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THE REGIONA EGIONAL L NEWS Named best small weekly in Illinois five times by the Illinois Press Association

Thursday, January 1, 2015

74th Year, NO. 1 • 3 Sections

Serving Palos, Orland and Worth townships and neighboring communities

Mall brawl leads to teen restrictions

By Bob Rakow Staff reporter

Photo by Tim Hadac

A trailside sign warns joggers, hikers and others about a small, controlled burn of invasive plants sawed and lopped down by volunteers Mike Kazaitis (from left), Cyndi Duda and Jan Pietrzak, as well as about 15 others on a recent Saturday at Paddock Woods.

INTO THE WOODS

In the coming months, teenagers won’t be able to hang out at Chicago Ridge Mall unless accompanied by an adult following a Saturday evening melee that led to a significant police response and forced the mall to close early.

Chicago Ridge Police Chief Robert Pyznarski met Monday morning with mall officials, who said they would adopt in March a policy similar to the one in place at North Riverside Mall.

North Riverside Mall officials in 2013 announced a youth escort policy designed to reduce the number of unsupervised teens hanging out at the shopping center on weekend nights.

Under the policy, after 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, anyone under 17 years old is required to be accompanied by a

“It was just an isolated incident. I don’t think anything was pre-planned.”

— Chicago Ridge Police Chief Robert Pyznarski parent or supervising adult, age 21 or over.

Chicago Ridge Mall officials have not yet ironed out the details of their proposed policy, but the goal is to eliminate unsupervised teens from wandering the shopping center, Pyznarski said.

Teens coming to the mall to see a movie will be required to go straight to the theater area and leave immediately after the movie.

See MALL, Page 2

Volunteers work to restore native habitat of Palos area

By Tim Hadac • Staff reporter

I

n a time of year when people look back and reflect, about two dozen local volunteers looked forward on a recent Saturday, trudging into Paddock Woods near Palos Park to build a better 2015 and beyond.

“I think John Audobon said it best when he said that a true conservationist is a man who knows that the world is not given by his fathers, but borrowed from his children,” said Orland Park resident Keith Greene, as he worked with others on Dec. 13 to clip, lop, saw and burn honeysuckle and other invasive species choking the forest floor near Route 83 and 86th Avenue. “I’m doing this because I owe it to my grandchildren.”

The hardy band of men and women, ranging in age from high schoolers to senior citizens, were part of the Palos Restoration Project, an organization which has worked hand-in-glove with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County (FPDCC) since 1990 to restore habitat for native plants and animals.

“Most of the plants we attack are landscaping plants that came from other areas,” added volunteer Jan Pietrzak, who grew up in the Roseland neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side and has lived in Palos Heights for

the last 19 years.

“I love Palos Heights, it has gotten much better in recent years,” he added, alluding to the city’s political turmoil of more than a dozen years ago. “Plus I like the proximity to the forest preserves. I use the forest regularly. I ski these trails, I walk and I run when my knees aren’t hurting.

“So doing what we’re doing here gives me an opportunity to do something for the area--to restore, replenish, rejuvenate,” he said.

The Palos area is home to nearly 15,000 acres of forest preserves, the largest concentration in Cook County.

The forest preserve district of Cook County was established 100 years ago on Nov. 30, 1914.

In addition to ranging in age, the volunteers, who work every week at various points in the Palos area, See WOODS, Page 2

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Bears receiver Brandon Marshall was in Palos Heights on Monday, hours after finding out head coach Marc Trestman and general manager Phil Emery were fired.

Tough to Bear

While many fans celebrate firings, Bears’ Marshall somber during his show at Trio

By Jeff Vorva

Reporter Editor On Monday morning, Bears coach Marc Trestman and general manager Phil Emery were the headliners fired in Lake Forest.

On Monday afternoon, controversial Bears receiver Brandon Marshall was fired up in Palos Heights.

Marshall hosted his ESPN radio show at Trio Restaurant and Bar, and before he even talked about the carnage at Halas Hall, he was busy challenging WMVP announcer Carmen DeFalco to a boxing match and calling him a “clown.’’

Then he got serious and said this year’s coaching staff featured “some of the best coaches I’ve ever been around” and that going to Halas Hall Monday morning was like “going to the hospital to see someone who was dead.

Sweet entrance into the new year With discounted slices of fruitcake on the counter hinting at Christmas past, bakery clerk Katie Anderson welcomes 2015 by showing off festively decorated Happy New Year cupcakes, sugar cookies and butter cookies on Sunday at Orland Park Bakery, 14850 S. La Grange Road. The family-owned bakery has been an Orland Park favorite for more than 40 years, according to manager Chris Konior, who noted that the wedding cake business has boomed since the establishment moved to its current location about three years ago, after a long and successful run in the old Orland Plaza shopping center at 143rd Street and La Grange Road.

Photo by Tim Hadac

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A couple hundred people — many wearing Marshall jerseys — crammed into the bar to hear the outspoken words of wisdom from the wideout. Not too many of them were somber about the departures.

“This is a phenomenal day,’’ said Orland Park’s Ed Griffin.

“It was a disappointing season for diehard fans. We’re ready for next year.’’

Griffin said he would have loved it if former Bears quarterback Jim Harbaugh would have taken Trestman’s place, but Harbaugh is heading to the University of Michigan. Griffin said he will settle for Mike Shanahan. A pal at his table, Palos Heights’ Mike Krol, said he would like to see former Green Bay coach Mike

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Visit us on the web at www.theregionalnews.com • email: TheRegional@comcast.net • To advertise, call 708-448-4000

2 Thursday, January 1, 2015

The Regional News

Mall

Continued from Page 1 They would not be permitted to linger in the food court or enter the mall shopping area after movies are over, he said.

Pyznarski said the youth escort policy might be tough to enforce at first, but over time the details will be worked out.

At North Riverside Mall, for example, security checks photo IDs of unescorted teens who enter the mall. Those under 18 and are required to leave.

Contact cards would be created for teens that repeatedly violate the policy, Pyznarski said.

Additionally, the mall has decided to hire uniformed, off-duty Chicago Ridge police officers to enhancement mall security.

“We work pretty well together,” Pyznarski said.

The decision to implement the youth escort policy and beef up security comes after Saturday’s skirmish, which quickly escalated when some patrons believed shots were fired inside the mall.

As it turns out, a restaurant worker in the food court banged pots together several times in an effort to disperse the crowd that gathered when a fight broke out, officials said.

“There were no shots fired,” Pyznarski said.

Police from several surrounding communities — some carrying rifles, others accompanied by canine partners — were at the mall within minutes. Patrons were told to leave the building and the mall shut its doors a few hours before its traditional 9 p.m. closing time.

Pyznarski denied that the incident was the result of flash mob.

Instead, he said, the incident grew out of a fight in the food

Fresh out of the oven Joe’s Italian Villa owner Frank Serio was the busiest man in Palos Heights Monday, as his popular pizzeria enjoyed a triumphant rebirth, at 122nd Street and Harlem Avenue. Throughout the afternoon into evening, every seat at every table was taken, and carryout customers spilled out the front door. The pizza place did business in Bridgeview for many years before Serio spent months renovating the vacant Papa’s Fresh Foods (previously a White Hen years back) into Joe’s latest incarnation.

Photos by Tim Hadac

court between two teenagers or men in their early 20s. One of the men was escorted out of the mall but returned to resume the fight. It was at that time that the incident escalated, Pyznarski said.

Both men eluded security officers and police, he said. No arrests were made and no one was injured.

“It was just an isolated incident,” he said. “I don’t think anything was pre-planned. It was between two individuals. I think everything worked out as well as could be expected.”

Pyznarski added that the mall was especially crowded because it was a Saturday night, shoppers were returning gifts or seeking post-holiday bargains and teenagers are on break from school.

Post-holiday flash mobs were reported over the weekend at malls in several cities, including Pittsburgh, Memphis, Nashville, and Kansas City. An incident also occurred last Friday at Chicago’s Navy Pier.

Police in 2013 put the kibosh on a group of youth flash mobs who were planning to run amok at Chicago Ridge Mall.

Police were notified of the planned mob by teachers and administrators from two Chicago high schools and the Chicago Police Department’s gang unit, Pyznarski said.

Three hundred youths planned to meet at Ford City and take public transportation to the Chicago Ridge Mall, he said.

But police officers were at the mall in anticipation of the mob’s arrival. The mall tripled its security personnel and brought in security officers from nearby malls. The police presence caused most of the teens to reboard Paces buses rather than enter the shopping center.

Photo for The Regional by Joe Boyle

Teens gather outside the Chicago Ridge Mall on Saturday night after they were told by police to leave after a fight broke out at about 6 p.m. in the food court. The mall was closed at about 7 p.m. as a precaution.

Bears

Palos-Orland voters will decide contested school board races Candidates for school boards serving Palos Heights, Palos Park and Orland Park have filed their nominating petitions for the April 7 Consolidated Election.

Voters in school districts 118, 135, 218 and 230 will decide contested races. Moraine Valley Community College board seats are also contested.

School District 118

Three seats with four-year terms are up for election. Incumbents MariJo Calacci and Nadine Antonini have filed their petitions, as have Pamela M. Paris and Michael K.C. Baker. Board President Sheila Pacholski has not filed petitions, according to information posted on the Cook County Clerk’s website.

School District 128

Three hopefuls are running for the three of the seven seats up for election.

Incumbents Kathleen M. Lachowicz and Michael Lynch have filed petitions, as well as Mary Pat Touhy. Incumbent Therese

Woods

Continued from Page 1 vary in experience. Some are FPDCC employees who serve as nature stewards, others are college students studying forestry or similar academic pursuits, and still others are just regular folks who want to contribute to the common good.

“I’ve lived in Palos Park for 20 years, but I’ve only been doing this for three or four months,” said Mike Kazaitis, an engineer who was at the Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center in Willow Springs earlier this year when he saw a flier calling for volunteers.

“This is about my eighth time out here with the volunteers. These invasive species can really make the forest a mess. It feels good to come out here, clean it up and open up the forest to native flowers and other plants.”

Proud as they are of their work, Palos Restoration Project volunteers harbor no illusions that they will succeed in completely reversing more than two centuries’ worth of invasions by non-native plants.

“Realistically, we can never restore the forest to exactly what it was before Europeans arrived,

Lahart has not, according to the County Clerk’s website.

School District 135

Three of the seven seats are to be decided by voters. All are four-year terms. Incumbents Joseph La Margo, Tina Zekich and Greg Okon have filed petitions, as has newcomer Angie Sexton. While school board races are non-partisan, La Margo said last week that he, Okon and Sexton will campaign as a team.

School District 218

In the district’s 5th district, incumbent Marco Corsi, of Palos Heights, has filed for re-election to a four –year term. He will face challengers Jennifer Bylut, of Palos Heights, and Carol A. Kats, of Worth.

School District 230

Three, four-year terms are open. Incumbents Rick Nogal, of Palos Park, and Patrick O’Sullivan, of Orland Park, have filed for re-election. Challengers who have filed

because the wildlife population is different, hydrology is different, and so forth,” said Cyndi Duda, a prairie steward and environmental education specialist.

“But we can do is turn this into this,” she said gesturing first to a patch of forest choked with invasive undergrowth and then turning to a patch where bushes had been removed and the Saturday morning sun was nuzzling the forest floor.

“The goal here is to open up the forest so it can do what it does best: provide habitat for a whole suite of plant species, which in turn will support more kinds of wildlife,” she continued. “But not just the big animals that people think about, but the pollinators: the butterflies, the bees, you know, the frogs, the toads, the salamanders, all the little songbirds, and so forth. We want biodiversity to build a better tomorrow for the forests and for everyone.”

Those interested in spending a couple of hours on a Saturday morning with the group are encouraged to send an email to palosrestorationproject@gmail. com. Both individuals and groups (such as high school and college students) are welcome.

are Palos Heights residents Frank Ryan and Wesley Boske, Orland Park residents Denis Ryan and Mary Ryan Norwell, and Palos Park resident John Thomas Donovan. Incumbent Kathy Quilty has not filed petitions.

Moraine Valley Community College

Two slots on the college’s board of trustees are up open. Each has a six-year term.

Competing for them will be incumbent Tom Cunningham, of Orland Park, and challengers Kimberly Hastings, of Orland Hills, William “Bill” Christian, of Oak Lawn, James M. Talbot, of Crestwood, and Michael Murphy, of Evergreen Park. The two top vote getters will be elected.

According to the Cook County Clerk’s Office, those who want to vote via mail may request a mail ballot any time from Feb. 26 through April 2.

The last day to register to vote in the April 7 election is March 10. Early voting will occur from March 23 through April 4.

Above: Five volunteers take a break as a colleague lights a fire to eliminate a pile of honeysuckle and other unwanted plants that had made the forest mostly impassable for people and even larger deer. Left: Volunteer Kyle Sargent was one of two volunteers wielding chainsaws to remove the most stubborn growth clogging the woods.

Photos by Tim Hadac

Continued from Page 1 Holmgren as the new GM with Arizona defensive coordinator Todd Bowles taking over as head coach.

Palos Park’s Rick Griffin, Ed’s brother, said he wants Mike Ditka back as the head coach. He said he was serious. But he sounded like a “Saturday Night Live’’ Da Bears character when he gave his reasoning.

“If it’s Ditka versus God, (the score is) God 3, Ditka 478,’’ he joked. “But this is a great day and a fresh start for the team.’’

Trestman was sacked after two seasons. This year, the team finished 5-11 this year and finished the season with five straight losses.

The more galling losses of the season included a 51-23 setback to New England, a 55-13 defeat at the hands of Green Bay and a 41-28 loss to Dallas.

Trestman, whose background is specializing in offense, watched a team that had weapons Marshall, Jay Cutler, Matt Forte and Alshon Jeffery score 17 or fewer points seven times including no touchdowns in Sunday’s 13-9 loss to Minnesota in a battle for last place in the NFC North.

Off the field, the Bears had their share of troubles as well including offensive coordinator

Aaron Kromer — who also was whacked on Monday — ‘fessing up to being an anonymous source ripping Cutler to the NFL Network.

Marshall also had his share of controversy off the field, including challenging a Detroit fan to a fight in the ring for money in November. He also called Detroit Lions center Dominic Raiola a “dirty player and he’s a worse human being.’’

On the field, Marshall caught 61 passes for 721 yards and eight touchdowns but missed the final three games with rib and lung injuries.

Like most fans, Marshall is wondering what the future with hold for the so-called Monsters of the Midway.

“Some of these coaches are amazing coaches and they might not get jobs again,” Marshall said.

“The NFL is ‘what have you done for me lately?’ There are a lot of changes coming and that’s what sucks for me. This is my fourth time going through this. Anyone can get fired – myself included. I could be traded. The new regime could come in and ‘you know what? We need to rebuild this thing and we have value in Brandon.’ Players go, too.

“We’re in the best sports market in the world. Ownership is awesome. Get it right. Get it right.’’

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The Regional News

Thursday, January 1, 2015

3

Orland Park man mourned after being struck by car

Teen was at the wheel in Christmas Day tragedy A 71-year-old Orland Park man was struck and killed on Christmas night by a car driven by a teen in Orland Park.

Jack Haggerty was walking across the street near 104th Avenue and San Luis Lane at about 7:30 p.m. when he was hit, according to the Will County coroner.

He was transported to Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox and pronounced dead at 7:56 p.m., according to published reports.

The driver and a passenger, both age 16, had minor injuries and were taken to Silver Cross, police said.

Authorities did not name the driver because

of his age. No charges have been filed yet because the traffic unit is still investigating, Orland Park police Cmdr. John Keating said Monday.

Mr. Haggerty, a Marine Corps veteran, is survived by his wife of 33 years, Dianna (nee Faoro); son, John (Donna); daughter, Laurie (Fritz) Foy; grandson, Nathaniel; brothers, Daniel (Kate) and Edward (the

late Kathy); sister-in-law, Vanna (the late James) Haggerty. He was a member of IBEW Local 134.

Services were held Wednesday from the Robert J. Sheehy & Sons Funeral Home, Orland Park, to St. George Church, Tinley Park, for a funeral Mass. Interment was at Good Shepherd Cemetery, Orland Park.

Haggerty

Celebration at Walter’s Barn

Photo by Tim Hadac

Standing on a sample of the design and craftsmanship excellence at Roseland Stair Works are co-owners Ken, Dave, Kris and Lars Lautenbach.

Several dozen Witt family members pose for a photo in front of the 75-year-old Walter’s Barn, which for decades held dozens of horses and was a popular gathering place for old-fashioned barn dances and many other community activities. Walter Witt, who died in 1989 at age 75, was a well-known horseman in the area who often advised people to “keep one leg on each side of the horse, and your mind in the middle.”

Family-owned in Orland Park, Roseland Stair Works climbs to the century mark

Palos Park resident Darlyn (Witt) Shemanski patiently answers questions and offers details of her life as she is captured on camera by Madalyn Witt, 8, at a Witt family party held Sunday at historic Walter’s Barn, in the 11700 block of South 86th Avenue.

Children at the party interviewed their elders on cell phone cameras as part of a family history that is being assembled, according to Oak Forest resident Laura Witt, who grew up in Palos Park and organized the event.

By Tim Hadac Staff Reporter

Photos by Tim Hadac

Palos Hills OKs Chevy dealer on former Sid’s Greenhouse site

By Michael Gilbert Correspondent

Palos Hills officials have given the green light for Webb Chevrolet to come to town.

The city council voted unanimously on Dec. 18 Thursday to approve a special-use ordinance allowing the sale and repair of cars on the property that formerly housed Sid’s Greenhouse, 10926 Southwest Highway. Aldermen Rickey Moore (4th Ward) and Mary Ann Schultz (5th Ward) were absent.

Webb Chevy already owns the property and has been storing new vehicles on a portion of the site since April. The special-use ordinance was the final hurdle Webb Chevy needed to clear in order to open a dealership selling and repairing automobiles.

When the dealership opens is unknown, but Alderman Bill Hanson (3rd Ward) said after the meeting he was confident it will occur in 2015.

“So much of when they open is going to be weather-related,” Hanson said. “I was sort of surprised they weren’t pushing (for the special-use ordinance) at our last city council meeting to save themselves two weeks but it will definitely open in 2015.”

The property is undergoing a major renovation with the razing of the greenhouse area. The other building on site is being remodeled and will serve as the dealership’s office, Hanson said.

He was unsure if a showroom would be constructed on site.

Stairway to 100

Webb Chevy did not have a representative present at last week’s meeting.

Under the terms of the ordinance, the dealership can be open Monday through Saturday while the repair shop can operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. State law prohibits car dealerships from having Sunday hours.

Webb Chevy can have a maximum of 200 vehicles on site; including both those it is selling and storing, Hanson said. Webb Chevy also operates a dealership in Oak Lawn on Cicero Avenue.

“From what the (Webb Chevy representatives) had said is that some of the new cars stored [at the Palos Hills location] will eventually go migrate over to Oak Lawn to be sold,” Hanson said.

The Palos Hills location will predominately sell used cars with the special-use ordinance making it clear those vehicles must be of the higher-end quality.

“Junk vehicles, dilapidated and inoperable cars will not be displayed or stored on the property,” Alderman Joan Knox (1st Ward) said as she read the six-page ordinance at the council meeting.

The ordinance further states the parkway in front of the property along Southwest Highway be landscaped and maintained, and a six-foot decorative fence be constructed along the property line in front Eastwood Drive so access from or onto Eastwood Drive is not possible. Lighting on the site will be directed toward Southwest Highway so as not to impact residents located behind

the property.

Those requirements are expected to ease concerns brought up by residents at a public hearing in October, Hanson said.

“Residents had the concerns of (cars) going out onto to Eastwood Drive and (Webb Chevy) assured them they are putting a solid fence across so there will be no ingress and egress onto Eastwood Drive,” Hanson said. “Noise was an issue and Webb Chevy said they’d be operating at these specific hours.

Lighting was also an issue and that has been addressed in the ordinance.

“The ordinance is worded to take care of a lot of the concerns.”

Hanson said the only concern that cannot be addressed is the temporary right lane closure on Southwest Highway when the car carrier is delivering automobiles.

The topography of the property in relation to the street is such that there is a drop in the curb line that prohibits the car carrier from turning into the dealership, Hanson said. Vehicle deliveries are expected to take place once or twice a week, he said.

“That’s the one issue that we all basically came to a shoulder shrug,” Hanson said. “We all kind of said ‘it is what it is.’”

The auto dealership is expected to generate approximately $100,000 in annual sales tax revenue for the city, Hanson said.

“It’ll be a nice addition for Palos Hills,” Hanson said of the dealership coming to town. “I’ll take all the $100,000 revenue per retail sites we can get.”

As America continues to climb out of the worst recession since the Great Depression — an economic downturn that saw thousands of well-established businesses go under for good — Roseland Stair Works is emerging stronger than ever as it celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.

The Orland Park stair-maker’s secrets to success include an old fashioned commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, the strength of its reputation in the industry, and diversification when the housing market declined seven years ago.

“I would say that prior to 2008, about 80 percent of our work was in new [residential] construction,” said Lars Lautenbach of the family-owned and operated business.

To survive the downturn, the company “diversified in terms of the scope of work” and found itself up to its elbows in home remodeling jobs. “With the housing market being what it was, a lot of people couldn’t afford to move, so they decided instead to improve their homes. That’s a lot of what we’ve been doing in recent years,” Lautenbach added.

Now that new residential construction “has come back pretty strong in the last year,” he added, the company is well positioned for a successful future.

The company was founded in 1914 by Swedish immigrants in the Roseland neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side. In 1947, businessman Adrian Vermuelen purchased the business for his son-in-law, Edward Lautenbach, to manage and grow.

Edward’s two sons, Donald and Kenneth, learned the business from a young age. Donald left to become a dentist.

In 1975, the business was moved to Orland Park, near 156th Street and 70th Court, and expanded nearby in 1993.

They outgrew those facilities and in 2006 began looking for a new home, deciding to stay in Orland Park “because it felt like home,” according to a company history. They settled on the village’s booming southern edge in Will County, just north of Interstate 80, and in 2007 moved into their current home at 18410 S. 115th Ave. Kenneth brought in his children, the

fourth generation, who today run the company. Kris, Ken II, Lars, and Dave all bring complementary skill sets to the operation, which they find a blessing.

The elder Ken can still be seen at the shop, but humbly downplayed his current role when asked by Mayor Daniel McLaughlin earlier this month at a Community Pride Award presentation at Village Hall, insisting that his children share the spotlight because “they’re the ones running things now.”

The Lautenbach kids typically learned the ropes — or stairs — early. “I started working here when I was about 9 or 10 years old, probably more in the way than anything,” Lars recalled with a laugh. “Seriously, though, I did things like sweeping up the shop, going out on deliveries. We all pretty much grew up in the business from the bottom up, which I respect because it teaches you about the business and it emphasizes that there’s no free ride here.”

Several fifth-generation Lautenbachs are poised to begin their tenure with the company, but only id they want to, Lars emphasized.

“Our dad’s approach was that he challenged us to do what we wanted to do,” Lars recalled. “Don’t feel compelled to come here, there’s no hard feelings if you don’t come into the family business, and I respect that. I have the same feeling. I want the next generation to do what they want to do.”

Both Lars and David said they went to college headed for careers as accountants, but eventually found their way back to the family business, where each has worked for more than 20 years.

While the walls at Roseland Stair Works are lined with large photos of spectacular staircases—each designed, built and installed by the company at locations that include homes of celebrities, the Chicago Hilton & Towers, and the Peabody Museum in Boston — the Lautenbachs are emphatic in reminding visitors that the vast majority of their staircases are located in homes within a hundred miles of Orland Park.

“What we do in the Chicago area is the backbone of our business,” Lars concluded.

“Every customer — large or small — is of equal importance to us. Every person who walks through our door receives the same attention, the same commitment to quality and excellent results.”

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OPINION

4 Thursday, January 1, 2015

INSIDE THE FIRST AMENDMENT

The Regional News

Without religious freedom, there will be no lasting peace

By Charles C. Haynes

O

n Dec. 10, 1948, the nations of the world gathered at the United Nations to adopt the Universal Declaration of Rights, an American-inspired proclamation that launched the modern human rights movement.

Voting in the shadow of the Holocaust, religious freedom was prominent among the inalienable rights that the world agreed must be guarded for all people.

According to Article 18 of the Declaration, “everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.”

Sixty-six years later, however, 5.8 billion people — 76% of the world’s population — live in countries with a high or very high level of restrictions on religious freedom, an estimate based on the Pew Research Center’s most recent study of religious hostilities and oppression across the world.

The abject failure of governments to uphold the Universal Declaration has had dire consequences in the 21st century. It is no exaggeration to say that denial of religious freedom is today a leading cause of repression, division and conflict across the world.

Consider that in recent weeks alone: • The Chinese government banned any practice of religion in state institutions, public schools, and businesses in the Xinjiang region in an attempt to further repress the Uyghur Muslim population.

• A Christian couple in Pakistan’s Punjab province was lynched and another man hacked to death by a policeman for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Islam. Blasphemy is a capital crime in Pakistan — and villagers often take matters into their own hands.

• Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar fled by the thousands in the wake of new requirements by the government designed to force the Rohingya out of the country. Many Rohingya are already confined to concentration camps and are, in the words of one aid worker, “treated like animals.”

• The French Interior Minister announced that anti-Semitic threats and incidents in France have more than doubled this year.

Feeling frightened and unsafe, thousands of Jews are leaving the country.

From the burning of churches and mosques in East Africa countries to the destruction of ancient Christian communities in Iraq and Syria to the imprisonment of Baha’i leaders in Iran, much of the world’s population suffers from religious persecution, extremism and hatred.

That’s why the United States must move religious freedom from the margins of foreign policy to the center of our relationships with other nations, including strategic allies like Pakistan and Saudi Arabia — two of the worst violators of religious freedom in the world.

American advocacy of religious freedom is not only a moral obligation; it is in our national security interest. Where religious freedom is denied, religious division, extremism and conflict flourish.

Without religious freedom, there will be no lasting peace.

Charles C. Haynes is director of the Religious Freedom Center of the Newseum Institute, 555 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20001. Web: www.religiousfreedomcenter.org Email: chaynes@newseum.org

Letters policy

Thanking those with thankless jobs Each Christmas season, I get up early on garbage pickup day, and wait.

I’m not worried about getting the garbage cans out to the curb. I’m always worried I’ll miss giving the drivers their Christmas gifts when they drive their routes, grabbing and dumping each of the huge containers lined up along the curbs.

They have thankless jobs. We’ve been taught to look down on them. But we shouldn’t. We should thank them. They do the hard work we take for granted, even if the technology has changed.

Years ago there were three workers on a sanitation truck, and they had to lift the huge cans themselves. Now, there is one driver, and the truck has a mechanical arm that lifts and empties the containers.

Of course, now we also have three trucks.

One for garbage. One for recycling. And one for yard waste, three seasons of the year.

(ON a side note. This change was never planned. The garbage can is larger than the recycling can, but these days, recycling is 90 percent of my waste. The recycling can is packed and the garbage can is near empty.)

Every year for the past 24 years, the same kid (now a man) has been picking up the garbage at my house in Orland Park. He has one of those jobs where you have to be out there when everyone else is usually enjoying

RAY HANANIA the day off.

We don’t often get a chance to talk. I don’t even remember his name – age has taken a toll on the memory. But he deserves a Happy Holiday greeting, too.

“Merry Christmas,” I yell, the truck noise makes it hard for me to hear myself.

“Merry Christmas,” he yells back, standing in the door of the truck where he manages the controls wearing a red bandana. “I wish I could be home this morning like everyone else.”

“Yeah, I know. You guys have the toughest job. This is just a little something to thank you for all you do. I hope you and your family have a great Christmas.” I said as I handed him the gift.

When it’s over, it makes me feel good, because that’s what Christmas is supposed to be all about.

Giving.

Not taking.

Helping others, not being selfish.

It shouldn’t be about shopping, sales discounts, or buying the latest high-tech gadgets.

A few minutes later, the recycling driver pulls up to the driveway and I wish him Merry Christmas with a small gift, too.

You should have seen the surprise and smile on their faces. It made my day.

Later, I’ll catch the mailman. The mailman’s dad used to own a pizza place back when I was a kid in Burbank. His brother was one of my classmates at Reavis High school. They lived only a few blocks away.

When I happen to be home when he delivers the mail, usually on Saturdays, we spend a few minutes remembering “the old days.”

It was a better time, I think.

It’s a great feeling, folks. If you are able to give, you should take a moment to think of the people who help make our homes real homes.

Make it your New Year’s resolution to thank the people around you. Not just the ones you work with every day, but the ones you might take for granted. If you can’t give them cash, a simple thank you will do.

A “thank you” can go a long way.

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

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VIEW FINDER

What is a favorite memory of growing up in Palos Park?

Ryan Witt, Oak Forest

Lynn Witt, Palos Park

Gary Shemanski, Palos Heights

Barbara Witt, Palos Park

Laura Witt, Oak Forest

“Every summer I would play with my cousin, Jenna. We would take plastic cups and splash each other with water at grandma’s house in Palos Park.”

“Coming out here to Walter’s Barn to ride horses. I was a horse-crazy kid.”

“There are too many good memories growing up here to pick just one; family, horses, hayrides, people, the work.”

“There were a lot of people, a lot of good friends here. Walter loved to travel and Walter was generous. There were horses here for a lot of years. When you rode, there was a beautiful hill, McCleary Hill, that was breathtaking.”

“I spent more than half of my life in Palos Park. My best friend, Dena Amico, and I just spent long summer days riding bikes, swimming in Dena’s backyard pool, and riding.

I rode a pony and Dena rode a horse, Pixie and Mint. The summer days and the summer itself seemed to last forever.”

• Asked at the Witt family party at the historic Walter’s Barn. Photos by Joan Hadac

The Regional News

Thursday, January 1, 2015

Man rescued after fall deep down storm sewer

By Tim Hadac Staff Reporter

A South Suburban man is recovering from a broken leg and multiple bruises and cuts after he fell down an open storm sewer in the 14500 block of South Harlem Avenue at about 5:20 p.m. Saturday, according to Orland Fire Protection District officials.

The man, who was not identified by officials, was reportedly walking back to his car, which was parked near 151st Street and Harlem Avenue. The fire district statement did not elaborate on why the man was six blocks from his vehicle in the dark or why the storm sewer was open.

The man fell about 20 feet below ground and despite his injuries, used his cell phone to call 911 and summon help.

A fire district team that trains specifically to rescue individuals from pipes used a variety of ropes and air pressure equipment and found and extricated the man after about 70 minutes. He was transported by OFPD ambulance to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn.

As a precaution, Harlem Avenue, between 143rd and 151st streets, was closed by Orland Park police for about an hour during the rescue.

The initial search for the man

5

POLICE BLOTTER: PALOS HEIGHTS Chicago Ridge man charged with battery at Trio bar

Palos Heights police charged Robert S. Potokar, 40, of Chicago Ridge, with battery after he allegedly punched a 49-year-old Alsip man in the face during an argument inside Trio restaurant and bar, 11845 S. Southwest Highway, at 6:07 p.m. Sunday.

Police said that Potokar was one of five patrons arguing while watching a football game at the establishment. The victim was cut over his left eye, police added. Bond was set at $1,500, and Potokar is scheduled to appear in court in Bridgeview on Jan. 28.

Heights woman charged with aggravated speeding

vehicle was traveling at 67 mph, nearly double the posted limit. Yousef is due in court in Bridgeview on Jan. 13.

Suspended driver charged, police say Police charged Matthew M. Fitzpatrick, 20, of Matteson, with speeding, driving on a suspended license, and no proof of insurance after they stopped his vehicle in the 13400 block of South Harlem Avenue at 7:38 a.m. Saturday. Police said the vehicle was traveling at 50 mph, 15 mph over the posted limit. Bond was set at $2,000, and Fitzpatrick is set to appear in court in Bridgeview on Jan. 28.

Charged with DUI

Police charged Lisa A. Liescke, 30, of Palos Heights, with aggravated speeding after they curbed her vehicle in the 6900 block of West 127th Street at 8:33 p.m. Friday. Her vehicle was traveling at 62 mph, 27 mph over the posted limit, according to the police report. Liescke was given a court date of Jan. 13 in Bridgeview.

Tinley Park man faces aggravated speeding charge

Ahmad Z. Yousef, 18, of Tinley Park, was charged with aggravated speeding after his vehicle was pulled over by police in the 12000 block of South Harlem Avenue at 9:46 p.m. Saturday. Police said the

Kari C. Szeszycki, 25, of Alsip, was charged with DUI and improper lane usage after police curbed her vehicle in the 12700 block of South Harlem Avenue at 12:05 a.m. Sunday. Bond was set at $3,000, and Szeszycki is scheduled to appear in court in Bridgeview on Feb. 5.

Police charged Elizabeth M. Mezyed, 32, of Downers Grove, with DUI, speeding, improper lane usage, and no proof of insurance after her vehicle was stopped by police in the 7900 block of West College Drive at 2:38 a.m. Saturday. Her vehicle was spotted traveling at 54 mph, 19 mph over the posted limit, according to the police report. Bond was set at $3,000, and Mezyed was given a court date of Jan. 13 in Bridgeview.

POLICE BLOTTER: PALOS PARK Thief steals gift basket Supplied photo

Orland firefighters learn rescue techniques in pipe/sewer extrication situations during training sessions held earlier this year in Orland Park.

also included emergency-response teams from the Cook County Sheriff’s Department and the Forest Preserve District of Cook County.

Fire district officials said the

man was fortunate to have his cell phone on him. It would not have been easy for anyone to see or hear his distress calls along that forested stretch of Harlem Avenue.

A man walked into a grocery store in the 9600 block of West 131st Street and stole a gift basket filled with merchandise, a store clerk reported to police at 5:17 p.m. Dec. 20. The thief was described as white, age 30, 5-foot-10, wearing a red hoody, blue jeans, and a black hat with a flat brim. He sped away in a dark blue Chevy Malibu, the clerk added, saying she believes he is the same man said to have stolen merchandise from another grocery store in Homer Glen.

Driver charged with cannabis and paraphernalia possession

Brendan J. Horan, 19, of Hickory Hills, was charged with possession of cannabis and possession of drug paraphernalia after police stopped his car after he allegedly made an illegal turn near 131st Street and La Grange Road at 11:30 p.m. Dec. 21. A search of the vehicle yielded a small amount of cannabis, as well as a hitter pipe, according to the police report.

The vehicle was turned over to a passenger, and Horan is scheduled to appear at a hearing at the

Kaptur Administrative Center on Feb. 4.

Car of driver without license impounded, police say

Police charged David Allen Goss, 25, of Chicago, with driving without a license, operating a motor vehicle with expired registration, and no proof of insurance. His car was pulled over by police in the 10400 block of West 123rd Street at 10:17 a.m. Dec. 14. The vehicle was towed and impounded, police said. Bond was set at $2,000, and Goss is expected to appear in court in Bridgeview on Feb. 3.

Driver charged with DUI Police charged George Blatnyak, 61, of Peotone, with DUI, improper lane usage, disobeying a traffic signal, and failure to signal a turn. Police curbed his minivan in the 11900 block of South Southwest Highway after he allegedly ignored a stop sign at 123rd Street and 86th Avenue at 11:19 p.m. Dec. 20.

His vehicle was towed and impounded, and Blatnyak was given a court date of Feb. 3 in Bridgeview.

POLICE BLOTTER: ORLAND PARK Worth man charged with falsely reporting stolen tools

Photo by Waldemar Reichert

Executive Chef Ryan O’Connell and Monica Tooth, executive sous chef, show off delectable desserts at Smith Crossing’s 10th anniversary celebration.

Smith Crossing chefs share recipe for tasteful teamwork For Ryan O’Connell, 24, executive chef at Smith Crossing, the reward of preparing delicious food is making others feel good. “I love seeing happy people enjoying their meals,” he says.

For Monica Tooth, 29, executive sous chef at Smith Crossing, food symbolizes the warmth and love of family. Tooth’s grandmother lived at Smith Crossing for more than eight years. As was the case with her grandmother, Tooth observes, family members frequently enjoy dining with residents here.

Working together, Chefs O’Connell and Tooth have found the recipe for their success in delivering not only delicious meals, but also a sophisticated dining experience that encourages fun and relaxation.

According to O’Connell, “It’s really all about getting things done. It’s about working as a team, helping each other out.”

That attitude of cooperation for meeting high standards is why O’Connell and Tooth are responsible for one of the most important aspects of life at Smith Crossing—the food,” says Frank Guajardo, executive director of Smith Crossing. “In serving our 300 residents, Ryan and Monica don’t just cook, they create a tremendous dining experience. While our meals are delicious, they’re also healthy and nutritious. Our chefs are both young and creative.

So that’s why they know how to

spice up traditional dishes to make them more enjoyable and adventurous for our residents.”

“Many Smith Crossing residents grew-up as World War II ended.

They have traveled the world and enjoy a variety of flavorful cuisines. While comfort food, steak and seafood remain popular here, flavorful new creations definitely liven up the day,” explains Guajardo.

O’Connell’s special Chicken Alfredo and Tooth’s gourmet cupcakes, hand-dipped in Chocolate Ganache Glaze, literally disappear at meal times. During what is called a “daily show time” routine with servers, the chefs relay their vision for the meal, explaining how sauces are served and garnishes applied.

Because the setting is similar to that of a fine restaurant with linen tablecloths and china, Smith Crossing residents often make dinner dates here with fellow residents, family members and friends. Residents who volunteer for the community’s welcoming committee set the tone for this, using mealtime as an opportunity to get acquainted with new residents.

O’Connell grew-up in Orland Hills and attended Andrew High School. He took cooking classes offered at the school and started working at Smith Crossing as a server. Soon, he enrolled at Moraine Valley Community Col-

Answers

Sudoku

(Puzzle on page 9)

C A P B R O S I N A Y E E X C A P O T R L E E A R S S Y S

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lege and started working toward his associate’s degree in applied restaurant management, which he completed in 2010. “I started making salads and preparing cold foods, cutting-up fruit and vegetables,” he says. “It was great practice because I was learning about this in class and getting to see what other people were doing in the kitchen.”

At Smith Crossing, O’Connell served as a line cook, preparing hot foods mostly during dinner for about one and half years. He describes the responsibility as a good exercise in time management. Six months ago, the Orland Hills resident was named executive chef. He recognizes, however, Tooth is his essential partner in delivering the Smith Crossing dining experience.

“We complement each other’s strengths,” says Tooth, a Tinley Park native who earned associates degrees in Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management from Joliet Junior College. “We also share a deep respect for one another. We work well together.”

Smith Crossing is one of only 13 CCRCs in Illinois awarded a fiveyear accreditation for “exemplary conformance” to international standards set by CARF-CCAC, the industry’s sole accrediting body.

For more information, call 3262300 or visit SmithCrossing.org.

Orland Park police charged James P. Presto, 51, of Worth, with disorderly conduct after he allegedly filed a false police report about $1,300 worth of power tools being stolen from his pickup truck, parked in the 9100 block of West 140th Street at 1 p.m. Nov. 8.

Police said they later learned from Presto Tinley Park police that Presto had stolen the tools from a woman in Tinley Park. After Presto was charged with felony theft

by Tinley Park police, he was turned over to Orland Park police on Dec. 11. Police said he confessed to the theft, claiming that he needed the tools to finish a home remodeling job so he could pay for expensive dental work.

Presto was scheduled to appear in court in Bridgeview twice this week: on Tuesday to respond to the disorderly conduct charge and yesterday to respond to the felony theft charge, according to the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. Presto is a convicted thief and armed robber with a criminal record dating back to 2000, according to the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Revoked driver charged with speeding in school zone: police Police charged Denise M. Driscoll, 52, of Orland Park, with speeding in a school zone, driving on a revoked license, and obstructing a police investigation.

Driscoll’s SUV was pulled over by police in the 8800 block of West 151st Street at 8:07 a.m. Dec. 16. Police said the vehicle was traveling at 37 mph, 17 mph over the posted limit. She initially told police that her name was Marie S. Driscoll, according to the police report.

Because she did not have a valid driver’s license in her possession to surrender, she was instructed to go home and bring it to police headquarters within an hour, according to the police report. When she did not

show up, police said they found her with the vehicle in the 14700 block of South Montgomery Drive, at the home of a relative who owned the SUV, which police towed and impounded. Driscoll was given a court date of Feb. 6 in Bridgeview.

Parts stolen from autos

Thieves stole catalytic converters from two vehicles parked outside two adjacent businesses in the 15600 block of South 70th Court. Both crimes were discovered at about 7:15 a.m. Dec. 8. One vehicle was a Ford van, and the other was a Ford pickup truck. Police added that neither business has surveillance cameras.

Theft at gym reported

A 43-year-old man told police that someone stole his Beats headphones while he worked out at Lifetime Fitness, 16333 S. La Grange Road, at about 6:10 p.m.

Dec. 5. The victim said he forgot his headphones, valued at $300, on a machine in the upper level weight room.

When he returned five minutes later, they were gone.

Police said they were reviewing surveillance footage for clues.

Homer man charged with battery

Police charged Christopher R. Vlach, 23, of Homer Glen, with battery after he allegedly grabbed a 36-yearold man and threw him to the floor during an argument in a home in the 11700 block of West Cranna Court at 3:03 a.m. Dec. 6. Vlach said he was just joking around, according to the police report. He is due in court in Bridgeview on Jan. 26.

Woman charged with retail theft

Sherry T. McGowan, 50, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft after she allegedly stole a $62 girdle and a $98 shirt from a department store in Orland Square Mall at 5:56 p.m. Dec. 7. McGowan reportedly told police that she wanted to wear the items to church, according to the police report. Police said that aluminum foil, plastic garbage bags, and a pair of pliers were found in her purse. McGowan was set to appear in court in Bridgeview on Tuesday.

—Smith Crossing

(Puzzle on page 9)

Sudoku Solution #3262-M O R S W I E L O W D A N N Y E L F M A N

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© 2009 Hometown Content

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Robert A. Rita State Representative - 28th Dist.

COMMUNITY SCHOOLSNEWS

6 Thursday, January 1, 2015

COMMUNITY NOTES Neat Repeats stores invite new volunteers Neat Repeats Resale volunteers work to financially support the Crisis Center for South Suburbia.

Neat Repeats invites prospective volunteers to Volunteer Recruitment Days on Tuesdays, Jan 6 and 20, in Orland Park, at 9028 W. 159th St., or Worth, at 7026 W. 111th St. Come in, enjoy a tour, meet other volunteers, and

SCHOOL NOTES

learn why Neat Repeats is a great place to volunteer.

Telephone Orland Park 3647605 or Worth 361-6860.

All sales at Neat Repeats Resale benefit the clients served by the Crisis Center for South Suburbia.

The Crisis Center for South Suburbia is a non-profit community organization that provides emergency shelter and other services for individuals and families victimized by domestic violence.

CLUB ACTIVITIES Toastmasters Club

and guests are always welcome.

For more information, call Dave The Center Toastmasters Club Sanders or Lois Lauer at The Cenwill meet at 7 p.m. Wednesdays, ter at 361-3650.

Jan. 7 and 21, at 12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park.

The Palos Heights Toastmasters is an organiWoman’s Club zation for people interested in improving and practicing their The Palos Heights Woman’s public speaking skills. Members Club will next meet on Saturday, take turns leading the meetings Jan. 10, at 11 a.m., at Capri Ristoand giving speeches, gaining con- rante, at 123rd Street and Harlem fidence from the encouragement Avenue, Palos Heights. of each other.

Lunch will be served at about The Center Toastmasters meet noon, followed by entertainment. on the first and third Wednesdays For more information or reservaof every month. New members tions, call Kara at 361-0029.

SENIOR NOTES tion. Additional classes, including health-care provider CPR, which includes a certification card, are also held monthly at the fire dePLOWS Council on Aging of- partment’s Station 3. Dates and fers a six-session support group for times are at www.orlandfire.org. grandparents raising grandchildren Registration is required. Call starting in January.

403-4222.

Each session will have a specific focus, including financial and legal Help to defer property assistance, building relationships, taxes from PLOWS and caring for oneself along the way. Knowledgeable and expePLOWS Council on Aging rienced guest speakers will pro- would like seniors, age 65 and vide additional information and older by June 1, to know about a guidance. state program that allows qualified The first session will be at 11 persons to defer up to $5,000 ana.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, at the nually of the real estate taxes on Palos Township office, 10802 S. their personal residence.

Roberts Road, Palos Hills.

Many seniors living on fixed inPLOWS encourages all grand- comes find that the Senior Citizen parents raising grandchildren to Real Estate Tax Deferral Program take advantage of this opportunity. allows them the financial freedom Call PLOWS to register for the to remain in their own home. Desessions or with questions, 361- ferred taxes are repaid with low interest at the time the property is 0219. sold or following the taxpayer’s death.

Free CPR classes Applications must be filed by at Orland Township March 1. PLOWS trained staff Orland Township, 14807 S. screens seniors for eligibility and Ravinia Ave., will hold free CPR assists with the application process classes for seniors on Tuesday, Jan. at no cost. Call PLOWS Council 20, at 1 p.m. on Aging at 361-0219 for more inThe classes will be led by in- formation. PLOWS is a non-profit structors from the Orland Fire agency assisting seniors living in Protection District, and certificates Palos, Lemont, Orland and Worth will be distributed upon comple- townships.

Grandparents raising grandchildren PLOWS support group

LIBRARY NOTES Palos Park youth programs The following youth events will begin in January at the Palos Park Public Library, 12330 Forest Glen Blvd.

• Winter Reading program – Catch a Dragon by the Tale reading program begins on Monday, Jan. 5, and ends Feb. 28. Read to earn rewards and chances to win prizes. Toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarteners are welcome to participate.

• Children Story Times – Good Morning Story Time for children ages 2-5 year olds meets on Tuesdays, Jan.6 through Feb.24, at 10:15 a.m. Tiny Tots Story Time for children ages 2 and 3 meets on Wednesdays, Jan.7 through Feb.25, at 10 a.m. Story Time prepares children for school by promoting language development and literacy skills. Enjoy stories, sing songs, create special crafts, and make new friends. Parents or caregivers must accompany child in the library during story time.

Seating is limited; call the library to register at 448-1530.

• Pajama Story Time – Children ages 2-7 are invited on Thursdays, Jan. 8 and Jan. 29, at 7 p.m. The children may wear pajamas, bring their blankie and a stuffed animal. for bedtime stories.

• The Rainbow Loom Club meets Thursday, Jan.15, at 4:30 p.m. First-graders and older will bring their rainbow looms to the library to share bracelet making ideas with their friends. Rubber bands will be supplied.

• Make new LEGO creations on Wednesday, Jan .21, at 4:30 p.m., with the library’s LEGOs and see them put them on display.

Bring a friend. A drawing will be held at the end of the session for a LEGO prize.

Call the library for more information and to register for these programs at 448-1530. All programs are free and open to the public.

The Regional News

Online and Internet hybrid learning at Moraine Valley Moraine Valley Community College’s online and Internet hybrid courses number more than 300 classes offered during the 2015 spring semester.

Online classes are taught primarily over the Internet, while Internet hybrid courses are taught through a combination of classroom and Web-based instruction. Both types allow for students to attend all or part of their class via the Internet with the ability to access the instructor, classmates and course materials. Access to a Web-equipped computer is required.

Some of the online and Web-assisted classes this spring include Arabic, General Sociology, World Religions, Music Appreciation, Beginning Algebra, Western Civilization I and II, Medical Terminology, Composition I and II, and General Biology, among others.

A complete list of credit and noncredit classes can be found in the spring 2015 class schedule or online at morainevalley.edu.

Registration is ongoing. Tuition is $114 per credit hour plus fees and books. Students who have applied to the college can register in the Registration Office, located on campus in the Student Services Center (Building S), 9000 W. College Pkwy. in Palos Hills; by phone at 9742110 (TTY 711); or online at morainevalley.edu.

Submitted photo

Prospective families are invited to learn about the advantage of co-education and Marist’s 1:1 iPad program at Meet Marist on Friday, Jan. 9. The following day, Saturday, Jan. 10, Marist will hold the entrance exam for all 8thgrade students at 8 a.m.

Meet Marist event invites families of prospective students for tours Marist High School will hold an interactive Meet Marist event for families of prospective students on Friday, Jan. 9, the night before the entrance exam on Saturday, Jan. 10.

Meet Marist will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. This event offers an abbreviated look at the school, but still includes all the highlights of the campus. The program begins with a presentation followed by an interactive tour that features student life at Marist. Prospective families can enjoy a personal and informative evening

with faculty, coaches, students, and administrators. Enter at the main office at the west end of the building, 4200 W. 115th St., in Chicago.

The next day, the entrance exam for current 8th-grade students will take place on Saturday, Jan. 10. Students should arrive at 8 a.m., and enter through the gym doors, located on the east end of the school. There is a $25 test fee, however pre-registration is not needed. Students should bring two No. 2 pencils and are asked not to bring a calculator. The approximate

Girls at Queen of Peace excel

because we offer young women a whole new level of study through the nationally accredited curriculum, Project Lead the Way PLTW. Peace introduced this curriculum to ignite our Full STEAM Ahead initiative; including our vigorous Arts program, offering courses in architecture, graphic and web design and more.

Heights library upcoming events The Palos Heights Public Library reopens Friday after closing New Year’s Eve and Day. Featured Database – Freegal Music is a downloadable music and streaming service that provides access to the catalog of artists in Sony Music Entertainment. Cardholders can download three songs each week, and they can also stream up to 3 hours of music each day. Freegal downloads are all in MP3 format and will work with any MP3 player, iTunes, PCs, and Macs. Mobile apps are also available for iOS and Android devices.

The following clubs meet at the Palos Heights Public Library, 12501 S. 71st Ave. No registration necessary.

Needle Club – Bring your projects to the Needle Club, and enjoy the company of others while working, on Tuesday, Jan. 6, from 10 a.m. to noon. New members always welcome.

Scrabble club – Play Scrabble with other enthusiasts of game.

Scrabble Club will meet Tuesday, Jan. 6, at 1 p.m.

Mah jongg – Meet at the library and bring your game to play American Mah Jongg on Tuesday, Jan. 6, at 1 p.m. Novice and experienced players welcome.

Thursday @ the Movies – The library will show the film “Into the Storm” on Thursday, Jan. 8.

Showings will take place at 10 a.m. (with subtitles), 2 p.m., 6:30 p.m. This film is Rated PG-13; 89 minutes.

For information on upcoming programs, visit www.palosheight slibrary.org and view the online calendar. All programs are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.

Sat., Jan. 10 at 8am

To be eligible for Peace Academic Awards, eighth grade girls must take the Entrance Exam at Queen of Peace. Scholarships range from $1000 to $6000 per year.

Girls at Queen of Peace choices,

they are learning to be problem solvers who create, design, build, and discover solutions in the classroom, during cocurricular activities, and the workplace.

Girls at Queen of Peace benefit

from this collaborative learning which provides a proven path for college scholarships and preferred college admission.

Q U EEN of PEAC E Sponsored by the Dominicans of Sinsinawa 7659 South Linder Avenue Burbank, IL 60459 (708) 458-7600

www.queenofpeacehs.org

Come see why there’s never been a better time to be a Crusader!

ENTRANCE EXAM Saturday, January 10th - 8 AM $25 - #2 pencils No calculator necessary No registration necessary

Spend Your Day off at Brother Rice

Last Look Open House Tuesday, January 6th

Doors Open @ 6PM - Presentations @ 6:30 Reception & School Tours Administration, Coaches and Department Heads in Attendance

BrotherRice.org/Admissions /BrotherRice #WeAreBR

—Marist High School

Entrance Exam

HIGH SCHOOL

A full calendar of programs can be found at the library’s website www.palosparklibrary.org

dismissal time is 12:15pm.

In order to be considered a candidate for 2015-16 admission at Marist, prospective students must test at Marist High School. Marist High School administers the HSPT Entrance Exam and study guides for this exam may be purchased at local bookstores.

For more information, contact Alex Brown, director of admissions, at 773881-5330.

/BR_Recruiting

Brother Rice High School | 10001 South Pulaski Road | Chicago | 773-429-4300

The Regional News

2014 YEAR IN REVIEW

Thursday, January 1, 2015

7

OUR TOP STORIES OF THE LATE YEAR

By Tim Hadac Staff reporter

The 15th year of the new millennium was, for the most part, like any year in in the Palos/Orland area, a mix of ups and downs, cheers and tears.

As always since 1941, The Regional News was there to chronicle the news large and small, faithfully bringing it to you in a thoughtful, measured manner.

Here is a quick look back at some of the news highlights of 2014.

The torch is passed

The Regional News, the oldest surviving business in Palos Heights, was sold by the Richards family, who had owned it since 1947.

Under the Richards’ dynamic yet steady leadership over the years, The Regional News was named Best Small Weekly Newspaper in Illinois five times by the Illinois Press Association.

While the sale of the newspaper in October closed one chapter in Regional history, it opened an exciting new one. The new owner, the Southwest Regional Publishing Co., shares the Richards family commitment to excellence and immediately announced that Publisher Amy Richards will continue to lead the operation, while headquarters and equipment at the iconic headquarters at 123rd Street and Harlem Avenue would be modernized.

The Southwest Regional Publishing Co. is an affiliate of the Southwest Community Publishing Co., founded in 2012, chaired by Steve Landek and which includes veteran newspaper operator Mark Hornung.

It is an owner and operator of several newspapers in the Southwest Suburbs, including the Desplaines Valley News, Southwest News-Herald and ClearRidge Reporter.

Also sold by the Richards to the new company was The Reporter, sister newspaper to The Regional News. Acquired by the Richards family in 1986, The Reporter provides news and other information every week to readers in Oak Lawn, Evergreen Park, Worth, Chicago Ridge, Hickory Hills, and Palos Hills.

Supporters of a renovated and expanded recreation center in Palos Heights celebrate their victory on election night at Joe Daniel’s Bar and Grill in Palos Heights.

Olympic silver medalist Kendall Coyne signs autographs and poses for a photo with excited school girls at the Palos Heights Public Library.

An artist’s rendering of what the Boardwalk of Palos Heights should look like, as shoppers and diners enjoy an open-air experience at the northern gateway of Palos Heights.

Economic rebound

While recovery from the nation’s worst economic slide since the Great Depression has been long and slow, signs of a rebound in the area were clear.

Orland Park hailed the breaking of ground for a new Mariano’s and thumped its chest over an agreement with the University of Chicago to build a medical center at 143rd Street and La Grange Road.

The village also welcomed 150 new businesses, saw the construction of 80 new homes, and issued 2,180 permits issued for remodeling work on existing homes.

Palos Heights similarly saw signs of new economic life, with the opening of Bella’s Bakery & Breakfast in the old Baumann’s Bakery space near 123rd Street and Harlem Avenue.

Other openings in the Heights included AneMoNe Caffe & Neapolitan Pizzeria in the old Bakers Square space near 127th Street and Ridgeland Avenue, a Lou Malnati’s pizza storefront in the old Foot Locker space near 127th Street and Harlem Avenue, and Mondello City Grill in the old Limestone space near 135th Street and Ridgeland Avenue, although owner Mario Mondello closed the doors abruptly near year’s end.

The year ended with the long-awaited Joe’s Italian Villa opening new doors on Monday at 12207 S. Harlem Ave., in the vacant Papa’s Fresh Foods space. It was a popular pizzeria in Bridgeview for many years.

Other signs of life in the Heights included progress on the Palos Place development in the old Ben Franklin space near 123rd Street and Harlem Avenue, and on the proposed Boardwalk of Palos Heights mixed-use development on the old Crown/ Rizza Buick property near 119th Street and Harlem Avenue.

Silver sensation

Palos Heights ice hockey star Kendall Coyne did not get the gold she and her USA teammates had sought at the Winter Olympics in Russia, but she came home a star with a silver medal around her neck.

She attracted accolades for months wherever she went in and around her hometown, inspiring young athletes—girls especially—and offering an example of the value of hard work and practice, practice, practice.

Century celebration

Most birthday parties last a couple of hours. Palos Park celebrated its rich and colorful history with a yearlong string of events, starting with publication of a new book about the village and ending with the burial of a time capsule in front of the old village hall. The celebration included a special section in The Regional News.

Wife-killer convicted and sentenced

More than four years after he pointed a loaded

Elvis Hall, a baker and co-owner of Bella’s Bakery & Breakfast in Palos Heights, beams as he shows off the fruits of his labors.

.357-caliber handgun at the face of his sleeping wife and pulled the trigger, former salesman Allan Kustok was found guilty and sentenced to 60 years in prison.

The grisly murder, which occurred in the early morning hours of Sept. 28. 2010, at the Kustoks’ Orland Park home, shocked many for both its brutality and cold-blooded nature. Ratcheting up the anger of many was Kustok’s apparent cowardice in blaming his wife for her own death. His claim that she committed suicide was disproven by forensic experts at the trial.

Kustok’s wife, Anita “Jeanie” Kustok, was a school teacher in the west suburbs. The couple had been married 34 years.

New governor

Gov. Pat Quinn and his Republican rival, businessman Bruce Rauner, were seen in the area several times, rubbing elbows with committeemen and rallying precinct workers. In the end, Rauner prevailed with solid support from Orland Township GOP powerhouse Elizabeth “Liz” Doody Gorman, said by some to be in line for a cabinet post in the new administration in Springfield.

School funding defended

Public school board members, superintendents, teachers, parents and other members of the community rallied like perhaps never before to fight Senate Bill 16, a state legislative proposal that critics said would fleece middle-class suburbs in the name of fairness.

Spurred on by a Palos Hills mother who sounded the alarm early and rallied others, Consolidated High School District 230 officials took the lead and hosted forums that mustered SB 16 opponents. They also produced a detailed analysis of the projected impacts of the bill. That analysis was said to help derail the proposed bill in the Illinois House of Representatives.

Rally for the Heights Rec Center

Several years after voters turned a firm thumbsdown on building an entirely new Palos Heights Recreation Center, proponents came back with newer, less expensive plans that would renovate and expand the existing center at 6601 W. 127th St. A spirited “Vote Yes” campaign that took on the trappings of a high school or college homecoming was launched; and in the end, voters answered yes to a binding ballot question that gave city officials the go-ahead to issue bonds to fund the upgrade.

A bridge is lowered into place just west of Ridgeland Avenue, helping complete the Palos Heights’ section of the Cal-Sag Trail.

Cal-Sag Trail

Work began in earnest on the long anticipated Cal-Sag Trail. The bicycle route will eventually link communities from the Indiana state line on the east to Lemont on the west.

Palos Heights led the way, as its portion of the trail will be complete before others.

Orland Park puppies

Village officials bucked a trend and voted to opt out of the new Cook County Companion Animal and Consumer Protection ordinance, which would essentially force pet shops to stop selling puppies.

Those shops include Happiness Is Pets, a longtime Orland Park business.

Officials said they chose their own path—protested by some animal welfare activists—to show that the village can be pro-dog and pro-business at the same time.

Mystery and heartbreak

The year ends with no word yet on the whereabouts of John Cunningham, 27, who walked away from his parents’ home in Palos Park on Oct. 30.

High-tech searches, private-detective work, prayer vigils and much more have been done in an effort to find him and relieve the anguish of his family and friends.

Palos Park pioneer Elmer Braasch, age 100, enjoys a lazy summer day with Ashton Christopher Allen, nearly 100 days old, as they gaze at the flags flapping in a gentle west wind at the Metra station in the village. The photo was conceived as a study in contrast by The Regional as a way to put a human face on Palos Park’s centennial celebration.

EMPOWERING young women Join the 26,000 women who have received the Lifetime Advantage of a McAuley Education.

Incoming Freshman Placement Test

Saturday, January 10 – 8:00 am Doors open at 7:30 a.m.

Bring two, #2 pencils and the $25 testing fee

There will be Financial Assistance Presentation in the Dining Hall at 10:30 am on January 10th.

Parents are invited to attend.

Comforted by family, friends and parishioners, the parents of John Cunningham thank everyone for support at a prayer vigil outside Our Lady of the Woods Church in Orland Park.

3737 West 99th Street | Chicago mothermcauley.org

HEALTH &PICKFITNESS OF THE LITTER

8 Thursday, January 1, 2015

HEALTH BEAT Support programs for family, friends of those with dementia

Early memory loss education and support

Smith continuing care retirement communities offer programs for residents of who take care of seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

The hour-long gatherings begin at 6:30 p.m and are open to questions and comments from the audience.

Before ending, light refreshments will be served.

On Thursday, Jan.8, Smith Crossing in Orland Park will show a documentary titled, “Alive Inside,” about the effects of music on those with dementia. Afterward, an open discussion led by social services director Amy Majcina and resident services director Katie Liston will be held. Smith Crossing is at 10501 Emilie Lane (enter at 104th Avenue and 183rd Street). To reserve a place, call 326-2300 or send an email to familyandfriends@ smithcrossing.org.

Tuesday, Jan. 6, Smith Village’s memory support coordinator Diane Morgan and fitness coordinator Debra Doorn will conduct a meeting on “Taking Care of the Caregiver.” The two will discuss how taking care of someone can be enervating and how exploring simple breathing techniques and stretching exercises can help reduce stress. Smith Village is at 2320 W. 113th Place. Chicago. To reserve a seat, call 773-474-7300 or send an email to familyandfriends@smithvillage.org.

PLOWS Council on Aging in Palos Heights and the Alzheimer’s Association offer an eight-week group that provides education, emotional support, and social interaction in a safe supportive environment. Topics may vary but include an overview of early stage memory loss, medical information, legal and financial planning, and navigating social and family relationships.

Date and location are to be determined. Space is limited. An interview is required prior to attending the group. There is no fee to participate. To register, contact PLOWS Council on Aging at 361-0219.

Health Beat

Hearing screenings at Orland Township South Suburban Hearing Health Center will be at Orland Township, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave., to conduct free hearing screenings on Wednesdays, Jan. 7 and Feb. 4, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Orland Hearing Aid Center, 12910 S. LaGrange Road, will also be conducting free hearing screenings at the township on Tuesdays, Jan. 20 and Feb. 17, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

An appointment is necessary; call 403-4222.

Orland Township to host monthly immunization clinic Orland Township is hosting its monthly immunization clinic this Saturday, Jan. 3, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., at the township building, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave. Free vaccines are available to township children 18 and under. Some eligibility restrictions apply. For children residing outside of the township’s boundaries, a $20 administration fee per vaccine will be charged (does not apply to those with Medicaid/ All Kids). An up-to-date shot record is mandatory to receive any vaccine, and children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Children’s vaccines that are available include DTaP, DTaP-Hep B-IPV, DTaP-IPV-Hib, DTaP-IPV, Hep A, Hep B, Hep B-Hib, HPV, Meningococcal, MMR, IPV, Pneumococcal, Rotavirus, Tdap and Varicella. Adult vaccines that are available include HPV, Pneumococcal, Hep A, Tuberculosis, Hep B, Tdap, IPV, Meningococcal, Hep A-Hep B, MMR, Typhoid, Varicella and Shingles.

For additional clinic dates and adult immunization prices, visit www.orlandtwp.org.

DEATH NOTICES Barbara A. Van Beek

Barbara A. Van Beek, nee Gentile, 65, of Orland Park, died on Dec. 23 at Providence Healthcare and Rehabilitation in Palos Heights.

Visitation was held at Colonial Chapel funeral home in Orland Park on Dec. 26. A funeral service was held at Calvary Church in Orland Park on Dec. 27. Interment was private.

Mrs. Van Beek is survived by her daughter, Lindsay Weber; her son, Dr. Darren Van Beek; two grandchildren and her brother, James Gentile.

Mrs. Van Beek was born in Blue Island. She was a homemaker.

Memorial visitation is to be held at Faith United Methodist Church in Orland Park at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, until time of memorial service at 11 a.m. Interment is to be private.

Ms. Berry is survived by her brothers, John and Brian Berry, her niece, two nephews, two great-nieces and cousins.

Mrs. Berry was born in Indianapolis, Ind. She was a retired high school teacher.

husband, Thomas P. Lavin IV; her brothers, Mark and Michael Sadowski, her sister, Laura Sadowski; nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Lavin was born in Blue Island. She was an event planning executive.

Katherine R. Rutherford

The Regional News

Eyelid tumors can be benign Dear Readers, Here’s a timely reminder, as we dealt with a couple of these cases Christmas Eve. Keep the chocolate away from the dogs. Also, have a bottle of hydrogen peroxide tucked away somewhere in your medicine cabinet.

The first thing you need to do when your dog eats a lot of chocolate is to make him or her vomit immediately. Give 2 to 4 teaspoons per 10 pounds of body weight. We tell our clients to give a little milk first as this seems to help. Most dogs that vomit the stuff right away do ok without veterinary help but it’s wise to check with your vet anyway. The seizures and cardiac arrhythmias can be dealt with later. First make them vomit.

Dear Dr. Fleming, I have an 8-year-old Boston terrier, Charlie, who has a growth on his eyelid. My neighbor says to ignore it, but my son wants it removed. Will this cause him to go blind? He’s already 8 and I don’t want him to suffer.

Jimmy, Worth Dear Jimmy, I don’t understand what you mean by not wanting him to suffer. I think the translation means you don’t want to pay for a surgery. The choice is yours. In your favor, a lot of eyelid tumors that we see are small, grow very slowly and sometimes don’t need to be removed. A vet would have to give you his or her opinion after seeing it.

Eyelid tumors that occur within or near the eyelids in dogs are most often benign, however they can grow large enough to rub on and irritate the cornea and in some cases cause blindness. In cats, most eyelid tumors are malignant. In the dog the most common eyelid tumor types are adenomas and papillomas. Other types are malignant melanoma, mast cell tumor, basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and fibrosarcomas. This is why you need a vet to see the eye and why you need to listen to your son and not your neighbor.

Small benign eyelid tumors can often be removed by a full-thickness resection, which involves taking a wedge out of the eyelid that included the tumor. The eyelid is then sutured back together. Larger tumors require more involved surgeries with the formation of a new eyelid. Other treatments that may be tried for a particular tumor type include cryotherapy (freezing), chemotherapy and radiation therapy. In severe cases in which the tumor is malignant and in-

JOHN FLEMING

DVM • PrairieStateVet.com

Supplied photo

Prairie State Veterinary Clinic was pleased to receive the 2014 Best of Chicago’s Southland Award given by an area daily newspaper. Here, a representative of the newspaper presents the award to Drs. Fleming and Tassone.

vading the eye or the tissues immediately adjacent to the eye, surgery to remove the eye and all affected tissues may be necessary.

Benign (as most are in dogs) tumors that are completely removed are usually cured by surgery.

Prognosis is particularly good when the tumors are still small at the time of surgery and the eyelid margin can be reformed as normally as possible. In my experience we can remove up to one-third of the eyelid and still end up with good cosmesis.

Don’t, however, wait until the tumor is that big!

You are only going to irritate your vet and end up with a bigger bill. Here is a good money-saving tip: check your dog’s teeth. Undoubtedly they need to be cleaned. Ask your vet if she will remove the eyelid tumor as a secondary procedure after the tech cleans the teeth.

I know only scientifically determined truth, but I am going to believe what I wish to believe, what I cannot help but believe – I expect to meet this dear child in another world.

—Louis Pasteur at the bedside of his dying daughter.

Katherine R. Rutherford, nee Harjung, 94, of Orland Park, died on Dec. 20.

Funeral services were private.

Caryn L. Lavin Interment was held at Sunland Caryn L. Lavin, nee Sadows- Memorial Park Cemetery in Sun ki, 50, of Orland Park, died on City, Ariz.

Dec. 22.

Mrs. Rutherford is survived by Memorial visitation and service her son, James; and her daughter, Mary Louise Berry were held at Parkview Christian Marlene R. Nelson. Mrs. RutherMary Louise Berry, 70, of Orland Church in Orland Park on Dec. 27. ford was born in Yugoslavia. She If anyone asks where the North Pole is located, Park, died on Dec. 21.

Mrs. Lavin is survived by her was a homemaker. one could say it’s in Tinley Park.

Dozens of elves were busy poring over Christmas wish lists for south suburban children every day, lining up everything from footballs to dolls from the movie “Frozen” at a secret location in the village.

The elves are volunteers at Together We Cope, the homeless prevention agency that serves 27 south suburban communities. A mountain of toys, warm pajamas and other goodies have been donated by Last week, Reporter editor Jeff Vorva used his generous area residents, businesses and community column, ImPRESSions, to write about his favorite groups who support TWC’s annual Adopt a Child moment of 2014. Not his favorite story, per se. Rathprogram. Dozens of food drives from the commuer, he wrote about a behind-the-scenes moment he nity, including donations of turkeys and hams, have experienced while on a photo assignment for a story stocked the pantry as well. that ran on our front page.

Since mid-November, monetary donations have Jeff suggested that I borrow the theme for the poured in for Adopt a Child, enabling “volunteer B-Side. It sounded like a good idea, but I couldn’t elf” Sue Leigh, of Oak Forest, to shop for the exact think of any particular moment or story during the items on 1,500 Christmas lists. Many other donors Supplied photo ed officials who harbor grudges and don’t forget year that was especially moving or touching. have done the shopping themselves, providing a wide Volunteer elves Sue Leigh, of Oak Forest (left), and about the bad press they receive. Those are the The more I thought about it, however, there was range of toys and gift cards. All together, the goodies Mary Nolan, of Orland Hills, helped brighten Christmas one moment I experienced this year that was unique. ones who typically don’t return phone calls or do quickly filled Santa’s Workshop, where an expert morning for the youngest clients of Together We Cope so only if getting a quote in the paper serves their It happened several weeks ago during an Oak team of volunteer elves will make sure each child by sorting toys at a secret Tinley Park location. interests.

Lawn Village Board meeting, and it had nothing to receives two gifts along with pajamas, winter hat It’s all part of the game we play, I suppose. My How you can help do with the opposite sides of village government and gloves and even extra school supplies. stories are better if they include quotes from all parTogether We Cope is still in need of men’s winter going at it again over an issue like the 911 dispatch Among them is Mary Nolan, of Orland Hills. “It’s ties involved. Conversely, local officials have much center or some other point of contention. a lot of work, and it’s a lot of fun,” she said. “It’s gloves and $10 gift cards to local grocery stores. to gain from the media and getting their message Quite the opposite. really rewarding.” This is her fifth Christmas vol- Donations are welcome at 17010 S. Oak Park Ave. in across.

Trustee Tim Desmond (1st) used a portion of unteering for Adopt a Child, but Nolan is “amazed” Tinley Park from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays except Desmond is up for re-election in the spring. He his report to thank all the reporters who cover the every year at the generosity of donors. “The amount Thursday, when the agency is open 2 to 7 p.m. faces a challenge from Cindy Trautsch, who he Together We Cope is a prevention agency based community. of cash that comes in is staggering,” she said. And Some simply attend village board meetings, others defeated in 2013 for a two-year term on the board. it’s the same with the toys. We have one lady who in Tinley Park that provides resources to families in Trautsch was the one who filed the complaint cover the village on a day-to-day basis, writing shops all year long for us, getting incredible deals crisis from 27 south suburban communities, enabling stories about the village, schools, park district, crime, with the state about Desmond’s missing paperwork. like a $30 game for $5. She pulls up and her minivan them to stay in their homes. In 2014, the agency earned a four-star rating from Charity Navigator break news and features. Either way, Desmond want- Clearly, she’s kept an eye on village politics and was is packed. People are super generous.” aiming for rematch with Desmond. ed to give us a moment of recognition.

Other elves who enjoy the TWC tradition are Anne for the fourth year in a row, a level of recognition Good luck to her. Good luck to him.

He wanted everyone to know that we work hard Brandt, of Palos Heights, who has volunteered for only 7 percent of charities achieve. For more, visit We’ll write stories about all three trustee races in at what we do, strive to write fair and balanced nine years. “This involves a lot of kids who wouldn’t togetherwecope.org.

Oak Lawn and give all the candidates a chance to — Together We Cope stories and sometimes face resistance in our effort to get much without this program,” Brandt said. complete surveys, be interviewed and explain their do our job.

JoAnn Hillblom, of Mokena, has spent most of platforms.

It was a surprise, to be sure. her volunteer time at TWC’s food Desmond might tout the jobs program he created pantry over the past four years. But I’ve been in and out of the newspaper business or talk about the regular district meetings he’s hosted three years ago, she began making since 1987. I covered Park Ridge in the late1980s, for residents. Look for Trautsch to tie Desmond time for Santa’s Workshop as well.

Roselle and Bloomingdale in the early 1990s, the to the Bury administration, bring up the ongoing “I love this because it goes directly LaGrange area for a brief period in 1998-99 and 911dispatch center saga, among other issues. It will to kids, who are innocent no matter towns throughout the Southland as a freelancer for be interesting. what their family situation is,” she the SouthtownStar for many years.

Rest assured, I’m not going to go easy on said. Diane Centner, a Tinley Park I’ve sat in many a meeting, cultivated relationships Desmond because he said “thanks” during a board resident who has been a volunteer with numerous public officials—even angered a meeting. But I do appreciate the gesture because we elf for five years, echoed the thought few—but never has anyone taken a moment during all like to be thanked or recognized now and then. as she filled a bag with toys. “It’s a meeting to say, “Hey, you folks in the media.

It’s human nature. heartwarming.”

Thanks. You do a good job, work hard, strive to be objective, provide a service.”

But Tim Desmond did.

9236 ROBERTS ROAD I suppose one could argue Desmond was trying to HICKORY HILLS, IL curry favor with reporters, but that’s not my sense. It wouldn’t work even if that were his goal.

708-430-5700 Desmond’s been a trustee since 2013 and not long after he was elected, I wrote a story about his failure to file the required paperwork with the Illinois State For Information an Affordable Full Funeral Service About with Burial or Cremation Board of Elections before running for office.

It’s accident no accidentmore morepeople people trust It’s no trustState StateFarm.

Farm.

I called Tim when I was writing the story and he Since Cremation ErikR RNelson, Nelson, Agent Agent Erik responded to my questions. He didn’t put me off, www.lackfuneralhome.com 1916 Service 10200 Roberts Road 10200 S SRoberts Road avoid my calls or fall back on “no comment” when Palos Hills, Palos Hills,ILIL60465-1539 60465-1539 I asked about the misstep.

Bus: Bus:708-430-7575 708-430-7575 “THE NEXT GENERATION TO CARE FOR YOU” In the weeks and months after the story broke, erik.nelson.hr35@statefarm.com erik.nelson.hr35@statefarm.com I called Desmond for other stories and spoke to him at village board meetings. He never treated me differently or acted as though he was angry about the initial story.

That’s good. He gets it. If you choose to run for 10701 S. Harlem Ave. Worth, IL office or hold elective office, facing questions from P040036 StateFarm FarmMutual Mutual Automobile Insurance Company (Not in NJ), Bloomington, IL P040036 02/04 02/04 State Automobile Insurance Company (Not in NJ), Bloomington, IL 708.448.6000 the press is part of the deal.

Owned and Operated by the Mintle Family “Your Neighborhood Funeral Home” It doesn’t always work that way. There are elect-

Generous donors, volunteers help Together We Cope spread cheer

THE B-SIDE

Trustee’s ‘thanks’ more than welcome BOB RAKOW

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Call About Our ‘VALUE PLAN’

The Regional News

Thursday, January 1, 2015

PHOTO MEMORIES FROM THE REGIONAL ARCHIVE

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CROSSWORD PUZZLE "Middle Holiday" Across

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1 Mad or red follower 4 Happen 9 They're sniffed at 14 Family nickname

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31 Put into pigeon holes 32 Logger's tool 33 Bay of Naples isle

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37 Sentimental soul 38 Opening bit 39 Celtic Neptune 40 Piece of fabric

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41 One to beware?

42 "___ gratia artis"

File photo from Jan. 2, 1975

40 Years Ago This Week

43 Smack target 44 Duck down

It was a challenging year! (Publisher Charles Richards wrote in his year-end column looking back at the old year) The year 1974 provided a real test for our company. The softening economy combined with runaway inflation made life more difficult for us as it did for all business people. We had to work harder than ever to achieve gains in our printing, advertising and circulation revenues. We were successful in every department. Our total dollar volume increased about 7 percent over the previous year…

Increasing our advertising sales in 1974 was a major challenge. But we did post gain of better than 8 percent to set an all-time record for total advertising lineage and revenue. Much of the credit goes to Marilyn Shaw, our new advertising manager...

Down

45 IT guy's bailiwick

1 NBC rival

47 London ___

2 Pons solo

48 Falstaff's buddy

3 Horseback post

49 K+ or Na+

4 Spill stuff

50 A bit amiss

5 Mean-sounding yarn?

52 Textured outlines in some Instagram pics 57 60 ticks: Abbr.

6 Sahara transport 8 ___ Tin Tin

40 Years Ago This Week A display of Christmas trees of different nations will continue through Jan. 4 at the First National Bank of Evergreen Park, 3101 W. 95th St. Here, the tree of the Netherlands is decorated by the bank auditor Henk Spykerman, his wife Maria and their daughter, Michele, 7.

63 Jamaican faith, briefly

File photo from Jan. 2, 1975

9 Short plays

60 Find another role for

10 Southwest alternative

61 None in particular

11 Night ___

62 Way out West?

64 Marriage-notice word

12 Carnaval city 13 Stitch (up)

47 Ersatz

27 Composer of "The Simpsons" theme 28 English prep school town 29 Drainage pipe

49 Think-tank product

30 Place to get a bite 33 Rum mixers

54 First name at Notre Dame 55 Go bad

34 Gummy substances

56 Whale's domain

37 By a narrow margin

58 12/31, initially, or what is in the middle of each of the long answers in this puzzle

31 Sorts carefully

7 Ones, in Madrid

59 Early times

26 Back's partner

38 Sound on the air 40 Hose down 41 Short life story

51 Speeder's risk 52 Execs who make trades 53 "Balderdash!"

44 "Marty's" Borgnine

19 Annual

46 "I haven't a ___ to wear!"

21 Added 25 Islands food

(Answers on page 5)

Sudoku Puzzle #3262-M

1 4

2 2 7 5

3 9 6 5 8

3 1 6

3 5 2

8 7

8 2 7

3 4

© 2009 Hometown Content

6 4

1 7 4 1

9 2

The object of the game is to fill all the blank squares with the correct numbers.

Each row of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order.

Each column of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order.

Each 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all digits 1 through 9.

(Answers on page 5)

Medium

IMPRESSIONS

Here are 9 cool people I met in 2014 Some people in our business love year-end lists.

Some hate them.

Me? I’m in between.

They are a pain in the neck to compile but sometimes when you are compiling them, you forget about some interesting things that happened in a calendar year. It’s a nice look back.

This is the second time I’ve compiled a top 10 list of people I met over the past year and seeing these names and remembering them once again is a unique experience.

The criteria is simple. I had to meet them in 2014 and it had to be related to my job with the Reporter or any Southwest Regional Newspaper. Thus, if I was walking down the street and bumped into the president and we had a quick chat, he would not make the list.

But these 9 – in alphabetical order – did make it: Kate Bradley For months, I kept reading library press releases about this woman named Kate Bradley teaching cooking classes at various libraries.

She seemed to be everywhere.

In my mind, I pictured her to be like low-key kindly Kate Bradley on “Petticoat Junction,” an older heavy woman with three daughters, who had the middle names of Jo and swam in the Hooterville public water supply.

Nope.

This Evergreen Park resident is a younger, energetic skinny woman who can not only captivate an audience of adults, she has a way of making students of various ages and backgrounds pay attention.

Ella Chaffee Oak Lawn’s wheelchair basketball pioneer was named to the National Wheelchair Basketball Hall of Fame in April. “Back in 1980, the WNBAS didn’t have a women’s team, so I started my own,” she said. “When we first started, we had six players, just enough to have a sub. Let me tell ya, I played a lot of minutes.’’

When she was six, she contracted polio but never let it get in the way of what she calls her “tomboy” activities. She has also been a top swimmer and marathoner.

JEFF VORVA Rona Cox The 90-year-old former Evergreen Park resident was in the Air Force before it was called the Air Force, was a roller skater until she was 83 and volunteered for various veterans’ organizations for 63 years.

When she was married, her dress was made out of parachute material.

She even has a wicked sense of humor about her own death, saying “It’s a far drive from Evergreen Park to my cemetery and I don’t want people hungry. So I told the funeral director to serve lunch first.”

Kendall Coyne It’s not the fact that she is one of the best female hockey players in the world that impresses me.

It’s not the fact that she brought home a silver medal from the Olympics that impresses me.

What impressed me is that she made countless appearances when she got back from Russia and each time, she remained upbeat and gave feel-good speeches day after day and never seemed to get tired of making them.

Bonnie Cruickshank OK, you know her as Bonnie Blair.

The Olympic hero was at Stagg High School in January and after the speed skater was done giving a speech, I had a chance to interview her and had a lot of fun talking not only about her past triumphs but her present adventures. She’s a hockey mom from Wisconsin who wears bells and blows horns at her son’s game.

“You have to come with your toys,” she said.

Jack Dematteo The 11-year-old Oak Lawn student who is battling Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is beloved so much by his peers and members

of the St. Catherine of Alexandria School and Parish in Oak Lawn that an elevator at his school was built for him and other students with physical needs.

As a side note, since we went to a new website in spring, 2013, Jack’s tale ranks fifth on Reporter stories with the most hits.

Sarah Dynia Another young Oak Lawn treasure, this Mother McAuley student started the “Stuffed Love” organization, which helps bring comfort to people of all ages.

She makes stuffed hearts plus animals, flowers, stars and even some stuffed monsters. “If it can be sewn and stuffed, I can make it!” she said.

Her efforts have not gone unnoticed. She has received letters from Gov. Pat Quinn and President Barack Obama recognizing her efforts.

Theresa Rebersky Even though she and I have had e-mail exchanges in 2013, I technically didn’t meet this Worth woman in person until spring at a – what else? – Worth event. She loves that town.

She and her husband, George, have had a lot of fun with our WHATIZIT? game over the years and this year she was asked to throw out the first pitch before a White Sox game in June to “some guy named Chris” which turned out to be ace pitcher Chris Sale.

She had her ups and downs this year, but every time I’ve seen her or corresponded with her, she was probably the most upbeat person I’ve met in a long time.

Linda Stearns Like Chaffee, this woman proves that if you live in Oak Lawn and are in a wheelchair, you just don’t sit around and have people feel sorry for you.

Stearns has become a tireless volunteer whose door was falling off of her van and was awarded a new van after winning a national Local Heroes Award contest.

My favorite part of the Linda Stearns biography is that she goes to funeral homes, snarfs up discarded flowers and gives them to people in hospitals. She told me people in the hospitals think she is full of money because she is always giving flowers away.

WHATIZIT?

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Governor elect Bruce Rauner’s campaign propaganda said that the multi-millionaire drove s 20-year-old camper van and wore an $18 watch.

It showed he is a man of the people, I guess.

Well, not only was he enough of a man of the people to win the election in November, he was a man of some of the WHATIZIT? wizards as he was the man in the photo last week.

Oak Lawn’s Steve Rosenbaum was the first on the Rauner Watch to get it right. Steve is having quite the end of the year in the game. Last week, he blew our holiday deadline with an incorrect answer. So with two strikes on him, he knocked this week’s out of the park first.

Other on the merry-go-Rauner were Worth’s Gene Sikora, Hickory Hills’ Tom McAvoy, Oak Lawn’s Jane Foley, Chicago Ridge’s Rick Towner and Palos Hills’ Edward Modla (who added that the governor’s belt looks like it cost more than his watch).

Incorrect answers were President Obama, Palos Heights Mayor Bob Straz, Leonard DiCaprio from the “Wolf of Wall Street” and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emmanuel.

A guess of Reporter Editor Jeff Vorva, who usually takes the photos for this competition, was particularly comical given Vorva’s blubbery frame, which is far from Rauner’s lean frame.

This week clue is that this is a famous tweeter before Twitter.

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

10 Thursday, January 1, 2015

BUSINESS

Section 1-A

FINANCIAL FOCUS

The Regional News

Consider these New Year’s financial resolutions

Now that 2015 is upon us, you may be thinking about making some New Year’s resolutions.

Perhaps you’ll decide to take up a musical instrument, or hit the gym more often, or even learn a new language. All these are worthy goals, of course — but you could also gain some key benefits by working to achieve some financial resolutions.

Here are a few to consider: • Fill “gaps” in your investment portfolio. From time to time, you — or possibly your financial advisor, if you work with one — might identify “gaps” in your investment portfolio. For example, you might find that you are making insufficient progress on a key goal, such as saving for a child’s college education. Or you might discover that you need to place additional resources in a particular asset class to achieve proper diversification, which can help reduce the impact of market volatility on your portfolio. (Keep in mind, though, that diversification, by itself, can’t guarantee profits or protect against loss.) So, put “filling portfolio gaps” high on your list of New Year’s financial resolutions.

• Boost your 401(k) contributions. If your salary has gone up with the New Year, consider boosting your contributions to your 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored retirement plan. You may not be able to afford to contribute the maximum annual amount — which, in 2015, is $18,000, or $24,000 if you’re 50 or older — but if you increase your contributions every year, you can greatly speed your progress toward your retirement savings goals. You can put this New Year’s resolution into effect by contacting your human resources or benefits department as soon as you get back to work in 2015.

• Eliminate “unhealthy” investment habits. As part of your

JIM VAN HOWE Edward Jones Investments

general New Year’s resolutions, you may have decided to cut back on “carbs” and sugar-laced soft drinks, with the expectation that these moves could help your overall health. But you can also make “unhealthy” financial moves, such as chasing after “hot” stocks (which may already have cooled off by the time you find them) or selling quality investments just because their price has temporarily dropped. Strive to focus more intently on your long-term investment strategy, as opposed to reacting to short-term stimuli.

• Review your estate strategy.

During any given year, you might experience major changes in your life — marriage (or remarriage), new child, new home, etc. — and these changes will have profound effects on your estate plans. But whether or not you encountered any of these events in 2014, it’s a good idea to look over your estate planning documents* — such as a will, living trust, power of attorney, and so forth — to make sure they are still current with your wishes.

It’s especially important to update beneficiary designations on your insurance policies and retirement accounts, so that they are aligned with the wishes you have expressed in your will. And if you haven’t drawn up your estate plans* yet, make a New Year’s resolution to do so in 2015 — because it’s never too soon to take the steps necessary to protect your loved ones in the future.

Unlike some New Year’s resolutions, these financial ones won’t require a big shift in your lifestyle.

AREA PROPERTY TRANSFERS Area Property Transfers will return next week.

Mortgage Rates Around the Area First Midwest Bank (as of Dec. 29) RATES

APR

POINTS

30-year fixed

4.125%

4.172%

0

15-year fixed

3.375%

3.644%

0

30-year fixed Jumbo

4.250%

4.295%

0

United Trust Bank (as of Dec. 23) RATES

APR

POINTS

30-year fixed

3.990

4.010

0

15-year fixed

3.250

3.286

0

10-year fixed

3.125

3.177

0

RATES

APR

POINTS

30-year fixed

4.000

4.038

.25

20-year fixed

3.750

3.802

.25

15-year fixed

3.250

3.314

.25

Prospect Federal (as of Dec. 22)

All rates subject to change daily. Equal opportunity lenders.

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But if you can stick to them, they can make a big difference in your life.

Jim Van Howe is a financial advisor with Edward Jones Investments, in Palos Heights. His office is at 7001 W. 127th St. He can be reached at 361-3400.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. * Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors are not estate planners and cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your estate-planning attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.

Angelo’s Fresh Market opens nearby

Supplied photo

Angelo’s Fresh Market owner Carla Bolin (left) and Bryan Oedzes smile during a ribbon-cutting, grand-opening celebration held early last month with the Orland Park Area and Tinley Park chambers of commerce at their new Tinley Park store, at 7150 W. 183rd St. This is Angelo’s second location. As with the original Flossmoor store, the Tinley Park market offers restaurant-quality cuts of beef, veal and lamb, as well as a 21-day dry age prime. Homemade pastas and Italian specialties are also available, including the popular meatballs—a gluten-free version made with veal, beef and pork and plenty of Parmesan cheese. A rotating menu of daily $5 specials and made-to-order sandwiches are available. Angelo’s Fresh Market is open seven days a week. For catering information and online orders, visit their website www.angelosfresh.com or call 407-8724.

Sports S

outhwest

Top 10 stories of 2014 The Regional News - The Reporter

Ken Karrson, Sports Editor

sports@regionalpublishing.com

Thursday, January 1, 2015 Section 2 Page 1

By Jeff Vorva

Schofield was a third-round pick – and 95th pick overall – in the It was an exciting and produc- 2014 NFL Draft on May 9. tive year in area sports in 2014.

He received a call from Broncos’ Take Trinity Christian College General Manager John Elway and for instance. The Trolls’ volleyball a text from quarterback Payton team won a national champion- Manning that night. Through 15 ship. In most years, that could be games, he has yet to see action good enough to be the top sports for the Broncos. story of the year.

Not this year.

3. Trinity Christian wins The year was so strong, that a national championship national championship had to take Trinity Christian College’s vola back seat to two other stories. leyball team claimed the National The top 10 list of sports sto- Christian College Athletic Assories in the Reporter and Regional ciation national championship in feature Olympians, NFL draftees, early December. state champions, huge events comThe Trolls beat Colorado Chrising into our area and even a guy tian University 23-25, 25-18, 25who had a couple of holes-in-one 17, 25-15 to win the tournament. in less than a week.

Rachel Verhage had 18 kills, 11 So before new sports memories digs and four blocks in the triare made in 2015, here are the umph. top sports stories of 2014: 4. Hosting a Final Four 1. Silver Coyne St. Xavier’s football team made Sandburg graduate and Palos it to the NAIA national semifiHeights native Kendall Coyne nals for the fifth time in school earned a spot on the Olympic history but unlike the first four women’s hockey team, competed times, the Cougars played this in Sochi, Russia in February and game at home. came home with a silver medal.

The result, however, was not to In the first five games, Coyne their liking. After grabbing a 17racked up three goals and six as- 10 lead after the first quarter, the sist to get to the gold medal game. Cougars gave up 31 straight and Once she came home, she and lost a wild one, 62-37 to Southern her medal toured several area Oregon on Dec. 6 Southern Oreschools and she made countless gon went on to win the national speeches to students and civic championship with a 55-31 victory groups. over Marian (Ind.) on Dec. 20.

2. Feeling the draft 5. Four great coaches retire Former Sandburg and UniverIn the spring, four veteran sity of Michigan standout Michael coaches announced their retirements and they enjoyed highly successful careers.

Denise Bromberek, who was Marist’s softball coach in the first 12 years of the program and won a state title in 2012, John Chappetto, who won a state title in 2008 as the head boys basketball boss, Janet Meyers, who won 256 games at Oak Lawn’s girls basketball coach, and Brother Rice boys volleyball coach Paul Ickes, the Photo by Jeff Vorva first coach in the St. Xavier receiver Stephen Simms is lifted after state to win 500 catching a touchdown pass to help his team matches, all called it a career. reach the national NAIA semifinals.

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Kendall Coyne has some fun with the Sandburg Eagle mascot during an appearance to her former high school after she came home with a silver medal.

6. EPSN2 comes to town Moraine Valley Community College’s new gym hosted a huge high school basketball game on Dec. 19 and St. Rita knocked off nationally-ranked Simeon, 51-46.

The game was broadcast all over the world on ESPN2.

Moraine Athletic Director Bill Finn said the game drew 2,600 fans to the Palos Hills campus and there was a guest appearance

by Kentucky Coach John Calipari, who was watching recruit Charles Matthews of St. Rita.

7. A Screeching halt Mt. Assisi High School closed its doors and in late May, the Screeching Eagles softball team played the last athletic event in school history.

The team made it to the region-

al championship before bowing out to Chicago Christian, 11-7, May 24 in Palos Heights. Terri Dearth’s grand slam pulled the Eagles to within one run at one point but the Knights rallied to put an end to the Eagles athletic program.

8. Coaching merry-go-round at EP Evergreen Park football coach Dan Hartman took a job at Hinsdale Central and school officials hired Phillips coach Troy McAllister. But on June 8, McAllister was let go because of a lack of teaching credentials and Ray Mankowski took over.

Evergreen Park qualified for the playoffs under Mankowski.

Hartman opened his first week

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Richards boys basketball coach John Chappetto was one of four successful area coaches to leave their post in the spring.

with a bang as his Red Devils ousted Bolingbrook, a preseason No. 1 team in both Chicago daily newspapers. As for McAllister? He returned to Phillips as an assistant but was soon promoted back to his old job and his team became the second Chicago Public League school in Illinois High School Association history to make it to a state championship game.

9. Orland athletes win state titles Providence Catholic’s baseball team win the Class 4A state championship in the heat of June and its football team won the Class 7A state title in the cold of November.

Some Orland Park standouts helped the New Lenox private school bring home the top trophies including Ben Salvador in baseball and Jake Rost and Richie Warfield in football.

Mt. Assisi softball player Maddie Cahue is consoled by coach Jill Harvey after the Eagles were beaten by Chicago Christian, 117, in the school’s final athletic contest on May 24.

different courses in June.

He had an ace at the Bolingbrook Golf Club on a 152-yard, 13th hole on June 17, six days after 10. Aces wild he aced the 109-yard seventh hole Palos Heights resident Bob at the Zigfield Troy Gold Club in Murphy recorded two holes-in- Woodridge. It brought up his career one in a six-day span at two hole-in-one total to four.

Photo courtesy of the Denver Broncos

Orland Park’s Michael Schofield was drafted by the Broncos in the third round in May.

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2 Section 2

Thursday, January 1, 2015

The Regional News - The Reporter

BARTOSH So many poker chips, so little interest From July 19, 2007 Almost three years after I first wrote about it, the fervor hasn’t cooled. In fact, it seems as if interest runs hotter than ever.

And again I must pose the question: What is the big draw?

And I’m not referring to an inside straight.

For some inexplicable reason, much of the American public remains transfixed on poker.

Most of us have played it in some low-rent form through the years, winning or losing a few bucks at a time and, unless you’re stuck in a whale of a losing streak, there’s some enjoyment derived from the experience.

Usually, though, the real pleasure comes from camaraderie between the players.

Generally it’s a group of friends getting together, and the activity is primarily fueled by joking conversation, not an unquenchable thirst for Jacksons.

But that would explain the allure of playing, even on a small scale. What I’m still curious about is the attraction of poker when it comes to viewership.

And it’s definitely there, otherwise television wouldn’t be featuring poker as often as it does. NBC, for instance, regularly airs something called “Poker After Dark” in its 2 a.m. slot. Hardly a prime time, to be sure, but the network did back up its rebroadcast of “The Tonight Show” by one hour to make room for poker, so the time period can’t be completely laughed off as inconsequential.

There’s also a creation called “Celebrity Poker,” and just last week came the “World Series of Poker,” which was treated like

a real sport by ESPN. Granted, the prize money justifies such lofty status, but the activity itself certainly does not.

I’m still stumped by so many people’s desire to watch a handful of other people sit at a table for interminably long stretches, doing nothing more strenuous than twitching, blinking or yawning. I know some movies have featured poker challenges as dramatic elements, but those scenes are often peppered with fistfights or gunplay when a ne’erdo-well tried to triumph via underhanded means.

And even if the action is a little less over the top, movie cameras don’t stay focused on the poker table for hours on end. They’ll occasionally break away to show the cinematic spouse of one of the players suffering an emotional breakdown because the gambler’s about to lose the deed to the farm and leave her and nine kids without a place to live.

But watchers of TV poker don’t make such storytelling demands. They’re perfectly content to stare at long stretches of inactivity, starring a great many individuals whose charisma quotient hovers just slightly above “empty.”

I confess I’ve tuned in on occasion, hoping to see anything that resembles movement. My hopes typically get dashed.

What I really can’t figure out is why the producers of TV poker broadcasts feel the need to show what cards people have in their possession. It’s like knowing the answer to a whodunit before we even find out what crime was perpetrated or who was victimized.

Come on, give us at least a little suspense.

Of course, I realize no amount of ranting by a columnist is going to change the landscape, and poker seems here to stay — for the moment anyway. History has demonstrated time and again that today’s hot commodity evolves into yesterday’s news in the wink of an eye, a body movement we can’t see from some of the poker players because they wear dark glasses or lowslung hats and visors.

In the meantime, those of us who have failed to be sucked into the poker vortex should just ride the storm out. In a society that warmly embraces pap like “American Idol,” “Big Brother” and “Dancing With The Stars,” we shouldn’t expect viewing tastes to suddenly do a 180 and for our fellow Americans to wrap their arms too tightly around cultured pursuits.

And if we try, we can actually find some humor in poker.

After all, where else can we read the following paragraph — found on the Associated Press wire and written about the World Series of Poker — and realize it’s not being done as a joke: Two miracle cards in a row needed to save a person from losing a hand. Actor Brad Garrett was all-in with pocket kings when an opponent flipped up pocket aces. When the board came ace, queen, nine, giving his opponent a set of aces, Garrett needed runner-runner kings to give him a winning quad, or runner-runner jack-10 to give him a straight. Neither happened, so he busted out.

So did a couple of the guys in “Stalag 17.” Now, that was worth watching.

Tough times for SXU on the court and in the stands

By Anthony Nasella It was a rough couple of days on the court for St. Xavier University’s men’s basketball team.

It was also tough in the stands as the Cougars’ Midwest Tournament didn’t draw well as the team finished 1-2 in the three-day tournament Dec. 21-23.

While Coach Tom O’Malley wishes the team would have won more than just the one game, he lamented almost as much about the low attendance of the threeday tournament which boasted six quality programs. In some games, less than 100 people were in the stands.

“I wish more people in the community would understand that we host great basketball,” O’Malley said. “We didn’t have a lot of people in the stands for the games, and that’s disheartening because you put together a tournament with great teams so that fans can come out and watch quality competition.”

On the court, O’Malley has a pretty simple theory for success: shoot well from the floor, the threepoint line, and from the foul line.

His Cougars were able to do all three in the final game of the tournament – an 84-73 victory over Lourdes University – which broke a three-game losing streak that included tournament setbacks against Davenport University and Cincinnati Christian.

Against Lourdes, No. 15-ranked St. Xavier (9-5) shot 55 percent from the floor (26-for-47), 50 percent from three-point land (10for-20), and 73 percent from the charity stripe (22-for-30).

“When we look at the last three games we played – our best asset is our shooting ability,” O’Malley said. “When we win, we usually shoot around 50 percent, about 40 percent from the three-point line and about 75 percent from the free throw line.

“When we come close to those numbers, we usually fare pretty well. And that’s exactly what we did in the win. That’s the kind

Photos by Jeff Vorva

Senior Jack Krieger gets his paw on the ball for an offensive rebound in St. Xavier’s Dec. 22 loss to Cincinnati Christian. He had 36 points the next day in a victory over Lourdes University. of performance we would like to have more often.”

Senior guard Jack Krieger scored a career-high 36 points in the winning effort. He led the Cougars on the boards as well with a game-high 10 rebounds.

St. Xavier also got an outstanding performance from freshman guard Larry Motuzis, who took advantage of his first collegiate start by scoring 25 points and pulling down six rebounds. Junior forward Mitch Uratchko finished with 10 points and nine rebounds to go along with two blocked shots.

Following the game, Krieger earned a spot on the six-member all-tournament team after averaging 28.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game over the three-day event.

“Jack has been absolutely outstanding,” O’Malley said. “And to get that kind of scoring from a guard, that’s not bad at all. And when he gets help from someone else, things are definitely easier for him. The performances from Larry and Mitch were also very impressive.

“We have a bunch of young guys, true building blocks who are getting better with each game

they play.”

Kreiger score a game-high 24 points in a 78-72 loss to Davenport University on Sunday and 25 points, seven rebounds and three assists in Monday night’s , 74-62 defeat to Cincinnati Christian University.

Against Davenport, St. Xavier shot just 31 percent of their total attempts (18-for-59), and only 22 percent (6-for-27) en route to 24 first-half points and an eight-point halftime deficit (32-24).

Junior guard Stanley Moore posted 18 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals. Senior forward Andre Arrington added 16 points and eight rebounds off the bench. Uratchko pulled down a game-high 10 rebounds.

Against Cincinnati Christian, Motuzis was the only other Saint Xavier player to score in double figures finishing with 11 points in a reserve role.

“You can never absolutely tell until you look over the tapes a few times, but to me it looked like we taking the same shots too often.” he said. “Thankfully, we bounced back against Lourdes and shot like we are capable of.”

Girls Basketball Roundup

Stagg-ering finish for Chargers

By Anthony Nasella Stagg head coach Bill Turner was hoping his team could finish out 2014 on a positive note at this past weekend’s Hillcrest Holiday Classic.

With a 2-1 effort so far, and a berth in this week’s Consolation Championship against Oak Forest, the chances are definitely looking promising for the Chargers.

After dropping their opening contest on Friday 71-40 to Bloom, Stagg bounced back with a 41-29 win over Tinley Park later on Friday and added a 41-38 victory over Thornton in Saturday’s consolation semifinal contest.

The most recent win over Thornton has Turner feeling the most optimistic about the team’s progress over the past week.

“We’ve now won three of our last four games,” said Turner of his Chargers, which entered this week 3-10. “Another sound defensive effort and rebounding (a 31-26 advantage) were our points of emphasis, going into the game against Thornton.

“Limiting second-chance shots was key. Our recipe for success has been controlling the tempo and running good half-court offense. We want to keep games in the 40s while stressing good shots, as opposed to open shots. Our shot Photos by. Jeff Vorva selection has been improving each Evergreen Park’s Maddie Vojacek goes up for a putback against and every game.”

Against Bloom, Noor Elmosa Morgan Park Academy on Friday in the Chicago Ag. Science (14 points, four rebounds) and Tournament.

Mia DiGiacomo (eight rebounds) were the bright spots against the highly-ranked Trojans.

Against Tinley Park, Stagg limited the Titans to single-digit scoring in the first three quarter and forced 24 turnovers in the contest.

DiGiacomo (a game-high 16 points, five rebounds), Erin O’Leary (10 points, six rebounds), Alex Abed (seven points, six assists), Elmosa (eight points) all starred for the Chargers.

“Offensively, getting the ball inside was a priority for us,” Turner said. “I thought this was Erin’s best all-around performance for us, so far this season. She handled the ball really well and was very active on the boards.”

Against Thornton, DiGiacomo (13 points, 10 rebounds, three assists), Katie Dwyer (six points, eight rebounds), Abed (eight points and key free throws late in the game), and Michelle Rentauskas (six points) led the way. Stagg led 2314 at halftime fueled by the team’s inside effort of 13 of the team’s 16 second-quarter points.

“The girls did a nice job of maintaining their composure down the Megan Pfister of Evergreen Park works the ball down the court stretch,” Turner said. “They held in her team’s second-round victory at the Chicago Ag. Science off a valiant Thornton comeback Tournament on Friday. attempt. We haven’t found ourselves in many close game situations and against Addison trail. Herman Oak Lawn we will get better at managing time The Spartans went 3-1 at the grabbed 11 rebounds for Queen of and circumstances, near the end of Riverside-Brookfield Holiday Clas- Peace (5-15) against Addison Trail the game.” sic: defeating Glenbard West 54Marist Sandburg 43 on Tuesday, Nazareth 46-31 on The RedHawks reached the semiThe Eagles finished fifth at this Friday, Beecher 56-50 on Saturday finals of the Hillcrest Holiday Class past weekend’s Hillcrest Holiday and losing to Niles North 68-46 on compliments of a 72-65 victory over Classic: defeating Rich Central 40- Saturday.

Bloom on Friday but lost in the 28 and losing to Rich South 64-49 on Against Glenbard West, Brianna semifinals, 61-54, to Joliet Catholic Friday before finishing with a 58-45 Markusic’s 22 points and 10 re- on Saturday. win over Rich East on Saturday. bounds boosted Oak Lawn (10-9).

Against Bloom, Julia Ruzevich Sam Youngwirth (15 points) and Kara Melvin added 14 points for scored 12 points of her 20 points Jess Merino (9 points, 11 rebounds) the Spartans. Markusic’s 21 points, in the pivotal fourth quarter. Teled Sandburg against Rich Central. 11 rebounds, and four assists led hya Fortune added 12 points and Youngwirth (19 points), Merino (14 the way against Nazareth. six rebounds, Claire Austin eight points, 10 rebounds) and Victoria Markusic scored 24 points and points and seven rebounds and Stavropoulos (9 points) all con- nine rebounds in the loss to Niles Katelyn Rosner added 12 rebounds tributed for the Eagles against North and added 31 points and ten for Marist . the Stars. rebounds against Beecher. Kellie Against Joliet Catholic, Ruzevich Against Rich East, Sam Young- O’Connor added 13 points for the (17 points), Fortune (11 points, 5 wirth scored 22 points and Jess Spartans against Beecher. rebounds), Austin (11 points, 10

Merino finished with 11 to lead rebounds) and Dajae Black (10 Queen of Peace Sandburg (12-4).

The Pride went 1-4 at the Riv- points) led Marist (10-4).

Shepard erside-Brookfield Holiday Classic, Evergreen Park The Astros went 1-4 at this past losing to Argo 40-25 on Dec. 22, The Mustangs went 3-0 at the week’s Riverside-Brookfield Holi- Beecher 50-41 on Dec. 23 and Riv- Ag. Science Christmas tournament, day Classic. They dropped a pair erside-Brookfield 52-26 on Friday defeating Morgan Park Academy of 44-30 decisions to South Shore before rebounding to defeat Addison 61-39 and Thornridge 49-37 on Frion Monday and Glenbard East on Trail 36-28 on Saturday. day, and pounded Eillison 52-13 on Tuesday before bouncing back to However, Queen of Peace was Saturday. Jamilah Malancon tossed beat Addison Trail 32-23 on Friday. unable to notch a second victory on in 18 points to key Evergreen Park The team, however, was unable Saturday, dropping a 52-28 decision (12-4) on Saturday. to find the win column on Saturday, to Morton.

Chicago Christian dropping a 43-34 decision to Argo Against Argo, Allie Herman and The Knights dropped a pair of and a 54-42 loss to Nazareth.

Kara Shimko each scored six points, Against South Shore, Shepard and Herman grabbed nine rebounds games at the Lisle Holiday Cage was led by Abby Newsome’s 13 for the Pride. Shimko provided 17 Classic – losing to St. Francis 60points. Newsome and Myrissha points, four assists, and two steals 29 on Friday and Westmont 37-28 Mitchell scored 11 points each for Queen of Peace against Beech- on Saturday.

Emily Lemmenes (eight points) against Glenbard East. Newsome er. Herman added eight points and led the way with ten against Ad- six rebounds; Abby Bennett added was the leading scorer for Chicago Christian against St. Frandison Trail. seven points.

Shepard (3-9) was led by MitchAgainst Riverside-Brookfield, cis. She scored a team-best 12 ell’s 17 points against Argo; New- Shimko had 10 points and four points for Chicago Christian (7-6) some led a balanced attack against steals for the Pride and scored 19 in the consolation quarterfinal Nazareth with nine. points and registered four steals Saturday.

Stuut passes the 2,000-point mark for SXU Becoming the first player in Saint Xavier University women’s basketball history to surpass 2,000 career points in the process, senior forward Morgan Stuut (Marcellus, Mich./Three Rivers) dropped game-bests of 25 points, 17 rebounds, six assists and four blocks to lead the No. 4 ranked Cougars to an 88-55 victory over Viterbo University (Wis.) Sunday in the first game of the four-team SXU Christmas Classic at the Shannon Center in Chicago.

The Cougars (12-2 overall) used a strong defensive effort in the second half to limit the V-Hawks

to just 15 points turning a seven-point halftime lead (47-40) into a commanding 33-point margin of victory. SXU also took advantage of high-percentage shots scoring 44 of its 88 points down low in the paint.

Freshman guard Kara Krolicki (Frankfort/Lincoln-Way East) and senior guard Suzie Broski (Rockford/Boylan Catholic) also scored in double figures for the Cougars in Sunday’s win. Krolicki posted 13 points, while Broski chipped in 10. Sophomore guard Mikayla Leyden (Chicago/Trinity) had a solid all-around game as well for

Saint Xavier with seven points, eight rebounds, four assists and four steals. The Cougars shot 49 percent (38-for-77) from the field in the game, including 51 percent (20-for-39) in first-half action.

SXU led nearly the entire way building a 16-6 lead in the game’s first six minutes paced by six early points by Krolicki. Viterbo chipped away at the double-digit deficit and drew to within three, 26-23, near the midpoint of the half on a three-pointer by senior guard Jenna Engh, who led the V-Hawks with 21 points. The Cougars pushed the lead back up

to 11 points (47-36) late in the frame, but Engh banked home a half-court shot at the buzzer to send SXU into the break with a seven-point edge, 47-40. The second half was a different story as the Cougars came out firing using a 14-3 run to open the new period that allowed them to pull away for good. Stuut scored eight of her team’s points during the run. SXU continued to build on its lead the rest of the game.

Saint Xavier (12-2) concluded play in the SXU Christmas Classic File photo by Jeff Vorva on Monday.

Morgan Stuut, who already owned the SXU all-time career scoring —St. Xavier University mark, went over the 2,000-point milestone on Sunday.

The Regional News - The Reporter

Thursday, January 1, 2015 Section 2

3

Conference call

IHSA decision near on football league restructuring

By Jeff Vorva Reporter Editor

Photos by Jeff Vorva

Sandburg’s Niko Kogionis, who did not score in an opening-round loss at Highland Park, was hounded by a Timothy Christian defender Saturday but broke free for 24 points in a consolationround victory at the York Jack Tosh Holiday Tournament.

Storming back from disaster

By Anthony Nasella

layup with just two seconds to go,” Chargers coach John Daniels After experiencing what Sandsaid. “Batavia got the rebound burg head coach Todd Allen blunt- left and couldn’t close out the and made two free throws. We ly called a perfect storm of disas- game.” still had a chance to tie, but then ter in a 43-point loss in the first we threw the ball away. It was a round of the York Tournament Stagg heartbreaker.

Friday, the Eagles rebounded niceThe Chargers started the York “Shane McMahon tied the game ly in Saturday’s consolation-round Tournament with a pair of set- on a three with 20 seconds left; opener against Timothy Christian backs: a 74-43 loss to Lyons Town- it was unfortunate we couldn’t in Elmhurst. ship on Friday and a 59-56 defeat close out the game. At least we Behind 10 three-point baskets against Batavia on Saturday. were connecting on shots and free and a pivotal 20-10 third quarter, Joe Zaremba scored 11 points, throws against Batavia – unlike Sandburg prevailed over Timo- and John Contant added 10 to the game against Lyons where we thy 58-52. The victory somewhat lead Stagg (3-10) against Lyons. had a five-minute stretch where redeemed a disheartening 69-26 Against Batavia, Jeff Goral led we didn’t score a point.” defeat to Highland Park on Friday. the way with 21 points (shooting Before York, Stagg collected a Niko Kogionis was 8-for-15 4-for-5 from three-point land), and 60-37 win over Universal at the from the three-point arc and Josh Strama added 12.

Addison Trail Tournament on Definished with a game-high 24 “The game against Batavia was cember 20. Zaremba scored 11 points, while chipping in with five in our grasp, but we missed a points, and Nick Worst netted 10. rebounds for the Eagles against TC. Teddy Kostogiannis added 14 points and pulled down a teamhigh six rebounds for Sandburg, while Alec Martinez dished out a team-high five assists.

“It really was a tale of two games,” Allen said. “Niko led us in scoring against Timothy Christian, and he didn’t score against Highland Park. We just tried to forget about Friday, and I think the kids did a good job with that – despite the fact that Timothy shot the ball well.

“The Timothy game was an 8:30 game, so we were in our gym practicing at 7 a.m., and that forces you to be awake. We were able get the lead after the first few minutes and maintain the advantage for the most part; then we put up the big third quarter to get us back on track with a big win.”

Against Highland Park, the laundry list of faults was long.

“Highland Park shoots the ball extremely well, and they made 12 three-point baskets,” he said. “The whole thing just snowballed on us. We didn’t defend very well, shot poorly and turned the ball over 12 times to their one.”

Before York, Sandburg played a game at the United Center against Lincoln-Way East, dropping a close 56-51 decision.

“The loss to Lincoln-Way East was tough,” he said. “We had a Stagg’s Josh Strama tries to get by Batavia’s Jacob Roberts in five-point lead with five minutes Saturday’s consolation game at the York Tournament in Elmhurst.

AT YORK

Shepard, Chicago Christian come up empty after first two rounds

By Anthony Nasella

could have made, but I was proud of them for their effort.

Shepard boys basketball coach Lindblom was very athletic. We Tony Chiuccariello said that Sat- cut the deficit to back to six, but watched them on film, and we urday’s 67-46 loss to Oswego East then Oswego scored three straight tried to slow the game down. We in the Large School bracket of baskets. In the fourth quarter we played zone for the first time all the 16-team Romeoville Holiday tried pressing, but they scored season against them. We were Tournament wasn’t an entirely layups and we didn’t. We didn’t trailing just 14-13 after the first accurate reflection of the com- shoot the ball well. quarter.”

“Defensively, we were outmuspetitive nature of the game and Despite being down by as much cled and beat in transition a few as 10 points in the fourth, Shepard the effort of his team.

That doesn’t mean, however, times. We got beat on the boards fought back and had the chance that Astros didn’t demonstrate on a few possessions – resulting in at a game winner when Lindbsome flaws on that are need of offensive rebounds and putbacks. lom missed the front-end of a further coaching or changes that We need to work on transition, one-and-one free throw with 3.6 defense, boxing out, and moving seconds left. are in need of implementing.

Shepard found itself in a nine- our feet to stop penetration. We “We got a half-court shot off point hole at halftime against Os- have to be a little more physi- that just didn’t go in,” he said. “It wego and was fully shut down by cal, get back on defense quicker, was good high school game. Both a 21-11 fourth quarter. On Friday, and make teams settle for outside teams gave everything they had; in the first game of the tourna- shots.” we just came up a little short.”

Against Lindblom, Kenny Gorment, the Astros played tight against that the coach called a ski scored 13 points and Zack Chicago Christian very athletic Lindblom squad but Haxel chipped in with 10 to pace The Knights came up empty the Astros (3-7). fell short 49-48. in their first two efforts in the “When looking at the big pic- Small School vision at RomeoKyle Longfield scored 21 points and pulled down 13 rebounds for ture, the boys played as hard as ville, dropping a 70-50 decision Shepard against Oswego, and they could, gave it their best and to Lemont on Friday and a 53-43 Kendrick Watson added 16 points. did what I asked,” he said. “In contest to Lincoln-Way West on “We were only trailing 14-13 the big picture, if you do those Saturday. after one quarter but fell behind things, I’ll live with the results Against Lemont, Trevor Wol28-19 at halftime,” Chiuccariello win or lose. Unfortunately, we terink recorded 18 points for Chisaid. “Watson hit a three pointer came up shy. cago Christian (5-7) and Daylon “There we’re some shots we Washington had 13. to start the second half, which

AT ROMEOVILLE

The ballots have been submitted.

Now it’s just a matter of waiting for the announcement.

The Illinois High School Association general membership voted on six proposals in December and one of them would have a dramatic impact on the state’s football landscape if it passed.

Officials from all of the 800-plus Illinois High School Association schools in December were asked to vote on a list of proposals including Proposal 10, which would be a huge change to football in the state as it would eliminate conference play and install a district system based on enrollment and geography.

That would affect all of our area teams and signal the end of the Southwest Suburban, South Suburban, East Suburban Catholic, Metro Suburban Conference and the storied Chicago Catholic League.

The announcement will come on Tuesday.

Some don’t think it will pass.

But all it takes is a simple majority from schools who fill out the ballot. The Champaign News-Gazette reported that in the past 15 years, 131 out of 133 proposals that made it to the ballot have passed. The paper also said that last year, 463 out of 808 schools participated and 232 votes was a majority.

Even if it doesn’t pass this year, if it’s a close vote, it could come back next December.

Supporters of the 1,700-plus word proposal insist there are too many changes in conferences.

Sycamore High School Principal Tim Carlson submitted the proposal citing that in the last five years, 20 conferences have changed, four new conferences were formed, too many teams are loading their schedules up with smaller schools to get into the playoffs and a host of other issues.

Those against it say that in some areas, things could get messy.

“What you do with schools like Edwardsville [near St. Louis]?” Tim O’Halloran, who

Photo by Jeff Vorva

St. Laurence football coach Harold Blackmon would applaud if an IHSA vote goes against changes to the football structure. runs a recruiting website and is Comcast SportsNet Chicago’s high school football expert, said in early December. “The closest schools district-wise would be Joliet. So, you’re going to have Joliet schools go for what would be like a conference game to St. Louis two or three times a year?

What do you do for the lower levels? Do they make the same kind of travel as well?

“And the big question is who would pay for all of this? Well, I know the answer. We [taxpayers] would.”

St. Laurence football coach Harold Blackmon, a former NFL player who prepped at Leo and has strong ties to the Chicago Catholic League, said in early December that he hopes it doesn’t happen because it could signal the end of the century-old Catholic League.

“It’s unfortunate that people are making decisions without looking at the long-term effects on certain schools,” Blackmon said. “The Catholic League has been a staple of high school football for a very long time.

To destroy that is very unfair. ‘’As a player and a coach, there are so many neighborhood

rivalries. This is a big deal for us. Our games are always in the spotlight. It was special for me as a player to know that you were going to face a quality team and a Catholic team as well and I think that if they break it up into regions the continuity won’t be there.”

Other proposals on the ballot were: Proposal 1: Allows the Board of Directors to approve international programs that do not appear on the list of the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET), and thereby confer eligibility to students in those programs.

Proposal 5: Removes the mid-summer “dead week” provision that was approved last year. The first dead week is scheduled to take place June 28 to July 4, 2015.

Proposal 15: Moves the date of the first contest of the girls tennis season four days earlier, to Thursday of Week 7.

Proposal 17: Removes the season limitation currently in place for Scholastic Bowl.

Proposal 18: Increases the contest limitation for Scholastic Bowl from 18 dates to 30 dates.

Boys Basketball Roundup

Rice cooking at Luther North

By Anthony Nasella There is almost no better remedy to answer a four-game losing streak than with a fourgame winning streak.

At least that’s what Brother Rice head coach Rick Harrigan has high hopes for after watching his Crusaders reach the semifinals of the 50th annual Luther North Holiday with a pair of convincing victories on Friday and Saturday.

He’s halfway there.

Brother Rice started its current win streak with a 71-36 victory on Friday over Hubbard and followed that success up with a 73-44 win over Bremen the next day.

“We had a good start against Bremen,” Harrigan said. “We were ahead 20-6, but Bremen is very athletic and cut the deficit to seven in third quarter. But my kids persevered and shot the ball real well down the stretch.

I like how we responded out there.

“We came here with a goal to win this tournament,. I told the kids the mindset you have to have when you win in a tournament; you have to keep a certain mindset because you always have your next opponent to deal with.”

In the win over the Braves, Mike Shepski led the offensive attack with 19 points and freshman Jake Kosakowski pitched in with 18 points for the Crusaders (5-6).

Against Hubbard, Joe Ruzevich scored 15 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to power Brother Rice in the opening round. Keven Badali added 13 points for the Crusaders, who also received 11 points from Shepski and 10 from Connor Finn.

At IC/Westmont Evergreen Park advanced to the semifinals of the Immaculate Conception/Westmont Christmas Tournament thanks to a 56-42 victory over Latin on Friday and a 43-33 victory over Elmwood Park on Saturday.

In the win over Latin, Isaac Matthews notched 23 points to direct Evergreen Park (5-6) in the first round of pool play at IC Prep. Against Elmwood Park, Jordan Brown scored 13 points, Joe Moran added 12 points, and Matthews added six steals.

“The win over Latin was the best game we played all year,” Mustangs coach Pat Flannigan said. “We moved the ball well and inside and got inside and outside looks. We wanted to get big kids touches, and we got six points from our center, Darrin Pritchett.

“Isaac had a great game, and a lot of guys contributed. The defense was pretty good. At one point, Latin had only scored 22 points. We played especially well in the third and didn’t turn ball over either.”

In contrast, Flannigan said the first-half effort against Elmwood Park was mixed after a few minutes of play.

“We came out sharp in the first couple of minutes, but then we got flat footed and gave Elmwood Park open looks which allowed them to tie the game,” he said. “We played uninspired basketball in second quarter.

“It was very upsetting because we were not playing focused; there needs to be a leader to step in and take that initiative.

We played much better in third quarter, outscoring our opponent 14-6 with full-court pressure.

Our finish wasn’t the best, but we did convert big free throws down the stretch. We have work to do, but we put ourselves in the position for a championship,” the coach added. “We’re in position; now we have to really earn it.”

“We had a nice, balanced attack against Hubbard,” he said.

“The guys were still feeling the effects of the loss against Leo, so it was nice for them to be able to take out their frustrations on another team and get At Kankakee us back in the win column. With Richards was on the cusp of a these young guys, winning is pair of victories this past week contagious.” at the Kankakee Holiday Tour-

nament but fell short in both contests due to a heavy influx of turnovers and missed opportunities – falling to Julian 6254 on Friday and Lincoln-Way North 48-47 on Saturday.

Against Julian, Ameen Hussein (eight rebounds) and Jaylan Catledge (seven rebounds) each put up 13 points each for Richards (4-6) in the Maroon Division of the tourney. Catledge scored 16 points and pulled down eight rebounds against Lincoln-Way North.

“We get in these little droughts where we can’t get anything going offensively,” Richards Head Coach Jevon Mamon said. “And that happened against Julian; we were outscored 19-7 in third quarter, but then we were able to trim the deficit by creating turnovers.

“But we committed 21 turnovers, which really hurt us – and Julian was able to hit key free throws down the stretch to put the game away. We’re still fighting discipline issues and consistency. It’s just something we haven’t excelled in yet. We won the fourth quarter and yet lost the game.”

Against Lincoln-Way North, Richards was getting its share of shots around the basket – but another game that featured 21 turnovers and erratic shooting didn’t help the team’s cause.

At Effingham/Teutopolis The Spartans finished sixth at the Effingham/Teutopolis Christmas Classic, going 1-3 against a combination of Chicagoland and downstate Illinois teams.

On Friday, Oak Lawn fell short against Chicago Al Raby 62-59 and then dropped a 6040 decision to Teutopolis. Josh Prince and Odeh Alshaikh had 13 and 11 points, respectively, for the Spartans against Al Raby. Rashad Johnson scored 13 points against the Wooden Shoes.

On Saturday the team rebounded with a 55-47 win over Charleston but dropped a 45-38 decision to Chicago Brooks in the fifth-place contest.

4 Section 2

Thursday, January 1, 2015

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Real Estate For Sale

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, I L L I N O I S COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF THE CWABS, INC., A S S E T BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-3 Plaintiff, v s .

REHAM ABUHAFETH AKA REHAM ELJABALI AKA R E H A M EL JABALI AKA REHAM ELJABAIL; MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC.; B A N K OF AMERICA, N.A.; HICKORY HILLS COURTS CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION AKA THE HICKORY HILLS COURTS CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION; U N K N O W N UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD C L A I M A N T S D e f e n d a n t s , 14 CH 11216 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, January 26, 2015 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. 18-35-308-039-1002.

Commonly known as 8424 West 87th Street, Unit 1B, Hickory Hills, Illinois 60457.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a condominium residence. The purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by subdivisions (g)(1) and (g)(4) of Section 9 of the Condominium Property Act Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection For information call The Sales Department at Plaintiff's Attorney, Freedman Anselmo Lindberg LLC, 1771 West Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois 60563-1890. (630) 453-6960.

For Bidding instructions visit www.fal-illinois.com 24 hours prior to sale. F14040288 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I638916

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, I L L I N O I S COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS T R U S T E E , SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO BANK OF A M E R I C A , NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE AS S U C C E S S O R

BY MERGER TO LASALLE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF BEAR STEARNS A S S E T BACKED SECURITIES I LLC, ASSET BACKEDCERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-EC1 Plaintiff, v s .

THERESA POSPISIL; DAVID POSPISIL Defendants, 13 CH 18345 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, January 12, 2015 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: Commonly known as 8812 West 103rd Place, Palos Hills, Il 60465.

P.I.N. 23-15-202-008-0000.

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 Sales Department at Plaintiff's Attorney, Manley Deas Kochalski, LLC, One East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (614) 220-5611.

1 3 0 2 2 4 5 1 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I637369

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, I L L I N O I S C O U N T Y D E PA R TM E N T, CHANCERY DIVISION P H H M O R T G A G E C O R P O R AT I O N , P l a i n t i f f V . S A LVATO R E A .

A P R I L E , J R . A / K / A S A LVAT O R E A .

APRILE; VILLAGE SQUARE OF ORLAND UMBRELLA ASSOCIATION; CONDOMINIUMS OF VILLAGE SQUARE OF ORLAND CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION II; UNNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS; UNKNOWN O C C U P A N T S , D e f e n d a n t s 14 CH 2033 Property Address: 15514 WESTMINSTER DRIVE U N I T 6 7 B O R L A N D PA R K , I L 6 0 4 6 2 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE C O N D O M I N I U M Shapiro Kreisman & Associates, LLC file # 14-070806 (It is advised that interested parties consult with their own attorneys before bidding at mortgage foreclosure s a l e s . ) PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered on November 10, 2014, Kallen Realty Services, Inc., as Selling Official will at 12:30 p.m. on February 12, 2015, at 205 W. Randolph Street, Suite 1020, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described real property: Commonly known as 15514 Westminster Drive, Unit 67B, Orland Park, IL 60462 Permanent Index No.: 27-15-301-028-1122 The mortgaged real estate is improved with a dwelling.

The property will NOT be open for inspection. The purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay such of the condominium association’s assessments and legal fees as are required by 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) a n d ( g ) ( 4 ) .

The judgment amount was $170,143.72. Sale terms for non-parties: 10% of successful bid immediately at conclusion of auction, balance by 12:30 p.m. the next business day, both by cashier’s checks; and no refunds.

The sale shall be subject to general real estate taxes, special taxes, special assessments, special taxes levied, and superior liens, if any. The property is offered “as is,” with no express or implied warranties and without any representation as to the quality of title or recourse to Plaintiff. Prospective bidders are admonished to review the court file to verify all information and to view auction rules at w w w . k a l l e n r s . c o m . For information: Sale Clerk, Shapiro Kreisman & Associates, LLC, Attorney # 42168, 2121 Waukegan Road, Suite 301, Bannockburn, Illinois 60015, (847) 291-1717, between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. weekdays on l y.

I635369

For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, -v.MICHAEL GONZALEZ, CYRENE MARIE GILBERT, BMO HARRIS BANK, N.A. F/K/A HARRIS N.A., TIMBERLINE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 13 CH 25170 9366 MEADOWVIEW DRIVE ORLAND HILLS, IL 60487 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 31, 2014, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 3, 2015, 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 9366 MEADOWVIEW DRIVE, ORLAND HILLS, IL 60487 Property Index No. 27-22-112-029-1036. The real estate is improved with a two story townhouse with a one car attached garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, 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 PA1313717. 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 Attorney File No. PA1313717 Attorney Code. 91220 Case Number: 13 CH 25170 TJSC#: 34-19084 I638768

For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK C O U N T Y, I L L I N O I S C O U N T Y D E PA R T M E N T - C H A N C E R Y D I V I S I O N WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF FIRST FRANKLIN MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2004-FF4, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2004-FF4 P l a i n t i f f , v .

SAWSON HADDAD A/K/A SAWSON R. HADDAD, RAJAEI HADDAD A/K/A RAJAEI J. HADDAD A/K/A RAY HADDAD, CHICAGO TITLE LAND TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE U/T/A DATED 1ST DAY OF APRIL, 1999 A/K/A TRUST NO. 1107004, INLAND BANK AND TRUST, MIDLAND FUNDING, LLC, INTEGRA BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, STATE OF ILLINOIS, UNKNOWN BENEFICIARIES OF CHICAGO TITLE LAND TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE U/T/A DATED 1ST DAY OF APRIL, 1999 A/K/A TRUST NO. 1107004, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS D e f e n d a n t s 1 1 C H 0 2 8 0 5 5 17128 POINTE DRIVE ORLAND PARK, IL 60467 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on November 15, 2012, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 15, 2015, 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 17128 POINTE DRIVE, ORLAND PARK, IL 60467 Property Index No. 27-29-313-003.

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, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-11-18640.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 Attorney File No. 14-11-18640 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 11 CH 028055 TJSC#: 34-20866 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.

I637239

For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO CHASE HOME FINANCE, LLC Plaintiff, -v.JEROME F. SAULINSKI, THE FOREST RIDGE AT WESTGATE VALLEY ELITE HOMES CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION Defendants 10 CH 024099 13453 COVE COURT UNIT #52 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 October 20, 2014, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 22, 2015, 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 13453 COVE COURT UNIT #52, PALOS HEIGHTS, IL 60463 Property Index No. 24-32-300-063-1007, Property Index No. (24-32-300-057-1007 underlying). The real estate is improved with a condo/townhouse. 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, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-10-04676. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 Attorney File No. 14-10-04676 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 10 CH 024099 TJSC#: 34-18804 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.

I638367

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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO WELLS FARGO BANK SOUTHWEST, N.A. FKA WACHOVIA MORTGAGE, FSB FKA WORLD SAVINGS BANK, FSB Plaintiff, -v.WILLIAM P. PALAIMA A/K/A WILLIAM PALAIMA, YORKSHIRE ESTATES CONDOMINIUMS ASSOCIATION Defendants 14 CH 10307 7955 WEST 90TH STREET UNIT 3B HICKORY HILLS, IL 60457 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 3, 2014, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 27, 2015, 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 7955 WEST 90TH STREET UNIT 3B, HICKORY HILLS, IL 60457 Property Index No. 23-01-107-026-1024, Property Index No. 23-01-107-026-1046. The real estate is improved with a two story single family home; detached one car garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted.

The balance, 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 PA1404607. 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 Attorney File No. PA1404607 Attorney Code. 91220 Case Number: 14 CH 10307 TJSC#: 34-17473 I638014

For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, Illinois, County Department, Chancery Division.

Citizens Financial Bank, Plaintiff, vs.

Wolf Properties, LLC, Fathi Abdallah, Ibtisam Abdallah, Hani F. Abdallah, Ali H. Kutom, Ghassan Abdallah, Unknown Owners, Unknown Occupants, Unknown Tenants, and Non-Record Claimants, D e f e n d a n t s .

13 CH 21751; Sheriff’s No. 140858-001F. Pursuant to a Judgment made and entered by said Court in the above entitled cause, Thomas J. Dart, Sheriff of Cook County, Illinois, will on February 2, 2015, at 1:00 P.M. in Room LL06 of the Richard J. Daley Center, 50 W. Washington Street, Chicago, IL, sell at public auction the following described premises and real estate mentioned in said Judgment: P.I.N.: 27-32-101-009-0000.Address: 17831-49 Wolf Road, Orland Park, IL 60467.Improvements: The Property is non-residential and consists of a commercial retail strip center.Sale shall be under the following terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds.Sale shall be subject to general taxes, special assessments, and prior first mortgages. Premises will NOT be open for inspection. For information: Bryan E. Jacobson, Chapman and Cutler LLP, Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 111 W. Monroe St., Chicago, IL 60603, Tel. No. 312-845-3000.This is an attempt to collect a debt pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

I637689

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For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION CITIMORTGAGE, INC. Plaintiff, -v.RAMON B. BELICANO JR., ANNA L. DAVID, BANK OF AMERICA AS SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO LASALLE BANK MIDWEST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, COLETTE HIGHLANDS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION Defendants 12 CH 002563 15611 SCOTSGLEN ROAD 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 October 29, 2014, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 2, 2015, 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 15611 SCOTSGLEN ROAD, ORLAND PARK, IL 60462 Property Index No. 27-17-406-011-0000. 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, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-14-10788. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 Attorney File No. 14-14-10788 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 12 CH 002563 TJSC#: 34-19772 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.

I639197

For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, I L L I N O I S COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION HUDSON CITY SAVINGS BANK, FSB; P l a i n t i f f , v s .

LISA BRANDAU; FREDERICK BRANDAU; J P M O R G A N CHASE BANK NA; Defendants, 12 CH 40831 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 Wednesday, January 14, 2015 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: Commonly known as 12327 South 71st Court, Palos Heights, IL 60463.

P.I.N. 24-30-301-003-0000.

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 Sales Department at Plaintiff's Attorney, Manley Deas Kochalski, LLC, One East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (614) 220-5611.

1 2 0 2 6 4 5 7 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I637394

For Sale R e f .

N o .

1 4 - 0 1 7 3 7 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF C O O K C O U N T Y, I L L I N O I S COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION C I T I M O R T G A G E , I N C . , P l a i n t i f f , v s .

MICHAEL R. WHALEY A/K/A MICHAEL REYNARD WHALEY AND KARLENE M. W H A L E Y A / K / A K A R L E N E M I C H E L L E W H A L E Y, C I T I B A N K , N . A . , D e f e n d a n t s , 1 4 C H 9 6 5 5 C a l e n d a r 6 0 N O T I C E O F S A L E PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause on September 10, 2014, Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, January 12, 2015, at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate: Commonly known as 6717 W. SHIAWASS I E D R . , PA L O S H E I G H T S , I L 6 0 4 6 3 .

P. I . N .

24-30-415-015-0000.

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 within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds.

The property will NOT be open for inspection.

For information call Mr. Ira T. Nevel at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Law Offices of Ira T. Nevel, 175 North Franklin Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606. (312) 357-1125. Ref. No. 14-01737 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION S e l l i n g O ff i c e r, ( 3 1 2 ) 4 4 4 - 11 2 2

For Sale R e f .

N o .

1 2 - 0 2 4 5 6 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF C O O K C O U N T Y, I L L I N O I S COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK TRUST, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR LSF8 M A S T E R P A R T I C I P A T I O N T R U S T, P l a i n t i f f , v s .

C A R O L E A .

R A M E Y , D e f e n d a n t s , 1 2 C H 2 6 9 8 5 C a l e n d a r 6 0 N O T I C E O F S A L E PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause on October 2, 2014, Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, January 13, 2015, at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate: Commonly known as 9857 S. LAWNDALE AVE, EVERGREEN PARK, ILLINOIS 60805.

P . I . N .

2 4 - 1 1 - 1 3 0 - 0 5 4 .

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 within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds.

The property will NOT be open for inspection.

For information call Mr. Ira T. Nevel at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Law Offices of Ira T. Nevel, 175 North Franklin Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606. (312) 357-1125. Ref. No. 12-02456 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122

6

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For Sale

For Sale

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION (FANNIE MAE), A CORPORATION ORGANIZED AND EXISTING UNDER THE LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Plaintiff, -v.STOYCHO IVANOV AKA STOYCHO DOBROMIROV-IVANOV, DESISLAVA IVANOV, JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., THE RIVIERA IN PALOS IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION Defendants 14 CH 08828 3 COUR MASSON UNIT 3 PALOS HILLS, IL 60465 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on November 3, 2014, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 4, 2015, 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 3 COUR MASSON UNIT 3, PALOS HILLS, IL 60465 Property Index No. 2323-112-032-0000. The real estate is improved with a two story single family home; no garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, 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 PA1404014. 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 Attorney File No. PA1404014 Attorney Code. 91220 Case Number: 14 CH 08828 TJSC#: 34-19195 I638827

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION CHAMPION MORTGAGE COMPANY Plaintiff, -v.CHICAGO TITLE LAND TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE UTA DTD 6/11/80 KNOWN AS TRUST NO. 5850, VICTOR LEVITSKI A/K/A VICTOR R. LEVITSKI, VALARIE A. BEHLING, DIANE V. KADEL, ROBERT T. MCELROY, EILEEN A. MCELROY, NANCY L. MCELROY, SOMERSET CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, UNKNOWN BENEFICIARIES OF CHICAGO TITLE LAND TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE UTA DTD 6/11/80 KNOWN AS TRUST NO. 5850, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF LORETTA MCELROY, IF ANY, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 13 CH 23031 12666 SOUTH LONDON LANE APT 1 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 November 3, 2014, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 4, 2015, 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 12666 SOUTH LONDON LANE APT 1, PALOS HEIGHTS, IL 60463 Property Index No. 23-25-300-119-1009. The real estate is improved with a red, brick, condominium in multi unit building; attached garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, 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 PA1313348. 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 Attorney File No. PA1313348 Attorney Code. 91220 Case Number: 13 CH 23031 TJSC#: 34-19092 I638828

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION INTERBANK MORTGAGE COMPANY Plaintiff, -v.TADEUSZ SZWAJNOS, IZABELA SZWAJNOS, CITIBANK, N.A. S/I/I TO CITIBANK (SOUTH DAKOTA), N.A. Defendants 12 CH 17271 8824 WEST 92ND PLACE HICKORY HILLS, IL 60457 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 27, 2014, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 28, 2015, 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 8824 WEST 92ND PLACE, HICKORY HILLS, IL 60457 Property Index No. 23-03-412-091-0000. The real estate is improved with a single family home with an attached 2 car garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, 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 PA1209222. 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 Attorney File No. PA1209222 Attorney Code. 91220 Case Number: 12 CH 17271 TJSC#: 34-18808 I638396

For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. Plaintiff, -v.STEVEN L. BRYKCZYNSKI, FORD MOTOR CREDIT COMPANY LLC, ARTHUR BOAT Defendants 10 CH 002937 16813 SHERIDANS TRAIL ORLAND PARK, IL 60467 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 31, 2014, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 2, 2015, 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 16813 SHERIDANS TRAIL, ORLAND PARK, IL 60467 Property Index No. 27-29-113-006. 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, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-13-27025. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 Attorney File No. 14-13-27025 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 10 CH 002937 TJSC#: 34-19796 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.

I639068

For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK C O U N T Y, I L L I N O I S C O U N T Y D E PA R T M E N T - C H A N C E R Y D I V I S I O N U.S. BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE HOLDERS OF MASTR ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGES TRUST 2007-3 P l a i n t i f f , v .

CHOUDHRY K. HUSSAIN AKA CHOUDRY K. HUSSAIN, SHAHIDA KAMRAM HUSSAIN D e f e n d a n t s 0 9 C H 4 0 7 9 8 8748 WEST 96TH PLACE PALOS HILLS, IL 60465 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 16, 2014, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 23, 2015, 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 8748 WEST 96TH PLACE, PALOS HILLS, IL 60465 Property Index No. 23-11-103-007-0000. The real estate is improved with a brick, single family home with a detached 2 car garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, 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 PA0924114.

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 Attorney File No. PA0924114 Attorney Code. 91220 Case Number: 09 CH 40798 TJSC#: 34-18237 I637698

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For Sale

For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, I L L I N O I S COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION BANK OF AMERICA, NA; SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO BAC HOME LOANS SERVICING LP FKA C O U N T R Y W I D E HOME LOANS SERVICING, LP; P l a i n t i f f , v s .

MOUNCEF ELALAMY; NADIA BOUKILI; TCF N A T I O N A L B A N K ; D e f e n d a n t s , 12 CH 7227 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, January 12, 2015 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: Commonly known as 10300 South 83rd Avenue, Palos Hills, IL 60465.

P.I.N. 23-14-219-054-0000.

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 Sales Department at Plaintiff's Attorney, Manley Deas Kochalski, LLC, One East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (614) 220-5611.

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For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, I L L I N O I S COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION FIRST MIDWEST BANK, AS SUCCESSOR IN I N T E R E S T ) TO PALOS BANK AND TRUST COMPANY; Plaintiff, v s .

STEVEN J. ZEBROWSKI, AN INDIVIDUAL; C A R O L Y N M. ZEBROWSKI, AN INDIVIDUAL; SKYLINE, INC., AN ILLINOIS CORPORATION; UNKNOWN OWNERS; NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; UNKNOWN TENANTS AND OCCUPANTS; Defendants, 13 CH 3828 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Friday, January 16, 2015, at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate: Commonly known as 12920 South Mason Avenue, Palos Heights, IL 60463.

P.I.N. 24-32-205-003-0000.

The mortgaged real estate is 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: Bidders must present, at the time of sale, a cashier's or certified check for 10% of the successful bid amount. The balance of the successful bid shall be paid within 24 hours, by similar funds. The property will NOT be open for inspection.

For information call Mr. Stephen G. Daday at Plaintiff's Attorney, Klein, Daday, Aretos & O'Donoghue, LLC, 2550 West Golf Road, Rolling Meadows, Illinois 60008.

(847) 590-8700.

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I637416

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The Regional News - The Reporter

Thursday, January 1, 2015

Section 2

Out & About

7

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

Broaden Your Horizons This Week

Jan. 6, a program to teach students how to make balloon animals.

Orland Theater Troupe What’s It Like To Be: In Medical auditions for USO show School - 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Jan. 7, a program for students to learn The Orland Park Theater about what it takes to be a mediTroupe will hold auditions early cal student.

Redecorate Your Room - 4:30 to in the New Year for its next pro6 p.m. Jan. 8, The Bridge Teen duction, A USO Tribute.

Singers, dancers and comedians Center will host a program for ages 16 and older may audition students to come up with a plan on Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 5 to redesign their room. This free and 6, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., event is for teens in 7th through at the Old Village Hall, 14413 S. 12th grade.

For more information, call 532Beacon Ave. The show will include memo- 0500. rable musical pieces from war eras with favorite music from Art classes famous performers including Bing and workshops Crosby, the Andrew Sisters, Bob at Log Cabin Center Hope, Judy Garland, Glenn Miller, George Carroll, Dean Martin, New art classes begin the week Frank Sinatra and more. of Jan. 5 for six weeks at the Log Those auditioning must bring Cabin Center for the Arts, 12700 a prepared piece of music with at Southwest Highway in Palos Park. least 16 measures to sing. Once Beginning Monday morning, cast, members must pay a regis- Jan. 5, lapidary instruction is tration fee. offered. Calligraphy and silverThe USO Show will be per- smithing classes begin Monday formed Feb. 27, 28 and March 1 afternoon, and siilversmithing at the Orland Park Civic Center. and knitting are offered MonFor more information, call the day evenings. Poetry and pottery village Recreation Department at workshops are offered Tuesday 403-PARK. mornings.

On Wednesday, Jan. 7, weaving and collage classes meet in the Mindfulness luncheon morning, quilting in the afterLiving Mindfully is the topic noon, and watercolor painting in of a luncheon program on Tues- the evening. Thursday classes inday, Jan. 6, from noon to 2 p.m., clude woodcarving, drawing, and at The Center, 12700 Southwest basket-making in the morning, watercolor in the afternoon, and Highway, Palos Park.

Mindfulness leader Dan Mor- watercolor, stained glass, pottery, ley will leader the group in some and basket-making in the evening. mindfulness practices as he en- Pastel classes begin the next Moncouragers all to be fully present to day morning, Jan. 12.

Advance registration is required life in 2015, paying close attention to what we experience and sense for all classes at the Log Cabin Center for the Arts. Call The in the present moment.

The program begins at noon, Center at 361-3650 or visit www. followed by the luncheon. The cost thecenterpalos.org. is $18 per person, and requires advance reservations. For more information, call The Center at 361-3650.

will teach children in grades kindergarten through third at 10 a.m., and then fourth through eighth at 11:30 a.m. Students will learn to use a variety of artistic media and techniques, including drawing, painting, papermaking, papier-mâché, printmaking, pottery, and more. The natural areas of The Center’s farm and woods provide subject matter, inspiration and sometimes the raw materials for the classes.

According to Center Program Director Lois Lauer, the classes combine the worlds of art and nature, and are kept small to encourage individual self-expression.

A class fee of $75 covers all supplies. Advance registration is required. Call 361-3650.

Teen pottery classes Teens in grades 7th through 12th are invited to register for a six-week pottery class beginning Tuesday, Jan. 6, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., at The Log Cabin Center for the Arts, 12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park.

Instructor Heather Young will teach students to create all shapes and sizes of clay pots both by hand and on the pottery wheel. The class fee is $80, which includes all materials plus kiln-firing costs.

Advance registration is required.

For more information, call The Center at 361-3650 or visit www. thecenterpalos.org.

New Soul Sisters group

A new Soul Sisters group will be offered at The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway in Palos Park, every Friday, from 10 a.m. to noon, for seven weeks beginning Jan. 9 Under the leadership of life coach Lisa Espinosa, the group will discuss practices to enhance your relationship with your own soul. Espinosa has been trained Children’s art classes in the Internal Family Systems Registration is underway for psycho-spiritual model of therapy, new six-week sessions of Chil- is trained as a Reiki energy healer, dren’s Art Classes at The Log and is the author of the upcoming Cabin Center for the Arts, to be- book, “Answering Your Inner Callgin on Saturday morning, Jan. ing: 5 Simple Practice for Follow10 at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. The ing Your Soul’s Guidance Toward Log Cabin Art Center is a part of Joyful and Fulfilling Work.”

The program costs $84 and reThe Center at 12700 Southwest quires registration. Call 361-3650 Highway in Palos Park.

Art instructor Heather Young or visit www.thecenterpalos.org.

Here are my 5 best films of 2014 With the end of 2014 arriving, it’s time to look back at the best films of the year. Last week you read about the films not to watch, but now you get to read about the must-see films. On with the countdown:

5. The Theory of Everything

Eddie Redmayn stars as Stephen Hawking in this story of Stephen’s life as told by his first wife, Jane. For all the triumph and happiness, this film can sometimes be a little dark in nature. For a guy with Lou Gehrig’s disease you don’t expect an overly happy movie. This is a movie about a scientist, but there’s not much science to be found. It’s a very strange love story at its core.

Whatever view you have of Stephen Hawking before watching, expect to have a different view afterwards and for Hawking that’s probably not good.

4. The LEGO Movie

In this film “everything is awesome.” Most films based on children’s toys are just money-making cash grabs, but here we have a film that’s more than that. You may be thinking that a movie based upon Lego building blocks can’t possibly

Pinto’s Popcorn Picks by Tony Pinto

be good, well you’d be wrong. In what other movie would you see Batman hitching a ride on the Millennium Falcon piloted by Hans Solo? This is more than just a kid’s movie, it’s a movie for everyone.

3. The Hundred-Foot Journey

stood above the rest. The film stars people such as Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Jennifer Lawrence, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Halle Berry, Hugh Jackman, and countless others. That list alone should get you to watch this film, but it doesn’t need to. Wolverine goes back in time and changes the past to affect the future. Does it work? You’ll just have to watch to find out.

1. Gone Girl

This is one of those movies that some will love and others will hate.

Produced by Oprah Winfrey If you want a straight-forward and Steven Spielberg, you know movie, this is not it. It may take you’re going to get a happy ending. you more than one watching to Just turn your brain off and enjoy completely understand what’s gothis battle of a classical French ing on in this film starring Ben restaurant and an Indian restau- Affleck. This movie is one long rant. This film is classic Oprah. confusing mess that somehow Even the using the star Helen manages to make sense. I’m going Mirren is a classic Oprah move. to quote myself from my review If this film’s not something you’d of the film: “Basically there is typically watch (I’m one of those nothing that can be said, except people), it still deserves your time. this is the movie of the year up Just be forewarned that you will until now and that you should go carve out some time to see hungry at the conclusion.

‘Gone Girl.’ ”

2. X-Men: Days of Future Past

In a year with a bunch of great superhero movies, this one just

Now you need to stop reading, watch these films, and get ready for the movies of 2015.

Wolfgang Puck’s Kitchen

by Wolfgang Puck

Prepare an elegant but easy steak au poivre for your New Year’s Eve dinner

New Year’s Eve is one of the best occasions I know for a special, elegant meal. What better time could there be to celebrate the high points of the 365 days behind us (and say goodbye to any lows), while setting the tone for all the hopes we hold for the year to come?

Many people choose to dine out at a favorite restaurant to The Bridge Teen usher in the New Year, but I know Center programs that many more prefer to party at home, whether with a loved Songwriting - 4 to 5:30 p.m. one, close family members, or dear Tuesday, Jan. 6, The Bridge Teen friends - and for good reasons. It Center, 15555 S. 71st Court, Orcan cost less, even if you choose to land Park, will host a program for serve deluxe ingredients. There’s students to learn some tips about less hassle involved with dressing writing original songs. up and transportation. And you Balloon Animals - 5 to 6 p.m. don’t have to worry about driving under the influence.

But what to cook for that special meal? I like to choose a featured ingredient that’s among the best of its kind, something you wouldn’t buy every day, and then

by Jeraldine Saunders prepare it in a proven, classic, elegant way. At the same time, or pleasantries. Stay focused on I don’t want the dish to be too ARIES (Mar. 21-Apr. 19): from the experience.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): A your key objectives now and enjoy complicated, because I’d rather March to your own beat. Your own pursuits and objectives are penny saved is a penny earned. some leisure time with friends spend most of my time drinking champagne with friends in the more than enough to keep you sat- Don’t shell out your hard-earned and family later.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. living room rather than working isfied and content. Don’t get too cash on an item you’ll be bored involved in other people’s crises with by next week. Focus your 18): All is not as it seems. Be in the kitchen.

That’s why one of my go-to and disputes, or their problems energies on exercising your mind, skeptical about what you are told, either through puzzles, deep con- as the information you receive may soon become your own.

TAURUS (Apr. 20-May 20): versations, or solving complicated may be slightly skewed to suit ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s someone else’s agenda. Only act Get to the point. Skirting around problems.

Research Hospital® LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22.): If on what you learn from trusted an issue or trying too hard to imMemorial and Honor press may compound a problem. you’re not catching any fish, you and reliable sources.

P.O. Box 1000 Dept. 174 PISCES (Feb. 19-Mar. 20): For the best results, be honest may be using the wrong type of Memphis, TN 38148-0174 and forthright and let the other bait. Your perceptions of what oth- There’s a time and place for ev800-276-8340 party know exactly what your ers are attracted to may be slightly erything. While you may be in www.stjude.org/tribute off today. Avoid making impulsive the mood for fun and games, intentions are.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): decisions with regard to your ap- that special someone may have deeper and more serious issues It’s all in the details. Knowing pearance for the time being.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): on his/her mind. Be thoughtful the specifics of an issue will let others know you’re on the ball Don’t rely on the kindness of and attentive to your partner’s and set minds at ease that the strangers. Putting your faith in needs and you’ll find the favor right person is handling things. someone who’s little more than eventually reciprocated.

You can rely on your instincts and a friendly acquaintance is only are able to make quick decisions asking for trouble. Steer clear of making changes to your financial when necessary.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): situation and take care to stay Sleep on it. There’s no need to within the budget.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22rush an important decision, as waiting a little bit could produce Dec. 21): Enchantments wear valuable information that allows off quickly. A physical attraction you to make a more insightful may knock you off your feet, but choice. What may seem exciting after a little probing you may find there isn’t much below the surnow will be boring tomorrow.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): You face. Enthusiasm for a new project may be your own worst critic. may fade after more details are Don’t allow doubts and inhibi- revealed.

Palos Heights Parks & Recreation will be CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. tions to keep you from making any progress when there’s much 19): Stick to the subject. Others offering FREE Group Fitness Classes to be done. Past mistakes should may be all be all business when not instill fear. Instead, there are it comes to a new endeavor and Monday January 5 - Saturday January 10 valuable insights to be gained not be interested in small talk

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Sauteing produces a rich, flavorful layer of crusty pan juices you can deglaze to make a simple sauce.

New Year’s Eve recipes is what the French call steak au poivre.

Beefsteaks crusted with cracked peppercorns have become a staple of classic, deluxe cuisine. But don’t let the French words lead you to believe that “deluxe” translates to “difficult.” In fact, peppered steaks are very easy to prepare,

and they’re very quickly cooked by sauteing.

They also become even more impressive thanks to the fact that the sauteing process produces a rich, flavorful layer of crusty pan juices that you can deglaze to make a (Continued on page 8)

Boogie with best buddies!

Classes will be held at the Palos Heights Recreation Center 6601 W. 127th Street, Palos Heights Try as many free classes as you like and receive a $5.00 off coupon to use toward the 8-week session starting January 12 For any questions call 708-361-1807

Child care will be available for AM classes (excluding Spinning) For a list of classes visit www.palosheightsrec.org and click on the online brochure – page 44 is the Group Fitness Calendar

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April 21 Rialto Box Office ticketmaster.com • 800.745.3000

8

Section 2

Thursday, January 1, 2015

The Regional News - The Reporter

Out & About

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

Families who attend Breakfast with Santa dine amid the elegant holiday atmosphere that the country club creates for the festive banquet

Photos by Derek Chamberlain

Smiling baby Sarah Wojcik, of Tinley Park, looks delighted to meet Santa Claus before her first-ever Christmas at the annual Breakfast with Santa served on the Sunday before Christmas by Palos County Club, 131st Street and Southwest Highway. This was the 25th year that Palos Country Club hosted the hearty yuletide repast, organizers said.

The sweets table is laden with a tempting variety of pastries, cakes and other goodies.

The chorus made up of voices from Sandburg High School sang Christmas carols to entertain the crowd during a good part of the morning.

Santa’s three elves helping out at the event are Patrick, Morgan and Ryan O’Malley.

Wolfgang Puck’s Kitchen (Continued from page 7)

covered with plastic wrap, taking them out of the refrigerator simple sauce that complements about 30 minutes before cooking. the flavors of the beef and pepper. Add an herb-flecked rice pilaf or a For the deglazing liquid, I like to favorite potato recipe and a simple use dry sherry, which has a rich, sauteed or roasted vegetable, and woodsy flavor that goes so well your meal is complete.

All that’s left to do is pour a with the meat. I also include some seedless raisins, which plump up good red wine, raise your glasses as the sauce briefly simmers and and toast a happy, healthy, prosprovide notes of tart-sweet, fruity perous and delicious year ahead. contrast.

The entire recipe takes only PEPPERED FILET about half an hour to make. MIGNON WITH And you can do part of the work SHERRY & RAISINS up to several hours in advance Serves 6 by crusting the steaks with the • 2 tablespoons whole pepper and refrigerating them, black peppercorns

• 2 tablespoons whole white peppercorns • 6 filet mignon steaks, about 6 ounces (185 g) each, trimmed of excess fat • Kosher salt • 2 tablespoons mildflavored oil such as canola or safflower oil • 1 cup (250 ml) dry sherry • 1 cup (250 ml) organic beef broth or chicken broth • ½ cup (125 ml) seedless golden or brown raisins • 3 tablespoons unsalted

butter, cut into small pieces Put the black and white peppercorns in a heavy, resealable plastic food-storage bag. Place the bag on a flat work surface and, with the bottom of a heavy saucepan or skillet, tap it lightly to crack the peppercorns into large pieces.

Spread the cracked peppercorns on a plate. One by one, sprinkle both sides of each steak evenly with salt to taste; then, press each side into the peppercorns to coat it.

Over high heat, heat a heavy skillet or saute pan large enough to hold the steaks comfortably.

(Cook the steaks in batches if your pan isn’t big enough.) Add the oil and, as soon as you see the slightest wisps of smoke, carefully add the steaks. Cook the steaks undisturbed for 4 minutes; then, use tongs to turn the over carefully, and cook for 4 minutes longer for medium-rare.

For well-done steaks, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook a few minutes longer on each side.

Transfer the cooked steaks to a heated platter and cover with aluminum foil to keep them warm while you make the sauce.

Pour off excess fat from the skillet and return it to high heat. Add

There There are are elected elected officials officials who who say say itit is is more more convenient convenient to to conduct conduct business business in in secret, secret, behind behind closed closed doors. doors.

But we say that in an open society, citizens expect and demand that their elected officials be accountable, both by But we say that in an open citizens expect and thatoftheir elected officials be created accountable, boththis by holding open meetings and society, by having open records.

Ourdemand Freedom Information Act was to assure open principle in government.

It was not created for the media but for the people.

It is “The People’s Act.” So when holding open meetings and by having open records. Our Freedom of Information Act was created to assure this some school board member, city council member, state representative or whoever says what they do and why they open principle in government.

It say wasyou notare created for theand media fora the people.

It is “The People’s Act.” So when do it are none of your business, the people you but have right to know!

some school board member, city council member, state representative or whoever says what they do and why they AllareStarts With Newspapers! do it are none of your business, sayItyou the people and you have a right to know!

It All Starts With Newspapers!

the sherry, stir and scrape with a wooden spoon to deglaze the pan deposits, and boil until the liquid reduces to about half its original volume, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the broth and raisins and continue boiling until the liquid reduces by half again, 4 to 5 minutes longer.

A piece at a time, whisk in the butter to form a thick, glossy sauce. Adjust the seasoning to taste with a little salt.

Transfer the steaks to individual heated serving plates. Stir the juices that have collected on the platter into the sauce. Spoon the sauce over and around the steaks and serve.