day without water.”

Organizations across the country are joining forces to raise public awareness and spark action to solve water and wastewater problems today, before they become a crisis tomorrow.

Through continually maintaining and upgrading our water system, and deploying new technologies, we can save money in the long run, prevent disruptions to daily life, and protect the health of our citizens and economy.

It also requires effort and attention from community leaders, elected officials, business owners, workers, and more. Without strong voices advocating for this work, our water systems will continue to be out of sight and out of mind. We have to keep up the pressure to address issues with our water and wastewater systems today so Cook County residents can imagine a day without water if we need to, but never have to live through it.

— Mariyana Spyropoulos, president, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District

Ray Hanania is an award-winning former City Hall reporter and political columnist. Email him at rghanania@ gmail.com.

Thursday, September 15, 2016

The Reporter

Celebrating with style

Moraine Valley opens new demo kitchen for culinary arts The Culinary Arts Department at Moraine Valley Community College is firing up food in its new demonstration kitchen in the Moraine Business and Conference Center (Building M) at the Palos Hills campus.

Originally in the plans when Building M was first constructed, the demo kitchen couldn’t be incorporated and instead remained a classroom. But the idea was always to make it an interactive kitchen for multiple uses, said Mike O’Shea, associate professor and program coordinator of Culinary Arts, Baking and Pastry, and Hospitality Management.

Over the summer, crews created a state-of-the-art kitchen that has the look of a model house design but with all the functionalities for students, including a stove, oven, dishwasher, sinks, industrial-sized refrigerator with freezer, and plenty of counter space. On either side of the room are two TV monitors with one camera on the ceiling closest to the south-facing windows and another moveable one attached to the counter.

The camera can hover over pots on the stove or get a close-up view of an instructor chopping vegetables so students can clearly see techniques. In the Culinary

Worth salon owner marks 50 years running business

By Sharon L. Filkins Lady J’s Salon, 6633 W. 111th St., Worth, celebrated its 50th year in business on Monday, and what a celebration it was. It was standing room only as more than 80 people gathered in the salon for a surprise open house to honor owner Lois Kluck Byrne.

The unsuspecting Byrne arrived in the company of one of her employees, Linda Kara, who used the pretext of stopping by the salon, which is closed on Mondays, to pick up something. Byrne thought they were just going to a quiet dinner to celebrate the anniversary.

She was greeted by a lifetime of customers, friends, family and elected officials. The scene was reminiscent of the movie “Steel Magnolia’s” in which Sally Field and Dolly Parton starred as owners of a small town beauty shop that was the cultural and social center of the town.

A resident of Worth since the age of 5, Byrne, 68, has raised six children, two of her own and six of her brother’s children. She has 22 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She became a widow in 1997 but continued her salon business.

“Our salon has had three locations, but always in Worth,” she said. The two previous locations were within three blocks of the current site, where she has been for 28 years.

Loyalty of her customers was evident as many of those attending have been her clients for the entire 50 years she has been in business. It is a generational thing as the children and grandchildren of her early clients are now customers.

Debbie Muldowney, 49, said her mother, Jean Hummel, brought her to Lady J’s in her stroller to get her very first haircut. “The baby curls went into my baby book,” she said. Muldowney said her mother still comes to the salon.

Also on hand were Ashley Szeszychi, 39, and her mother, Sharon DeGenova. Szeszychi.

“My mother brought me here as a baby, and we are both still clients, as well as my grandmother, Kay DeGenova, who has been a client for 50 years,” said Szeszychi.

Worth Mayor Mary Werner and Village Clerk Bonnie Price were in attendance and presented a proclamation to Byrne acknowledging her dedication and commitment to the Worth business community.

“You have been a good friend to the Village of Worth and our business community.

We are happy to congratulate you on this 50th anniversary,” said Werner.”

Byrne opened Lady J’s on Sept. 12, 1966.

One of her early certifications as a registered beauty culturist was issued by Gov. Otto Kerner in 1967. Subsequent certifications during the 50 years of business were issued by former governors Sam Shapiro and Richard Ogilvie.

The salon, named after a previous owner, Josephine Gentile, currently has six hairdressers, in addition to Byrne and her sister, Julia Vales.

Two longtime employees, Adrianne Lajeunesse, who has been with Byrne for 46 years,

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Arts kitchen across the hall students often crowd around a wide table making it a challenge to see the demonstrated skills. This new space is a greater learning tool, said Rose Deneen, assistant professor of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management.

“It is more engaging for the students. It gives people a better visual, which is really cool.

If you really want to see what’s going on, you can put a camera right over the pot,” Dineen said. “We didn’t want it to look industrial. We wanted to make it approachable. This is a nice, smaller space. It’s louder in the kitchen, which we’re used to but other people aren’t.”

With the start of the semester, the instructors have yet to realize all its uses, but they have many ideas. Students can watch instructors teach certain techniques, but the more advanced students also can display their skills. It’s not uncommon for chefs to work in front of peers, and this allows students to practice working comfortably in front of others, Deneen explained.

In addition to credit student usage, the kitchen will be used for continuing education classes, fundraisers and guest speakers.

Photo by Joe Boyle

Lois Byrne has some fun with Worth resident Paulette Slawson, who has been a customer at Lady J’s Salon for years, during the open house anniversary celebration Monday. Byrne has been styling hair for 50 years as owner of the Worth salon.

and Marlene Black, who has logged 17 years at the salon reminisced about happy times at the salon.

“Lady J’s is not a typical beauty shop,” said Black. “We are the last of the last hairdressers, the last of an era. Today’s shops are all about blow drys, haircuts and curling irons. There are no more rollers, curlers, perms and hair dryers. But Lady J’s is different.”

The salon has six stations and the walls are lined with hair dryers. “You don’t see hair dryers like that in today’s salons,” Black said.

She added that her clients come to spend the day.

“They bring their lunch and socialize with each other, catching up on kids, grandkids, family, etc. I often have to remind them my chair is empty and I am ready to do their comb out,” Black said, laughing.

Lajeunesse agreed that the hair industry has changed.

“I guess we are the dinosaurs of the industry, we still do perms for our customers.

But that is what many of them want and they have been coming here for so many years. It is a real family atmosphere here,” she said.

Lajeunesse recalled one time that the power had gone out in the shop and they resorted to completing a perm on a client, by the light of a car’s headlights pulled up to the front window of the salon. “We have had some wonderful times here, many warm memories,” she said.

Byrne was happily surprised with the open house and was thrilled with the turnout of so many friends and family.

Asked about her outlook on life and reaching this milestone, Byrne said, “Things happen in life and you learn to just go with the flow.”

Questioned about her other interests or hobbies, she laughed. “My hobbies have definitely become outgrown. My interests now, with all these grandchildren, are primarily kids and my family.” She has cut back to working three days at the salon.

As for her future plans, she smiled and said, “I am just going with the flow.”

Submitted photo

Moraine Valley Community College Culinary Arts instructors stand in the college’s new demonstration kitchen.

DEATH NOTICE Rita Vorderer Rita Mary Vorderer (nee Colosia), 97, died Monday at her Worth home.

Mrs. Vorderer worked with the school support staff system. She was an active member of Our Lady of Ridge Parish.

She is survived by her daughters, Mary Jo Bonamer and Jo Ann Shannon; brother, Donald Colosia; eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

Visitation is from 3 to 9 p.m today (Thursday, Sept. 15) at Schmaedeke Funeral Home, 10701 S. Harlem Ave., Worth. Services are at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 16 at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

BEST OF THE WINE GUY

Diet is the key to staying healthy as you grow old o you wish to stay young and healthy regardless of how old you get? There is not a sane person in this world who would like to be sick and die young.

According to research by Erica Battin, a registered dietician at the Center for Medicine at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, certain foods have been found to boost the immune system including red bell peppers, butternut squash, Brazil nuts, yogurt, papaya, soybeans, cantaloupe, spinach and whole grains.

Spice such as paprika and liquorice, and the omega-3 fatty acids found in walnuts, flaxseed, ginger, and cold-water oily fish such as wild salmon, tuna, herring, mackerel, anchovies and sardines are good for the coronary system and can reduce inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.

Genetics, once thought to be the deciding factor in how one’s body and mind held up to aging and how long one

D

lived, is now believed to be less than 30 percent of the influence. The foods you eat, and don’t eat, and how well you maintain your body, are the most crucial factor in determining bodily health and goes a long way toward mental health as well.

According to a study published in the Journal of Neurology, fruit and vegetable intake — especially green leafy vegetables (lettuce, spinach) and cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, collard

Golden Anniversary Mass to be held at Holy Name

Archbishop Blasé Cupich will be the main celebrant and homilist at the annual Golden Wedding Anniversary Mass for couples married 50 years beginning at 2:45 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18 at Holy Name Cathedral, State and Superior streets, Chicago.

Couples married in 1966 are invited to attend this celebration and renew their wedding vows by calling their parish or registering with the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Department of Parish Vitality and Mission at Golden Anniversary Mass Registration, https://www.familyministries.org/calendar/ event_detail.asp?typeid=47.

Residents can also call (312) 534-8351.

greens, Brussel sprouts, kale, watercress, cabbage, turnips, arugula) — by persons ages 65 and older can protect against the body’s decline during old age. The oldest subjects in the study benefited by consuming a lot of vegetables.

Green leafy vegetables are typically low in calories, low in fat, high in protein per calorie, high in dietary fiber, high in iron and calcium, and very high in phytochemicals such as vitamin C, vitamin A, lutein and folic acid. Cruciferous vegetables contain both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber, vitamin C and other vitamins, as well as various phytochemicals.

Eggs, meanwhile, may help stave off macular degeneration, the study claims. For bloodsugar control try barley, beans, bran (unsweetened), brown rice, lentils, low-fat milk, oatmeal, green peas, pumpernickel, rye and sourdough breads, sweet potatoes and whole grain crackers.

SUDOKU Answers

It is never too late to improve your health. The body has an amazing ability to heal itself if properly maintained and cared for even if it has been abused and injured, so as long as one takes the initiative to eat right and exercise the body will typically respond well.

And let us not forget the benefits of drinking wine with your meals each and every day. Two glasses a day with dinner can do you no harm and can only help improve your health. So, like the old Nike commercials used to say, “just do it.”

Anthony Scarano is not a doctor. He is an Evergreen Park resident, winemaker and certified naturopath. Suggestions in this space are his opinions based on years of independent study and personal experience.

Wine should be consumed in moderation. Overindulgence may be harmful to your health.

CROSSWORD Answers

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8 The Reporter

CONSUMER NEWS

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Consider all aspects of college savings options you could contribute t’s back-to-school to a 529 plan which time. If you have offers potential tax young children goadvantages and high ing to public schools, contribution limits. You your biggest expendimight also consider tures may be on pens, a custodial account, pencils and notebooks. such as an UGMA or But if you want those UTMA, although when same kids to go to your children reach the college someday, you’ll Scott age of majority, they eventually face conJohnson are free to do whatever siderably larger costs they want with the — so you may want to money – and their plans may start preparing soon. not include college.

College is costly. For the • What will be the effect 2015-16 school year, the averof a college savings plan on age expense (including tuition, financial aid? When colfees room and board) was leges determine financial aid nearly $20,000 at a public, four-year school, and more than packages, they will evaluate your child’s assets differently twice that amount at a fourthan your assets. Your child year private school, accordtypically would be expected ing to the College Board. Of to contribute 20 percent of his course, cheaper alternatives or her assets, while you are are available — your children only expected to contribute up could go to a local community to 5.6 percent of your assets. college for two years at a very reasonable cost, and then trans- Consequently, you may be better off saving for college in fer to a four-year school. your name, rather than your Still, if your child does go children’s. Under the federal on to get a bachelor’s degree, financial aid guidelines, an those big bills will eventually UTMA/UGMA account is arrive. As you consider how classified as a student asset, you can best deal with these while 529 plans are counted as costs, ask yourself these quesparental assets if parents are tions: • How much can I afford to the account owners. (The rules on financial aid are not always contribute? As much as you’d so clear-cut, however, so it like to help your children pay might be worth your while to for college, you also have to contact a financial aid officer think about your own needs at a local college or university – specifically your retirement. to ensure that your chosen Think very carefully before method of saving will still reducing contributions to your allow for the greatest possible retirement plans, such as your assistance.)

IRA and 401(k), to help fund As you can see, you’ve got a college savings plan. After several factors to think about all, your children may be able when it comes to helping your to get scholarships and grants, kids meet their higher educaand even if they have to take tion goals. Study up on these out loans, they’ll have many options, so you can find the years in which to repay them right answers for your family’s — but you can’t postpone needs. saving for retirement without jeopardizing your ability to Scott Johnson, CFP, is a enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. financial advisor with Edward When it comes to prioritizing Jones, 8146 W. 111th St., Palos your financial goals, putting Hills, (708) 974-1965. Edward yourself first is not necessarily Jones does not provide legal a selfish act.

• What college savings plan advice. This article was written by Edward Jones for use should you consider? A numby your local Edward Jones ber of college savings options financial advisor. are available. For example,

I

COMINGS & GOINGS Photo by Steve Metsch

The owners of J&M Feed & Supply have decided to close after 33 years in business at 6928 Wolf Road, LaGrange. Anyone interested in owning a feed and supply store is invited to call or stop in. Jim Svoboda (above) has owned J&M Feed & Supply for 33 years with his sister, Emily.

Feed store for sale in Indian Head Park J &M Feed and Supply Store has been a neighborhood staple in Indian Head Park since July 1982.

Now the store noted for its pet supplies and bird seed is for sale because owners Jim Svoboda and Emily Payne have decided to retire.

“We’ve had enough,” Payne said last week.

“I’ve been wanting to pull the plug for a couple of years. I finally convinced Jim that it was Bob time.” of her arguments Bong forOne selling the family business was that he has a farm in downstate Alvin that he needs to tend.

“We’re also losing our other full-time worker on Oct. 12,” she said, adding that the worker in question is her son-in-law.

“We hope to be done by the end of the year,” she said. “We hope somebody local who knows us will buy the place.”

The store at 6928 Wolf Road sells hay and straw, bird seed, pet supplies and even horse feed.

“We don’t sell as many oats for horses as we once did,” Payne said. “But we still have some horse feed customers.”

The store also carries some live critters, but only as dinner for other critters.

“We have live crickets and mice,” Payne said before relating one of the bigger disagreements she ever had with her brother.

“Rats have never bothered me, so I brought in some live rats as food. Jim saw them and said, ‘No way.’”

She said she wasn’t sure about an ask-

ing price but said interested buyers should contact Jim Svoboda at (708) 246-3333.

“He’s always handled that side of the business,” she said.

The store is open Tuesday to Sunday.

Magic Cafe closes in Mount Greenwood

Magic Cafe & Grill closed last week at 3335 W. 111th St. in Chicago’s Mount Greenwood neighborhood after being open for less than a year.

The restaurant manager blamed the closure on a rent increase.

The original Magic Restaurant closed after a fire in May 2012 and sat empty for more than two years. It reopened as Antonios Cafe in August 2014 and then switched over to Magic Cafe last October.

Byline Bank buys Wisconsin bank

Chicago-based Byline Bank announced it will buy Wisconsin-based Ridgestone Bank for about $105 million.

Ridgestone operates a branch in Brookfield, Wis., and a branch in Schaumburg.

Byline operates more than 65 branches including a dozen branches in the south suburbs.

The deal is expected to close by the end of the year.

“We believe this transaction brings significant and specialized lending expertise to our banking platform,” Alberto Paracchini, chief executive of Byline, said in a statement. “It’s a great opportunity to add an excellent team with a proven track record to our organization.”

Byline was known for years as North Community Bank until a name

change in 2015.

Ribbon cutting at CycleBar in Burr Ridge

CycleBar, one of the country’s new indoor cycling studios, celebrated the opening of its first Chicago-area location this week in Burr Ridge.

The studio held its grand opening on Sept. 7 at 124 Burr Ridge Parkway.

For more information, visit their website at burrridge.cyclebar.com.

Taco Bell breaks ground in Dolton

Dolton Mayor Riley Rogers and village trustees were on hand last week when ground was broken for a new Taco Bell restaurant in the southeast suburban village.

“Just about every type of business that you want is right here in Dolton,” said Rogers in a release. “We’re glad to add Taco Bell to the list of available restaurant choices for our residents and glad to have them as our newest community business partners.”

The restaurant is expected to open within 90 days at 1323 E. Sibley Blvd.

The Taco Bell was approved for the village after 10 months of negotiations, Rogers said in the release.

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

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

Chicago Ridge

Asztalos Michael D to Larkin Timothy J II, 10742 Mcvicker Ave, $178,500; Firstmerit Bk to Asfour Tamer, 7008 Oconnell Dr, Unit #101, $48,000; Todey Edward J to Zignato Joseph M, 10948 S Menard Pl, $150,000; Federal Home Loan Mtg Corp to Kupiec Iwona, 10936 S Central Ave, Unit #109363B, $57,000.

Evergreen Park

MIS Trucking Inc to Pochopien Gregory J, 9758 S California Ave, $220,000; First Midwest Bk Tr to Turner Aster, 9101 S Sacramento Ave, $146,000; Mcguire Valerie to Bryan David L, 9809 S Albany Ave, $162,000; Soukup Donald W Tr to Burgess Laura J, 9105 S Clifton Park Ave, $155,000; Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to Gallagher Kathleen, 2823 W 100th St, $147,000; Padden Michael Tr to Evans Priscilla Joy, 2935 W 97th St, $117,500; Harris Robert F Est to North Prop Inc, 9412 S Turner Ave, $55,000; Carney Patricia J Tr to Mckirchy Richard W, 9104 S Sacramento Ave, $149,000; Wells Fargo Bk to Kalex LLC, 9637 S California Ave, $77,500; Brazausky Marietta to Egan Michelle D, 9806 S Harding Ave, $177,500.

Hickory Hills

Standard B&T Co Tr to Knapczyk Krystyna Z, 8829 W 92nd St, $177,000; Fannie Mae to Yafai Hussain, 8201 W 89th St, $217,000; Castiglion E Lynette Louise Tr to Sikon Krzysztof A, 8930 S 83rd Ct, $222,500.

Oak Lawn

Zughayer Nader to Pacheco Saul, 6216 W 90th Pl, $200,000; Wells Fargo Bk to Kowalczyk Jacek, 9512 S Kolin Ave, $230,000; Phillips Thomas R to Houston Robert T, 9601 S Kolmar Ave, $272,000; Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to Gomez Daniel R, 4988 Wick Dr, $176,000; Johnson Mary Ellen to Shahen Samir N, 6101 W 94th St, Unit #B5, $45,000; Craig Tracy L to Aguirre Carlos, 10221 Kilbourn Ave, $183,000; Webster August to Estrada Cristina, 8733 Stevens Dr, $120,000; Huscher Richard A to Klutcharch Brittany, 4123 Arnold Pl, $145,000; Judicial Sales Corp to Edward Gal Inc, 10411 Mason Ave, Unit #1NW, $57,500;

Judicial Sales Corp to Galmaka Inc, 5116 W 91st St, $136,000; Hollandsworth David to Cerullo Jorrie L, 10845 Laramie Ave, $218,000; Northern Trust Co Tr to Moran Christine, 10316 Linus Ln, $290,000; Blanco Ivan to RTL Enterprises LLC, 10940 Kilpatrick Ave, Unit #109403C, $55,000; Reichard Pamela Extr to Hidalgo Jesse A, 10524 S Keeler Ave, $168,000; Chicago Trust Co Tr to Ross Brian D, 10445 S Kolin Ave, $210,000; Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to March William, 9109 S Nashville Ave, $190,000; Sacha Michael A to Riley Dale F, 10320 Tripp Ave, $197,000; Al-Ayoubi Marwan to Guerrero Jesus, 6730 W 87th Pl, $165,000 Knightly James C to Rodriguez Natalie, 10830 Kilpatrick Ave, Unit #NE2, $55,000; Matejka John S to Harris Cody S, 4236 111th St, $171,000; RFLF 1 LLC to Fast Start Const Inc, 8821 Austin Ave, $62,500; Megremis Demetris to Yousef Saleh, 10105 Mansfield Ave, $225,000; Bayview Loan Servicing LLC to Cisco Housing Sol Inc, 9740 Marion Ave, $85,000; Golab Daniel to Graca Janusz, 10445 Mansfield Ave, Unit #1D, $74,000; Vonplinsky Monica to Khan Arsalan, 10700 S Washington Ave, Unit #10700104, $110,000; Huizenga Carolyn R Tr to Kwaku Kossi, 9725 Karlov Ave, Unit #9725510, $40,000; Koszyk Winnifred Tr to Zygmunt Stefania, 9320 S Mcvicker Ave, $156,000; NRZ Reo Inv Corp to Esposito Lisa, 9125 51st St, $108,000.

Palos Hills

Jonas Helen to Hervatt James J Tr, 11276 Moraine Dr, Unit F, $108,000; Hong Liu to Kondratiuk Marta, 10815 S Kathleen Ct, Unit 310815, $167,000; Wyroslak Kazimierz to Bijelic Mirko, 10506 S 81st Ct, $125,000; Kelley Lee Michael to Trebunia Andrzej, 10642 S Terry Dr, $262,500; Annerino Kristina R to Schill Suzanne, 20 Cour Saint Tropez, $127,000; Carriedo Bruce M Adm to Szykowny Carolyn A, 9151 Del Prado Dr, Unit #91512S, $156,000; Standard B&T Co Tr to 11001 Southwest Hwy LLC, 11001 Southwest Hwy, $1,250,000; Kuelbs Emily Tr to Martinez Aaaron A, 11240 Sycamore Ln, unit #60D, $119,000.

Worth

Element Inv Corp to Sader Radi, 6423 W Home Ave, Unit #3N, $93,000; Murphy Pamela to Depaolo Marie C, 7216 W 113th St, $150,000; Smart Choice Services to Wilkus Andrzej, 10747 S Harlem Ave, Unit #1A, $56,500; Grogan Beverly R to Vazquez Jennifer, 7524 W 109th St, $130,000.

SXU to hold session on finding success in the business world

St. Xavier University’s Graham derivatives marketplace. He has School of Management will be been a CME member since 1981 hosting the annual Speaker Series and a board member since 1995.

Mentoring event from 11 a.m. to Duffy was appointed by President 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept.

Bush and confirmed 29 in Warde Academic by the U.S. Senate in Center’s Butler Recep2003 as a member of tion Room on campus, the Federal Retirement 3700 W. 103rd St., ChiThrift Investment Board cago.

(FRTIB), a position he Terrence A. Duffy, held until 2013. executive chairman and He is a member of president of the CME the Economic Club of Group, will serve as Chicago, the Executhe keynote speaker. His tives’ Club of Chicapresentation is entitled, go and the President’s Duffy “Perspective from the Circle of the Chicago Corner Office: FindCouncil on Global ing Success in Today’s Business Affairs. He also has been recWorld.” The discussion follows ognized as one of the top 100 along with GSM’s Mentoring Irish Business Leaders by Irish Program, where students can America Magazine. Duffy atmeet their mentor/advisor, plan tended the University of Wistheir professional career path and consin-Whitewater. In 2007, he learn the importance of planning received a Doctor of Humane for the future.

Letters from DePaul University.

Duffy has served as execuReservations are required by tive chairman and president of Monday, Sept. 26. Reservations CME Group since 2012. He is can be arranged by calling Nichoresponsible for overseeing the las Mancari, (773) 298-3603, or world’s leading and most diverse email mancari@sxu.edu.

Mortgage Rates Around the Area First Midwest Bank (as of September 12) 30-year fi ed

RATES 3.500

APR 3.535

POINTS 0

15-year fi ed

2.875

2.930

0

30-year fi ed Jumbo

3.625

3.670

0

United Trust Bank (as of September 12) 30-year fi ed

RATES 3.500

APR 3.520

POINTS 0

15-year fi ed

2.875

2.911

0

10-year fi ed

2.750

2.802

0

Prospect Federal (as of September 12) 30-year fi ed

RATES 3.500

APR 3.548

POINTS .25

20-year fi ed

3.250

3.318

.25

15-year fi ed

2.875

2.943

.25

All rates subject to change daily. Equal opportunity lenders.

The Reporter

Thursday, September 15, 2016

9

Oak Lawn Park District celebrates development of nature preserve

By Joe Boyle In a battle that dates back to the 1970s, the Chicago Ridge Prairie defeated the odds and became a reality as a nature preserve that borders Oak Lawn and Chicago Ridge.

The ribbon-cutting ceremonies took place Monday evening at the Chicago Ridge Prairie location at 105th and Menard Avenue. The nature preserve is actually located in Chicago Ridge but was purchased by the Oak Lawn Park District with the intention of developing the land.

Louis Mule, the principal ecologist with Tallgrass Associates in Orland Park, said it was a long time coming and took a lot of hard work to accomplish.

“The Oak Lawn Park District deserves a lot of credit,” said Mule.

“They have stuck with us. This is a real success story.”

Maddie Kelly, director of the Oak Lawn Park District, said plans to develop this land into a nature preserve prairie have been a long process. She said that the owner of a nearby apartment complex had been using the prairie as a dumping site. Soil and other materials from the construction of Photos by Joe Boyle the apartment were dumped into Louis Mule, principal ecologist for Tallgrass Associates, discusses the development of the Chicago Ridge Prairie at 105th and Menard during a the prairie. Kelly said the aparttour of the area on Monday night. ment owner was asked repeatedly to clean up the area and said he Don Andersen (center), would, but he never did. president of the Chicago “We have been trying to stop Park District Board of Commissioners, gets ready the dumping since the 1970s,” to cut the ribbon Monday said Kelly. “We finally went to night for the official grand the DNR (Department of Natuopening of the Chicago ral Resources) and they saved us.

Ridge Prairie. To the right Specialized equipment had to be of Andersen is Maddie sued to clean up the land.”

Kelly, director of the Oak Kelly said $400,000 overall Lawn Park District, and to was used to develop the land his left is Oak Lawn Village into a prairie, with $200,000 Clerk Jane Quinlan. coming from the Department of Natural Resources. The department was able to clean up the fill and restore 4.5 acres that were destroyed.

While plans were stalled in the courts for years, the actual construction began about four years ago. A gravel pathway just less than a mile has been developed to allow youth groups from the Oak Lawn Park District and residents to walk along and see rare plants and insects. The Chicago Ridge Prairie is one of only two remain-

Rats

Continued from Page 1

When a woman asked if she should drain her backyard pond, Comanse said no.

“If it provides you with enjoyment, there is no need to go that far,” he said.

“You’re never going get rid of all the water sources.”

Keeping properties well-maintained, without high grass or woodpiles or debris for rats to hide or nest under is also advisable, he said.

“We don’t want to incite panic,” said Trustee Sally Durkin, pointing out that officials from neighboring communities such as Oak Lawn, Worth and Alsip have reported similar problems.

After a couple of residents reported seeing “hundreds” of rats in place, or being afraid to go outside, Comanse cautioned against exaggerating the numbers involved, and or the danger posed to

humans.

“It’s really easy for fear to take over.

When people start talking about hundreds or thousands of rats, I have to say that those numbers are very unlikely.”

While Comanse said that rats can give birth seven times a year, to as many as 12 per litter, he never encountered more than 40 rats in one place.

“Unless you’re trying to feed them by hand, there is little chance of being bitten,” he added.

He said most rat bites are inflicted on children sleeping on floors, often with crumbs on them. He also noted that the active ingredient in modern rat poison is an anticoagulant similar to the drug Coumadin or warfarin and would have little effect on humans or dogs or cats.

“I’ve learned more about rats than I ever thought possible,” said Chicago Ridge Mayor Chuck Tokar. “We have to take this to heart and make changes and make changes to the way we live.

If we all work together, and this means the businesses too, we can solve this, “If we have to pay more, we’re going to pay more,” Tokar added.

He pointed out that the multi-unit buildings and businesses identified as problems have already been given seven-day notices to clear up the problem.

Otherwise, fines will be imposed and more businesses could be closed.

Last week, the village board authorized the hiring of four part-time property inspectors to help deal with the problem, and earlier this year fines were raised to as much as $750 for ongoing problems with dumpsters.

Responding to residents complaining of getting no response when calling the village about rat problems, Trustee Jack Lind said that would be fixed too.

“We’re putting our money where our mouth is. If you’re telling me that no one is calling you back, it is not sitting well with us. The situation will be rectified or people will lose their jobs,” Lind said.

Photo by Dermot Connolly

Nathan Comanse, of Guardian Pest Control, addresses a town hall meeting about rats that was held in Chicago Ridge on Saturday, as Mayor Chuck Tokar and Trustee Sally Durkin listen.

Libraries

Continued from Page 1

Card artists

Photo by Kelly White

Twenty library patrons, consisting of young children and their parents, gathered at Evergreen Park Public Library to make handmade cards for hospitalized children.

Settlement

Continued from Page 1

when the pension spikes were approved, and he voted for them.

“I was the village clerk, without a vote. I had nothing to do with it,” he added.

The mayor said that since the Pension Board is continuing with its lawsuit, there is a chance that much of the $200,000 could end up back in the village coffers if the board wins the case.

Quintos acknowledged that he did vote

for the pension spikes, but blames what he called bad advice the board received from the law firm of Odelson & Sterk.

“That is a vote I regret to this day,” Quintos said this week, asserting that it was worth continuing to fight the case.

“So far, we are winning, winning, winning,” he said.

As a result of the pension spike issue, the Pension Board filed a lawsuit against Odelson & Sterk, which conducted Baldermann’s disability hearing. The board alleged that the firm was “careless and negligent” for signing off on the final salary figure used to calculate the former chief’s disability pack-

ing gravel prairies surviving on the old lake bottom (the other is the Santa Fe Prairie in Hodgkins).

A 15-minute tour of the Chicago Ridge Prairie took place after the ribbon-cutting ceremonies.

Members of the Oak Lawn Park District Board of Commissioners, Oak Lawn Trustee Terry Vorderer (4th) and Village Clerk Jane Quinlan were also on hand. During the tour, Mule mentioned that 43 specialized insects are present in the prairie. Three species of native snakes — the plains garter snake, DeKay’s brown snake and the smooth green snakes — can be found in the prairie.

Mule added that high quality “burning” takes place at the prairie as a means to stimulate plants and act as fertilizer. About 50 percent of the site is carefully burned each year, conditions permitting. Grasses such as the Big Blue Stem and Prairie Dropseed grow more vigorously and most other maintain species diversity.

Several signs are posted along the path to describe what can be found in the prairie.

The species was seeded in late 2013 with species found in the original section. The rest of the prairie is natural and original — similar to what the first settlers in Worth Township found growing there, Mule said.

In the restored unit of the prairie, bio-swales were created and designed to collect and hold water for the wet-mesic plant species planted within them. The new trails in the restoration area include a shelter with lights powered by solar energy. The rain barrels also collect run-off from the roof of the shelter. This slows the run-off in the prairie and the water can be used as a controlled source of water as needed for restoration.

In 1994, all 12.9 acres of the Chicago Ridge Prairie was designated as an Illinois State Nature Preserve by the Illinois Preserves Commission to recognize and protect this unique native prairie wetland.

Mule also pointed out that the larger rock formations that can be found along the prairie date back to 10,000 years ago.

“This is a special place,” said Mule.

age. But Burt Odelson said his firm only conducted a disability hearing, and did not provide any advice The issue caused a rift on the Village Board this year as well, after Tokar appointed Odelson as village attorney without the approval of a majority of the trustees. Five of the six trustees then approved an ordinance requiring a board majority to approve all mayoral appointments, which led Tokar to file suit against the board. He is seeking a declaratory judgment, maintaining that the move was unconstitutional because it changed the way the village is governed without a referendum.

10400 S. Oxford, said that library also has a security guard. Gilman has been at the library for a year and she essentially inherited the policy of having security on hand for Tuesday and Thursday evenings during the school year.

“But I think it is a good idea,” Gilman said. “We have a lot of programs for kids and teens on those nights so it can get very busy.”

Gilman said that security is arranged with the village. She said she was going to place a call with the Chicago Ridge Police Department to set up the arrangement.

“It’s not because of any incident,” said Gilman. “We don’t have as many people on staff so it is just helpful to have another person around.”

Gilman likes the idea of having a security guard around when the kids come in to take part in their programs.

“What’s so exciting about this is that the teens in these programs can get a chance to interact with police,” Gilman said. “They get to know the police in a positive way.”

While Green Hills Library and the Chicago Ridge Library have security guards, the staff at the Evergreen Park facility does not.

Julie Keaty, virtual services and special events coordinator at the Evergreen Park Library, 9400 S. Troy Ave., said a monitor is employed to help out at

the library during after school hours. The monitor is a resident who most likely is a patron who may have children who take part in programs at the library. The monitor works Monday through Thursday.

Keaty said no real issues have occurred at the library.

“It’s more about noise levels,” said Keaty, who explained that the library is across the street from a junior high school and it has many programs during the week for kids. “Having a monitor helps our staff.”

Keaty added that the Evergreen Park police are just a block away.

“They are very responsive,” Keaty said.

The Oak Lawn Library, 9427 S. Raymond Ave., has had a security guard on staff for some time.

Carol Hall, director of the Worth Library, 6917 W. 111th St., said the Worth Library does not employ a security guard.

“This is a small library,” said Hall. “But I can see at larger libraries that could be helpful.

When you have a lot of people coming in, you could use the help.

For us at the moment, it is not an issue.”

As for the Green Hills Library, Gilman said it’s understandable that a security guard is now on staff. Gilman served as the youth services manager at Green Hills Library from 2006 to 2013.

“I agree with them,” said Gilman. “I can tell you that they have increased their programs greatly since 2013. Sometimes you just need more help. I think is a good idea.”

10 The Reporter

Thursday, September 15, 2016

LIBRARY HAPPENINGS

EVERGREEN PARK Author of crime novels to speak

Author Michael Harvey will discuss his novels during a session at 6:30 p.m. tonight (Thursday, Sept. 15) at the Evergreen Park Library, 9400 S. Troy Ave. Harvey will talk about his seven crime novels – “The Chicago Way,” “The Fifth Floor,” “The Third Rail,” “We All Fall Down,” “The Innocence Game” “The Governor’s Wife” and his newest release, “Brighton,” released in June.

He is an investigative reporter, documentary producer and co-creator, and producer and executive producer of A&E’s forensic series, “Cold Case Files.”

Books are available for purchase and signing.

Registration is requested from the library website at evergreenparklibrary. org or call (708) 422-8522.

OAK LAWN Practice SAT test will be given at library

C2 Education will proctor a practice SAT test and host free consultations to discuss results with students and their families from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 24 at the Oak Lawn Public Library, 9427 S. Raymond Avenue.

The program is open to all students. Advance reservations are required due to limited space. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 422-4990 or visit www.olpl.org.

Images of American art will be explored

Photo by Jeff orva

Remembering 9/11

A color guard made up of area first responders display flags before Sunday’s soccer match between neighborhood rivals Marist and Brother Rice. The lone high school athletic event in the area honored first responders and military members on the 15th anniversary of 9/11. For more photos of the ceremonies and the soccer match itself, won by Marist 5-1, see Sports.

Academy of Our Lady Alumnae to hold reunion Graduates of Academy of Our Lady (Longwood) High School in the year ending in 1 or 6 will receive a special salute at the AOL Alumnae Association’s all-school reunion from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15 at Hilton Oak Lawn, 9333 S. Cicero Ave., Oak Lawn.

Hors d’oeuvres will be served from 6 to 8 p.m. A cash bar will be available.

Proceeds will assist the alumnae office.

Five-year anniversary class photos will be taken and may be ordered. AOL memorabilia will be available for purchase.

As part of the reunion, alumnae may visit the former AOL campus at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15 for a short prayer

service at the Lourdes Grotto followed by a tour of the buildings. Entry to the campus, now the Chicago International Charter School-Longwood campus, is from Loomis Street, south of 95th Street in Chicago. Parking is available on the campus.

Reservations are required for the evening reunion but not for the morning campus visit. The current Longwood Update newsletter includes a reservation form for Reunion 2016.

For more reunion information, call the AOL Alumnae Office, (773) 445-2300, or visit the website, www.AOLAlumnae. com.

Alumnae who wish to take advantage

Shepard High School students salute as an ensemble from the Shepard marching band performs the National Anthem prior to the start of the walk-a-thon that took place at the JROTC 9/11 memorial event.

Remember

Continued from Page 1

To begin the day, JROTC cadets walked for 14 miles on the track in the football stadium to raise money for The Heart of a Marine Foundation. The Heart Of A Marine Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides comfort, support, financial assistance and educational resources to improve the quality of life of military personnel in all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, including veterans and their families. Each JROTC member collected money in their own discretion for the walk.

This was the first year the walk was held, according to Johnson.

Johnson has been instructing the Shepard JROTC program for eight years, with this marking the second year of instruction for Saberniak.

“We wanted to do something more visible to remember 9/11, and our cadets can earn a ribbon for their uniform if they organize and participate in a 14-mile walk, so we decided to combine those opportunities into one,” Johnson said.

Throughout the school day, inside of the building and also outside on the track inside the football stadium, JROTC cadets dispersed to read the names of all victims who perished on 9/11. The list of 3,000 names was obtained by the cadets through the website, 911memorial.org.

“I think it is easy to miss the impact

of a reunion group rate of $129 plus tax, single or double, for Hilton Oak Lawn guest rooms may access a link on the AOL website or call Hilton reservations at (800) 315-1058 by Friday, Sept. 23. Mention the Academy of Our Lady High School Reunion on Oct. 15. The Hilton’s local phone number is (708) 425-7800.

Founded by the School Sisters of Notre Dame in 1874 as a Catholic school for girls, the Academy of Our Lady/Longwood closed in 1999. The goal of the AOL Alumnae Association is to keep Longwood’s spirit alive among its alumnae and to foster support of current SSND ministries.

Submitted photo

of 3,000 people being killed on a single day,” Saberniak said. “When you take the time to read each name, the victims become people, not just numbers.”

“I enjoyed bringing everyone together as a whole to pay respect to the victims of 9/11,” said Samantha Gebbia, 17, of Worth. “9/11 was the day we as a nation stood together as one to mourn those we lost and to fight against a common terror.”

Previous 9/11 events hosted by JROTC were held only at the start of the school day and did not involve many others from the school.

This year, teachers had the option to choose to bring out their classes for each period during the day to the football track to observe the walk and read the names of the victims. In order to help teachers prepare for the observation, JROTC cadets developed a short presentation explaining the event to classes about

the importance of 9/11.

“The hope this year was that by extending the ceremony, more students and staff were also able to participate at some point during the day,” Johnson said.

The presentation consisted of JROTC cadets explaining the activity at the track and also sharing some facts and details about 9/11.

“The presentation was beneficial to students since few, if any, high school students have first-hand memories of that day,” Johnson said. “Students were able to gain an appreciation for what their parents, grandparents and older siblings might feel when 9/11 comes around. To most of today’s high school students, 9/11 is simply another historical event. If those of us who lived through those days can share our memories with them, the lessons of that day will be remembered.”

Chicago Christian High School will host open house

An open house will be held beginning at 1:45 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 16 at Chicago Christian High School, 12001 S. Oak Park Ave., Palos Heights.

Chicago Christian High School is part of the Southwest Chicago Christian School Association, serving Christian families since 1900. The vision of the school is to be a Christ-centered learning community. The open house will provide an opportunity to meet the faculty and coaches and attend a variety of sectionals covering topics such as the school’s STEM programs and co-curriculars.

The event is open to everyone and no pre-registration is necessary. More information on the open house or Chicago Christian High School, contact Wilma Persenaire, (708) 388-7656, or visit online at www.swchristian.org.

New officers installed for Bernardin Council Knights of Columbus

Newly elected officers of the Joseph Cardinal Bernardin Council of the Knights of Columbus of Evergreen Park, led by new Grand Knight Richard C.Whitlock, were installed for 2016-17 by District 18 Deputy Paul Piraino during a ceremony in June.

At the meeting, the Cardinal Bernardin Council presented $3,000 to Molly O’Grady, executive director, to support the work of the Courage Program at St Germaine Parish in Oak Lawn. The council also presented $1,000 to Augustinian Seminarian Jack Tierney to support his education into the priesthood.

Five $600 high school scholarships were presented in May to local graduating eighth-grade students. In January, the council awarded over $6,200 to the Chicago Special Olympics that was raised in the organization’s Fall ‘15 “Tootsie Roll” drive for persons with intellectual disabilities.

Images of Patriotism in Art will be on display at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept 22 at the Oak Lawn Library. Art historian Dr. Michelle Mishur will lead the lecture about patriotic themes, symbols and subjects through a variety of paintings. Reservations are being taken for the adults only session. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 422-4990 or visit wwwolpl.org.

Genealogy maps will be examined

Genealogy maps will be examined at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22 at the Oak Lawn Library. Peg Kapustiak will show patrons how to unlock details about their families or to discuss new resources. Suggestions will be given on how to locate European and North American maps. Reservations are being taken at the library. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 422-4990 or visit www.olpl.org.

Panel will discuss voting process

Officials from Oak Lawn Community High School and St. Xavier University will be on hand for a session on the voting process at 5 p.m. Monday, Sept 26 at the Oak Lawn Library. The panel will also discuss early voting. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 422-4990 or visit www.olpl.org.

Interactive panel to discuss world in 2044

An interactive panel discussion led by the director of the Oak Lawn Public Library will feature conversations about the world in 2044 and will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18 at the Oak Lawn Library. Special guests include Christopher W. Appelt, associate professor of biological sciences at St. Xavier University; Dr. Molly Sturdevant, associate professor at St. Xavier University in the Department of Philosophy-Environmental and Sustainability Studies; and Dave LePoire, environmental systems analyst and software engineer in Argonne National Laboratory’s Ecological Science and Environmental Risk department.

1980s pop culture explored during craft night

Patrons can venture back to the 1980s during a pop culture craft night and learn how to make a “Ready Player One” inspired craft at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4 at the Oak Lawn Library. All levels of creativity are welcome. All materials will be provided. Doors open at 6:45 p.m.

‘Nostalgic Journey’ of American pop culture is explored

Kevin Korst, the local history manager at Oak Lawn Library, will present a journey through American pop culture from the past four decades at 7 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 10 at the library. Korst will go behind the scenes of classic films like “Star Wars” and “Ghostbusters.” Patrons can reminisce about a favorite episode of “Saved by the Bell.” Nintendo and Sega will be discussed. Korst will also examine who won the ‘90s console war.

Musician and face painter to entertain kids

Super Stolie, a children’s musician and face painter, will entertain the kids at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27 at the Oak Lawn Library. Guests are encouraged to wear colorful outfits and bring their imaginations to this session.

More information about this and other youth programs can be obtained by calling (708) 422-4990 or visit www.olpl.org.

PALOS HILLS Kids can make new designs on pencil holders, tote bags

Youths are now back in school and can take part in a session to make DIY projects at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20 at the Green Hills Library, 8611 W. 103rd St., Palos Hills. The program is for kids ages 10 to 17. Participants will marble dip pencil holders and tote bags with a variety of colors for a hip design. Registration is limited to 25 Register online at greenhillslibrary.org.

Kidzmagic show to be held at library

The Kidzmagic magic show will be held beginning at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21 at the Green Hills Library. Andrew Noyszewski will present his magic show and will offer lots of opportunities for audience members to get involved in the show. Registration is limited to 90. Children of all ages are welcome.

Register online at greenhillslibrary.org. Caregivers must register as well.

‘Captain America: Civil War’ is this month’s dinner movie

“Captain America: Civil War” will be the featured dinner movie to begin at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22 at the Green Hills Library. A catered dinner will be provided. One person will win a copy of the movie. Registration is limited to 45. This event is for adults only. Register online at greenhillslibrary.org.

Chair yoga sessions will be held

Chair yoga sessions will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20 at the Green Hills Library. Certified instructor Joan Zigulich will lead participants in a chair yoga practice to boost energy and get the joints moving. This gentle form of yoga consists of simple movements to strengthen and stretch the whole body all while seated in a chair. The event is for adults only. Registration is limited to 20. Register online at greenhillslibrary.org.

WORTH Meet staff member from state Rep. Fran Hurley’s office

A staff member from the office of state Rep. Fran Hurley (D-35th) will be on hand to talk with constituents from 10 a.m. to noon Monday, Sept. 19 at the Worth Library, 6917 W. 111th St.

Slide lecture will be presented on ‘Giants in the Park’

A slide lecture program called “Giants in the Park” will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1 at the Worth Library. The slide lecture is about the portrait statues in Chicago’s Lincoln Park. The session will be held in the library meeting room. Krista August, author of “Giants in the Park,” will present the program. Residents can register for the program by calling (708) 448-2855.

Illinois Treasurer’s rep to answer questions about unclaimed property

A representative from the Illinois Treasurer’s Office will help patrons claim unclaimed property during a session from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14 at the Worth Library. The treasurer’s office connects people with their cash and other assets through the I Cash program. I-Cash is the unclaimed property program of the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office and has more than $2.1 billion in cash, plus contents from inactive bank accounts, utility deposits, insurance policies, paychecks and more. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 448-2855.

Thursday, September 15, 2016

SCHOOL NEWS

The Reporter

11

Worth police and fire departments honored with ‘Patriots Celebration’ Linda Esposito, the new principal at Worthwoods Elementary School, 111000 S. Oketo Ave., Worth, helped in preparing for the “Patriot Celebration” honoring Worth police and fire departments and remembering those people who lost their lives on Sept 11, 2001. The staff at Worthwoods School thanked the police and fire departments for protecting the school and the neighborhood.

Submitted photo

SCHOOL NEWS

12 The Reporter

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Submitted photo

Honoring heroes of 9/11

Students at Worth Junior High School, along with families, community leaders, members of the Worth Police Department as well as the North Palos Fire Department, gathered together before school to take a moment to reflect on the events of Sept. 11, 2001. Students and staff took the time on Friday to pay their respects to all the heroes who died that day 15 years ago. The Worth Junior High School Band (above) participated in the event by performing the Star Spangled Banner as well as a rendition of the medley Spirit of America.

Dist. 117 retirees group gather for meeting

Submitted photo

Larry Tucker, principal at Marist, congratulates seniors Becca Valek (left) and Monica Viz on being named National Merit semifinalists. In the past five years, Marist has had 30 students recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

Two Marist seniors are National Merit semifinalists Becca Valek and Monica Viz, seniors at Marist High School, were named National Merit Semifinalists by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation in Evanston.

Valek, a resident of Chicago’s Beverly community and a St. Barnabas graduate, says she has a short list of colleges she is interested in, but is not committed to one yet. She is looking at the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, Vanderbilt University, and University of Pittsburgh. She plans to pursue a career in medicine.

She started that path this summer through a research program with the University of Chicago, where she worked in the oncology department.

Along with a challenging honors and Advanced Placement course load, Valek is involved in Marist’s theatre program, math team, Marist Youth service group, National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, and chorus.

Viz, of Homer Glen who went to Saints Cyril and Methodius, plans on a career in the engineering field, and is looking at the University of Illinois at Champaign and Purdue University, among others. During her time at Marist she has been a

four-year member of the cross country team and a four-year member of the school’s band, playing in the percussion section.

She also competes for the Marist’s academic and math teams. Viz, too, carries an impressive load of Advanced Placement courses, and is a member of the school’s National Honor Society.

Both students are a part of the school’s peer leadership program, an alternative senior year religion course in which they provide daily academic support to students in lower grade levels.

There are approximately 16,000 National Merit Semifinalists in the United States who emerge from a pool of nearly 1.5 million PSAT examinees. Valek and Viz are among Illinois’ top scorers and less than one percent of all PSAT takers in the nation receive this honor. They will find out if they are finalists in February.

Celebrating more than 50 years of excellence, Marist High School, 4200 W. 115th Street, Chicago, IL 60655, is a Catholic, college-prep, co-ed institution committed to making Jesus known and loved while preparing students for higher education and life.

Students can enter ‘Letters About Literature’ contest Students in grades four through 12 can enter the 2017 “Letters About Literature” contest, a national reading and writing competition funded by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation and the Library of Congress through the Illinois Secretary of State’s Center

for the Book program.

“Letters About Literature” invites students to read a book, poem or play of their choice and write a letter to the author about how the work changed their life or view of the world. Students can enter on their own or through

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their schools, libraries or other youth organizations.

“Every year thousands of students in Illinois enjoy participating in this inspiring competition,” said Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White. “Illinois has had more entries than any other state for nine years in a row. Anyone who has read past letters can see how literature inspires and touches the lives of our young people. I encourage all our students to take part in Letters About Literature, and I hope their participation leads to a lifetime of reading.”

The contest has three levels of participation: Level I for grades four through six, Level II for grades seven and eight, and Level III for grades nine through 12.

One Illinois winner will be selected for each level and receive a $200 cash award. Teachers of the winning students will receive a $100 cash award to purchase materials for their school library.

Winners and teachers will be invited to an awards ceremony in Springfield. The state winners’ letters will be forwarded for national judging.

The deadline to enter the competition is Friday, Dec. 2 for Level III and Monday, Jan. 9 for Levels I and II. State winners will be announced in April. For more information about the competition, contact Bonnie Matheis at (217) 558-2065 or bmatheis@ ilsos.net. Information also is available at http://cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/library/ center_for_the_book/.

Since they met as a large group last year, some got a bit more gray while others lost or step or two. But most of those in the group of District 117 retirees that met recently for their annual breakfast looked like retirement was being very good to them.

There was talk of distant travels and short excursions downtown and taking care of grandchildren and even returning to the classrooms in District 117 as substitute teachers.

But mostly, there was happiness in their collective voice.

Overseeing the two-hour event at The Center in Palos Park was Dr. Tom Kostes, who began his career 40 years ago as assistant superintendent and later served as superintendent.

Kostes, who currently serves as president of the board of education, worked the crowd like a seasoned politician on the stump. Not bad for a man ready to become an octogenarian.

Kostes, who along with current District 117 Supt.

Dr. Jeannie Stachowiak, gave the group of 32 retirees updates on some of things happening in the district, including students performing incredibly well on national tests and a construction project that will transform Conrady Junior High School in Hickory Hills when it’s done in a couple of years.

While mentioning that four board seats are up in the April 2017 election, Kostes jokingly said, “My seat is not one of them so you can answer your phone.

It won’t be me looking for your support.”

Retirees took turns telling the group about myriad topics, including volunteer opportunities, health updates on colleagues, teacher certification, health insurance and the state of their pensions.

Submitted photo

Southwest Chicago Christian 8th-graders visit Covenant Harbor

The eighth-grade class at Southwest Chicago Christian School visited Covenant Harbor in Lake Geneva, Wis., on Sept. 2 for a fun day learning more about each other and teamwork. The students participated in several team games and adventure obstacles to build a sense of community and teamwork. The students took part in various activities ranging from a rope course to canoeing. Taking part in the festivities was eighth-grader Gabe Kuecker (above), a Palos Heights resident.

Oak Lawn residents earn Chicago Christian High School degrees at NIU students visit Camp Manitoqua

Submitted photo

A group of local students have earned their degrees at the conclusion of the summer semester last month at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.

Oak Lawn residents earning degrees were Daniel Pappas, bachelor of science in business; Allison Hopkins, master of science in education; Meggan Sterk, master of science in education; Taryanna Robinson, bachelor of science in health and human sciences; and Monique Cid, bachelor of arts in liberal arts and sciences.

The student body and faculty of Chicago Christian High School visited Camp Manitoqua in Frankfort for a day of community building on Sept.

2. Students participated in a number of games that required teamwork and fostered the development of leadership skills. Chicago Christian High School freshman Mike Williams (above), of Palos Heights, tries to knock down pop cans with a rubber band during one of the games.

First Responders Mass to be held at Queen of Peace A First Responders Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 9 at the Queen of Peace High School Chapel, 7659 S. Linder Ave., Burbank.

All police officers, firefighters, EMS, dispatchers and military personnel are invited to attend.

The Mass will be celebrated by the Rev. Dan Brandt, chaplain

for the Chicago Police Department.

Immediately after Mass, light refreshments will be served. First responders are encouraged to wear their Class A uniforms. For more information or to reserve a seat, contact Teresa at (708) 496-4755, or visit www.queenofpeacehs.org before Oct. 9.

SPORTS The Regional News • The Reporter

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

Thursday, September 15,2015 2016 Thursday, March 5,

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

Schofield wins over some fans among all the Twitter litter

F

or a while, they were not so bitter on Twitter.

Earlier this year, I wrote a couple of columns about how our local football hero, Sandburg graduate Michael Schofield, took a beating on social media.

He worked his way to starting right tackle on Denver last Making the season and worked up a Extra Point lot of Broncos fans who spewed Mile-High bile on the kid as he learned his craft with mixed results.

I thought he had a pretty good game in the Broncos’ 24-10 Super Bowl victory over Carolina. I counted two plays that he probably wanted back. But it was a good game on the heels of a decent postseason for the 6-foot-6, 301-pounder from Orland Park.

But minutes after the Super Bowl, one Twitter user said a top priority for the Broncs was to “cut Michael Schofield.’’

This is the problem with social media. People can say whatever stupid thing they want and, while I love Twitter for my job, there is a lot of gut-reaction garbage out there. Your team just won the Super Bowl and the first thing you want to do is talk landfill about a guy who helped your team win it?

This year, Schofield moved from tackle to right guard. And 22 million viewers got to watch the Broncos beat the Panthers, 21-20 in a thriller to kick off the 2016 NFL season.

So for fun (well, maybe that’s not quite the right word) I wanted to test the Twitter watters, er, waters, regarding our guy last Thursday night.

The night started out with some nastiness.

Matt Worthington Tweeted: “Michael Schofield is soooooo bad.’’

Matt Meyer said: “How is Michael Schofield still in the NFL? Dude is just as much of a revolving door at guard as he is as tackle.”

That’s two splats from guys named Matt.

Someone labelled Jess E has 2016 all plotted out.

E wrote: “Will spend this entire game, and probably the whole season, yelling at DAMN Michael Schofield. Just freaking block!”

See VORVA, Page 4

JEFF VORVA

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Marist fans heckle Mother McAuley’s Charley Niego as she waits for the ball to drop for a pass Tuesday night. The junior was a target all night, but her 12 kills helped lead the Mighty Macs to a two-set victory over their neighborhood rival.

Fan-tastic match for Niego McAuley star blocks out heckling to help Macs beat rival Marist

By Phil Arvia Correspondent

Charley Niego may be committed to Notre Dame, and she may be descended from Mother McAuley volleyball royalty, but when she’s in the Marist gym, the Mighty Macs junior is simply a target.

Or maybe, because of all the aforementioned, she’s the main target.

That’s why, though she’d already put down five kills midway through Tuesday’s first set, the fans in the Marist student section leaped at the chance presented by her first miss, a cannonading blast that went long to pull the RedHawks within 16-14.

“Overrated! Overrated!” they chanted.

Niego, daughter of McAuley legend Therese Boyle, whose number was brought out of retirement so Niego could wear it, heard.

“Yeah, it was funny,” she said.

Of course, that was easy to say once Niego had the last laugh. She responded with a teamhigh 12 kills as the Macs, extending a streak dating to 2012, won their sixth straight over their neighborhood rivals, 25-19, 25-18, in front of a standing-room crowd estimated at 1,800.

“Great players block that stuff out,” Niego said. “Then they prove (the hecklers) wrong. It’s

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Mother McAuley players celebrate the final point of a 25-19, 25-18 win over Marist Tuesday night.

McAuley has not lost to Marist since 2012.

awesome to play in front of this big of a crowd.”

Though Central Michigan-bound junior Savannah Thompson had four kills in a six-point

span immediately after Niego’s miss to tie the opening set at 18, Niego had kills for the final three points — knocking a Marist defender off her feet with the first swing, blasting through a block for the second and going soft down the line to close it out.

McAuley’s power — Kaitlyn O’Connell, another 6-footer and heavy hitter, finished with eight kills — was the difference in a match where the hitting errors were few and digs plentiful.

O’Connell had 45 kills in five matches at last weekend’s Louisville (Ky.) Invitational, where the Macs went 4-1.

“I think I was able to kick it up to another gear,” O’Connell said. “The team got on me early because I wasn’t doing so good.”

In the second set, O’Connell had two solo blocks and a kill in a 7-0 McAuley run to put the Macs up 12-10. They never trailed again.

“There was a lot of good defense being played on both sides,” McAuley coach Jen DeJarld said. “It makes for an exciting match.”

And a tight one.

McAuley’s biggest lead of the night came on match point, in a set in which Marist managed its biggest advantage, at 10-5.

See MCAULEY, Page 2

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Michael Schofield, shown in April getting the hero treatment at Sandburg High School, won over some Twitter fans Thursday night by playing well in Denver’s win.

SHEPARD 24, EVERGREEN PARK 7

Calling all Cars Carberry, Carter lead Shepard in SSC opener

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

Nieko Carter never looked back after nabbing a touchdown reception and running a kickoff back 80 yards for a score in the second half for Shepard against Evergreen Park on Friday.

Photos by Jeff Vorva

Shepard quarterback Jack Carberry looks for an open man during the Astros’ 24-7 home victory over Evergreen Park. The Astros are 3-0 for the first time since 2000.

The four-hour bus ride home from Springfield was pretty grim last October.

Shepard’s football team lost to Springfield Sacred Heart Griffin, 53-6, in the first round of the Illinois High School Association Class 6A playoffs. The Cyclones racked up 723 yards of offense and there was a running clock in the third quarter. Who knows what the score would have been if the Springfield power didn’t fumble

the ball away three times within the Shepard 3-yard line?

But there was a finding-a-pearlin-the-sewer moment when sophomore Nieko Carter, who was brought up from the sophomore team for the playoffs, caught a Jack Carberry pass for 72 yards, which led to a Carberry touchdown run to close the gap to 17-6.

“We knew we had a guy who could make big plays,” Shepard coach Dominic Passolano said.

It appears Carter has more big plays left for Astros fans to savor. Carter caught a 29-yard touchdown pass from

Carberry and had an 80-yard kickoff return for a TD to help give the Astros a 24-7 victory over Evergreen Park in the South Suburban Red opener for both teams.

An extra weapon for an Astros team with Carberry and dangerous running back Demetrius Harrison can go a long way this season — a season that started with plenty of promise.

The win gives Shepard its first 3-0 start to a season since 2000, when the Astros claimed their first three games See SHEPARD, Page 4

2

Section 2 Thursday, September 15, 2016

The Regional News - The Reporter

FOCUS ON PRO SOCCER

Fire’s home unbeaten streak comes to end but Paunovic says game was ‘fantastic’

By Alison Moran Correspondent

The Chicago Fire’s 12-game unbeaten streak at home was one of the lone bright spots in an otherwise dismal 2016 season, stretching all the way back to April 30.

Now, thanks to Toronto FC’s 2-1 win last Saturday night at Toyota Park, that’s gone, too.

Humiliation should have been compounded by the fact that the Fire had been unbeaten in facing Toronto at Toyota Park amassing a 5-0-5 record.

But even in defeat, Fire coach Veljko Paunovic was confident, even defiantly so, in postgame comments.

“I think the game was fantastic,” he declared both in Spanish and English. “We pushed and we wanted to win. There was a very good opponent in front of us. We just didn’t convert our opportunities.”

Coming off a 3-0 shutout of the fourth-place Philadelphia Union, the ninth-place Fire (6-138) had every reason to be optimistic. Offensive

threat David Accam was back after a tour of international duty with the Ghanian National Team and available for substitution.

Not starting Accam may have cost them the game, according to Paunovic.

For the first 30-plus minutes, the 18,391 fans on hand saw a defensive back and forth battle.

But the 33rd minute saw Toronto defender Justin Morrow pass on the left to forward Jozy Altidore’s right foot, who pushed the ball past Fire goalkeeper Sean Johnson’s outstretched hands.

Twenty minutes later, in the 52nd minute, came a heartbreaker for Fire fans. Toronto drove the ball to the goal line, which Johnson caught and threw in the direction of a Fire player, between Altidore and midfielder Jonathon Ocasio.

Altidore stopped the pass and sent it to Ocasio, who kicked it cleanly into an open net. Loud boos followed, and social media exploded with derogatory tweets.

Redemption came only after Accam entered the game in the 56th minute. Defender

Brandon Vincent found Accam, who pushed the ball past Toronto’s defenders downfield to find midfielder John Goossens. The midfielder sent a creative shot that found Michael de Leeuw’s head, sending it past Toronto goalkeeper Alex Bono for its only goal of the game.

“I think we did well, and if we played like this every week, we’re going to win,” de Leeuw said. “But sometimes you lose when you play well. We created chances, but in the end, you have nothing.”

A chance for redemption comes Friday night, when the Fire hosts seventh-place DC United at 7 p.m.

Red Stars clinch playoff spot The Chicago Red Stars tied 2015 champion FC Kansas City 0-0 in a road game Saturday but clinched a spot in the National Women’s Soccer League Playoffs. Alyssa Naeher notched the shutout.

The team hosts Washington on Sept. 24 at Toyota Park.

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Chicago Fire coach Veljko Paunovic kept his head up after his team had a 12-match home unbeaten string snapped Friday night.

FOCUS ON COMMUNITY SPORTS

FOCUS ON COLLEGE SPORTS

Palos AYSO is a go on Saturday

Moraine women’s volleyball opens with four wins

After having the first weekend postponed because of rain on Aug. 27 and no games the following week because of the Labor Day Holiday, the Palos AYSO opened its season on Saturday. A look at some of the results:

U14 Harambe’s Corn 4, The Squad 2: Yazeed Haleem had three goals for the winners and Lilly Ceretto added one.

Lily Bona abd Youssef El Hakim scored for The Squad.

Maroon Extra Cheddar Fish 4, Electric Fury 3: Maroon rallied from a 2-0 deficit to pull off the victory. Avery Wesch of the Fury was awarded the MVP award for defensive play.

U10 Flaming Ducks 8, Yellow Jackets 1: Logan Zavala scored four goals for the winners while Gavin Arnold added two and Esteban Garibay and Layan Elmosa each had one.

Flaming Ducks 4, Blue Thunder 0: Logan Zavala score a pair of goals while Caden Balcaitis and Gavin Arnold each added one.

Red Pac Man 6, Aqua Fire 5: Max Kawa scored two goals while Stephanos Petropoul, Peter Primbas, Kelly Thompson and Cear Urquizo added one for the

Supplied photo

Michael Tylka of the Electirc Fury U14 team, splits two defenders in a match Saturday.

winners.

U8 Blue Sharks 2, Team 10 2: Aydin Gundogdu had two goals for the Sharks while Mary Chapman and Katrina Zumerchik had assists. Cain Guerra was the Sharks goalie.

Warriors 3, Sharknado 3: The War-

riors were led by Julian Rivera’s two goals while Molly Hennessy added one.

Patrick Hennessy and Cade Koehler were the goalies.

Orange Flames 2, Blue Sharks 2: Sutton Phillips scored two goals late in the fourth quarter for the Flames.

Tigers 4, Green Lizards 1: Mike Sherrin scored four early goals for the Tigers.

U12 Fireball 5, Santa’s Minions 4: Carlos Zavala had two goals and Gianna Bacerott and Evan Gallagher added one while Lina Abuhanoun and Yousef Jubran added assists.

— We welcome community news at sports@regionalpublishing.com An estimated crowd of 1,800, including these McAuley fans at the top of the bleachers in the Marist gym, were on hand for Tuesday’s showdown.

McAuley

Continued from Page 1 “We just didn’t finish the points,” firstyear Marist coach Jordan Vidovic said.

“It’s frustrating. If we could finish off some of that defensive effort with kills …

“We couldn’t get out points in big enough bunches, like we’re used to doing.”

Thompson finished with six kills, all in the first set, and added 13 digs. Maggie Meyer led the RedHawks (9-3) with eight kills and six service points, while Grace Green had 16 digs and Molly Murrihy had 23 assists.

Libero Emma Reilly and Niego led McAuley (10-1) with 12 digs each, while sophomore setter Nancy Kane had 27 assists and matched O’Connell with seven digs.

“We were a little tentative tonight playing in front of the neighborhood crowd,” DeJarld said. “Big matches in full gyms like this will prepare us for state. It’s a great atmosphere.”

Tell it to the Marist student section — last heard chanting, “Let’s play football …”

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Moraine Valley Community College’s women’s volleyball team opened the season with four wins, including Thursday’s 25-11, 25-23, 25-15 sweep of Oakton Community College.

That came two days after a fourset win over South Suburban College.

Kaitlyn Myles (Queen of Peace) had 11 kills against SSC and Jessica Gavras (Oak Lawn) added 21 digs.

Kirsten Chase racked up 19 assists while Jovana Koldzic blocked four and Gavras dug up 12 against Oakton.

Men’s golf: Alec Martinez (Sandburg) fired an 80 to lead the Cyclones to an eighth-place finih at the Frye Lake Classic.

Men’s soccer: The Cyclones whipped Elgin Community College 6-0 Thursday as Elias Leyva (Addison Trail) scored three goals. Daniel Garcia (Reavis) scored twice.

Women’s soccer: In their Sept. 4 home opener the Cyclones made a statement against the only team that gave them a regular-season loss last year, Lake Michigan College.

This year, Moraine Valley won 7-0. Sandy Ortiz (Richards Career Academy) and Bella Rodriguez (Kelly High School) scored within the first six minutes.

On Sept. 7, the Cyclones nipped Waubonsie Communiy College, 2-0. Ortiz and Milena Singletary (Joliet Central) scored for MVCC.

ST. XAVIER UNIVERSITY Women’s golf: Senior Taylor Thompson dominated the Oliver Nazarene University Intercollegiate tournament held in Kankakee on Sunday. She fired a two-round score of 153, winning the tourney by six strokes while SXU finished fourth in the eightteam event.

Men’s golf: Freshman Matthew Clark, a Nazareth Academy graduate, finished 11th at the Olivet Nazarene University Tournament Sunday with a tworound score of 156.

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Women’s volleyball: The Trolls opened their CCAC season with a 25-7, 25-13, 25-11 win over Governor’s State University on Sept. 7 as Kacie Stoll had 11 kills and a .450 attack percentage.

Things got tougher two nights later as the Trolls dropped a 2522, 26-28, 20-25, 25-23, 15-7 contest to the University of St. Francis. Rachel Verhage had 16 kills for TCC (6-7, 0-1).

Women’s soccer: TCC fell to 3-2-1 after a 3-1 road loss to Cornerstone University on Sunday. Kayla Dierner’s goal gave the team a 1-0 lead, but the Trolls were stymied the rest of the way.

Women’s cross country: Ashley Jourdan took 13th out of 138 runners at the University of Wisconsin Parkside Midwest Open.

— Compiled by Jeff Vorva from submitted reports

The Regional News - The Reporter

Thursday, September 15, 2016 Section 2

3

WEEKLY FOOTBALL FORECAST

In just his third try, rookie Joe Boyle came up perfect with a 10-0 mark for Week 3. He was the only one of the chuckleheads to pick Argo over Oak Lawn. Interestingly, that was the only game he accidentally left off his sheet and when he was made aware of that, he picked Argo and put the other five to shame. Maholy still leads the pack with a 25-6 mark but Boiling Boyle and Vorva are breathing garlic down his skinny neck.

Last week: Overall: Montini at Brother Rice Chicago Christian at IC Catholic Evergreen Park at Oak Lawn Woodstock Marian at Marist Shepard at Richards Sandburg at Bradley Bourb.

Stagg at LWW St. Laurence at St. Rita SXU at Webber

Jeff Vorva 9-1 24-7 BR IC EP Marian Richards BB LWW St. L SXU

Joe Boyle 10-0 24-7 BR IC OL Marist Richards BB LWW St. R SXU

Anthony Nasella 7-3 19-12 BR IC EP Marist Shepard Sandburg LWW St. L SXU

Jason Maholy 8-2 25-6 BR IC EP Marist Richards BB LWW St. L SXU

Wally Findysz 6-4 19-12 BR IC OL Marist Richards Sandburg LWW St. R SXU

Bob Rakow 6-4 21-10 BR IC EP Marist Richards BB LWW St. L SXU

WEEK 3 FOOTBALL ROUNDUP

FOCUS ON HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

Lessons are learned as St. Laurence attacks Mac

Two area runners take individual XC titles

By Anthony Nasella Correspondent

St. Laurence head coach Harold Blackmon said there were team lessons to be learned regarding discipline from a 63-49 loss to Immaculate Conception Catholic on Sept. 2.

And the Vikings learned those lessons and quickly applied them to Friday’s night Catholic White opener against defending Class 3A state champion Bishop McNamara — rolling to an impressive 49-7 win over the Fighting Irish in Burbank.

Fayezon Smart (17 carries, 106 yards) rushed for two touchdowns and added a 95-yard kickoff return to start the second half. Kevin Williams added a rushing and receiving touchdown, and quarterback Romello Washington was 12 of 17 passing for 232 yards and two touchdowns.

On defense, Chris Negrete (five solo tackles, seven assists, one fumble recovery and forced fumble) and Adam Andrews (three solo tackles and three assists) played a big part in keeping a Bishop McNamara’s offense – which scored 40 points against St. Laurence last season in a 70-40 loss – contained. “(The IC loss) was one of those learning lessons for our entire team,” Blackmon said.

“We understand that in order to get where we have to be, we have to be more disciplined. I know the players really took that to heart.

“And they really started to understand what we mean by playing disciplined assignment football. That lack of discipline killed us against IC. We didn’t play disciplined assignment football. We came out last night, and defense played together and our offense fed off of that.

In addition to Smart and Williams, Levy Hamer caught a 79yard touchdown pass and had 87 receiving yards overall for the night for St. Laurence (2-1. 1-0), which is averaging 46 points a

By Jeff Vorva

game.

The Vikings visit St. Rita Friday night.

“St. Rita is a good team that is having a good season,” Blackmon said. “We need to build on what we did against Bishop McNamara.”

Sports Editor

Richards 38 Eisenhower 10

The Bulldogs hit the ground running Friday, as they opened their South Suburban Red season in a big way, and capturing their first win of the season, with a win over the Cardinals in Oak Lawn behind Pat Doyle’s four touchdown runs.

Doyle rushed 21 times for 171 yards and Derek Flowers ran six times for 80 yards. In all, Richards rushed 42 times for 315 yards.

Quarterback Jake Moran was 9 for 15 with a 188 yards passing and a touchdown.

“We really wanted to establish the run against Eisenhower,” Bulldogs coach Tony Sheehan said.

“That was our goal all week and what we really worked on. Pat’s been a workhorse for us, and we even got a lot of contributions in the running game from our second and third-team guys.”

On Friday, Richards (1-2, 1-0) hosts Shepard, which is coming off a 24-7 win over Evergreen Park last Friday. The Bulldogs edged the Astros 30-27 a year ago in Palos Heights and has not lost to the Astros since 1993.

“Shepard could be the best team we face all season,” Sheehan said. “We’re going to have our hands full.”

Argo 18, Oak Lawn 14

With a late 14-12 lead, the Spartans were in reach of winning their league opener in the South Suburban Red only to see the Argonauts score with less than two minutes left to snag away the victory in Summit. Argo was winless last year.

Lewis Radosovich scored both touchdowns to lead Oak Lawn (12, 0-1), which hosts an Evergreen Park team on Friday that is looking to bounce back from a 24-7 setback against Shepard.

“I told the kids that it would be a tough game,” Oak Lawn coach

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Chicago Christian punter Josh Hill almost looks like he’s dancing during his follow through of a punt against Wheaton Academy.

Nick Novak said. “Argo played well, but our defensive line and inside linebackers also played well. We did bounce back from last week, and we just a couple of things late in the game that wound up going Argo’s way.”

Delonte Harrell’s two touchdown runs. The next game for Marist (21, 1-0) will be Friday when it hosts Marian Central Catholic of Woodstock, which lost to Benet 14-10 after it outscored its first opponents by a combined score of 91-0.

Brother Rice 45 Aurora Christian 6

Wheaton Academy 46 Chicago Christian 6

The Crusaders improved to 3-0 as they rolled Friday night over the Eagles behind Dino Borrelli’s three touchdown passes. His longest of the night was a 72-yard bomb to Illinois recruit Ricky Smalling.

Brother Rice, which has averaged 46 points per game thus far, will host Montini on Friday.

Sandburg 44 Thornton 29

Jawon Richards’ three rushing touchdown helped the Eagles capture their first win of the season and also their opener in the SouthWest Suburban Conference season Friday night.

Sandburg (1-2, 1-0) visits Bradley Bourbonnais (3-0) in the Southwest Suburban Catholic on Friday.

The Boilermakers beat Thornwood 51-26.

Marist 27, Carmel 8

The RedHawks captured their East Suburban Catholic opener in Mundelein on Friday night behind

The lone highlight for the Knights on Friday night was an eight-yard touchdown run by Henry Light. The offensive score was a small improvement on last season’s 35-0 setback against the Warriors.

Chicago Christian (1-2) has a huge task ahead when it visits IC Catholic Friday. IC is the Associated Press’s No. 1-ranked team in Class 3A and outscored Bishop McNamara, St. Laurence and Elmwood Park by a combined score of 153-49.

Bolingbrook 55 Stagg 7

After falling short to Thornton by just four point on Sept. 2, the Chargers had a rougher time Friday against the Raiders in its SouthWest Suburban Conference opener. Stagg (0-3, 0-1) visits Lincoln-Way West (3-0), which defeated Andrew 35-14 Friday. The Chargers have mustered 30 points of offense so far in the three weeks.

NO. 10 ST. XAVIER 46, AVE MARIA 3

Martinez makes QB debut in Cougars’ romp

By Jeff Vorva

van Ryn

Leonard

Chong strong in Shootout Marist senior Perry Chong won a playoff against St. Rita’s Kevin Healy to win the individual championship in the St. Rita Southside Shootout Saturday at Glenwoodie. Both shot 75 in regulation. Marist’s Jeff Ready was one shot off the pace with a 76.

Chong missed qualifying for state last year by four strokes at the Alton Class 3A Sectional but has honed his game with camps and tournaments in Nevada and California this summer.

Area teams thirsting for success at PepsiCo Stagg’s boys soccer team, which was seeded ninth in the Aquafina Bracket, knocked off No. 8 Waubonsie Valley, 1-0, in the PepsiCo Showdown Saturday in Aurora.

The Chargers were scheduled to visit top-seeded Mort on Tuesday.

Shepard also won its first game in the ATI Bracket with a 3-1 victory over Juarez. The Astros were scheduled to visit Fenwick on Tuesday. There were no seeds in this bracket.

MONDAY MADNESS THURSDAY THRILLS

St. Laurence grad Alex Martinez made his first college start for St. Xavier in a 46-3 victory over Ave Maria.

Sports Editor

Alex Martinez’s college football career got started a little faster than expected.

The St. Laurence graduate figured to spend a lot of time on the bench this season observing fifth-year senior John Rhode, who threw for 7,922 yards the past three seasons and was breathing down Anthony Kropp’s neck (9,307) for most yards thrown by a St. Xavier University quarterback.

But Rhode was nursing a rib injury on Saturday and Martinez earned his first start and helped lead the NAIA’s 10th-ranked Cougars to a 46-3 victory over Ave Maria at Deaton Memorial Field in Chicago.

It was the first time the Cougars beat an opponent by more than 40 points since a 5410 win over Concordia (Michigan) on Oct. 27, 2012. Last year, the Cougars beat the Gyrenes 24-21 in Florida.

Rhode will reportedly miss at least one more week with the injury, so Martinez is likely in line for more playing time, which can pay off next year after Rhode is gone and coach Mike Feminis will be looking for a replacement.

Martinez was 11 of 23 for 161 yards and a touchdown. Another glimpse of the future saw freshman Jamarri Watson break loose for 115 yards on 13 carries.

Wide receiver Dan Ladd lined up at running back three times on goal-line situations and scored touchdowns all three times to tie a school record for most rushing TDs in a game.

Chicago Christian’s April van Ryn and Marist’s Maryclare Leonard were the leaders of their packs on Saturday.

The two running stars pulled off individual victories and might be making even more noise in the Illinois High School Association postseason in late October and early November.

Van Ryn finished 28th in the state in Class 1A as a junior and ran the Detweiller Park course in Peoria for the first time clocking in at 18 minutes, 35 seconds and the Knights finished seventh.

The senior made her second appearance at the storied Peoria course Saturday in the First to the Finish Invitational and finished first out of 409 runners in the Class 1A competition at 18:17, stunning Stanford Olympia’s Shelby Siltman (who finished fifth in the state last year), Rockford Christian’s Madison Franseen (21st) and Macomb’s Maya Stovall (ninth).

The Knights were first out of 38 teams with 141 points – four points better than Williamsville. Allie Boss took 21st, Jill Van Dyk took 40th, Cassidy Vandekamp was 45th and Emily Damstra was 51st.

Marist spent a season in Class 2A in 2015 and is back in 3A this season. Leonard won the Reavis Invitational with an 18:33 to help the RedHawks finish second. Two years ago, Leonard finished 10th in the state in Class 3A.

Photo courtesy of St. Xavier University

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The Cougars defense held a team to single digits for the first time since a 12-6 victory over William Penn in 2013. It recorded five sacks, a fumble recovery and a safety while holding the Gyrenes (0-2) to minus-31 yards rushing.

Red-shirt freshman Josh Hettiger (Oak Lawn/Richards) had five tackles, including a five-yard sack, and three quarterback hurries. The Cougars also got interceptions from junior Maurice Sutton (Country Club Hills/South Suburban CC/Rich Central), freshman Trevon Anderson (Bolingbrook/ Bolingbrook) and sophomore Tim Walsh (Evergreen Park/Loras College/Evergreen Park) plus a safety off a sack by senior Alex Hamilton (Channahon/Minooka) and junior Jeff Cesario (New Lenox/Minnesota State-

Moorhead/Providence Catholic).

Saint Xavier (2-1) heads to Babson Park, Fla., Saturday (September 17) for a non-conference 11 a.m. game against Webber International University (Fla.) at Legion Field.

Webber had its Sept. 2 game against the College of Faith cancelled because of hurricane conditions. The Warriors came up to the Chicago area and dropped a 38-21 decision to North Central College in Naperville, a team ranked ninth in the country in Division III. NCC led 38-0 at one point.

Quarterback Gary Chouloute throw for 204 yards. Last year, the Cougars sweated out a 37-34 win over the Warriors after kicker Abdul Mahdi kicked a 25-yard field goal as time expired.

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4

Section 2 Thursday, September 15, 2016

The Regional News - The Reporter

Images from the 2016 Pulaski Cup

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

With good advice on the wall behind him, Christian Cunningham of Marist gets ready for a corner kick against Brother Rice Sunday.

The recently renewed Pulaski Cup boys soccer match between Brother Rice and Marist was more about off-the-field activities than what happened on the field.

For the record, host Marist won the match 5-1 late Sunday afternoon. But the day was about more than soccer for the two Chicago rival schools, which are based on or near Pulaski Street.

The two teams honored military members and first responders in memory of the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

Donations taken at the game will go to the 100 Club of Chicago, which provided funds for families of fallen first responders of Cook County.

Marist players wore striped uniforms and Broth-

Brother Rice soccer players stand at attention during the National Anthem of the Pulaski Cup on Sunday.

Tinley Park’s Jerry McGuinn, an 83-year-old Korean War veteran, salutes during the National Anthem before the Pulaski Cup between Marist and Brother Rice on Sunday. McGuinn’s grandson, Matt Kirby, is on Brother Rice’s team.

er Rice wore uniforms with stars on them.

Before the match, a Chicago Police Department helicopter flew over the stadium.

And while there were plenty of bodies flying due to hard contact during the match, things were a lot more civil in the morning, when the two teams were together at St. Christina Church for a mass.

For the RedHawks, David Regan, John Ciszewski, Patrick Clancy, David Shaw and Patrick Clancy scored goals. Brother Rice freshman Jack Finnegan found the back of the net early in the second half to tie the game at 1-1 but Marist dominated the rest of the way.

This is the second time the two teams played in a regular-season match in more than 30 years.

Last year, they drew 0-0 but Brother Rice was able to keep the cup at home on penalty kicks.

Marist boys soccer players show unity during the National Anthem.

A fireman’s helmet and boots were on display on the field during the National Anthem Sunday at Marist.

Marist’s Brice Wyderski (left) battles Brother Rice’s Dan Caulfield in the Pulaski Cup.

Marist’s Christian Cunningham (left) extends his hand to David Regan after Regan scored the first goal of the match against Brother Rice.

Marist’s Nick Marks (left) and Brother Rice’s Sean Kenny jostle during Sunday’s match, won by the host RedHawks, 5-1.

Vorva

Continued from Page 1 The skinny from Adam Kinney? “Michael Schofield – Getting quarterbacks killed since 2015.’’

And Josh Carter didn’t appear to be joshing when he wrote: “Update: Michael Schofield still sucks.’’

Throughout the game, there were plenty of unfunny comedians referencing Michael Scofield from the TV show “Prison Break.’’ Yeah. We get it. We got it last season. Move on.

And then…

Some love started pouring out.

Schofield was knocking defensive opponents around and the ground game started heating up.

Rookie quarterback and former Northwestern signal caller Trevor Siemian, who replaced legendary quarterback Peyton Manning, had his ups and downs (Lord knows what the Twitt-iots were saying about him, but I had my own crucifixion to watch) and the Broncos escaped with the win.

Khalid Slashami wrote: “Michael Schofield is having a game against one of the best defensive fronts in the NFL. Moving inside and another year did wonders for him.’’

Photos by Jeff Vorva

Nick Baumgardner added: “Michael Schofield is making it happen on the goal line for Denver.’’

Brandon Thorn said “Michael Schofield is an offensive guard. That was established last night. Looks much more comfortable inside.’’

Conor Porter mused: “Michael Schofield had a fantastic performance on the line for Denver.’’

Derek Johnson gushed: “I love you at guard, my man.’’

Scott Beamon admitted: “I think I might actually not be able to start over this year’s Michael Schofield.’’

J.R. Johnson was astounded: “Michael Schofield just pancaked somebody!!!!”

TidalWuave barked: “Michael Schofield is a dog in the trenches.’’ I think that was a compliment.

J.C. Rivera added: “Michael Schofield has been much better at guard than tackle, clearly.’’

Until the next sack is allowed, Schofield has bought some time in winning over some of the Twitter world.

The final word goes to someone called The Prodigy: “Michael Schofield, you done good, you done good.’’

Shepard

Continued from Page 1 but could muster only one victory the rest of the way en route to a 4-5 season. The Astros hope for another monkey off their back when they visit Richards (1-2, 1-0) Friday night at Gary Korhonen Field. The last time the Astros beat the Bulldogs was in 1993 when Allen Ross ran 85 yards for a touchdown with 3 minutes, 4 second left in the game to help Shepard win, 21-20.

Oh, and the legendary coach the Richards’ field is named after will be on Shepard’s sideline, as Korhonen is the Astros’ linebackers coach.

Against EP, the Astros scored a field goal (Mike Iturbe’s 35-yarder in the first quarter) and a defensive touchdown (Dante Onsurez’s 35-yard interception return in the second quarter) for a 10-0 first-half lead. Carter’s TD reception in the third helped make it 17-0 and after EP (2-1, 0-1) scored on quarterback C.J. Brown’s 10-yard run with :22 left in the third, Carter came right back with the kick-

off return.

“I felt great,” Carter said of this second half.

“I never felt this good in my life. On that kickoff return, I just picked the ball up and just ran. I found a gap and went through the gap.’’

Carter is making a name for himself as an elite athlete. He qualified for the Class 3A state track meet as a long-jumper as a sophomore.

Evergreen Park hopes to get back on the winning track Friday at Oak Lawn (12, 0-1). It was a rough week for Mustangs coach Jerry Verde. Marian Catholic athletic director and former longtime football coach Dave Mattio died on Sept. 7. Verde not only played on the Spartans’ 1993 Class 4A state title team, he was an assistant coach to Mattio at Marian in 2003 and in 2013, took over for Mattio, who retired after 37 seasons as head coach.

“There was a certain love of the game that he always had,” Verde said of Mattio. “It was contagious. You always learned a lot from him. I was blessed to have him as a coach and with people like Mike Slovick and Mike Feminis on the college level (at the University of St. Francis).’’

5

Section 2 Thursday, September 15, 2016

The Regional News - The Reporter

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For Sale

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION CARRINGTON MORTGAGE SERVICES, LLC Plaintiff, -v.MICHAEL CARBONE, AMY CARBONE A/K/A AMY MARIE CARBONE A/K/A AMY M. STUART A/K/A AMY STUART, BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO LASALLE BANK, N.A., FV-1, INC. IN TRUST FOR MORGAN STANLEY MORTGAGE CAPITAL HOLDINGS LLC, US CREDIT, WILLOW WOOD VILLAS CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION Defendants 16 CH 2873 12241 SOUTH DOGWOOD LANE Palos Heights, IL 60463 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on June 22, 2016, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on October 12, 2016, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 12241 SOUTH DOGWOOD LANE, Palos Heights, IL 60463 Property Index No. 24-29-100-023-1032.

The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $155,411.43.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in \�AS IS\� condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property.

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

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact The sales clerk, SHAPIRO KREISMAN & ASSOCIATES, LLC, 2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301, Bannockburn, IL 60015, (847) 291-1717 For information call between the hours of 1pm - 3pm fax number 312-372-4398 Please refer to file number 16-078486. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www. tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

SHAPIRO KREISMAN & ASSOCIATES, LLC 2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301 Bannockburn, IL 60015 (847) 291-1717 Fax #: (312) 372-4398 E-Mail: ILNotices@logs.com Attorney File No. 16-078486 Attorney Code. 42168 Case Number: 16 CH 2873 TJSC#: 36-7981 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

I700379

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDER OF THE CWABS, INC., ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-7, Plaintiff, -v.ANTONIO CARINO, ELEODORA CARINO Defendants 15 CH 17301 9012 WEST 147TH STREET Orland Park, IL 60462 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on July 25, 2016, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on October 26, 2016, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 9012 WEST 147TH STREET, Orland Park, IL 60462 Property Index No. 27-10-205-023-0000.

The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in \�AS IS\� condition.

The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property.

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

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information: Visit our website at service.atty-pierce.com.between the hours of 3 and 5 pm. PIERCE & ASSOCIATES, Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300, CHICAGO, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 476-5500.

Please refer to file number 1774. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

PIERCE & ASSOCIATES One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300 CHICAGO, IL 60602 (312) 476-5500 E-Mail: pleadings@pierceservices.com Attorney File No. 1774 Attorney Code. 91220 Case Number: 15 CH 17301 TJSC#: 36-9452 I701724

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

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis.

To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1 (800) 669-9777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is: 1 (800) 927-9275.

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Palos Heights Spacious McNaughton Keystone Crossing Townhome 2 bedroom plus study 2.5 baths, 2 car garage Open floor plan Wet bar, granite, fireplace Quality upgrades Agent owned $390,000 708-805-0137 For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF THE FIRST FRANKLIN MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2006-FF16, ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-FF16; Plaintiff, vs.

OSCAR VEGA; MARY ZIOLA; CITY OF PALOS HEIGHTS; FIRSTSECURE BANK AND TRUST CO. F/K/A FAMILY BANK AND TRUST CO.; FIRSTSECURE BANK AND TRUST CO. F/K/A FAMILY BANK AND TRUST CO. AS TRUSTEE UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF A TRUST AGREEMENT DATED OCTOBER 3, 2006 AND KNOWN AS TRUST NUMBER 11-918; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF OSCAR VEGA, IF ANY; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF MARY ZIOLA, IF ANY; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 12 CH 18925 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, October 10, 2016 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 24-31-109-021-0000.

Commonly known as 6904 West Edgewood Road, Palos Heights, IL 60463.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection For information call the Sales Clerk at Plaintiff’s Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 360-9455 W12-1541.

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I703013

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The Regional News - The Reporter

Thursday, September 15, 2016 Section 2

Garage Sale

Help Help Wanted Wanted

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with outstanding proofreading and organizational skills to do work for multiple attorneys.

Must have experience with transcribing and organizing pleadings, discovery and correspondence and must be proficient in Microsoft Office.

Knowledge of Federal and State court electronic filing systems required. Use of ProLaw a plus.

Please email resumes to: ffrazier@odelsonsterk.com Help Wanted

PART TIME PRESSMAN Experienced pressman needed to operate a Goss Community press part time. 20-30 hours per week. Day shift.

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Amy Richards at arichards@regionalpublishing.com or call Southwest Regional Publishing at

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ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE WANTED Southwest Regional Publishing and Southwest Community News Group is seeking an Advertising Sales Representative.

The Sales Representative will prospect and cold call in addition to maintaining established accounts.

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL: • Have 2-5 years proven outside sales experience and customer retention • Be highly self-motivated, competitive and organized • Have the ability to hit the ground running • Have proven ability to close sales on a one to two call cycle WE ALSO LOOK FOR CANDIDATES TO DISPLAY: • Drive and Energy • The ability to succeed in a fast paced, deadline oriented environment • The ability to multi-task • An outgoing personality

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6

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PLEASE E-MAIL RESUME TO AMY RICHARDS: 12243 South Harlem Ave., Palos Heights, IL 60463 Phone: 708-448-4000

arichards@regionalpublishing.com

Novena A PRAYER St. Jude’s Novena    May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world now and forever.    Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us. St. Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us.    St. Jude, helper of the helpless, pray for us.    Say this prayer nine times a day, on the ninth day your prayers will be answered. It has never been known to fail. Publication must be promised.

Thank you, St. Jude, for prayers answered.

B.J.S.

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

OUT & ABOUT

The Regional News • The Reporter

Thursday, September 15, 2016

BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS Programs at The Center

• Calligraphy - two Mondays Sept. 19 and 26, 1 - 3 p.m. Instructor Marge Boyd will help students learn the beautiful art of fine lettering. Participants will learn how to use a bamboo pen or calligraphy pen with ink and a variety of lettering styles. The class will experiment with different types of papers and pencils and markers.

The workshop fee is $32, plus an $8 materials fee. The Center is at 12700 Southwest Hwy, Palos Park.

• Luncheon: U.S. Foreign Service with speaker Russell LaMantia - Tuesday Sept. 20, noon - 2 p.m. Russ LaMantia will be speaking about his experiences as a Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Department of State. During a 33-year career, he was posted in embassies in Rome, Brussels, Canberra and Cairo. In Washington, he served on the personal staff of Secretaries Henry Kissinger and James Baker. Luncheons cost $22 and advance reservations are necessary.

• Gentle Yoga Classes - six

Tuesday evenings, beginning Tuesday Sept. 20, 6:30 - 8 p.m.

This series of gentle, restorative yoga classes is taught by instructor Carolyn Harms. The classes will include discussion and practice on breathing, relaxation, and centering, as well as movement and poses. Students are asked to dress in comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat. The Anderson Center at the Children’s Farm, 12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park.

Class fee: $50. Pre-registration required. 361-3650 • International Day of Peace Wednesday, Sept. 21, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. In 1981 the United Nations established the International Day of Peace hoping to strengthen the ideals of peace and harmony, both within and among all nations and peoples. Yet, as the Dalai Llama once said: “We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.” The Center will host a short service and a labyrinth walk for peace on Sept. 21. Registration is required by calling 361-3650.

VIDEOVIEW BY JAY BOBBIN • Woodcarving - six Wednesday evenings beginning Sept. 21, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Instructors Arlene and Don Lesiak will help students learn and practice the tools and techniques of woodcarving using a variety of types of wood. Participants will create beautiful animals, objects, and faces. New students will make 3-6 projects such as a bird, a shoe, an egret, and miniature people. Experienced students may design their own projects.

Class fee: $95. Wood and bench knives are available for purchase in class (approximately $25 for wood and bench knives).

The Bridge Teen Center programs

• Karaoke/Open Mic Night 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. this Friday, The Bridge Teen Center, 15555 S. 71st Court, Orland Park. You’re invited to a Karaoke/Open Mic Night that includes a free coffee bar provided by Dunkin Donuts.

• Project Serve: Thrift Store - 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sept. 17,

Whether you need community service hours or you just want to serve others, spend the morning sorting, cleaning, and shelving the donated items at The Bridge Thrift Store.

• Badminton - 4:15 to 6 p.m.

Sept. 20, Students will learn the basics of playing Badminton.

Equipment will be provided.

• Behind the Scenes: JC Penney - 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 22, Visit a local JCPenney department store and learn the in’s and out’s of being a stellar Sales Associate. Not only will you gain insight on how to perform at your potential first job, you’ll learn how items are priced, merchandise displays are set up, and about the retail industry.

• Campfire & S’mores Night 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Sept. 23, You’re invited to a Campfire and S’mores Night. The night will include a Bean Bag Tournament and a live performance from rock band Radiomen.

These free events are for teens in 7th through 12th grade. For more information call (708) 532-0500.

OMARR’S WEEKLY ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST

By Jeraldine Saunders ARIES (March 21-April 19): Stand apart from the crowd to attract attention. Go the extra mile to demonstrate your ingenuity in the week to come. Use your unique talents to gain the recognition that you truly deserve.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Love them tender. Your sparkling personality can make a world of difference in the early part of the week. You might even meet someone special who quickly shifts from friendliness to romance.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Stay cool and stick to the decision already made. You could to act without forethought in the week ahead. You may find that your

authority is challenged by a family member.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Listen to suggestions if they come from a reputable source and have the ring of truth. Don’t make major investments this week as they could end up being more trouble than they are worth.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Detour around defensiveness. You are apt to be easily riled up in the week ahead by the least little thing.

Guard against damaging your possessions or spending money impetuously.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Speed isn’t your only option. It isn’t in your best interests to overreact to competition or disrespect in the week ahead. If you make hurried decisions, you might live

Southwest • Section 2, Page 7

to regret them.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Calm the waters when tempers flare. Relationships could become the center of attention in the week ahead. Your diplomatic skills and charm could be high demand in the early part of the week.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Love makes the world go around.

Focus on making someone feel special and loved. Your money could burn a hole in your pocket as this week unfolds, so keep a tight rein on spending.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Initiative implies improvements and rewards. Just going through the motions won’t get you anywhere this week. At the same time conflict will slow your momentum so avoid it.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Let your ambition run wild and there’s no telling where you will go. Loosening the purse strings a little won’t hurt as your judgment might be better than usual in the week ahead.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Don’t sweat the small stuff.

Minor irritations may be annoying in the week to come but in the greater scheme of things they really don’t matter. Buy something attractive today or tomorrow.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): A wise bird feathers his own nest and flies away from controversy.

Avoid confrontations with partners in the week to come and don’t get your feathers ruffled if things don’t go as planned.

(NOTICE: Ratings for each film begin with a ‘star’ rating — one star meaning ‘poor,’ four meaning ‘excellent’ — followed by the Motion Picture Association of America rating, and then by a family-viewing guide, the key for which appears below.)

STARTING THIS WEEK:

“CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR”: After their activities draw concern and a regulation effort from the United Nations, Captain America (Chris Evans) or Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) are divided on whether to comply - forcing the other Marvel superheroes to side with one or the other - in this entertaining chapter of the franchise, back in the hands of directors Anthony Russo and Joe Russo (“Captain America: The Winter Soldier”). The Avengers are well-represented again, with Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow, Paul Rudd’s Ant-Man and Jeremy Renner’s Hawkeye all present ... and the screen’s newest Spider-Man, played by Tom Holland, also makes an appearance.

Anthony Mackie, Don Cheadle, Paul Bettany and Elizabeth Olsen are in the powerful ranks as well. *** (PG-13: P, V) (Also on Bluray and On Demand) “THE CONJURING 2”: Solid acting and a smart script enabled the first film to freshen a familiar genre, and this sequel manages much the same under returning director James Wan, though it can’t help but have a certain deja vu being the second round. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga also are back as paranormal experts Ed and Lorraine Warren, who head for England to try to help a spectre-plagued mother (Frances O’Connor) and her children (Madison Wolfe, Lauren Esposito, Patrick McAuley, Benjamin Haigh). Fans of the original thriller - and there were many - are likely to come

away satisfied here. DVD extras: five “making-of” documentaries; deleted scenes. *** (R: AS, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “EMPIRE: SEASON TWO”: The stakes are higher in the sophomore round of executive producer Lee Daniels’ Fox drama series, as Lucious Lyon’s (Terrence Howard) release from prison sets off an all-out battle with the relentless Cookie (current Emmy nominee Taraji P. Henson) for control of his music label. Their discord, plus that of their sons Jamal and Hakeem (Jussie Smollett, Bryshere “Yazz” Gray), leaves the business vulnerable to takeover attempts by others. Notable guest stars include Alicia Keys, Chris Rock, Marisa Tomei, Naomi Campbell, Ludacris, Rosie O’Donnell and Vivica A. Fox. DVD extras: “makingof” documentaries; music performances. *** (Not rated: AS, P, V) “QUANTICO: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON”: FBI trainees have more on their hands than just the basic learning in this ABC series, which moves between the past and present regularly in telling its stories. Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra made a big U.S. splash as Alex Parrish, one of the agents-in-training who ultimately becomes a fugitive, suspected of having a hand in terrorist activities ... and unnerved to find that some of her fellow students may be the actual culprits. Additional stars include Josh Hopkins (“Cougar Town”), Aunjanue Ellis, Johanna Braddy, Tate Ellington and Graham Rogers. Marcia Cross (“Desperate Housewives”) has a guest arc toward the season’s end. *** (Not rated: AS, P, V) FAMILY-VIEWING GUIDE KEY: AS, adult situations; N, nudity; P, profanity; V, violence; GV, particularly graphic violence.

Planning for Retirement Loneliness is a health risk for older adults Submitted by Right at Home

Great part-time jobs for retirees Upon retiring, many newly minted retirees find themselves looking for ways to fill their free time. Hobbies may not take up too much time, and travel can stretch retirees’ budgets.

One way that retirees can make great use of their free time and make a little extra money is to find part-time employment. Part-time jobs can help retirees maintain their connections with their communities, whether it’s their professional community or the community in which they live, while also providing a sense of purpose. Retirees interesting in finding part-time work may want to consider the following jobs.

• Consulting work: Many retirees have long résumés, and that experience is still valuable even after retirement. Consulting firms often hire experienced businesspeople on a project or contract basis, which can be great opportunities for retirees to fill their time and make sizable amounts of money without having to commit to longterm employment.

• Teaching: Retirees can also put their professional experience to work in the classroom. Inquire about teaching opportunities at a nearby university or even the local

high school. Such opportunities may only be available on a volunteer basis, but some might pay part-time salaries or small stipends.

• Seasonal work: Seasonal work is another great way for retirees to fill their time and make a little extra money along the way. Come the holiday season, retirees should have no trouble finding seasonal retail work at their local malls or shopping centers.

• Sports teams: Retirees who live in cities with professional sports teams may be able to find work with their favorite franchise.

Professional sports franchises often rely on retirees to staff in-game positions like ushers and concessions employees, and some may even hire retirees to greet fans.

• Crafts: Retirees with a love of crafting can turn their hobby into income. For example, Etsy. com makes it easy for creative entrepreneurs to post their creations and sell them to buyers all over the globe.

Many retirees still work even after calling it a career, and opportunities abound for men and women looking to fill their time and make a little extra money along the way.

Gerontologists, who are doctors that specialize in the health of older adults, predict a increase in the loneliness that older Americans experience due to smaller families, higher divorce rates and inadequate public transportation for rural and suburban dwellers.

Senior citizen organizations are being urged to address this issue aggressively and in creative ways.

According to University of Chicago’s Dr. John Cacioppo, a leading expert on the topic of loneliness and aging, social isolation’s negative impact on a senior’s well being can be equal to the effects of smoking and obesity.

Because people are becoming more isolated this health problem is likely to grow. So if we foretell that loneliness is a factor in health problems, the next question is what can we to minimize it.

Home care experts, like Right at Home of Orland Park have taken note of these findings and are tailoring their services to support social engagement for senior clients experiencing chronic health conditions.

Consider these five ways inhome care helps seniors overcome obstacles in staying connected with others: 1) CHALLENGE: LOSS OF LOVED ONES & FRIENDS: Sometimes it is only after losing close friends and family that we feel the social gap in our lives. For seniors, this loss can result in an abrupt isolation. Building a new social context can lower the risk of depression and physical decline.

SOLUTION: In-home care & assistance can bridge the gap between this abrupt isolation and making new friends - Transportation to a nearby park district to take a class, to volunteer opportunity at a nearby hospital, or taking in movie keeps the social factor in the elder’s life.

2) CHALLENGE: LOVED ONES LIVING FAR AWAY: In

our mobile society, families are often spread across the country.

Of course, phone calls, emails, and an occasional visit are all helpful. However, when seniors care needs change, this can challenge even the closest families.

For long-distance caregivers, this can be a heartbreaking time as lonely elders need help and family is too far away to ensure that it is met. At times seniors relocated to their adult children’s community, but most prefer to remain in their own home and in familiar settings.

SOLUTION: In-home care allows millions of seniors to remain safe and independent in their own homes, in their established social context. Long-distance caregivers gain peace of mind knowing their loved one has assistance with housekeeping, meal preparation, medication supervision, personal grooming, transportation to healthcare appointments … whatever support services they require.

Family also reap another bonus: When the in-home caregiver takes over these day-to-day tasks on an ongoing basis, family visits can focus more on meaningful social time rather than crisis control and a long to-do list.

3) CHALLENGE: GIVING UP THE CAR KEYS: Loss of vision and decreased manual dexterity also make driving unsafe for many seniors. The transition from driver to non-driver can feel devastating.

According to University of Texas gerontologist Dr. Kavon Young, “Aging is a process where so many things are lost. Part of what seniors try to hold onto is their independence—the independence to make decisions about their health, their future and their driving.” She says losing the ability to drive may trigger depression, anxiety and a loss of motivation to follow the healthcare provider’s instructions SOLUTION: In-home care doesn’t only happen at home. Professional home caregivers preserve the mobility and independence of seniors by providing transportation, allowing clients to continue attending their faith community,

visiting friends, visiting the senior center and enjoying other social opportunities.

4) CHALLENGE: DEPRESSION & LOW SELF-ESTEEM: When we don’t feel good about ourselves, we tend to withdraw from others. It is important to take depression seriously, and to seek professional help if a senior loved one’s symptoms persist. Dr. John Cacioppo’s study showed that for some lonely individuals, “social cognition” therapy can change underlying assumptions that get in the way of meaningful connections with others.

SOLUTION: If a therapeutic intervention is recommended for persistent feelings of loneliness and depression, an in-home caregiver can transport the client to appointments, take them to the pharmacy if medication is prescribed, and support all-around health and wellness.

5) CHALLENGE: DECREASED CONFIDENCE: Health challenges such as arthritis, incontinence, stroke, or memory loss make it harder for seniors to get around with confidence. Many fear falling or getting lost. The journal, Neurobiology of Aging, recently published a study suggesting that even healthy seniors experience age-related brain changes that may cause them to lose their

way. Wayne State University gerontology professor Scott Moffat, Ph.D., confirmed, “Navigation is an important cognitive skill that older people may be losing.” These seniors may be tempted to spend most of their time alone at home.

SOLUTION: Professional inhome caregivers are trained to provide watchful but sensitive supervision to promote their clients’ engagement in the community. This might mean a steady arm on stairways; help with wheelchairs, walkers and other assistive devices; gentle assistance for clients who are living with Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia; and all-around encouragement.

Right at Home In Home Care and Assistance of Orland Park is the perfect solution for the challenges you might encounter sometime in your “golden years” or possibly you are ready to retire and you have a loved one that still needs your attention.

Right at Home has been awarded Provider of Choice Award for 2016.

Don’t hesitate to call Right at Home of Orland Park and we can provide a Free Home Assessment at 708-873-9007. Our website is www.rightathomeorlandpark.com

8 Section 2

Thursday, September 15, 2016

The Regional News • The Reporter

Planning for Retirement Late bloomers can still save for retirement Today’s young professionals hear about the importance of saving for retirement seemingly from the moment they are hired.

In addition to discussions with human resources personnel about employer-sponsored retirement plans, young professionals are learning about the importance of saving for retirement thanks to the abundance of financial-planning advertisements on television, the radio and the Internet.

Older workers may not have been so lucky, and many may find themselves trying to play catch up as retirement age draws closer.

While it’s important to begin saving for retirement as early as possible, late bloomers whose retirement dates are nearing can still take steps to secure their financial futures.

• Pay down debts. Eliminating debt is good for men and women of all ages, but especially so for those nearing retirement.

Substantial debt may delay your retirement and can greatly reduce your quality of life during retirement. If you still have substantial debt, eliminate that debt before you start saving additional money for retirement. Once your debt slate has been wiped clean, you can then increase your retirement contributions.

• Eliminate unnecessary expenses. If your retirement savings are low (many financial advisors now advise men and women that they will need at least 60 percent of their pre-retirement income each year they are retired), start cutting back on unnecessary expenses and reallocate that money

toward retirement saving. Cutting out luxury items, such as vacations to exotic locales or country club memberships, is one way to save money. But don’t overlook the simpler ways to save, such as canceling your cable subscription or dining at home more often.

• Downsize your home. Many empty nesters downsize their homes as retirement nears, and doing so can help you save a substantial amount of money. If the kids no longer live at home or if you simply have more space than you will need after retirement, downsize to a smaller, less expensive home. Monitor the real estate market before you decide to downsize so you can be sure to get the best deal on your current home. Downsizing saves on monthly utility bills, property

taxes and a host of additional expenses. Downsizing also means less maintenance, which gives you more time to pursue your hobbies upon retiring.

• Take on some additional work.

While you may have long felt you would slowly wind down in the years immediately preceding retirement, taking on some additional work outside of your current job is a great way to save more for retirement and perhaps even lay the foundation for a postretirement career.

Men and women on the verge of retirement can take many steps to grow their retirement savings and make their golden years that much more enjoyable.

Smith Crossing, Smith Village advice to older adults: Downsize and tidy up for more carefree lifestyle Submitted by Smith Senior Living Whether choosing to move or stay put, empty nesters can benefit immensely from tidying up and letting go of possessions that no longer suit their needs.

“For some people, the process of downsizing can take longer than others,” said Frank Guajardo, executive director of Smith Crossing, a life plan community located at 10501 Emilie Lane in Orland Park.

“The longer term goal of moving to a new home is easier to manage when people focus on where they are going and how they plan to live. Spending too much time looking back can get people stuck, and delays their decision-making process.”

Guajardo is not alone in dispensing this helpful advice. Marti Jatis, executive director of Smith Village, 2320 W. 113th Place in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood, agrees. “Once people shed an accumulation of objects they kept as reminders of treasured experiences, they can focus on the here and now. They’re free to pursue their current interests, maybe taking a language class or a painting class, joining a book club, or taking day trips,” Jatis said. “I’ve seen newcomers to Smith Village blossom after shedding some of their material burdens.”

New York Times best-selling author Marie Kondo waxes eloquently in her book, “The LifeChanging Magic of Tidying Up,” about how eliminating items no longer needed can empower individuals to enter new chapters in their lives.

“Tidying is a tool, not a destination,” Kondo writes. “The true goal should be to establish the lifestyle you want most once your house has been put in order.”

Household objects hold powerful memories for many people, which can complicate the process of letting the items go. At various times, Smith Crossing has enlisted home organizer Ric Roemer, president of Creative Home Services, to conduct presentations for prospective Smith Crossing residents on downsizing. One of Roemer’s favorite questions for the audience is, “How many of you still have your wedding dress, and how many of you ever plan to wear these again?” In a room of 40 or so people, several hands will go up.

For some people, old cookbooks, even broken cooking gadgets or souvenirs from vacations can represent links to precious memories. Some people try to get around clutter by placing these items in special shelving and bins, but no matter how hard they try, the clutter returns. That’s because the only real way to manage stuff is to keep less, Konda writes.

Here are some tips on downsizing: To eliminate cherished but unnecessary items, invite relatives to take them. But be careful to avoid pushing objects on people who don’t want them. You may have paid lots of money, but that doesn’t obligate your child to take on ownership. Practice letting go.

Keep only items that give you

joy. If you have a large collection, consider keeping just a couple of representatives and photographing the rest.

When you start the process of tidying up and eliminating clutter, you’ll begin to feel lighter.

“Putting your house in order is the magic that creates a vibrant and happy life,” Kondo writes.

Remember, having only items you now need will enable you to focus on what’s really important. This will also save on your moving bill.

Beyond removing clutter, Roemer said, the last steps for preparing your home for sale include: Contacting a realtor for a market survey and a list of steps to take to prepare your home for showing. Paint in neutral colors.

Change out old light fixtures or worn faucets. Remove worn carpeting. Trim trees and bushes. Cut grass. Freshen landscaping with new mulch.

“For older adults who remain on the fence about downsizing and preparing their homes for sale, it may help to realize they’re not just selling a property, they’re freeing themselves from the burden of property taxes, insurance, maintenance and repairs. Smith Crossing offers a carefree life

Photo by Wally Reichert

Photo by Waldemar Reichert

Frank Guajardo, executive director for Smith Crossing, a life plan commu- Marti Jatis, executive director for Smith Village, a life plan community in nity in Orland Park, advocates the benefits of downsizing and tidying up Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood, advocates the benefits of downsizing for older adults. and tidying up for older adults.

style. Residents here don’t own their apartments. Our entrance fee, which is 90 percent refundable, also provides a savings on future care in assisted living, memory support and skilled nursing care,” explained Guajardo.

“Living in a life plan community like those Smith Senior Living sponsors liberates retirees from home ownership pressures,” said Guajardo. “Our goal is help older adults attain a joyful and

carefree existence,” added Jatis.

Smith Crossing and Smith Village also provide added security, meals prepared by an executive chef, a variety of life-enriching activities and services, access to fitness facilities, rehab services and medical support.

About Smith Senior Living Smith Senior Living, a not-forprofit organization serving older adults, sponsors Smith Village in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood

and Smith Crossing in Orland Park, Ill. These CCRCs are the only ones located in the Southwest sector of metropolitan Chicago.

An innovative leader in providing the finest services and care for seniors, Smith established its first community in 1924, on the same city block where Smith Village stands today.

Both CCRCs provide spacious independent living residences, and apartments for assisted liv-

ing, as well as memory support and skilled nursing care. In addition, they offer short-term rehab programs for residents and others who have had surgery or a medical incident.

For more information about how Smith Senior Living can help seniors enjoy their retirement, contact Smith Crossing at 708-326-2308 or SmithCrossing. org, and Smith Village at 773-4747303 or SmithVillage.org.

Choose the right path with Smith Senior Living For more than 90 years, Smith Senior Living has been a leader in residential services and healthcare for older adults, sponsoring two Continuing Care Retirement Communities—Smith Village in Beverly and Smith Crossing in Orland Park. As a not-for-profit organization with a well-maintained endowment, we are able to ensure quality, ongoing care for residents. Choose a Smith Senior Living community and rest assured that you will always have a home, no matter what the future may bring.

Community. Integrity. Experience.

To learn more, or to receive invitations to our monthly educational series, please call (877) 900-5434 or visit us online at SmithSeniorLiving.org.

Smith Village

2320 West 113th Place Chicago, IL 60643 (773) 451-9764 SmithVillage.org

Smith Crossing

10501 Emilie Lane Orland Park, IL 60467 (708) 505-2925 SmithCrossing.org