Regional news 2 18 16

Out and About

$1 Newsstand

In Orland Park

Section 2, Pages 9-10

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

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Serving Palos, Orland and Worth townships and neighboring communities

75th Year, NO. 7 • 2 Sections

PCH makes plans for ‘future of health care’

State hearing today on Orland project

By Jack Murray

Regional News editor Palos Community Hospital’s South Campus expansion plans, at least two years in the making, would build a $133 million outpatient medical campus with nearly 100 physician and dental offices.

It is incorrect to describe the expansion as a cancer center, hospital officials agreed in an interview, although the services would add radiation therapy to the infusion, or chemotherapy, already provided by Loyola University Medical Center staff at the existing Palos Primary Care Center, 15300 West Ave. in Orland Park.

Palos Community Hospital

President Terrence Moisan, MD described the hospital’s south campus expansion project in a conversation with The Regional News on Tuesday, two days before state regulators will consider the hospital’s application for a state permit to build it at a public hearing today.

The hearing will be conducted

See Editorial, Page 4 at 10 a.m. by the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board (IHFSRB) at the Orland Park Civic Center, 14750 S. Ravinia Ave. Palos Primary Care Center now handles 200,000 to 250,000 patient visits a year, Dr. Moisan noted. Add to that 65,000 cardiac, oncology and neuro-diagnostics and other visits, and the facility is expected to serve as many as

400,000 visits per year, he added.

The proposed opening is December 2017.

A new four-story medical office building, more than 100,000 sq. ft. along West Avenue, would have connection to the two existing facilities of Palos Primary and Immediate Care.

Medical services would include behavioral health partial hospitalization and outpatient services, imaging services, including CT, X-ray, ultrasound and mammography.

Dr. Moisan said 85 percent of health care “today does not happen in hospitals,” hence the need for a full spectrum of outpatient, ambulatory medical services that the expanded campus would provide.

Image courtesy Res Publica Group, Chicago “This is the future of health care,” he said, especially under the new Artist’s rendering shows Palos Community Hospital’s Orland Park South Campus, 15300 West Ave., view from the northwest. A public hearing by state regulators on the plans is scheduled today, at 10 a.m., at the Orland Park

See HOSPITAL PLANS, Page 2 Civic Center.

ORLAND PARK

Village to county: Forbid diesel tank at school bus site

By Dermot Connolly

Photos by Jack Murray

Enjoying the southwest suburban region’s only warm-water therapy pool at Palos Health & Fitness Center in Orland Park last Saturday are Bill and Morgan Meiszner, of Orland Park. Frequent users of the pool and other members of the Save PHFC group meanwhile gathered at the nearby Presbyterian Church in Orland Park to plot strategy in advance of today’s public hearing.

They hope to Save PHFC Palos Health & Fitness members ready for hearing on hospital’s plans

By Jack Murray

Regional News editor

M

embers determined to save Palos Health & Fitness Center in Orland Park from being shutdown May 1 and demolished are focusing their energies on today’s public hearing of Palos Community Hospital’s plans to build a medical office building on the site.

The Save PHFC group encourages a large turnout of its members to give comment to the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board (IHFSRB) at its hearing scheduled for 10 a.m. at the Orland Park Civic Center, 14750 S. Ravinia Ave. Sign-in to speak starts at 9:30.

The hearing will consider Palos Community Hospital’s permit application for a certificate of need required to build a medical office building, underground parking and connection to the existing Palos Primary Care Center, 15300 West Ave. The hospital estimates the total cost of the project to be $133.2 million in its application to the state board.

The fitness center’s aquatic center contains not only a large indoor See SAVE PHFC, Page 2

The Orland Park Village Board has sent a resolution to the county stating its strong opposition to a bus company’s request for a zoning variance to allow aboveground diesel storage on a piece of unincorporated property close to Orland Park residential subdivisions.

Standard Transportation of America, a bus company that serves local School Districts 135 and 230, already leases the land at 17101 South Wolf Road, and parks buses on the site. Although it is unincorporated, the property is surrounded by the village of Orland Park.

The company was under fire at the start of this school year when parents reported a plethora of problems for the first couple of weeks of school due to drivers being unfamiliar with routes when it won the School District 135 contract. While those problems have been resolved, the newest plan poses another one for a lot of people.

Mayor Daniel McLaughlin and the six trustees voted earlier this month to adopt the resolution opposing the company’s request for a Cook County zoning variance that would allow maintenance to be done in a building already on site, as well as keep two 2,500 gallon tanks of diesel above ground. As

the closest municipality to the site, Orland Park is entitled to raise objections.

The village’s resolution was transmitted to the Cook County Board of Commissioners.

In addition to the site being in close proximity to the Brook Hills subdivision to the west, where residents complained about the planned operation being unsightly, Trustee James V. Dodge and others pointed out that there are wetlands nearby too.

“Look, it’s completely surrounded by Orland Park,” Dodge said, pointing to a map.

“It’s not appropriate and it is not safe,” said McLaughlin.

The Orland Park officials have shared their concerns with Cook County Commissioner Sean Morrison (R-17th), and are hopeful that it will not get approved if he, as the local representative, is opposed to it.

Morrison said last week that he was aware of the concerns, and is watching the process closely.

He said that as a commissioner, he has very little power when it comes to the county’s Zoning Board of Appeals, but the full Cook County Board will have to eventually have to approve any decision made there.

“It could take anywhere from 30 to 90 days [before it comes to the County Board for a vote],” he said.

INSIDE Save PHFC members met inside the Presbyterian Church in Orland Park last Saturday to share ideas aimed at persuading Palos Community Hospital to reconsider its planned shutdown on May 1 of Palos Health & Fitness Center. Mary Ellen Smolinski (left) urged a large turnout at today’s public hearing of the hospital’s plans for the fitness center site.

Gleneagles Country Club owner happy to become a part of Palos SEE PAGE 3

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

2 Thursday, February 18, 2016

The Regional News

Orland man still missing nearly two weeks: police Police seek tips to his whereabouts

The Orland Park Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating 41-year-old Orland Park resident James M. Keller, who has a history of disappearance and was last seen on Feb. 3 in downtown Palos Heights.

Keller’s family reported him missing to Orland Park police at 6:40 p.m. on Feb. 6, police said in a release last week.

His family had not seen Keller and had been unable to contact him for a few days before they report-

ed him missing, police said.

Keller, who resides in the 8300 block of Berkhansted Court, has not reported for work at his job at James Keller the Target store in Orland Park since his disappearance, police said.

The family reportedly told police that Keller was last seen in the family home on Feb. 3, around 12:30 p.m. Later that same afternoon, he was observed getting dropped off by a cab in the 12200

block of South Harlem Avenue in Palos Heights, police said.

Keller reportedly has no vehicle and has a history of disappearing for extended periods of time, according to police. In March of 2014 he went missing for 10 days before he was located in a motel in Mokena, police said.

Keller is described by police as 5 feet 11 inches tall, 220 pounds, with brown hair, blue eyes, last seen wearing an orange shirt and grey pants.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of James Keller is asked to call the Orland Park Police Department at 349-4111.

New Hoverboard explodes, damaging home in Orland A newly purchased Hoverboard exploded, causing a fire and a minor injury, after it was plugged into a wall socket at a home in Orland Park.

The family escaped a near tragedy in the 17200 block of Deer Trail with a minor injury and minor damage to their home, a spokesman for the Orland Fire Protection District said.

The Hoverboard was plugged into an outlet in the family room just before 5 p.m. Sunday just before there were several explosions that shot burning pieces of the Hoverboard across the room, the spokesman added.

The explosion ignited a window

shade and part of the couch; the flames were extinguished by the homeowners. The fire was out before firefighters arrived, but power fans were used to clear the house of smoke. Smoke detectors in the house alerted other family members to the fire.

A woman’s hand was burned in the incident. She was evaluated, but did not want to be transported to the hospital.

The hoverboard was purchased last week, and the family told fire officials they had problems charging the battery, according to the district spokesman. The explosion occurred a few hours after it was plugged in to be charged a

second time Sunday.

This latest local incident comes amid widespread consumer warnings that the popular toy poses explosion dangers. According to Cnet.com, there have been several news reports of hoverboards exploding and catching fire, leading to localities banning them from roads and sidewalks, and airlines prohibiting them from their flights.

Retailers such as Amazon and Overstock are stopping sales of some models or even telling consumers to dispose of ones already purchased, the Cnet.com report added.

Image courtesy Res Publica Group, Chicago

Rendering of Palos Community Hospital South Campus in Orland Park modernization, view from the southeast.

Hospital plans Continued from Page 1

federal health insurance mandate imposed by the Affordable Care Act, informally called Obamacare.

The Orland Park site was chosen because it is closer than is the hospital itself in Palos Heights to the geographic center of the 25 communities in Palos hospital’s service area, said Tim Brosnan, vice president, planning. He mentioned the populations of Homer Glen, Lemont and Orland Park itself as growing markets.

Neither Dr. Moisan nor Brosnan appeared receptive Tuesday to the suggestion made by leaders of the Save PHFC movement of members of Palos Health and Fitness Center that the South Campus expansion project be redrawn in such a way as to preserve the fitness center and prevent its closing on May 1 and demolition to make room for expanded parking to serve the outpatient medical center.

Brosnan disagreed the fitness center is being torn down for parking. He said it is bring torn down “to accommodate growth and development” in health-care delivery for years into the future.

Palos Health and Fitness Center is not mentioned in the narrative nor depicted on a diagram showing

City reduces greens fee Save PHFC at Palos Hills golf course

the site plans in the hospital’s permit application for a certificate of need for the project from the state.

The expansion project is a “culmination of focused long-term planning to meet the growing demand for health care services in the south suburbs,” a fact sheet for the expansion states.

Today, the South Campus employs more than 300 people. The new facility is expected to house 150 to 200 physicians. Project benefits include improved access to quality services, integrated care among physicians, bringing primary doctors together with specialists to manage ongoing treatments and chronic diseases; coordinated medical records and clinical services among providers and reduced wait times for appointments and diagnostic services.

Pulmonary rehab services that had been provided at Palos health and Fitness for people on oxygen, etc. are to be combined with cardiac rehab at the hospital until the new facility is opened, Moisan said.

The hospital’s breakdown of the $133.2 million costs of the project does not list demolition costs for the fitness center. The costs of site preparation for the project, however, are pegged at $7.478 million.

The project requires the state review board to grant a certificate of need approving it because its cost is an expenditure by a hospital that is greater than the state’s capital expenditure threshold of $13.5 million.

The hospital’s permit application was declared complete on Jan. 4, 11 days before the date of the notification letter to Palos Health & Fitness members that April 30 is its last day of operation.

The state board has tentatively scheduled March 29 to consider the application. Any person wanting to submit written comments on the project must submit them

by March 9. The board will post its findings in a state board staff report online on March 15 at hfsrb.

Illinois.gov.

The public may submit written responses for or against those findings until 9 a.m. March 21.

For additional information on its procedures, the HFSRB states persons may call (217) 782-3516.

Letters making public comment about the hospital’s plans can be sent to the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board must be mailed to: Ms. Courtney Avery, Administrator, Illinois Department of Public Health, 525 West Jefferson 2nd Floor, Springfield, Illinois 62761.

Continued from Page 1

By Michael Gilbert A new, reduced green rate has been established for the Palos Hills Municipal Golf Course in 2016 in the hopes of doubling attendance from the previous year, the chairman of Golf Course Committee said.

Ald. Ricky Moore (4th Ward) told the council and a handful of residents in attendance at the meeting Feb. 4 that the new fee for golf at the nine-hole course is a flat rate of $10. Last year the fee to play the course was $17 for adults, $13 for seniors age 60 and older and $10 for players under 18.

“The golf course is there 7/24 no matter how many people are there,” said Moore, who serves as chairman of the City Council’s Golf Course Committee. “Let’s see how this new rate works out.

Golfing (attendance) as a whole has kind of been in the dumps everywhere. We are obviously hoping to increase attendance by a lot.”

Moore said the goal for 2016 was to double attendance from last year. Figures for 2015 were not available at last week’s meeting.

With the new rate comes the elimination of all promotions and discounts including the “Siesta Special,” which allowed for the purchase of two rounds of golf for the price of one from noon to 3p.m. Moore said a 10 percent discount will still be offered for all members of the military playing the course.

“We feel that if we have the best, cheapest golf in the southwest suburbs that we will have higher activity at the course,” Moore said.

“Our motto has always been to provide the best golf for the best price in the southwest suburbs and we believe we are doing that.”

The golf course, 7301 W. 105th St., is just one year removed from a major $200,000 clubhouse renovation.

“We are always trying to improve the course,” Moore said.

“We just put a couple hundred thousand dollars into the clubhouse

last year and we are always looking to update and maintain.”

The course boasts a pair of Par 5 holes, three Par 3s and four Par 4s. The championship tees offer golfers more than 2,800 yards of course.

“It’s a challenging course,” Moore said. “A lot of the people I talk to say ‘it’s not Pebble Beach, but it’s a challenging course.’

“You are going to improve your game if you play here.”

Moore said fellow Golf Committee members and aldermen A.J. Pasek (3rd Ward) and Joan Knox (1st Ward) were also in favor of reducing the rate.

“Our goal is to appeal to the masses,” Moore said. “I don’t know where they are going to get nine holes any cheaper than $10. That is the message we want to get out.

“Is it a little bit risky that we’re doing this? It is, but hopefully it will work out.”

The cost of cart rentals has not changed from last year, Moore said.

Beware scams and schemes now target Facebook users The Internet and social media sites are littered with scams and Facebook with its millions of users is often the site chosen by scammers to launch their schemes. The most recent is a scam that leads Facebook users to believe they have an opportunity to win free first class flights on Southwest Airlines.

Scammers created Facebook pages that promised 400 free tickets to Las Vegas or 775 first class flights “for you and five friends to a dream destination of your choice anywhere in the world.”

There was even the added come on to trick you into thinking that you would be given $5000 in spending money too.

“This latest airline scam is just one of many scams that are posted on Facebook,” says Steve J. Bernas, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois.

“Another of the scams promises lifetime passes for free food at popular fast food outlets.”

Bernas notes “Frequently these posts are actually Facebook survey scams and they are in no way associated with the companies they name.”

More than 23,000 users shared

the airline post with their online friends, and another 14,000 liked the page. By either sharing or liking the post the users are, unknowingly, helping the online criminals in their scheme; essentially you are telling your friends, family, and colleagues these are good people trust them.

“Clicking on the post can also be dangerous because that can lead you into divulging your personal information” added Bernas.

Generally, after you have shared the post, the page may display a popup that claims that you must complete a survey before receiving your prize. The popup could include a list of links. The links open survey websites that offer the chance of winning further prizes in exchange for completing surveys and supplying your name, home address, email address, home phone number, and mobile phone number.

But, fine print on the sites will explain that, by participating, you are giving permission for your personal information to be shared with site sponsors and third-party marketing groups. You will soon find that you begin receiving unwanted and annoying phone calls, text messages, emails, and letters

in your mail box promoting various products and services.

The scammers responsible for these posts earn money through affiliate marketing systems every time people supply their information on one of the survey sites.

How to avoid falling victim to scams on Facebook and other social media sites: • First remember the old axiom “if it sounds too good to be true... it probably is” • A red flag that a post or offer is a scam is the claim being made a “great” deal, opportunity, offer, that requires that you “claim” your prize by sharing the post.

• Check the authenticity of the business advertised in the post by hovering your mouse over the blue check mark on the profile. If it’s real you’ll see a pop-up that says “Verified Page”.

• Go to the businesses official website to check out the offer, if it’s a scam they may have posted a warning.

• Check out the business on bbb.org For more information on scams, visit www.bbb.org/Chicago.

— The Better Business Bureau

swimming pool, but the only warm-water therapy in a fitness center in this region. And that’s only one of its unique wellness features that will be lost to the community if it closes, according to Save PHFC members.

One pool user, James Prendergast, of Palos Heights, is organizing users of the therapy pool to testify to the health benefits they derive from this “tremendous asset.”

“Bring prepared notes, don’t get off track – we want your two minutes to be powerful. Speak from your heart, but be factual,” Mary Ellen Smolinski told the fitness center members gathered for a meeting held Saturday at the Presbyterian Church in Orland Park as preparation for today’s IHFSRB hearing.

Smolinski’s husband, Joseph, gave bright yellow handouts with instructions for the hearing to the nearly 100 people who attended Saturday’s forum, held in the church sanctuary. The page full of instructions state that speakers “will be limited to two minutes and it will be timed. You will need to turn in two copies” of letters sent to the state board, which regulates approval for large medical facilities.

People with multiple sclerosis, arthritis and other medical conditions are especially encouraged to testify about why they benefit from the medically-integrated PHFC compared to any other fitness center in the southwest region of Chicago.

The instructions page also contains tips from a member who asked not to be identified in this story who attended a recent hearing by the board held days before for St. James Hospital’s plans: “Arrive early. Plan to stay for the day. Most of all be respectful to everyone. Please no side conversations inside the meeting room. Turn off all cellphones.”

The same woman also related that the best case to be made to sway the state regulatory board.

The board looks at over-saturation of medical centers in any given region – “a real strong case can be made for that,” she said.

The stark fact members had to face though was “Palos hospital can still say we’re losing money and we’re closing [the fitness center] any way” even if the state board rejects approval of its plans and denies a certificate of need required to build the medical center. It would be demolished if the hospital’s expansion plans are approved.

By Tuesday, Mrs. Smolinski emailed a press release on behalf of the Save PHFC group. “The plan to close our wellness center in order to build a parking lot for another medical office building in

Photo by Jack Murray

A Palos Health and Fitness Center member has her turn to offer suggestions and ask questions at last Saturday’s Save PHFC grassroots forum held in the sanctuary of The Presbyterian Church in Orland Park.

Orland Park seems contrary to PCH’s mission of ‘Compassionate Care,’” it began.

Reminding people of today’s hearing, the release noted plans to build the medical center “would require the razing” of the Palos Health & Fitness Center, 15430 West Ave. Its members were notified in a letter dated Jan. 15 that the center will be closed for good on May 1.

Tuesday’s Save PHFC statement reiterates many of its members have special needs that cannot be met elsewhere: “The clientele at PHFC is different than at other health clubs. Healthy active members exercise next to members who need the assistance of canes, walkers, wheelchairs and oxygen. In addition to standard health club classes such as Pilates and cardio, PHFC offers programs specifically for Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, Arthritis, COPD, Cardiac patients, Special Olympics and more.

Members of the group will attest to those personal needs in their stories at the hearing, the release states. The group seeks widespread radio and television news coverage of its members’ stories to be aired at the hearing.

“Incredible people, with incredible stories” fill the ranks of Palos

fitness’ membership, Smolinki said last Saturday.

The Save PHFC Facebook page had grown to 480 page Likes by Tuesday. They also keep in touch and share information on Twitter at #SavePHFC. More than 45 letters of opposition to the hospital’s plans have been posted on the IHFSRB website, Smolinski told Saturday’s gathering. The Facebook page gives instructions for writing letters to the state board. One letter in opposition is by state Rep. Kelly Burke.

Among other local elected officials, Orland Township Supervisor Paul O’Grady, state Rep. Fran Hurley and state Sen. Bill Cunningham have publicly urged the hospital to reconsider its plans to close Palos Health and Fitness because of all the health and wellness benefits it provides to each of their constituents.

A representative of the MS Society is among those who may give public comment at today’s hearing, a member of Save PHFC informed members on the group’s Facebook page after contacting the facilitator of the South Cook MS self-help group.

The Regional News

Thursday, February 18, 2016

3

Wolves circle fast after Scalia’s death

Palospark.org image

Palos Park’s new police patrol beat map as it appears on the village website after the recent annexations of 1,446 acres of land in previously unincorporated Lemont Township.

Palos Park PD revamps patrol beats to cover newly annexed jurisdiction

By Jack Murray Palos Park police are now patrolling Cog Hill Golf and Country Club among three other tracts of land in the western annexation area newly added to the village.

Village Police Commissioner Dan Polk announced the new patrol area beats on Monday, saying the entire village — areas both old and new — has been divided into four such police beats.

A map showing the revamped beats was released a week after the Village Council voted unanimously on Feb. 8 to annex the 1,036-acre Cog Hills property, at 12294 S. Archer Road, and the 112-acre property commonly known as Ludwig Farm, at 13235 W. 131st St. Less than a month before, the Village Council annexed the near-

by Gleneagles Country Club and Mid-Iron Golf Club, totaling about 280 acres, at a special meeting on Jan. 15.

The four properties making up the western annexation area total 1,446 acres in previously unincorporated Lemont Township.

Palos Park police patrol units are assigned to a designated area of the village each shift, Polk noted. “Police officers assigned to a particular area (known as a ‘beat’) are responsible for calls for service, such as reports, in-progress crimes and any other issues that need police response,” he added in a release issued by the Police Department late on Monday.

The division of the original village and western annexation area into four beats was done after Polk and Police Chief Joe Miller conducted a Patrol Beat Evaluation study, “designed to provide

an assessment of the previous beat structure (of three patrol beats) and allocation of existing patrol staffing and evaluate opportunities to improve that deployment.”

To meet their objectives in the study, officials focused on the following, Polk wrote: • Create a beat structure in which areas can be staffed consistently during most hours of the day and night.

• Distribute officer workload levels more consistently across beats.

• Design beat boundaries that utilize efficient routes of travel.

• Minimize natural barriers within each beat.

• Minimize dividing neighborhoods between beats.

“Our objective was simple, optimize existing staff across realistic geographic boundaries in order to best serve the community,”

he added.

It was Polk who recently said “now the real work begins” after residents cheered the vote last week to complete the annexations into Palos Park sought by all four property owners. “Most definitely yes. Welcome to Palos Park,” Polk had said during the roll-call vote.

Mayor John Mahoney explained the annexations were made more quickly than originally intended at the request of the property owners in order to thwart legal efforts by Lemont allies to stop it.

Mahoney assured residents that the village will maintain “the integrity of our annexation and development process. The public hearing and review process we prefer is not being avoided, only delayed. We will follow Palos Park’s strict planning and zoning requirements.”

Glad to become a part of Palos Gleneagles owner likes annexation battle outcome

By Dermot Connolly Only a month has passed since Gleneagles Golf and Country Club and the Mid-Iron Golf Club were annexed by Palos Park.

Mike McNulty, the owner of both properties, is expressing relief at the ease in which his family-owned properties joined the village.

Asked why he and the owners of the nearby Ludwig Farm and Cog Hill Golf and Country Club decided six years ago to submit requests for annexation to Palos Park to the east, rather than Lemont to the west, McNulty has many reasons. First and foremost, he said there has never been a good relationship between the village of Lemont and his family, which has owned Gleneagles, a 232-acre property at 13070 W. McCarthy Road, for 65 years, as well as the 46-acre Mid-Iron, at 12500 Bell Road.

He cited one instance some years ago in which he said the village of Lemont practically demanded a parcel of the Gleneagles property for an easement, when a subdivision was being built adjacent to the golf course, and offered his family little or nothing in return.

“We don’t want to go into the village of Lemont. We have no desire to be in Lemont,” he stated emphatically.

He also questioned the legality of the way Lemont annexed other properties in the past, asserting that Lemont had extended sewer systems to unincorporated sites before anything was annexed.

“A sham is what it amounts to,” he said. “It is like building a sewer to nowhere.”

“If we ever do develop our properties, I want to make sure everything was done properly,”he said.

He and the other property owners involved have also raised objections to statements made by Lemont village officials when the annexation issue came to the forefront last fall that because they were located in Lemont Township, the village has a natural right to annex them.

“These are privately owned

Photo by Dermot Connolly

The owner of Gleneagles Country Club looks forward to the spring season when fairways and greens are no longer white with snow and ice. He gave The Regional an exclusive interview this week, stating his satisfaction that his property is now a part of Palos Park after its annexation by the village last month.

properties,” he said. “We should be able to do what we want with them.”

“Lemont has always been very deceitful with us. Palos Park has been up front and open. We told them what we wanted. So it has been a very professional relationship with humble people,” he said.

Although he and the other property owners had submitted annexation requests to Lemont six years ago, it came to a head last fall, when Palos Park began taking concrete steps to complete the annexation. This included the annexation of a parcel of Cook County Forest Preserve property between Palos Park and the unincorporated properties, which Lemont criticized.

The original plan was to have hearings before the properties were officially annexed, but he said he requested that the process

be moved along quicker when in December, several residents of the Sun-Hill subsivision filed a motion in Cook County Circuit Court seeking the forcible annexation of half of Gleneagles, as well as their own subdivision, into Lemont.

Palos Park officials claim the residents were being assisted by Lemont officials.

“I was shocked,” said McNulty.

“It just proves that what they have been doing over the years has been a total disregard for the law,” he said.

Cog Hill and Ludwig Farm were annexed in a similar fashion last week, and Palos Park officials have assured residents that any development of the annexed properties will go through the traditional hearing process. But McNulty, like the other owners, said he has no immediate plans for development.

He said there will be no changes at Gleneagles for now, and said there are no immediate plans to do anything with Mid-Iron either.

Mid-Iron’s a nine-hole golf course did not open in 2015, but the facility is being used as a driving range.

“If the economy improves, I’ll reopen the course. But the problem is, privately owned courses like

Mid-Iron have a hard time competing with other nine-hole golf courses in the area, which are all publicly owned, by municipalities or park districts or other taxing bodies,” he said.

He said that if a buyer does come along in the future, he is confident being part of Palos Park that there will be no problems selling his property.

“I want to avoid all the problems I can,” said McNulty.

He also pointed to a recent survey by Movoto Real Estate that ranked Palos Park as No. 5, in a list of top Chicago-area municipalities in which to live.

“And Lemont is nowhere to be seen,” he said. “That says something.”

Justice Antonin Scalia was described as dedicated and uncompromising in his interpretation of the Constitution. He based many of his Supreme Court decisions on the language used in that original document. He was unwavering in his interpretation of the beliefs and thoughts of our founding fathers.

Scalia was found dead Saturday morning in his Texas hotel room. He was on a vacation trip with a group who planned to go quail hunting. He excused himself Friday night and retired to bed.

He had told some people at the hotel that he was not feeling well.

The 79-year-old justice reportedly died of natural causes. His wife said that an autopsy will not be necessary. Scalia’s legacy will be his keen mind and his conservative principles. At least that’s the impression most of us will be left with. Many headlines in newspapers across the country said he was the “Conservative champion.”

His rulings against certain liberal causes were filled with caustic comments. He loved to argue but remained friendly with members of the Supreme Court in which he did not usually agree with. He was close friends with Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who often has a more liberal interpretation of the law.

Scalia often said that you can disagree with someone but you don’t have to be disagreeable.

He liked to argue with his more liberal justices but he did not take anything that was said personally.

Maybe some of our current Republicans who take up space in Washington, D.C. should take note of Scalia’s beliefs. If they did, they would respect the office of the presidency and realize that Barack Obama has a duty to select a nominee to replace Scalia.

Scalia had not even been laid to rest and Republicans were already ranting that Obama should not be allowed to choose a successor to Scalia. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) essentially said that Obama should not be allowed to select another chief justice. McConnell said that people should have a voice in deciding the next Supreme Court justice.

Well, that sounds so noble.

But actually, it is pure politics.

McConnell has kept his Senate majority by appealing to a conservative base, moderates and some members who are on the extreme right. The latter part of this group view Obama as the arrival of the anti-Christ. By saying that the will of the people needs to be respected, McConnell lets himself off the hook somewhat. But expressing that this is the will of the people, the focus will be on him, McConnell believes.

If McConnell can stall any selection to replace Scalia as Obama leaves office, he can look victorious in the eyes of his proponents.

McConnell would like nothing more than to have one more final victory against Obama.

So, apparently that’s what this comes down to. McConnell and even some of the GOP presidential candidates are fearful of that the balance of the Supreme Court will tilt left. This is where everyone needs a dose of reality. McConnell knows better. The president has every right to select a nominee for the Supreme Court.

All you have to do is ask Donald Trump. The volatile GOP candidate said in the debate Saturday night that Obama has the right to choose the next nominee for the Supreme Court. Trump realizes this because Obama is the president. Trump added, of course, that it is up to McConnell and his GOP posse to stop him. They can do that be delaying and delaying, said Trump.

The assumption here by his opponents is that Obama will select an ultra-liberal justice to replace Scalia. What actually will occur is that Obama will wait a respectable amount of time before considering candidates, the majority of which will go under the title of moderate.

And what is wrong with that?

A fair and balanced voice is need-

JOE BOYLE ed during these chaotic times. A fight will occur whoever Obama chooses. I guess we will just have to see how this plays out in the end. Maybe Obama’s opponents will succeed.

They may succeed with no regard for all of the people. In the words of Scalia, we don’t have to be so disagreeable. Scalia was approved by a judiciary committee with a vote of 98-0 after President Reagan selected him in 1986. Maybe the Democrats were sidetracked by the simultaneous selection of Justice William Rehnquist, who had 33 opposing votes.

Scalia’s passing assures of one thing. A chaotic year will become even more chaotic.

Turning to sports …

The Super Bowl is well over.

We can all relax now.

Perhaps now we can concentrate on other matters, like choosing a presidential primary candidate. For the record, the Denver Broncos staggered the Carolina Panthers, 24-10, in Santa Clara, Calif. This goes under the category of an upset victory, not that most of us mind.

The majority of people I talked to did not have a preference in this game.

But Peyton Manning goes out a winner. The 39-year-old Denver quarterback has had a great career and is considered one of the game’s greatest at his position.

But the former Indianapolis Colts quarterback is no longer great.

Neck injuries have taken its toll on his once strong throwing arm.

And he was never all that mobile to begin with.

But he is still a great field general, eluding several Carolina blitzes by throwing short quick passes. He simply did enough to win while the defense did the rest. The Broncos forced four turnovers and sacked Carolina quarterback Cam Newton six times.

So, in my opinion, Manning should retire. He now has two Super Bowl rings. The first one was against our Chicago Bears. If Manning retires, he goes out on top. Nothing is better than that.

Manning said he needed time to think about it. He was going to kiss his wife, his kids and then drink a lot of Budweiser.

My advice to him is that when he gets over that hangover is to talk to the Denver Broncos’ general manager, John Elway. The former star quarterback of the Broncos, Elway won Super Bowl titles in his last two years. He retired after that. Elway, like Manning is now, was a shadow of himself at the end of his career and was more like a game manager. Elway just did enough behind a great offensive line, strong running game and a great defense.

When Manning sobers up, he will make the right decision. It is better to go out on top.

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

Corrections

A story on Page 1 of last week’s Regional News about Palos Park’s annexation of Cog Hill Golf and Country Club and Ludwig Farm incorrectly stated that the properties had been in incorporated Lemont Township. In fact, they were in unincorporated Lemont Township. In the same story, Palos Park Mayor John Mahoney’s first name was incorrectly given as James.

4 Thursday, February 18, 2016

EDITORIAL

OPINION

The Regional News

Don’t tear hope down building for the future

Imagine Palos Community Hospital took the time and small expense to redraw its South Campus expansion plans in such a way as to save the Palos Health & Fitness Center it worked so hard to build more than 15 years ago.

It isn’t hard if you try.

The coldest news so far this year was that this warmest place in Palos-Orland will be closed May 1.

A Jan. 15 letter informed members of the Palos Health & Fitness Center in Orland Park that it would be closed to make room for Palos Community Hospital’s Orland Park South Campus expansion.

Its steamrooms, saunas and whirlpools in each of the men’s and women’s locker rooms and warm-water therapy pool, especially, provided so much relief from winter’s cold chill and damp.

People with arthritis, sore joints and a host of other aches and pains, some quite crippling, will surely miss that therapy pool.

People with multiple sclerosis will miss the fitness center’s MS aqua and MS yoga programs.

They along with other PHFC members have been meeting and organizing and putting together a movement since the news hit. They share tactics and strategy on the Save PHFC Facebook page, are also on Twitter and created a website.

The more reasonable among them emphasize they do not oppose the hospital’s plans for a $133.2 million medical office building and other improvements to its Palos Primary Care Center campus at 153rd and West Avenue, as long as the fitness center can remain open.

By the looks of it, the fitness center stands not in the way of any of the buildings we see in an artist’s rendering of the project shown in this week’s Regional News. It’s just in the way of the parking lot.

Certainly Palos Community Hospital is a private institution and has the right to dispose of its property as it sees fit.

That’s the American way, the good old free market at work.

But some have made the point, Orland Township Supervisor Paul O’Grady among them, that a healing institution that originated from a Roman Catholic non-profit organization just may have a special obligation to not put the profit motive first, above and beyond Christ’s injunction to heal the sick.

The infirm come to the healing waters of Palos Health & Fitness and get other therapy each and every day. See them in the mornings, making their way in and out pushing walkers or using canes, eased into the pools with chair lifts.

There is a community of healing at work in that place that is really unlike any other for miles around. We feel nothing but compassion for the members most in need of the medically-integrated services long provided and promoted by PHFC that were so integral a part of its founding mission.

The good spin doctors of Palos Community Hospital have certainly sold us at The Regional on the real benefits its South Campus expansion will provide for the future of health care in Palos-Orland and beyond. It’s a huge economic boost as well. We see no other entity on the horizon willing to invest $133.2 million in Palos-Orland other than Palos hospital, with this plan. We of course have only well wishes for a favorable decision by the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board.

But we say to the hospital: Imagine all the people. All the people — the elderly, the lame, the infirm. They who come — many with not so many years left — who have grown to rely upon the truly unique services and facilities you so many years ago saw fit to provide them in your investment to build, equip and staff this sparkling Palos Health and Fitness Center.

And we can’t but ask: What would Jesus do?

Letters policy The Regional News encourages letters to the editor. Letters must be signed and the name of the writer will be published.

Include your address and telephone number for verification purposes. Limit letters to no more than 300 words. We reserve the right to edit letters.

THE E-mail letters to: theregional@comcast.net NEWS THE REGIONAL

REGIONAL NEWS

An THEindependent, locally-owned REGIONAL NEWS An independent, locally-owned community newspaper community newspaper published weekly An independent, locally-owned community newspaper Regional Publishing Corporation 12243 S. Harlem Ave. Regional Publishing Corporation Palos Heights, IL 60463 12243 S. Harlem Ave. Voice (708) 448-4000 Palos IL 60463 Fax Heights, (708) 448-4012 Voice (708) 448-4000 www.theregionalnews.com Fax (708) 448-4012 TheRegional@comcast.net www.theregionalnews.com Office Hours: Office Hours: Mon.- Fri. - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Mon.Fri. -- 99 a.m. p.m.

Office Hours: Saturday a.m. to to 5noon An independent, locally-owned community Saturday a.m. to to 5noon Mon.Fri. -- 99 a.m. p.m.

SaturdayPublisher - 9 a.m. to noon newspaper published weekly

Publisher Amy Richards Amy Richards Publisher Southwest Regional Publishing Editor Editor Amy Richards 12243 S. Harlem Ave. Jack Murray Jack Murray Palos Heights, IL 60463 Editor Sports Editor Sports Editor Jack Murray Ken Phone: (708) 448-4000 Ken Karrson Karrson Sports Editor Fax: (708) 448-4012 Advertising Sales Ken Phone: 448-4001 Val Karrson Draus Website: www.theregionalnews.com Phone: 448-4001 Advertising Salesemail: TheRegional@comcast.net Classified Manager Phone: Debbie 448-4001 Perrewe Classified Manager Office hours: Debbie 448-4002 Perrewe Phone: Classified Manager Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Phone: Debbie 448-4002 Perrewe Deadlines: Graphic Design and LayoutPublisher: Amy Richards Phone: 448-4002 Editorial: Noon Saturday Advertising: 5 p.m.Lanning Monday Rebecca Editor: Jack Murray Deadlines:Jackie Santora

Editorial: Noon Editor: Jeff Vorva Subscription rates:Saturday Local, deliveredSports by Advertising: Monday Deadlines: mail, $44 a year5inp.m. advance.

Out-of-State, Advertising Sales: Val Draus (708) 448-4001 $54 a year. Single $1.00.

Editorial: Noon copies, Saturday Subscription rates: Local, delivered by Advertising: 5Classified p.m.

Monday Postmaster: Send address changes to Manager: Debbie Perrewe (708) 448-4002 THE $44 REGIONAL NEWS, 12243 S. Harlem mail, a year in advance.

Out-of-State, Graphic Design and Layout: Lauren Ziemann Subscription rates:copies, Local, delivered by Ave., Heights, IL 60463-0932. $54 a Palos year. Single $1.00. mail, $45 a year in advance. Out-of-State, Postmaster: Send address changes to Deadlines $54 a year. News Single copies, $1.00. for the The REGIONAL Regional cannot be12243 responsible THE NEWS, S. Harlem Postmaster: Send address changesEditorial: to Noon, Saturday return of unsolicited material.

USPS 419-260 Ave., Palos Heights, IL 60463-0932.

THE REGIONAL NEWS, Periodical postage paid at Palos12243 Heights,S.ILHarlem 60463 Advertising: 5 p.m., Monday Ave., PalosNews Heights, and additional post offices.

The Regional cannotILbe 60463-0932. responsible for the Subscription rates: Local, delivered by mail, $47 a year in advance. Out-of-State, return unsolicited material.

USPSresponsible 419-260 for The ofRegional cannot Entered as periodical mail at be thecopies, Post Office $57 a News year.

Single $1.atPostmaster: Send address changes to THE REGIONAL Periodical postage paid at Palos Heights, IL 60463 the returnHeights, of unsolicitedIllinois, material. USPS 419-260 Palos 60463 and Palos Heights, IL 60463 and additional post offices.

NEWS, 12243 S. Harlem Ave., and additional post offices.

Periodical postage at Palos Heights, 60463of additional post paid offices under the IL Act Regional and additional post offices. News cannot be responsible for the return of unsolicited material.

March 3,asThe 1879.

Entered periodical mail at the Post Office at USPS 419-260 Periodical postage paid at Palos Heights, IL 60463 and additional Palos Heights, Illinois, Entered as periodical mail at copyright the 60463 Post Office and at (©Entire contents post offices. additional postIllinois, offices under the Act Palos Heights, 60463 and additional postof 2011 Regional Publishing Corp.)

Entered periodical offices3,under the Act of as March 3, 1879. mail at the Post Office at Palos Heights, IL, 60643 and March 1879.

additional post offices under the Act of March 3, 1879.

(©Entire copyright (©Entire contents contents copyright Entire contents © Publishing 2011 Corp.)copyright 2015 Southwest Regional Publishing 2014 Regional Regional Publishing Corp.)

This newspaper is dedicated to the memory of those who gave their lives to protect America’s This newspaper is dedicated to freedom of the press, whenever and however it the memory of those who gave may be threatened. their lives to protect America’s free-

dom of the press, whenever and This newspaper newspaper dedicated This dedicated to to however it may beisthreatened. the memory memory of those who the who gave gave theirlives lives to protect America’s their to protect America’s free-

READERS WRITE Fix parking needs at Lake Katherine Dear Editor: The recent Winterfest at Lake Katherine Nature Center revealed that parking still remains inadequate to meet the needs of those attending such events. Residents at the west end of Lake Katherine Drive witness a never-ending parade of cars searching for parking along the drive. Unsuccessful and reaching the dead end at the west end, drivers typically execute a threepoint turn —backing into the entry/exit point of the Cal-Sag bike path. Fortunately, there are few bikers in February.

Residents have been told that funds will be earmarked in the 2016 budget for additional parking at the east end of Lake Katherine Drive. Funds may be earmarked for new parking, but now formal approval is needed. How long will it take for Palos Heights to address the issue of parking at the “Jewel of the Southwest side”?

— Diane Szakonyi, Palos Heights

Lenten reflections Dear Editor, The season of Lent is now upon us.

Many use the 40 days before Easter as a time for reflection, fasting or renewal. All are beneficial. Our lives get so busy and

cluttered that it is good to take a break and focus on what is truly important.

Since Easter is the celebration of Christ’s resurrection it behooves us to spend some unhurried moments thinking about Him. Who exactly is Jesus Christ? He is more than a baby in the Christmas manger.

He is not just a tragic figure on a cross.

Many wondered at His identity during His lifetime on earth. Jesus asked His disciples what others thought about Him, receiving various answers. He then honed in on them and asked, “Who do you say that I am?”

And that is the question every person must answer. What we believe about Jesus will determine our eternal destiny.

John Stott, the English author and cleric, said this, “ Christ is unique in His incarnation (the one and only God-man), unique in His atonement (only He died for the sins of the world), and unique in His resurrection (only He has conquered death).

And since in no other person but Jesus of Nazareth did God first become human (in His birth), then bear our sins (in His death), and then triumph over death (in His resurrection), He is uniquely competent to save sinners. Nobody else possesses His qualifications. There is nobody like Him. He has no rival and no successor.”

S.M. Lockridge, an African-American pastor, penned this amazing description of Jesus entitled, “That’s my King!” “He is

God’s Son. He’s the sinner’s Savior. He’s the centerpiece of civilization. He stands alone in Himself. He’s august. He’s unique.

He’s unparalleled. He’s unprecedented.

He’s supreme. He’s pre-eminent. My King is the key of knowledge. He’s the wellspring of wisdom. He’s the doorway of deliverance. He’s the pathway of peace.

He’s the roadway of righteousness. He’s the highway of holiness. He’s the gateway of glory. He’s the master of the mighty.

He’s the captain of the conquerors. He’s the head of the heroes. He’s the leader of the legislatures. He’s the overseer of the over-comers. He’s the governor of governors. He’s the prince of princes. He’s the King of kings and the Lord of lords. That’s my King! I wish I could describe Him to you... but He’s indescribable. Yes, He’s incomprehensible. He’s invincible. He’s irresistible.

That’s my King!”

Why not take a few moments each day during this season to really get to know Jesus through His Word, the Bible. You could not find a better use of your time.

He will profoundly change your life. “To come to know Christ’s love surpasses all human understanding and knowledge. This is life eternal, to know the only true God, Jesus Christ the Messiah.”

— Susan Tesauro, Palos Heights

From bookstores to grocery stores in our day I love food. I think about food all the time, mainly because I am constantly trying to figure out how to lose weight and still enjoy a good meal. It’s a constant, never ending, and ugly battle.

But the next best thing to actually eating good food is browsing good food.

Over the past few years, some genius finally figured that out. Imagine. It only took a half-century for someone to figure that people like to hang around in grocery stores and browse good food, much the way we used to browse books.

In fact, the demise of the book store – another place I used to really love to hang around – pretty much put a dent in my social life. Until the

RAY HANANIA change.

Today, the grocery store is more than just a get-the-food experience. It’s our changing lifestyle.

Recently, we’ve seen the new millennium super stores open like Pete’s Fresh Market and Mariano’s. They offer more than the dizzying aisles of food products monotonously stacked on shelves that symbolized the past experience.

After World War II, gro-

cery shopping came of age.

My mom loved to shop, but you’d rarely find the husbands or men wandering around the grocery store, the way men wander around hardware stores and still do.

A&P was the big name in the 1950s and 1960s.

If the meat was fresh, the bread was neatly wrapped, and the vegetables looked crisp, mom was happy.

In the 1970s, Jewel became the leader. I worked as a bagboy for Jewel from mid-1960s through 1973 when I entered the military and discovered the Commissary, the first place to take shoppers – military personnel in uniform with their wives – on a true family experience. At Jewel at 87th and

Stony Island, I carried grocery bags for Cassius Clay, who later became boxing champ Muhammad Ali. Homebuyers who moved into the suburbs not only evaluated local schools but also looked for the presence of a Jewel.

Jewel put a lot into presentation and marketing messages.

They didn’t just sell food. They sold a lifestyle. Jewel was a trendsetter in many ways and helped men shatter the glass ceiling that kept them grocery shopping comfort.

Single men in the 1980s and 1990s realized they had two places to meet women.

One was at the “disco” or the Continued on Page 5

INSIDE THE FIRST AMENDMENT

Say it Loud! The potential value of vulgarity

By Gene Policinski Let’s hear it for vulgarity!

Well, at least let’s hear it for occasionally “hearing it,” and other offensive terms and ideas. Let’s accept that there are times, such as presidential elections, where we have an abiding need to really “hear” the speaker, unfiltered and raw, and not just through a prettified, sanitized, preplanned utterance.

We need to be surprised, shocked, awed or offended at times to get the full-on impact of what people are saying in this widely derided but no less-observed era of rehearsed talking points and “sound bites.” Language “with bite” or just plain speaking may be shocking but also can be insightful — the very point of the First Amendment’s protection for free expression.

The U.S. Supreme Court affirmed the legal protection of offensive speech in 1971,

in Cohen v. California — an opinion by Justice John Marshall Harlan II that included the worthy observation that while “the particular four-letter word being litigated here is perhaps more distasteful than others of its genre, it is often true that one man’s vulgarity is another man’s lyric.”

Both supporters and critics can take new measure of Republican front-runner Donald Trump for recently pretending to “reprimand” a woman at one of his New Hampshire rallies for shouting out a vulgar assessment of fellow GOP presidential hopeful Sen. Ted Cruz. As Trump was criticizing Cruz’s reluctance to endorse “waterboarding” suspected terrorists, a woman shouted, “He’s a pussy!” Trump — in a mocking tone — replied, “You’re not allowed to say, and I never expect to hear that from you again.” He then repeated the shout, to cheers and applause.

Lest we forget, this 2016

campaign also has had references to “blood coming out of her wherever” (Trump, about Fox News’ Megyn Kelly, after an August 2015 debate); outright insults, as in “Trump is a jerk” (former Gov. Jeb Bush, in a January TV ad); and Bush slamming Trump for allegedly making fun of New York Times reporter Serge Kovaleski, who has an illness affecting his arms, by telling a crowd, “You gotta see this guy,” and shaking his own his arms.

Of course, it doesn’t take rampant crudity to widely offend — Democrats found out at almost the same time as Trump’s echo act. In a report the night before the New Hampshire primary, a question was posed on “PBS NewsHour,” asking if noted feminist icon Gloria Steinem and former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright did “step in it” — itself an interesting term — by chiding young women for their nonsupport of Democratic can-

didate Hillary Clinton.

The pair had churlishly declared that youthful female voters seemed more focused on meeting young men surrounding Clinton opponent Sen. Bernie Sanders than in fomenting political revolution — a “fever” over “fervor” assessment that may well have provoked as much outrage as did Trump.

So, we’ve never seen this stuff before in a presidential race? Actually, while “we” haven’t, the nation has — and it started with the very men who delineated the First Amendment’s commitment to freedom of expression.

In the campaign of 1800, Thomas Jefferson opposed John Adams. According to a 2008 report by CNN, “Jefferson’s camp accused President Adams of being a hypocrite and a coward, and as having a ‘hideous hermaphroditical character ... (with) neither the force and firmness of a man, nor the Continued on Page 5

The Regional News

Thursday, February 18, 2016

POLICE BLOTTER: ORLAND PARK

GUEST OPINION

Mandatory minimum sentences tie judges’ hands; cripple justice system

By David Sterba Mandatory minimum criminal penalties have existed in the federal system since the first U.S. Congress enacted the Crimes Act of 1790.

In Illinois, mandatory minimum sentences have existed since the first General Assembly approved An Act respecting Crimes and Punishments in 1819.

Questions abound about the proper amount of latitude that judges should have imposing criminal sentences. Are mandatory minimum sentences for nonviolent offenders consistent with fundamental notions of justice? Is it wise, and does the system work better when the law handcuffs judges by restricting judicial sentencing discretion, while leaving unfettered prosecutorial charging discretion? Are such mandatory minimum sentences, which inhibit individualized justice, sound public policy? Is a onesize-fits-all approach the best we can do?

A consensus has emerged among criminal law practitoners and judges that it is poor criminal justice policy to require judges to impose no less than a mandatory minimum sentence for nonviolent criminal offenses. Indeed, judges should be allowed the discretion to tailor sentences below the mandatory minimums when necessary.

This will avoid a disproportionate punishment and allow for a proper weighing of statutory sentencing factors, including the facts of the case and the history of the defendant.

Arguments advanced in opposition to mandatory minimum sentences for nonviolent offenders include: • They frequently, unfairly and disproportionately target

minorities.

• They add to an already burgeoning prison population, significantly contributing to a serious overcrowding problem.

• They have not eliminated sentencing disparities because they do not eliminate discretion, but, rather, have subordinated the role of the judiciary to prosecutors, and thus, subvert a system designed for judges to determine a just punishment.

• They are fundamentally unfair in that their rigidity obstructs a judge’s ability to craft a punishment that fits the crime, often resulting in manifestly unjust prison sentences.

The illogicality of exceptionless mandatory minimum sentences for nonviolent offenses is illustrated in the extreme in the recently decided case of People v. Collins. In Collins, the Illinois appellate court addressed the issue of a mandatory minimum life sentence for a nonviolent offense.

Charles Collins was arrested after a large quantity of cocaine was found in the trunk of the car he was driving. After a trial he was convicted of possession of a controlled substance and possession with intent to deliver. Based on his criminal history, albeit nonviolent, he was sentenced to the mandatory minimum of natural life in prison (a sentence most convicted murderers don’t receive).

On appeal, Collins claimed that his sentence was disproportionate to his nonviolent offense. In a 2-1 decision, the Illinois appellate court found that “[I]mposing a mandatory life sentence on a nonviolent offender is harsh and we question the wisdom of the legislature in this regard. Nonetheless, we cannot say any imprudence on the legislature’s part amounts to a constitutional violation.” The Collins court, while seemingly

Police are investigating the reported vandalism of a car owned by a church that occurred outside the church in the 6300 block of West 127th Street sometime overnight between Feb. 7 and 8.

Graffiti was spray-painted on the car, police said.

Charged with driving while license suspended Issa A. Sweis, 37, of Orland Park, was charged with driving on a suspended license when he was stopped at 10:50 p.m. Feb. 10, in the 12700 block of South Ridgeland Avenue. He is due in court on March 11.

Robert D. Hollowell, 58, of

Palos Heights, was charged with driving on a suspended license following a traffic stop at 4:30 a.m. Feb. 10, in the 13000 block of South Harlem Avenue. Police said he was also cited for having only one headlight. He is due in court on March 25.

Luis A. Trujillo Reyes, 36, of Chicago, was charged with driving on a suspended license following a traffic stop in the 11900 block of South Harlem Avenue, at 12:57 a.m. Feb. 9. He is due in court on March 25.

Charged with aggravated speeding Laron Tyrell Holt, 32, of Oak Forest, was charged with aggra-

INSIDE THE FIRST AMENDMENT Continued from Page 4 gentleness and sensibility of a woman.’” Adams’ supporters responded by saying Jefferson was “a mean-spirited, low-lived fellow,” a weakling, atheist, libertine and coward — and using racially tinged insults for good measure.

In 1848, presidential hopeful Lewis Cass was called a “pot-bellied, mutton-headed cucumber.” Newspapers more than a century ago included merciless cartoons showing candidates as bulging money bags, swarming crocodiles, monstrous figures and slobbering beasts.

Cartoonist Thomas Nast had made a career during the 1872 presidential race of caricatures showing Democratic candidate Horace Greeley holding hands with corpses, cavorting with criminals, and worse. Some accounts link the unceasing illustrated attacks to Greeley’s death, even before his loss to Ulysses S. Grant was certified by the Electoral College.

Fast forward past Harry S. Truman’s often-earthy language on-and-off the campaign trail — criticized at the time, but later praised as “plain speaking,” and on to then-Texas Gov. George W. Bush in the 2000 presidential race being overheard calling New York Times reporter Adam Clymer a “major-league asshole.” Presidents Nixon, Johnson, Carter and Obama

have all had explicative-laden moments. And it would be difficult to quantify the times on social media that Obama — the nation’s first black president — was described in the most racist terms possible.

All of these incidents — now and then — are offensive to many but can be illustrative to us all. We protect political speech above all other categories of free expression under the First Amendment specifically to protect a “vigorous and robust” unfettered exchange of views.

The 2016 election, at least at the outset of primary voting, seems likely to be remembered with self-proclaimed outsiders “speaking truth to power” to Washington insiders. That 1971 “Cohen” opinion also notes an earlier comment by Justice Felix Frankfurter that “one of the prerogatives of American citizenship is the right to criticize public men and measures — and that means not only informed and responsible criticism, but the freedom to speak foolishly and without moderation.”

We don’t have to like it when candidates and surrogates veer into profanity and vulgarity and speak “without moderation.” But such free expression can be useful in taking measure of not just the spoken words but of the speakers behind them.

Charged with DUI

Orland Park police charged James D. Hajek, 38, of Brookfield, with DUI and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident as they investigated a two-vehicle crash at 151st Street and La Grange Road at 2:31 a.m. Feb. 6. His SUV was finding the result distasteful, es- towed and impounded, and Hajek sentially concluded that the law is scheduled to appear in court in is the law, and thus, affirmed Bridgeview on March 22.

Collins’ life sentence.

Orland Park resident Fay V. The dissenting justice assert- Casper, 50, was charged with DUI, ed that: “For Charles Collins [a improper lane usage and driving nonviolent offender], life withwithout headlights on after police out parole is so disproportionate curbed her SUV in the 9500 block to the offense that it shocks the of West 143rd Street at 7:16 p.m.

Jan. 30. The vehicle was towed moral sense of the community and violates the proportionality and impounded, and Fay was given a court date of March 9 clause of the constitution. in Bridgeview.

In sum, based on legislative David T. Mosteter, 30, of Park fiat, Collins will die in prison, Forest, was charged with DUI, a currently lawful, but unjust leaving the scene of an accident, result for the commission of unsafe backing on a roadway and a nonviolent offense. Without driving in the wrong lane after the judicial straightjacket of mandatory minimum sentences, his car allegedly hit an SUV near 159th Street and Wolf Road at this unjust result could have 3:57 p.m. Jan. 29. His car was been avoided. pulled over by Orland Hills police The Illinois State Commisat 167th Street and 93rd Avenue a sion on Criminal Justice and short time later, according to the Sentencing Reform is currently police report. Mosteter’s vehicle studying the criminal justice was towed and impounded. The system and is expected to make police report gave no indication recommendations to amend of a court date. state laws, policies and procedures that will help reduce the Suspended driver’s State’s prison population while vehicle towed: police at the same time maintaining public safety. The CommisHomer Glen resident Sally J. sion intends to release its final LePacek, 25, was charged with using an electronic communicareport this spring.

Hopefully, the Commission’s tion device while driving, as well recommendations will include enacting legislation authorizing judges to consider a downward departure from a mandatory minimum sentence for nonvioElderly man victimized lent offenses. Such legislative by check fraud action is essential to prevent A 73-year-old Palos Park man unjust and irrational sentences on Feb. 4 reported discovering that like the one in Collins, and to an electronic check worth $875 restore judicial discretion. was cashed against his account David P. Sterba is a retired on Jan. 28.

Illinois appellate justice and He told police he still has the a former presiding judge and physical check in his possession, trial judge. He is an adjunct so the fraudulent check must have professor of law at The John been issued electronically. The Marshall Law School, and bank that cashed the check gave a partner at the law firm of police the name of the person Walsh, Fewkes & Sterba, in who did it, but the victim did Palos Heights. not know him.

as driving on a suspended license, after police curbed her car near 151st Street and La Grange Road at 1:58 p.m. Feb. 1. The vehicle was towed and impounded, and LePacek is expected to appear in court in Bridgeview on March 14.

Fake soldier bilks man out of $2,5000 in scam A 65-year-old man who thought he was getting a bargain on a used all-terrain vehicle and doing a favor for a soldier about to deployed, found that he was instead the victim of a con artist.

The victim told police that he responded to a Craigslist ad on Jan. 27 and agreed to purchase an ATV for $2,500 from a man who claimed to be a soldier stationed at Fort Belvoir, Va., about to deploy to Afghanistan.

He later received an online invoice that appeared to be from eBay Motors. He was instructed to purchase pre-paid Visa cards to cover the $2,500. The victim then bought five $500 cards and sent the card information to the seller.

He later became suspicious when he still had not received the ATV but instead received a notice stating he would have to send another $1,000 to cover shipping insurance. The victim checked the balances on his Visa cards and found they had been emptied of funds. Orland Park police contacted officials at Fort Belvoir and were told that similar scams involving non-existent soldiers at the base have been occurring since

2012. The victim was advised to contact the FBI’s Cyber Crime Task Force.

Shopper reports her wallet stolen at Macy’s A 67-year-old Homer Glen woman told police that someone stole her wallet from her purse while she shopped at Macy’s in Orland Square Mall at about 12:30 p.m. Feb. 3. She discovered the crime when she arrived home, she added. The brown leather wallet contained $30 cash, credit and debit cards and personal identification.

Wallet stolen at Goodwill A 71-year-old Chicago woman told police that someone stole her wallet out of her open purse while she shopped at Goodwill, 7400 W. 159th St., at 11:30 a.m.

Jan. 31. The victim said the black MK wallet contained $300 cash, a credit card, a PACE bus card, a Medicare card and personal identification.

Charged with identity theft Berwyn resident Symonee Tyaira Bowers, 24, was charged with felony identity theft after she allegedly used a fake driver’s license in other woman’s name to try to obtain a line of credit at a jewelry store in Orland Square Mall just after 7:30 p.m. Feb. 3. Bowers was due at a bond hearing on Feb. 5.

POLICE BLOTTER: PALOS PARK

POLICE BLOTTER: PALOS HEIGHTS Car vandalized

5

Teen faces traffic charged vated speeding following a traffic stop at 12:43 a.m. Feb. 10, in the 12200 block of South Harlem Avenue. Police said he was cited for speeding 35 mph over the limit.

He is due in court on March 25.

Charged with DUI

A 17-year-old Summit boy driving on a learner’s permit was charged with operating a vehicle in violation of restriction following a traffic stop at 7:22 a.m. Feb. 8, in the 12300 block of South WillCook Road. He was also cited for driving without a license or insurance.

Police said the juvenile was pulled over when he was found slowly driving an SUV with major front-end damage, causing a traffic back-up. He told police he had lost control of the vehicle and crashed

Catherine M. Murphy, 49, of Crestwood, was charged with DUI following a traffic stop at 10:08 p.m. Friday, in the 12300 block of South Harlem Avenue. Police said she was also cited with resisting arrest, driving without insurance and screeching of tires. She is due in court on March 25.

Krystel M. Rosales, 33, of Continued from Page 4 Chicago, was charged with DUI following a traffic stop at 3:54 a.m. bar. The other was the social environment of the new grocery store.

Pete’s Fresh Market and Mariano’s have taken the grocery shopping experience into the 21st century.

Gene Policinski is chief The meat sections are diveroperating officer of the Newsesified. The vegetables sections um Institute and senior vice are architecturally designed to president of the Institute’s First enhance the experience. They’ve Amendment Center. He can be added “fun sections,” like the reached at gpolicinski@newseoyster bar, the pizza bar, the um.org. Follow him on Twitter: freshly cooked meat bar, and they even offer sushi. But best @genefac

Hanania

into trees on 123rd Street between Bell and Will-Cook roads. He is due in court March 9.

she was driving 73 mph in a 40 mph zone. Slavin is due in court on March 9.

Charged with no license

Fake IRS calls reported

Juan A. Medina, 24, of Chicago, was charged with driving without a license when he was stopped at 9:21 p.m. Feb. 10, in the 10400 block of West 131st Street. Police said he was also cited for having no front license plate. He is due in court on March 9.

Two Palos Park residents recently reported receiving phone call from people claiming to be IRS investigators seeking payment.

On Feb. 1, a 30-year-old woman told police she received call from a 708 number and upon request, provided her name, date of birth, and the last four digits of her Social Security number before realizing it was a scam.

On Feb. 5, an 80-year-old man received a message on his answering machine from a man pretending to be from the IRS also. The victim was told that a lawsuit had been filed against him for nonpayment of taxes.

Police said the second call was traced to a number in Bainbridge, Wash., connected to numerous IRS scam calls.

IRS officials are reminding people following the recent upsurge in such calls that the IRS does not seek payment by phone.

Any communication is done by registered mail.

Charged with driving while license suspended Steven K. Czaja, 32, of Willow Springs, was charged with driving on a suspended license following a traffic stop at 3:41 a.m. Feb. 8, on Wildwood Trail. He was also cited for failure to signal and driving without insurance. Czaja is due in court on March 9.

Charged with speeding Cheryl L. Slavin, 27, of Orland Park, was charged with speeding following a traffic stop at 9:44 p.m. Feb. 2, in the 12300 block of Southwest Highway. Police said of all, they’ve taken the old Jewel concept of the deli section and blown it wide open.

They have trendy café sections and even inside patios where you can enjoy the fresh “ready-to-eat” foods.

Mariano’s just opened a new store in Orland Park that was much like the premiere of a new “Star Wars” movie. And Pete’s Fresh Market launched a stunning store at 103rd and Harlem.

The salad bars are the lures.

I love the hummus, the tabouli salads and the Middle Eastern dishes. Those are just a small part of the vast ethnic variety

offered. Pete’s made a major mistake by not opening in Orland Park, which is the retail economic engine of the Southwest suburbs.

If you ever want to give me “what for” over my columns, just make your way to Pete’s Fresh Market or Mariano’s. You will usually find me near the Mediterranean salads, stuffed grape leaves or browsing the ready-to-serve counters.

Ray Hanania is an award winning former Chicago City Hall reporter and columnist.

Reach him at rghanania@ gmail.com.

6 Thursday, February 18, 2016

SCHOOLS

The Regional News

SXU online nursing program ranks third Shepard boasts 40 Illinois State Scholars best by U.S. News Pictured are most of the seniors from Shepard High School named Illinois State Scholars for 2015-16.

Shepard High School in Palos Heights announced that 40 members of the 2015 senior class have been named Illinois State Scholars by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.

Roughly 10 percent of the state’s high school seniors earn this recognition each year. In order to earn Illinois State Scholar honors, students must rank in the

top one-half of his or her high school class at the end of the third semester prior to graduation from high school and take the ACT, SAT I, or Prairie State Achievement Exam during the third or fourth semester prior to graduation.

Shepard seniors named Illinois State Scholars this year are Randall Barnes, Natalie Bruce, Aolani Cahue, Sara Campione, Elizabeth

Ciukaj, Bryanna Cross, Michael Cuzco, Dylan Doidge, Morgan Dolehide, Kelsey Domina, Kailey Fitzgerald, Abigail Graham, Caroline Graham, Michael Graham, Karsyn Hettlinger.

Also, Hannah Horstmann, David Reddy, Nancy Lesnicki, Nick Loquercio, Troy Magpantay, Riley McDermott, Jacob McGrath, Benjamin Meyer, Maria Munoz,

Supplied photo

Krystyna Nedza, Stefanie Neylon, Jacob Nolan, Aleck Poradowski, Dylan Porter, Sarah Quattrocki, Janet Santoyo, Abigail Schultz, Zachary Sierzega, Kylie Sterling, Maulika Thakkar, Jacob VanderWeele, Hanna Vasil, Hayden Wiest, John Wolniak and Kendall Yerkes.

St. Xavier University recently surpassed more than 1,200 distance education degree programs across the country to earn the No. 3 ranking on U.S. News & World Report’s “2016 Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs” list.

“This ranking illustrates a commitment to excellence in nursing education and demonstrates the dynamic leadership and talented faculty who incorporate best practices in online education at Saint Xavier University (SXU),” said School of Nursing Dean Gloria Jacobson, R.N., Ph.D. “We encourage all SXU graduate nursing students to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to meet a changing and challenging healthcare environment with compassion, service, hospitality, and integrity. Throughout their educational journey and beyond, we expect them to always hold true to the core values grounded in our Mercy

heritage that highlight the importance of respect, excellence, and learning for life.”

SXU’s Online Graduate Nursing program has been continuously designated as a Center of Excellence by the National League of Nursing since 2007, an honor held by only 10 schools in the nation.

The baccalaureate and master’s program at St. Xavier University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

The U.S. News & World Report’s rankings weighed a variety of factors, including: student engagement, faculty credentials, student services and technology.

More information about the list’s ranking methodologies is available online.

More information about SXU’s School of Nursing can be found here or contact (773) 298-3701.

SCHOOL NOTES partment of Philosophy will host Peg Birmingham, professor of philosophy at The Shepard High School band DePaul Univerboosters will hold their annual dinner dance featuring the Jazz sity, on WednesBand this Friday at Gaelic Park, day, Feb. 24, 6119 W. 147th St. in Oak Forest. at 6:30 p.m., Cost is $35; $25 students. In- in Warde Acacludes food, music by Jazz Band demic Center’s students, silent auction and instant Fourth Floor raffle. For tickets, call 921-2818. Boardroom for Peg Birmingham the 2016 John Ziegler Memorial Lecture Series.

Dancing with the District Professor Birmingham’s lecture, The Palos Heights School Dis- titled, “On a Universal Right to trict 128 PFA will hold its sec- Politics: Refugees, Political Borond Dancing with the District ders and a New Conception of this Saturday at Shepard High Citizenship,” is free and open to School in Palos Heights. the public. There will be a reDoors will open at 5 p.m. and ception following the event for dancing will begin at 6. Enter all to enjoy. through Door 12 – located in the For more, contact the SXU Deback of Shepard). partment of Philosophy at (773) Seven faculty members, rep- 298-3441 or philosophy@sxu.edu. resenting each of District 128’s four schools, will dance with their partners. The winner will be deter- Viking hockey team mined by a combination of judges’ candlelight bowl benefit scores and audience voting -- $1 A candlelight fundraiser to benper vote. efit St. Laurence High School’s Pizza, soft drinks, and treats junior varsity hockey team is set will be sold (pre-order and at the for Friday, Feb. 26 at the Arena event). Cash, checks, and credit Lanes Bowling Center, 4700 W. cards will be accepted.

103rd St., Oak Lawn.

Following the competition, proRegistration starts at 8 p.m. Dinfessional dancers from the Arthur ner will be served at 8:30 p.m.

Murray Dance Center will perform, as will students from Legacy Tickets are $30 per person and Dance Studio and the IJHS cheer- include three games of bowling, leader and poms team. The D128 shoe rental, and unlimited pizza PFA Silent Auction will also be and soft drinks from Beggars Pizza. A cash bar will be available. held during the event.

Tickets must be purchased by 5 All proceeds will benefit the District 128 PFA. For ticket infor- p.m. Monday, Feb. 22. For tickets mation and more, visit the district or more information, call Jeri Roth at 598-7574. website at www.d128.k12.il.us Additionally, several gift baskets will be raffled at the event.

SXU lecture Individuals or local businesses on politics, rights interested in donating items for Saint Xavier University’s De- baskets may also call 598-7574.

Shepard High band dinner dance and jazz

St. Alexander filled Catholic Schools Week St. Alexander School in Palos Heights kicked off its Catholic Schools Week celebration of activities for students, parents, grandparents and teachers on Sunday, Jan. 31.

An open house, Science, Biography and Art Fairs took place immediately following the noon Mass. Third grade students wrote

reports, created informative and colorful posters and dressed up as a historical person of their choosing at the Biography Fair. Sixth-, 7th and 8th- grade students conducted science experiments and showcased their results at the science fair.

Activities throughout the week included a Sweetheart Luncheon,

Wheels of Wisdom, Jump Rope for Heart and Grandparents Day. The week ended with students doing service projects for Honor Flight Chicago veterans and then watching the 8th grade students vs. the teachers in a heated volleyball match.

It was an enjoyable week for all students including the 1st-graders

who dressed up like they were 100 years old to celebrate 100 days of school.

Registration is now open for the 2016-17 school year. Interested families can contact St. Alexander School at 448-0408 for more information or to schedule a tour.

— St. Alexander Parish

STUDENT NEWS

Supplied photo

Charism in the tradition of Mother McAuley

Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School hosted its Celebration Gala last Saturday at Beverly Country Club.

Mother McAuley presented Kelly O’Connor Heneghan, Esq., ‘95 (second from left) with the Catherine McAuley Leadership Award, and inducted two distinguished members of the McAuley community as Life Trustees: Sister Susan Sanders, ’69, RSM, Ph.D. (right), and Palos Heights resident Carole Intrieri Wilson ’68 (left). Honorees are pictured with Mother McAuley President Mary Acker Klingenberger ‘75 (second from right). The 2016 festivities generated a record-breaking number of proceeds. This annual fundraiser benefits tuition assistance for Mother McAuley students, and celebrates individuals who exemplify the charism and values of foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, Catherine McAuley.

Sean Dwyer, of Palos Park, made the honor roll at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh for the fall semester of the 2015-16 academic year. *** Adam Bergen, of Palos Park, graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, during winter commencement held Dec. 20. He earned a BS degree in biochemistry. *** Valerie Guerrero, of Palos Park, was named to the Honor’s List for the Fall 2015 semester, Dominican University, River Forest. *** A group of local students have been selected to the dean’s list for the 2015 fall semester at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston.

Orland Park residents earning dean’s list honors at Eastern are Natalie Kotulski, Communication Studies; Candace LaPrairie, Communication Disorders; Joseph Nichols, Communication Studies; and Cayla Wagner, History.

Also earning dean’s list honors was Emily Duran, of Palos Heights, who is majoring in EC/ ELE/MLE. Worth resident Gabriella Ramierz also made the dean’s list. She is majoring in History.

COMMUNITY NEWS

The Regional News

Thursday, February 18, 2016

7

Little Company celebrates annual Crystal Heart Ball and presents awards

Supplied photo

Heights Women plan Bargain Seekers shop

The Palos Heights Woman’s Club plans a Bargain Seekers event on Saturday, March 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Palos Heights recreation Center, 6601 W. 127th St. Joanne Ferneau, chairman of the cub’s Conservation Department and her committee met recently to plan the fundraiser. Proceeds will be donated toward the club’s gift of a lighted sign for the enlarged and remodeled Recreation Center. Shown are Terry Horvath (seated from left), Kim Prokes and Joanne Ferneau and (standing) Charlotte Belczek and Nancy Westlund.

Little Company of Mary Hospital’s Foundation hosted its annual Crystal Heart Ball on Feb. 6 at the Field Museum.

The masters of ceremonies were Little Company of Mary’s own baby alum, Patrick Elwood with WGN TV, along with Nancy Loo, also with WGN. More than 750 guests attended the dinner and dance that featured the Indigo Orchestra. This premiere gala, the largest on Chicago’s Southwest Side, raised more than $440,000.

Final proceeds will benefit Little Company of Mary Hospital’s Neonatal Special Care Unit.

This year’s Venerable Mary Potter Humanitarian Award was presented to Kerry Ryan Lynch for her Choose Kind campaign. After Lynch’s daughter, Mary Cate, was diagnosed with Apert Syndrome after birth in December of 2011, she earned her “warrior” badge through her care of her infant

daughter. Her days were spent intent on improving Mary Cate’s quality of life. In the time that Lynch has taken to educate herself and advocate for her daughter, she also has been teaching the world about kindness and acceptance.

Today, Lynch continues to spread her message not only through social media but also through school visits. She reminds children that while they may not all look the same on the outside, they all have the ability to “Choose Kind” and treat others with respect and dignity.

This year’s Sister Nancy Boyle Award for Excellence honoree was the Little Company of Mary Hospital Pastoral Care Team. The team provides comprehensive bereavement services for those suffering the loss of a loved one. Chaplains are available 24 hours a day to help patients and families sort through complex and emotionally devas-

tating issues such as loss, crisis, helplessness, pain, and suffering with care and compassion.

The Pastoral Care Team is committed to offering their services in a professional and compassionate manner, with compassion always being at the forefront of their ministry.

Dennis and Jennifer O’Malley were the chairs of this premier fundraising event with co-chairs Drs. Michael and Karen O’Mara.

In honor of the Field Museum’s newest premier exhibit, The Greeks, the hospital foundation raffled a grand prize -- a trip to Greece for two. The grand prize raffle winner was Frank Cunningham.

For more information on Little Company of Mary’s Foundation, or learn how to donate to Little Company of Mary Hospital’s Neonatal Special Care Unit, visit www.LCMH.org/foundation.

COMMUNITY NOTES Chili in The Park Palos Park will hold a chili cook-ff this Saturday in the Palos Park Recreation Center (gymnasium), 8901 W. 123rd St. CASI chili cooks will compete for prizes and points that will take

them to their national competition.

The cooks start early that morning preparing batches of homemade chilies for judging.

Doors open at 12:30 p.m. to the public. The band Take Two will play while public tasting begins at 1:15 p.m. Taste dozens

of chilies for $5 and vote for your favorite. Fees benefit Palos Park Pedalers and their efforts for safe bike routes throughout Palos Park. Competitors and judges are sought. Call 671-3760 or visit palospark.org.

BENEFITS & FUNDRAISERS PAWWS for Love fundraiser gala Paws Assisting Wounded WarriorS (PAWWS) will hold its fourth annual PAWWS for Love Ball on Sunday, Feb. 28, from noon to 5 p.m., at Riviera Country Club, 8801 W. 143rd St. in Orland Park.

Supplied photo The fun will include buffet Palos Lions Club President Tom Crowhurst presents Palos Park police cadets Andrei Lynch (from left), Logan Maske, dinner, dessert table, DJ music Eric Ferino and Joe Walters with awards for their help with Lions’ Christmastime charitable efforts.

by Billy Dee, pipes and drums by the Emerald Society, dancing, cash bar and a huge raffle.

Tickets cost $65. Proceeds help PAWWS’s mission to train ser-

Palos Lions honor police cadets contributions to the community SENIOR NOTES The Palos Lions Club honored the Palos Park Cadets at last week’s Village Council meeting with a certificate of appreciation for their help late last year with the Lions’ Christmas trees lot and Christmas baskets for the needy.

The cadets also received a check from the Lions for their scholarship program as well.

Presenting the cadets with these awards was Palos Lions President Tom Crowhurst. The cadets have helped unload the trees for

the past several years and also delivered the baskets to those in need in the Palos area.

Crowhurst, who is also involved with Palos Park’s Citizens On Patrol Service (COPS) program for the past 16 years, has known many cadets. He said that the cadet program has been a valuable asset in assisting Police Chief Joe Miller.

He added that the cadets help in so many different ways that are all beneficial to the community. He also noted that with the guidance

of Chief Miller, many of the cadets have gone on to become police officers.

Crowhurst noted that the Palos Lions Club has served the communities of Palos Heights and Palos Park since October of 1949. The Lions are always ready to welcome those interested in becoming a member. You can meet the Lions on the third Wednesday of each month at Hackney’s, at 7 p.m.

CLUB ACTIVITIES Daughters of the American Revolution

lowcliffdar@gmail.com.

The Swallow Cliff Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will meet at 1 p.m. this Saturday at the Palos Heights Public Library, 12501 S. 71st Ave. This is the annual Youth Awards Program to recognize the winners of the DAR Good Citizens contest for outstanding high school students. Prospective members and guests are welcome to attend. For more, email the chapter at swal-

Palos Heights Garden Club The club will meet on Monday, Feb. 22, at 6:30 p.m. at Lake Katherine Nature Center,7402 W. Lake Katherine Drive Palos Heights.

Guest fee is $5. Speaker Beth Botts will discuss how to get more plants (or more flowers) from the perennials you have now. A garden writer and previous PHGC speaker, will discuss a range of

LIBRARY NOTES Palos Heights library upcoming programs • Book & Film Series – today (Thursday). “Everest” show times are at 10 a.m. (with subtitles), 2 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. Based on the book “Into Thin Air” by Jon Krakauer. Copies of the book are available at the library; join us for a brief discussion of the book and stay to watch the movie. All attendees are entered into a drawing to win a paperback copy of the book.

• Sunday @ the Cinema – “Calvary” this Sunday, at 2 p.m.

Thriller set in Ireland about a good-natured priest who battles the dark forces closing in around him after his life is threatened during a confession.

• Microsoft Word: Tables and Columns - Wednesday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m. Make your Word documents easier to read and more appealing by using tables and columns to organize and display information. Basic Word skills required. Space is limited; please register.

• How to download free library ebooks – Thursday, Feb. 25 at 2

p.m. Learn how to download free library ebooks and e-audiobooks to tablets, phones or computers through the library’s primary ebook service, Media On Demand.

Space is limited; please register.

• The following clubs meet weekly at the Palos Heights Public Library: Needle Club – Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon. Scrabble Club – Tuesdays from 1-3 p.m.

Mah Jongg – Tuesdays from 1-4 p.m.

Contact the library to register at 448-1473 or visit the library’s website at www.palosheightslibrary.org. The Palos Heights Public Library is at 12501 S. 71st Ave.

Heights library youth programs • Friday Fun Fridays-ages 2-6 - Spend Friday mornings at the library with stories, music, crafts, and fun this Friday, at 10 a.m.

Registration is required for this event.

• Teen Gaming, Board Games, Media Lab – for grades 6 and up - Bring your friends to the

perennials including ornamental grasses, irises, hostas, and even some native wildflowers.

Botts also will sell and sign copies of her new book, Illinois, Indiana & Ohio Month-by-Month Gardening: What to Do Each Month to Have a Beautiful Garden All Year (Cool Springs Press, $24.99). It’s designed to help gardeners stay on track all year, with her down-toearth, common-sense approach to Midwestern gardening, focusing on sustainable methods.

Palos Heights Senior Club period to join ends soon The last chance to join the Palos Heights Senior Club this year is at its next meeting at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24, at Moraine Valley Community Church, 6300 W. 127th St. Doors open at 12:30 p.m.

New members age 55 and over may join the club during January and February. Members must have a Palos Heights address, including unincorporated areas. Meetings are held at 1 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at the church.

Dues are $20 a year. The club offers speakers, entertainment and day trips. Transportation to club meetings at the church is provided by the Palos Heights Recreation Department. Cost is $4 roundtrip.

Property tax help for eligible seniors

PLOWS Council on Aging wants seniors, age 65 and older

by June 1, to know about an important state of Illinois program that allows qualified persons to defer up to $5,000 annually of the real estate taxes on their personal residence.

Seniors living on fixed incomes find that the Senior Citizen Real library to relax with Wii or Xbox Estate Tax Deferral Program algaming every Friday from 2:30- lows them the financial freedom to remain in their own home. De4:30 p.m. No registration is necferred taxes are repaid with low essary. interest at the time the property is • Teen Service Hours – Project Linus-Grades 6 and up. Earn service hours by helping make fleece blankets for Project Linus to share with hospitalized youth and teens on Saturday, Feb. 20 from Noon-4 p.m. Registration is needed.

• LEGO Builders-ages 4 and up - Children are invited to make a Lego mess at the library on Sunday, Feb. 21 at 2:00 p.m.

No registration is needed.

• Early Math Play Time-2 plus - Drop in to work/play with your child to help them develop early math skills with some of the libraries manipulatives on Tuesday, Feb 23, from 1-3 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. No registration is necessary.

All programs are free and open to everyone at the Palos Heights Public Library, 12501 S. 71st Ave. For more information or to register for a program, visit www.palosheightslibrary.org, call 448-1473, or stop by the Youth Services desk.

vice dogs for wounded warriors.

Tickets can be purchased online at Pawws.org or send check payable to PAWWS at 12332 S. Harlem Ave., Palos Heights, IL 60463.

For more information, call Pam at 369-1981.

St. Laurence JV hockey team sets benefit A candlelight fundraiser to benefit St. Laurence High School’s junior varsity hockey team is set for Friday, Feb. 26 at the Arena Lanes Bowling Center, 4700 W. 103rd St., Oak Lawn.

Registration starts at 8 p.m. Dinner will be served at 8:30 p.m.

Tickets are $30 per person and include three games of bowling, shoe rental, and unlimited pizza and soft drinks from Beggars Pizza. A cash bar will be available.

Tickets must be purchased by 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 22. To buy tickets or obtain more information, call Jeri Roth at (708) 598-7574.

Additionally, several gift baskets will be raffled at the event.

Individuals or local businesses interested in donating items for baskets may also call (708) 5987574.

The Senior American Idol fundraiser for the Orland Township Scholarship Foundation will

hold an informational meeting and auditions on Tuesday, March 1, starting with check-in at 5:45 p.m., in the Orland Township Activity Center, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave. Auditions are open to seniors age 55 or older and require participants to perform a song of their choice (no more than two minutes long) a capella in front of a panel of judges. Auditions are free. Call Orland Township at 403-4222 to register for auditions.

Senior American Idol will be held on Thursday, May 19, from 4:30 to 10 p.m., at Georgio’s Banquets, 8800 W. 159th St., Orland Park. Tickets are now available; contact the Orland Township office for more information.

Answers

Sudoku

sold or following the taxpayer’s death.

Applications must be filed by March 1. PLOWS-trained staff screens seniors for eligibility and assists with the application process at no cost. Call PLOWS Council on Aging at 361-0219 for more information.

PLOWS is a non-profit agency based in Palos Heights assisting seniors living in Palos, Lemont, Orland and Worth townships.

Senior American Idol auditions now open

Puzzle on Page 11

Puzzle on Page 11

8 Thursday, February 18, 2016

The Regional News

PALOS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Connecting Business with Community

Chamber Office Phone: 708-480-3025 | www.palosareachamber.org | e-mail: info@palosareachamber.org

Each year, members of the Palos Area Chamber of Commerce dedicate themselves to working together to improving the local business climate. Here are a few ways members help their businesses and our community.

Business / Community serviCe

speCial events

marketing & CommuniCation

• Online member directories • Monthly membership breakfast or lunch programs • Annual Holiday Tree Lighting & Photos with Santa

• Annual Recognition Dinner • Annual Community Expo & Health Fair

• Website advertising • Networking events

(in conjunction with the Half Marathon)

• Annual Golf Outing & Scholarship Fundraiser

Find the Chamber online and connect!

(including Ribbon Cuttings & Business After Hours)

• Cooperative Retail Advertising opportunities • Meet the Merchant television interviews & other Channel 4 support

SAVE THE DATES Business and Health Expo Saturday, April 30th, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The Palos Area Chamber of Commerce invites your business to exhibit at our annual Business and Health Expo at our new location, Alan B Shepard High School, 13049 S Ridgeland Ave, Palos Heights Space is limited so ACT NOW! Open to the Public! Free Admission and Free Parking!

Over 2,000 marathon runners will attend the EXPO to pick up packets for the First Southwest Half Marathon &10 K. You have your choice of Chamber Member = $150, Non-Member = $330 which includes a table and 1 year chamber membership. Space includes a table and 2 chairs. Electricity availability on a limited basis for a fee of $10

Chamber Scholarship Golf Outing Monday, May 23rd, GlenEagles Country Club 13070 McCarthy Rd., Palos Park, IL 60464 A new venue! A new Course! The Annual Scholarship Outing will have GlenEagles Country Club, 13070 McCarthy Rd. We’re still looking for Sponsors and Golfers for the event!

*For more information on any of these events visit our website, e-mail, or call the chamber

BUSINESS

The Regional News

COMINGS & GOINGS

Watch for changes to the FAFSA

Supplied photo

GameStop closes more stores

3 new stores coming to Orland Crossing Mid-America Asset Management Inc. announced it had arranged three new retail leases at Orland Park Crossing in Orland Park.

In the first deal, Soft Surroundings signed a lease for 5,445 square feet of space at the mall at 143rd Street and LaGrange Road.

In the second deal, Xfinity inked a 5,303-square-foot lease. In the last deal, Massage Green signed a lease for 2,509 square feet. All three tenants are expected to open this spring.

Other tenants at Orland Park Crossing include the newly opened Mariano’s supermarket, White House Black Market, Talbots, Charles Schwab, Ann Taylor and Charming Charlie.

Mini Donut Factory opens in Chicago Ridge A popup kiosk called Mini Donut Factory recently opened inside Chicago Ridge Mall in Chicago Ridge.

year at its longtime home at 1005 W. Laraway Road in New Lenox.

BOB BONG White Fence Farm reopens White Fence Farm, a restaurant famous for its fried chicken, reopened for its 62nd year last week at its flagship location in Romeoville.

The restaurant opened for the season on Feb. 2 at 1376 Joliet Road in Romeoville. It also has carryout locations in Joliet, Plainfield, Riverside and Downers Grove.

For more information, call (630) 739-1720 or visit www. whitefencefarm.com.

TCF closing banks in Jewel stores TCF National Bank announced last week that it would close 33 branches that it operated inside Jewel-Osco supermarkets.

The latest round of closings will be complete by May. Afterward, the bank will have 85 branches in Jewel stores and another 40 or so in freestanding locations in the Chicago area.

The Minnesota-based bank closed 37 in-store locations in 2014.

Locally, the branches will be replaced by ATM machines at these stores: 655 Main St., Bourbonnais; 1401 W. Jefferson, Joliet; 16625 W. 159th St., Lockport; 716 Ridge Road, Munster, Ind.; 9350 W. 159th St., Orland Park; 17930 Wolf Road, Orland Park; 2480 Route 59, Plainfield; 13460 S. Route 59, Plainfield.

Pizzeria closes in New Lenox Jody’s Pizzeria closed late last

Royal to acquire Park Bancorp Royal Financial Inc. and Park Bancorp Inc. have announced that Park Federal Savings Bank would merge with Royal Savings Bank.

Park Federal operates three banking offices in Chicago and one in Westmont, while Royal Savings operates four banking locations on Chicago’s Southeast Side and lending centers in Homewood and St. Charles.

Royal Financial expects the acquisition to close in the second quarter of this year. After the merger, Royal Financial is expected to have approximately $308 million in assets, $205 million in loans and $264 million in deposits.

“We are excited to welcome Park Bancorp’s customers and staff to Royal Financial. The transaction is attractive and fits Royal Financial’s strategy to enhance the value of our franchise,” Jim Fitch, Chairman of Royal Financial, said in a release. “This acquisition continues to expand Royal Financial’s ability to serve the Chicago banking market while also providing economies of scale and maintaining our strong balance sheet. In both our recent acquisition of PNA Bank and this agreement to acquire Park Bancorp, our management team has demonstrated great skill and agility.”

“We will continue to provide the highest quality customer service to our new and existing customers throughout the combined service area,” Leonard Szwajkowski, President and CEO of Royal Financial, said in the release.

Stevenson, president and CEO of Centrue Financial and Centrue Bank, Daniel Kadolph, executive vice-president and CFO of Centrue Financial and Centrue Bank; and Principal with MPS/ CPA John Bibeau.

Presenting how community banks have dealt with economic challenges, Stevenson brings to the table nearly 30 years of experience in the financial industry.

Kadolph will lead discussions on

the significance of rising federal funds rates, as well as the economy and its recovery in the past five years. Bibeau will present a local businessperson’s perspective to the changing economy.

The event runs from 7:45 to 9am; cost is $20/person and is open to the public. For more information, or to register for this event, visit www.orlandparkchamber.org or call 708-349-2972.

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 Ali Malik B Tr to Ali Badie, 14804 S 108th Ave, $800,000; Baird Jeffrey to Temko Catherine, 15133 Huntington Ct, $175,000; Tedeschi Mike R to Castillo Juan A, 8346 141st St, $262,000; Madonia Robert J to Nance Timothy P, 8132 Pickens Dr, $595,000; Spala Dawn Tr to Lopresti Rita T Tr Trust, 13520 Mccable Dr, $276,000; First Midwest Bk Tr to Bertucci Joseph P, 8846 W 140th St, Unit #2C, $105,000; Marathi Munaswamy to Castillo Manuel Trust, 9044 Doral Ln, $250,000; Milan Edyta to Wrobel Cezary, 11243 Endicott Ct, $235,000; Regan Thomas P to Peterson Eric D, 10603 Misty Hill Rd, $825,000; Jebens Ashly L to Torres Sandra J, 7831 W 157th St, Unit

#7831305, $147,000; Chasseur Mary G to Davis John, 15121 75th Ct, Unit #17, $135,000.

Palos Heights Siepak Rick to Delaney David J, 12802 Ponderosa Dr, $285,000; Duggan Thomas W to Powers James R, 7907 Oak Knoll Ln, Unit

If you have a child in college, you’re probably familiar with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which must be completed to help ensure that students don’t miss out on federal and state grants, work-study jobs and loans. But you might not know that some important changes will be coming to the FAFSA during 2016 — and these changes can affect both the process of filing for aid, and, possibly, the amount of aid your child will receive.

Here are three key changes to watch for: • Earlier availability of the FAFSA – Currently, you need to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after Jan. 1 — which means you’re probably filling out the form even before you’ve filed your taxes, which aren’t due until April. As a result, you may have to estimate your income and update the information later. However, beginning with the 2017–2018 school year, you can complete the FAFSA starting on Oct. 1 of the previous calendar year, rather than wait until January. At that point, you will already have filed your 2015 taxes, so in filling out the FAFSA, you won’t have to rely on estimates of your income.

For 2016 only, this change presents something of an anomaly — specifically, you should fill out the FAFSA as soon as possible for the 2016–2017 school year, using an estimate of your 2015 income, and then complete the FAFSA again in October for the 2017–2018 school year, using your actual 2015 income. In future years, you’ll only have to complete the FAFSA once, with applications accepted beginning each Oct.1.

• Lower “asset protection” allowance –When you report your financial information on the FAFSA, some of your assets — such as your IRA and 401(k) — are not counted toward the resources you’re expected to contribute to your child’s education. Some other assets are considered available, but a percentage of these assets can be sheltered,

#7907, $312,000; Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to Johnson Kevin J, 6734 W Park Ln, $209,000; Land Joseph E to Fitzmaurice Declan, 12303 S 69th Ave, $235,000; Standard B&T Co Tr to Rispin Paul C, 12711 S Shoshone Rd, $317,500.

Mortgage Rates Around the Area First Midwest Bank (as of Feb. 15)

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

RATES APR POINTS 3.875 3.910 0 3.125 3.180 0 3.875 3.920 0

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

RATES APR POINTS 3.625 3.598 0 2.990 2.987 0 2.875 2.889 0

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

RATES APR POINTS 3.625 3.673 .25 3.375 3.442 .25 2.875 2.943 .25

United Trust Bank (as of Feb. 15)

Prospect Federal (as of Feb. 15)

All rates subject to change daily. Equal opportunity lenders.

JIM VAN HOWE

Edward Jones Investments with the exact amount depending largely on your age and marital status. For the 2016–17 school year, this sheltered asset amount has been reduced significantly. However, while this reduction could have some effect on your student’s aid package, it shouldn’t be too severe because income, more than assets, is a bigger factor in the federal financial aid formula.

• No more shared mailing list – When filing the FAFSA, students can choose up to 10 colleges to receive their financial information. Previously, when students sent their FAFSAs to multiple colleges and universities, these schools could see the other institutions on the mailing list. But starting with the 2016–2017 application, schools will no longer have this information. This could actually benefit your child. Previously, if a school saw it was listed first on the FAFSA, it might have assumed it was the student’s first choice and, as a result, may not have felt the need to be flexible in awarding financial aid. Now, though, without a list of its competitors, a school might be more open to negotiating a more favorable aid package for your child.

It’s a good idea to stay current on the changes connected to the FAFSA because it helps determine financial aid eligibility — and financial aid is a key component of your strategy to pay for your child’s (or grandchild’s) education.

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.

BUSINESS NOTES MBZ Interiors Inc. awarded Best of Houzz

MBZ Interiors Inc. of Palos Heights has won “Best Of Service” on Houzz®, the leading platform for home remodeling and design. The new design company was chosen by the more than 35 million monthly unique users that comprise the Houzz community from among more than one million active home building, remodeling and design industry professionals.

Service honors are based on several factors, including the number and quality of client reviews a professional received in 2015.

A “Best Of Houzz 2016” badge will appear on winners’ profiles, as a sign of their commitment to excellence. These badges help If you see a new business in homeowners identify popular and town or wonder what happened top-rated home professionals in to an old favorite, drop me a line every metro area on Houzz. “Anyone building, remodeling or decat bobbong@hotmail.com. orating looks to Houzz for the most talented and service-oriented professionals” said Liza Hausman, vice president of Industry Marketing for Houzz. “We’re so pleased to recognize Mary Beth Zwolfer of

Orland Chamber will host Economic Forecast breakfast The Orland Park Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Centrue Bank, will address the economic challenges, recovery and expected growth for the coming year.

The chamber’s monthly membership meeting and Economic Forecast Breakfast is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 24, at the Silver Lake Country Club, 14700 S. 82nd Ave. in Orland Park.

Featured speakers are Kurt

9

FINANCIAL FOCUS

GameStop closed its doors last month in Frankfort.

GameStop closed its store in Frankfort last month as the video game retailer continued to shed brick-and-mortar locations.

The Texas-based company closed the store at 11067 Lincoln Highway in the Prairie Crossing shopping center. Also among the 59 stores the retailer closed in January were GameStop locations at North Ridge Plaza in Joliet, Northfield Square Mall in Bourbonnais and Stony Island Plaza in Chicago.

The retailer has closed 196 stores since January 2015, but still has more than 6,000 locations worldwide.

The closings last year included stores in Bridgeview and Matteson.

Thursday, February 18, 2016

MBZ Interiors, Inc., voted one of our “Best Of Houzz” professionals by our enormous community of homeowners and design enthu-

siasts actively remodeling and decorating their homes.”

Follow MBZ INTERIORS on at Houzz.com

10 Thursday, February 18, 2016

The Regional News

DEATH NOTICES Mavis A. Crowhurst Mavis A. Crowhurst age 85, formerly of Beverly in Chicago.

Beloved Wife of the Late Robert G. “O’Babe” Crowhurst Fond Mother of Tom (Pam) of Palos Park, Leslie Susan Crowhurst of Rockford, Jeffrey (Sharon) of Ottawa, Nancy (Cary) Schultz of Tinley Park, Larry (Judy) of Mokena, Carrie (Nyls) Nyman of Susanville,CA, Scott (Kym) of Mokena, Judy Crowhurst of Los Angeles, CA. and Mark ( Michelle ) of Palos Heights.

Loving Grandmother of 19 and Great Grandmother of 13.

Dear Daughter of the Late Martin and Margaret Peterson.

Sister of the Late Carol Kopp.

Former employee of Palos Community Hospital.

She attended the Art Institute of Chicago. Graduate

Dennis P. Czuprynski

Parade Queen visits City Hall Orland Park native Erin Mulcahy, Queen of the 2016 St. Patrick’s Day Parade, recently visited the Chicago City Hall accompanied by members of her court and the Shannon Rovers Pipe Band. Mulcahy presented Alderman Edward M. Burke with a formal invitation to attend the downtown parade, which steps off at noon on Saturday, March 12, from the corner of Columbus and Balbo. Mulcahy is a resident of Chicago’s Wrigleyville neighborhood and is employed at the Leo Burnett Company in human relations. She is a graduate of Columbia College. Mulcahy was chosen from more than 80 contestants to lead the parade.

HOUSES OF WORSHIP Wayside Chapel A Sunday morning Family Service will be held on Feb. 21 at 10 a.m. at The Center at 12700

Southwest Highway in Palos Park.

Led by Rev. Chris Hopkins, the monthly service is for families with children of any ages, and

PICK OF THE LITTER

will focus on gratitude this month. Leona B. Young Leona B. Young, nee Birney, age 98, of Orland Refreshments and fellowship folPark, passed away at home in Orland Park on Feb. low the service. For more, call 5. Leona was born at home in Chicago on January 361-3650.

What drives veterinary fees

Dear Dr. Fleming, Why have vet bills gone up so high in the past few years? I know that you all have had to raise your fees due to loss of income to the online drugstores and increased all- around costs, but even so the fees seem to be getting pretty high.

Mark, Palos Park Dear Mark, Loss of income to Internet sales is insignificant in the big picture. Clinics that concentrate their efforts on providing good medical and surgical care have, for the most part, been unaffected by online stores.

There are multiple reasons why veterinary fees have risen rapidly over the past few years, two of which I will mention.

First, we have all seen the arrival of veterinary corporations and their dramatic influence on fees. Corporations are gobbling up traditional practices at an ever-increasing pace. Business (equity) investors (businessmen, not veterinarians) from the East and West coasts are the new “owners” of more and more veterinary hospitals and clinics. Corporations are not “bad” or “evil” but they have no soul; they exist in and for themselves and their investors.

These new owners, back on their respective coasts, don’t know that Sally Johnson has recently become a single mom and is struggling financially or that Mr. and Mrs. Cornwell have been clients for 30 years and are now having trouble making ends meet. It’s corporate, that’s just the way it is.

Corporate fees are high, both inherently and unashamedly. Many of these corporate practices offer world-class care for pets and with that care comes world-class fees.

For those people who can afford it I say they will be well served.

Their pets will receive the finest care in the world. One does not have to be wealthy to afford this level of care but if you are not wealthy you should have a pet health care saving account for a rainy day to dip into or have pet insurance. This trend is unstoppable. And, by the way, don’t be disgruntled with the veterinarian(s) at the corporate facility – the profits are flowing to the investors, not the vets. The vets don’t set the fees either.

The corporate phenomenon has affected small practices nationwide. Small business owners saw these new corporate-driven fees and were astounded. Eventually it was found that small private clinics could raise their fees and still be less expensive than the equity guys. These new fees have allowed small clinics to pay their staffs better, buy new equipment, send staff for special training and have a little buffer in the bank to help those truly in need.

Secondly, and equally important as a factor in the recent cost increases seen in veterinary med-

JOHN FLEMING DVM • Prairie StateVet.com

Dennis P. Czuprynski, age 56, of Orland Park, died on Feb. 11. Beloved husband of 33 years to Patricia A., nee Fear. Loving father of Erin and Sarah. Devoted son of Dorothy (nee Tyrakowski) and the late Frank Czuprynski, Sr. Cherished brother of Cheryl (John) Spano, Candy (late Frank) Susarrey, Frank Jr., Mike (Darlene), David (Beth), Geri (Jeff) Vlasicak and the late Francis Steven. Dearest son-in-law of Hank and Claire Fear. Dear brotherin-law, uncle and great uncle of many.

Visitation was held Feb.14. Funeral Service Feb. 15 at Colonial Chapel in Orland Park. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Lupus Foundation of America preferred.

of Morgan Park High School.

Visitation Sunday, February 14th from 2 until 8 p.m.

Chapel Service Sunday, February 14th, 6:00 p.m. at the Kerry Funeral Home, 7020 W. 127th Street, Palos Heights, Il. 60463.

Interment for immediate family on Tuesday February 16th 12:00 PM. Meet at Visitors Center 11:45 AM. at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, Illinois.

In Lieu of Flowers Memorials to Oasis for the Blind in care of Orland Christian Church 7500 Sycamore Orland Park Illinois 60462 or Ottawa Pavilion Nursing Home 704 East Glover Ottawa, IL. 61350 For Additional Information please call Van Henkelum Funeral Home 708 448-3530 3, 1918. Leona was the primary caregiver to her daughter the late Barbara Jo for 40 years. Barbara Jo was the longest living quadriplegic connected with the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago at the time of her death. This was largely attributed to the excellent at home care she received. Leona was secretary of Young & Sons Construction Co., her husband’s firm. Beloved wife of the late Vincent Young. Loving mother of James (Susan) Young, William Eric Young and the late Patricia (Kenneth) Johnson, Barbara Jo Styles and Richard Young.

Cherished grandmother of , Kathryn (John III) Glass, Elizabeth Johnson, David (Jeanette) Godsted and Tracy Yelen. Dearest great-grandmother of ten.

Visitation was held Feb. 14 at Colonial Chapel in Orland Park. Additional visitation Feb. 15 at Trinity Evangelical Covenant Church, in Oak Lawn until time of Funeral Service. Burial was private at Oak Hill Cemetery, Chicago. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Trinity Evangelical Covenant Church or the American Porphyria Foundation, 4900 Woodway, Suite 780, Houston TX 77056.

SIMPLE GIFTS Moraine Valley seeks formal dress donations Moraine Valley is collecting gently used special occasion and bridesmaid dresses, accessories for the community college’s Dream Come True Project.

The dresses will be given away free of charge to local high school girls on Saturday, April 2, from 9 to 11 a.m., in Building S, Room 117, on the main campus, 9000 W. College Pkwy, Palos Hills.

LEGAL NOTICE Dresses of all styles and sizes that are in good condition will be accepted. Shoes, purses, jewelry, and other accessories also will be accepted. Donations can be brought to the Multicultural Student Affairs Department in Room 201, on the second floor of Building S, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For more information about making a donation, call Nereida Perez at 974-5475.

icine, is student loans. When I graduated 35 years ago employed (non-owner) veterinarians were paid on salary. You worked 5070 hours per week at whatever time and on whatever date your in Hip Replacement Surgery: DiLucas Chiropractic free boss said. You might know one rect Anterior vs. Posterior Apworkshop on No. 1 diet Supplied photo day in advance when you’d have proach,” led by board-certified Meet Sue and Molly from Orland a day off to plan a picnic with A free wellness event for Heart Orthopaedic Surgeon Daniel Park.

Molly is Sue and Rich’s 9-yearyour family. Nowadays many Healthy Awareness Month is of- Weber, M.D. employed vets are paid on their old Havanese. fered at Lucas Chiropractic CenDr. Weber will discuss hip anatdaily production. You figure it they are shocked as they enter ter, 12413 S. Harlem Ave., Palos omy, common causes of hip pain out from here. If Sally Jo owes the real world and find that their Heights. and when to consult a physician $180,000 in student loans and she starting salaries are quite low and A free workshop on the No. 1 about your pain. He also will disis paid a percentage of how many their debt horribly high. Another Diet of 2015 will be held from cuss the surgical treatment options dollars she brings in every day, young graduate I spoke with re- noon to 1 p.m. or 6 to 7 p.m. in total hip replacement, including what do you think will happen to cently said the fed money “was on Wednesday, Feb. 24. RSVP anterior, posterior and posterolatmany of her charges (unless she is like Monopoly money.” And, these by calling 361-5455 or email paeral hip replacement surgery.

Saint Sally)? Any working person students cannot legally default on tientcare@lucaschiro.com The program is 6:30 p.m. (in any business) who is paid on these loans. They are saddled with Wednesday, Feb. 24, at Palos production must struggle mightily $1,500, $1,800, or $2,000 monthly Community Hospital Auditoriwith the temptation to increase school loan payments before they Hip replacement surgery um, 12251 S. 80th Ave. in Palos that bill. What has gone wrong? even learn how to be a productive program at Palos Hospital Heights. To register, visit PaloWhen I graduated vet school diagnostician.

Palos Community Hospital will sCommunityHospital.org or call in l981, I had some student debt Our profession is currently in host a free presentation, “Options 226-2300. that took Connie and me 10 years trouble with this problem. There to pay it off. Our tuition back are meetings constantly going on then was reasonable and we lived at state and national levels addressmeagerly. I was on an Air Force ing this issue. The young vets need scholarship that paid my tuition, to be paid a living wage and that books and fees and gave us $464 falls upon us older employers to do dollars a month to live on. Con- so. In turn, we have to raise our nie worked as a legal secretary. fees. The young vets, who find We lived in a mobile home in a themselves paid on production, student area in Gainesville and have found a partial answer: inwe had a nice screened-in porch crease their billable charges. There with a lot of plants, access to a is the elephant in the room. We pool and a great garden. Come to are old-school and pay our fullthink about it, that was one of the time vets on salary and our relief best places we ever lived. Our big vets hourly. I’ve been hourly or night was to make a homemade pizza and watch James Herriot on salary since I was 15 years old.

PBS Saturday nights. We had little Even if we were to ever pay on spending money. More like none. production I know my vets would A few years ago the federal not engage in some of the creative government took over the student invoicing that I have seen.

Not too long ago I had the plealoan industry (that’s what went sure to meet a veterinarian who is wrong) and like a drunken sailor a past president of the American things went wild. States stopped paying the veterinary schools to Veterinary Medical Association. educate the veterinary students be- During a lecture she mentioned cause the feds started giving the that our profession is still highly money that they had previously esteemed in America. At the break paid to the schools directly to the I told her that do I agree that our students. A lot of federal money. profession still seems to be highly As I heard from one student at esteemed, but that I personally am Purdue University recently, there concerned that the ever-increasing was no limit on how much he fees issue will erode that public could borrow. Say what? The good will. She immediately agreed LEGAL NOTICE schools saw the goose and started and when I asked her what she raising tuition and fees towards thought was driving the fee issue Mars. Many students graduating she instantly said “student debt”.

Our profession will continue today have loans of a couple of hundred thousand dollars and they to struggle with these issues as are looking at a starting salary of we go forward. I think that the best thing we can do in our daily $60,000 to $80,000.

Many naive students didn’t, workplace is to just try to be fair and don’t, care about their future in providing our services. I hope to financial situation. They had, and instill this idea into the “veterinary have, their minds full trying to children” coming up behind me. learn all the vet stuff. They have It will be an interesting challenge.

The happiest man is he who no idea what the real world is like. They think when the get their learns from nature the lesson of DVM degree everything will be worship. rosy. When they finally graduate — Ralph Waldo Emmerson

HEALTH BEAT

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO NATIONAL CITY BANK, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO MIDAMERICA BANK, FSB Plaintiff, -v.JANUSZ LASSAK, JANINA LASSAK, STANDARD BANK AND TRUST AS TRUSTEE UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF A TRUST AGREEMENT DATED THE 15TH DAY OF APRIL, 2009, AND KNOWN AS TRUST NUMBER 20560, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 13 CH 18961 12622 SOUTH 82ND AVENUE Palos Park, IL 60464 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on December 14, 2015, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 15, 2016, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: THE EAST 1/2 (EXCEPT THE NORTH 458 FEET) OF BLOCK 14, IN FREDERICK H. BARTLETT’S PALOS PARK SUBDIVISION OF THE SOUTH EAST 1/4 OF SECTION 26, TOWNSHIP 37 NORTH, RANGE 12 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS Commonly known as 12622 SOUTH 82ND AVENUE, Palos Park, IL 60464 Property Index No. 23-26-414-007-0000.

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $485,075.30.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours.

No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in AS IS condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, contact Plaintiff s attorney: WELTMAN, WEINBERG & REIS CO., LPA, 180 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 2400, Chicago, IL 60601, (312) 782-9676 FAX 312-782-4201 Please refer to file number WWR#10104985.

If the sale is not confirmed for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the purchase price paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee s attorney.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

WELTMAN, WEINBERG & REIS CO., LPA 180 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 2400 Chicago, IL 60601 (312) 782-9676 Attorney File No. WWR#10104985 Attorney Code. 31495 Case Number: 13 CH 18961 TJSC#: 35-18091 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

The Regional News

Thursday, February 18, 2016

PHOTO MEMORIES FROM THE REGIONAL ARCHIVE

11

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Across 1 Recitals showing promise 6 A way off 10 Big name in PCs 14 Braid 15 Where to get a bite on the street 16 Clue weapon 17 Abe’s youngest son 19 Friend on “Friends” 20 West Point newbie 21 Latin phrase usually shortened 23 Old hand 25 Exhortation from Santa, in Moore’s poem 28 Wrestling maneuver 30 Term of respect 31 “Liar!” in a playground 32 Nerdy types 35 Target

Down

34 Deli order

37 Shipping wts.

1 Go (for)

38 Halls product

36 Word with modern or cave

2 __ fran aise

41 NCR product

39 Mongolian expanse

3 Pond juvenile

44 Reed in a hall

4 “This Kiss” singer Faith

40 Key lime __

45 Stable rides for kids 49 Whodunit surprise 51 Org. with Eagles

40 Years Ago This Week

File photo from Feb. 19, 1976

53 Coin with 12 stars on its reverse side 54 Late-inning substitute

Ronald Reagan prepares to speak to a group of campaign supporters at the Condesa del Mar in Alsip. Despite the elaborate security plans, the Regional photographer Wayne Mason had no problem getting past security guards less than an hour before Ronald Reagan was to arrive at the Condesa del Mar last Friday for a campaign luncheon. Later, a security guard acknowledged that no matter how hard the Secret Service works at protecting a candidate or the president, the opportunity is still there for a potential assailant.

58 Like some grins 59 Crate up 60 Organisms of a region 62 Not fer 63 Gets the unspoken message ... which includes one of five synonyms found in this puzzle’s longest answers

42 Hurt suddenly, as a muscle

6 Tap into

43 Preparing garlic, in a way

7 __ Schwarz 8 CIO partner

46 Persian Gulf native

9 Keep up on the issues?

47 Make a faux pas

10 Neat arrangements

48 Traditional Asian sauce base

11 Nuclear reactor need

50 Like a string bikini

12 Delta-zeta connection

52 If all goes according to plan

13 Seasons a bit more

55 Hopping mad

18 Pistons’ org.

56 Frozen Wasser

22 Worker who gives people fits?

57 Holiday entree

23 Honorary deg., perhaps

61 Turn to slush

24 Fracas

64 Letters in a police record

26 Uppermost

65 Novelist Kesey

71 Envelope-pushing

27 Three-time MLB home run king

66 Eighty-six

72 Huff and puff

29 Advent mo.

73 Bard’s “between”

33 Voting enclosures

68 53-Across fraction 69 Maui music makers 70 Lingerie fabric

10 Years Ago This Week

41 Free from strife

5 Kept in a pen

File photo from Feb. 16, 2006

Orland Park trustees unanimously approved the purchase of the Chatham Rug property for $1.3 million at a Village Board meeting earlier this month. The property at 14124 S. La Grange Road was the final piece of land needed for Orland Park’s main Street Triangle, a 20-acre development featuring shops, restaurants, offices and residential buildings bounded by Southwest Highway and the Metra railroad tracks along it, 143rd Street and La Grange Road. The village is planning on demolishing the building.

67 Explosive stuff

Answers on Page 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.

Answers on Page 7

STOCK UP ON GOOD HEALTH

Vaccine may have adverse effect on young girls In my last column, I related the early Canadian warning to readers regarding the mixture of Plavix (anti-coagulant) and Prandin (for type 2 diabetes). I wrote of how the combination could create low blood sugar and in some cases, even death. I also related that the Canadian Health Services have warned their physicians, while American doctors continue to mix the drugs.

At any rate, no sooner had I finished that article, when I came upon another warning about a common vaccine. I wrote about the problems with the vaccine over six years ago; warning parents of young girls to investigate and read up on Gardasil and to be informed and wary of the human papillomavirus drug (HPV). I wrote of the many problems, including deaths and complaints regarding the drug.

Well, it turns out that six years later, the American College of Pediatricians is warning of even newer possible adverse events from Gardasil. It seems another possible adverse event occurring in some young women is a condition known as POF (premature ovarian failure). That means it is suspected that some young girls having had the vaccine are prematurely going through the change of life!

How awful if they ever planned on motherhood. The authors were very careful in their assessment and explained that this condition was occurring in some young girls who had the vaccine. The POF occurred from two weeks after the vaccine to a year out. They are also concerned that the POF may occur even later than one year and doctors may not associate it to the vaccine.

Dr. Scott S. Field was the major author of the warning. One of the statements made in the article after explaining the information regarding the cases of POF after the Gardasil vaccination was: “Nevertheless there are legitimate concerns that should be addressed: (1) long-term ovarian function

DEE WOODS was not assessed in either the original rat safety studies 3,4 or in the human vaccine trials; (2) most primary care physicians are probably unaware of a possible association between HPV4 and POF and may not consider reporting POF cases or prolonged amenorrhea (missing menstrual periods) to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS); (3) potential mechanisms of action have been postulated based on autoimmune associations with the aluminum adjuvant used 1 and previously documented ovarian toxicity in rats from another component, polysorbate 80,2 ; and (4) since licensure of Gardasil in 2006, there have been about 213 VAERS reports (per the publicly available CDC WONDER VAERS database) involving amenorrhea, POF or premature menopause, 88 percent of which have been associated with Gardasil. 5 The two-strain HPV2, CervarixTM, was licensed late in 2009 and accounts for 4.7 percent of VAERS amenorrhea reports since 2006, and 8.5 percent of those reports from February 2010 through May 2015. This compares to the pre-HPV vaccine period from 1990 to 2006 during which no cases of POF or premature menopause and 32 cases of amenorrhea were reported to VAERS.” Two adjuvants of the vaccine are polysorbate 80 and aluminum. Could that pose a problem? Would you purposely ingest either?

Problems occurred as well in France. Michele Ravasi explained Gardisil is on the list of drugs under surveillance. They are concerned about side effects.

Then there’s one very brave director of the

Utah Department of Health. On Feb. 11, the Salt Lake Tribune reported the director of the Utah Department of Health, Dr. David Blodgett, explained he did not like the fact that Gardasil was fast-tracked through the Food and Drug Administration and believes its benefits were oversold by Merck. He also complained the price was exceptionally high for the vaccine and suggested, “The science wasn’t good…We had physicians in our community arguing that we not make it available.”

Just remember the FDA and the drug industry has revolving doors whereby both tend to hire one another’s representatives.

Think about the problems with the rotavirus vaccine that was contaminated with a pig virus. All government agencies assured us not to worry. I mean…what’s a little pig virus to your children? Then there was Rezulin for diabetes. It was going to eliminate diabetes, but instead, it eliminated a few livers and had to be taken off the market. Oh, and let’s not forget the polio vaccine that was contaminated with SV40, the Simian virus that can cause cancer.

They are saying the evidence has not proven to be strong (but they think it’s quite a coincidence). However, more studies should be conducted. You have to decide for yourself and your children.

I would just suggest that each person getting the vaccine read the report from the College of Pediatricians first. It might open a few eyes to the risk versus benefit aspect of the vaccine.

Don’t get me wrong, we need some vaccines and we need some medications, but America is overdosed and the relationship between the makers of drugs and the FDA, can at times, cause us to wonder. Always remember…follow the money….

Dee Woods can be reached at deewoods10Aiclouc.com

WHATIZIT?

Photo by Joe Boyle

The Whatizit photo that appeared in last week’s issue has apparently stumped most of our readers. Well, all or our readers with the exception of two.

Carol and Jerry Janicki, residents of Worth, answered the quiz correctly. The photo was of the Oak Lawn Community Pavilion, 9401 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Lawn. We thought the clue “Community fun” would get a few responses. The object in the photo was a circular design can be seen on the façade facing the parking lot on the south.

The Oak Lawn Park District’s Community Pavilion features a lot of daily activity. The Pavilion has expanded in the past couple of years and now features two gyms. Adults and youths often can play basketball during open gym sessions. Adult and co-ed leagues for basketball and volleyball are also provided. The park district also holds basketball and volleyball leagues for grade school kids.

A track for walking and running can be found on the second level. Residents of all ages can also sign up to work out with various weights and gliders.

The clue for this week’s Whatizit photo above this week is: “Two saints.

Send your responses by noon Monday to thereporter@comcast.net.

Be sure to include your name and hometown.

12 Thursday, February 18, 2016

The Regional News

Orland Twp. offers Senior Drop-In days

Supplied photo

Colleen Winter, Bob Szczepanski, Brandon Vlach and David Bell are among the cast in the Palos Village Players’ production of “Farragut North,” the first play of their 75th season.

Palos Village Players starts 75th season with timely presidential campaign drama The Palos Village Players will present the first play of their 75th anniversary season, “Farragut North,” by Beau Willimon at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 26 and 27, March 4 and 5, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday Feb. 28.

The play will be performed in the Little Theater of Palos South Middle School, 131st Street and 82nd Avenue.

This is a very timely play about the politics of the Iowa caucus and the goings on behind the campaign for president. Stephen Bellamy is a wunderkind press secretary who has built a career that men twice his age would envy. During the tight presidential primary race, Stephen’s meteoric rise falls prey to the backroom politics of more seasoned operatives.

“Farragut North” is a story about the lust for power and the costs one will endure to achieve it. David Bell of Chicago plays Stephen Bellamy. Also in the cast are: Bob Szczepanski, Jim Sharp and Matt Walsh of Orland Park as various politicos. There is naturally an intern played by Jennifer Schreiner of Plainfield, the reporter, Colleen Winter of Chicago and the “new kid” waiting on the sidelines, Brandon Vlach of Homer Glen.

The play is directed by Julie Zebleckis of Bolingbrook, assisted

by Margaret Pesquera of Alsip.

The producer is Lori Nussle of Palos Park

Tickets are $18 ($15 for students and seniors) and can be reserved by credit card on the website: www.palosvillageplayers.com or by calling 877-PVP-TIXS (877787-8497). Hackney’s Restaurant,

123rd and La Grange Road, offers a discount of $5 per ticket by purchasing your ticket at Hackney’s.

Reservations are available at 4488300. Season tickets are available on line or at the box office for $50.

Orland Township residents Carmela Giordano, Bernice “Bebe” Wisniowicz and Sharon D’Alberti were recognized for wearing the best football attire at the township Super Bowl luncheon before the big game.

Senior Drop-In is held in the Orland Township Activity Center from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Wednesday and Friday.

Residents play cards and bingo, while enjoying refreshments. A hearty snack is always provided and, on occasion, sandwiches, hot dogs or Supplied photo pizza as well.

SPORTS The Regional News • The Reporter

Shipp-ed out Harry Shipp cried after the Fire traded him to Montreal over the weekend. Page 2

Jeff Sports Editor • sports@regionalpublishing.com

KenVorva, Karrson, Sports Editor • sports@regionalpublishing.com

Wild Catholic League Rice, St. Laurence among the final eight boys teams in the tournament. Page 3

Thursday, February 2016 Thursday, March 18, 5, 2015

Southwest••Section Section2,2,Page Page11 Southwest

Stagg-ering news in gymnastics ‘Blessed’ veteran coach announces retirement plans to team after sectional

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

Sandburg-Stagg coop girls gymnastics coach Mike White gathered his athletes around him like he normally does after the Feb. 10 Hinsdale Central Sectional.

This time, it ended with a group hug full of laughs and tears.

White, the head coach with the longest consecutive tenure at Sandburg with 24 seasons under his belt, informed his troops that he planned on retiring.

He told them moments after the Eagles finished fifth at the sectional and after the speech and hug, he turned to assistant coach Krystyn Misheck and said, “It’s all yours…it’s all yours.’’

White’s retirement won’t be official until he submits it and it is approved by the District 230 board, and the board also will decide on hiring a new coach. But White insists Misheck, who was a state champion in the floor exercise for the Eagles Photos by Jeff Vorva in 2009, is the right person for the job as she has been his assistant for the past three seasons and has Mike White and his Sandburg-Stagg coop gymnasts share an emotional hug with tears and laughter Feb. 10 after White told the team he planned on retiring. been given more responsibility each season.

“She basically ran the team this year,” said the 60-year-old White. “I was the head coach but she did a lot of the work with the girls. I’m so proud of

By Jeff Vorva her. And the kids love her to death.’’

Sports editor Meanwhile, many of his gymnasts were crying after what could be his last talk to the team.

Stagg sophomore Maddy Roe has a shot at “I made them cry?” he said. “They made me cry.’’ becoming the first female athlete at the Palos Sophomore Maddy Roe, the lone Eagle to qualify Hills school to win a state championship. for state, was emotional after the meet.

The school, which opened in 1964, produced “They both are great coaches,” Roe said. “They a team wrestling state title in 1984 and a couple are amazing the way they motivate us. Krystyn has of individual wrestling champions in Kevin pushed me so hard and made me the gymnast I am Malarick in 2010 and Kevin Moylan in 2012. now. Coach White is great — they are two of the Tim Kopinski made it to the state championship best coaches I’ve ever had.’’ match in tennis in 2010 but finished second.

This is White’s 32nd year of coaching gymnasThe girls side has come up empty with close tics after starting at Lincoln-Way in 1983-84 and calls with the 1996 volleyball team finishing joining Sandburg in 1991-92. He’s coached two inthird in the state and Melissa Kopinski taking dividual state champions — April Hurt in the vault fourth in the state in tennis in 2009. in 2003 and Misheck — and could coach a third Roe hopes to change all of that.

Saturday if Roe can win on the balance beam.

Roe, who represents the Sandburg-Stagg His team finished third in the state in 1995 and coop girls gymnastics team, has a legitimate second in 2009. He said he would be open to being shot at winning the balance beam event Satan assistant coach next year. urday at the Illinois High School Association “I never thought I would get to coach a team,” he state meet at Palatine High School. She was said.

“When you are young, it’s like ‘man, I would the champion in the Hinsdale Central Sectional like to do that.’ And when you get it, you want more.

Feb. 10 with a 9.375 and has been north of the It was always my dream to walk into the state meet 9.5 mark this season. with a team. I have four of my former athletes who “She’s been the best person in the state on are now coaches. I like to see that.’’ beam all year,” Sandburg-Stagg coach Mike White looked back on his career with fondness.

White said. “That title is well within her reach.’’

“Oh, my God, I’ve been really lucky,” White said.

The all-around on Friday will be tricky. She “I’ve had some great club kids to work with. The finished second to Hinsdale South senior Madclubs have provided some great talent in the area. I die Nowak, 37.6500-36.8250 and last year finfelt like I had good teams and was doing something ished 21st. Could she jump to No. 1 this year? with those teams. I tried to be fair and make it fun White figures that Roe’s options are to stay for the kids. I feel so blessed — this is more than I within her normal routines and settle for a topever wildly imagined it would be like.

10 or even a top-5 finish in the all-around or “The kids and parents have been good to me. We Stagg’s Maddy Roe can turn Stagg his- take some risks, which could produce higher Sophomore Maddy Roe, posing on the medal stand after winning the balance beam event at the Hinsdale Central Sectional on Feb. won a few state trophies. We won seven sectionals. tory upside down if she wins a state See ROE, Page 2 10, hopes to win a state title in that event this weekend in Palatine. How much better can life be?’’ title on the balance beam this weekend.

Stagg’s Roe hopes to beam with pride after state meet

YES, Kustok is taking big bite out of Big Apple

By Phil Arvia Corrspondent

Sarah Kustok came home not long ago, but the Orland Park native, Chicagoland Sports Hall of Famer and former Comcast SportsNet fixture did so very much like a New Yorker.

In the minutes before DePaul’s women’s basketball game against St. John’s in late January, Kustok flitted about McGrathPhillips Arena, hugging and saying hello to old friends. After providing color commentary on the Fox Sports 1 broadcast of the DePaul win, she holed up for a couple of hours with her former colleagues on the Blue Demons staff, before hopping a jet back to the Big Apple.

Thus closed a weekend itinerary that began with sideline reporting duties on a Brooklyn Nets game in Dallas. After that contest, she boarded a flight to New Orleans for another Nets game, then flew back to New York, arriving around 2 a.m.

Sunday. She went to her lower West Side home, showered, headed back to the airport, caught a 6:45 a.m. flight to Chicago, where she landed around 9 a.m. for a noon game at DePaul.

All told, she was on the ground in Chicago for about eight hours.

“That’s just the schedule,” Kustok said a few days later in a phone chat. “The guys I work with, they’d just look at me and say, ‘Yeah? Glad it went smooth.’”

Call it a broadcast journalism thing, maybe. But it’s definitely a New York thing.

“New York — it’s alive,” Kustok, a 1998 Sandburg graduate and three-time Reporter/Regional News girls’ Player of the Year, said. “When they say it’s the city that never sleeps, it couldn’t be more true.

“I get out and walk a lot. No matter what time of the day or night, there are always people out and around, hustling and See KUSTOK, Page 4

Richards bowlers, Sandburg wrestlers pin hopes at state

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

Photo by Phil Arvia

Orland Park native Sarah Kustok (left) spent about eight hours in Chicago recently but caught up with many old friends before and after calling a game at DePaul for the New York-based YES Network.

It was a big weekend for Richards’ girls bowling team and Sandburg’s wrestling team and the two squads hope they will enjoy an even bigger weekend on Friday and Saturday when they head to state in their respective sports.

Richards will compete in the Illinois High School Association State Bowling Tournament Friday and Saturday at Cherry Bowl in Rockford.

The Bulldogs, who have taken fourth place in 1977 and 1986, made it to the state meet for the first time since 2010 by finishing third at the Joliet West Sectional with a 5,730 at Town and Country Lanes in Joliet.

Junior Alexandra Wozniak, the lone Bulldog bowler with state experience, led the team with a 1,268 in six games. Junior Peyton Attig added a 1,163 and junior Sarah Coffman rolled a 1,153. Senior Natalie Fadden See STATE, Page 2

2

Section 2 Thursday, February 18, 2016

The Regional News - The Reporter

Southwest Regional Publishing photo (Ieft) and photo by Jeff Vorva (right)

Parents of the Jackie Robinson West team (pictured left) are suing a lot of people including Evergreen Park’s Chris Janes (right) because their team was stripped of the United States title.

I hope the wonderful JRW parents get what they deserve T he Jackie Robinson West parents and coaches are suing Little League International.

They are suing Evergreen Park Athletic Association Vice President Chris Janes.

They are suing ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith.

They are suing former local Little League President Bill Haley (but I don’t think they are suing his Comets).

I look up at the heavens and am thankful they aren’t suing me.

In a nutshell, the 2014 JRW team won the United States championship portion of the World Series and became a feel-good story that year. That winter, Janes and the EPAA brought up allegations of residency cheating, which first fell on deaf ears at Little League International.

But then some Chicago coaches made noise about illegal drawing up of boundaries and the snoozing LLI woke

up, took it seriously and stripped JRW of its title.

Now, in 2016, the parents are suing everyone they can for all kinds of reasons.

Janes already told DNAinfo that the suit was “laughable.’’

And to me, having Stephen A. Smith’s life a little uncomfortable brings a smile to my face.

What’s not funny is that a lot of people may have to shell out money for lawyers to put a stop to this thing.

During some of this ugliness, I wrote some columns with critical things toward the JRW folks so I was happy that we weren’t named in the lawsuit.

For that, I am eternally grateful to the wonderful parents of the JRW and to show my gratitude, I will not break bad on them in this column.

I will not say that they are a bunch of babies whose hands were caught in the cookie jar and are blaming the cookie jar.

JEFF VORVA

Making the Extra Point I will DEFINITELY not tell them to get on with their lives and to stop putting the story back in the spotlight because it will hurt their kids more than help them. I won’t remind them that this story was all but forgotten with the passage of time and this is just going to bring back ill will and bad feelings.

I will not muse that the people who should be suing would be the kids who were legally in the district who never had a chance to make the team because kids from Homewood and South Holland stole their spots.

I will not crack wise and say that if

they win any money at all from this lawsuit, they should invest in maps and perhaps take a class in how to read them because South Holland is not in Chicago.

Nope… I will not do any of that.

I will wish the JRW parents the best of luck and I hope they get what they deserve.

No-shows Last Thursday, a Kennedy Cup playoff game was scheduled between Brother Rice and St. Rita. Fans filed in for an oddly-scheduled 7:55 p.m. game at Southwest Ice Arena and were ready for action.

The two teams were ready for action.

But the refs? Well, they weren’t ready for action. No referee showed up.

Oak Lawn’s Ed McElroy, who has lived 90 years, was there to watch a family member play and said “I’ve never seen anything like that before.’’

There must have been something in the air that night when it came to hockey in the Chicago area. Tens of thousands of hockey fans crammed the United Center only to find the Blackhawks not show up in the first period of a 4-2 loss to the Dallas Stars.

Mad about gymnastics Some of the top gymnasts in this weekend’s Illinois High School Association State Gymnastics Meet are mad.

Or at least their names are.

Sandburg-Stagg coop sophomore Maddy Roe is representing the area.

Hinsdale South’s Maddie Nowak will also be there.

Glenbard West’s Maddie Diab qualified.

DeKalb’s Madison Hickey will stop by and compete.

And Prairie Ridge will double the madness with Maddie Solka and Maddy Kim.

FOCUS ON THE CHICAGO FIRE

‘Shocking and overwhelming’ deal sends Shipp to Montreal

By Jeff Vorva

soccer relevant again in Chicago,” Shipp said. “This is what got me out of bed every single The Chicago Fire shipped out morning. I wanted to look back popular midfielder Harry Shipp 10 years from now and be proud and he didn’t take the news well. of how I was able to contribute “When I was told out of the to the growth of this club and blue that I would no longer be a its interaction with the city of member of the Fire, I immediately Chicago. broke down and started crying,” “I wanted to continue to be Shipp said in an open letter to a role model for kids growing Chicago. “It was totally shocking up playing soccer in Chicago. and overwhelming. This club and There was no single part of this this city have meant everything job I liked more than being able to me. Not just for the past two to relate to these kids and give years, but since I started followthem a realistic end-goal to ing the Fire over 15 years ago.’’ dream for.

Photo by Jeff Vorva The Lake Forest native was Harry Shipp, a popular midfielder from Lake “Unfortunately all I was able to traded Saturday to Montreal for Forest, was dealt from the Fire to Montreal contribute was two of the statistigeneral and targeted allocation on Saturday. cally worst seasons in Fire hismoney. tory, and that genuinely breaks “Harry is a homegrown player and an obvious fan- my heart more than you could imagine. I’m sorry that favorite, which makes this trade more emotional than I was unable to do more for the city, because if anyone most,” said Fire General Manager Nelson Rodriguez. understands what this city deserves in a soccer club, “However, we believe this trade will prove to be ben- it is me.’’ eficial for our club and for Harry’s career.”

Shipp, 24, had 10 goals and 14 assists in 66 games Acclaim for Accam in preseason win for the Chicago Fire during his two years with the David Accam had two goals to lead the Fire to a 4-2 club. He also made eight appearances for the Fire preseason friendly last Thursday in Clearwater, Fla. during Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup play, helping the Nick LaBrocca and Gilberto scored in the second half team reach the semifinals both years. Shipp initially for the Fire (2-0). signed with Chicago as a Homegrown Player on Jan. “We’re very happy because when you’re working 9, 2014. on concepts and you see that the team believes, tries During the first day of camp, he was asked by the to play and give their best in every game, in every media about taking a leadership role with the team session, it’s very good for us,’’ Fire coach Veljko Pausince he was a second-longest tenured player on the novic. “I think that playing an MLS opponent is very team. hopeful for us. We believe that our guys did a great Now he will learn a new team and new system.

“With this door closing, I am so grateful to the Mon- job in terms of following the game plan that we had treal Impact and the city of Montreal for giving me and then giving it their best, all requirements that this next opportunity in my career,” Shipp said. “For- we have for our team. They played, they enjoyed the tunately, I have a new outlet to direct my energy/focus game, they knew how to compete, also they were orand I plan on making the most of it. ganized, which is very important, and they were pasI can’t wait to get to meet my new teammates, get to sionate about the game.” work, meet some of the fans, and do my best to learn It gets Simple from here a little French.’’

He added that he wished he could have helped the The team is in Oregon and will open play in the SimFire more. ple Invitational in Portland. The Fire plays the Vancou“My passion in the past two years was to help make ver Whitecaps at 4:30 p.m. Sunday at Providence Park.

Sports Editor

FOCUS ON COMMUNITY SPORTS

Marist will Spring into Spring with 3-on-3 soccer tourney Marist High School will host its inaugural Spring into Spring 3-on-3 soccer tournament on Feb. 26 and 27. There are brackets for boys and girls in fifth, sixth, and seventh grade; along with eighth grade students who took the entrance exam at Marist.

Teams should consist of three to six players along with a coach. All teams will participate in pool play on Feb. 26. Saturday there will feature a winner’s bracket and a consolation bracket. Each team will have between three and five games over the weekend.

The cost is $75 per team which includes a t-shirt as well as medals for the winning team in each bracket.

This tournament is a qualifying event for the Challenge Sports 3-on-3 National Championship at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, at Walt Disney World Resort, in July. The top four teams in each division qualify.

For more information on this event, contact coach Sean Maxwell at maxwell.sean@marist.net.

Oak Lawn baseball, softball registration Oak Lawn Baseball and Softball offers baseball and

softball for kids ages 4-18. Instructional leagues for boys and girls are also offered. Registration is open in February and March online at www.oaklawnbaseball.com.

South Side Shooters hosting tryouts The South Side Shooters girls basketball club will hold tryouts for its spring session, for girls grades 4-12, Feb 18, 23 and 25 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Stagg High School, and March 1 and 3, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Moraine Valley Community College. For more information, visit www.shootersbball.com or contact Director Gary Ferguson at 630-935-1150.

PBO still offering registration The 2016 Palos Baseball season still has opening and there is time to register. Go to www.palosbaseball. org and click on the registration link on the registration tab. Nearly 600 players annually participate in the league.

We welcome submissions from the community at sports@regionalpublishing.com

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Malek Scates (right) is one of eight Sandburg wrestlers heading to the Class 3A state individual meet today, Thursday, in Champaign. He will join his third-ranked team in the state in facing No. 2 Marmion Tuesday at the Argo Sectional.

Richards’ girls bowling team is heading to the state tournament Friday in Rockford.

Submitted photo

State

Continued from Page 1 had a 698 three-game series and junior Phoenix Lopez rolled a 513.

Wozniak qualified as an individual last year and finished 84th.

Last year, the Bulldogs won a regional title but were 12 pins away from qualifying for state.

Sandburg sophomore Emily Schrader (1,316) is the only area individual to qualify.

Last year, she finished 69th.

In wrestling, Sandburg will send eight wrestlers to the state individual meet today, Thursday, through Saturday at the State Farm Center in Champaign.

Kevin Stearns (126 pounds) and Rudy Yates (132) were champions for the Eagles at the Class 3A Batavia Sectional on Saturday. Other Sandburg wrestlers who finished second, third or fourth and will join the two champions down state are Louie Hayes (113), Ben Schneider (160), Brian Kraskowski (170), Christian Robertson (138), Patrick Brucki (182) and Malik Scates (285).

Yates won a state title as a freshman at Brother Rice and as a junior at Sandburg.

He is one of the top wrestlers in the country

Roe

Continued from Page 1 scores or cause scores to plummet if the execution is not there.

“We will support her and work with her no matter how she wants to approach it,” White said.

Shortly after the sectional, Roe was gungho about taking the risks.

“I just want to go for it all,” she said. “I’ve been in the gym every day, all day. I’m giving it my all, for sure.’’

As a team, the Sandburg-Stagg coop squad finished fifth in the sectional with a 134.675. Downers Grove South won it with a 143.875.

White said his team could have played

but was nearly upset by Montini’s Anthony Cheloni in the sectional final.

Yates beat Cheloni earlier in the season, 17-3, and grabbed a quick 5-0 lead and hung on for a 5-4 victory. He told reporters after the bout that the match was “ugly” and that he hoped to do better if the two face each other a third time.

Other Class 3A state qualifiers were Marist’s Diata Drayton (a sectional champ at 220), Andy O’Brien (126) and Kyle Karpinski (152), Brother Rice’s Hassan Johnson (106) and Stagg’s Domenic Zaccone (106).

In Class 2A, Evergreen Park’s Sylvane Smart earned a trip to Champaign after finishing second at 195 at the Lemont Sectional.

Team sectional pairings Sandburg and Brother Rice are the lone schools alive in the team wrestling event and the two squads both hope to make it to the state finals at the Class 3A Argo Sectional at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

The two area teams will wrestle side-byside. Sandburg, ranked third in the state by the Illinois Matmen website, will be taking on No. 2 Marmon Academy while Brother Rice, making its first sectional appearance, faces traditional 2A power Montini, which was bumped up to 3A. it safe and finished higher with a score in the 139 area, but decided to go for broke and it didn’t work as well as the team hoped.

Sophomore Toni Muzzo finished 21st in the all-around and Danielle Staler was tied for 22nd.

“You have to try to throw everything but the kitchen sink at them,” White said. “We could have been conservative, but what the heck. We had to let everything out and go for it. Usually it does not work but you have to do that. I admire the kids for trying.

They never gave up and they kept coming at it and coming at it.

“We need to build on this. This is a great experience for them and they will be far more composed next year. They’ve been there and they’ve done that.’’

BASKETBALL

The Regional News - The Reporter

Thursday, February 18, 2016 Section 2

3

AREA HOOPS AT A GLANCE BOYS W-L Streak Brother Rice 16-10 L1 Chicago Christian 18-6 W4 Evergreen Park 9-15 L1 Marist 19-5 W2 Oak Lawn 11-13 L1 Richards 10-11 L3 Sandburg 8-11 L1 Shepard 3-17 W1 Stagg 13-8 L1 St. Laurence 13-12 W2

Daylon Washington and his Chicago Christian teammates drew the third seed in the Class 2A Clifton Central subsectional and could be in line to play Illiana Christian on Feb. 26 at Illiana Christian for the regional championship. Chicago Christian and Illiana split two meetings earlier in the season.

Next

Catholic League Tournament, TBA at Timothy Christian, Fri.; IHSA 2A Regionals at Reavis, Fri. hosts Notre Dame, Fri.; at St. Viator, Wed. at Argo, Fri. hosts Reavis, Fri. at Joliet Central, Fri.; hosts Joliet West, Tue. hosts Universal, Thur., at Eisenhower, Fri. hosts H-F, Fri.; vs. Andrew at United Center, Sun.; at LWE, Tue.

Catholic League Tournament, TBA

* Records through Sunday, Feb. 14

GIRLS Chicago Christian 8-20 Evergreen Park 13-14 Marist 21-8 Mother McAuley 16-13 Oak Lawn 10-19 Queen of Peace 18-11 Richards 19-4 Sandburg 13-16 Shepard 2-26 Stagg 2-24

Photo by Jeff Vorva

L1 L1 W3 L3 W1 L3 W8 L1 L2 L10

Season completed IHSA 3A Regionals IHSA 4A Regionals IHSA 4A Regionals IHSA 4A Regionals IHSA 3A Regionals IHSA 4A Regionals IHSA 4A Regionals IHSA 4A Regionals IHSA 4A Regionals

* Records through Sunday, Feb. 14

REAVIS 64, OAK LAWN 53

FOCUS ON GIRLS BASKETBALL

By Phil Arvia

CC’s 20-loss season a learning experience for young players

This one was personal for Rams’ multi-sport athletes Correspondent

With 20 seconds left in what would soon become a 64-53 win last Thursday over host Oak Lawn, Reavis forward Marc McClinton was pulled for a substitute.

Before he took a seat on the bench, the 6-foot-5, 270-pound junior cupped his hands around his mouth and bellowed to the bleachers, “Just like football!”

In many ways.

Just like last October’s 55-27 win, the Rams dominated. Just like on the gridiron, Reavis’ stars were Isiah Alpuche, Brantrell Seymore and McClinton. Alpulche, an IFCA allstate quarterback last season, had 17 points and a game-high 11 rebounds, while his favorite receivers, Seymore and McClinton, had 21 and 14 points respectively on a combined 15-for-22 shooting.

“I was a three-sport athlete at Reavis myself,” Rams coach Jeff Smith said. “Some of the stuff that happens in football carries over to the basketball court, and that carries over to the baseball diamond. A lot of these kids know each other — it’s a good rivalry, and we like to play that up.”

Apparently, both sides did leading up to the contest.

“Facebook, Twitter, all over social media, seeing each other in person on the street,” Alpuche said. “Some matchups get personal.”

The rivalry game was fueled by full house, spurred by a cancer survivors’ benefit and a double-header opened by Oak Lawn’s girls varsity trouncing Eisenhower.

“I think the crowd helped a lot,” Seymore said. “We fed off them.”

The win snapped a bit of a funk for the Rams (9-14, 5-5 in the South Suburban Red), which had lost three straight as part of struggles stemming from season-ending injuries to would-be starters Travis Lizsewski and Alex Avalos. It also snapped a five-game winning streak for the Spartans (10-13, 4-6), who apparently were feeling the crowd in a way coach Jason Rhodes didn’t anticipate.

“It may have been a case of kids trying to do too much,” Rhodes said.

“You want to play your best basketball in a gym that’s packed like tonight’s was. Unfortunately, you can’t really predict how teenage boys are going to react.”

Other than the second quarter, in which Rashad Johnson scored 13 of his game-high 25 points to help the Spartans to a 31-28 halftime lead,

By Anthony Nasella Correspondent

Oak Lawn’s Rashad Johnson makes a pass in last Thursday’s loss to Reavis.

Oak Lawn struggled offensively. For the night, the Spartans were 17-of46 (37 percent) from the floor.

“Bottom line, we didn’t establish ourselves offensively,” Rhodes said. “We forced a lot of things that played into their hands. We were shooting threes off the dribble, when we could have attacked the rim. We were just rushing.”

Othman Othman, who entered the contest as Oak Lawn’s leading scorer at 16.8 points per game, was saddled with foul trouble much of the night and held to just 10.

The senior transfer from Richards had been on fire of late, Rhodes said.

“He was concussed over the Christmas break and had to sit for six games,” Rhodes said. “I think it helped, actually. He had to sit and watch, to see how we play.

“He’s explosive. He has the ability to get us some easy baskets.”

The Spartans pressed their way to a halftime edge after falling behind by as many as six in the first quarter.

The game was tied at 34 when Othman went to the bench with foul trouble midway through the third.

By the time he got another shot up, at 4:28 of the fourth, Reavis had

Photos by Jeff Vorva

Oak Lawn’s Yousef Qasem goes up strong under the board against Reavis during the Rams’ 64-53 victory over the host Spartans.

pushed its lead to 51-40.

“Mostly, we handled their pressure well,” Smith said. “We teach them to

step to the outlet and out of the outlet to be in attack mode. We were able to catch and finish tonight.”

FOCUS ON BOYS BASKETBALL

Lucky 13th seed St. Laurence reaches CCL semifinals

By Anthony Nasella Correspondent

It’s a wild and crazy Chicago Catholic League Tournament final four.

No. 1 Fenwick and No. 2 St. Joseph survived the madness and made it just like most people thought.

But seeds 3-through-12 are wondering what the heck just happened in the early rounds. St. Laurence, the 13th seed, and Providence Catholic, the 14th-seed, upset their way to the semifinals, which took place Wednesday night at St. Joseph High School in Westchester.

With St. Laurence’s big 88-80 victory over fifth-seeded Seton Academy it the quarterfinals of the Catholic League Playoffs on Sunday, the Vikings advanced to this week’s semifinals against Fenwick.

But the signs of the Vikings’ emergence as potential Catholic-League Spoiler became evident in the team’s showdown against fourth-seeded De La Salle in the team’s second tourna-

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Brett Risley, shown in a game earlier this season, scored 27 points in an 88-80 win over Seton on Sunday.

ment game on Friday, one day after beating 20th-seeded Montini in a play-in game.

It was on the Meteors’ home court that the Vikings chalked up a 62-59 win over De La Salle, hitting clutch

baskets and free throws and playing stellar defense in the closing minutes.

After starting the season with a 4-10 record mostly as the result of a beefed-up schedule, the Vikings entered this week winning 10 of their last 12 game to improve to 14-12.

“The win over De La Salle was probably biggest win since I’ve been at St. Laurence,” second-year head coach Jim Maley said. “It’s huge for us because our guys took their lumps early in the season. We played an incredibly tough schedule, and that helps in games like these.

“We’ve figured out how to win those types of games, which is awesome. At Thanksgiving, we played Riverside-Brookfield and Oak ParkRiver Forest – both ranked at time.

Then we played Lake Park, who is now 17-4, at Downers Grove South at Christmas.”

Against De La Salle, St. Laurence junior guard Christian Ferrer was fouled on a successful three-point basket late in the game. That four-

point play tied it up, and three free throws put the Vikings ahead. De La Salle’s desperation attempt at the buzzer missed the mark.

Senior Willie Walton led all scorers with 17 points. Senior center Chris Carli finished with 14, Ferrer scored 13 and senior Brett Risley pitched in with 10 against the Meteors.

Maley said the play of Carli, who stands just six feet, has been a big part of the St. Laurence’s success.

In the Seton stunner, Risley scored 27 and Ferrer added 25 and Walton 23.

Seventh-seeded Brother Rice advanced to the quarterfinals with a 67-61 win over 10th-seeded St. Rita on Friday but fell to St. Joseph, 65-31, on Sunday. Josh Niego had 20 points and Mike Shepski added 18 against St. Rita, while Shepski had 17 against St. Joseph on 7-of-15 shooting but the rest of the team combined to shoot 8-of29. St. Joe shot 70 percent from the f loor (26-of-37).

A casual glance at Chicago Christian’s 8-20 regular season effort might give the impression that the 2015-16 campaign was a slow grind for the Knights.

However, with a starting lineup featuring two sophomores and a freshman, Chicago Christian continued to improve and mesh as a team throughout the season and captured its first game of the IHSA playoffs – a 59-24 win over Fenger – before seeing its season end with a 48-22 setback against Beecher.

Sophomore Emily Bulthuis and freshman Ciara Randle El each scored 14 points against Fenger, while sophomore Bethany Regnerus contributed 10 against Beecher.

“The chemistry between the girls is fantastic,” Knights head coach Linda Stuursma said. “We are young, but they get along really well. Everybody has improved greatly from the beginning of the season. We just don’t have a lot of experience.

“Getting a win in the regionals was good because we were ranked below our opponent, so that was a great accomplishment for us. Despite the record, the season was fun. Watching the girls get better and experience they got made the season totally worth it.”

In the win over Fenger, Bulthuis continued to demonstrate her young talent, while Randle El — daughter of former NFL player and Thornton alum Antwaan Randle El — came into her own in her first varsity season.

“Ciara is a great ball handler and passer,” Stuursma said. “She’s learning that she also has the ability to score. The whole game from eight grade is obviously different than playing on the varsity team — a huge difference.

“She learned from all of us, and is definitely our most improved ball player. With her knowledge and athletic ability, things are definitely starting to come around for her. She has a lot of potential for the future.”

Against Beecher, Regnerus continued her own emergence as a solid varsity contributor.

“Bethany was the only girl who was returning,” she said. “She started as a freshman last year, but she was more of a support with seniors we had. This year it was time for her to step up.

It was hard at first, but I would say in the last eight games she has learned how to better score and rebound.

“She really has picked up on that, and the last few games are the best that’s she’s ever played.

Not bad for being only a sophomore.”

The coach doesn’t consider the 8-20 record a disappointment.

“Sure, 8-20 doesn’t sound good, but we’ve come a long way,” she said. “We almost got third in our conference.

“And, hopefully, we can grab some younger girls who can play. Our sophomore team was 18-8 and won its conference with only one loss. The numbers are small but the potential is there.”

Richards keeps rolling With a pair of victories last week — a surprisingly easy 55-40 triumph over Argo on Tuesday and a 55-34 win over Shepard on Friday – Richards finished the regular season with a 19-4 record and tied with the Argonauts for the Suburban Conference Red title.

Takesha Powell (29 points, five rebounds, four assists), Sydni Tears (13 points, 13 rebounds), Dominique Miller (eight points, 19 rebounds) led the way for the Bulldogs against Argo (18-8, 9-3).

“I was very pleased how we were rebounding and limiting second-chance points,” Richards coach Jeff Kortz said. “We were also playing good defense and had a hand in all the shooters’ faces. I thought we were also doing a great job on the glass.”

Against Shepard, the Bulldogs were led by Tears (28 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, two steals, two blocks, Powell (11 points, eight rebounds, six assists), and Nadia Shehadeh (10 points, five rebounds, four assists).

CCAC stars Jovanna Martinucci and Kara Shimko of Queen of Peace and Caitlin Jandacek and Tara O’Malley of Mother McAuley were selected to the GCAC Basketball 2015-16 All-Conference team.

4

Section 2 Thursday, February 18, 2016

The Regional News - The Reporter

THE NEXT LEVEL

After 26 losses, Sandburg alum Distor leads Jaguars to first victory

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

No one said making history was going to be easy.

Sandburg graduate Rachel Distor was excited when she signed up to play at Governors State University because it was a chance to play on the first team in school history.

Distor and coach La Toshia Burrell knew there would be struggles. They opened the season 0-26.

But the Jaguars finally got to taste the sweetness of victory last Thursday as they whipped the Moody Bible Institute, 95-39, in University Park. Distor led the team with 24 points.

Moody led 16-15 after the first quar-

ter before Distor and the Jaguars heated up in the final 30 minutes, scoring 80 points. Ditsor also had four assists.

Prior to that, they lost to St. Xavier University in Chicago, 84-64 on Feb. 6. SXU was ranked No. 1 in the nation among NAIA Division II schools.

The Jaguars lost everything from heartbreakers (100-98 in overtime against Waldorf College) to blowouts (134-68 to Olivet Nazarene).

“They all hurt just the same,” Distor said. “It hasn’t been easy, but we get through it together.’’

She said she knew the team was capable of winning.

“We need to communicate, play together and share the ball,” she said.

“We need to play as a team.’’

Burrell knew she had her work cut out for her and was happy to get that first win.

“The biggest thing was to keep these players motivated,” she said. “How they perform now and fight through adversity is important. It’s a process and they need to embrace that process and to take the challenges head on. It’s been tough but they fought hard.’’

Before the victory, the coach said she was happy with how her team bucked up against SXU, scoring 48 secondhalf points.

“They quadrupled their score from the first half against the No. 1 team in the nation,” Burrell said. “If they continue to do that and stay together as a team, we can definitely move forward.’’

The present record is not sparkling but Burrell is pumped up about the future.

“I’m very optimistic,” she said. “We going after the top kids and now that we’re officially an NAIA school and will be a member of one of the toughest conferences in the nation, we need some great players.’’

Weiler keeps Cardinals red hot Ball State University’s men’s volleyball team is scalding right now and opposite hitter Mitch Weiler is one of the reasons why.

Entering this week, the Cardinals were riding high on a six-match winning streak.

Weiler, a sophomore from Oak Lawn

FOCUS ON MORAINE VALLEY

Jourdan wins 1,000-meter event at CIC

Moraine dominates McHenry in revenge game double-digit points, but still amassed eight points, six assists and three blocks in only 22 minutes of play, and is still ranked No. 11 in the nation for points (516). Ashley Carroll (Beecher) stepped up to finish with 15 points and nine rebounds.

That triumph came two days after losing to unbeaten Waubonsie Valley, 83-78.

Drynan was in foul trouble early and the Cyclones trailed 46-40 at halftime.

In the third quarter, the Cyclones tied it at 50 before the Chiefs pulled away.

With four minutes left in the game, the Cyclones came within three points (73-70), cutting a 10-point deficit. However, they had some missed opportunities on four possessions and couldn’t hit the big shot to get over the hump.

Borgen scored 22 points and added 10 rebounds for her 17th double-double. Drynan finished with 14 points and 13 rebounds in 24 minutes. Shatat added 10 points.

Men’s team wins pair In their fervent quest to reclaim the Skyway Conference

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Moraine Valley’s Carly Trinley (left) and a stack of Waubonsee players sting a little after a collision but all were able to play in the game after the crash on Feb. 9.

championship, the Cyclones chipped away at McHenry County College and improved to 9-3 after a narrow 78-74 victory. The Cyclones are just two wins away from a repeat.

In a near identical final score (78-75) when these two teams last met on Jan. 21, there was nothing easy about this win. Both teams battled the entire game, trading leads often. It was only until David Gray (Oak Forest) sunk three consecutive 3-pointers with his team down by one and 10 minutes left on the clock that the Cyclones surged ahead and kept the Scots were never closer than three points until

the end.

The Cyclones shot well from the perimeter this game and Gray shined beyond the arc making all of his 21 points on threes. Luke Hook topped out with 22 points. Calviontae Washington had 13 points, and Tommy Demogerontas added 11.

Two days prior, the Cyclones inched over the .500 mark and took a solid spot atop the conference standings in their fifth straight win with an 83-74 victory over Waubonsee Community College.

Ermias Nega (Wakefield) and Demogerontas (Sandburg) each topped out at 20

points and nine rebounds each. Washington (Eisenhower) and Andrew alum Luke Hook (five rebounds) added 10 points each while Khalil Williams (Eisenhower) had nine points, eight rebounds and six assists.

The fight for the conference championship is still neck-and-neck. The Cyclones entered this week’s action 8-3 in conference ahead of the 7-4 records of Elgin Community College, Morton College, McHenry County College, and College of Lake County.

Compiled by Jeff Vorva from submitted reports

FOCUS ON ST. XAVIER UNIVERSITY

SXU hits better than .300 in first volleyball victory

After suffering through seven losses and posting a hitting percentage of .055, St. Xavier men’s volleyball team broke through last Thursday night with a .309 average and a 25-21, 25-12, 2521 victory over the Illinois Institute of Technology, a first-year NCAA Division III program.

Sean Barry (Wilmette/Loyola Academy) had 12 kills and six digs Junior outside hitter Dan O’Keefe (Evergreen Park/Loyola (La.)/St. Rita) handled the setting duties for Saint Xavier and recorded 34 assists to go along with two kills, five digs and two service aces.

Junior middle blocker Noel Bragagnolo (Chicago/Saint Patrick) had six kills and five total blocks (one solo), while sophomore middle blocker Bradley Gadek (Gurnee/Carmel Catholic) turned in five kills and five total blocks (one solo).

Junior libero Dominic Villa (Chicago/Dominican University/Mount Carmel) was solid defensively with nine digs and three assists for the Cougars.

Medley relay team drops five seconds Freshman Deandra Stokes (Chicago/Thornwood), sophomore Rachal Brooks (Chicago/Mother McAuley), junior Nicole Watkins (Bartlett/Bartlett) and sophomore Ellie Willging (Freeport/UIC/Freeport) dropped five seconds off their already automatic “A” standard nationally qualifying time in the distance medley relay Friday evening for the Saint Xavier University women’s track & field team at the Chi-

Kustok

Continued from Page 1 working. That energy gets in you.

“There’s a different feel, a different vibe. It’s hard to take a breath. That’s why I fit in so well here.”

Kustok has been with the YES Network since 2012 as its Nets reporter after three years with CSN Chicago on the Bulls, Cubs, Sox and Blackhawks beats. Her current contract runs through September, and given that she’s subbed in several times as the color commentator on Nets broadcasts, it’s natural to wonder if she’s looking

who attended Brother Rice, has 94 kills, which was second on the team, with a hitting percentage of .239 and 22 blocks.

FOCUS ON TRINITY CHRISTIAN

Not-so-great Scots this time The last time the Moraine Valley’s women’s basketball team faced McHenry County College on Jan. 21 the Cyclones suffered a five-point loss to the Scots.

Not this time.

The Cyclones made up for that setback last night by dominating the Scots in a 79-56 victory last Thursday in Palos Hills.

Moraine Valley jumped out to a 17-11 lead at the end of the first quarter. It continued to control the game, leading 3824 at halftime. At one point in the third quarter the Cyclones led by 30 points.

It was a strong night from the beyond arc for the Cyclones as Kailey Foster (Joliet West) went 4-for-8 and Dee Dee Shatat was 2-for-4.

Erin Drynan led the team with 28 points (12-for-16 from floor), 12 rebounds and four blocks. She retains her No. 1 rank for blocked shots (6.3 average) in the NJCAA Division II and is No. 4 in rebounds (13.4 average).

Michelle Borgen fouled out with six minutes left in the third quarter. For the first time this season, she didn’t get

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Rachel Distor (right) and Governors State University’s women’s basketball team enjoyed their first win after 26 losses in the Jaguars’ fi st season.

cagoland Invitational hosted by North Central College in Naperville.

The team’s new time was 12 minutes, 26.41 seconds, besting its qualifying time from last week’s meet of 12:31.82.

The team changed the order of the runners with Watkins running 1,200 meters, Brooks going 400 meters, Stokes turning in 800 meters and Willging finishing up with 1,600 meters.

Watkins, Stokes and Willging also ran well in separate events. Willging took third overall in the 3,000-meter run with a time of 10:22.24, while Stokes finished second place in the 1,000-meter run in 3:12.26. Watkins claimed 12th place overall among 51 competitors in the 800-meter run in a time of 2:23.79.

Jeter explodes in hoops win Junior guard Dominique Jeter (Chicago/South Suburban CC/Julian) sank six three-pointers and scored a gamehigh 20 points to guide the Saint Xavier University men’s basketball team to a big 85-59 road win over Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference foe Roosevelt University Saturday afternoon at the Goodman Center in Chicago.

The Cougars (17-10 overall/14-4 CCAC) led by eight points, 41-33, at the half, but pulled away after the break behind 56 percent (15-for-27) shooting from the field.

Jeter, who came off the bench to provide SXU with a huge lift, was one of four scorers in double figures for the Cougars.

Sophomore point guard Quinn Niego (Chicago/Brother Rice) dropped 17 yet again to expand her career options when she becomes a free agent.

After all, there are only two other women in the country regularly providing commentary on NBA games. Beyond that, Kustok will be in-studio in Los Angeles for FS1 in March, providing analysis on the Big East women’s conference tourney.

“I’m not sure what the future holds,” she said. “I love covering teams and kind of being a part of them, being affiliated with them.

“But it’s still kind of a blank slate, what my future is. I’m still trying to figure it out. Some people know, ‘That’s my dream job.’ I don’t think it’s

Trinity Christian College’s Ashley Jourdan outran a field of 24 runners to win the 1,000 meter race in the Chicagoland Intercollegiate Championships Friday at North Central College in Naperville.

With a time of 3 minutes, 2.93 seconds, she achieved the NAIA “B” standard in that event. She was also a part of the distance medley relay that hit the qualifying mark. Succeeding with her in the relay was Megan DeWeerd, Emily Dykstra, and Anna Spotts. The team ran a time of 12:36.15 for 2nd place.

In the sprints Erin Wessels set a school record in the 60-meter event.

Her time of 8.33 broke the previous record by one-hundredth of a second.

The men competed in the meet on Saturday and the distance medley relay team of Cody Velthuizen, Sam DeKryger, Luke Boss, and Alex Clark posted a time of 10:50.14 and finished in fourth place of eight teams.

Another two-point loss for men’s hoops team For the second time this year the Trolls battled with Purdue University-North Central only to come up two points short. Trinity had a one-point lead at the half, but lost their top spot in the second half and was edged out with a 69-67 final. The team is now 8-20 for the season and 3-16 in the CCAC conference.

The Trolls trailed 66-62 in the final minute until Caleb Jonkman was fouled on three-point attempt and nailed all three free throws to make it 66-65 with 17 seconds left. Seconds later Purdue-North Central was good from the line to create a three point gap, but Jonkman scored on a lay-up with three ticks left to cut it to one point. The Panthers were put on the line again and connected on one of two free throws for the final score.

The Trolls had just two seconds left for a last shot attempt, but their long in-bounds pass was stolen to end the game.

Women fall short at Viterbo

Submitted photo

Sean Barry helped his team snap a seven-game losing streak on Thursday as St. Xavier beat the Illinois Institute of Technology in three sets.

Leading four Saint Xavier University players in double figures with a gamehigh 24 points, sophomore guard Kara Krolicki (Mokena/Lincoln-Way East) propelled the No. 1 ranked Cougars to a commanding 90-48 road victory over Roosevelt.

Krolicki hit five three-pointers en route to her big performance and became the all-time career leader in threepointers made (221) in Saint Xavier University women’s basketball history and

still has more than two seasons to go.

Junior guard Mikayla Leyden (Chicago/Trinity) posted 15 points, six assists and three steals to aid the winning effort. Sophomore center Brittany Collins (Des Plaines/Maine West) and junior forward Sarah Vozel (Silver Lake, Wis./Ashford University/Wilmot Union) both flirted with double-doubles as well. Collins added 11 points and eight rebounds, while Vozel chipped in 10 points and seven rebounds.

It was a big week for Krolicki as she was also named to the 2015-16 College Sports Information Directors of America College Division Academic All-District™ 2 Women’s Basketball Team when it was released by the national organization Thursday.

Compiled by Jeff Vorva from submitted reports

that way for me. It continues to evolve.”

What won’t change is Kustok’s draw to the Chicago area. She hasn’t yet been able to give up her cell phone with its 312 area code.

“I can’t let go of it,” she said. “I can’t be all New York. I’ve got to have a little Chicago in me.”

Kustok graduated from DePaul in 2004 with a degree in communications/ media studies, after captaining a pair of teams that reached the NCAA Tournament. In 2005-06, she was an assistant coach for DePaul’s first women’s team to reach the Sweet 16.

So, yeah, there were a lot of people to say hello to.

“It’s wonderful to get back,” Kustok said. “But it seems like I never get enough time with each individual person.”

Still, she finds time for the most important folks. Her brother Zak, a former Northwestern quarterback now living with his wife and three children in Memphis, Tenn., gets frequent visits.

“I try to get there at least every other month,” Kustok said. “Their oldest is a girl, 3, then there’s two little boys. It feels like if I’m not around them every couple of weeks, they get so big.”

In terms of media profile, Kustok is getting bigger, too.

points on the Lakers and had a huge allaround effort with team-bests of nine rebounds and six assists. Junior guard Kyle Huppe (Edgerton, Kan./Gardner Edgerton) and sophomore guard Larry Motuzis (Darien, /Hinsdale South) each added 13 points for the Cougars

Women keep dominating

Trinity had a five-point halftime lead but lost to Viterbo in a road game in La Crosse, Wis., 63-53 Saturday. Celina Wanta led the team with 14 points while Allie Paluchniak had 12 and Bethany Jansma had 11.

Kelsie Foster was the high rebounder with eight and Olivia Schipper added seven.

Men’s volleyball drops tight battle Only a difference of 10 points separated the Trolls and the Eagles of Cincinnati Christian University in a four-set match. Trinity pushed the first set to an extra point before losing at 26-24 and was barely beat out in the second set at 25-23 to fall behind in the match. They came back with a 25-21 win in set three and extended play in the four set before falling at 28-26 to go to 2-7 on the season.

Nick Costa led the team with 16 kills and Eddie Binion had 14.

Compiled by Jeff Vorva from submitted reports She jumped to YES when the Nets moved to Brooklyn, getting “drawn into the push for something new … for the opportunity to grow and change.

“As a former athlete, you have these competitive juices. I’m always looking for a challenge, and opportunity to grow.”

In Chicago, she had a built-in fan base. Not so, New York.

“That’s exactly it,” Kustok said.

“Chicago is home. Can I prove myself in another market?

“Can I go somewhere else and make it?”

Her answer and her network are the same.

The Regional News - The Reporter

Thursday, February 18, 2016 Section 2

Images from a wild week in sports

When organizers promoted last Thursday’s basketball doubleheader as “Paint the Gym Purple” in Oak Lawn, it was to pack the place and get ready for the school’s Relay for Life event. The way Oak Lawn and Reavis went at it, there were some players willing to earn purple bruises, too. Above: Reavis’s Marc McClinton and Oak Lawn’s

5

Yousef Qasem regroup after being knocked to the floor. Below left: Othman Othman hits the deck after driving toward the basket. Below right: Reavis’s Brantrell Seymore also hits the ground after a collision. All three of these collisions took place in the first two minutes of the game.

Many people in the Oak Lawn gym were wearing special shirts (far left photo) for the “Paint the Gym Purple” event last Thursday, but these two guys (left) improvised while going shirtless.

Photos by Jeff Vorva

Oak Lawn’s Kelly Touchie was all smiles and tears while hugging everyone she could after a senior night victory over Eisenhower last Thursday. Touchie, Kamari Johnson, Megan Kupres and Danielle Allen were honored.

A Stagg/Sandburg gymnast records sophomore Maddie Bateman’s performance on the balance beam on Feb. 10 at the Hinsdale Central Sectional.

Oak Lawn’s Danielle Quigley thinks quickly and saves a ball during the Spartans’ win over Eisenhower last Thursday.

6

Section 2 Thursday, February 18, 2016

The Regional News - The Reporter

BUYING OR SELLING?

For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION OCWEN LOAN SERVICING, LLC Plaintiff, -v.JOHN J. KNIEBUSCH JR., JEANETTE M. KNIEBUSCH, BRITTANY GLEN HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., AS NOMINEE FOR INDYMAC BANK, FSB Defendants 10 CH 20473 13209 GEORGETOWN DRIVE ORLAND PARK, IL 60462 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on December 11, 2015, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 14, 2016, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 13209 GEORGETOWN DRIVE, ORLAND PARK, IL 60462 Property Index No. 23-32-411-032-0000.

The real estate is improved with a brown brick, two story, single family home with a three car attached garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in \�AS IS\� condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property.

Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g) (1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information: Visit our website at service.atty-pierce.com. between the hours of 3 and 5 pm. PIERCE & ASSOCIATES, Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300, CHICAGO, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 476-5500. Please refer to file number PA1013436. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. PIERCE & ASSOCIATES One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300 CHICAGO, IL 60602 (312) 476-5500 E-Mail: pleadings@pierceservices.com Attorney File No. PA1013436 Attorney Code. 91220 Case Number: 10 CH 20473 TJSC#: 35-17910 I683352

For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. Plaintiff, -v.MOIRA K. TWITTY, JONATHAN TWITTY, MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. Defendants 14 CH 020697 9243 DUNMORE DRIVE ORLAND PARK, IL 60462 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on November 4, 2015, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 11, 2016, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 9243 DUNMORE DRIVE, ORLAND PARK, IL 60462 Property Index No. 23-34-309-016. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in \�AS IS\� condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-14-23346. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www. tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal. com Attorney File No. 14-14-23346 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 14 CH 020697 TJSC#: 36-1672 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

I684605

Put 42 years to work 34 years with RE/MAX

Don’t trust your real estate purchase or sale to anyone else

CALL DAVE MIRES

Your Personal Real Estate Consultant for Life RE/MAX International Hall of Fame

(708) 341-0946

POTENTIAL TO BECOME SPECTACULAR! GRACIOUS AND SPACIOUS IS THIS

California style ranch on wooded home situated on a secluded wooded .8+ acre across from Forest acre, w/charming 4-season sunroom Preserves awaits your backyard; talents! 4 overlooking gorgeous bdrms,SS 3 baths, walkout 35x25 Granite Kitchen, 4 bdrms plus bsmt w/office.

Being sold “As Is� main fl. Guest bdrm, 3-1/2 baths. $319,900 Call 448-6100 to see this home today! $619,000

15607 S. Harlem Ave. Orland Park, IL 60462 • davidjmires@gmail.com

For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, NA Plaintiff, -v.BETH ANN WALL, CITY OF PALOS HEIGHTS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Defendants 15 CH 011817 6700 W. GOLFVIEW LANE PALOS HEIGHTS, IL 60463 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on November 6, 2015, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 14, 2016, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 6700 W. GOLFVIEW LANE, PALOS HEIGHTS, IL 60463 Property Index No. 24-31-209-011-0000.

The real estate is improved with a residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in \�AS IS\� condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required

by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-1512626. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-15-12626 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 15 CH 011817 TJSC#: 35-16778 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

I683291

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 Monday, March 7, 2016 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 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 Mr. Frederic Deraiche at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Kluever & Platt, L.L.C., 65 East Wacker Place, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (312) 2360077. File Number SPSF.0399 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I683703

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC Plaintiff, -v.JAMES F. ENGLAND, SUZANNE ENGLAND Defendants 14 CH 17343 7942 W. 98th St. Hickory Hills, IL 60457 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on June 5, 2015, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 14, 2016, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 7942 W. 98th St., Hickory Hills, IL 60457 Property Index No. 23-12-103-017-0000.

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $241,382.07.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours.

No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in AS IS condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, contact Plaintiff s attorney: HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC, 111 East Main Street, DECATUR, IL 62523, (217) 422-1719 If the sale is not confirmed for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the purchase price paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee s attorney.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC 111 East Main Street DECATUR, IL 62523 (217) 422-1719 CookPleadings@hsbattys.com Attorney Code. 40387 Case Number: 14 CH 17343 TJSC#: 36-627 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION HSBC BANK USA, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR THE REGISTERED HOLDERS OF RENAISSANCE EQUITY LOAN ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-3 Plaintiff, vs.

CHARLES W. JACOB; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF CHARLES W. JACOB, IF ANY; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 15 CH 12306 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Friday, March 18, 2016 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 23-23-200-026-1085.

Commonly known as 11129 South 84th Avenue, Apartment 1A, Palos Hills, IL 60465.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a condominium residence. The purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by subdivisions (g) (1) and (g)(4) of Section 9 of the Condominium Property Act Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds.

The property will NOT be open for inspection For information call the Sales Clerk at Plaintiff’s Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603.

(312) 360-9455 - WA15-0428.

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I684443

Save this ad for a FREE Market Analysis!

34

708.448.6100

BHHSBlount.com Serving the Palos area for over 50 years

For Sale

A Palos resident since 1963

Your Palos Realtor

708-369-9327

“Follows Me Everywhere!�

For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO FINANCIAL ILLINOIS, INC. Plaintiff, -v.FIRST MIDWEST BANK AS TRUSTEE U/T/A DATED AUGUST 14, 1992 A/K/A TRUST NO. 1-3336, UNKNOWN BENEFICIARIES OF FIRST MIDWEST BANK, AS PURCHASER OF THE LOANS AND OTHER ASSETS OF PALOS BANK AND TRUST COMPANY FROM THE FDIC, ACTING AS RECEIVER FOR THE SAVINGS BANK AND PURSUANT TO THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE ACT U/T/A DATED AUGUST 14, 1992 A/K/A TRUST NO. 1-3336, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF MICHAEL GONZALEZ A/K/A MICHAEL A. GONZALEZ, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 11 CH 023713 16801 S. WOLF ROAD ORLAND PARK, IL 60467 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on August 22, 2012, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 1, 2016, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 16801 S. WOLF ROAD, ORLAND PARK, IL 60467 Property Index No. 27-29-100-037. The real estate is improved with a residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in \�AS IS\� condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required

by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-1118596. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-11-18596 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 11 CH 023713 TJSC#: 36-997 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

I683137

For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION FIFTH THIRD MORTGAGE COMPANY, Plaintiff, vs.

ISA RAFATI AND RULA ATIEH, UNKNOWN TENANTS, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, Defendants, 14 CH 9960 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause on December 10, 2015, Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Friday, March 11, 2016, at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate: Commonly known as 16464 W. 118TH PLACE, ORLAND PARK, IL 60467.

P.I.N. 27-19-303-009.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection.

For information call Mr. Ira T. Nevel at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Law Offices of Ira T. Nevel, 175 North Franklin Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606. (312) 357-1125. Ref. No. 14-01438 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I683792

PLACE YOUR AD TODAY

For Sale

5 ACRES RT. 45 IN PEOTONE 600 ft. frontage x 400 ft. deep 40 ft. x 60 ft. pole barn CALL 815-450-0004 For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION FNBN I, LLC Plaintiff, -v.LILLY SAMARDZIJA Defendants 13 CH 7113 9170 WHEELER DRIVE ORLAND PARK, IL 60462 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on December 15, 2015, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 16, 2016, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 9170 WHEELER DRIVE, ORLAND PARK, IL 60462 Property Index No. 27-15-208-017-0000. The real estate is improved with a 2 story home with an attached garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale.

The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in \�AS IS\� condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property.

Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information: Visit our website at service.atty-pierce.com. between the hours of 3 and 5 pm. PIERCE & ASSOCIATES, Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300, CHICAGO, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 476-5500. Please refer to file number PA1226597.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

PIERCE & ASSOCIATES One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300 CHICAGO, IL 60602 (312) 476-5500 E-Mail: pleadings@pierceservices.com Attorney File No. PA1226597 Attorney Code. 91220 Case Number: 13 CH 7113 TJSC#: 35-18051 I684103

ÂŽ

“10 in the Park�

NEW as of 7/7/11 For Sale

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION JPMORGAN CHASE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, -v.CATHERINE WHITNEY, JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. Defendants 11 CH 37102 10751 SOUTH LACROSSE AVENUE Oak Lawn, IL 60453 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on July 22, 2015, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 10, 2016, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 10751 SOUTH LACROSSE AVENUE, Oak Lawn, IL 60453 Property Index No. 24-16-403-018-0000; 24-16403-019-0000.

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $143,045.66.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in AS IS condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, or a unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). In accordance with 735 ILCS 5/15-1507(c)(1)(h-1) and (h-2), 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(5), and 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1), you are hereby notified that the purchaser of the property, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and legal fees required by subsections (g)(1) and (g)(4) of section 9 and the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of section 18.5 of the Illinois Condominium Property Act. IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, contact the sales department, ANSELMO LINDBERG OLIVER LLC, 1771 W. Diehl Road, Suite 150, NAPERVILLE, IL 60563, (630) 453-6960 For bidding instructions, visit www.fal-illinois.com. Please refer to file number F13100115.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

ANSELMO LINDBERG OLIVER LLC 1771 W. Diehl Road, Suite 150 NAPERVILLE, IL 60563 (630) 453-6960 E-Mail: foreclosurenotice@fal-illinois.com Attorney File No. F13100115 Attorney ARDC No. 3126232 Attorney Code. 26122 Case Number: 11 CH 37102 TJSC#: 36-1597 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

DO YOU HAVE A HOUSE FOR SALE? CALL TO PLACE YOUR AD TODAY! (708) 448-4000

7

Section 2 Thursday, February 18, 2016

The Regional News - The Reporter

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

Part-Time Office Manager/ Bookkeeper

2-3 days/week. Quickbooks experience required. Organizational and phone skills a must. We are a local family owned business.

Send resume to: office@ williamquinnandsons.com or apply in person.

3860 W. 127th St. Alsip, IL 60803 Help Wanted

South Suburban law firm seeking full time

LITIGATION SECRETARY

with outstanding proofreading and organizational skills to do work for multiple attorneys.

Must have experience with transcribing and organizing pleadings, discovery and correspondence and must be proficient in Microsoft Office.

Knowledge of Federal and State court electronic filing systems required. Use of ProLaw a plus.

Please email resumes to: ffrazier@odelsonsterk.com

ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE WANTED Southwest Regional Publishing and Southwest Community News Group is seeking an Advertising Sales Representative.

The Sales Representative will prospect and cold call in addition to maintaining established accounts.

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL: • Have 2-5 years proven outside sales experience and customer retention • Be highly self-motivated, competitive and organized • Have the ability to hit the ground running • Have proven ability to close sales on a one to two call cycle WE ALSO LOOK FOR CANDIDATES TO DISPLAY: • Drive and Energy • The ability to succeed in a fast paced, deadline oriented environment • The ability to multi-task • An outgoing personality

PART TIME PRESSMAN

Experienced pressman needed to operate a Goss Community press part time.

20-30 hours per week.

Day shift.

Please email resumes to

arichards@regionalpublishing.com Wanted

SNOWBLOWERS,

Do you have unused items for sale?

Give them a new home and make some $$$

Amy Richards at arichards@regionalpublishing.com or call Southwest Regional Publishing at

708-448-4000

Open Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Plumbing & Sewer

KRYSTAL KLEEN

PLUMBING & SEWER

GGEORGE’S EORG E’S

Flood Control Specialists All Types of Plumbing Repairs

TOO BUSY TO CLEAN?

• • • • • •

Let Us Professionally Clean Your Home or Office. • Satisfaction Guaranteed • References Available Bonded/Insured FREE ESTIMATES

Cleaning Services

40 years experience -Lic. #SL574

708.952.1833

Nurse’s Assistant

Lots of Patience & Trustworthy CAREGIVER LOOKING TO CARE FOR THE ELDERLY

PLACE YOUR AD TODAY

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

(708) 636-4030

PLEASE FAX OR E-MAIL RESUME TO AMY RICHARDS: 12243 South Harlem Ave., Palos Heights, IL 60463 Phone: 708-448-4000 • Fax: 708-448-4160

Cleaning Services

WE OFFER: • Competitive salary plus commission • High earnings potential

small engines, regular and riding lawnmowers, bicycles.

Reasonably priced or free.

Call (815) 450-0004

Help Wanted

Snowblower Repair

Snow Blowers Lawn Mowers Repair/Tune-Up

Available Mon.-Fri. Hours depend on need

Will fix at your house

at 708.439.6238

Call: (815) 450-0004

Excellent References.

Rates Vary Please call Mary anytime Leave a message & number

Reasonable Rates

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

OUT & ABOUT

The Regional News • The Reporter

Thursday, February 18, 2016

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:

“STEVE JOBS’’: Talent abounds in director Danny Boyle’s (“Slumdog Millionaire’’) extremely smart portrait of the technology visionary and Apple co-founder and CEO, an extremely evident example being Michael Fassbender in a superb portrayal that reflects the complex personality that Jobs embodied. Aaron Sorkin’s screenplay zeroes in on several key points in the subject’s life and career, with Kate Winslet playing Apple’s marketing executive — and an ear for Jobs. Seth Rogen (as Steve Wozniak), Jeff Daniels (who won an Emmy for working with Sorkin’s writing on “The Newsroom’’), Michael Stuhlbarg and Katherine Waterston also star, but the Fassbender acting is key to making the movie work.

And work, it does ... quite brilliantly. DVD extras: “making-of’’ documentary”; audio commentary

by Boyle, Sorkin and editor Elliot Graham. **** (R: AS, P) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “BLACK MASS’’: Johnny Depp’s riveting portrayal of longtime Boston underworld figure James “Whitey’’ Bulger anchors director Scott Cooper’s drama, detailing the gangster’s role as an informant for an FBI agent and childhood friend (Joel Edgerton) — which largely gave Bulger the license to do as he wished, often quite violently. Among others in the fine cast are Benedict Cumberbatch as Bulger’s politician brother, as well as Rory Cochrane, Kevin Bacon, Jesse Plemons (“Fargo’’), Peter Sarsgaard, Dakota Johnson (“Fifty Shades of Grey’’), Julianne Nicholson and Corey Stoll — but the picture absolutely belongs to Depp and his total commitment to his performance. DVD extra: “making-of’’ documentary. *** (R: AS, P, GV) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “THE 33’’: An impressive acting ensemble re-creates a true-life crisis in this drama, about the desperate 2010 effort to rescue nearly three dozen workers trapped by a mine collapse in Chile. Though

time was of the essence, given the steadily depleting resources and oxygen, the mission ultimately took just over two months — generating great tension for loved ones waiting above, and most certainly for those far beneath the surface.

The cast includes Antonio Banderas, Rodrigo Santoro, Juliette Binoche, Lou Diamond Phillips, Gabriel Byrne and “NCIS’’ alum Cote de Pablo. DVD extras: theatrical trailer; “making-of’’ documentary. *** (PG-13: AS, P) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “TOGETHERNESS: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON’’: It took a while to be televised, but the wait for this seriocomic HBO series proved to be worth it, thanks to incisive writing and excellent work by the four lead actors. Mark Duplass — who created the show with his brother Jay and fellow star Steve Zissis — and Melanie Lynskey play a couple who take in the wife’s loose-cannon sister (a very entertaining Amanda Peet) and the husband’s best friend (Zissis). The result often is a little too much togetherness for all concerned as they go on their respective journeys of personal rediscovery. The show’s second season premieres Feb. 21 on HBO. DVD extras: deleted scenes; interview with Peet and Zissis. *** (Not rated: AS, N, P) (Also on Blu-ray) “THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW: THE COMPLETE SERIES’’: For those who hold a place called Mayberry in their hearts, this set — amounting to just under 250 episodes — clearly is a must. Griffith plays Sheriff Andy Taylor in the gentle CBS sitcom, which reteamed him with earlier stage comrade Don Knotts, a winner of multiple Emmy Awards as high-strung Deputy Barney Fife ... and it also started the career of a young actor who would grow up to be an Oscar-winning producerdirector, Ron Howard, alias the show’s Opie. Among others notable in the regular cast: Frances Bavier as Aunt Bee; Jim Nabors as gas-station attendant Gomer Pyle, who would get his own spinoff series, and George Lindsey as Gomer’s cousin Goober; barber Floyd (Howard McNear); and the perpetually intoxicated Otis Campbell (Hal Smith). The show was filmed in black-and-white for its first five seasons, then was in color for its final three. *** (Not rated)

Southwest • Section 2, Page 8

PINTO’S POPCORN PICKS “SAINTS & STRANGERS’’: This National Geographic Channel drama of the Pilgrims’ voyage to — and arrival in — America couldn’t have been better-timed for its television debut last fall, since it ran during the week of Thanksgiving. The group divided into different factions, one principally concerned about securing their religious freedom, and the other focused on potential economic prosperity. Native Americans greet them warily, but the newcomers also might face treachery from within their own ranks. Cast members include Ron Livingston, Vincent Kartheiser (“Mad Men’’), Ryan Reynolds stars in “Deadpool.”

Anna Camp (“Pitch Perfect’’), Ray Stevenson and Natascha McElhone (“Californication’’). DVD extras: deleted scenes. *** (Not rated: AS, V)

COMING SOON:

“FARGO: YEAR TWO’’ (Feb. 23): A young couple (Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons) is caught up in larceny in the FX series’ sophomore round; Patrick Wilson and Ted Danson also star. (Not rated: AS, P, V) “SECRET IN THEIR EYES’’ (Feb. 23): Years after her daughter’s murder, a sleuth (Julia Roberts) is stunned by new information about the crime; Nicole Kidman and Chiwetel Ejiofor also star.

(PG-13: AS, P, V) “ROOM’’ (March 1): A woman and her young son (Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay) are confined to a single room by a captor in this much-acclaimed drama. (R: AS, P) “OPEN SEASON: SCARED SILLY’’ (March 8): The supposed presence of a werewolf puts the residents of a forest — human and otherwise — on edge in this animated, direct-to-video sequel.

(Not rated) “THE PEANUTS MOVIE’’ (March 8): Snoopy goes after the Red Baron again, while Charlie Brown deals with another affair of the heart, in this computeranimated feature. (G) “FREAKS AND GEEKS: THE COMPLETE SERIES’’ (March 22): The cult-classic show, about a Detroit high school circa 1980, makes its Blu-ray debut and features Seth Rogen and James Franco. (Not rated: AS, P) FAMILY-VIEWING GUIDE KEY: AS, adult situations; N, nudity; P, profanity; V, violence; GV, particularly graphic violence.

‘Deadpool’ takes superhero viewing to another level

“Deadpool” stars the massively underrated Ryan Reynolds. This is yet another Marvel superhero film to jump in on the superhero bandwagon. Don’t expect this film, whose creation could be traced back to a leaked two minute YouTube clip, to be anything close to your standard Hollywood superhero film.

From loads of swearing and sexual content to lots of blood and gore, “Deadpool” is not your standard family superhero movie. It has the hard R-rating to back this up.

For the most part this is your standard superhero origin story. You learn about the past and how the hero became the way he is. You get an underdeveloped villain who you sporadically see, who is really only there for the inevitable fight during the dramatic conclusion. Some comic book junkies may find fault in the made for film villain, who was made specifically to be the foil for this origin story. Ajax (Ed Skrein) is a perfectly fine villain.

They don’t really tell the viewer why he does things and everything related to him is quite hazy. Even the evil sidekick Angel Dust (Gina Carano) has no real rhyme or reason other than to look good and occasionally fight.

This is a small scale movie in both budget and plot. There is no end of the world scenario here.

It’s basically you did me wrong and now I’m going to come after you for it. It’s a welcome respite from the standard end of the world scenarios you normally see in these types of films.

Throughout the Marvel comic universe, “Deadpool” runs through the X-Men timeline lampooning its heroes and creating unhinged mayhem. Here that feels slightly constrained since we see only two other X-Men in Negasonic Teenage Warhead and Colossus. We can see they bring out the “big guns” for this film. Both are sparingly used: it’s almost

TONY PINTO like they were an afterthought at times. It seems as if they wanted bigger named X-Men, but because the present-day X-Men timeline is a bit up in the air or simply for budgetary reasons that couldn’t happen. The film makes sure to mock both reasons, so you’re not quite sure what the reason is.

This film is part of the smaller Fox Marvel film universe and not the bigger Disney Marvel film universe that holds on to the Avengers franchise. Could you imagine an R-rated Disney movie? Probably not, but it would be cool to see him hanging with the film Avengers. Maybe one day “Deadpool” will get to crossover like Spiderman is rumored to be dong, but until then let’s hope he at least gets the opportunity to hang with more X-Men. Ultimately this is the Ryan Reynolds show and he brings us near constant one-liners and put-downs.

Some fail to hit the mark, but the sheer quantity makes up for that. This is the role Reynolds was meant for and it’s visibly apparent he poured his heart and soul into “Deadpool.”

Even with a weak story-arc this is still a good superhero movie. If you come in expecting the greatest movie ever, you’ll be disappointed. If you can handle the blood and guts, the constant crude jokes, the many sexual references, and the breaking of the 4th wall, then “Deadpool” might be something for you.

Tony Pinto’s grade: A-

Teen lapidary classes start

BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS

Teens in grades 7th through 12th are invited to register for a four-week lapidary class beginning Wednesday, Feb 24, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., at The Log Cabin Center for the Arts, 12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park.

Instructor Larry Rothenberg invites teens to learn to use the lapidary wheels to make smooth polished stones from rough slabs of rock. The class fee is $50 plus a $10 materials fee for introductory projects. Students purchase rocks for advanced projects.

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

CJ Bernardin School Shrek The Musical Jr.

Supplied photo

Teen lapidary students Ellise Signore’s and Albert Aardsma’s polished stones finished in teen lapidary class at the Log Cabin Center for the Arts in Palos Park.

OMARR’S WEEKLY ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST

By Jeraldine Saunders ARIES (March 21-April 19): Harshness can be harmful. You may not like an opponent but you can be respectful and polite this week even when your views differ.

Someone may go to extravagant lengths to get your attention.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Rushing ahead will only put you more behind this week. Don’t let minor squabbles or a tendency to fight fire with fire impede your progress. Consideration and tactfulness make achieving your ends much easier.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Keep a mental sifter on hand to separate the fluff from the substance. You may be so swept away on a magic carpet ride of romance or wishful thinking that you forget to look for safe landing places in the week ahead.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Relax on your laurels. In the week ahead you may not need to wheel and deal or enter into new agreements. Maintain your momentum with an existing project and focus your energy on being as precise

as possible.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Put the brakes on spending and scrutinize bills. You could be careless about possessions and finances in the week ahead. The spirit yearns for excitement but a practical side demands that you exercise thrift.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Be sensitive without becoming a pushover. A working relationship can be blocked by someone’s emotional hang-ups in the week ahead. Investigate the facts and don’t quibble about what might have been.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): It is impossible to create heat without light. Examine the underlying reasons behind friction or competitiveness. Your reflections and insights may reveal the true source of a rift. Re-evaluate a relationship this week.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Scientific studies may bring some benefits. The latest gadgets may help you become more efficient.

Rather than being frivolous with cash, use self-discipline to remain within the budget in the week ahead.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You may wear a lot of hats in the upcoming week. Don’t be afraid to try on some new ones.

Pull up the shirtsleeves and apply yourself to new ideas and responsibilities. Turn brain power on high for success.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): In the week to come you may nurture the romance in your life. Those in close proximity may be more snuggly than usual. Take time to discuss joint resources and other confidential matters with sensitivity.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You may be trigger happy with cash in the upcoming week.

Someone might criticize you for not being down to earth. Your expectations might be too high so avoid making irrevocable financial decisions.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Find blessings in every misstep as this week unfolds. Asking for forgiveness will tighten the bonds of affection. Firm up financial plans and use your business skills while the stars are on your side and money can grow.

THIS WEEK Cardinal Joseph Bernardin School’s Children of Genesius present Shrek The Musical Jr. this Saturday, at 2 and 7 p.m., at Andrew High School Performing Arts Center, 9001 W. 171st St., Tinley Park.

Tickets at the door cost $8 adults; $6 students, children and seniors. The show is based on the film and Broadway musical, about everyone’s favorite ogre, Shrek

Adult art classes at Log Cabin Center

New sessions of art classes begin the week of Feb 22 for six weeks at the Log Cabin Center for the Arts, 12700 Southwest Highway in Palos Park.

Beginning Monday morning, Feb. 22, at 9 a.m., Lapidary instruction is offered with Larry Rothenberg, and again on Wednesday evening, Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. Susan Flanagan teaches a Pastel Painting class Monday mornings at 9 a.m. Knitting and Crocheting are offered Monday evening with Georgann Ring at 6:30 p.m. and again on Friday morning, Feb.26 at 9:30 a.m.

On Wednesday, Feb. 24, April Schabes’ Collage class begins in the morning at 9:30 a.m., and Denise Dulzo’s Quilting afternoon class begins at 1 p.m. Lenox Wallace offers Watercolor Painting and Don and Arlene Lesiak offer Woodcarving , both on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m.

Thursday classes include 9 a.m.

Drawing and 1 p.m. Watercolor with Lois Hrejsa, both beginning Feb. 25.

Additional adult classes in Calligraphy, Silver Jewelry, Pottery, Weaving, Basketmaking, and Woodcarving begin the week of Feb. 29.

Advance registration is required for all classes at the Log Cabin

Center for the Arts. Call The Center at 361-3650 or visit www. thecenterpalos.org.

The Bridge Teen Center programs

Movie and Bingo Night - 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. this Friday, Feb. 19, The Bridge Teen Center, 15555 S. 71st Court, Orland Park, will host a Movie and Bingo Night. Movie is TBD. Free food samples will be provided by Chipotle.

Chicken On the Fly - 4 to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 23, will host a program with Trader Joe’s to teach students how to make popular chicken dinner recipes.

Around the World: Antarctica 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 24, students will learn about the culture and customs of Antarctica.

College Decisions & Scholarship Tips (High School only) - 5 to 6 p.m. Feb. 25, students will get help deciding what college they want to go to and what major they want to pursue.

Battle of the Bands - 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Feb. 26, will host a Battle of the Bands event. A free coffee bar will be open to students.

These free events are for teens in 7th through 12th grade. For more, call 532-0500.

UPCOMING Children’s art classes

New six-week sessions of Children’s Art Classes will begin on Saturday morning, Feb. 27, at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., at the Log Cabin Art Center, a part of The Center at 12700 Southwest Highway in Palos Park.

Art instructor Heather Young teaches the children to use a variety of artistic media and techniques, including drawing, painting, papermaking, printmaking, pottery, and more. Each session ends with an art show of the students work. Children are divided into two grade-level groups: K- 3rd grade meet from

10 to 11:30 a.m., followed by the 4th-8th graders from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The natural areas of The Center’s farm and woods provide subject matter, inspiration and sometimes the raw materials for the classes. The classes combine the worlds of art and nature, and are kept small to encourage individual self-expression. The class fee of $80 includes all art supplies. Advance registration is required. Call The Center at 361-3650.

Mothers’ Wisdom Circle

A program for mothers is offered at The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park, on Thursday, Feb. 25, from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

The Mothers’ Wisdom Circle is a group of moms who gather monthly to explore the joys and the struggles of raising kindhearted, compassionate, spiritually-grounded children in today’s complex world. Everyone is welcome. Pre-registration is requested and a free will donation will be appreciated.

For more information, call Chris Hopkins at The Center, 361-3650.

‘Silent Spring’ program at Isle a la Cache

Learn all about Rachel Carson, the biologist who alerted the world to the environmental impact of fertilizers and pesticides, during “An Evening with Carson” scheduled for 7-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 3, at the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E. Romeo Road.

The program – the third in the District’s Nature Writers’ Series – begins with a hike followed by warm drinks and a discussion of three chapters from Carson’s book, “Silent Spring.” The free program is for ages 16 and older. Registration is required by Tuesday, March 1; call 815-886-1467.

The Regional News • The Reporter

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Section 2

9

10 Section 2

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Out and About In Orland Park

The Regional News • The Reporter