Harris announces funding for South Suburban libraries
HARVEY – State Senator Napoleon Harris III announced that school libraries across the South Suburbs will receive over $18,000 in state library grants.
“Libraries provide a place for kids to learn and expand their knowledge,” said Harris (D-Harvey). “These grants will help libraries meet the needs of students as technology continues to advance.”
The grants, awarded throughout Illinois, included annual per capita grant funding, public library construction grants and newly created technology grants to help libraries most in need upgrade their technology infrastructure. School districts receiving funding in the 15th Senate District include:
• Beecher School District 200U – $887
• Bremen High School District 228 – $4,293
• Brookwood School District 167 – $850
• Harvey School District 152 – $1,235
• Homewood-Flossmoor Community High School District 233 – $2,435
• Homewood School District 153 – $1,555
• Manteno Community Unit School District 5 – $1,452
• Midlothian School District 143 – $1,210
• Peotone Community Unit School District 207U – $1,070
• South Holland School District 150 – $850
• South Holland School District 151 – $1,169
• Thornton School District 154 – $850
• West Harvey-Dixmoor School District 147 – $850
The grants will support school library services for over 1 million students enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade across the state.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental Health Awareness Month is an annual observance to raise awareness about mental health issues, reduce stigma, and promote support for individuals and families affected by mental illness. It has been observed every May since 1949 and was launched by the National Association for Mental Health (now Mental Health America). The United Day of Hope will take place on May 17, 2025. The theme for this year is “Turn Awareness into Action”. This theme encourages individuals and organizations to take meaningful steps toward improving mental health, building on the progress made in raising awareness.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience a mental illness each year, and 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder annually. Mental health treatment can make recovery a reality for most people experiencing a mental illness, but sadly, only about 47% of those suffering from mental illness receive treatment.
People with depression have a 40% higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, and about 33% of U.S. adults with a mental illness also experience a
substance use disorder. Mental illness can contribute to suicidal ideation. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people ages 10-14 and 15-25. Additionally, 46% of individuals who die by suicide have a diagnosed mental health condition.
The “5 C’s” of mental health usually refer to the Positive Youth Development framework, created by Richard M. Lerner and colleagues. They form the base of mental and emotional health. The “5 C’s” are Connection, Coping, Calmness, Care, and Compassion. Many experts in the field agree incorporating the 5 C’s into our daily routine can create the best plan for managing stress, improving relationships, and fostering personal growth. They also help build resilience, reduce stress, and enhance our overall quality of life.
The Jason Foundation is a valuable resource for those suffering from a mental illness who may be thinking about suicide. JFI believes that awareness and education are the first steps to prevent suicide. To find the nearest Jason Foundation Affiliate Office or to learn how you can support a friend or loved one who may be struggling, please visit www.jasonfoundation.com.
Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana Presents Renowned Emmy-Nominated
Comedian Jeff Ross in a New Theatrical Solo Show Take A Banana For The Ride
Gary, IN., April 22, 2025 – Hard Rock Casino Northern
Indiana’s Hard Rock Live venue will host 1 of 9 oneman comedy shows by Emmy-nominated comedian Jeff Ross, internationally known as “The Roastmaster General”, for his new show, Jeff Ross: Take A Banana For The Ride on Friday, July 11. Doors open at 7 p.m. Ross will exclusively tour this show on Hard Rock stages this summer before heading to Broadway.
Hot off the record-breaking success of his Emmynominated “GROAT (Greatest Roast of All Time): Tom Brady” for Netflix, Ross offers audiences a strikingly rare insight into his life with Take A Banana For The Ride , a hilarious and cathartic comedic experience about life and human resilience. Named for his beloved grandfather’s practical and loving travel advice, this exhilaratingly intimate one-man show offers a peeled back look into the heart and soul of America’s Roastmaster – but don’t expect to get away un-skewered.
“Ever since my Aunt Bess took me to see Jackie Mason on Broadway when I was young, I’ve daydreamed about performing my own classy and uncensored one-man show,” said Jeff Ross. “I’m honored and excited by the opportunity to share my origin story of how I became the
Roastmaster General! This new show is designed to be a cathartic experience shared with others – I encourage you to bring friends that you care about, people that might be going through tough times. I will shake them out of it with an evening of uncensored jokes, uplifting stories, songs and even some live roasting of the bravest volunteers.”
“We are proud to welcome Jeff’s one-man show to the stage and allow our local comedy fans to be the first to see his terrific show this summer before he takes it to the Big Apple,” said Matt Schuffert, President of Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana.
Take A Banana For The Ride is produced by Eric Nederlander, Robert Nederlander Jr., Marc Cornstein, and Tony Eisenberg, with ShowTown Productions serving as Executive Producer.
To book tickets at Hard Rock Casin Northern Indiana and for a full list of shows, visit: https://www.ticketmaster. com/event/0500628A0C1D5AEB . Through www. myHRL.com and www.roastmastergeneral.com, fans can access presale tickets Wednesday, April 23 at 10 a.m. local – Friday, April 25 at 9:59 a.m. local and on sale tickets Friday, April 25 at 10:00 a.m. local.
Published every week covering the towns of South Holland/Thornton, Lansing, Dolton/Calumet City, Munster, Highland, and Schererville. Our circulation is independently audited by CAC.
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Speaking Of Seniors Stopped Dishonest Hospital Bill
A few months ago, a client brought me a bill that was sent to his wife. Also, he brought me other papers that he knew I would want to examine. The couple is from Griffith, Indiana.
I compared the papers and phoned the client’s Medicare supplement insurance company to learn what it knew about the bill from a local hospital.
The insurance company never got the claim information from the portion of the bill that was not paid. This happens because THE MEDICARE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FAILED TO DELIVER THE CLAIM INFORMATION TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY. When that happens, important claim information does not get to the insurance company and that part of the claim does not get paid. If no one helps the senior citizen put the pieces back together, the senior will be hounded to pay a claim that really is not owed by the senior.
There are at least three areas of the Medicare claims system where something goes wrong so often that I believe over one billion dollars per year is wrongly billed to seniors who pay the wrongful bills. That happens in each of three areas. So, seniors are being billed THREE BILLION DOLLARS PER YEAR WRONGFULLY.
I wrote letters to the hospital to direct their attention to the portions of the Medicare Explanation of Benefits that told them our client owed nothing. The hospital billers ignored my polite letters and pushed for the senior to pay. So, I helped the senior file a complaint with a government office for the BAD
BUSINESS BEHAVIOR of the hospital in northwest Indiana.
Part of our complaint stated, “The latest bill from the hospital (dated 03/12/2025) shows that the hospital has completely ignored all correspondence. It is hounding [our client] to pay a bill that Medicare already ruled that she does not owe. This hounding to pay a bill that is not owed of a senior or any patient is a dishonest and bad business practice.”
On Monday, April 28, 2025, the husband of the woman brought me the letter from the government office that showed that the hospital finally dropped the effort to collect the bill. The man thanked me for helping to cancel the bill for $735.29. He said that amount made a lot of difference to his wife and him.
All the help that I gave the client and her husband was FREE OF CHARGE.
This insurance agency helps all our clients with such Medicare related medical bill problems at no charge. It is how we demonstrate that we really do care for our clients. If your insurance agency does not give the same high level of customer service, why don’t you switch to an insurance agency that does? Our agency does.
Note: Woodrow Wilcox is the senior medical bill case worker at Senior Care Insurance Services in Merrillville, Indiana. He has saved clients of that firm over three million dollars by fighting mistakes and fraud in the Medicare system. Also, Wilcox wrote the book SOLVING MEDICARE PROBLEM$ which can be ordered through book stores or online.
Success Happens When You Please People
by Janice R Newman
Have you ever heard the saying, “The customer is always right”? While this isn’t always true, having a pleased customer is vital to success. Learning how to meet people’s needs is one of the biggest keys to success, whether in business, your career, or personal life. Pleasing people isn’t easy. Another saying applies: “You can please some people some of the time, but you can’t please everyone all the time”. Success in anything is learning to meet people’s needs.
In business, pleasing people is essential. Customers demand good products and service, and respect. If they are not pleased and happy, they will quickly find another company that fulfills their needs. Today with social media and instant messaging, it takes one disgruntled customer a few minutes to voice their opinion and bad experience to thousands which can ruin your reputation. Therefore, making sure your customers are content is vital to success.
A person’s happiness directly influences a company’s success. When customers are pleased, they come back for repeat business and are loyal, which builds your reputation. Success in almost every area of life depends on pleasing people-bosses, coworkers, friends, family, and customers.
There are various ways to please people in business. First, create a product or service that fills the customer’s needs, solves problems, or improves life. Stand by what you offer. Second, deliver excellent customer service by listening carefully to people’s needs and solving problems quickly. Third, developing a company’s mission that puts people first. Profits will come if they are pleased. Show the customer you care about and respect them and their business. Fourth, establish a reputation for being trustworthy. People do business with whom they trust. If they cannot trust you or your product, they will go to your competitor. It’s that simple.
Pleasing people is important in most careers. Mastering this is the top way to
success. For example, doctors must work hard to diagnose patients correctly and satisfy their medical needs. If a patient is displeased or ignored, they will seek another doctor. Doctors with too many negative reviews or complaints could lose their medical licenses. So, having good bedside manners is a plus for a doctor.
Politicians, teachers, actors, social media influencers, and police officers must please people to stay successful. If a politician is dishonest or makes promises but fails to deliver will lose voters’ confidence and won’t get reelected. Teachers must demonstrate to administrators and parents that the students are learning and achieving high grades. Also, they need to please their students by making the lessons interesting to keep them engaged.
Actors’ and influencers’ success is directly related to how well they and their performance connect and please their audiences. If they deliver an outstanding performance, video, or post that people love, they will stay in demand and get more new opportunities. If they don’t connect or perform well, they will lose fans, acting deals, and sponsorships.
Police officers must please the public. They must legally enforce the law fairly and respectfully while protecting the citizens’ and people’s rights. They must serve and protect to help build safer and stronger communities.
Above all, success comes from pleasing people by caring about their experiences and feelings. In the Bible, the second commandment Jesus gave in Matthew 22:39 (NIV) “And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Success stems from treating people like you would want to be treated, along with thinking of your customers as if they were you. Think about it- would you buy poorly made products that break easily? Would you want a doctor who doesn’t listen to your concerns? Pleasing people isn’t easy, but it’s worth the effort. Y? Why Not!
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WOODROW WILCOX
LOCAL CHURCHES
CHRIST COMMUNITY CHURCH, COGIC
1151 E. 170th St., South Holland
708-331-8389
FAX
PASTOR DR. CARL E. KING, SR.
COVENANT UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 1130 East 154th St., South Holland
708-333-5955
www.covucc.org
PASTOR REV. DR. PATRICK L. DAYMOND
FIRST CHURCH (PCA) 3134 Ridge Rd, Lansing
708-474-9610
www.firstchurchpca.org
FIRST ORTHODOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF SOUTH HOLLAND 16248 South Park Ave., South Holland
708-333-8211
www.firstchurchsh.org
PASTOR REV. DANIEL SVENDSEN WORSHIP SERVICES
9:30 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m.
GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH, LCMS
8303 Sheffield Avenue Dyer, IN 46311 (219) 865-1137 gracedyer.org
Bible Study: Sundays at ........9:15am (Sunday school at this time too) 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month (Ladies’ Bible Study) Wednesdays at 10am Thursdays at 10am (Nursery available for Sunday morning services)
I was 11 in 1986 when my grandpa died. We stood before his open grave in a small, country cemetery. The preacher spoke about eternal life, resurrection life in a setting that said, “Death.”
Ten years later, in 1996, I took my grandma to see the grave. Grass had grown over the scar in the ground and a granite stone adorned the spot. There, in a setting that said, “Death”, my grandma declared her certain hope in the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.
But what struck me most were the words etched in granite. There was my grandpa’s name with his entry date and exit date. There was my grandma’s name with her entry date and a blank for her future exit date. And below, this bold assertion: “Jesus lives, and we live with him.”
Ten years later, in 2006, we laid my grandma’s body to rest in that same spot. We remembered that for all who
belong to Jesus by faith, the grave is a resting-place awaiting resurrection and eternal life. When Jesus rose from the dead, he did so in our place as ‘the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep’ (1 Corinthians 15:20). When you confess your sin and self-rule to God, turn from it and trust that Jesus lived the life you should have lived, died the death you deserved to die, and rose to redeem you, you are one with Christ. His status as God’s righteous, beloved child becomes your status. His resurrection life becomes your resurrection life. Just as Jesus rose with an immortal, upgraded 2.0 body, so will you when Jesus returns. To live in perfect fellowship and partnership with God and others forever. Jesus lives, and we live with him.
Richard Zekveld Pastor, Covenant Fellowship Church cfcsh.org
Real Estate Specialists Real Estate
Questions & Answers
CATHY & JIM HIGGINS
Question: Starting to prepare our home for sale. Any tips and suggestions?
Answer: Here are must do’s, in no particular order:
1. Draw buyers inside your home by having beautiful curb appeal. Cut & edge grass. Trim bushes. Add flowers if in season. Clear out the yard junk. Walk out to the curb and look at your home. If you think it looks beautiful, congrats. If it is just ok to you, keep beautifying.
2. Declutter. Home should look spacious and roomy. Look at each room, what looks too busy? Fix it. Remove the clutter from your refrigerator.
3. Remove personal photos on walls and tables. A few are ok because they help make the house look like a home.
4. Your potential buyer may be offended by political and religious signs and décor. Expressing your views and beliefs is not good when selling your home.
5. Your kitchen is the key selling point. Clear the dishes and clutter from counters. Make it sparkling clean and appealing to prepare meals.
6. Not everyone loves pets. Some may fear the pet is lurking in the home and be hesitant to view and leave early. Some are allergic to Fido or Felix. Remove feeding bowls, cat litter and odors associated with pets.
7. Remove portable heaters and fans. It screams that the house doesn’t get warm or cool enough, and that there might be something wrong with your Hvac system.
8. People do not want to live in a jungle. Make sure there are not too many plants.
9. Tacky Wallpaper is a major turn off to buyers. They consider wallpaper ugly and removal a major task, and it usually is.
10. Paint so the home looks fresh. Fix scratched, damaged and old paint from trim.
11. Remove old water stains. You will lose a lot of buyers if you don’t address water stains and marks.
12. Clean, clean, clean! A sparkling clean home grabs a buyer’s attention (and makes up a bit) for the lack of updates.
13. One last thing, Clean, Clean, Clean. In case we didn’t mention that! E-mail us your Real Estate questions at Cathyah@aol. com. Thinking of selling your home? Call Cathy & Jim Higgins, Licensed Broker/Realtors in Indiana & Illinois. IN: 219-865-4361 IL: 708-8283304. McColly Real Estate. Website: www.Cathyhiggins.com. Personal Real Estate Journal: www.Higginshousechat. blogspot.com
Fill
WORDSEARCH
ACROSS
1. “How ___ Has the Banshee Cried” (Thomas Moore poem)
18. Atomic number 5 19. Beat badly 20. Old Glory (3 wds) 23. Bank
Charge 25. Cujo’s disease 28. Creole vegetable
30. Conditions
33. And others, for short
34. Architectural projection
35. “Stupid me!”
36. Political entity in Europe dissolved by Napoleon (3 wds)
40. “Then what?”
41. Sharp, narrow ridge found in rugged mountains
42. Balcony section
43. Ottoman governor
44. Banquet
45. Typewriter roller
47. 20-20, e.g.
48. Donkey’s harsh cry
49. Suitable for feeding into a computer (2 wds)
57. Ashtabula’s lake
58. “No kidding”
59. “Neato!”
60. One million bytes (pl.)
61. “Tomorrow” musical
62. Chuck
63. “___ on Down the Road”
64. Resident
65. Athletic supporter? (golf)
CINCO DE MAYO
DOWN
1. Feed bag contents
2. Dart
3. Charlie, for one
4. Conspiratorial groups of plotters
5. Acute physical or mental pain
6. Leopard
7. Group of poems with a common epic theme
8. Not having to pay for property use (hyphenated)
9. High nest: Var.
10. Aerial maneuver
11. Chill
12. Pesky insects
14. “___ we row along,...” lyrics
21. “Comprende?”
22. Camelot, to Arthur
25. Doctor’s order
26. Agreeing (with)
27. Mount ___, tallest Indiana sand dune
28. Be bombastic
29. Cattle
30. Dostoyevsky novel, with “The”
31. Fake
32. Bishop of old TV
34. Black cat, maybe
37. Pie cuts, essentially
38. Light blue Monopoly avenue
39. Engage in make-believe
45. Reverent petition to God
46. Boy
47. Plural of “this”
48. Contradict
49. Same: Fr.
50. Length x width, for a rectangle
51. Smokes
52. Coastal raptor
53. Crosspiece between chair legs
54. Sack
55. Ditch
56. “... or ___!”
Cinco De Mayo’s deeply rooted history in the Franco-Mexican War influenced MexicanMexican American communities in the early years of the American Civil War. In the early 1860s, as the Civil War erupted, these communities took up the banner of the Cinco De Mayo celebration as a way to commemorate the cause of freedom and democracy. Today, in the United States, Americans celebrate Mexican-American heritage and pride annually on May 5th. nationaldaycalendar.com
Andrew B. Panega Jr., age 87 of Schererville, IN, passed away on Friday, April 18, 2025. Beloved husband of Alexandra “Sandy” Panega, nee Zmuda. Loving father of Andrew (Laurel) Panega III, Anthony (Colleen) Panega, Jeffrey (Lynn) Panega, Andrea (Mark) Daliege, Martin (Marcie) Panega, and Marlo (Donna Garetto) Panega. Proud grandfather of Andrew (Victoria) Panega IV, Nicole (Ryan) Marett, Anthony (Gretchen) Panega, Timothy (Kaitlyn) Panega, Neil Panega, Marissa (Cody) Clabaugh, Kristina (Ryan) Noth, Brittany (Jon) Bosley, Nathan (Jackie Hoffman) Daliege, Christopher (Brandi) Panega, Kathryn (Hayden) Kessler; great-grandfather of Lucas Panega, future son of Tony and Gretchen Panega, Caleb Clabaugh, Macintyre Clabaugh, Briggs Clabaugh, Nolan Noth, Charlie Noth, Boden Bosley, Evelyn Bosley, Rilyn Hoffman, Adilynn Panega, and Amelia Kessler. Kind uncle of many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents Andrew and Angeline Panega and his siblings and in-laws, Margaret (John) Zimmerman, Gloria (Jack) Dierkes, Marie (Irv) Kellen, and Charles Panega. Andy was loved by his family and will be missed.
Visitation Friday, April 25, 2025 from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane (Rt.30/ Pleasant Springs Ln.), Dyer, IN. Visitation will also be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at St. Michael the Archangel Church 1 W. Wilhelm St., Schererville, IN, from 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. with a funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. Interment St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery – Schererville, IN. A funeral luncheon will be held following the burial, with a location to be determined. Memorial contributions may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org).
For further information, please contact 219-322-7300 or visit our online guestbook and obituary at www. SMITSFH.com
Jose Rafael Lopez Serrato, age 77, of Harvey, IL, passed away on Friday, April 18, 2025. Beloved husband of Angelina Hernandez. Loving father of Angel Lopez, Cecilia Lopez, Gerardo (Gloria) Lopez, Angelica Lopez, and Jose Vidal (Karla) Lopez. Proud grandfather of Bianca Farfan, Eddie Lopez, Catherine Lopez, Sarai Lopez, Ivan Mendoza, Ezequiel Mendoza
Jr., Elia Lopez, Edgar Lopez, Erik Lopez, and Gael Oliver Lopez. Great-grandfather of Micaela Farfan, Ezra Farfan, Abigail Mendoza, Ismael Mendoza, and Andres Mendoza. Dear brother of Aurora Lagunas, Concepcion Carbajal, Maria del Refugio Lopez Ramirez, and Maria Lidia Lopez. Preceded in death by his parents Rafael Lopez Zuniga and Maria De Jesus Serrato. Visitation, Sunday, April 27, 2025 from 2:00—7:00 p.m. at Smits Funeral Home 649 E. 162nd St. (Rt.6/159th St.) South Holland, IL. Funeral Mass, Monday, April 28, 2025 at 10:00 A.M. at St. John the Baptist/Lord of Mercy Catholic Church, 15746 Union Ave, Harvey, IL. Interment Assumption Cemetery—Glenwood, IL. For further information, please contact 708-333-7000 or visit our online obituary and guest book at www. SMITSFH.com
Carolyn E. Ridder, nee Lindberg, age 79, of St. John, IN, went home to her Lord and Savior on Sunday, April 20, 2025. Beloved wife of James B. Ridder. Loving mother of Brian (Karrie Comatas) Ridder and Kristine (Bill) Holland. Loving grandmother of Nicholas Ridder, Evan Holland, and Michael (fiancée Kylie) Holland. Dear sister of Kenneth (Glenda) Lindberg and Valerie (Dale) Gervais. Aunt of several nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents Vergil and Eleanor Lindberg. Carolyn was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many. She loved to serve the Lord in so many ways in her church. She enjoyed traveling, book club with her friends, and spoiling her grandkids. Carolyn spent many years as a stay at home mother, and then after her kids were grown she worked as a pharmacy technician. She was loved by many and will be dearly missed.
Visitation Wednesday, April 23, 2025 from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane, Dyer, IN. Funeral service Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Smits Funeral Home with Rev. John Rogers officiating. Interment Oak Ridge Cemetery – Lansing, IL. Memorial contributions may be given to Grace Church (PCA) www.gracenwi.com. For further information, please contact 219-322-7300 or visit our online obituary and guest book at www. SMITSFH.com
Josephine Casner, age 86, of Calumet City, IL, passed away on Friday, April 25, 2025. Beloved wife of the late Kenneth Casner Sr. Loving mother of Ken (Claudia) Casner Jr. and Joe (Lisa) Casner. Cherished Nonna of Julia Casner and Michael Casner. Dear sister of Joseph (late Helen) Ferrantelli, late Michael Ferrantelli, late Catherine (Anton) Perniciaro, late Paul (late Rose) Ferrantelli, and the late Marion “Butch” (late Penny) Ferrantelli. Beloved aunt to numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents Vincenzo and Lena Ferrantelli. Josephine was loved by her family and will be deeply missed.
Visitation Monday, April 28, 2025 from 3:00 p.m.— 8:00 p.m. at Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane (Rt.30/Pleasant Springs Ln.), Dyer, IN. Prayer service to be held on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Funeral Mass to be held at Jesus, Shepherd of Souls Parish/St. Andrew the Apostle Church 768 Lincoln Ave, Calumet City, IL at 10:00 a.m. Interment at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery—Calumet City, IL. Memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org).
For further information, please contact 219-322-7300 or visit our online guestbook and obituary at www. SMITSFH.com
Kenneth Lee Czaja, age 73, of St. John, IN, passed away on Thursday, April 24, 2025. Beloved husband of the late Debra R. Czaja, nee Devine. Loving father of Julia (Michael) Dornseif and Ryan (Megan) Czaja. Cherished grandfather of Evan, Max and Nathan. Dear brother of Scott (Kathy) Czaja and Claude (Carla) Czaja. Kind uncle of several nieces and nephews. Kenneth was an avid golfer and bowler. He was loved by many and will be dearly missed. A Memorial visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, May 9, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. until the time of the memorial service at 7:00 p.m. at Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Ln. Dyer, IN. Memorial contributions may be given to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (https://t2t.org/). For further information, please contact 219-322-7300 or visit our online obituary and guest book at www.SMITSFH.com
Neighbor 2 Neighbor
and
and
and office staff. The dental family offers the latest in up to date modern dental equipment and dental practices.
The dental offices of Dr Pallotto and company. Pictured here are Dr Nick Pallotto and his family which includes his son Dr Pallotto
wife
child
One of our favorite places--Calabria Deli in Beverly Hills The best of everything!!
Tina, Brendon and Sydney Leigh at Smokey Joes in Crete, Il.
Alex and Brendon at Smokey Joe’s Cafe in Crete, il Sunday April 12, 2025 with the rest of our party!
The very patriotic Smokey Joe’s in Crete, il Sunday April , 12, 2025.
The Flash Baseball Team at Strack and VanTil in Griffith, Il April 10, 2025.
Remembering Pope Francis Tuesday April 7, 2025 at the Vatican in Rome.
Cutest kid at Smokey Joes in Crete. Sydney Leigh Minton Barry. Our Darling
JANICE MINTON-KUTZ
LIBRARY HAPPENINGS
Calumet City Public Librar y
Address: 660 S Manistee Ave, Calumet City, IL 60409
Phone: (708) 862-6220
Email: info@calumetcitypl.org
Website: http://www calumetcitypl.org/index.html
Dolton Public Libr ar y
Address: 14037 Lincoln Ave, Dolton, IL
Phone: 708-849-2385
Email: lincoln@doltonpubliclibrary.org
Website: www.doltonpubliclibrary.org
ONGOING PROGRAMS
EVERY MONDAY: STAY FIT with SHEENA STINSON: In-house workout program from 9:30-10:30 am. Register by calling 708-849-2385.
EVERY THIRD SATURDAY OF THE MONTH: BETWEEN THE PAGES: A VIRTUAL STORY TIME!Register by calling 708-849-2385 the link will be emailed to you.
EVERY SECOND TUESDAY OF THE MONTH: TODDLER TIME with Ms. Brooks: 10:45-11:45 AM. No registration is necessary. Daycares are welcome!
EVERY THIRD WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH, SIMON SAYS..GET UP AND MOVE with Ms. Lottie Maria: 11:30-12 PM. Jump, Clap, and Dance. Toddlers and Daycares are welcome! Call to register at 708-849-2385 ext 4.
HOMEWORK HELP: Call 708-849-2385 ext. 4 to make an appointment with Ms. Brooks on Fridays or Saturdays. Ages 5-12.
EVERY MONDAY: LINE DANCING WITH DAWN THE DANCING DEVA: From 1-2 pm. Call 708-849-2385 ext 3 to register.
EVERY WEDNESDAY: LINE DANCING WITH DAWN THE DANCING DEVA: BECAUSE IT WAS SO GOOD THEY ASKED FOR TWO! From 3-4 pm. Call to register at 708-849-2385 ext 4
Hammond Public Librar y
Address: 564 State St., Hammond
Phone: (219) 931-5100, ext. 310 or 307
Email: swishl@hammond.lib.in.us
Website: www.hammond.lib.in.us
Har vey Public Libr ar y
Address: 15441 Turlington, Harvey, IL 60426
Phone: 708-331-0757x3200
Email: has@harvey.lib.il.us
Website:www.harvey.lib.il.us
FREE online Line Dancing with Dawn the Diva, Tuesdays at 6:30pm
Join Us For Vir tual Programs : HARVEY LIBRARY CONTINUED
Each day at 4:00 pm, “stop” in for online family-fun at the Harvey Library Tuesday: Craft Wednesday: Story Time Thursday: Bacon Bits & Cooking Tips Monthly Virtual Music Class (Friday, check calendar each month)
Homewood Public Librar y
Address: 17917 Dixie Hwy, Homewood, IL 60430
Phone: (708) 798-0121
Email: hplhelp@homewoodlibrary.org
Website: www.homewoodlibrary.org/
Lansing Public Libr ar y
Address: 2750 Indiana Ave., Lansing IL
Phone: 708-474-2447
Email: shari@lansingpl.org
Website: www.lansingpl.org
Three stops on the road to financial stability
SUBMITTED BY PATRICK ZAMKIN
Achieving financial stability doesn’t happen overnight — it takes a journey. And, as with every journey, you’ll need to make some stops along the way. These stops, or milestones, can tell you how far you’ve gone — and where you need to go next.
Milestone 1: Build a foundation
When you’re first starting on your financial journey — typically, when you are beginning your career — you’ll want to build a foundation by acting on key issues, such as saving, paying down debts and investing for the future. Here are some suggestions:
• Start your emergency fund. Eventually, you’d like to have several months’ worth of living expenses kept in a liquid, low-risk account to deal with unexpected costs, such as large medical bills or a major car repair. For now, though, at least try to put away a few hundred dollars or a month’s worth of expenses. To make it easier, have some money moved automatically each month from a checking or savings account into your emergency fund.
• Take your employer’s match. Contribute enough to your 401(k) and health savings account (HSA) to earn your employer’s matching contribution, if one is offered.
• Pay down your higher-rate debt. Try to pay down as much highinterest, non-deductible debt as you can afford. If possible, refinance debt at lower interest rates.
Milestone 2: Gain a better foothold Once you’ve got your financial foundation in place, and you’re established in your career, consider these steps to gain an even better foothold:
• Continue building your emergency fund. Try to get at least a couple of months’ expenses in this fund.
• Put away more into your retirement accounts. If you can, try to put anywhere from 10% to 15% of your gross income into
your 401(k) or similar employersponsored retirement plan.
• Check your debt-to-income ratio. Divide your monthly debt payments by your monthly gross income to calculate your debt-toincome ratio. If you’re paying a mortgage, try to keep this ratio to 35% or less. Without a mortgage, try for 20% or less.
Milestone 3: Keep moving forward
As you move into your middle years — and beyond — it’s time to further solidify your financial situation and keep making progress toward a comfortable retirement. These moves can help:
• Maintain your emergency fund. By now, you should be able to keep up to six months’ worth of expenses in your emergency fund. A sizable emergency fund can help you if you need to switch jobs, and enable you to meet larger expenses without dipping into your longterm investments.
• Review your retirement goals. At this stage of your life, you should review your retirement goals regularly to determine whether you’re still on track toward meeting them. If you aren’t, you may need to adjust your investment strategies. Of course, your goals may have changed over time, and this, too, may require adjustments on your part. You may want to work with a financial professional who can suggest appropriate moves to help you on your way.
Reaching all these milestones will take diligence and commitment — but it will be worth the effort in helping you on your journey toward financial stability. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Patrick Zamkin, located at 18735 Dixie Hwy, Homewood, IL 60430. Contact us at (708) 798-9066. Edward Jones. Member SIPC.
Riverdale Public Librar y
Address: 208 W 144th St
Riverdale, IL 60827
Phone: (708) 841-3311
Email: library@rpld.org
Website: www.rpld.org
Riverdale Public Library District Food Pantry
Our food pantry is open to everyone and is located in the entryway of library. Donations are also welcome and can be dropped off at the Circulation Desk. Please ensure that food items are non-perishable, non-glass containers and not expired.
Weekly Walking Group
9 – 10 am Ages: Adults/Seniors This walking program is for everyone interested in achieving a healthier lifestyle. What better way to start your path to better physical and emotional health, than on your feet making strides to help your heart and improve your general health.
South Holland Public Librar y
Address: 16250 Wausau Ave., South Holland IL
Phone: 708-527-3160 or 708-580-6161
Email: library@southhollandlibrary.org
Website: shlibrary.org/events-calendar
Thor nton Public Librar y
Address: 115 E. Margaret St. Thornton, IL.
Email: library@thorntonil us
Website: https://www thorntonlibrary org/
Financial Advice Column
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APARTMENT FOR
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Flexsteel Sofa ($575) & Loveseat ($400). Both power remote. From Pet and Smoke Free Environment. Call 773343-0424 to view in South Holland Storage Area.
Craftsman weed trimmer 2cycle gas /oil mix needs tune up won’t start tap and go line advance with extra line $25 Craftsman 1/2 hp garage door opener motor needs gear inside $25 wall switch, visor remote, safety sensor eyes included ( No Track) 312-720-0844
Wheelchair in great good condition !and almost new $50 Walker without wheels $102 canes for $10Call: 219-384-0323
1 GE electric stainless steel double oven, 1 Amana electric glass cooktop, both are in excellent condition. $600 for both or available separately. Best offer considered. 5 foot long, 30 inches high all glass jewelry case with light, $100 or best offer. NordiTrack treadmill in great shape, $150 or best offer. For more information, call
Boat Motor, 9.9 Mercury w/ 6 Gallon Gas Tank, Very Clean, Runs good, firm $400. Trailer tire mounted
