Regional news 1 12 17

$1 Newsstand

THE REGIONAL NEWS Named best small weekly in Illinois five times by the Illinois Press Association

Thursday, January 12, 2017

Serving Palos, Orland and Worth townships and neighboring communities

76th Year, NO. 2 • 2 Sections

Palos Park family staying at home

Bezanis given six-week extension to come up with funds

By Bob Rakow The new year is off to a great start for the Bezanis family of Palos Park.

The family got good news Monday when it learned it will not be evicted from its home, which was renovated several years ago

to accommodate, Nikolas, 27, a quadriplegic.

“We’re in a good shape,” said Paul Bezanis, Nikolas’ father. “We have six weeks to get this thing done.”

A Cook County judge scheduled a status hearing to be held in six weeks, which will give the family

time to raise the remaining $45,000 needed to purchase its home.

The family has been to court several times and received extensions, but the deadline to purchase the home was Monday. However, lawyers for both sides agreed that the family has made sufficient progress to purchase the home.

“The other side saw there was progress,” Bezanis said. “It looks like both sides are going to get this together.”

Circumstances appeared bleak just a few weeks ago when the Bezanis’ faced the very real possibility of eviction if it did not raise $186,000 to purchase the home, which they’ve lived in for nine years under a rent-to-own contract.

The family learned one year ago that the owner of the house foreclosed on the property.

A fundraising effort generated $81,000, which was well short of the money needed. But an $89,000 loan from an anonymous individual was a significant boost to the family’s efforts. Additionally, donations continued to pour in over the holidays.

“It was great. There’s a lot of nice people out there,” Bezanis said. “I’m grateful for everything that’s happened.”

The family has $50,000 worth of equity in the home, which members would lose if they were evicted. Additionally, Bezanis, a carpenter, made $140,000 worth of modifications to the home, See FAMILY, Page 2

It won’t be long...

SOUTHWEST HALF MARATHON

Route 83/Harlem property ready to be filled

By Dermot Connolly

Bolingbrook’s Denise Allen was all smiles at the start of last year’s Southwest Half Marathon.

Photos by Jeff Vorva

It looks like the long wait is close to being over on a long vacant piece of property in Palos Heights as it should soon be filled by a senior residential development.

It can’t come soon enough for some city residents already looking forward to moving in.

“Some of us won’t make it that long,” joked one elderly man, drawing laughs from the rest of the audience at a hearing on Monday.

The Palos Heights Plan Commission voted 5-0 at the hearing at City Hall to recommend the City Council approve the development that Spectrum Retirement Communities plans to build at the northeast corner of Route 83 and Harlem Avenue.

The City Council is likely to give its final approval at the next meeting on Jan. 17, and Spectrum senior vice president Mike Longfellow said ground could be broken this spring on the 175-unit facility. It will include 96 independent-living and 84 assisted-living and memory-care units. All rental units, they will be a mix of studios, and one- and two-bedroom units, ranging in size from 400 sq. ft. to 1,200 sq, ft.

Plan Commission Chair Edward J. Stevens, Jr. could not attend, and

Michael Lombard was chosen to lead the hearing. Among the 40 or so local residents there was a woman who lives in the Ishnala subdivision with her 88-year-old mother. “When is it going to open?

We are looking forward to moving in as soon as it does,” she said. She was a bit disappointed to hear from Longfellow that the company is shooting to open in the spring of 2019.

Longfellow said that was a conservative estimate. “I just don’t want to promise the fall of 2018, and it turns out to be March, 2019,” said the vice president, who has made several presentations on the development during the past year.

Longfellow said that plans call for the residential community to be built on 6.8 acres of the 9-acre triangle-shaped site, which once housed car dealerships but has been vacant for more than 10 years. He said his company owns the entire site, and is hoping to attract commercial development to the remaining 2.25 acres closest to Harlem Avenue. “We are not seeking approval for anything on that section tonight,” he said.

The $30 million senior living facility will include two-story and four-story sections, with 45 percent of the complex devoted to common areas, including three dining facilities and recreation areas. “There is a lot of space See PROPERTY, Page 2

Not so-friendly police dogs were a part of a heavily-secured race in 2013 (left photo) and some nicer pooches had a stern warning for runners last year (right photo).

‘Crazy’ and ‘nutty’ idea turns 10 this year

By Jeff Vorva

Through the years…

Sports Editor

When then-Palos Heights Alderman Jeff Prestinario approached Mayor Bob Straz about the city hosting a half marathon more than a decade ago, the conversation went something like this: “He asked, ‘Are you crazy?’” Prestinario said.

“Actually, I think I used the word ‘nuts,’’’ Straz said.

On a frigid Friday last week, the Southwest Half Marathon Committee met at the Palos Heights Recreation Center to get to serious work on the 10th running of the event, which occurs May 7.

This crazy and nutty idea has survived the test of time and is one of the city’s biggest events as thousands of runners and fans come in for the event.

“This is the 10th year — oh my gosh!’’ said Prestinario, who along with Mel Diab are the co-founders and co-coordinators of the race.

“Ten years! Every year, we say ‘are we going to do another one?’ It See HALF MARATHON, Page 2

A look at some noteworthy items from past Southwest Half Marathon events: 2008: Matthew Chesang of Kenya won the men’s race and Bridget

Montgomery of Chicago won the women’s race in the first Southwest Half Marathon.

2010: Chesang became the race’s first multiple winner and Orland Park’s Jennifer Digiacomo became the first champion from an area town with a record time of 1:12.43.

2011: Kenya’s Benson Cherulyot set the men’s record with a 1:05.01.

2014: Oakwood Hills’ Ryan Juliano won the men’s race one year after his wife, Jacqui won the women’s race making them the first husband/wife team to win the half marathon. Also, the event’s first10K run took place with Adrian Campbell of Chicago winning for the men and Pamela McLeod of Chicago winning for the women.

2015: The race welcomed its first cyclist as Orland Park’s John Cancialosi, a quadriplegic, used a crank bike for the 13.1-mile race.

The mane event

Photo by Tim Hadac

Like the sun streaming in through a chapel window, the face of Laverne Pawelski lights up as she gently tousles the mane of Mercy, a miniature horse. Mercy and another horse brightened the faces of some 50 elderly residents of a Palos Heights long-term care and rehabilitation center last Saturday. The equine duo are the centerpiece of Merciful Minis, a local notfor profit dedicated to applying the healing power of horses to the elderly, people with disabilities, children, military veterans battling Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and others in need. Story on page 3.

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

2 Thursday, January 12, 2017

The Regional News

Lipinski looks ahead to Trump era Fields hot-button questions at town hall meeting

By Dermot Connolly U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-3rd) fielded a variety of questions and engaged in some spirited discussion with constituents at a crowded town hall meeting on Saturday morning at Oak Lawn Community High School.

Several people challenged him on his stances in favor of defunding Planned Parenthood, the Affordable Care Act, and issues involving Israel, First Amendment rights and immigration.

“There is both a lot of excitement and anxiety looking toward the inauguration of Donald Trump as our next president,” said Lipinski, who was sworn in last Tuesday to his seventh term in office.

“I’m hoping we do have a comprehensive infrastructure bill,” said Lipinski. “There seems to be some backpedaling on this [from Trump] but I’m going to keep the pressure on. It will help everyone greatly. The better we can move goods around, the better it is for everyone.”

“We know our economy is not as good as it needs to be,” said Lipinski, outlining two new bills he will be introducing to address the situation. He said one bill would “close loopholes” in the existing Buy American rules for the federal government. Another is aimed at helping military personnel get the training needed to qualify for good jobs when they leave the service.

Asked about checks and balances in a government with a Republican president with majorities in the House and Senate, Lipinski said, “Congress needs to step up and make sure that there are those checks and balances.”

He said that he would consider Trump’s proposals on a case-bycase basis rather than opposing everything automatically.

“I get a lot of criticism for not always going along with the Democratic leadership, and I hope the Republicans in Congress don’t blindly follow Trump either,” he said. He expressed concern that Republicans being fearful of being attacked in Tweets by Trump if they do go against him.

“My biggest concern is foreign policy, because that is the area the president has the most direct control,” said Lipinski. “I am also concerned about moves toward deregulation. Is there any through to there being overregulation? Yes, but not to the extent they are saying, certainly not with the environment.”

He also asserted that Trump’s tax reform proposals would “blow up the deficit.”

Several people challenged him on his support for defunding

Photo by Dermot Connolly

Project engineer Stephen Cross (at left) and Spectrum senior vice president Mike Longfellow show displays to the Photo by Dermot Connolly audience during a Palos Heights Plan Commission hearing on Monday night on a senior residential development U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-3rd) chats with a constituent following his town Spectrum Retirement Communities plans to build at Route 83 and Harlem Avenue. hall meeting on Saturday morning at Oak Lawn Community High School.

Planned Parenthood, as well as his co-sponsorship of the First Amendment Defense Act during the previous Congress. Lipinski was the only Democrat to sign on as a sponsor of the First Amendment Defense Act, and said he did so because he felt it would prevent religious organizations from losing their tax-exempt status for opposing gay marriage.

“I think it is important that we defend religious organizations. It’s important that organizations don’t have the federal government coming in and giving them orders.”

But several men and women said the bill would allow religious organizations to withhold numerous services, including health care, from gay married couples and their families.

“The problem is, that it would allow policies that would discriminate against people. Illinois already has the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1998, so this law is unnecessary and goes too far,” said one man.

Lipinski said the bill in question died with the old Congress. When asked to promise not to co-sponsor another similar bill, he declined, saying he would have to wait until he saw it. “There is not even a bill yet. There are all kinds of shades of gray,” said Lipinski, pledging instead to discuss the issue with any constituents who wish to before co-sponsoring such a bill.

He was also criticized for his support for defunding Planned Parenthood, which he called “the biggest abortion provider in the country.” While some in the crowd shouted that abortions only account for three percent of the services provided, others shouted “stand your ground.”

He said funding taken from Planned Parenthood would be given to other non-profits that provide the other women’s health services that the organization provides. “Maybe we can invest in our community healthcare centers,” he said.

A Jewish woman who said her grandfather’s family was killed in the Holocaust thanked Lipinski for “coming out against Steve

Bannon,” referring to President-Elect Trump’s chief strategist, and leader of the “alt-right” movement. “I know you’re stridently anti-choice. But given that the Hyde amendment is in place and Planned Parenthood cannot use federal funds for abortions, why should it be defunded?” She asked if he had polled his constituents to see if they support his stance. “No, I haven’t taken a poll. I oppose abortion because science tells us that life begins at conception,” he said.

Lipinski said he voted against the Affordable Care Act, or “Obamacare,” but opposes Republican efforts to repeal it without having anything to replace it. “It needs to be fixed. It has done some good. I totally understand about having pre-existing conditions,” he said, pointing out that he lives with diabetes.

Turning to immigration issues, Lipinski said, “I support strong border security. If that means some form of a wall, so be it.

I have always been in favor of that.” But he rejected Trump’s claim that Mexico will pay for it. “Mexico is not going to pay us anything. That was a ridiculous statement,” he said.

“This might surprise you, but I believe that there is a likelihood that Donald Trump is the president who does comprehensive immigration reform,” Lipinski told his audience. “But first we need to secure our borders.” He said he opposed deporting undocumented people using information they submitted to get legal status under the Dream Act for those who entered the country illegally as minors.

“I believe the DREAMers will be taken care of,” he said. “We’ve got to figure out what we need to have internal enforcement,” he said, asserting that 40 percent of illegals have overstayed visas. “I think the ones who are working but not taking jobs from Americans should be allowed to stay. Donald Trump said we would go after the 2 million who have become criminals.”

“Stay tuned. Let’s see where this all goes,” he said.

POLICE BLOTTER: PALOS HEIGHTS DUI Eugene K. Kelly, 19, of Worth, was charged with DUI following a traffic stop at 9:48 p.m. Jan. 6, on West Bay Road. Police said they were called to the area for a domestic disturbance inside a vehicle. When they arrived, a car driven by Kelly reportedly had run over a multi-resident mailbox in the subdivision. He was also

cited for hit and run. He is due in court on Jan. 25.

Outstanding warrant Haytham K. Sheikhamad, 24, of Worth, was arrested on an outstanding Palos Heights warrant at police headquarters at 2:19 a.m.

Friday. Police said the warrant was failure to appear in court on a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol. He was held

for a court appearance that day.

Aggravated speeding Jessica Lickus, 25, of Palos Park, was charged with aggravated speeding following a traffic stop at 11:53 a.m. in the 13300 block of South of 76th Avenue. She was driving 60 mph in a 30 mph zone, police said. She is due in court on Jan. 25.

POLICE BLOTTER: ORLAND PARK Police say two drove drunk Orland Park police charged Salvador Briseno, 44, of Orland Park, with DUI, speeding, improper passing and disobeying a traffic signal after they curbed his SUV in the 15500 block of South 108th Avenue at 10 p.m. Dec. 20.

His vehicle was estimated to be traveling at 60 mph or greater, more than 20 mph over the posted limit, according to the police report. The vehicle was towed and impounded, and Briseno was due in court last Friday in Bridgeview.

Blue Island resident Katrina M. Rozwalka, 26, was charged with DUI, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and leaving the roadway after they encountered her in a car that had veered off the road and stopped at the bottom of a dry retention pond in the 15300 block of South 80th Avenue. The car was towed and impounded, and Rozwalka is scheduled to appear in court in Bridgeview on Jan. 20.

Charged with using cell phone while driving Police charged Chicago resident

Michelle B. Knight, 29, with using an electronic communications device while driving, driving on a suspended license and unlawful use of a weapon after they stopped her car in the 15900 block of La Grange Road at 7:10 p.m. Dec. 26. A search of the vehicle, which was towed and impounded, yielded a collapsible baton, according to the police report. Knight said that since she is employed as a loss-prevention agent, the law allows her to carry a baton, an assertion disputed by police. She is due in court in Bridgeview on Feb. 15.

Stole two Nanos, police say Chicago resident Wayne G. Slater, 24, was charged with felony retail theft after he allegedly stole two iPod Nanos—worth a total of $298—from a store in Orland Square Mall at 1:30 p.m.

Dec. 18. Slater was apprehended by police outside the mall, in the 15100 block of South 94th Avenue, after he had bolted from security staff, according to the police report. The misdemeanor theft charge was made a felony

Property

Continued from Page 1 dedicated to food and fun,” said Longfellow. He said that was the objective of all the company’s 33 senior communities, located in 11 states, including one in Streamwood that he encouraged people to visit to see what the Palos Heights location will be like.

In addition to the dining rooms, libraries and game rooms inside, two gardens and a putting green are part of the landscaping planned for the exterior of the property adjacent to the Cal-Sag Trail and Calumet-Sag Channel. The garden for the residents in the memory care section will include a fountain and musical instruments designed

Family

Continued from Page 1 allowing his son to get around both inside and out.

The family dedicated all of its savings plus funds raised by their church to pay for the work.

University of Illinois architecture students donated their time to help build a ramp system.

to stimulate memories.

The facility would employ 75 to 80 people, with 28 to 30 working any given shift. The 113 parking spaces planned, including some in garages that residents can rent, are more than enough for residents, staff and visitors, city officials said.

When asked about rent, Longfellow said it hasn’t been set yet, but judging by similar buildings, it could range from $2,000 for independent-living studios, to about $4,000 for a two-bedroom assisted living unit. The rent includes three meals a day, utilities and housekeeping and laundry services, as well as the added care for assisted living and memory care units.

“This property has been vacant for too long. This is an excellent use of that site,” said George Rock,

who lives on College Drive about a mile east of the property. Even residents who live closer, and had opposed development plans in the past, seem to be happy with it.

John Muir, who lives opposite the site on College Drive, said he has flooding problems on his property now, but said street improvements that are part of the development might benefit him.

Civil engineer Stephen Cross said during the meeting that the existing culverts will be cleared out.

“They’re the only ones who will fix it,” said Muir.

“I’m happy to see a good developer come in. It seems like we are going to see some very good activity,” said Steve Derkacy, who lives nearby on 68th Court.

Nikolas Bezanis’ life changed forever eight years ago when he dove into a lake during a summer outing and broke his neck. He experienced a traumatic brain injury, which rendered him a quadriplegic.

Bezanis spent more than one year in the hospital. When he returned home, he required aroundthe-clock care and medication administered every few hours.

Anyone interested in donating

can visit the CrowdRise page, www.crowdrise.com/save-nikoshome, or contact Nikolas’ mother, Roula Bezanis, at roulalapaul@ yahoo.com or call (708) 494-4012 to make an offline donation.

Once the money is raised to purchase the house, the Bezanis’ needs additional funds to purchase a new bed and vehicle for Nikolas.

The family does not receive state funds to pay for his needs.

Half marathon Continued from Page 1

kind of keeps rolling along. It’s amazing.’’

It took two years to get it off the ground but it finally made its debut in 2008.

“I was a runner at the time and I was a few pounds less than I am now,” Prestinario said. “Mel approached me and said his dream was to have a long race in the community. It sounded like a great idea. A half marathon race is what he wanted. I said ‘whoa — that’s quite a distance.’ We settled on running on Route 83 and it’s worked out pretty well.

“It’s been a good time. It’s been a lot of hard work but we’ve always tried to have some fun with it.

We’ve raised a lot of money for charities — more than $200,000.

It’s been a good run.’’

Straz said the reason he thought the idea was “crazy” or “nuts’ was because of the logistics of hosting such a huge event.

“I was more concerned with all the coordinating of all the agencies,” Straz said. “I thought we would get the runners. But trying to get the county, the state agencies, police and fire together is a big job. They have it down pat now.’’

Now that it is turning 10, Straz said it’s a good event for the city to run. He is also an official with the CNB Bank, which has partnered with Palos Health as the race’s main sponsor for the second

Photo by Jeff Vorva

John Cancialosi of Orland Park used a crack bike in the past two half marathons.

straight year.

“It’s been good exposure for the city,’’ he said. “We’re now known for the race and the idea was to bring people to town to help our economic development. People shop and eat after the race.

“It’s good for people to see the town. People on the North Side and other places look at the South Suburbs as the vast wasteland of America. When they see what we have here, they realize this is not too bad.’’

The first nine races for the most part have run smoothly and under ideal weather. Last year had some rain at the beginning.

In 2013, the Palos race was running less than a month after the bombing of the Boston Marathon and security was beefed up with visible snipers on the roofs of

some buildings as well as snarling and barking police dogs patrolling the area.

“This is how we live now,” Diab, who ran in the tragic Boston race, said after the Palos Heights race. “It’s a part of life.’’

Two years later, the race had its first oddball badge of honor when a bandit was caught in the race.

A bandit is a runner who runs the race without paying. A man who said his name was Juan Munoz of Cicero crossed the finish line first at the 10K portion of the event but it was found that he didn’t enter the race. Diab said it usually happens at bigger races and it was the first time it happened in the Palos Heights races.

The 10K race started in 2014.

This year, there are plans for a kids race.

after authorities learned that Slater had been convicted of theft earlier in the year. He was due in bond court the following day.

Out of gas, busted on warrant Orland Park resident Javonte I. Holmes, 25, was arrested on a retail theft warrant by police after they encountered him in his SUV in the 15000 block of South 88th Avenue at 8:36 a.m. Dec. 16. The vehicle was blocking the roadway, and Holmes said he was out of gas and waiting for his girlfriend to return with a full gas can, according to the police report. After his arrest, he was turned over to the Cook County Sheriff’s Police.

Heights man stole cologne, police say Palos Heights resident Lawrence A. Stabosz, 56, was charged with misdemeanor retail theft after he allegedly stole a bottle of Wind Song cologne worth $16 from a store in Orland Square Mall at 10:36 a.m. Dec. 23. He was due at a hearing at the Orland Park Civic Center on Tuesday.

Asthma Can’t Stop Me Within the last 12 months, have you experienced an asthma flare-up? If so, you may qualify to participate in an Asthma Clinical Research Study TO QUALIFY, YOU MUST BE: 4Age 18 years or older, 4A non-smoker, 4Using inhalers: Symbicort, Advair, or Dulera PARTICIPANTS RECEIVE AT NO COST: Study Drug, Clinic Visits, & you may receive compensation for your time & travel

708-366-9300

www.Research4Health.com/AsthmaStudy

The Regional News

Thursday, January 12, 2017

3

From Stan to the Sunshine Band, inside humor is the best JEFF VORVA

Photo by Tim Hadac

Henrietta Hovinga beckons a horse moments after her husband, Frank, enjoyed a moment with the friendly animal.

Small horses, big smiles: therapy comes on the hoof to Palos Heights Merciful Minis bring joy to Providence seniors

By Tim Hadac It’s not every day that people go to a therapy appointment—and find that the therapist has four legs—but that’s what happened last Saturday in Palos Heights.

“They should be here any minute. Thank you for your patience,” said Diane Giglio to a group of about 50 elderly residents gathered in the spacious chapel at Providence Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center’s facility on Central Avenue.

The therapists were Molly, age 12, a Falabella miniature horse from Argentina, and her half-sister, Mercy, age 5. Both are the stars of Merciful Minis, a local notfor-profit that uses the horses as therapy for the elderly, children, people with disabilities, military veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and others.

The hoofed guests were delayed for more than 30 minutes, since Molly simply did not want to leave her stable on 151st Street in Homer Glen and get into the trailer, prompting one Providence visitor to joke that perhaps she was part mule.

“I don’t think she is,” said one elderly resident who smiled when she overheard the remark. “I think she just didn’t want to get out of bed this morning, like the rest of us. It’s what, 10 degrees outside?”

Even before they arrived, the horses were having a good

therapeutic effect. While the Providence residents sat in their wheelchairs and waited, several reminisced about their youth and the role horses played. One woman recalled her love of Roy Rogers and Trigger, his golden palomino. A man talked about the thrill going to the racetrack years ago and how his daughter owned a horse that competed in barrel racing.

Orland Park resident Mike Berry, a consultant pharmacist who works with long-term care facilities and their clients, said he is well aware of the positive impact the horses make.

“I once saw a woman who was fairly withdrawn, which is not uncommon at nursing homes,” he recalled. “Then I saw this woman hugging a [therapy] horse. Tears were streaming down her face.

The caregivers asked her, ‘What’s wrong? Why are you crying?’ and she explained that her tears were tears of joy. She had owned a horse many years earlier; and at her age, she assumed she’d never hug a horse again. It was like a dream come true for her.”

Another time, a man in his 90s saw a miniature horse at a therapy session, “and the light just went on in his eyes. It was at that point that he told us that he was once an actual cowboy from Montana.

“Seeing that light in his eyes, seeing him come out of his shell even just for a moment—that’s the payoff for us in long-term care,” he added.

“These horses can touch people, can reach people who are in a shell—people who maybe don’t

respond to more traditional forms of therapy,” he added. “And that’s what it’s all about in long-term care. Our goal is good outcomes, to give people the highest quality of life we can.”

Berry’s wife, Laura—a longtime horse owner—is co-owner of Merciful Minis, along with Patty Ulbricht. The pair led the placid horses from person to person in the chapel, along with a team of Merciful Minis volunteers who ensured that the horses’ hoofs did not accidentally step on anyone’s feet.

Glum turned to glad for many of the seniors. They said little, but their faces lit up and their hands reached out to pet the manes of Molly and Mercy.

The biggest smile of all was found on the face of Giglio, Life Enrichment director for more than 25 years at Providence’s Palos Heights facility, home to about 160 men and women—evenly split between long-term care and rehabilitation.

“Little things mean a lot here,” she said. “At this point in their lives, a moment of gladness, a smile, a laugh, any sign of happiness matters. Those little victories are a great joy for us.”

Providence has used animals as therapeutic tools before, but they have mainly been dogs.

“I don’t remember ever seeing a horse here,” she laughed. “We broke ground here in 1959; before that, there was a chicken coop on this property. Years ago, there were farms all around here; but I think it’s safe to say we’ve never had horses in our hallways.”

Seeking more ‘eyes and ears’ for police

By Michael Gilbert Interested in lending a helping hand to Palos Park police without having to go through years of law enforcement training and a rigorous test to make the force?

Tom Crowhurst has a suggestion.

“Join the C.O.P.S.,” he said following Monday’s Village Council meeting. “What we are is essentially extra eyes and ears for the Palos Park Police Department.”

Crowhurst is a member of the C.O.P.S. or Citizens on Patrol Service, a volunteer organization formed in 1999 by then-Police Commissioner Carolyn Baca, Police Chief Joe Miller and former resident Bill Grede to assist police in making the community safer.

Crowhurst addressed the council and approximately a dozen residents Monday to encourage those who may have any interest in joining the C.O.P.S. to contact the police station at (708) 671-3770 or attend any of the organization’s monthly meetings, which are held at 7 p.m. on the last Friday of the month at the Kaptur Administrative Center, 8999 W. 123rd St. The organization is open to those 21 years and older. Members do not need to be citizens of Palos Park. “[The C.O.P.S.] were actually started because there were a lot of residents who wanted to get involved in the police department but didn’t know how,” Miller said after the meeting. “They are very helpful to our department. They do what we ask any citizen to do and that is ‘see it, hear it, report it.’ If something is amiss call it in.

“They are aware of what to report and how to contact us so we can check it out.”

The C.O.P.S. are especially important because Palos Park does not have an abundance of police officers, Miller said. The village has fewer officers than many nearby towns, he noted.

“They give us an omnipresence when [C.O.P.S. members] are out shopping or going somewhere,” Miller said. “We are under the same mandates and statutes as the City of Chicago as far as how we operate a police department. A lot of people are shocked that little old Palos Park has the same mandates as Chicago, so the extra eyes the C.O.P.S. provide come in handy.”

Crowhurst said C.O.P.S. members have assisted Palos Park police officers by helping spot motorists driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as well as retail thefts and vandalism to property.

“There have been several different things we’ve

Photo by Michael Gilbert

Palos Park Citizens on Patrol Service member Tom Crowhurst addresses Palos Park officials Monday about the neighborhood watch program. The C.O.P.S. are seeking new members and those interested can contact the Palos Park Police Department at (708) 671-3770.

assisted the police department with,” Crowhurst said. “The police can’t be everywhere at all times.

If you join the C.O.P.S., you can help keep our community safe.”

C.O.P.S. members use their own vehicles and patrol the village with a partner searching for any suspicious activity, Crowhurst said. The C.O.P.S. are not armed and do not make any arrests or attempt to apprehend a subject, he said. Patrol hours are flexible and voluntary.

“We do not have any contact whatsoever [with the subjects],” Crowhurst said. “We have radios and call it in to police and they are the ones who will do the contact with whatever is going on.”

The organization, which has around a dozen members right now, volunteers on average 1,400 hours per year, but that is not their only task, Crowhurst said.

The neighborhood watch program has in the past sold peanuts, popcorn and roasted corn at various village events including September’s Autumn in the Park and December’s Village Tree Lighting and Holiday Market. The proceeds go toward scholarships for members of the Palos Park Police Cadets.

As the organization prepares to celebrate its 18th anniversary with a party at Hackney’s on Friday, Jan. 27, Crowhurst thanked Miller for the “leadership and invaluable knowledge” he has provided the group.

“You’ve allowed us plain citizens to see and understand what it takes to be a part of law enforcement,” Crowhurst said. “Thank you so much.

We appreciate your guidance.”

Stan Zielinski died last week and I smiled.

I never met Stan Zielinski.

But he was the co-star of an inside joke which makes me laugh to this day.

Zielinski was a longtime scout for the Cubs. He was a big help in getting Babe Ruth II, er, Kyle Schwarber to the North Side.

When I covered the beat back in the days when the team didn’t win World Series titles, it seemed like every time then-general manager Jim Hendry announced a move, he would say something like “Stan Zielinski really loves this kid.’’

One night, the Cubs played a game that lasted past 10:30 p.m. and deadline was fast approaching. After the media heard from the manager and a player, there was some kind of injury news about Kerry Wood and he came out to talk for a while.

We were all tired, a little punchdrunk and worrying about deadline when it was announced the Hendry would be in “shortly” for a personnel announcement.

Well, “shortly” in Cubs-speak is not the same as “shortly” in real life.

After several minutes, a colleague did a really funny imitation of Hendry saying “Stan Zielinski really loves this kid…’’ right when Hendry walked into the room.

Hendry was so focused, I don’t think he heard the impression.

But, I got the giggles and I wasn’t alone. I had to turn around and look at the wall to get composed.

The general manager made some non-earth shattering announcement but when he said something like “Stan Zielinski thinks the world of this kid…’’ there was no way I could face my colleague…or anyone else so I went back to looking at the wall for some silent laughs.

When Hendry “shortly” concluded the press conference and left, a small group of us idiots let loose with the laughter.

That’s the beauty of inside

Photo courtesy of cubs.com

Stan Zielinski, center, poses last January after winning the team’s scout of the year award.

humor.

Something that means nothing to the rest of the world causes laughs among a select few. It’s the funniest funny I know.

Years ago, when I worked at a paper in Crystal Lake, we had a girl working in the back shop who had a distinct laugh – “Uhhuh, uh-huh.”

One of the wise guy sportswriters thought the laugh sounded like the “uh-huh, uh-huh” lyric of KC and the Sunshine Band hit “That’s the Way I Like It.’’ To this day, whenever I hear the song or the band’s name, I think of this guy importing her laugh into the song.

I don’t remember the girl’s name. I don’t really remember what she looked like. But I’ll always remember that laugh being intertwined with that bad ‘70s song.

Most of the inside humor comes from work. Sometimes we spend more time with our co-workers than we do our own family. But even the family, some quality inside yuks can come to fruition.

American Girl Soup will get some laughs from our fam. But I can’t tell that story, here or I could get in trouble.

One last inside joke for you from the Regional family: Phil Arvia, who does sports for us, was once a big-time sports columnist and would come into the Wrigley Field press box greeting me with “Hey Vorvaaaa…”

Well, the fellas and I imitated that time and again, it got so

Photo courtesy of heykcb.com

KC of KC and the Sunshine Band had a hit that is a part of an inside joke that makes columnist Jeff Vorva laugh to this day.

nasally and distorted that another guy who heard the imitation said, “Are you imitating Arvia or Bullwinkle?”

I can’t watch Rocky cartoons without thinking about that day.

So I raise a toast to Stan Zielinski. He’s a man I never met who made me laugh over the years without even trying to be funny.

Serving the Area’s Finest Italian Cuisine CATERING FOR ALL OCCASIONS! Salads, Sides & Potatoes, Pastas, Entrées including Our Signature Chicken Tetrazzini, “Grandma’s Recipe” Homemade Meatballs, Italian Beef, Baked & BBQ Chicken & Much More!

BANQUET ROOMS AVAILABLE AT OUR ORLAND PARK LOCATION!

TRY OUR DELICIOUS THIN CRUST, PAN & DEEP DISH PIZZA! Orland Park

14459 S. LaGrange Rd. Beat The Traffic! Enter on John Humphrey Drive or Have it Delivered! Limited Delivery Area

708.403.9099 • Fax 708.403.9128 Mon-Thurs 10am-10:30pm • Fri-Sat 10am-11:30pm Sun 10am-9:30pm Dining room opens at 11am Mon-Sat and 12pm on Sun

1001 S. State St. • Lockport 815.838.9009 • Fax 815.838.9091 Mon-Thurs 10am-9:30pm • Fri-Sat 10am-10:30pm Sun 12pm-9:30pm Carry Out, Delivery and Catering Only

www.papajoesrestaurant.com

4 Thursday, January 12, 2017

We come up empty looking for logic after violent acts I recall a few lines from “The Dark Knight,” the second installment of the Batman movie trilogy that seems somewhat pertinent this past week.

Michael Caine, who portrays the loyal butler, Alfred Pennyworth, listens as Bruce Wayne, portrayed by Christian Bale, complains about The Joker.

Wayne angrily question what his motives are as the demonic figures terrorizes Gotham City. The older Alfred listens and then has this to say about The Joker, portrayed by the late Heath Ledger.

“With respect Master Wayne, perhaps this is a man you don’t fully understand, either. A long time ago, I was in Burma. My friends and I were working for the local government. They were trying to buy the loyalty of the tribal leaders by bribing them with precious stones. But their caravans were being raided in a forest north of Rangoon by a bandit. So we went looking for the stones.

But in six months, we never met anyone who traded with him.

One day I saw a child playing with a ruby the size of a tangerine.

The bandit had been throwing them away.”

Wayne, who is also Batman, looks puzzled and asks, “So why steal them?

Alfred’s response was that “he thought it was good sport. Because some men aren’t looking for anything logical, like money.

They can’t be bought, bullied, reasoned or negotiated with.

“Some men just want to watch the world burn.”

The dialogue summed up Ledger’s Joker, a maniacal, evil character whose main purpose was to create chaos. The film was almost representative of the times we are living in. We try to find some sort of reason why random acts of violence take place. But just as frightening is people who shoot and kill for no apparent reason. We have seen accounts in newspapers or online. We have seen some partial footage on TV. Esteban Santiago was deployed in 2010 as part of the Puerto Rico National Guard. He spent a year with an engineering battalion, according to published reports. He has been living the past couple of years in Anchorage, Alaska. This past November, Santiago told FBI agents in Alaska that the government was trying to control his mind and forcing him to watch Islamic State group videos. The FBI agents notified the police after the interview with Santiago, 26, who took him for a mental health evaluation.

What happened after that is not clear. His brother said he was aware of his treatments until just recently.

But we all know what happened since. Santiago is accused of pulling out a gun in baggage area at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport Friday and just started randomly shooting. Five people were killed and eight were injured. He was taken into custody peacefully.

This is just another reminder that people need to remain vigilant. On the other hand, you can’t live your life in fear. And these random acts of violence take place more often. It kind of leaves us numb. According to published reports, the offender took a flight from Anchorage to Minneapolis last Thursday night. He then flew into Fort Lauderdale Friday morning.

One witness told a TV station that the offender just kept coming forward and randomly shooting. He added that he was “shooting at people, no rhyme or reason to it.”

For the relatives and friends of the deceased, they must still be in shock. The families and friends of the eight injured as well.

Anyone who was near the scene must be in a state of shock. And the reason for this man’s actions is not clear. One report states that Santiago planned this route. No reasons are given. We only have more questions.

I suppose there will be questions of how the alleged gunman Santiago was able to check his gun in a bag and was able to retrieve it and stroll through the baggage area and beginning randomly shooting people.

Some changes at airports could be made to tighten security. Perhaps some laws will be passed. I’m not so sure about that.

But it is hard to defend against random acts of violence. We can live our lives as best we can and be careful. And then there are people who revert to violence. And there is no rhyme or reason for it. Logic has no place when someone or a group just wants to watch the world burn.

OPINION

The Regional News

JOE BOYLE

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

Farewell to a brilliant First Lady, Michelle Obama It’s amazing how individual fortunes can turn on a dime.

One day you can be a mother of two children concerned about your husband’s political fortunes, and the next, become one of the most inspiring women in the world.

I first met Michelle Obama sometime in March, 2004. She was sitting quietly and unnoticed by everyone in the ice cream parlor at the Museum of Science and Industry’s Yesterday’s Main Street with her two children, Malia who was walking around with ice cream, and Sasha, who was in a stroller.

At the time, Michelle seemed like any average person with the same challenges facing any young family.

My son, Aaron, was only 3 years old at the time, about Shasha’s age, and he walked up to the stroller the way children of the same age often do. They just know how to connect. Michelle said Aaron was cute and smiled.

Michelle was with a political PR maven I have known for a long time, Delmarie Cobb. It was Cobb who I first said hello to and it was Cobb who introduced me to Michelle.

No one at that time, including Michelle Obama, had any idea of the amazing adventure that she was about to begin.

I spoke at length with Cobb, a wellknown and successful public relations professional, and had a few words of courteous greetings with Michelle. I asked her to give my regards to her husband, 13th District Illinois State Sen. Barack Obama.

Barack Obama and I shared a mutual friend, Tony Rezko, a brilliant American Arab businessman who did so much for

RAY HANANIA so many people but who was crucified because of his ties to Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who got everyone around him into real trouble.

But that spring in 2004, Barack Obama was engaged in the political fight of his life for the U.S. Senate seat that was being vacated by the mercurial and unpredictable incumbent, U.S. Sen. Peter Fitzgerald.

The Republican Party abandoned Fitzgerald and instead backed wealthy young businessman Jack Ryan, who defeated Jim Oberweis for the GOP nomination. Ryan’s Democratic opponent was Obama. I had met Ryan and he was tough, articulate and knew the issues. And, he had unlimited funding for his campaign.

Everyone predicted Ryan would easily win and Obama would experience his second major defeat. Obama failed to unseat the do-nothing Congressman in the 1st District, Bobby Rush. Losing to Rush was a sign you were not very popular and might never be.

It seemed certain that Obama, the state senator from the obscure 13th District, was going to tank in the election, too. It was all so certain at the time. And then, the unexpected happened.

Fate has a way of changing things.

Ryan dropped out of the race in June 2004, a few months after my chance meeting with Michelle Obama. The news

media had started to delve into the dirty details of his 1999 divorce from Hollywood actress Jeri Ryan, which was under seal. The exaggerated whispers about what was in the divorce file were horrible.

The Republican Party, which bullied Fitzgerald out of the race, was now scrambling to find Ryan’s replacement. They turned to the mercurial political gadfly and radio talk show host Alan Keyes. Keyes ran and lost for president twice and had come from out-of-state to succeed Ryan in Illinois.

Obama’s fortunes changed dramatically. Obama’s speech at the Democratic National Convention that July took on new meaning. Obama was introduced to America as a “political phenom.” And his landslide victory over Keyes that November, 70 percent to 27 percent, jettisoned him to the Washington Beltway FastTrack.

He never stopped. You know the rest of the story.

I admire Michelle Obama and regret not getting a photo of her with my son.

Not only was she a beautiful person, but America has also learned how a person can be both gracious and compassionate.

Her speeches have been inspiring. She made the past eight years of politics so much more acceptable.

The legacy of President Barack Obama may still be in the process of being defined, but one thing is for sure, Michele Obama has made her mark and she deserves our gratitude.

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

INSIDE THE FIRST AMENDMENT To uphold religious freedom, do small things with great love

By Charles C. Haynes

Farewell to 2016, arguably the worst year for religious freedom in living memory.

From genocide in Syria and Iraq to ethnic cleansing in Burma, religious oppression and persecution destroyed countless lives, exiled millions and fueled the greatest humanitarian crisis since World War II. Most of the world’s population — more Owned and operated by Southwest Regional Publishing Co. than 5 billion people — now lives in Steven M. Landek, Chairman countries with high restrictions on religious Mark Hornung, Chief Operating Officer freedom.

Mike Thiessen, Chief Financial Officer Meanwhile in the United States, many Safaa Zarzour, Chief Legal Officer religious Americans felt under siege in 2016 as Islamophobia spiked, attacks on The Business Side The News Side Sikhs and Hindus grew, anti-Semitism Donna Brown, Sales Director Jack Murray, Editor gained ground with the surge of White SuMonica Cotter, Finance Director Dermot Connolly, Reporter premacist groups, and Christian claims of Debbie Perrewe, Classified Manager Jeff Vorva, Sports Editor Mike Russell, Production Director Lauren Ziemann, Art Director conscience were too often dismissed and Rita Crosley, Pre-press Manager Chuck Ingwersen, Designer denigrated as acts of “bigotry.”

Bleak, but not hopeless: Beyond the Southwest Regional Publishing numbing headlines of despair in the past 12243 S. Harlem Ave. year were signs of hope — small, but Palos Heights, IL 60463 profound stories about the capacity of the Phone: (708) 448-4000 human spirit to counter hate with comFax: (708) 448-4012 passion, destruction with healing, violence Website: www.theregionalnews.com with peaceful coexistence. email: TheRegional@comcast.net Consider, for example, the Muslim and Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Christian faithful in Cameroon who began taking turns last year protecting one anothDeadlines er from terrorist attacks by Boko Haram.

Editorial: Noon, Saturday • Advertising: 5 p.m., Monday On Fridays, Christians now guard the Subscription rates: Local, delivered by mail, $47 a year in advance. Out-of-State, $57 mosques during community prayer and on a year. Single copies, $1. Postmaster: Send address changes to THE REGIONAL NEWS, Sundays, Muslims protect churches during 12243 S. Harlem Ave., Palos Heights, IL 60463 and additional post offices.

Sunday worship.

The Regional News cannot be responsible for the return of unsolicited material. USPS Or consider the Muslim farmers in a 419-260 Periodical postage paid at Palos Heights, IL 60463 and additional post offices.

Punjabi village in Pakistan who used their Entered as periodical mail at the Post Office at Palos Heights, IL, 60643 and meager savings last summer to rebuild a additional post offices under the Act of March 3, 1879.

Christian church destroyed by monsoon © Entire contents copyright 2015 Southwest Regional Publishing floods. “Our mosque stands here from This newspaper is dedicated to the memory of times past,” a Muslim villager told the those who gave their lives to protect America’s Daily Pakistan, “but our Christian brothfreedom of the press, whenever and however it ers also have the right to worship in their may be threatened. church.”

Closer to home, a broad coalition of religious groups, including the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Committee (ERLC), Sikh Coalition, National Association of Evangelicals, the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty and the Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of New Jersey, joined to support a court challenge by the Islamic Society after the Muslim group was denied an application to build a mosque in Bernards Township, N.J. When ERLC president Russell Moore faced criticism for supporting Muslims at the annual Southern Baptist Convention last summer, he responded first as a Christian by saying: “What it means to be a Baptist is to support soul liberty for everybody.”

Then Moore gave a short, but sweet civics lesson reminding his listeners that upholding the First Amendment for others also serves the best interest of Baptists: “Brothers and sisters, when you have a government that says ‘we can decide whether or not a house of worship can be constructed based upon theological beliefs of that house of worship,’ then there are going to be Southern Baptist churches in San Francisco and New York and throughout this country who are not going to be able to build.”

Whatever the motives for standing up for others — religious faith, civic virtue or enlightened self interest — religious freedom only works when a right for one is a right for all.

That was the takeaway from the protest at Standing Rock, a defining moment for religious freedom in 2016. Representatives from more than 300 Native American tribes converged to stop the Dakota Access Pipeline from being built under the Missouri River near the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in North and South Dakota.

The tribe argued that the route would

threaten sacred sites and life-giving water.

Native American tribes stood in solidarity with the Sioux — supported by thousands of military veterans, Black Lives Matter activists, religious leaders, civil libertarians and citizens of different faiths, races and political beliefs. In December, the two-year battle for Native American religious freedom ended in victory (for now at least) when the Obama administration denied the easement needed to run the pipeline under the river.

In these acts of courage and compassion, religious freedom was nourished in 2016.

But tragically, the avalanche of stories of violence and conflict largely eclipsed stories of hope last year. And the outlook for 2017 promises even more religious persecution abroad and religious division at home.

At Christmas, my household received a sign of hope — literally — when a kind priest gave us a wooden plaque with a saying from St. Teresa of Calcutta: “We can do no great things, only small things with great love.”

So in 2017, when the headlines overwhelm our conscience with death and destruction, we will inevitably feel helpless that we can’t do the “great things” needed to end genocide, save the refugees or fully protect the many vulnerable Americans here at home.

But remember those villagers in Africa and Pakistan, the religious leaders in New Jersey and the veterans and activists standing with Native Americans in the Dakotas.

And then emulate them by striving to do small things with great love.

Charles C. Haynes is vice president of the Newseum Institute and founding director of the Religious Freedom Center. Contact him via email at chaynes@ newseum.org. Follow him on Twitter at @ hayneschaynes

BUSINESS

The Regional News

COMINGS & GOINGS

Investment tips for ‘millennials’

Photo by Bob Bong

Balagio coming to Mokena

The Limited closes stores The Limited announced Saturday that it would be closing all of its stores but would continue to sell its fashions and accessories via its website.

The company was founded in 1963 and operated mall specialty stores in Orland Square Mall in Orland Park and Chicago Ridge Mall in Chicago Ridge in the south suburbs.

Brookfield welcomes new businesses Brookfield has welcomed two new businesses while two old ones now have new looks.

Mayor Kit Ketchmark and Secretary of State Jesse White gave

BOB BONG a warm welcome to three of the businesses last year.

The two new ones were Strive 4 Fitness at 3749 ½ Grand Blvd. and Farmers Insurance at 8922 Fairview Ave. Sporting a new look is Brookfield Ale House, which reopened at 8900 Fairview Ave. after an extensive interior and exterior renovation project.

Another Brookfield business that recently reopened after a renovation and facade upgrade was Paisans Pizza at 3720 Grand Blvd. The restaurant still has pizza but added a new menu, gourmet burgers and new drink options.

There is also outdoor seating, when weather permits.

Paisans reopened Dec. 21 with a ribbon cutting attended by Ketchmark, Trustee Michelle Ryan and Village Clerk Brigid Weber.

Checkers opens in Lansing Tampa-based Checkers DriveIns opened a new restaurant last month in Lansing.

The hamburger joint opened in late December at 17701 S. Torrence Ave. and features late-night hours and indoor seating as well as its drive-through lane.

This is the second time around in Lansing for Checkers, which also operates Rally’s Hamburgers and had a Rally’s location at Wentworth Avenue and Ridge Road several years ago.

The Lansing location is open from 10 a.m. to 4 a.m. Sunday to Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 5 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

It is one of several Checkers being developed in the south suburbs by Checkers franchisee Aby Group of Companies.

Taco Bell opens in Dolton A new Taco Bell restaurant opened last week at 1323 E. Sibley Blvd. in Dolton.

Dolton Mayor Riley Rogers and village trustees were on hand last week for the ribbon cutting.

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

The restaurant is one of 174 Yum! franchises operated by Sundance Inc. in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin. The company mostly operates Taco Bell locations but also has KFC, Pizza Hut and A&W among its offerings.

Sundance is also building a new Taco Bell location in Chicago Heights in the south suburbs.

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

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

BUSINESS NOTES CNB Bank & Trust notes essay contest for high school seniors CNB Bank & Trust this week announced a scholarship competition that enables high school seniors to enter a statewide essay-writing contest. The competition is part of a program sponsored

by Illinois community banks and the CBAI Foundation for Community Banking to increase public awareness of locally owned banks and their contributions to the community.

CNB has 13 locations statewide, including a Palos Heights bank at 12727 S. Ridgeland and another

in Oak Forest.

A monetary award in the amount of $1,000 a year for up to four years of higher education will be awarded to the author of the best entry submitted to the CBAI Foundation by a participating high school senior. Up to 12 additional first-place $1,000 awards and 13 second-place $500 awards are available in each of the regions of the state. An additional $500 will be awarded to the high school of the overall winner.

Students are asked to submit one-paragraph entries on topics concerning the impact/importance of community banking on them-

selves, someone they know, and their communities.

Contest information is available at each CNB location and at local schools. Entries must be submitted to CNB Bank & Trust in Carlinville by Friday, Jan. 20.

Students can email their complete entry information to Teresa Kirk at tkirk@cnbil.com. CNB will then submit selected entries to the CBAI Foundation to be entered in the statewide competition.

Based in Springfield, CBAI is a professional association that represents approximately 350 Illinois-chartered banks and thrifts throughout Illinois.

Tax scams still at top of the list, BBB says Reports to the Chicago and Northern Illinois Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker almost identically match those being reported nationally, according to a BBB statement released recently.

In 2016 BBB Scam Tracker confirmed that tax scams still are at the top of the list, despite a huge drop in reports after a September police raid in Mumbai, India.

While the raids reportedly have had a huge impact on the reduction of fake IRS calls, the BBB said it will keep close watch for any resurgence with a new tax season soon approaching.

“These scams continue because they are successful enough to make it worthwhile for these thieves to keep trying to con people out of money,” said Chicago and Northern Illinois BBB President and CEO Steve Bernas. “There is a science to scams, and it may surprise you to know that scammers use many of the same techniques as legitimate sales professionals. The difference, of course, is that their pitch could cost you a fortune.”

The top three scams on the 2016

5

FINANCIAL FOCUS

Homewood’s Balagio Ristorante plans to open a second location next month in Mokena’s Boulevard shopping center near 191st Street and LaGrange Road.

Balagio Ristorante, an Italian restaurant and banquet hall that has been open in Homewood since 1997, plans to open a second location in Mokena next month.

The restaurant is remodeling the former Scrementi’s restaurant at 9716 W. 191st St. in Mokena’s Boulevard shopping center, which closed last year.

Calls for comment to Balagio owner Michael Galderio were not returned.

Balagio’s in Homewood is open for lunch and dinner.

This was the second time Scrementi’s has closed its Mokena location. The original location is in Steger.

Its first Mokena location opened in 2010 in the former Angelino’s and closed several months later when the building was purchased and the restaurant was forced out.

The second location opened in 2012 in the Boulevard and was open for lunch and dinner.

Thursday, January 12, 2017

list — tax scams, debt collection scams, and sweepstakes/prizes/ gifts scams — were the same as in 2015.

New to the top ten are online purchase scams (#4) and phishing scams (#10). Online purchase scams were common in 2015 as well, but this scam type was not added as a BBB Scam Tracker category until 2016. Employment scams (#5) are also new to the top ten, but only because workfrom-home scams, previously a separate category, were included.

Another change was the drop of tech support scams from #4 last year to #7 this year.

The list was compiled based on more than 30,000 scam reports filed by consumers on bbb.org/ scamtracker, a free interactive online tool launched last year by the BBB Institute for Marketplace Trust. Not all of those consumers lost money, as many recognized the scam before being victimized--but reported it anyway to help warn others.

BBB encourages consumers to learn how to recognize scams

and to avoid them by following these 10 steps found at bbb.org/ avoidscams.

If you are a “millennial” — a member of the age cohort born anywhere from the early 1980s to the late 1990s — then you’re still in the early chapters of your career, so it may be a stretch for you to envision the end of it. But since you do have so many years until you retire, you’ve got the luxury of putting time on your side as you save and plan for retirement.

Here are some suggestions for making the best use of that time: • Invest early – and often. Even if you are at the very beginning of your career, make investing a priority. At first, you might only be able to contribute a small amount each month, but something is far better than nothing — and after a year or so, you might be surprised at how much you’ve actually put away.

• Take advantage of your employer’s retirement plan. If your employer offers a 401(k) or similar plan, contribute as much as you can afford. At the least, put in enough to earn your employer’s match, if one is offered. Your contributions can lower your taxable income, and your earnings can grow on a tax-deferred basis.

• Invest more as your earnings increase. As your career advances, and your earnings rise, you’ll want to increase your contributions to your 401(k) or similar plan. And if you ever “max out” on your annual 401(k) contributions (the limits change over time), you can probably still contribute to another tax-advantaged retirement plan, such as a traditional or Roth IRA. Thus far, we’ve only discussed, in general terms, how much and how often you should invest. But it’s obviously just as important to think about the type of investments you own. And at this stage of your life, you need an investment mix that provides you with ample opportunities for growth. Historically, stocks and stock-based vehicles provide greater growth potential than other investments, such as government

Jim Van Howe Edward Jones

securities, corporate bonds and certificates of deposit (CDs). Of course, stocks will rise and fall in price, sometimes dramatically. But with decades ahead of you, you do have time to overcome short-term losses. And you may be able to reduce the effects of market volatility by spreading your dollars among many different stock-based investments, along with a reasonable percentage of bonds and other, more conservative securities.

Here’s something else to consider: Many millennials want more from their investments than just good performance — they also want their money to make a difference in the world. This interest in “impact” investing (also known as “socially responsible” investing) has led some of your peers to screen out companies or industries they believe have a negative impact on society in favor of other businesses that are viewed as contributing to a more sustainable world. If this viewpoint resonates with you, then you may want to explore these types of investment opportunities with a financial professional.

But most importantly, keep on investing throughout your life. As a millennial, you’ve got plenty of the one asset that can never be replaced: time.

Use it wisely.

Jim Van Howe is a financial advisor with Edward Jones 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.

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

Orland Park Craig Julie Tr to Zukauskas Vladas, 10692 Golf Rd, $460,000; Graff Michael F to Ellis Aaron J, 15221 Huntington Ct, $268,000; Petta Stella R to Daane John, 17849 Columbus Ct, Unit #19, $210,000; Nelson Norman J to Gorski Stephen L, 10751 Maue Dr, $375,000; Lyons Marie T Tr to Walsh Richard J, 15705 S Lake Hills Ct, Unit #157051N, $128,000; Eason Dorothy to Belluomini James, 145 Brentwood St, $227,000; Mcgill Eugene P Tr to Tyler Eric, 9204 Fairway Dr, $250,000; Patel Jinit to Grossi Kevin, 9418 Georgetown Sq, $280,000; Luneckas Algis to Crespo Gregory, 15704 Deerfield Ct, Unit #157041S, $140,000; Haro Vanessa to Kirby Sally A, 16419 Francis Ct, $193,000; Stringham Raymond R to Walla Lisa, 13638 88th Ave, $302,500; Dangles Denise Tr to Enright Marybeth, 15715 Deerfield Ct, Unit #157152N, $149,000; Bzdyk Marek J to Young Andre R Sr, 11535 Brookwood Dr, $340,000; Rojas Carmel Amador to Hammoud Haidar, 15339 West Ave, Unit #2A, $119,000; Standard B&T Co Tr to Shalabi Rouhy J, 8600 Adria Ct, $795,000; Hegeduis Katrina L to Analitis Sally N, 9144 Sandpiper Ct, Unit #42, $143,000; Royhl Grp LLC to Miles & Walsh Cap LLC, 13529 Idlewild Dr, $240,000; Salis Gary Tr to Mclaughlin Kathryn, 16040 Boardwalk Ln, Unit #4D, $165,000 Spoo James William Tr to Sodo Greg, 15701 S Lake Hills Ct, Unit #157012N, $185,000;

Danis Alan to Shawar Nael, 9126 Fairmont Ct, Unit #79, $115,000; Marquette Bk Tr to Hauser John, 18040 Delaware Ct, Unit #104, $250,000; Dyra Jefferey W Tr to Orozco Juan L, 14129 Camden Dr, $349,000; Johnson Richard L Tr to Laciak Anthony I, 17718 Valerie Ct, Unit #81, $300,000; Zingarelli Michael to Bell John T Jr, 15561 Mimosa Ave, $280,000; Johnson Ross A to Khouri John, 7950 Michelle Ct, $430,000; Zander Linda Tr to Krueger Denise D Tr, 7308 Paradise Ln, Unit #3, $160,000.

Palos Heights Roebuck John A Tr to Schmitz Timothy J, 12901 S 71st Ct, $235,000; Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to Zakat Fdn Amer, 12230 Coach Rd, $400,000; Keough Robert to Wittenkeller Christine L, 12013 S 69th Ave,

$295,000; Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to Knight Lawrence W, 6827 W Park Ln, $190,000; Tibstra Karen J to Evans John, 12200 S 69th Ave, $243,000; Bank NY Mellon to S & M Miller Inv LLC, 12413 S 70th Ct, $180,000.

Palos Park Nezbin LLC to Fahlen Raymond H, 12912 E Mill Dr, Unit #E2L10, $150,000; Andriusis Edward to Moreno Jacqueline, 58 Romiga Ln, $400,000; Rybka Maeghan Lucas to Byrdak Christopher, 9815 125th St, $205,000; Mccarthy Therese A Trust to Concialdi Mary A, 13055 Terrace Ct, Unit #E2L5, $175,000; Grudka Regina to Boersma James A, 10000 127th St, $250,000; Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to Wachtel Shane R, 81 Old Creek Rd, $440,000.

Mortgage Rates Around the Area First Midwest Bank (as of January 9)

30-year fixed 15-year fixed 30-year fixed Jumbo

RATES APR POINTS 4.125 4.160 0 3.375 3.430 0 4.125 4.170 0

United Trust Bank (as of January 9)

30-year fixed 15-year fixed 10-year fixed

RATES APR POINTS 4.060 4.081 0 3.375 3.411 0 3.250 3.303 0

Prospect Federal (as of January 9)

30-year fixed 20-year fixed 15-year fixed

RATES APR POINTS 4.125 4.171 .25 3.875 3.938 .25 3.375 3.438 .25

All rates subject to change daily. Equal opportunity lenders.

6 Thursday, January 12, 2017

The Regional News

DEATH NOTICES

HEALTHY ANSWERS FOR LIFE

John R. ‘Jack’ Greer III John R. “Jack” Greer III age 70 of Palos Heights.

Loving Husband of Susan M. nee Flint.

Proud Father of John R. ( Susie ) Greer IV, Wendie ( Nowell ) Ludwig & Todd ( Laura ) Greer.

Grandfather of Alex, Benjamin, Carly & Austin Greer and Jack, Nathan Abigayle Ludwig and John Greer.

Brother of James E. ( Adele ) Greer.

Many Nieces, Nephews & Cousins also survive.

Visitation Wednesday 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Palos United Methodist Church 12101 S. Harlem

Myra Gentile

Myra Gentile (nee Dragel), a Palos Heights resident, died Jan. 5. She was 82 years old.

Survivors include her children, Tina Blaeser (Eva Del Toro) and Thomas Blaeser; granddaughter, Danielle Blaesar; great-granddaughter, Hailey Brooks; brother, Joseph Dragel Jr.; nieces, Leanne (Dan) Harkins and Christine Dragel; nephews, Joseph and Danny Dragel; cousin, Pat Robbins, and other family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Mike Gentile, and son, Anthony Blaeser.

Services were yesterday from the Becvar & Son Funeral Home, Crestwood, to Sacred Heart Church, Palos Hills. Interment was at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Charlotte Paulsen

Charlotte J. Paulsen (nee Barret), 81, a Palos Park resident, died Jan. 4 at Palos Community Hospital.

Mrs. Paulsen was a secretary.

Survivors include her husband, Henry “Hank” Paulsen; daughter, Gretchen Lynch; sons, John and Keith; and 11 grandchildren.

Services were Saturday from Colonial Chapel to Evangelical Lutheran Church of Good Shepherd.

Interment was at Fairmount-Willow Hills Cemetery.

Herman Cress

Herman Dean Cress, 85, a Palos Heights resident, died Jan. 2 at Palos Community Hospital.

Mr. Cress was the owner and operator for the

Ave. Palos Heights, Il. Lying in State Thursday 10:00 am until time of Church Service 11:00 am at the Palos United Methodist Church.

Interment private.

Member of Union Local 150 Operating Engineers.

In lieu of Flowers, Memorials to the Church would be appreciated.

For information please call (708) 4483530 or www.vanhenkelum.com Wholesale Meat Business. He was also a member of the Chicago Midwest Meat Association for 50 years.

Survivors include his wife, Joan M. Meyer; daughter, Karen Ward; son, Kenneth Dean Cress; sister, Norma King; and six grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 13 at Christ Lutheran Church, 14700 S. 94th Ave., Orland Park. Interment will be at the Colonial Chapel Crematory. Arrangements were made by Colonial Chapel.

Lynn Kase

Lynn M. Kase (nee O’Connor), 75, died Sunday at her Palos Park home.

Mrs. Kase was a bookkeeper for many years with Doninick’s Food Stores.

Survivors include her husband, Robert; and many relatives and friends.

A memorial visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until noon Saturday, Jan. 14 at Palos Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Highway, Palos Hills.

Robert Wall

Robert D. Wall, 55, an Orland Park resident, died Friday at Palos Community Hospital.

Survivors include his parents, Robert C. and Patricia Wall; sister, Connie Spear; three nephews; and a great-niece and great-nephew.

A memorial visitation will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15 at the First Church of the Nazarene, 12725 Bell Road, Lemont. A memorial service will follow at the church at 2 p.m. Interment will be private at Orland Memorial Park Cemetery.

Anne Romagnoli, ‘first lady of accordions’

By Tim Hadac Anne Romagnoli (nee Piatanesi), a southwest suburban businesswoman and nationally acclaimed authority on accordion manufacture and repair, died Jan. 6 at age 90.

Mrs. Romagnoli was the longtime owner of the Italo-American Accordion Manufacturing Company, widely known as the Midwest’s premier new and used accordion company. Many considered her to be the Chicago area’s First Lady of Accordions.

The company has been located in Oak Lawn at 5510 W. 95th St. since 1996, when it moved from its longtime home in Chicago’s Gage Park neighborhood, at 3137 W. 51st St. It was founded in the early 1900s in the city’s Little Italy neighborhood and purchased by Mrs. Romagnoli’s father and uncles in 1915.

Mrs. Romagnoli and her husband, Giuseppe “Joe” Romagnoli—known as the last man in America who could build an accordion from scratch—owned the business from the early 1950s until his death in 1994.

She also was owner of the Republic Music School of Chicago, which for years was headquartered at 59th and Kedzie in Chicago, across the street from the Colony Theatre. At the school, Mrs. Romagnoli taught accordion to hundreds of students, young and old.

In the 1950s, before guitar bands like the Beatles would later cause accordion music to plummet in popularity among the young, Italo-American employed as many as 100 people. Today, it has a few staffers.

The company no longer manufactures accordions, but imports new models from Castelfidardo, Italy, the world capital of accordion manufacturing, where the Romagnoli family has its roots.

The company repairs different types of accordions, concertinas and related instruments, mostly for musicians playing in Mexican, Italian, Polish and German-style bands.

A talented musician who played by ear, Mrs.

Supplied photo

Mrs. Romagnoli

Romagnoli was known to play the accordion at weddings and other family celebrations.

“She could play anything, and not just the Italian favorites. She could play any song you wanted,” said her daughter Rosanne. “My mother was a real character, no doubt. She loved life and definitely had her own way of doing things.”

Italo-American will remain open for business in Oak Lawn, Rosanne Romagnoli said.

In addition to her daughter, Rosanne, Mrs. Romagnoli is survived by her daughter, Joanne (Miguel) Hernandez; grandchildren, John (Deanna) Rolence, Jason (Marlene) Rolence, Nikki Hernandez and Joel Hernandez; and great-grandchildren, John, Kayleigh, Hayden and Meadow Rolence. She was the dear friend of many.

Hayden Rolence, 12, earned a bit of national fame in 2016 when he was the voice of Nemo in Pixar’s “Finding Dory” animated film.

Services were yesterday at Thompson & Kuenster Funeral Home, Oak Lawn. Interment was private.

American Red Cross needs blood donors The American Red Cross has a severe winter blood shortage and is issuing an emergency call for blood and platelet donors to make a donation appointment now and help save patient lives.

Hectic holiday schedules for many regular blood donors contributed to about 37,000 fewer donations in November and December than what was needed.

Snowstorms and severe weather have also impacted donations.

Nearly 100 blood drives were forced to cancel in December, resulting in more than 3,100 blood donations going uncollected.

“Blood and platelet donations are critically needed in the coming days so that patients can contin-

ue to receive the lifesaving treatments they are counting on,” said Nick Gehrig, communications director, Red Cross Blood Services. “We encourage donors to invite a family member or friend to donate with them to help meet patient needs. Right now, blood and platelet donations are being distributed to hospitals faster than they are coming in.”

How to help

Palos Heights Seniors seek new members The Palos Heights Seniors Club is seeking new members.

The group meets at 1 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at the Palos Heights Recreation Center, 6601

W. 127th St. The group’s meetings include speakers on a variety of topics, live entertainment, luncheons and escorted trips.

Annual dues are $20. For more information, contact club President Edna Craig at (708) 448-7498.

Q: I’ve been having heartburn a lot lately. I’ve been taking a lot of antacids, but don’t think that’s really great for an everyday thing. Do you have any suggestions of natural things that could help?

A: Heartburn is basically caused by when the lower esophogal sphincter (a muscular valve at the bottom of the esophagus which keeps which keeps stomach acid in the stomach) is loosened or weakened and stomach acid splashes up into the esophagus. Usually heartburn is precipitated or worsened by lifestyle factors like overeating, eating too close to bedtime, smoking, and being overweight. Certain foods can also exacerbate the condition- spicy or fried foods for example. There are even foods which naturally loosen the lower esophageal sphincter (tomatoes, chocolate, onions, garlic, caffeine, and alcohol to name a few), so if you commonly experience heartburn, avoiding those foods can make a real difference.

Digestive enzymes have helped many people with heartburn. Enzyme supplements are taken with a meal to help to break down food in the stomach, making it easier to digest. When the stomach is able to digest food easier, a reduction in heartburn symptoms is often seen. Digestive enzymes are completely safe to take, and simply give a natural boost to the digestive enzymes produced in the body.

The amounts of digestive enzymes our stomachs produce decreases with age, and not coincidentally, the number of digestive complaints many people experience increases with age as well.

Another supplement which I’m a big fan of is DGL licorice. Licorice extract can raise blood pressure, but the “DGL” stands for deglycyrrhizinated, which means that the compounds which could raise blood pressure have been removed. DGL licorice comes in chewable tablets (the company Enzymatic Therapy has some in a German chocolate flavor that taste fantastic) which are to be taken 20 minutes before a meal. DGL licorice works by coating the esophagus so it is protected against stomach acid.

HEALTH BEAT

CAROLYN JOHNSON

PassHealthFoods.com

Since the esophagus is protected against stomach acid, it not only prevents the pain and burning of heartburn, when taken consistently it prevents the damage from stomach acid and helps the esophagus to heal, particularly in people with GERD (a more serious form of heartburn).

Finally, the last supplement I would mention is d-limonene, a specialized citrus extract which has shown amazing results for people suffering from both heartburn and GERD. One clinical study found that d-limonene was able to reduce or eliminate heartburn for up to six months in most people after taking one 1,000 mg pill every other day for 20 days. It also helps to detoxify the liver and gallbladder, and is an easy and inexpensive thing to try for lasting heartburn relief.

Carolyn Johnson is one of the knowledgeable associates at Pass Health Foods at 7228 W. College Drive. Feel free to stop by the store for more information or advice. www.passhealthfoods.com This column makes no claims to diagnose, treat, prevent, mitigate, or cure diseases with any advice or products.

Any health related information in this article is for educational purposes only. The ultimate responsibility for your choices and their effect on your health are yours and before applying any therapy or use of herbs, supplements, etc., you should consult your health care provider.

LEGAL NOTICE

Open house and tours to take place at Mercy Circle An open house and tours of Mercy Circle, a continuing care retirement facility, will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday at the center, 3659 W. 99th St., Chicago.

A newly furnished assisted living model apartment will Frances Lachowicz be unveiled at Mercy Circle during the open house. The open house provides an opportunity for prospective residents and their families to meet Mercy Circle staff members and learn about services the new retirement community can offer them.

Refreshments will be served and complimentary parking is available by entering the lot from 99th Street.

“We are happy to showcase our new model residence at Mercy Circle, perfect for anyone who is contemplating assisted living for themselves or a loved one,” said Frances Lachowicz, executive director at the senior living community. “We take so much pride in our person-centered services and amenities for residents of Mercy Circle. They become part of our unique, faith-based community.”

The not-for-profit Mercy Circle has a no entrance fee policy and a five-star CMS rating. Sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy West Midwest, it is the only faith-based retirement community in the area. The senior living community provides a variety of dining options. For more information or to schedule a private appointment, call (773) 253-3600.

Make healthy desserts at Palos Health

or platelets.

Overall, the Red Cross has added nearly 200 hours to blood donation centers and community blood drives across the country over the next few weeks. Donation appointments and completion of a RapidPass online health history questionnaire are encouraged to help speed up the donation process, according to Gehrig.

“In about an hour, you can help save someone’s life. This simple act can have a profound impact on another human being,” said Gehrig.

Palos Health will offer a free class on creating healthy desserts, set for 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2 in the the Palos Hospital auditorium, 12251 S. 80th Ave., Palos Heights.

Palos registered dietician nutritionist Loretta Wojtan and Palos pastry chef Stephanie Connelly will teach participants how to prepare satisfying sweets without extra calories and fat that can damage the heart.

Admission is free, but advance registration is encouraged. For more information, call (708) 2262300.

Answers

Sudoku

Find a blood donation opportunity and schedule an appointment to donate by using the free Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling (800) 733-2767. The Red Cross is extending hours at many donation sites for more donors to give blood Puzzle on Page 7

SENIOR NOTES

Natural help for heartburn

Puzzle on Page 7

Funeral Directory Selected “Finest Funeral Service”

Palos-Gaidas FUNERAL HOME 11028 Southwest Hwy. Palos Hills

708-974-4410

www.palosgaidasfh.com

The Regional News

Thursday, January 12, 2017

New principal at Queen of Peace Queen of Peace High School has announced that Catherine Klod has been appointed principal.

She began her duties Jan. 4 at the school, 7659 S. Linder, Burbank. She replaces Hedi Belkaoui, who became principal at the school in July 2015 after the retirement of Principal Mary Kay Nickels.

Belkaoui left to accept a position as a regional director overseeing Catholic schools in the north and central sections of the Archdiocese.

The new Queen of Peace principal has been a faculty member at the school for 10 years, and most recently has served as the head of the English Department for the past four years.

Over the past decade, Klod “has been an integral part of the Peace community and has been engaged in student growth on both

Klod

a spiritual and academic level,” according to a statement from the school. She has been the coordinator of the VERITAS retreats, senior class moderator, director of the Peace Dance Company and coach of the competitive dance team, all while teaching honors

St. Xavier University was awarded a $20,000 grant that will help the university advocate for, adopt and implement a 100 percent smoke- and tobacco-free initiative on SXU’s Chicago and Orland Park campuses.

This is part of the American Cancer Society and the CVS Health Foundation’s Tobacco-Free Generation Campus Initiative (TFGCI). SXU will offer six-week cessation classes through the Respiratory Health Association’s Courage to Quit program to assist SXU students, faculty, administrators and staff as well as the community on their journey to quit smoking.

“We’re honored to receive this pioneering grant and join the nationwide effort to help create

the first tobacco-free generation while also increasing awareness of the harmful effects of tobacco and secondhand smoke,” said Dr. Laurie M. Joyner, president of St. Xavier University. “Protecting the health and wellness of our faculty, staff, students and visitors as well as creating a healthier and cleaner campus environment is a very high priority for us.”

The Respiratory Health Association’s Courage to Quit program includes trained facilitators from the SXU Health Center who will guide attendees through the program. This six-session weekly program was created to provide a supportive group environment for those who find it difficult to quit smoking.

For a $20 fee, participants

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Across

1 Drain problem and Advanced Placement English.

“Ms. Klod is the essence of 5 GI sought by MPs Queen of Peace. She is a com9 Jewish authority figure petent, confident and courageous 14 Fallon’s predecessor woman who cares deeply about 15 “Get a __!” the students, faculty and staff at 16 Estate measures Peace. She is a strategic thinker 17 Like single-malt scotch who brings a tremendous amount 18 Superfluous individual of enthusiasm to her new role,” 20 Food from heaven said Anne O’Malley, president of 22 Long-necked bird Queen of Peace.

23 Ivy League school Klod came to Queen of Peace 24 Compilation of wacky after spending seven years at outtakes Nazareth Academy. She holds a 28 Pioneer Carson bachelor’s degree in English from 29 PC key near Z Loras College and a master’s de30 Eastern path gree in Curriculum and Instruction 31 Police warnings from Loyola University.

33 Some deli breads Klod will be supported by 35 Part on the stage Laura Storino, a Queen of Peace alumna who has been a faculty 38 Stable female member at the shool for nine years 39 Summer blouse and is currently in her second 42 Steer clear of year as the Dean of Academics.

44 iPhone voice-activated

St. Xavier University to offer 100 percent tobacco-free campuses can attend classes that begin on Thursday, Feb. 2 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St., in the Warde Academic Building, Room E204.

Each participant that completes the program will receive their $20 fee back after the last session. To register for this program, contact (773) 298-3712.

SXU is one of the first 20 colleges and universities to receive a TFGCI grant. Through this $3.6 million three-year initiative that will include additional colleges and universities throughout the U.S., campuses will receive technical assistance and resources to support their efforts with education, communications, cessation and evaluation.

app 45 Hunk of bacon 49 Like many warm sweaters 51 Snaky fish 53 Miner’s discovery 54 Little terror 55 Olympian’s achievement 59 Have to have 61 Flight connection word 62 Capital of Senegal 63 Ride around ... or what the ends of 18-, 24-, 39- and 55-Across can do 67 Single 68 Occupied 69 Currency symbolized by Û 70 Coffee holders 71 Fax forerunner 72 Zipped 73 Editor’s “Leave it in”

Down 1 Seaside eatery 2 Within the law 3 Without variation, musically 4 “Please tell me that’s not true” 5 Sitcom E.T. 6 PlayStation 3 rival 7 Put on the market 8 “I’ll handle this” 9 Word before data or deal 10 In need of aspirin 11 Crashing wave 12 Direct route 13 Lands in the sea 19 Shades 21 Abbr. in many an urban address 25 __ of Sandwich 26 Tree anchors 27 Airport waiter 32 Performs hip-hop music 34 Synagogue

An “all you can eat” breakfast is set for 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21 at Independence Junior High School, 6610 W. Highland Drive, Palos Heights.

Tickets are $6 at the door.

Children age 3 and under may eat for free.

All proceeds will go to the Palos Heights School District 128 band program to assist in the purchase and repair of instruments, sheet music and other

educational activities, according to a representative the District 128 Band Boosters.

District 128 offers screening for young children Palos Heights School District 128 will provide screening for all children residing within district boundaries who are 3 to 5 years of age. The screening will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23 at Indian Hill School,

36 Polynesian wreath 37 Blundered 40 From square one 41 Concert ticket info 42 “__ to Watch Over Me” 43 Optimistic 46 “Watch it!”

47 Orchestrate 48 Recuperation advice 49 Proceed without preparation 50 Smoked salmon 52 Showed the way 56 Hemingway’s “The Sun Also __” 57 Really enjoy, as praise 58 Allays the fears of 60 Prescription amount 64 Bills coach Ryan 65 Wrath 66 Buddy of Wynken and Blynken (Answers on page 6)

SUDOKU

SCHOOL NOTES Band boosters host breakfast fundraiser

7

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.

12800 S. Austin Ave. Areas of development assessed include speech and language, gross motor skills, and visual/ auditory strengths. A vision and hearing screening will also be conducted.

Children will be screened by a diagnostic team of district personnel under the direction of District 128 Administration. Contact the Student Services office at (708) 597-1285 to make an appointment or to request additional information.

(Answers on page 6)

Music, art and French: A lesson in peace and hope As they taped the huge poster to the wall and “On écrit sur les murs” played over someone’s phone, the French 3 students from Shepard High School in Palos Heights sang along and smiled.

The lyrics, which they’d studied as a vocabulary exercise, came easily.

Performed by Kids United, started by UNICEF, the song features messages about peace and hope in the world. Students of teacher Kelly Karstrand prompted her so often about it that she brainstormed a way to create a lesson based on the song.

“The idea of the song is about writing your hopes and dreams for the world on walls in the form of graffiti. After studying vocabulary and the meaning behind the song, we made our own ‘wall of peace and hope messages,’” she said.

When they learned of the project at Shepard, Karstrand’s students at Richards High School campaigned to create their own wall. Karstrand, of course, agreed.

Students found meaning in the music, art, and language of the work. “’On écrit sur les murs’ was one of the most honest, raw, and genuine school projects I have ever done,” said Shepard sophomore Alayne Trinko. “My classmates and I were able to share what we want the world to become with our entire school.”

“This project is very dear to me. From the moment I found out about it I have been filled with excitement. It’s important to express positive perspectives on the future because we are the next generation,” said Shepard junior Denise Graham.

Adrian Olivares recalled a quote from Helen Keller as he worked on the wall.

“She once said ‘alone we can

Photo by Joe Boyle

WHATIZIT? The clue for this week’s Whatizit photo (above) is: Water view.

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

For many of us, we are probably back to a full schedule after the holiday season. We felt that last week’s quiz photo could stump some of our readers, many of whom may have been distracted by presents and party hats. No one guessed that it was the Evergreen Students enrolled in French 3 created a wall with messages of peace and hope at Shepard High School. They Park Village Pantry, 2700 W. 98th St. The Village Pantry Coalition was established by a coalition of developed the language and art project after learning the lyrics of the song “On écrit sur les murs,” which translates as “writing on the wall.” churches, representatives of village administration, community organizations and Evergreen Park residents to help Evergreen Park resido so little, together we can do so dents who are in need of temporary food assistance in an emergency much.’ That is what we need to situation caused by unemployment, illness, a fire or other situations. do, for all of us to spread love, Since opening in September, 1981, the Village Pantry has served respect, compassion, and so much over 5,500 families. According to local officials, the Village Pantry more,” said the Shepard junior. has distributed food valued in excess of $620,000.

Many students felt a need to express views of peace and hope in the current climate.

“These times we live in sometimes prove to be hard and we all have to remember to be united withoutdiscount discount service. without service. and to look toward the future in a positive way,” said Shepard junior It’s accident no accidentmore morepeople people trust It’s no trustState StateFarm.

Farm.

Andreina Romero.

ErikR RNelson, Nelson, Agent Agent Erik “We need to come together. The 10200S SRoberts Roberts Road Road 10200 song helps deliver this message Palos Hills, Palos Hills,ILIL60465-1539 60465-1539 Bus: Bus:708-430-7575 708-430-7575 and I believe we should find ways erik.nelson.hr35@statefarm.com erik.nelson.hr35@statefarm.com to express these ideals and united for a common cause of peace,’ said Shepard junior Andy Mutzbauer.

“It’s important to remember that we’re all human. We need all the P040036 StateFarm FarmMutual Mutual Automobile Insurance Company in NJ), Bloomington, IL P040036 02/04 02/04 State Automobile Insurance Company (Not in (Not NJ), Bloomington, IL love we can get,” added Shepard Students enrolled in French 3 hang artwork with messages of peace and hope at Shepard High School in Palos Heights. junior Jazmine Sinaloa.

D IDSI SCCOOUUNN TT RRAT ATEESS

COMMUNITY NEWS

8 Thursday, January 12, 2017

The Regional News

SWSRA opens a room ‘where fun happens’ COMMUNITY NOTES

By Sharon L. Filkins

Imagine a room filled with soft, soothing music, a sweet aroma, a sandbox and squishy toys to help relieve your stress and a beanbag chair to snuggle in and just relax.

No pressure.

No demands.

Just you and the relaxing environment.

This room became a reality Thursday with the opening of the Sensory Depot at the South West Special Recreation Association (SWSRA) located at the Helen Goy Center, 10707 S. Oak Park Avenue in the Worth.

“This is really exciting,” said Worth Mayor Mary Werner. “I saw this under construction and I didn’t know what to expect. It is truly impressive!”

The Sensory Depot is a multi-sensory room “where fun happens,” said Susan Vinyard, superintendent of recreation at SWSRA. “It is a specifically designed environment for people with special needs and various ability levels where they can experience a variety of senses which can also assist in developing specific skills.” she added.

The Sensory Depot contains equipment to activate every sense; smell, touch, sound, sight and taste.

“The sensory sessions are participant led to accommodate individual needs with SWSRA sensory staff supervision at all times,’’ said Vinyard.

Vinyard explained there are many benefits of the Sensory Room.

“It calms, de-stresses, reduces anxiety and pain and helps develop self-regulating skills.,’’ she said. “It teaches cause-and-effect, color recognition, and eye-hand coordination. Using the equipment increases concentration, improves alertness and improves mobilization, creativity, social relations and communications.”

Currently, equipment in the room includes a five-foot long piano keyboard on the floor that participants can walk on to create musical sounds. By stepping on certain buttons, the sounds of various instruments can be heard.

A skill-building wall includes workable zippers, snaps, button-holes and shoelaces for participants to work with to their hearts’ content.

There are also fidget toys including musical balls, soft-spaghetti-like threads that can be mashed, pulled, bunched-up, etc., and crunchy mats to step on.

“All participants leave their shoes at the door, so they can experience the touch and feel of all the equipment,” said Vinyard.

The Sensory Depot will be open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Each sensory session is 30

Four upcoming events for adults and teens will be held at the Palos Park Public Library, 12330 S. Forest Glen Boulevard. Admission is free to all.

• Literary Speed Dating is set for 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17. Having trouble finding a good book?

Let the Palos Park Library staff members help you. Like speed dating, they will have five tables but with staff member represent-

Lake Katherine to host Winterfest

The Southwest Community Concert Band will present “Moonlight & Music,” an afternoon of the music of George Gershwin, Rodgers and Hart and others, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12 at the Cultural Center, 14760 S. Park Lane, Orland Park.

Admission is free, although donations are welcome. The event is hosted by the Village of Orland Park’s Arts Commission. For more information, phone (708) 403-7275.

The annual Winterfest is coming to the Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens, 7402 W. Lake Katherine Drive, Palos Heights, from noon to 4 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 4.

The seasonal celebration includes hayrides, animals, children’s crafts, face-painting, snowshoeing and more.

Admission is $5 per person, with no fee for children two and under.

For more information, call (708) 361-1873.

Lake Katherine sets event slate

Photos by Jeff Vorva

TJ Whitcomb, the president of SWSRA, gets ready to do some big-time ribbon cutting with a pair of oversized scissors on Thursday.

minutes long. Occupancy of the room allows up to four children per session. For adults, it is no more than three per session. Tickets are $20 for five visits or $36 for 10 visits. Without a ticket, the daily fee is $5 per visit. Further information on the hours of operation is available at 708-389-9423 or the website: www.swsra.com Lori Chesna, SWSRA executive director at The Helen Goy Center recognized the Worth Park District for its efforts in constructing the Sensory Depot. “Without their assistance I don’t know how we could have accomplished the addition of this room to the center,’’ she said.

She also thanked Steve Werner, president of the Park District Board and Brad Urban, a board member.

“They were here nearly every day, putting up wallboard, doing electrical work and painting.

Without them, the labor costs would have eaten up our budget for the Sensory Depot,’’ Chesna said. “We are very grateful for all they did.”

On prominent display at the event was a poster outlining a wish list for the Sensory Depot, reflecting a goal of $30,000 to be raised for equipment. Topping the list was a $15,000 Gesture Tek Hannah Brancato, 9, of Worth has fun with the fiber optics wires during Cube, an interactive projection on Thursday’s grand opening of the SWRSA Sensory Depot. the floor, which simulates various GoFundMe.com/2c5wm44. with disabilities or special needs. actions such as walking through SWSRA is a special recreation SWSRA programs are designed fall leaves, offering the participant agency comprised of the Alsip to increase independence and enthe sensory experience of hearing hance the quality of life for each the crunch of the leaves. Other Park District, Blue Island Park individual.

District, Village of Merrionette items on the list included rotating rainfall panels and a learning Park, Midlothian Park District, chair (which vibrates to the beat Palos Heights Recreation Department, Posen Park District, and of music).

For anyone wishing to donate Worth Park District. SWSRA towards the $30,000 goal, checks was formed in 1981 to provide are payable to SWSRA, 12521 year-round quality recreation proS. Kostner, Alsip, IL 60803 or, grams and services for individuals

Four events are highlighted on the calendar this month at Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens, 7402 W. Lake Katherine Drive, Palos Heights.

• Little Explorers - Fur, Feathers and Winter Coats is an hourlong activity set for 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 19. Participants will compare the wonders of fur and feathers to an old winter coat to see how animals keep themselves warm in the winter. Preregistration and payment of $6 per child is required. Space is limited. The program will be repeated at 9:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 20 and 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21.

• Junior Explorers - Winter Warmth with Fur and Feathers is an hourlong session set for 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, suitable for children in kindergarten through second grade. We will compare the wonders of fur and feathers to see how animals keep themselves warm in the winter.

• Homeschool Day - Mammals is scheduled for 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 19. Suitable for children in kindergarten through fifth grade, the event will cover all the unique characteristics of mammals through touch. Children will handle mammal skulls and pelts, comparing and contrasting their differences and similarities.

Our outdoor walk will include looking for signs of mammals in our wooded area. Registration is required by Thursday. Cost is $6 per child.

• Eco Explorers: Snowshoeing is set for 4 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25 and is suitable for children in grades 3-5.

Cost is $6 per child. Take a hike outdoors with our snowshoes (snow or no snow). Afterwards, enjoy hot cocoa with marshmallows indoors.

To register or obtain more information, call (708) 361-1873.

Online voting now open in nature photo contest Online voting is now open in the inaugural Preserve the Moment photo contest sponsored by the Forest Preserve District of Will County.

Some 160 photographers submitted more than 700 photos to the competition, capturing images of birds, bugs, clouds, coyotes, fungus, flowers, frogs, snow, streams, sunrises, sunsets, toads, trails, trees, turtles and more.

The contest ran from June 1 through Dec. 31 and seven monthly finalists were chosen by Forest Preserve judges.

Members of the public get to choose the overall winners. Online voting is underway on the district’s Facebook page--facebook. com/WillCoForests. Every “like,” “share,” and “comment” on each photo will be counted. Voting ends Friday, Jan. 20.

The first-place winner will receive a wireless HP color printer. The second-place winner will receive a messenger-style bag with a padded laptop sleeve. The third-place winner will receive a fleece blanket. All who entered the contest qualified for a participation gift.

The seven finalists and their photo subjects are: Lauren Dundek of New Lenox, frog; Alan Keahey of Naperville, heron; Ryan Buzzelli of Lockport, snake; Lani Nishimura of Plainfield, hawk; Kevin Keyes of Westmont, toad; John Sullivan of Crest Hill, raccoons; and Chuck Medrano of Mokena, snow-covered bridge.

Photos were taken at 36 of the District’s preserves.

To see all of the photo entries submitted from June 1 through Dec. 31, visit the Forest Preserve District’s Flickr page at flickr. com/photos/willcoforests.

it’s time for a CooL change.

Take a break. Make a switch.

CD SPECIAL

LIBRARY NOTES Palos Park Library sets four events

Gershwin and more set for Orland Park

ing a different author. The goal is to hopefully fall in love with an author and possibly pick a book out for a good read.

• Meditation with Jessica is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 20. A Public Services librarian will help guests learn different breathing and meditation techniques designed to result in feeling better for the new year.

• Teen Graphic Novel Chat will start at noon Saturday, Jan. 21.

Librarian Rene Leyva will discuss and assist on what’s new in the

graphic novel world.

• A Nostalgic Journey Through Pop Culture will begin at 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 24. Join Local History Manager Kevin Korst on a journey through the last four decades of American pop culture.

Go behind the scenes of “Star Wars,” “Ghostbusters” and other films, reminisce about your favorite episode of “Saved by the Bell” and discover whether Nintendo or Sega won the ‘90s console war.

For more information, call (708) 448-1530.

1.12% a n n u a l p e r c e n ta g e y i e l d

13 Month Term $5,000 Minimum Deposit.

Renewable to a 12 month CD at maturity.

Interest paid semi-annually and at maturity.

Some restrictions may apply.

Limited time only.

Substantial penalty for early withdrawal.

Fees could reduce earnings. Consumer only.

2 CHICAGOLAND LOCATIONS FOR YOUR BANKING CONVENIENCE Oak Forest 5459 W. 159th St. 708-535-8905

Palos Heights 12727 S. Ridgeland Ave 708-293-0121

rate effective 1-10 -2017

www.cnbil.com | Like Us on Facebook

Serving Oak Lawn & SOuthweSt Side FOr Over 60 YearS!

CORNER CABINET OR SINK BASE

SAVE 60%

PLUS AN ADDITIONAL

UP TO

Serving Oak Lawn & SOuthweSt Side FOr Over 60 YearS!

Sale Ends January 27, 2017

WE CAN GIVE YOU:

BETTER Products & BETTER SERVICE AND Beat The Big Box Prices!

You Can’t Afford Not To Shop & Compare

www.bisonoutlet.com

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

STANDARD

Plywood Construction Dovetail Drawer Full Extension Glides Glaze & Painted Finish

Maple • Cherry Oak • Hickory White Thermolfoil

Cabinets, Windows, Doors and More Hours: Mon., Tues. & Thurs. 9-6; Wed. 9-7; Fri. & Sat. 9-5; Closed Sun.

Serving Oak Lawn & SOuthweSt Side FOr Over 60 YearS!

Serving Oak Lawn & SOuthweSt Side FOr Over 60 YearS!

Purchase 12 Cabinets or More Receive a

SPORTS The Regional News • The Reporter

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

Thursday, 12,2015 2017 Thursday,January March 5,

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

MARIST 56, MOTHER MCAULEY 39

RedHawks steal the show

were bounced in the first round

by Proviso East, 63-58.

Marist had to make that noise in the consolation round and started its current streak by winning three games en route to the consolation title and then opened the 2017 portion of the schedule with a 65-42 triumph over New Trier in the Fremd Shootout before Monday night’s game with the Mighty Macs.

“After that Proviso game, we had a meeting,” Ruzivich said.

“We said, ‘This is it — no more losses.’ We came out and won the next game and we’ve been winning ever since.”

The schedule doesn’t get much easier for Marist as it faces Stevenson at the Subway Shootout at Willowbrook High School on Saturday, and looming on Jan. 20 is a road game at Benet Academy, which has won backto-back Class 4A state titles the past two seasons.

Meanwhile, McAuley (12-6) is in an interesting phase of its development. The team is filled with underclassmen with a high ceiling for the next couple of years. There are just three seniors to go with six juniors and four sophomores on this year’s squad, and some of the younger players went through the wars of a 17-14 season in 2015-16.

Last season, the team went to Marist and took a 64-41 beating at the hands of the RedHawks in a game that wasn’t even that close. Marist had a 31-point advantage at one point before both squads emptied their benches and McAuley was able to eat into that deficit a little bit.

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Malik Parker of Chicago Christian (shown passing in a game earlier this season) has learned a few things about basketball from his cousin, Jabari Parker of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Malik Parker 27 Jabari Parker 27 Cousins have a big day/night at the United Center

By Frank Gogola Correspondent

Photo courtesy of Michael Parker

In 2013, Simeon senior Jabari Parker, left, posed with cousin Malik Parker at Malik’s eighth-grade graduation. On New Year’s Eve, Malik scored 27 points for Chicago Christian against Timothy Christian at the United Center in the day and Jabari scored 27 for the Milwaukee Bucks against the Bulls at night.

New Year’s Eve may as well have been called Parker Family Basketball Day on Chicago’s West Side.

Chicago Christian senior Malik Parker and his cousin, Milwaukee Bucks power forward Jabari Parker, scored 27 points apiece to lead their respective teams to victories on Dec. 31 at the United Center.

It was the first time Malik saw Jabari play live in an NBA game, although he’s had his share of seeing Jabari — who is four years older — play up close and personal when he was younger.

Playing on a big stage like the United Center, the home of the Chicago Bulls, has become the norm for 21-year-old Jabari. Malik got a taste of that atmosphere for just the second time when the Knights beat Timothy Christian, 68-42, in a Metro Suburban East game.

He vaguely remembered playing on lowered rims at the United Center when he was 7 and on a junior NBA team.

“It definitely had more meaning now because I’m older,” Malik said. “This

Brittany Collins had 18 points and a career-high 17 rebounds against the No. 1 team in the nation but St. Xavier fell to the University of St. Francis, 8070, Saturday.

Photo courtesy of St. Xavier Universitiy

Your Bank Dropping Its Standards?

was a conference game. I know it meant a lot to our teammates and coaches to come out and get a win. It was much more memorable now than then.”

The biggest difference from a regular high school game for the 6-foot hybrid guard was the larger court size, which allowed Chicago Christian to push the ball in transition.

Malik scored 27 points on 11-of-16 shooting. Jabari scored 27 of his own points on 10-of-15 shooting as the Bucks beat the Bulls, 116-96, that night.

It was the first time Malik got to see Jabari, a 6-foot-8 power forward, play live since the latter’s playing days at Simeon High School, where he won four state titles. Malik never saw Jabari play in person while the latter was at Duke, and he’d been too busy with his own games to catch one of Jabari’s pro games in person.

“It was really cool,” Malik said of seeing a family member play in an NBA game. “He’s more like a family-type guy. He really doesn’t like people treating him like he’s famous or anything. It See PARKERS, Page 4

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Marist’s Ally Corcoran (left) collides with Mother McAuley’s Hannah Swiatek during Monday night’s neighborhood battle.

Hallberg: ‘We panicked a bit’

By Phil Arvia Correspondent

Sure, St. Francis walked into the Shannon Center on Saturday as the top-ranked NAIA Division II women’s basketball team in the country, but Fighting Saints coach Samantha Quigley knows the Shannon Center isn’t your typical gym.

And its residents, St. Xavier’s Cougars, do not comprise your typical team. Most days, anyway.

This time, however, the Cougars, despite an unbeaten record to match USF’s and a No. 3 ranking, melted like everybody else has this season against the Saints, falling 80-70 in a Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference crossover matchup.

“We talk a lot about their tradition, how they’ve ruled the CCAC,” Quigley said. “Being

No. 1, you’ve got a target on your back. Still, to come into a place like this, the Cougar den, you know you’re going to take their best shot.

“I told the girls before the game, ‘I think it’s going to be whoever shoots better.’”

In a blistering first quarter, that was St. Francis (16-0, 9-0). And as far as SXU coach Bob Hallberg was concerned, that was all she wrote.

While the Saints shot 10-of-16 (63 percent) from the floor in taking a 28-17 lead through 10 minutes, St. Xavier (16-1, 8-1) went 7-of-15 (47 percent). Then the Cougars followed that up with a 2-for-14 second quarter and went to the locker room trailing 49-26.

“When you lose, everyone wants to take the stat sheet and analyze it 10 different ways,” Hallberg said. “This is the first time all year long I saw we panicked a bit.

“When you coach a team, you know how that

Join OUr CNB Family Today!

No. 1 USF has huge first half to down No. 3 SXU

team is supposed to look. For the first five, six, seven minutes of the game, I didn’t recognize my players. For the first time all year I saw a little fear in my players — that comes from winning every game by 20 points.”

Indeed, until St. Francis, the Cougars hadn’t so much as trailed at the end of any quarter this season. They’d won their first 16 games by an average of 31 points, including three wins over ranked opponents by at least 18 points each.

But the same Cougars who made 41 percent of their 3-pointers over their first 16 games went just 2-for-13 from beyond the arc over the first three quarters Saturday. Meanwhile, the Saints’ Kamari Jordan hit her first four 3-pointers, all in the first quarter, en route to matching teammate Charnelle Reed’s game-high 20 points.

See SXU, Page 4

Convenient Locations OAK FOREST

5 Reasons to Switch Your Banking to CNB Bank & Trust

eVantage - a personal checking account that pays interest!

Online banking 24 /7 - We’ve got you covered!

FREE mobile deposit app - bank from anywhere!

Convenient Bill Pay Superior Rating in Customer Satisfaction Surveys

The way Marist’s Julia Ruzevich sees it, the rivalry game against Mother McAuley has the entire South Side buzzing.

“This is the date I always look forward to,” she said. “There is always a full house and everyone from the South Side comes down to watch this game. It’s an exciting atmosphere.’’

The Quincy-bound senior scored 20 points in her final regular-season game against the Mighty Macs in Marist’s 56-39 victory Monday night. An estimated crowd of 1,200 attended the non-conference neighborhood battle at McAuley.

The RedHawks (17-3 with a five-game winning streak) outscored the Macs 29-16 in the second and third quarters to keep a comfortable lead in the fourth. Claire Austin added 12 points for the winners. Junior Tara O’Malley had 12 for McAuley.

Marist opened the season with 12 straight victories before suffering a couple of setbacks down south at the inaugural Queen of the Commonwealth Tournament at Bullitt East High School in Washington, Ky. After suffering a 58-57 setback to Male High School (the fifth-ranked team in the state) on a buzzer-beater on Dec. 21, the RedHawks lost another close shave to Campbell County the next day, 63-59.

They came back home hoping to make some noise in the powerful Montini Tournament but

5459 W. 159th St. 708.535.8905

As a community bank, we hire locally, support local causes and pride ourselves on the customer service we provide.

PALOS HEIGHTS

12727 S. Ridgeland Ave 708.293.0121

www.cnbil.com

2

Section 2 January 12, 2017

The Regional News - The Reporter

FOCUS ON THE CHICAGO FIRE

FOCUS ON COMMUNITY SPORTS

Fire acquires goalie, re-signs forward Solignac

More than 600 are on board for half marathon

By Jeff Vorva

The early returns for entries in the 10th Southwest Half Marathon are about down the middle from the highs and lows of the past two races.

Race officials announced Friday that 628 people entered the May 7, Palos Heights event already — 478 for the half marathon and 150 for the 10K race.

That’s a huge uptick from last year at this time, when the race drew 375 early runners due to the uncertainty of a sponsor. Palos Health and CNB Bank stepped up and took over last year’s race and this year’s race, so organizers were able to get the word out early.

But the numbers are still down from early January 2015, when 922 athletes signed up.

Over the years, the event has drawn as low as 900 runners to as many as 2,100.

In 2016, 934 runners finished the two races.

Sports Editor

The wheeling and dealing continues for the Chicago Fire as it shapes up its roster for 2017.

General Manager Nelson Rodriguez made two major transactions in three days. He locked down forward Luis Solignac to a two-year deal with a club option for a third year on Thursday and signed goalie Jorge Rodrigo Bava as a Discovery Player on Saturday.

The Uruguayan goalkeeper signed a one-year deal with club options for 2018 and 2019. Bava will be added to the Fire’s roster pending receipt of his ITC and P1 Visa.

The Fire was in the market for a goalie after veteran Sean Johnson was traded to expansion club Atlanta and then shipped to the New York City Soccer Club in December.

“Bava is technically clean, comfortable off his line and a good organizer of the defense,” Rodríguez said. “His skill set is complementary to that of (Fire goalie) Matt Lampson and we expect him to compete for playing time.”

Bava joins the Fire after appearing in 21 matches for Colombian Primera A side Atlético Bucaramanga in 2016.

The 35-year-old appeared in one match for the Uruguayan Under-23 side during the 2004 Olympic Qualifying campaign.

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

Solignac inked a two-year deal with a club option for a third year.

“Retaining Luis’ services as he enters his prime years as a footballer is an important addition for the club as we continue to build our roster for the 2017 season,” Rodríguez said. “His pace, combination play, and overall work rate are a very good fit for us. We expect Luis to continue to grow as a player and become an important contributor.”

Solignac, 25, scored two goals in 13 games for the Fire after arriving from Colorado on Aug. 3 in a trade for General Allocation Money. He had five goals and four assists in all matches last season between his time with the Fire and Rapids.

In 2015 Solignac returned home and scored two goals in 10 appearances for Nueva Chicago before making his move to MLS.

Youth is served Organizers for the half marathon are introducing a youth race event to be run at 10:30 a.m. on May 7.

It will be a non-competitive race of short distances for kids ages 2-4, 5-7 and 8-10.

“The coolest part of it is that it will be free,” race co-director Jeff Prestinario said. “It’s just to get the kids and the people out there. We hope to bring more of the community out. It will make this more of a family event.’’

Medals will be given out to the participants.

Kickoff Luncheon set The Chicago Fire Foundation will hold its 19th Annual Season Kickoff Luncheon, presented by Magellan Corporation, at 11 a.m.

Feb. 27 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E. Wacker Drive.

The luncheon offers Fire supporters an opportunity to meet the 2017 roster prior to the season opener against Columbus Crew SC on March 4 at MAPFRE Stadium. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Chicago Fire Foundation.

Luis Solignac inked a two-year deal with the Chicago Fire.

The event will feature a reception, lunch and an extensive silent auction, also available online, that will allow attendees and fans at home to bid on autographed Fire gear, additional sports memorabilia, gift certificates and much more.

In 2016, the Season Kickoff Luncheon raised more than $100,000

Photo by Jeff Vorva

benefiting the Chicago Fire Foundation’s soccer and education programs for underprivileged Chicagoland youth.

Tickets are available by calling 708-496-6657. Individual tickets are $90, with full tables beginning at $850. Prices will increase on Feb. 13.

Perfect pitch: Toyota Park named best soccer field in U.S. Correspondent

Sports Editor

Supplied photo

Toyota Park was named the best soccer field in the country by the Sports Turf Managers Association.

en, and we have high school teams that play here. Rugby, too,” White said.

Football, he said, is more damaging to a natural grass field, but soccer can do its share of wear and tear.

“It depends on the weather. There can be big divots, cuts, ruts, holes. We have to get it smoothed out. We do that by hand a lot, filling up holes and getting set for another game. We want the field to be as smooth as possible,” he said.

Weather “is always an issue,” White said.

“I remember in April we had an inch of snow fall during the game. You turn the heat on to keep it melting. That does help melt the ice and snow, but we were out there shoveling,” White said.

Yes, a little-known secret of Toyota Park is the heating elements beneath the field to help prevent it from freezing over.

Managing a large natural grass field involves “a lot of tedious work,” White said.

He said he tries to be “pretty gentle” with the grass. But said there are challenges like growing grass in shaded areas.

“There’s not full sun all the time out there,

and grass likes to have sun,” he said of areas shaded by the stadium’s stands and roof.

Nonetheless, White doesn’t mind the long hours and working pretty much every day.

“It’s fun. It’s a blast. I spent 35 years working on a golf course and I wanted a change,” said White, who resides in Elmwood Park.

The honor is still sinking in.

“It really is a nice reward for all the hard work he and I do. It’s nice to be recognized for it at the end of the year. Realistically, there are only 20 of us at this level in the whole country,” White said.

According to a news release from the Sports Turf Managers Association, a panel of 11 judges independently scored entries based on playability, appearance of surfaces, utilization and innovative solutions, and effective use of budget and implementation of a comprehensive agronomic program.

The winning fields will be featured in a 2017 issue of Sports Turf Magazine. The awards will be presented at the 28th annual STMA Conference & Exhibition planned for Jan. 24-27 in Orlando.

Boys bowling leads off winter postseason lineup Sports Editor

The first winter sports postseason events begin Saturday as the Illinois High School Association hosts 16 regionals across that state.

A majority of the local bowlers will be throwing strikes and spares at the Brooks Regional at Skyway Bowl in Chicago. Brother Rice, Marist, Evergreen Park, Oak Lawn, Richards, Chicago Christian, Shepard and Stagg will try to qualify for the Plainfield North Sectional on Jan. 21.

Sandburg, which finished sixth in the state last year, is at the Bremen Regional at Centennial Lanes in Tinley Park, while St. Laurence is at the Mt. Carmel Regional at Castaways Bowl in Calumet City.

The state tournament is Jan. 27-28 at St. Clair Bowl in O’Fallon.

Sandburg was the lone area team to qualify last year and rolled a 12,915 in four rounds, 446 pins behind champion Stevenson.

Individually, Evergreen Park’s Shawn Quinn

FOCUS ON AREA COLLEGES

By Jeff Vorva

FOCUS ON HIGH SCHOOL BOWLING

By Jeff Vorva

Hills Baseball/Softball (which serves Hickory Hills, Palos Hills and surrounding suburbs) will be holding its 2017 season registration from 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 19 at the Palos Hills Community Center, 8455 W 103rd St. and 5 to 8 p.m. Feb. 23 at the Hickory Hills Community Center, 7800 W 89th Pl. For more information, visit www.thehillsbaseball. org or call 708-802-2483 or George Czarnik at 708 599-6983.

— We welcome community sports news at sports@regionalpublishing.com.

Mighty Quinn leads St. Xavier to upset of 19th-ranked USF

By Steve Metsch If you’ve ever visited Toyota Park and marveled at the emerald green field of grass, you’re not alone.

That grass that looks so impressive has now won major recognition.

The Sports Turf Managers Association, a professional organization for the 2,600 men and women who manage sports fields worldwide, also has taken notice.

The organization, based in Lawrence, Kansas, recently announced its 2016 Field of the Year Award winners. And Toyota Park, home of the Chicago Fire and Chicago Red Stars, has been named the finest professional soccer field in the nation.

Bridgeview Mayor Steve Landek said he is thrilled that the park in his commmunity won the award, noting the many compliments he’s heard from visitors about the quality of the playing field.

“That means our grass is the greenest, softer, stronger, more beautiful and more perfect than any soccer stadium in the country.

Bridgeview should be proud of this recognition and how teams throughout the world recognize the wonderful place, Bridgeview and Toyota Park,” Landek said.

The mayor added that “soccer teams from throughout the world have played in Bridgeview and brought millions of dollars in revenue and guests to Bridgeview.”

Debra Augle, Toyota Park’s general manager, said just being considered for Field of the Year “is a great honor and privilege.”

It’s no wonder Toyota Park turf manager Joel White feels a tad overwhelmed.

“It’s kind of a shock. There are a lot of good fields out there. It’s important, especially when just two of us are doing the work,” said White, who is assisted by Brian Fickett. They both work for the village of Bridgeview, which owns Toyota Park, 71st Street and Harlem Avenue.

White, who had worked at Oak Park Country Club for 35 years before taking over at Toyota Park, said “soccer is pretty destructive on a field.”

“You have to put it back together again for another game. We have the Fire, the Red Stars, concerts, one year we had all the Northwestern University soccer games there, men and wom-

Hills baseball and softball signups

finished 15th with a 2,724, firing a 723 and 700 in the final two rounds. Tommy Hayes of Sandburg finished 30th. Cameron Crowe, a freshman last year who won the SouthWest Suburban Conference Blue title, plus regional and sectional titles, finished 39th and Stagg’s Sean Murray took 40th. All four are back.

League leaders The Sandburg and Richards boys bowling teams needed every pin they could get as both teams narrowly won conference championships on Saturday.

The Eagles won the SouthWest Suburban Blue event for the first time in school history at Laraway Lanes in New Lenox with a 6,212, just nine pins ahead of Lincoln-Way Central. Richards won the South Suburban Conference Red title at Palos Lanes in Palos Heights with a 6,093 — seven pins ahead of Reavis.

Crowe led the Eagles with a fourth-place finish, shooting 1,317 in six games. Sandburg’s

Brandon Goerin and A.J. Svatos finished eighths and ninth, respectively, and Stagg’s Sean Murray placed 10th.

In the SSC, Shepard’s Jordan Noftz won the individual title with a 1,364 and was red-hot after opening the session with a 154 game.

Oak Lawn’s Mike Rollberg took second, Richards’ Matt LaBonte took third, Shepard’s Trevor Lorek fourth, Evergreen Park’s Quinn fifth, Richards’ Matt Lagioia eighth and Richards’ Max Simik ninth.

Brother Rice won the Chicago Catholic League title at Poplar Creek Bowl in Hoffman Estates, beating St. Laurence in two out of three in Baker format matches, with the Crusaders winning the deciding game, 178-163.

Vince Carlson, Cade Ruggierio, Mike Stanton, Anthony Butler and Jake Davies were on the winning Crusader team.

St. Laurence was led by all-conference selections Ryan Sanfratello and Tyler Balandes.

Vikings coach Joe Faber won the CCL’s Tony Lawless Coach of the Year Award.

The St. Xavier University women’s basketball team was not able to pull off an upset over the No. 1 University of St. Francis on Saturday at the Shannon Center but the men did their part in knocking off a ranked team.

Brother Rice graduate Quinn Niego scored 29 points, dished out a career-high eight assists and drained seven 3-pointers in an 80-68 win over St. Francis, which was ranked 19th in the nation in NAIA Division II play, in a Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference game.

The Cougars (9-9 overall/6-4 CCAC) held a slim 36-35 lead at the break but opened the second half with a Photo by Jeff Vorva 21-8 run to build Quinn Niego helped St. Xavier Unia 57-43 lead with versity to an upset win over the 12:32 to play in 19th-ranked University of St. Francis the game. Senior on Saturday with 28 points, eight asguard Kyle Hup- sists and seven 3-pointers. pe (Edgerton, Kan./Gardner Edgerton) added 19 points.

Junior guard Jared Jones (Waukee, Iowa/Trinity Christian/Des Moines Christian) added nine points for the Cougars and surpassed 1,000 points for his collegiate career at both Trinity Christian and SXU. The Saints were led by senior guard Jo Jo Ballestero with 14 points.

Trinity Christian College Men’s basketball: The Trolls came up short in their upset bid with a 92-91 overtime loss to Trinity International University, a team that received votes in the NAIA national poll.

Jordan Perry earned a double-double of 24 points and 13 rebounds. Jouzas Balciunas added 22 and Myles Birgan 18.

Women’s basketball: TCC dropped a 61-54 decision to Trinity International University to fall under the .500 mark at 8-9 overall.

Kelsie Foster led the Trolls with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Bethany Jansma had 11 points and four rebounds and Lauren Stokes had 10 points and eight rebounds.

Moraine Valley Community College Women’s basketball: The Cyclones improved to 13-1 with a tight 68-65 victory over St. Louis Community College on Thursday as Michelle Borgen had 25 points and nine rebounds. Erin Drynan hauled down 13 rebounds.

Men’s basketball: For the second time in four games, the Cyclones beat a team that it lost to earlier in the season when it topped Danville, 82-76 on Thursday.

Jason Roland had 20 points for the 9-8 Cyclones.

The Regional News - The Reporter

Thursday, January 12, 2017 Section 2

3

AREA HOOPS AT A GLANCE BOYS Brother Rice Chicago Christian Evergreen Park Marist Oak Lawn Richards St. Laurence Sandburg Shepard Stagg

Mike Shepski and Brother Rice will host Marist Tuesday night in a highly anticipated neighborhood battle between two of the area’s best teams this season. Shepski scored 35 points against the Agriculture Science School on Friday.

W-L

STREAK

13-3 10-6 10-6 17-0 5-10 6-7 5-10 8-5 5-8 10-5

W2 W5 L2 W17 W1 L1 W2 L3 L3 L1

NEXT

at Mt. Carmel, Fri.; hosts Marist, Tues. hosts Illiana, Fri. hosts Hillcrest, Fri.; at TFN Shootout, Sat.-Sun. hosts Marian, Fri.; at Brother Rice, Tues. hosts Bremen, Thurs.; hosts CICS-Longwood, Sat. hosts Lemont, Fri. hosts Bishop McNamara, Fri.; hosts Reavis, Tues. at Lockport, Fri,; at Tinley Park, Tues. hosts TF South, Fri.; at Peotone, Tues. at LW East, Thurs.; at Andrew, Tues.

* Records through Sunday, Jan. 8; compiled by Jeff Vorva

GIRLS Chicago Christian Evergreen Park Marist Mother McAuley Oak Lawn Queen of Peace Richards Sandburg Shepard Stagg

Photo by Jeff Vorva

W-L

STREAK

13-5 13-5 16-3 12-5 11-10 18-1 10-5 9-11 6-12 9-8

W2 L1 W4 W2 L1 W3 W1 L1 L3 L1

NEXT

hosts Shepard, Sat.; at Timothy Christian, Tues. at Hillcrest, Fri.; at Oak Lawn, Tues.; hosts Universal, Wed. Stevenson at Willowbrook Shootout, Sat.; at Marian Catholic, Wed. hosts St. Ignatius, Thurs.; Wheaton North at Willowbrook Shootout, Sat. at Bremen,Thurs.; hosts Evergreen Park, Tues. at Providence, Thurs.; hosts De La Salle, Tues. at Lemont, Fri.; hosts Eisenhower, Tues. at Homewood-Flossmoor, Thurs.; hosts Bolingbrook, Tues. at T.F. South, Thurs.; at Chicago Christian, Sat.; hosts Argo, Tues. hosts Lockport, Fri.; at Homewood-Flossmoor, Tues.

* Records through Sunday, Jan. 8; compiled by Randy Whalen

FOCUS ON HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL

I’ll sidestep predicting if NU two-steps in March T

Photo by Jeff Vorva

St. Laurence’s Justin Wierzgac (left, on floor) and his teammates have gotten up from a 1-9 start and are pulling off stunners, including a win over St. Rita on Friday night.

Vikings pull off another stunner after a 1-9 start

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

The malaise for Maley and his troops could be over.

The St. Laurence boys basketball team opened the season 1-9, and coach Jim Maley missed a portion of it with illness.

A 3-1 showing and top-eight finish in the 32-team Jack Tosh Tournament at York High School to close out the 2016 portion of the tournament was a nice boost for the team.

But the best was yet to come.

The Vikings came up with a wild 58-55 home victory over perennial power St. Rita on Friday night in a Chicago Catholic League South battle.

Justin Wierzgac hit two free throws with six seconds left and the Mustangs (6-6 overall in a schedule that features some national competition) were not able to drain a final 3-point attempt.

Christian Ferrer also hit a pair of free throws in the final minute.

The Vikings (5-10 overall heading into this week) hope to keep the winning going as they host Bishop McNamara (10-4)

Friday and crosstown rival Reavis (6-9) on Tuesday.

Another Queen of Peace milestone Queen of Peace senior Kara Shimko continues to put up impressive scoring numbers. She enters this week with 1,307 career points, which is a school record.

Shelby Elstner, who graduated in 1994, held the previous mark of 1,218.

Elstner was on hand Saturday for the Pride’s game with Shepard in Burbank, and she and posed with the new scoring leader. Shimko was scheduled to be honored for the milestone on Tuesday when the Pride hosted Resurrection.

Big on the boards

Josh Decker, a 6-foot-6 senior, hauled down 20 rebounds in a 66-56 victory over Ridgewood on Jan. 3. It was the second-best rebounding performance in Chicago Christian history. Bradford Fitzpatrick had 23 against Luther North in 2014.

hey have teased us before, so I am not making any bold predictions.

But two years in a row we have seen something we thought we would never see in sports.

In 2015, Phillips became the first Chicago Public League football team to win an Illinois High School Association state championship.

In 2016…well…you know. But in case you were in a coma all year, the Cubs won the World Series for the first time in 108 years.

Northwestern, you are up in 2017.

The Wildcats men’s basketball team has never qualified for the NCAA Tournament.

Never.

Northwestern, the Citadel, Army, St. Francis Brooklyn and William and Mary are the only five longtime teams that have come up dry the third month each year. There are some newer teams — such as Chicago State — that also have been miserable in March but haven’t sustained the longevity of being on the outside looking in as the Wildcats have.

After NU opened the season with an 11-2 nonconference record, it was easy to be impressed with the Wildcats. But they have had gaudy nonconference records in the past and haven’t shown much in the Big Ten season.

Entering this week, they have conference wins over Penn State and Nebraska but losses to Michigan State and Minnesota.

The way the conference is shaping up, there are so many winnable games that I am almost ready to declare this as the year the Wildcats break the 0-for-forever streak.

But I’ll wait and see.

They’ve teased us before.

The next wave on the North Side The Cubs have so many young players poised

JEFF VORVA Making the Extra Point to be on the major league roster for a long time that it seems like it will be difficult for the next wave of top prospects to break the club.

But baseball is one of those sports that is not exactly predictable, and you never know when or why a spot will open up on the 25-man roster.

Moving up to the No. 1 spot on the Cubs’ prospect list according to Baseball America is outfielder Eloy Jimenez, a Dominican star who probably won’t be up soon because he is 21 and the Cubs don’t need any more outfielders.

He hit .329 with 14 homers and 81 RBI for Low Class A South Bend and led the Midwest League with 40 doubles and slugging percentage (.532).

An unnamed club official called him “a physical animal.’’

No. 2 on the BA list is Ian Happ, a 22-year-old second baseman/outfielder (good luck with that) who was drafted by Cincinnati in the first round in 2015. BA says “Happ hasn’t mastered a position yet, mostly because he’s not truly average at one.’’

The magazine also said the Cubs gave him plenty of reps at second base, where scouts see “stiff actions, rigid hands and below-average overall defense.’’

But his hitting is supposed to be good, so maybe he will be eventually dealt to an American League team.

On the hill, the top prospect is right-hander Dylan Cease, who pitched in Wrigley Field in an Under Armour event and has already had Tommy John surgery. In short-season play at Eugene, he was 2-2 with a 2.22 ERA.

Another Stagg milestone Shortly after Stagg boys basketball coach John Daniels won his 300th career game, girls coach Bill Turner claimed his 100th victory on Jan. 3 when the Chargers beat Reavis, 41-37, in a non-conference game in Burbank.

708-422-8000

9204 S. Western • Evergreen Park thecrazycrabchicago.com

Traditional Cajun Seafood Boil Crab • Lobster Shrimp • Crawfish

Variety of Original Appetizers and More!

• CRAFTED WITH LOVE • FAMILY OWNED • OVER 10,000 CUSTOMERS SERVED!

OPEN DAILY 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.

WE’RE HIRING!

10% Off Submitted photo

Kara Shimko (left) passed 1994 Queen of Peace graduate Shelby Elstner (right) as the top scorer in school history.

ANY SIZE ORDER MONDAY – WEDNESDAY

MONDAY MADNESS & WILD WEDNESDAYS

BOWL YOUR HEAD OFF ON MONDAY & WEDNESDAY NIGHTS 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. - 3 HOURS UNLIMITED BOWLING $10.00 PER PERSON. NO LIMIT ON NUMBER OF GAMES! Rental Shoes Not Included

HAPPY HOUR BOWLING & BEER

TUESDAYS & THURSDAY 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

ALL BOWLING GAMES $2 • SHOE RENTAL $2 • DOMESTIC BTLS $2

BEAT THE CLOCK EVERY SATURDAY MORNING 9:00 a.m. to NOON ALL GAMES $1.50

LIVE VIDEO GAMING IN THE LOUNGE

11025 Southwest Highway 708.974.3200

4

Section 2 Thursday, January 12, 2017

The Regional News - The Reporter

Stars of tomorrow open the New Year at Marist event

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

On a night that featured no high school sports in the area, Marist High School opened its doors to some top eighth-grade volleyball talent in the 4th Annual RedHawks All-Star Game on Jan. 2.

More than 150 fans watched the Red team

knock off the Black team, 25-12, 25-27, 15-13.

Participants were Incarnation’s Molly McDermott, Molly Mather, Connie Lebel and Kaylee Cozen; Most Holy Redeemer’s Bridget Sheehan and Nikki Jones; St. Barnabas’s Ellie Kurpeikis and Lizzie Acevedo; St. Christina’s Lauren McDonald and Sydney Affolter; St. Linus’s Nieve Boland and Shannon Condon;

Lauren McDonald of St. Christina racks up a kill for the Red team.

St. Jane’s Ewelina Gacek and Jacquelyn LaFollet; Our Lady of the Woods’ Caroline Koeppen; Sutherland’s Lauren Stallard; Cardinal Bernardin’s Katianne Soltys; St. Patricia’s Tiffany Tough and Erin Moran; St. John Fischer’s Meghan Quinn; St. Cajetan’s Grace Scanlon; and Christ the King’s Abby Sarich and Briana Brown.

The Red team celebrates a 25-12, 25-27, 15-13 victory.

Incarnation’s Molly McDermott watches after making a one-armed save for the Black team.

Coaches from Marist’s program were Grace McGrath, Grace Green, Meg Krasowski, Molly Murrihy, Abby Callahan and Katie Hogan.

Referees and line judges from Marist were Monica Lang, Katie Mather, Avery Jedry and Paige Cormier.

Here are some photos from the event:

St. Barnabas’s Ellie Kurpeikis gets ready for a serve.

Katianne Soltys of Cardinal Bernardin looks up after making a diving dig in the eighth-grade all-star game at Marist on Jan. 2.

Bridget Sheehan of Most Holy Redeemer comes up with a dig for the Black team in the Marist AllStar game.

Incarnation’s Connie Lebel got things going for the Red squad with her serves.

Photos by Jeff Vorva

Parkers

Continued from Page 1 was pretty cool on my part, but it was pretty much regular because I got to see him play in a lot of high school games.”

Malik, his dad Michael Sr. and his brother Michael Jr. would tag along with Jabari to Washington Park when Jabari was a high school underclassman. Sonny Parker, Jabari’s dad and Malik’s dad’s brother, held weekend open gym practices as part of the Sonny Parker Youth Foundation.

Malik would do drills, get up shots and scrimmage with his cousin — as much as a four-year age difference would allow.

Afterward, Sonny would take the whole family out to Bacci Pizza. “(Malik and Jabari) were a lot closer when they were younger. Less so when

Jabari had other responsibilities when things got big,” Michael Sr. said. “Jabari’s just a great, outgoing person. He’s wellrounded, humble (and) someone you’d like for others to emulate.”

Like most millennials, texting is the main method of communication for Malik and Jabari. Even Michael Sr. has been surprised by the rapid responses Malik would get from Jabari during the grind of the NBA season. Malik has checked in often, especially following Jabari’s left ACL tear and surgery just one month into his rookie NBA season in 2014.

“We communicate very often,” Malik said. “I text him to check up on him. I know he’s busy on the road, so whenever he gets the message, he texts me back right away. We used to talk more when he was in high school. Just text about what’s up, how’s it going, when his next game is.

He asks about the family, how’s the fam-

ily doing.”

Malik and Jabari exchanged texts before the Dec. 31 game. After the game, Malik had to leave with his team and was unable to visit Jabari and get a picture with him behind the bench, like the rest of his family did. Michael Sr., Michael Jr., and mom Sharon Parker attended, as well as Sonny, Jabari’s mom Lola Parker and a sister, Tila Parker.

After this season, Malik will continue playing basketball at Division II St. Thomas Aquinas College in Sparkill, N.Y., a program he called the best fit for him. Unlike Jabari, he’s not going to a big-name school like Duke and probably won’t be the No. 2 pick in an NBA Draft.

He was already savoring the experience of playing on an NBA court. Getting to see his cousin succeed on the same court that same day made for lasting memories and a positive note on which to end 2016.

SXU

Continued from Page 1 “We didn’t get out on her — we let her shoot the ball,” SXU’s Mikayla Leyden said of Jordan. “(Otherwise) I don’t think we were bad on defense. They were just really hitting their shots.”

Leyden and Brittany Collins led the Cougars with 18 points each, Leyden adding eight assists and Collins 17 rebounds. They combined for 25 second-half points as St. Xavier trimmed what was as much as a 24-point deficit to nine with 26 seconds left.

Leyden, who passed 1,000 career points Jan. 3 in a win over Judson, conceded the big game aura might have impacted her

team in the early going.

“I’m excited for every game, but especially this one,” she said.

“We’ll definitely learn from this game and go forward.”

Kara Krolicki added 16 points and Chanel Fanter 15 as St. Xavier brought its shooting percentage up from 31 percent at the half to 41 percent for the game.

“I was happy for my team in the second half,” Hallberg said.

“It would’ve been on thing to be down 23 at the half and lose by 46.

“If you want to compete for a national championship, you’ve got to learn how to play when you’re down. We needed a lesson.

You can sometimes start feeling invincible.”

5

Section 2 Thursday, January 12, 2017

The Regional News - The Reporter

For Sale

For Sale

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE HOLDERS OF THE FIRST FRANKLIN MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-FF9, Plaintiff, vs.

ANNA E. NESTOR A/K/A ANNA NESTOR, THOMAS B. NESTOR A/K/A THOMAS NESTOR, LINCOLNWAY COMMUNITY BANK, DOORNBOS HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING, INC., STATE OF ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE, UNKNOWN OWNERS, GENERALLY, AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, Defendants, 11 CH 23296 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause on May 29, 2015 Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Friday, February 10, 2017 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 27-09-108-020-0000.

Commonly known as 14460 Raneys Lane, Orland Park, IL 60462.

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 Ms. Kimberly S. Reid at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Kluever & Platt, L.L.C., 65 East Wacker Place, Chicago, Illinois 60601.

(312) 236-0077.

File Number SPSF.0399 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I711603

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WATERFALL OLYMPIC MASTER FUND GRANTOR TRUST, SERIES II, SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST BY ASSIGNMENT FROM BYLINE BANK, F/K/A NORTH COMMUNITY BANK, SUCCESSOR

BY MERGER TO ARCHER BANK, Plaintiff, vs.

EDWARD KOPINSKI A/K/A EDWARD J. KOPINSKI; BARBARA R. KOPINSKI, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS, Defendants, 13 CH 17609 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 Monday, January 30, 2017, 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: P.I.N. 23-34-100-032-0000.

Commonly known as 13000 South 94th Avenue, Palos Park, IL 60464.

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 Ms. Sheryl A. Fyock at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Latimer LeVay Fyock LLC, 55 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 422-8000.

72000-05 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I711203

For Sale

5 ACRES RT. 45 IN PEOTONE 600 ft. frontage x 400 ft. deep

POTENTIAL TO BECOME SPECTACULAR! IN MUCH DESIRED BROOKSIDE COMPLEX California style ranch on wooded

Move in right & enjoy .8+ acre acrossnow from Forestliving in this warm, veryawaits spacious multi-level Preserves your talents! 4townhome w/3 bedrooms, baths & charming bdrms, 3 baths,2-1/2 walkout 35x25 fplc. these chilly days! bsmtfor w/office.

Being soldMany “As Is�updates.

Att. 2-car garage. Call soon – this won’t be $319,900 on the market long! $246,500

708.448.6100

BHHSBlount.com Serving the Palos area for over 50 years

CALL 815-450-0004

All Real Estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination.� Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18.

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1 (800) 669-9777. The tollfree telephone number for the hearing impaired is: 1 (800) 927-9275.

Save this ad for a FREE Market Analysis!

34

40 ft. x 60 ft. pole barn

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE

A Palos resident since 1963

Your Palos Realtor

708-369-9327

“Follows Me Everywhere!�

HAVE A HOUSE FOR SALE? PLACE YOUR AD TODAY!

ÂŽ

“10 in the Park�

NEW as of 7/7/11

(708) 448-4000

Brandon Marchioni

I AM A VETERAN AND THIS IS MY VICTORY. “My victory is being there for my family.� Veterans returning home face many challenges. With the right help, Brandon was able to transition back into family life. Every year, DAV helps more than one million veterans of all generations—connecting them to the health, disability, and financial benefits they’ve earned. Help support more victories for veterans. Go to DAV.org.

The Regional News - The Reporter

Thursday, January 12, 2017 Section 2

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

ACCOUNTANT

Suburban law firm seeking part-time receptionist with 1-2 years of related experience in an office environment. Candidates must be able to multi-task without compromising on quality, be professional and courteous under stressful situations, be able to prioritize tasks in a fast paced environment, be able to collaborate and support fellow co-workers and be proficient in handling office equipment. Job duties include greeting guests and visitors in an efficient, professional and pleasant manner, helping guests with appropriate information needed while maintaining confidentiality, answering phone calls and directing callers to the respective attorneys/departments, collecting, sorting and delivering incoming mail, file maintenance and assisting with clerical tasks such as copying and faxing on an as needed basis. All inquiries and resumes should be directed to Kim Ooley, Office Manager, at kooley@odelsonsterk.com.

We are seeking an experienced part-time/full-time Accountant to join our client service team offering tax preparation, accounting, and payroll services to closely held businesses and individuals. Tax preparation experience and familiarity with ProSeries /Turbotax or Quickbooks a plus. Hours are flexible.

Compensation commensurate with experience.

Please email your resume, including salary history to iahrbox@sbcglobal.net

Help Wanted

Oven Operator Needed 3-5 Days per week 5AM-9AM Will train Breadsmith Palos Heights

708-923-0755 Wanted

SNOWBLOWERS,

small engines, regular and riding lawnmowers, bicycles.

Reasonably priced or free.

Call (815) 450-0004

NEED QUICK CASH? We Buy Guns Why give away to the city or government?

Get what your gun is really worth!

ALMOST WHOLESALE GUN AND SUPPLY

ALMOSTWHOLESALEGUNS.COM All guns purchased will be handled in full compliance with state and federal laws.

Advertise in the service directory!

Call today 448-4002

Cleaning Services

Snowblower Repair

Plumbing & Sewer

GEORGE’S GEORGE’S

PLUMBING & SEWER

Flood Control Specialists All Types of Plumbing Repairs

Advertise in the service directory!

Call today 448-4002

• • • • • •

Hot water tanks • Bathroom installations Toilets, Tubs, Sinks & Faucets Sewers rodded • Sump pumps Sewers inspected by camera Foundation leaks repaired Battery back-up systems

FREE ESTIMATES (most cases) Quality Work - Reasonable Prices 40 years experience -Lic. #SL574

708.952.1833

6

Snow Blowers Lawn Mowers Repair/Tune-Up

Will fix at your house

Reasonable Rates

Call: (815) 450-0004

Remodeling

FATHER & DAUGHTERS REMODELING Not affiliated with Ron Kafka & Father & Sons

WINTER Special 1/3 OFF • Bathrooms • Kitchens • Rec Rooms • Attics • Flooring

• General Repairs • Garage Repairs • Decks • Windows • Doors

• Porches • Dormers • Roofs • Concrete • Tuckpointing

• Siding • Soffit Fascia • Gutters • Electrical • Plumbing

FREE Architectural Drawings and Permit with Room Addition Purchase Free Estimates Guaranteed Work Full Insured

708-795-6940

Senior Discount Veteran Discount Licensed & Bonded

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

OUT & ABOUT

The Regional News • The Reporter

Thursday, January 12, 2017

Southwest • Section 2, Page 7

BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS WOLFGANG PUCK’S KITCHEN McCord announces new schedule

A new set of workshops has been announced at the McCord Gallery & Cultural Center, 9602 W. Creek Road, Palos Park. To register or obtain further details, phone (708) 671-0648.

• Silk Painting is set for 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Fridays, Jan. 13, 20 and 27. Explore two basic silk painting techniques: you will create two abstract design scarves and one scarf using the French serti (resist) technique. Designs come to life as both beginners and experienced silk artists benefit from seeing new possibilities in this ancient medium. All supplies provided. (A $36 materials fee is payable to the instructor at the first class.)

• Prints, Paisley and Tutus is a series of one-day workshops focusing on the costumed model beautifully dressed and just waiting to be the subject of a colorful painting. The model will strike several short poses as you work on warm up drawings.

The emphasis is on capturing the gesture of the model in colorful costumes rather than a portrait.

There will be short demonstrations in oil and pastel and tips on using lighting to define your shapes.

All media and levels welcome but some painting experience is needed. Take one workshop or sign up for all. All are held from noon to 4 p.m. The first, “Model in Turquoise Print Robe,” is set for Saturday, Jan. 28. “Model in Vintage Paisley” will be held Sunday, February 5. “Dancer in Tutu” is scheduled for Saturday, March 4.

• Art and Soul is a workshop set for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25. All supplies will be provided.

The workshop will feature guided imagery to quiet your mind and provide you with deep relaxation and relief from any stress that you might be experiencing. After a short break and light refreshments, you will create several unique works of art for yourself or to give as a gift. No art experience is required for this creative play. The beauty of your spirit will guide you. Please bring a yoga mat and small blanket or towel. Chairs will be available for those who choose not to lie down.

The Center sets event schedule

Several upcoming programs are scheduled for The Center, 12700 S. Southwest Highway, Palos Park.

• Log Cabin Art for Kids is set for six Saturdays beginning Jan. 14. The kindergarten through second grade session will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m.; grades 3-8 will meet from 11:30 a.m. to 1

p.m. Instructor Ruth Augspurger will demonstrate a world of art and nature for kids. Classes are held at the Log Cabin Center for the Arts studios and outdoors. Within each session students work on a variety of art projects such as painting, drawing, sculpture, pottery, and more. Each session ends with an art show. The class fee is $85, which includes all supplies.

• Emerson Hill Night: Mrs. Lincoln: The First “First Lady” is set for 5:30 p.m. Sunday Jan. 15.

Mary Todd Lincoln lived a life filled with triumphs and tragedies, but few people know her story. Actress Laura Keyes shares Mary’s story in an entertaining and educational program focusing on the life and losses of Mrs. Lincoln, set on April 14, 1865. The cost for this evening of dining and entertainment is $25.

• Luncheon: Lisa Espinosa’s “Answering Your Inner Calling” is scheduled for noon to 2 p.m.

Tuesday Jan. 17. In her new book, Espinosa shares three simple yet powerful practices that will teach one how to deepen the relationship with one’s soul to share the soul’s medicine with the world. Participants are invited to learn how the soul talks to one’s self in different ways, how to stay awake to its guidance, and how to find and compassionately heal the parts of oneself that are prone to sabotage.

Espinosa will have copies of her book available for purchase. Luncheons cost $22, and reservations must be made in advance.

• Silver Jewelry Class is set for Tuesday Jan. 17 (2 to 4 p.m. or 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.) and will run for six Tuesdays.

Instructor Wendy Martin will teach participants to create pieces of sterling silver jewelry such as pendants, earrings, pins, bracelets and more. Beginning students learn to saw, file, solder and polish in their first introductory projects. Martin will help experienced students learn advance techniques as they design their own jewelry projects. Previous lapidary students may bring polished stones and learn to set them into silver. Class fee is $100.

Students can expect to pay $40-$50 in silver costs, to be paid directly to the instructor in class. Advance registration is required.

• Men’s Point of View is set for 7 p.m. Tuesday Jan. 17. Bill Hopkins will be the discussion leader for the book “The Fifth Agreement” by Don Miguel Ruiz.

For more information or to register for an event, call The Center at (708) 361-3650.

OMARR’S WEEKLY ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST

By Jeraldine Saunders ARIES (March 21-April 19): A neat desk indicates a disciplined mind, but some clutter might prove you are busy. Your work will benefit from orderliness and organization. Focus on establishing routines in the week to come.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Consider your words carefully in the week to come. Routine conversations may be taken the wrong way and drive a wedge between you and others. Put off crucial agreements, and meetings.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Flowers don’t bloom unless a little rain falls. The few frustrations you experience in the week ahead will be worth the result. Forge forward fearlessly but don’t spend money too freely.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Steer clear of mean memes and disruptive debates. You may easily meet up with people suffering from chip-on-shoulder syndrome

in the week ahead. You may be challenged to exert your authority.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Remain alert to nuances. Even in the midst of difficulties you may derive valuable insights in the upcoming week. Even when jobs seem overwhelming you will learn something new.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): It is best to be sincere and to the point this week. Focus on making the best of uncertain situations without getting flustered. If work was always fun, you would pay to do it and not the reverse.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): You may feel like a social diva that amuses others in the week to come but it is possible that not everyone is impressed by your antics. People are easily provoked but may hide their animosity.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Brains and brawn create an unbeatable combination. Your financial ambitions can be realized in the week ahead if you persevere.

You can easily cope with heavy

obligations.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): To get where you want to go you must do what you like the least. No one ever said that achieving your ambitions would be fun. Focus on putting forth your best efforts in the week ahead.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Quickly shifting conditions might shift your focus this week.

Wait for better timing to enter into important agreements or make major investments. Family members may act unpredictably.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Snap decisions could be necessary this week, just don’t snap at those around you. Use tough-minded business tactics to fix problems. Don’t procrastinate about making a sincere apology.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Hide and seek. You may veil your innermost thoughts with some people, but your sensitivity may emerge under the right circumstances. Avoid making drastic financial decisions this week.

VIDEOVIEW BY JAY BOBBIN NOTICE: Ratings for each film begin with a ‘star’ rating — one star meaning ‘poor,’ four meaning ‘excellent’ — followed by the Motion Picture Association of America rating, and then by a family-viewing guide, the key for which appears below.

“STARTING THIS WEEK:

“THE BIRTH OF A NATION’’: Referenced often at the time of the film’s theatrical run, controversy over the past of writer, director and star Nate Parker likely had a box-office impact on this stirring historical drama. He gives a commanding performance as Nat Turner, the bible-educated slave who ultimately inspired a rebellion while being taken on a tour by his master (Armie Hammer) to preach to — and supposedly subdue — others who were owned. Also in the impressive cast are Aja Naomi King (“How to Get Away With Murder’’), Penelope Ann Miller, Gabrielle Union, Jackie Earle Haley, Aunjanue Ellis (“Quantico’’) and Roger Guenveur Smith. *** (R: AS, N, V) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “THE ACCOUNTANT’’: The title identification of Ben Affleck’s character is a bit deceptive in the case of this intriguing action-thriller, since the money-minded man also has to be physically adept

to survive his knowledge of the holdings of some very dangerous people and organizations. A Treasury Department official (J.K. Simmons) is quite interested in the information maintained by the accountant, who gets a jolt to his professional position — and his rather nonsocial life — when a corporate whistleblower (Anna Kendrick) presents evidence of financial treachery within her firm. John Lithgow, Jeffrey Tambor, Jean Smart, Jon Bernthal and Cynthia Addai-Robinson (“Shooter’’) also are in director Gavin O’Connor’s cast. DVD extra: “making-of’’ documentary. *** (R: AS, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “DEEPWATER HORIZON’’: Anyone aware of news events of recent years likely recognizes the title of this true drama as the name of an oil rig wracked by an explosion in 2010 in the Gulf of Mexico. Mark Wahlberg plays a technician trying to survive the resulting catastrophe along with his co-workers, and director Peter Berg (who also appears in the film) does a masterful job of conveying both the chaos and the heroism.

Kurt Russell lends solid support as a company executive torn between doing the profitable thing and the right thing in the moments before the mayhem. John Malkovich, Gina Rodriguez (“Jane the Virgin’’), Dylan O’Brien and

Ethan Suplee also are featured.

DVD extras: three “making-of’’ documentaries. *** (PG-13: P, V) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “KEVIN HART: WHAT NOW?’’: Not only does this intriguing hybrid pose the title question, it answers it by merging the two types of work Hart principally is known for ... stand-up-humor performances and action-comedy movies. The picture alternates between the genres, with Hart ostensibly playing an MI6 agent whose disastrous participation in a poker game results in his having to perform for a live audience, thus the concert portion (filmed in Philadelphia) showcasing Hart’s familiar patter on such subjects as parenthood and the daily challenges of life. Halle Berry and Don Cheadle also star in the espionageoriented segments. *** (R: AS, P) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand)

COMING SOON:

“THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN’’ (Jan. 17): Emily Blunt stars as a troubled commuter who believes harm has come to a woman she frequently has observed.

(R: AS, N, P, V) “OUIJA: ORIGIN OF EVIL’’ (Jan. 17): A fake medium (Elizabeth Reaser) puts herself and her daughters in peril when she summons actual supernatural forces.

(PG-13: AS, P, V)

This flavorful side dish is rich in fiber and other nutrients while being remarkably lean.

Dreamstime.com

This year, get acquainted with a grain from the past

By Wolfgang Puck I’ve made more than a few New Year’s resolutions in the past. And, like most people, I can probably count on one hand those I’ve successfully kept for more than a few weeks. But I’m happy to report that one I’ve managed to stick to has been to eat more healthfully — a goal with which so many of us struggle.

What I’ve learned is that the bigger any goal is, the harder it becomes to keep. Promise publicly that you’re going to revolutionize your daily diet overnight, or lose an enormous amount of weight quickly, and you increase the likelihood of failure. After all, with such lofty definitions of success, even one tiny slip-up can seem like disaster.

Set more reasonable goals, though, and you increase the chance that you can enjoy small victories that build your resolve almost every day. The result can be real, positive results.

Little changes in the way you eat can help you build a foundation for weight loss and more vital health. Decide to choose leaner cuts of meat, for example, or eat a low-fat vegetarian main dish once or more per week, or have fresh fruit for dessert, and you can gradually, successfully change your eating habits.

Even introducing a healthy new side dish can make a difference.

Take, for example, my recipe for farro and root vegetable pilaf.

Farro, an ancient ancestor of wheat that you can find in the rice and grains section of many wellstocked supermarkets today, has a satisfying, earthy, nutty flavor and a chewy texture that makes it a pleasure to eat. In the following recipe, it forms the foundation

for an earthy, nutty, flavorful side dish that is rich in fiber and other nutrients while being remarkably lean — with fewer than 25 percent of the calories coming from fat. Enjoy it in place of the usual buttered white rice or mashed potatoes you might usually serve, and you’re already on your way to a healthier diet.

The dish is remarkably flexible, too. I often like to top it with grilled seafood, poultry or lean meat for a one-dish meal.

You could add or substitute other hardy vegetables you like for those included in the pilaf here; and replace some or all of the water with vegetable stock or chicken stock to give the farro even more flavor. Add different herbs or spices you prefer. And I like to use leftovers, or an extra batch I cook at the same time, to serve cold as a salad, drizzling a low-fat dressing on top.

I hope you’ll feel inspired to make this healthy recipe one of your own. Who knows? It could become the start of a whole new healthy way of eating.

FARRO AND ROOT VEGETABLE PILAF Serves 4 • 2 tablespoons extravirgin olive oil, plus more if serving the pilaf cold • 1 large organic carrot, cut into 1/4-inch (6-mm) dice • 1 large organic celery stalk, cut into 1/4-inch (6-mm) dice • 1 medium yellow onion, cut into 1/4-inch (6-mm) dice • 1 small fennel bulb, trimmed and cut into

1/4-inch (6-mm) dice • 1 garlic clove, finely chopped (optional) • 1/2 pound (250 g) uncooked farro, about 1 1/4 cups (310 mL) • 2 quarts (2 L) water • Kosher salt • Freshly ground black pepper • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley, or julienned fresh basil leaves, or other leafy greens In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the olive oil over mediumhigh heat. When it is hot enough to swirl easily and shimmers slightly, add the diced carrot, celery, onion and fennel.

Saute until the vegetables are tender-crisp and lightly browned, 5 to 7 minutes, taking care to stir frequently and adjusting the heat if necessary to prevent the vegetables from scorching before they’re done. If you like, stir in the garlic just until fragrant.

Add the farro to the pan and stir until it is lightly toasted, darkening slightly in color and giving off a nutty fragrance, about 1 minute.

Add the water, season lightly to taste with salt and pepper, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to very low, cover the pan, and simmer gently until the farro is tender but still slightly chewy, about 25 minutes.

Pour the farro-and-vegetable mixture into a fine-meshed strainer to drain off any excess liquid. Return the pilaf to the pot, cover, and keep warm until serving time.

To serve, taste and adjust the seasonings, if necessary, with a little more salt and pepper. Transfer it to a heated bowl. Garnish with the fresh herbs or greens and serve immediately.

LIZ SMITH

More memories of Debbie Reynolds — ‘Unsinkable,’ but very human

By Liz Smith “IT’S ALREADY clear to me how much of life is forgotten even as it happens. Most of it.

The unregarded present spooling away from us, the soft tumble of unremarkable thoughts, the longneglected miracle of existence ... she won’t remember the way she set down the spoon and the sound it made on slate, the frock she wore today, the touch of her sandal’s thong between her toes, the summer’s warmth, the white noise of the city beyond the house walls, a short burst of birdsong by a closed window. All gone, already.”

This is from Ian McEwan’s exquisite thriller “Nutshell.” It is perhaps the most unusual and beautifully written “murder mystery” I’ve read in years. I can’t tell you one plot point without giving away what you’ll find out within the first two pages. But you need to find out for yourself. All I can

say, in a nutshell, is — this book is art. Most highly recommended.

BACK in 1953, Debbie Reynolds appeared in a little movie titled “Give a Girl a Break.” It was ostensibly a starring vehicle for MGM’s dancing duo, Marge and Gower Champion, but talented as the pair were, they were not terribly charismatic. Fred and Ginger weren’t losing sleep. It was Debbie, vivacious and adorable, who benefited from that movie.

I’ve come to think the film’s title could have been the story of Debbie’s life, at least in terms of her husbands. Few women in public life suffered as much from lousy choices as did Debbie. As tough as she could be (and that was pretty tough) and as smart as she was about her career, she was a sucker for men who used and abused her. And Eddie Fisher was the least of it. He humiliated her in his abandonment, leaping to the well-fleshed arms of Liz

Taylor. But clever Debbie claimed she and Fisher were very happy, and this was all coming as a big shock. She wore diaper pins and pigtails to meet the press. She turned lemons into lemonade on a grand scale. But that was her one and only success. (She also had the pleasure of watching Fisher humiliated when Taylor threw him over for Richard Burton.)

The two that came after, Harry Karl and Richard Hamlett, were just downright evil and both bankrupted her.

I have always been haunted by a phone call I received from Debbie some years back. It must have been around the time her third marriage went under, and she was faced with losing money and property — all the wonderful movie memorabilia she had collected for her museum. She called to thank us for a recent item. Then she said, “You’ve always been so Continued on page 8

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

OUT & ABOUT

The Regional News • The Reporter

Thursday, January 12, 2017

Southwest • Section 2, Page 8

LIZ SMITH Continued from page 7 good to me. A year ago you wrote something else, about how I was a real survivor. And that’s true. It’s been hard, but I have survived.”

It seemed to me Debbie was becoming rather emotional. She went on: “I saved that item. I laminated it. I have it here, with me now.

It means so much!” Then, shockingly, she burst into sobs. What to do with a weeping living legend?

I let her cry.

Debbie swiftly pulled herself together, apologized, made light of her distress and we said our goodbyes. I have never forgotten this glimpse of her great vulnerability and the pain she clearly carried with her. She was, publicly, a cockeyed optimist, the show woman par excellence. In her 2013 memoir, titled “Unsinkable” (in homage to her Oscar-nominated turn in “The Unsinkable Molly Brown”) she found more humor than bitterness in relating the horror of her final marriage. Or at least she chose to put the humor front and center — MGM girls hold their heads high.

She later sent thanks when we praised her marvelous performance in “Mother” with Albert Brooks and when we expressed our severe disappointment that she had not received an Academy Award gest bands and best-known poster nomination. artists,” Baker continued. “As an THIS N’ THAT: artist, it’s the limitations of the ...Do you want to see a play that medium I find most liberating. Our creative tools are so powerful these shocked Victorian London so much days it can be paralyzing. Screen that it was censored for eight years? printing imposes parameters, it has The play that, when it opened in relatively narrow strengths, and New York in 1895, caused the encreating inside those boundaries tire cast to be arrested? Of course has defined how I create art. I you do. So, on Jan. 16, get yourself have an abiding love of music to Symphony Space on 95th Street and I see posters as the quintes- and Broadway for Bernard Shaw’s sential graphic design challenge. “Mrs. Warren’s Profession.” This That their intersection as a viable is part of The Gingold Theatrical art form exist in the silkscreen Group’s ongoing “Project Shaw.” print shop is an amazing stroke I won’t spoil it by telling Mrs. of luck for me.”

Warren’s profession, but her name is Kitty. Go from there. The play stars Bill Kux, Charlotte Moore, A.J. Shively, Victor Slezak, J. Smith-Cameron, Talene Monahon and Paxton Whitehead. Call 212864-5400. ...On Jan. 28, iHeartRadio will present the second annual iHeart80’s Party at the SAP Center in San Jose, California. Well, who doesn’t “heart” Rick Astley, New Kids on the Block, Starship, Eddie Money, Astro and Mickey, Colin Hay of Men at Work, Ali Campbell, Night Ranger and UB40? They’ll all be there, and the event will be hosted by Martha Quinn, one of the iconic original MTV veejays. For more info, visit iHeartRadio.com/iHeart80sParty

‘Gig posters’ on display at SXU Saint Xavier University’s (SXU) Art Gallery will feature the screen printing work of Kyle Baker and will serve as the first exhibit installment of the spring semester.

The “Silkscreen Gig Posters” exhibition is running now to Tuesday, Feb. 7 in the SXU Art Gallery on the Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St. A presentation by the artist and reception will be held in the SXU Gallery on Wednesday, Jan. 18 at 3:30 p.m. The public is invited.

Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday

and Thursday; and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Baker is a graphic and web designer who owns Baker Prints, a Chicago-based commercial art and design business. He is an accredited professional of the American Poster Institute (API) and an officer of the Chicago Printers Guild (CPG). Baker attended Bradley University on a full academic scholarship, where he received a bachelor of science degree in psychology with minors in business management and professional writing.

“I fell in love with screen

printing the first time I tried it,” Baker said. “I took Steve Walter’s Screwball Academy eight years ago; a single-day, one-on-one crash course in flat stock screen printing.

It hit me like a ton of bricks – keep doing this, as much as you possibly can. It’s ineffable, not unlike the joy I get from playing ping pong.

Steadily I’ve gotten really good at it. As I got better I put a proper print shop together, piece by piece, and I started printing other artists’ work as well as my own.

“Today I have three full-time employees and we print posters every day for some of the big-

RICK STEVES’ EUROPE

Going solo? How to have fun in Europe

By Rick Steves I’ve talked to too many people who put off their travel dreams just because they haven’t found a travel partner: The prospect of going alone sounds either too daunting or just not all that fun.

But traveling on your own can be rewarding, vivid and exhilarating — a gift from you to you.

Prepared with a positive attitude and solid information, you’ll thrive in Europe. And you’ll come home stronger and more confident than ever before.

Traveling solo certainly has its pros and cons — and for me, the pros far outweigh the cons. When you’re on your own, you’re independent and in control. You can travel at your own pace, do what interests you, eat where and when you like and splurge where you want to splurge. You don’t have to wait for your partner to pack up, and you can get the heck out of that stuffy museum when all the Monets start to blur together.

Without a travel partner, you’ll need to be extra aware of your surroundings. Use street smarts and walk purposefully. If you get lost in an unfriendly neighborhood, be savvy about whom you ask for help. Unless you’re fluent in the language, you must accept that you won’t always know what’s happening. (Though it might seem worrisome, there’s a reason why the Greek bus driver dropped you off in the middle of nowhere. It’s a transfer point, and another bus will come along in a few minutes.)

Don’t be afraid to ask for help or clarification. You’ll often discover that the locals are looking out for you. However, a healthy dose of skepticism and an eagle eye in crowded or isolated places will help you stay safe.

For many people contemplating a solo trip, loneliness is their biggest fear. Fortunately, Europe is full of diverse people and natural meeting places. Traveling on your own, you’ll be more approachable and likely to meet a montage of fun, temporary travel partners.

If you’re shy, you might also consider an organized European tour, where you can relinquish trip-planning to a well-seasoned guide and enjoy a built-in circle of fun travel partners.

Seek opportunities to connect with people. Social-networking sites like https://www.meetup. com/ make it easy to find groups of like-minded travelers and locals. If you stay at a hostel or guesthouse, you’re likely to bond with other guests and sociable hosts. When out and about, skip the selfies — offer to take someone’s picture, then ask them to return the favor.

On the train, ask a friendly passenger about their travel plans and compare stories. Even the shortest conversation with other travelers can brighten a whole afternoon.

Consider joining a group walking tour, where you’ll learn about the city and engage with new vagabuddies.

Many of Europe’s unique meals are more fun to experience with others, and traveling on your own is no reason to miss out. Make them an excuse to invite someone to join you for, say, a “rijsttafel” dinner in the Netherlands, a smorgasbord in Scandinavia, fondue in Switzerland, a paella feast in Spain, or a spaghetti feed in an Italian trattoria. Another tip: Look for people with Rick Steves guidebooks. My readers are notoriously friendly, and many are happy to join a fellow explorer in a culinary adventure.

Take advantage of time alone to learn more of the language. At restaurants, practice your verbal skills with the waitress (when I asked a French waiter if he had kids, he proudly showed me a picture of his twin girls). Plan your next day, study your guidebook, or scrawl a few postcards to the folks back home.

If bars and nightclubs don’t appeal to you as a solo traveler, enjoy the floodlit magic of European nightlife from a different angle. Go for a walk with gelato in hand and enjoy the parade of people, busy shops and illuminated monuments.

Take advantage of the wealth of evening entertainment: concerts, movies, puppet shows and folk dancing. Some cities offer tours after dark. Paris is a delight to experience by evening river cruise.

If you like to stay in at night, get a room with a balcony overlooking a square. You’ll have a front-row seat to the best show in town. Go early to bed and be early to rise.

Shop at a lively morning market

or iHeartRadio@SunshineSachs. com. ...Last May, at the Boettcher Concert Hall in Denver, Colorado, Judy Collins performed a “Love Letter to Sondheim.” This tribute evening had Collins singing from such Sondheim treasures as “Merrily We Roll Along,” “A Little Night Music,” “Sweeney Todd,” “Sunday in the Park with George,” “Company” and “Into the Woods.”

Collins says she always wanted to tackle more Sondheim, ever since her classic, Grammy-winning version of “Send in the Clowns” in 1974. So, in Denver, she did. On Feb. 24, this dazzling concert will be available on DVD, from MVD Entertainment Group. Order at the MVD Shop or Amazon.

RECENTLY, in commenting on pastor (and singer) Kim Burrell’s stringent anti-gay comments, and the strong reaction of Pharrell Williams, I said “stay tuned” in the matter of Pharrell and Kim performing their duet from the soundtrack of “Hidden Figures” on Ellen DeGeneres’ show. As it turns out, Burrell will not appear. Ellen released a very brief statement.

Now, some are saying this is an example of “liberal intolerance.”

No. Ellen did not call for Burrell to lose her job, to be boycotted, to be shamed or bullied on the internet. And if others do, they are wrong. Ms. Burrell is entitled to her beliefs. And entitled to air them, too. We live in America, still.

But, since she has those beliefs, what part of Burrell’s brain thought it would be okay to appear on a program hosted by the most famous lesbian in America? (“Glad to be here, Ellen. Just the other day I was preaching that homosexuals should die this year, but maybe not you, if I get another gig on this show.”)

And given Ellen’s legendary laid-back, nonconfrontational manner, there was no way the star was going to have Burrell on, and then get into a big hassle. When beliefs are so ingrained, no amount of intelligent counter-argument or outraged “gotcha” moments will help. Conversely, one does not want to sit and chit-chat with somebody who thinks you should be dead because of who you love.

You’ve got to be taught to hate and fear, as the great song in “South Pacific” goes. Ms. Burrell and her kind are lost causes. Let’s leave her to heaven — more or less.

There are bigger battles to be fought.

E-mail Liz Smith at MES3838@ aol.com.

氀礀 䘀愀洀椀 氀礀℀ 搀 䘀爀椀攀渀 Dominic Arizona Bonuccelli, Rick Steves’ Europe

Locals are eager to share their culture with an approachable traveler, such as at this “meet-up” dinner in Nice, France.

for fresh rolls and join the locals for coffee.

If one thing doesn’t work out, something else will. There are other trains, other buses, other cities, other people. Thrive on optimism.

Solo travel is intensely personal.

Realizing that you have what it takes to be your own guide is a thrill known only to solo travel-

ers. You will discover more about yourself at the same time you’re discovering more about Europe.

Rick Steves (www.ricksteves. com) writes European travel guidebooks and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio. Email him at rick@ricksteves.com and follow his blog on Facebook.

䄀昀昀漀

爀搀愀戀

䘀甀渀℀

䘀刀伀䴀 䤀 吀䄀 䰀 夀 ℀ 䨀䄀渀 ㈀ 㜀倀䴀 ⴀⴀⴀⴀⴀ 樀愀渀 ㈀㄀ ㄀ ㄀愀䴀

Beverly Environmental, LLC Landscape Architects & Contractors

氀攀℀

爀 㐀爀 琀䘀椀漀䔀渀䔀Ⰰ 䤀琀吀愀氀礀 ᤠ猀 漀 䘀

䄀 吀 䄀 匀伀一 愀爀琀 挀漀渀琀漀 漀昀 䘀攀攀琀⤀

攀 椀攀 猀 愀 爀

椀洀 攀 Ⰰ 瀀 攀愀琀爀攀 爀 倀 愀 爀 琀 洀 搀 攀 椀 倀 椀攀 搀 椀 ⠀ 吀 栀 眀 栀 漀 猀 攀 猀 琀 漀 猀 漀 爀 爀 攀 渀搀 琀 琀 愀 挀 愀 椀挀 吀攀愀 爀 琀 Ⰰ 瀀 漀 攀 昀 攀 攀 琀 ℀ 猀 挀 栀 愀 猀 琀 愀 最 攀 愀 渀 琀 椀挀 Ⰰ 椀爀 漀 渀 椀挀 眀 椀琀 栀 琀 栀 攀 椀爀 ጠ 洀 爀 漀 爀 椀搀 椀挀 甀 氀 漀 甀 猀

␀㈀ 愀搀甀氀琀猀 ⴀⴀⴀⴀⴀ ␀㄀㈀ ㄀㈀⬀甀渀搀攀爀

䨀䄀一⸀ ㈀㄀ ␀㄀㤀 ⠀␀㄀㜀⤀ 㠀 倀䴀 • Snow & Ice Removal • Custom Hardscapes • Property Master Planning/ Phasing • Ponds & Water Features • Retaining Walls & Natural Stone • Landscapes Design • Garden Design & Lawn Maintenance • Free Estimates

Beverly Environmental, LLC

(708) 331-4911

www.beverlyenvironmental.com

䘀唀䰀䰀 䌀䄀匀䠀 䈀䄀刀 伀倀䔀一匀 愀琀 㜀倀䴀 䘀漀爀 吀椀挀欀攀琀 䤀渀昀漀爀洀愀琀椀漀渀㨀 眀眀眀⸀戀攀瘀攀爀氀礀愀爀琀挀攀渀琀攀爀⸀漀爀最 簀 㜀㜀㌀ⴀ㐀㐀㔀ⴀ㌀㠀㌀㠀 ㈀㐀 㜀 圀⸀ ㄀㄀㄀琀栀 匀琀爀攀攀琀Ⰰ 䌀栀椀挀愀最漀Ⰰ 䤀䰀 㘀 㘀㔀㔀