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

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Serving Palos, Orland and Worth townships and neighboring communities

76th Year, NO. 12 • 2 Sections

Orland Park rolls out red carpet for cinema Construction on high-end complex may begin next spring or sooner

By Dermot Connolly It looks as if an upscale cinema, where wining and dining will be part of the movie-watching experience, will soon be coming to Orland Park.

The Orland Park Village Board approved a letter of intent on Monday between the village and Bradford Real Estate Companies, a development firm that plans to bring a Cinepolis movie theater to the Main Street area of Downtown

Orland Park.

This represents the third phase of development for the area, which Mayor Dan McLaughlin first announced at his March 9 State of the Village address.

According to the letter of intent, Bradford will purchase from the village for $1 million what is called Parcel E, about 1.5 acres of the Main Street Triangle property located northwest of 143rd Street and LaGrange Road. Plans call for a two-story, 80,000 square-foot mixed-use building.

Cinepolis is expected to be the anchor tenant, operating an eight-screen cinema with upscale finishes and dine-in service along with restaurant and bar service.

The theater will be on the second floor with the first floor housing specialty retail stores and restaurants.

Cinepolis is a privately held chain of movie theaters started in Mexico with more than 500 locations worldwide. Headquartered in Texas, Cinepolis USA has 16 locations in California,

Florida and on the East Coast.

The first Cinepolis in Illinois is being built in Arlington Heights and the Orland Park location will be the second.

Bradford plans to invest $20 million in the site located north of the University of Chicago Medicine Center for Advanced Care, which opened in December, and the Downtown Main Street Supplied image parking structure, which opened Plans are underway for luxury movie theaters under the Cinepolis brand to last October at the northwest be built in Downtown Orland Park. This artist’s rendering shows the front

elevation of the proposed entertainment-oriented complex of approxi-

See CINEMA, Page 2 mately 80,000 square feet.

PALOS HEIGHTS

City to receive additional revenue from on-high

By Anthony Caciopo Regional News Editor

Tuesday’s city council meeting revealed that more revenue will soon be coming from a source way over the heads of Palos Heights residents.

“I move to authorize the mayor and the city clerk to execute a tower lease agreement between the City of Palos Heights and Verizon Wireless for installation of wireless operations and equipment at the Westgate water tower,” said Ald. Alan Fulkerson of Ward 3 as part of his report from the Finance Committee.

Minutes later he moved to auPhoto by Jamie Seed/NJCAA thorize a similar lease, also with Verizon Wireless, for the Misty Meadows water tower.

Both passed the council unanMoraine Valley Community College assistant coach Sean Mackey takes a selfie of the women’s basketball team and coach Delwyn Jones during the team’s trip to the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II Championship tournament in Arkansas. The Cyclones, which qualified for imously.

Fulkerson met with The Regionnationals for the first time since 1989, lost in the first round, 77-71, to Kalamazoo Tuesday and play again in the consolation bracket today, Thursday. al News briefly following the meetFor more on the tournament, see sports.

Having fun at nationals

ing. Although the actual terms of the lease are not available to The Regional until a formal request can be made, the alderman offered a general summation of the revenue that will be realized.

“I want to say it’s somewhere around $20,000 to $24,000 in the first year, with three percent annual increases and a $5,000 signing fee,” he said.

The figures cited are for each tower and work will probably begin in the next week or two, Fulkerson said.

Verizon is not the only cellular carrier to lease space on city water towers. The Regional News will request a total, annual tower lease revenue figure for publication soon.

Notable pending expenditures reported during the council meeting were presented by Ald. Jeff Key of Ward 1, detailing recent bids and See REVENUE, Page 2

RadioShack on Harlem Avenue in Palos Heights stays open for now

By Anthony Caciopo Regional News Editor

Signage at RadioShack proclaiming “Everything Must Go!” and “Entire Store on Sale!” is prompting speculation about the future of the store at 11901 S. Harlem Ave. in Palos Heights.

The signage, along with Radio Shack’s well-publicized financial difficulties and retrenchment nationwide, might very easily lead to an assumption the store is about to be shuttered.

But official word doesn’t support such an assumption.

“The latest information we have is that the store is staying open,” said a spokesman for Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher, a New York-based public relations firm working with RadioShack.

That claim was echoed by “Ed K” of RadioShack’s e-commerce

customer care department in Fort Worth, Tex. “According to our store locater, at the present time the store on Harlem Avenue is not scheduled for closure,” he wrote in response to an email inquiry made by The Regional News.

RadioShack’s website identifies six stores within approximately 10 miles of the Palos Heights location.

Three are marked as “Closing.”

They are located in Willowbrook, LaGrange and Frankfort. The Palos Heights store has no such designation. The public relations spokesman said the website is current.

A news release issued by General Wireless Operations, Inc. (doing business as RadioShack) said “The company is closing approximately 200 stores and evaluating options on the remaining 1,300.

The company and its advisors are currently exploring all available

strategic alternatives…including the possibility of keeping stores open on an ongoing basis.”

The prospect of RadioShack departing causes concern for Diane Goerg, president of the Harlem Avenue Business Association.

“I wouldn’t want to see that,” she said. “They’ve been a staple here in Palos Heights for many years.”

The store measures approximately 2,000 square feet and is a prominent anchor on the southeast corner of Harlem Avenue and Route 83, easily visible to southbound motorists as they enter Palos Heights.

RadioShack was founded in 1921 by two brothers in downtown Boston to sell equipment related to amateur radio operation, commonly referred to as ham

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

2 Thursday, March 23, 2017

The Regional News

Charge Tinley Park man with stabbing at auto shop A Tinley Park man was arrested and charged with stabbing a 37-year-old auto repair shop manager during an argument about an oil change.

Luis Barrios is Supplied photo

Chicago Christian takes second in mock trial competition The Chicago Christian High School Mock Trial team took second place out of 16 teams at the Lake County Invitational late last month. Seniors Abby Haan (Palos Heights) and Alyssa Rumbuc and junior Niara Foster (Chicago) won the “Outstanding Lawyer” award. Freshman Ella Altena (Evergreen Park) won the “Outstanding Witness” award. Savoring their success are team members (from left) Alyssa Rumbuc, Ella Altena (Evergreen Park), Abby Haan (Palos Heights), Niara Foster (Chicago), Coach Jack Haan, Anna Huisenga (Oak Lawn), Liz Bulthuis (Orland Park), Carly Byrnes (Oak Lawn), Abby Voss (Tinley Park), Zach Bulthuis (Tinley Park) and Coach Neil Okuley. The Chicago Christian High School Junior Varsity Mock Trial team won the event for at its level.

Palos Park police sell pink patches Pink patches to promote breast cancer awareness are on sale now at Palos Park Police Department headquarters, 8999 W. 123rd St. The patches, identical to ones worn by Palos Park police officers, are priced at $10 each. Cash is preferred, and all proceeds will benefit the Cancer Support Center in Mokena and Homewood, according to a PPPD statement.

The Pink Patch Project is a collaborative effort between the Los Angeles County Police Chiefs’ Association and public safety agencies from across the nation. These agencies have partnered together to combat breast cancer by raising public awareness and by raising funds for breast cancer education, research and treatment using a common theme and message.

Sheriff lauds criminal reform bills In its legislative session earlier this month, the Criminal Law Committee of the Illinois State Senate unanimously voted a package of three separate criminal justice reform bills, introduced by the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, out of committee.

• Senate Bill 1980, sponsored

by State Senator Bill Cunningham, seeks to expand the gun offenses that qualify for no-bond status, giving judges clear discretion to hold high-level gun offenders in custody pre-trial.

• Senate Bill 1782, sponsored

by State Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins, seeks to establish an expedited expungement process for those charged with retail theft, criminal trespassing, minor traffic offense and petty drug crimes

whose charges are dropped whereby upon a petition filed by their attorney, a judge can order the arrests expunged automatically.

• Senate Bill 1781, also sponsored by Collins, seeks to extend a Cook County expungement pilot program which waives the fee for a petition to expunge or seal records of arrests resulting in release without charging or arrests or charges not initiated by arrest resulting in acquittal, dismissal or conviction when the conviction was reversed or vacated.

“These three bills move the needle in the right direction when it comes to keeping those behind bars who deserve to be, while giving relief to victims of a broken criminal justice system. I appreciate the committee’s support of this

package and the leadership of Senators Collins and Cunningham” Dart said in a statement.

In its testimony for SB1980, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office presented its own data showing that gun offenders frequently gain access to large amounts of cash and are quickly released back to the community, undermining the perceived benefits of requiring defendants to post high bonds.

The office found that nearly half of those who posted high bonds to get out of jail between Jan. 31 and March 7 were facing high-level gun charges covered by the legislation. Of those 50 defendants, a third came up with $10,000 or more, one of whom paid at least $25,000.

POLICE BLOTTER: PALOS HEIGHTS DUI Aisha Karim, 32, of Crestwood, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol following a traffic stop at 3:31 a.m. Saturday, in the 12900 block of South Ridgeland Avenue. Police said she failed field sobriety tests. She was also cited for speeding and driving without insurance. She is due in court on May 8.

Aggravated speeding Omar I. M. Romman, 27, of Chicago Ridge, was charged with aggravated speeding following a traffic stop at 9:08 a.m. March 15, in the 11900 block of South Harlem Avenue. Police said he was driving 62 mph in a 35 mph zone.

Orland Park police charged Oak Lawn resident Robert M. Habel, 31, with DUI, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, illegal transportation of alcohol and no proof of insurance as they investigated a three-vehicle crash near 135th Street and LaGrange Road at 3:09 p.m. Feb. 25. A witness told police that after the crash, Habel got out of his car and ditched several bottles nearby. Police said they recovered the whiskey and wine bottles from a nearby Dumpster, as well as two bottles from Habel’s car. The vehicle was towed and seized, and Habel is scheduled to appear in court in Bridgeview on April 4.

Tinley Park resident Kristine D. Nolte, 38, was charged with DUI and improper lane usage after police stopped her car near 151st Street and Regent Lane at 3:08 a.m. March 1. The vehicle was towed and impounded, and Nolte was set to appear in court in Bridgeview on Monday.

Minor charged with alcohol consumption Taylor Nicole Holland, 20, of Salem, Ill. was charged with consumption of alcohol by a minor and improper lane usage after po-

Teenagers age 14-16 are invited to apply for admission to the 45th Annual American Legion Youth Police Camp (ALYPC), a weeklong residency camp focused on law enforcement, military, leadership, cultural diversity, personal development, physical fitness, and social and interpersonal skills.

A project of the Illinois State Police (ISP) and the American Legion, the camp will be held at the Illinois State Police Academy in Springfield from June 25-30.

Dozens of teens from across Illinois will discover career opportunities through training with

Cinema

Continued from Page 1 corner of 143rd Street and Ravinia Avenue. This multi-level building has more than 520 parking spaces, which are available free of charge on nights and weekends. Village officials said the parking structure was one of the things that made the site so attractive for the type of development that is coming.

The Main Street area is also bordered on the west by the Metra Southwest Service Line, making it a transit-oriented development.

“We are very excited with the plans that have been presented for this phase of Downtown Orland Park,” McLaughlin said. “We are trying to make Orland Park an experience destination and the luxury entertainment venue is the perfect addition. It will add even more to the pedestrian-friendly downtown area.”

Karie Friling, director of development for Orland Park, noted that the artist’s renditions of the development on display were not finalized because the plans will have to go through the regular route of committee approval.

McLaughlin pointed out that the plans call for a pathway under an archway through the building, connecting a plaza area in front

in court on April 13.

Israel Bernal, 34, of Alsip, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 4 p.m. Saturday, in the 12200 block of South Harlem Avenue. Police said he was also cited for driving without insurance and failure to wear a seatbelt. He is due in court on May 8.

Suspended license

Open alcohol

Dave M. Gaborik, 49, of Oak Park, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 11:06 a.m. last Thursday, in the 12600 block of South Harlem Avenue. Police said he was also cited for improper display of registration. He is due

Larmaine Hughes, 22, of Midlothian, was issued local ordinance violations for speeding and drinking open alcohol following a traffic stop at 10:38 p.m. Saturday, in the 7100 block of West 124th Street.

Police said he is due in court on April 13.

Continued from Page 1

lice curbed her car in the 14900 block of South LaGrange Road at 2:19 p.m. Feb. 19. The vehicle was towed and impounded, and Holland was due at a hearing at the Orland Park Civic Center on March 14.

Six hit with retail theft charges Police charged Rosa Elida Huerta Sanchez, 24, of Chicago, with retail theft after she allegedly stole assorted merchandise worth a total of $413 from a department store in Orland Square Mall at 2:22 p.m.

March 3. The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office denied an Orland Park Police Department request for a felony charge, and Sanchez was charged with a misdemeanor. She was given a court date of March 31 in Bridgeview.

Chicago Heights resident Kimberly I. Porter, 34, and Sauk Village residents Mercedes R. Fleming, 24, and Tierra H. Carroll, 21, were charged with retail theft after they allegedly stole a total of $905 in merchandise from a department store on Orland Park Place at 6:15 p.m. March 3. The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office denied an Orland Park Police Department request for felony charges, and all three women were charged with a misdemeanor. They are due in court in Bridgeview on March 31.

Revenue

Continued from Page 1 pending payments for work at the Recreation Center and at Meyers Park totaling almost $319,000.

Key, of the Parks and Recreation Committee, motioned to approve awarding a bid of approximately $204,00 for the landscaping project Meyers Park.

An additional motion was made

Radio Shack

Plainfield resident Jonathan A. Fogelman, 23, and Ottawa resident Patrick B. Joyce, 23, were charged with retail theft after they allegedly stole $229 worth of merchandise from a grocery store in the 9300 block of West 159th Street at 9:56 p.m. March 4. Store security said the pair loaded a shopping cart with merchandise and simply pushed it outside without paying. When he was apprehended, Fogelman said he was unemployed and had heard that the store has a “no chase” policy with shoplifters, according to the police report. Neither Fogelman nor Joyce has a criminal record, and they are set to appear at a hearing at the Orland Park Civic Center on April 11.

radio. The company was known for decades with its two-word spelling, Radio Shack, a term for a room or structure that houses radio equipment.

The Tandy Corporation bought the company in the early 1960s and by the 1980s Radio Shack was a consumer source for virtually all things electronic, including audio equipment and computers.

At its peak, the company had almost 5,000 locations, according to CNNmoney.com.

The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in February, 2015 and again earlier this month.

Checking out the store’s price-reduced inventory Tuesday was Jay Demay of Chicago Ridge, who described himself as a “semi-regular customer.”

“I find it (the Palos Heights

Answers

Sudoku

Puzzle on Page 7

be delayed. Police said that as the dispute escalated and spilled outside the shop, Barrios used a pocket knife to stab the manager, who was transported to Advocate Christ Medical Center, Oak Lawn, where he was treated for injuries police described as non-life threatening.

Invite youths to apply for police camp

He was also cited for driving without insurance. He is due in court on April 28.

Adriel F. Mendoza, 22, of Bridgeview, was charged with aggravated speeding following a traffic stop at 11:17 a.m. March 15, in the 12800 block of South 76th Avenue. Police said he is due in court on April 28.

POLICE BLOTTER: ORLAND PARK Two drove drunk, police say

Barrios

due in court in Bridgeview this week to answer a charge of aggravated battery, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office told The Regional News this week.

According to the Orland Park Police, Barrios quarreled with the manager shortly before 10:30 a.m. last Saturday, when he learned his scheduled oil change would

police and military personnel. The primary purpose of the ALYPC is to establish an interactive and positive relationship between Illinois teens and law enforcement officers.

American Legion volunteers and ISP Troopers are assigned to manage the program and serve as instructors and mentors. Many of the American Legion and ISP volunteers are former graduates of the program.

“I enjoy being a member of the American Legion for a number of reasons,” said Sangamon County Sheriff Wes Barr. “One, obviously, is what they do for the veterans.

But also, it’s because of community programs like this that reach out to the community and try to make it a better place,” he added.

Barr, a member of American Legion Post 32 in Springfield, was the keynote speaker at the 2016 ALYPC graduation ceremony.

The American Legion will accept applications until May 26.

For more information, contact Safety, Law and Order Committee Chairman Delmar Buske at (217) 556-9555, or Illinois State Police Special Agent Melissa Uhles at (618) 346-3482 or by email at Melissa_Uhles@isp.state.il.us.

with a park on the other side of the building.

“When we first proposed the development of Downtown, we knew that we wanted to make it as pedestrian-friendly as possible and this development helps achieve that goal,” said the mayor, explaining why he would like to see coffee shops and boutique-type stores on the first floor.

“This will add so much to the flavor of the downtown area,” said Trustee Kathy Fenton, chair of the village’s Development Services Committee. “People can park in the new parking garage and walk to their destinations, watch a movie while eating dinner or stop in at one of the boutiques.”

“We’re very excited. We’ve gotten to the point where Orland Park is an experience destination,” said Trustee James Dodge.

Jay Eck, vice-president of Bradford Real Estate, noted on Monday that his company developed the Mariano’s store across from the Main Street area. “We’re very happy with how that turned out and we hope you are, too. We expect this to be just as successful,” he said, referring to Cinepolis as a “best-in-class” theater chain. The project is expected to create more than 200 construction jobs and 75 permanent jobs.

Tim Blum, of HSA Commercial Real Estate, served as the village’s development consultant and assisted with the negotiations of the letter of intent. Friling said Blum will remain involved in the project and will help find tenants for the new building. The village won’t own the property, but will have a say in what goes in.

“We hope to break ground by next spring at the latest, and be open at the end of 2018,” said Eck. “Movie theaters like to open around Thanksgiving, and we hope to meet that goal.”

One resident, Yousef Zatar, questioned the value of bringing in a new theater, when the 16-screen Marcus multiplex is located at 163rd and LaGrange Road. “Do you want to see a vacant theater?” he asked.

But McLaughlin said the two theaters are very different. “Competition raises the bar, and Marcus has stepped up,” he said, noting improvements made in that location.

Friling said the village wouldn’t stop a business from opening just because a similar one was nearby.

“I’m sure Cinepolis has done their research. Theaters usually don’t open within three miles of each other, and that is the distance between them,” said Friling.

for approximately $98,000 for a corridor renovation project for the Recreation Center. A final motion was made by Key to approve payment of almost $17,000 for expansion costs at the Rec Center.

All motions carried unanimously.

Ald. Robert Basso, Ward 2, displayed the prototype of new signage that will be affixed to select street lampposts in the near future, primarily along Harlem Avenue.

The signage will direct motorists and pedestrians to attractions and points of interest in the city, such as the Art Garden and Palmer Park, among others.

Basso, a retired art educator who had a long career with Chicago Public Schools, designed the signs.

His work, and a sample of the new signage, will be featured in The Regional News in an upcoming edition.

store) convenient for some things,” he said. “I buy mostly stereo equipment.”

Chris Miller of Bridgeview purchased a piece of computer equipment and stopped to talk about his experience with RadioShack.

“This is the first time I’ve been

over here,” he said. “I had a store by 87th Street and Harlem and that one closed down.

“I’ve always had Radio Shacks in my life,” he said. “All the Radio Shacks in the area are disappearing. It’s a shame to see them go.”

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The Regional News

Thursday, March 23, 2017

3

Early Voting has begun for April 4 election Early Voting began Monday at 52 sites throughout suburban Cook County and downtown Chicago for the April 4 Consolidated Election. Voters in more than 120 municipalities and 140 school districts will take part in the election.

More than 2,100 ballots have been cast throughout Suburban Cook County as of 2 p.m. Monday. Suburban Cook County voters can find a list of the Early Voting locations and their hours at cookcountyclerk.com/EarlyVoting. The sites include 51 in suburban Cook County, as well as the Cook County Clerk’s downtown Chicago office.

“The issues that are decided in local elections — how tax money is spent, if taxes are raised, if new libraries or sports facilities are built, for instance — and who makes these decisions, have a direct impact on the lives of suburban Cook County residents every day,” said Cook County Clerk David Orr. More than 2,500 candidates Photos by Anthony Caciopo countywide are running for office Four long minutes is the drill as veterans and the service dogs they are training stand opposite one another in silence. The exercise teaches the dogs to in the Consolidated Election, for obey despite their natural instinct to approach their handlers. Pictured is the one-minute sit exercise. A three-minute “down” exercise followed. Advanced offices that include mayor, viltraining of these commands goes up to 30 minutes in which the veteran can walk away and be completely out of sight. lage clerk, school board member, highway commissioner, township trustee, park and library district board member.

Voters will also face ballot questions that include term limits on local offices, minimum wage increases, and bond issues.

Suburban Cook County voters can vote early at any one of the 51 Early Voting sites throughout suburban Cook County, in addition to the clerk’s main office at

Local trainer brings military veterans and service dogs together Making a difference for vets with PTSD

By Anthony Caciopo Regional News Editor

The fuel for Pam Barnett’s fire was sparked by a startling headline she saw one day in 2012.

One a day.

Those simple words, accompanied by a stark black-and-white photo of a soldier in profile, describe a grim statistic of life in the United States, a statistic that most Americans probably don’t even know.

One a day.

What Barnett saw on the cover of the July 23rd, 2012 edition of Time Magazine was a statement of the number of U.S. military veterans who commit suicide daily.

One a day.

And, depending upon how deeply one looks into subgroups of veterans (age, which specific war served, other criteria) the daily death toll by suicide is even more. In some cases, much more.

Barnett is the president of PAWWS (Paws Assisting Wounded WarriorS). She and her organization train dogs to assist armed forces veterans who have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

She’s an obedience trainer and dog groomer by trade. Her work serving war veterans had already begun by the time she saw the magazine headline, but it wasn’t meant to be an ongoing effort.

“It was just going to be one dog,” Barnett said about her limited output of trained animals at the time, “but then I got that magazine.”

PTSD is defined as a “mental health problem that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event, like combat, a natural disaster, car accident or sexual assault,” according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Symptoms of PTSD include reliving the event, avoiding situations that remind the person of the event, having more negative beliefs and feelings, and feeling keyed up (also called hyper-arousal).

Estimates of the prevalence of PTSD vary by the reporting agency and vary by the era and specific war. The Department of Veterans Affairs says 30 percent of Vietnam War veterans have experienced PTSD in their lifetimes and 12 percent of Desert Storm veterans experience PTSD in a given year.

For veterans of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, it is estimated 11 to 20 percent of veterans experience PTSD in a given year.

These statistics, and more importantly the people involved, are never far from Barnett’s mind.

She owns Pack Leader Academy, a dog training and grooming shop at 12332 S. Harlem in Palos Heights. Dogs have been part of her life since an early age.

“I got my first dog when I was four years old,” Barnett said. “I’ve trained them professionally since 1981.”

Service dogs take two years to train, she explained.

At a 2,000-square foot industrial space in Bridgeview recently, Barnett called out commands during an hour-long training session as she watched six dogs and their handlers walk smartly around the room.

“Keep going, keep going!” she said as they made their way in quick formation behind and alongside heavy-duty metal shelving stacked with bags of dry dog food and other supplies.

As the group circled back into the main training area the command changed.

“Stop. Now down your dog!

Down your dog!” Barnett said.

The veterans turned toward their dogs, and with a firm but fluid motion, lowered their hands through the air in front of the animals until each dog was lying on the floor. There was no touch, only gesture.

“Return you dogs to the heel position,” called out Barnett. The dogs responded to their handlers’ command and were quickly ready for the next exercise.

“Working with Pam, she shows us the things that we need to keep up with so our dogs are well-behaved in public,” said Jenny Frederickson, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 15 years and retired as an Aviation Command and Control Officer.

Frederickson, who has PTSD, attended the training with her Shetland Sheepdog named Alfred.

“He’s been absolutely life-changing,” she said. “He wakes me up if I have nightmares but he’s also a companion at all times. He gives me something to focus on.”

Alfred accompanies Frederickson in the car, on a plane and “he’s even been in a hospital emergency room,” she says. “He’s been fantastic.”

Frederickson says another big role Alfred plays is helping educate the public.

“The public really doesn’t know what to do with service dogs,” she said. “The public thinks anyone can buy a service dog, anyone can buy a vest for the dog. But it’s getting much, much better.”

Following the day’s training, Barnett took a break to discuss the origin of her effort. She cites the late Father Frank Cimarrusti, a dear friend who Barnett visited on his deathbed.

“Father Frank and I talked about dogs practically every time we saw each other,” she said.

Father Frank knew of Barnett’s wishes to expand her business and serve veterans. Not long after he died, his brother, Dave, unexpectedly contacted Barnett and informed her that an American Legion post was ready to sponsor what would be her first PTSD service dog. Barnett left the donation check in a drawer for months, thinking she had no time to properly devote to the effort, but she eventually cashed the check and purchased her first service dog, a black Labrador.

Barnett works steadily on the growth of PAWWS. She currently has dogs with veterans in Wisconsin, Kentucky, Indiana and

69 W. Washington St., Chicago.

All Early Voting sites are open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., including the five suburban courthouses. A handful of sites are open until 7 p.m. on select days. Voters should check the clerk’s website for hours and locations.

Orr also encourages voters to take advantage of Mail Voting.

Any registered voter can request a mail ballot, until March 30. Mail ballots must be postmarked by Election Day, April 4.

Cook County residents who missed the voter registration deadline for this election can still register at any of the Early Voting sites.

During this grace period, voters not yet registered must provide two forms of identification — one with current address — to register, and they must vote in person at the time that they register. A government-issued photo ID is not required to vote early.

Suburban Cook County voters can find a list of the Early Voting locations and their hours at cookcountyclerk.com/EarlyVoting.

Early Voting ends on Monday, April 3.

The full list of candidates, referenda, and write-in candidates can be found under the 2017 Elections section of cookcountyclerk.com.

Voters who cast a ballot during Early Voting may not vote on Election Day or vote by mail.

Residents who are unsure if they are able to vote can use the Your Voter Information tool on the Clerk’s website to check a sample ballot and find their polling place.

Crisis Center offers training course in dealing with domestic violence A 40-hour course for training to deal with the domestic violence is being offered by The Crisis Center for South Suburbia.

The session can be completed with the full 40 hours of training, or can be taken 20 hours online and 20 hours in person.

To obtain the full 40 hours of in-person training, residents must attend five weeks on both Tuesdays and Saturdays. The Tuesday sessions fulfill 20 hours online and 20 hours in-person curriculum requirements. The 20 hours online must be fulfilled through ILCADV.org.

The program will begin on Saturday, April 1 at the Crisis Center for South Suburbia in Tinley Park.

Sessions take place from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays, and 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays for a five-week period. Participants must attend all sessions to earn the 40-hour training certificate. The cost for the program is $200. Discounts are available with a six-month commitment. Some topics within this course may be sensitive to survivors of domestic violence.

Individuals considering volunPam Barnett of PAWWS demonstrates commands with service dog Heidi, teering at the Crisis Center are a German Shepherd, during a training session Saturday. encouraged to participate, as well as professionals who work with victims of domestic violence.

After completion of the 40-hour DV training, participants will be allowed to do “client-based” volunteering (working hotline,

childcare, or court advocacy) at the Crisis Center. Additionally, participants will be able to apply to complete 150 hours of direct client services in order to sit for the Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional examination.

Some of the topics covered during this training include: the various definitions of domestic violence, myths and realities of abuse, types of abuse, direct service issues, safety planning, abuser profiling, teen dating, the cycle ofviolence, and legal issues related to domestic violence. Crisis Center’s licensed professionals will give participants an inside look into how to properly address a victim or abuser and how to face issues within the workplace.

This is a course open to any individual interested in becoming educated on domestic violence.

To enroll in the program, contact Karen Leluga, at (708) 429-7255, ext. 134, or email kleluga@crisisctr.org To obtain additional information about the program, contact Tonya Schassburger, director of Residential and Transitional Services, at (708) 429-7255, ext. 115, or email tschassburger@crisisctr. org Visit www.crisisctr.org for more information on the Crisis Center for South Suburbia, ways to support its mission, and the services it provides.

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Jenny Frederickson, a retired 15-year veteran of the Marine Corps, works with Alfred, her Shetland Sheepdog, during a training session with PAWWS. Alfred is being trained to cover, an action in which dogs will cover their human partners in times of distress, such as nightmares.

Illinois.

“We’re expanding. We just moved here,” she said, referring to the rented training and storage space in Bridgeview. “We’re setting up shop here for at least a year.”

Her goal for a base of operation is much more grand.

I’d like to have 10 acres,” she says. “Then we can build.”

Barnett will hold the 5th Annual PAWWS for Love Ball fundraiser April 22 at Mama Luigi’s Restaurant, 7500 S. Harlem Ave. in Bridgeview. Barnett can be reached at her shop at 708-361-3647.

The public is invited to attend and support the effort. Veterans and their dogs will be on hand to enjoy the evening.

Marine veteran Frederickson

held tight to Alfred, her Sheltie and said, “It was love at first sight.”

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4 Thursday, March 23, 2017

Letters, we get letters …and we’ve got room for more One of my all-time fictitious heroes is Johnny Letter.

Sure, there have been other, more predictable characters that I’ve idolized.

There was Superman, Captain America and other imaginary crime fighters of my youth, many of who—amazingly—are still entertaining children and adults today.

But Johnny Letter, from later in life, tops the list.

It was a short-lived sketch on Saturday Night Live in which Johnny, played by Mike Myers, would fire off letters to complain about various insults and slights he had suffered.

He’d send letters to the chamber of commerce, to people’s bosses and other recipients he thought would give him justice and satisfaction. But my favorite letters were those he sent to the editor of the local paper.

The situations were absurd but the funny part was how those well-penned letters in a public forum like the local newspaper were so strong that the perpetrators—who happened to be pretty rough characters—would humbly apologize to Johnny in shame and embarrassment.

The power of the written word!

Here at The Regional News, we’re not looking for people to pick fights in our letters to the editor section and we’re not suggesting a letter is going to change the world. Although opinions sometimes run hot, as long as our contributors stay civil, it’s all good.

And when our readers focus on local topics, it’s even better. It’s what we encourage. Our readers want more of it. What’s that old saying about real estate? Location, location, location. The same apply to the relevancy of letters.

We’ve all noticed for many years that texting, emailing, Tweeting and posting to other forms of social media have been keeping the minds and fingers of our society quite occupied.

It might be debatable how much quality is part of all that writing, but there’s an awful lot of it being done. We haven’t been reduced to zoned-out “vidiots,” at least not yet. These new-ish forms of communication promote engagement. It may be support, opposition or mere inquiry, but it is engagement with others nonetheless. That’s a good thing. Writing a letter to the editor means you are engaging with your community, and your community is engaging with you.

It takes no more effort, mechanics-wise, than sending an email.

That’s how we receive the majority of our letters at The Regional, and for the sake of ease, we really appreciate it.

A few reasonably crafted paragraphs are all that are needed. Don’t be intimidated and please don’t be too lengthy. We suggest 350 words.

The ground rules of seeing your letter in print are simple.

Be civil, even if the topic is a hot-button issue. We will not print letters that contain vulgarity, personal attacks and unsubstantiated accusations. We cannot print anonymous letters, although our reporting staff sometimes looks into issues that we learn about through an anonymous source. Include your name on your letter and a phone number so we can call to verify, if needed. And of course, we reserve the right to edit for clarity, brevity and/or for the style of our publication.

An occasional misconception by readers is that we’ll print any letter about any topic, and allow the same person or multiple people an unlimited platform for their point of view. Not true. Readers who may think that have no idea the letters that do not see the light of day.

And, despite our local focus, we’ll print an occasional letter about larger issues, such as national politics, taxation, tougher drug sentencing laws and more, even a letter about spreading kindness to our fellow citizens like we did just last week. Kindness to others… what a concept!

Letters to the editor do not represent the opinion of the newspaper’s ownership or editorial staff. The opinions expressed in a letter to the editor belong solely to its author. It’s your section.

Got something on your mind? Write a letter. Are you satisfied or dissatisfied about something going on around you? Write a letter. This is where you live, and maybe even where you work, too. It’s your community. Own it. Use The Regional News to help you shout it out.

Johnny Letter would be proud.

OPINION

The Regional News

ANTHONY CACIOPO

New policy for letters The Regional News encourages letters to the editor.

Local content is strongly suggested and will be given first consideration. Letters must be signed and the name of the writer will be published. Include your telephone number for verification purposes. Limit letters to no more than 350 words. We reserve the right to edit letters.

E-mail letters to: theregional@comcast.net

American Arabs deserve respect There was a time when the discrimination in this country against Arab Americans was far worse than it is today.

After being honorably discharged for my service in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War in 1975, the FBI opened a two-year investigation into my activities asserting that I was engaged in “terrorism.” The report they produced concluded I wasn’t a terrorist at all and only wanted to help American Arabs become more involved in American society.

In 1984, Democratic Presidential Candidate Walter Mondale made a public display of returning $5,000 he received from five donors because they were Arab American.

It wasn’t the first time. Michael Dukakis refused the endorsement of American Arabs in 1988. And Hillary Clinton, running for Senator in New York, returned money from an American Arab Muslim group.

It wasn’t a good time to be an American Arab. Yet in the midst of all that, Palos Hills activist Samir Khalil co-founded the Arab American Democratic Club to encourage Arabs to register to vote, and to vote, and to educate local and regional elected officials to better understand who we were as a community.

The AADC hosted an event that drew more than 400 Arab American voters but no elected officials had the courage to attend the banquet. Things have changed a bit. This past Sunday, the same organization attracted more than 400 attendees and nearly 50 of them were elected officials.

It was remarkable to see the change.

Many people still don’t understand who American Arabs are.

As a political writer, I was asked to provide closing remarks at Sunday’s event, which featured mayors from two dozen

RAY HANANIA municipalities, a dozen officials from Cook County, several Chicago aldermen, a few state legislators, one congressman and the leading candidate for Illinois Governor, Christopher Kennedy, son of the former U.S. Attorney General and New York’s U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy.

My comments were simple but direct.

American elected officials should not be afraid of the four-letter word, “Arab.”

They need to recognize that Arabs are American. We served this country in the military. We pay our taxes. We work hard to support of families. We are engaged at almost every level of private business, although we are not very engaged in local government.

We are often excluded from government, as well as from the ranks of the major news media.

Sadly, American Arabs are excluded from our society at almost every level. We have no holiday to honor or ethnicity. We don’t have a day, a week or a month that anyone recognizes any more. We have few appointments to local, county and state government offices. We have very few members writing for the major newspapers or working for television or radio.

That has to change. I argued, “We can’t ask others to do for us, what we as an Arab American community can’t do for ourselves, first.”

In other words, Arab Americans need to get their acts together, too. We have

to overcome our own challenges and end the divisions and rivalries that keep our community apart. We still need to become more involved in our society.

We can do that by supporting our schools, volunteering to help our youth and our senior citizens.

In other words, we need to participate in American society not just as Arabs, but as Americans, too.

We also have to learn to give up the “all or nothing” mentality that has held many Arab Americans and the Arab World back. We need to look at candidates and recognize that while we might not agree with every position or view they have, we might agree with most of them, and that is enough to justify our support.

Much of the discrimination Arabs experience is not the result of racism, but really the result of people who just don’t know who we are.

As Arab Americans, we haven’t done a good job telling other Americans about who we are. We have to tell them our story. We need to show Americans that we are just like them; proud immigrants who are proud to be American, too.

I am proud to be an American. Who knows, maybe one day we might even have a parade down State Street. We might have our own sitcom on television, our own radio show on Sirius XM, or maybe an Arab American will be elected to higher office.

That’s what America is about. That’s the dream that drives our hope and one day will make America an even better country than it already is.

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

READERS WRITE Orland mayor has lost focus

Dear Editor: I have lived in Orland Park for 45 years and members of my family settled here over 100 years ago. I have grave concerns about the future of our village.

Dan McLaughlin has been our mayor for 24 years and also served as a trustee for eight years. I served as an Orland Park trustee for 13 of Owned and operated by Southwest Regional Publishing Co. Dan’s 24 years as mayor. My last term ended in 2015. Dan Mark Hornung, Chief Operating Officer did some good things for our The Business Side The News Side village and I was part of some Donna Brown, Sales Director Anthony Caciopo, Editor of those projects. However, I Monica Cotter, Finance Director Dermot Connolly, Reporter am saddened to say that he has Debbie Perrewe, Classified Manager Jeff Vorva, Sports Editor lost his focus and has become Mike Russell, Production Director Lauren Ziemann, Art Director greedy. It is time for a change Rita Crosley, Pre-press Manager Chuck Ingwersen, Designer of leadership.

The single issue that upSouthwest Regional Publishing sets me the most is the recent 12243 S. Harlem Ave. Palos Heights, IL 60463 action of our village board board—a board totally conPhone: (708) 448-4000 trolled by Dan—that changed Fax: (708) 448-4012 the mayor’s position from partWebsite: www.theregionalnews.com time to full-time. Orland Park email: TheRegional@comcast.net adopted a council/manager form Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. of government by referendum Deadlines in 1983. Since that referendum Editorial: Noon, Saturday • Advertising: 5 p.m., Monday we have had a full-time village manager who is responsible for Subscription rates: Local, delivered by mail, $48 a year in advance. Out-of-State, $58 a year. Single copies, $1. Postmaster: Send address changes to THE REGIONAL NEWS, running the day-to-day activities of our village. Our part12243 S. Harlem Ave., Palos Heights, IL 60463 and additional post offices.

The Regional News cannot be responsible for the return of unsolicited material. USPS time council (board) consisting 419-260 Periodical postage paid at Palos Heights, IL 60463 and additional post offices. of the mayor and trustees sets policy, adopts a budget and Entered as periodical mail at the Post Office at Palos Heights, IL, 60643 and additional post offices under the Act of March 3, 1879. hires the manager.

We don’t need a $150,000 Entire contents copyright 2015 Southwest Regional Publishing © full-time mayor. It is a waste This newspaper is dedicated to the memory of of money and will lead to those who gave their lives to protect America’s operational problems. We freedom of the press, whenever and however it had an extremely competent may be threatened. manager by the name of Paul

Grimes who was encouraged

by Dan “to move on.” He left last June. To date, the Village Board has not been able to find a replacement. It should not be a surprise that no well-qualified manager wants to take a job where much of the authority and responsibility has been given to the mayor.

It has been reported that if Dan gets re-elected, serves four years and then retires, he will receive a pension of over $100,000 a year (with annual increases) for life. If he lives a normal lifespan, his additional pension payout, due to this raise, will be over $2 million. That would be unfair to taxpayers who contribute tax dollars to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund, the entity that would pay this pension.

Dan likes to talk about his “vision” for Orland Park. A downtown area in the triangle at 143rd Street and LaGrange Road and development of the I-80 corridor are a major part of that “vision.” After many years and millions of taxpayer dollars, both projects remain partially completed. The triangle has an apartment building, a not-for-profit medical building, and an expensive multi-story parking garage. It is a tax-increment financing district (TIF), which is underwater. Tens of millions of dollars have been diverted from various village funds to prop up this project.

While Tinley Park continues to develop its I-80 property, not much has happened on Orland Park’s I-80 property. There

have been many studies and many meetings with landowners but only two commercial buildings have been constructed in the prime area between LaGrange Road and Wolf Road since Orland Parkway was built 15 years ago.

Orland Park has resources and amenities that other communities dream about. At the present time our resources are not being utilized well. Being mayor of Orland Park should not be a lifetime job. It is time to retire Dan McLaughlin. We need to elect Keith Pekau as our next mayor.

— Edward Schussler, Orland Park

1st Ward alderman seeks voters’ support Dear Editor, I have served as alderman of the 1st Ward of Palos Heights for the past four years. During that time, there has been much growth and development. Along Harlem, many new businesses have appeared, including several restaurants, a bakery and the redeveloped old Ben Franklin building. 1st Ward resident Mike Coogan, who is responsible for the Ben Franklin building, plans for his next project to take on the old Cleo building at 124th and Harlem.

Elsewhere in the city, we have paid off the outstanding library bonds, added a beautiful addition to our Recreation Center, built our portion of the bike path along the Cal Sag Channel which goes all the

way to Lemont, and developed new and smart business plans for our Recreation Center and swimming pool. I serve on the City Council Recreation Committee that provided oversight for these projects.

As the chairman for the Water and Sewer Committee, we oversaw the long-overdue painting and reconditioning of the water tower on Golfview. Our public works crews can be seen daily addressing sewer, water main and drainage issues. A recent example was the sanitary sewer collapse on 127th Street near the rec center, which required around-the-clock work on a recent weekend. Regarding future work, there is a map and plan in place to systematically replace water mains and sewer lines, oldest to newest.

On a daily basis I am available to help address all sorts of issues for residents in the 1st Ward such as park maintenance; early-morning scavenger noise behind 1st Ward businesses; pavement, sewer, and drainage problems; subdivision landscaping; wildlife feeding; illegally parked cars; overgrown lawns and various other ordinance violations.

It has been my privilege to represent the 1st Ward as alderman these past four years. I am dedicated, responsible, and responsive to 1st Ward residents. I ask for your vote as I seek re-election.

— Don Bylut, Alderman, 1st Ward

The Regional News

COMINGS & GOINGS

BUSINESS

Help protect older adults from financial abuse

Photo by Bob Bong

Smallcakes to open in Orland Park BOB BONG

Ciao closing in Palos Hills Ciao Ristorante in Palos Hills has announced it will be closing its doors for the final time on April 2.

The restaurant at 10296 S. 78th Avenue announced on Facebook it would be “closing our doors to regular dining the last week of March.”

The restaurant also urged customers to use gift cards and gift certificates before it closed.

Calls for comment were not returned.

Bon A Pit changing again The Bon A Pit barbecue restaurant at 12200 S. Harlem in Palos Heights is undergoing yet another metamorphosis.

About eight years ago, the restaurant was called Willoughby’s before it changed into Bon A Pit. Bon A Pit closed on March 5 and thanked customers for their support. The owners also an-

Financial exploitation costs older Americans billions of dollars per year, according to several sources, including the National Council on Aging.

If you have older parents, could they be vulnerable to financial scams and rip-off artists? And, if so, what can you do to help protect them?

Unfortunately, it is possible for anyone to become a victim. For a variety of reasons, older adults may be easier targets than younger people. And that is why, when interacting with your parents, you should look for these warning signs: • Suspicious new relationships – If your parent mentions something about a new friend, a romantic partner or some type of caregiver who seems to have taken a great interest in your parent’s financial situation, you may have reason to be suspicious.

Do not be afraid to ask some questions.

• Multiple checks written to same person or entity – If you think your parents may be making questionable financial moves, ask to see their checkbook.

If you see several checks written to an unfamiliar person or business, you might be viewing evidence of a financial scam. If so, you will want to intercede before your parents get victimized again.

• Changing power of attorney or beneficiaries –If your parents suddenly decide to name someone new as their “agent” (the person responsible for carrying out a power of attorney), you may need to investigate. And the same is true if your parents change the beneficiary designation on their investment accounts or insurance policies.

• Unusual urgency to make an investment – If you learn that your parents want to make some type of investment “immediately,” you should be concerned. No reputable financial professional would ever pressure them — or anyone else — to “act now” on an investment.

Apart from watching out for the above signs of trouble, what else can you do to help guard your parents from fraudsters?

For starters, urge your parents — repeatedly, if necessary — to never give out personal information over the phone or online. Scammers have gotten

AREA PROPERTY TRANSFERS

Submitted photo

Owner Matt Hackney shows off some of the cupcakes he will feature at Smallcakes Cupcakery & Creamery in Orland Park.

nounced that the restaurant would be closed for about a month as it segued from barbecue to Greek cuisine. There was no reason given for the closure or transition.

A message on the Bon A Pit Facebook page said gift cards to Bon A Pit would be honored at the new restaurant.

A sign on the door said it would be renamed Kefi Greek Cuisine & Bar and was now hiring for all positions from dishwashers to bartenders.

Chicago Ridge Mall adds charging stations Two free charging stations for electric cars, powered by Volta, have been installed in the parking lot of the west entrance of Aldi at Chicago Ridge Mall.

“We’re seeing more and more of our diners, guests and shoppers driving electric cars, and we’re thrilled to be able to provide them with free charging stations,” Steven Yee, Chicago Ridge Mall general manager, said in a release.

“Volta is the largest, free, electric-car charging network in the United States and our installation of two Volta charging stations is another way of thanking our shoppers and visitors.”

Based in San Francisco, Volta operates more than 100 free electric-car charging stations in five cities. Volta sets up free charging stations at retail centers at no costs to the hosts.

Primal Cut Steakhouse to open Primal Cut Steakhouse, which has been remodeling the former El Coco Mio at 17344 S. Oak Park Ave. in Tinley Park, has announced on Facebook that barring last-minute setbacks it plans to open Saturday morning.

On its Facebook page, Primal Cut said it would be a casual-attire restaurant and would feature aged steaks that it would cut and age in-house.

Before it became El Coco Mio, the same site had been home to Casablanca’s Steakhouse and Bogart’s Charhouse.

Hours are expected to be 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.

5

FINANCIAL FOCUS

Smallcakes Cupcakery & Creamery will open Saturday in the Orland Park Crossing shopping center.

Another specialty baker is coming this week to Orland Park when Smallcakes Cupcakery & Creamery holds its soft opening on Saturday in the Orland Park Crossing shopping center.

For owner Matt Hackney, making the move after 10 years as a commercial banker to cupcake baker was not as hard as it might seem.

“I always wanted to open my own business,” he said. “I gained a lot of experience helping others and about a year ago I started looking for the right business.

“I like to cook and bake recreationally, so a cupcake shop wasn’t that big a reach.”

Smallcakes starts with what Hackney calls “jumbo-sized premium cupcakes” fresh-baked daily in about 15 flavors every day along with specialty flavors that change daily. “They are very high-quality cupcakes.”

In addition, the shop will have ice cream, ice cream infused cupcake, minicakes and Italian-style hot chocolate. There will even be pupcakes so the family dog can get a treat.

Coffee will be added to the menu shortly, Hackney said.

Customers can stay on top of changes and cupcake flavors at the shop’s Facebook page, Smallcakes: A Cupcakery & Creamery - Orland Park.

Hackney said every shop is run differently. “We have a lot of freedom in how we operate.”

His store at 14225 S. 95th Avenue will have tables for customers inside and weather-permitting outside.

Hackney will be the driving force at Smallcakes but he will get help from his wife and father-in-law and additional family members he can call on when needed.

“I hired four employees from outside the family,” he said.

The company was founded by Jeff Martin in 2008 with 10 flavors and now has more than 250 locations worldwide. There are eight stores open in Illinois with two coming. Orland shop will be the first in the south suburbs.

The Orland store will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Hackney said a grand opening will take place sometime in early April.

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Pomp Room salon closes The Pomp Room, a longtime full-service beauty salon in the southwest suburbs, closed its doors for good recently at 6934 S. Wolf Road in Indian Head Park.

Eurofresh closing in Tinley Park Eurofresh Market, which carried a large selection of ethnic foods and supplies, will be closing at the end of March at 16000 S. Harlem Ave. in the Park Center Plaza in Tinley Park.

The store opened about a decade ago after taking over the space from Cub Foods. In 2011, the store was sold for $3 million by Inland Real Estate Corp. to Piggly Wiggly Midwest LLC, which is a part of the Butera Foods company.

It is no longer affiliated with a Eurofresh store in Palatine.

Balagio now open in Mokena

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 Chicago Trust Co Tr to Muchowski Kamil, 11001 131st St, $310,000; Chicago Trust Co Tr to Klimer Suzan, 7509 Willowood Ct, Unit #30, $152,500; Para Mark to Bulow Edward M IV, 17640 Mayher Dr, $357,500; Moulton Thomas R to Keane Michael A, 11454 135th St, $525,000; Greystone Ridge LLC to Mclaughlin James, 11434 139th St, $717,000; Bulow Edward IV to Bopp Terrence M, 18124 Waterside Cir, $265,000; Achterhof Andrew S to Szarkowski Agnieszka, 14224 Meadowview Ct, $450,000; Welsch Pamela J Tr to Dolor Leopoldo N, 9704 W 163rd St, $269,000; First Midwest Bk Tr to Rafati Abeer, 14605 Ridge Ave, $270,000; Stecko Roman to Mlyniec Krzysztof, 9209 Bedford Ln, $297,000; West Subn Bk Tr to Rougas Mary, 15701 Orlan Brook Dr, Unit #4, $90,500; Cuevas George H to Kattaieh Molham, 13497 S Strawberry Ln, $291,000; Michau Kevin to Diaz Fahiano, 9100 147th St, $237,000; Wells Fargo Bk to Interra Regesh Orland Pk LLC, 9280 159th St, $1,275,000; AH & Grp Inc to Plewa Chris, 2 Old Tamarack Ln, $108,500.

Balagio Ristorante, an Italian restaurant and banquet hall that has been open in Homewood since 1997, finally opened its second location in Mokena last week.

The restaurant is in the former Scrementi’s restaurant at 9716 W. 191st St. in Mokena’s Boulevard shopping center.

Balagio’s is open for dinner from 4-9 p.m. Tuesday to Thurs- Palos Heights Pastore Joseph C to Wengerday, from 4-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from 4-8 p.m. ski Robert J, 12443 S 71st Ave, Sunday. The eatery is closed on $244,000; Boss Dale Extr to Hoge ResMonday. idence LLC, 12641 S 68th Ct, If you see a new business in $218,500; Mcbride Eugene P to Piotrowicz town or wonder what happened to an old favorite, drop me a line Ronald J, 7704 Oak Ridge Ct, Unit #77042B, $149,000. at bobbong@hotmail.com.

LEGAL NOTICE

Jim Van Howe Edward Jones

quite clever at impersonating legitimate businesses or organizations — for example, unless you are looking closely at the email, you might think the logo of a bank or another company is being accurately depicted. Again, though, reputable businesses typically don’t send messages that are demanding, threatening or otherwise employing some type of extreme language.

Also, stress to your parents that they should never wire money to a random account. Plus, remind them about the truth of “no risk” offers: Any financial offer that sounds too good to be true is just that — untrue. Every legitimate investment carries both risks and rewards.

Here’s another suggestion: Older adults who have debt problems may be especially vulnerable to offers that claim to “clear up” all their debts. But there’s no quick fix to this problem, and any caller who claims otherwise is likely being deceitful. Encourage your parents to discuss their debt situation with an honest, professional debt counselor or a financial advisor.

Finally, if your parents don’t already work with a trusted, qualified financial professional, introduce them to one.

Your parents worked hard all their lives. Do what you can to help them enjoy their “golden years” in dignity.

Jim Van Howe is a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Palos Heights. His office is at 7001 W. 127th St. He can be reached at 361-3400. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Mortgage Rates Around the Area First Midwest Bank (as of March 20)

30-year fixed

RATES APR POINTS 4.250 4.285 0

15-year fixed

3.500

3.555

0

30-year fixed Jumbo

4.250

4.291

0

United Trust Bank (as of March 20)

30-year fixed

RATES APR POINTS 4.250 4.213 0

15-year fixed

3.500

3.488

0

10-year fixed

3.375

3.383

0

Prospect Federal (as of March 20)

30-year fixed

RATES APR POINTS 4.250 4.296 .25

20-year fixed

4.000

4.062

.25

15-year fixed

3.500

3.562

.25

All rates subject to change daily. Equal opportunity lenders.

LEGAL NOTICE

Residential Loans Made Easy Financing the home of your dreams should be a pain-free process. We’re here to walk you through every step!

We offer the following programs for residential mortgages: • Fixed Rate Loans • Adjustable Rate Loans

• Balloon Loans • Interest Only Loans

Contact John Hyland, President; Kenneth Shapiro; or Robert Holik today!

12330 S. Harlem Ave., Palos Heights, IL 60463 (708) 728-9900 • Fax (708) 728-9270 • UTBHome.com

6 Thursday, March 23, 2017

The Regional News

DEATH NOTICES Irene A. Czajkowski

Irene A. Czajkowski (nee Jenkot), 85, a resident of Palos Park, died March 13.

Mrs. Czajkowski was a retired nurse’s aide at Little Company of Mary Hospital. She is survived by her son, Robert; daughter, Sandy (Jim) Kula; sisters, Julie “Cookie” Wojcik and Theresa Wieczorek; a grandson; two great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Services were last Thursday at Colonial Chapel in Orland Park with entombment at Resurrection Cemetery.

Patricia Kamar

Patricia Kamar, 88, a Palos Heights resident, died Monday at Palos Hospital.

Ms. Kamar worked for many years as a French teacher for the Chicago Public Schools. She was a member of the Balzekas Museum Women’s Guild. She loved to travel, according to relatives and friends.

Survivors include a sister, Anna Weiland; and many relatives and friends.

Services were Wednesday from Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home to Sacred Heart Church. Interment took place at St. Casimir Lithuanian Cemetery.

Richard P. Kooy

Richard P. Kooy, 88, of Orland Park, died March 15.

Mr. Kooy was a retired teacher who taught at Trinity Christian College and Chicago Christian High School. He served in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1956.

Mr. Kooy is survived by his wife, Katherine (nee Smilde); daughters, Annette Goris, Gwendolyn (Ray) Jendra and Mary (Glenn) Pniewski; sons Peter (Shellie) Kooy and John (Tammy) Kooy; sister Johanna (Jack) VanManen; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Services were Monday at the Palos Heights Christian Reformed Church. Committal service with military honors took place at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, Illinois.

Jeffrey Olson

Jeffrey D. Olson, 55, an Orland Park resident, died Saturday.

Mr. Olson worked for over 25 years for the Elim Christian Services workshop.

Survivors include a sister, Laura Atrill; brothers, Daniel and David; aunts, Barbara Gall and Janet Golub; uncle, Rick Schinkse; and a nephew and two nieces.

HOUSES OF WORSHIP Rummage sale set for Presbyterian Church The public is invited to a rummage sale set for 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, April 8 at The Presbyterian Church in Orland Park, 13401 S. Wolf Road.

Organizers say the event will include household items, clothing for adults and children, furniture, toys and games, sporting equipment, holiday decorations, books, CDs, DVDs and more.

Admission is free.

Visitation is from 3 to 9 p.m. today (Thursday, March 23) at Colonial Chapel, 15525 S. 73rd Ave., Orland Park. Additional visitation is from 10 to 11 a.m.

Friday, March 24 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 6850 W. 159th St., Tinley Park. Services will then be held. Interment will follow at Bethania Cemetery.

Alexander F. Rago

Alexander F. Rago, 76, a resident of Palos Heights, died Friday.

Mr. Rago was a U. S. Marine Corps veteran. He worked as a

transportation supervisor for Jewel.

He is survived by his sons, Albert Scott Rago and Orlando Dean (Janet) Rago; stepson, Russell (Linda) Luce; sister, Donna Schmidt; brothers, Ronald and Richard, as well as five grandchildren.

Visitation will be Sunday from 3 to 9 p.m. at Becvar & Son Funeral Home, 5539 W. 127th Street in Crestwood. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. the following day at the funeral home with interment at Fairmount-Willow Hills Memorial Park, Willow Springs.

LEGAL NOTICE

Funeral Directory Selected “Finest Funeral Service”

Palos-Gaidas FUNERAL HOME 11028 Southwest Hwy. Palos Hills

708-974-4410

www.palosgaidasfh.com

The Regional News

Thursday, March 23, 2017

7

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Supplied photo

A Palos South Capstone economic group poses for a photo before exploring ways to improve the area surrounding the Palos Metra station.

Palos South hails Capstone effort Palos South Middle School’s Capstone Program, now in the homestretch of its second year, is already making a difference in both its school and the surrounding community, District 118 officials recently said in a statement.

Launched in 2015, the Capstone program is designed to move students beyond the classroom and apply themselves to real-world problem-solving.

Students typically work in small teams to select and explore one of three pre-determined problems of local or regional significance, spending half of the year working with their team and outside experts to develop a solution.

“I am so proud of the way the Capstone students take ownership for their own learning,” said Capstone Coordinator and Palos South Teacher Judy Schramm. “As soon as they learn something in regard to their project, they realize they need to expand on that component and they go deeper.”

Students who expressed an interest in working on an environ-

mental concern are working to create ways to stabilize the bee population in the region.

Students who expressed an interest in working on an economic development issue are creating ways to enhance the area surrounding the Palos Park Metra station.

Students who showed interest in working on conservation efforts will work to create ways to reduce the cost and consumption of energy at Palos South Middle School. Each team is assigned a faculty advisor who serves as a co-learner, co-planner, co-producer and co-evaluator.

At the end of the semester, Capstone teams present their findings and proposed solutions using a multimedia platform to the fellow Capstone teams, faculty, parents, and community members in a celebration of their successes.

“At the final presentation stage, the students and I are amazed at all they have learned through the program,” Schramm said.

Students have reportedly adapt-

ed well to the new learning style.

“I enjoyed the Capstone program because it allowed us to learn independently from our teachers,” said eighth grader Ella McDevitt.

They learn to problem solve and brainstorm when they come across real setbacks such as conflicting opinions, zoning issues, city ordinances and budgets.

In its inaugural year, the conservation group that was tasked with finding ways to reduce energy consumption at Palos South School.

A $7,000 grant from the Clean Energy Community Foundation was secured for a solar panel installed last summer.

“I am very proud of our students and staff for embracing this program,” said Superintendent Dr. Anthony Scarsella. “All we had to do is give these kids the necessary resources, and their creativity, research skills, and inovation take over. Learning to collaborate and work as a team to solve problems makes them more confident and prepared for what lies ahead in the future.”

Across 1 Protests by not taking any courses?

6 Floorboard hardware item 10 Cloaks 15 Top dog 16 Western city with an annual balloon race 17 She slugged a sheriff in “Selma” 18 Pick up 19 Big story 20 With 13-Down, “Unfaithful” Oscar nominee 21 Waits on hand and foot 23 “Pity” 25 Proof letters 26 Not much power 27 “Never Cry Wolf” author Farley __ 29 “__ tree falls ... “ 30 Significant period 31 __ moment 34 Capital near Las Vegas 41 Popular software for gamers 42 Variety show on which “The Honeymooners” began as a skit 43 Buddy 44 Former court gp.

45 Big name in outdoor gear 46 Pope John Paul II’s given name 48 “Ready for business” sign 52 Toon that debuted in the 1954 cartoon “Devil May Hare” 55 “Hyde Park on Hudson” subj.

56 Peak 57 Hardly warm 59 Comet competitor 61 Secretary of war under Teddy 62 Language that gives us “mako” 63 Accept 64 Tears down, in 65-Across

and intelligently creating a real application/solution that others can use. Hackathon projects will center on health care/biopharma, energy efficiency and human services. These areas have huge potential for growth, are in need of real world solutions during this time of expansion.

The combination of real-world mentors and high school students foster the promotion and innovation of implementable solutions.

The event is open to all current high school students.

To participate, teams or individuals can sign up on the Hack230 website (https://sites. google.com/a/d230.org/hack230/ home). All are welcome and no programming experience is necessary. Students with an interest in technology, healthcare, biophar-

LIBRARY NOTES Discuss ‘H is for Hawk’ at Palos Heights Library

New programs added at Palos Heights Library

Officials at Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens have announced that they are partnering with the Palos Heights Public Library to host a panel discussion about the book “H is for Hawk” by Helen MacDonald from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday March 29 at the library, 12501 S. 71st Ave. The New York Times bestseller details MacDonald’s story of adopting and raising one of nature’s most storied predators.

Fierce and feral, the temperament of goshawk Mabel mirrors the author’s own state of grief following her father’s death.

Lake Katherine Operations Manager Gareth Blakesley is scheduled to be on the panel.

“Books like this really show how our relationship with the natural world, or more specifically in this book a goshawk, can help heal emotional wounds,” Blakesley said. “It’s a reminder that nature can help get us through the hardest times.”

Blakesley will be joined for the discussion by Lake Katherine Interpretive Educator Shamim Graff, Sandburg High School science teacher Jim Corcoran and Sandburg English teacher Dave Wierzal. Members of the public are invited to attend and join in the discussion. Copies of the book are now available at the front desk of the library.

A slate of activities for the week ahead has been announced at the Palos Heights Public Library, 12501 S. 71st Ave. For more information or to register for a program, call (708) 448-1473.

• “Improv Basics” is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, March 26. Participants will learn from Second City alumna Maureen Kelly. The program is for adults.

• Pokemon/Shopkins Nights begins at 6 p.m. Monday, March 27. Kids can bring their own collections to show, share and trade with others.

• “Intro to Instagram” starts at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 27.

Snap a photo with your mobile phone, then choose a filter to transform the image into a memory to keep around forever. Learn how to create and use an Instagram account. Basic computer skills required.

• “Alphabet Animals Drawing Class” for children ages 5-8 is set for 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 28, while “Creative Cartooning” for ages 8-12 starts at 1 p.m. the same day. Cartoonist Mark Anderson will instruct kids in a hands-on program. Eight year olds can register for the morning or afternoon class, and can join the other class if space is available on the day of the program.

• “Chicago Mafia History” begins at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March

Down 1 Gandolfini’s TV wife 2 “Yond Cassius has __ and hungry look” 3 Sudden rush 4 Obeyed a fishing regulation 5 Marin County seat 6 Football’s Favre 7 Tow job, for short 8 Singer DiFranco 9 BBC hero since 1963 10 Screwdriver part 11 Commercial prefix with Pen 12 Big oil exporter 13 See 20-Across 14 Lose 22 It may be swiped at work 24 Lowland amphibian 27 1980s attorney general

28 Attorney’s specialty 32 Simple greeting 33 Big name in PCs 34 Ink __ 35 Actor Driver of “Girls” 36 Salmon choice 37 Involved 38 Athlete known as “The King of Clay” 39 Absent 40 Logical operators 47 Pin, say 48 Rejected 49 Self-confidence 50 Wild blue yonder 51 City across the Rhine from DŸsseldorf 52 Hardly boundary-pushing 53 “Poor me!”

54 Places with exhibits 56 Cod relative 58 Mt. Hood setting 60 Colorful flier (Answers on page 2)

SUDOKU

District 230 hosting innovation challenge High School District 230 will host its first-ever Hack230, a “hackathon” for students at Sandburg, Stagg and Andrew High Schools as well as surrounding schools, on April 29-30 at Andrew High School.

The two‐day event will provide all of the support needed for teams to hack out a real‐world solution to a real‐world challenge, district officials said in a statement.

“Don’t worry, we are not going to be illegally accessing a government or corporate database,” said teacher Cathy Wojcik. “A hackathon is an invention marathon.

Programmers, designers, builders and more come together to learn, build and share their creations over the course of a few days.”

“Hacking” is a term which is used to describe the act of quickly

65 North Sea county 66 Inspected 67 Decorative pitchers

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.

ma, interactive marketing, app development, energy efficiency, human services or who just want to learn something new can join HACK230 Adult industry experts, as well as recent high school graduates, can participate as mentors and team leaders.

The event is an overnight lock‐ in; however, in case of an emergency participants will be allowed to leave once parent contact is made with an event organizer.

The event is free for the first 150 students who sign up. Meals and event swag are included at no cost. The deadline for registration Guest speaker will be Dolly Palos Heights Garden is March 28 at 3 p.m.

Foster, a landscape horticulturist Club to meet Contact Cathy Wojcik at cwofor the Oak Lawn Park District jcik@d230.org with questions.

Tips for new gardeners will be who has been a Master Gardener the focus of the next meeting of for 15 years, an Indiana-accredited the Palos Heights Garden Club, horticulturist for 13 years, and a set for Monday, March 27 at the certified arborist since 2008.

Lake Katherine Nature Center, Topics to be covered will be 7402 W. Lake Katherine Drive. soil fundamentals, watering woes, Fellowship will start at 6:30 best tools, limiting pesticide use 28. Tim Wilsey will present a program on some of the most feared p.m., with the meeting starting and favorite plants.

Admission is $5 for guests. men who ran Chicago with an iron 30 minutes later. fist. He will discuss mobsters and their operations from various eras of organized crime. Learn how the mafia controlled the city, the state, the Midwest and Las Vegas from Al Capone and Tony Accardo to Sam Giancana, Anthony Spilotro and The Family Secrets Trial.

• “Peep into Science” for children in grades K-2 begins at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 29, with a session for kids in grades 3-5 beginning at 1 p.m. the same day.

The program is a science-based event using colorful holiday Peeps.

• “Mussels, Moonshine, Music: Mississippi Valley Migrants in the 20th Century” is scheduled to start Photo by Joe Boyle at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 30.

In a time almost forgotten, the Midwest and upper South were once home to thousands of AmerThe clue for this week’s Whatizit photo (above) is: Book worthy. icans who lived and worked on Send your responses with your name and hometown by noon Monthe rivers as share croppers, fishday to thereporter@comcast.net. ermen, mussel shellers, button cutWe had several responses to last week’s photo quiz but none of ters, traveling minstrels and even our readers were able to come up with the correct answer. We would moonshiners. Fiddler and historian actually have just accepted the Lake Katherine Nature Center and Dennis Stroughmatt brings this Botanic Gardens, 7402 W. Lake Katherine Drive, Palos Heights. The program of music, storytelling, photo is actually at the top of the Waterfall Gardens, where the water and a collection of artifacts to tell flows over the rocks and into Lake Katherine. their stories and play the music of This was a little more difficult because we focused on the body of the Mississippi Valley migrants. water. Lake Shore Park and the Wolfe Wildlife Refuge Center, both Additionally, the Needle Club in Oak Lawn, were two responses. Lake Katherine is an 85-acre (for knitting and crocheting), non-profit park that includes woodlands, prairie, wetlands, gardens Scrabble Club and Mah Jongg and a 10-acre lake. An estimated 100,000 people come to the park Cub meet weekly at the library. each year to hike, jog, walk their dogs or enjoy the beauty of the Call ahead for times and dates. gardens and the abundant opportunities to see wildlife.

CLUB ACTIVITIES

WHATIZIT?

(Answers on page 2)

LEGAL NOTICE F17020011 STB IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT, CHANCERY DIVISION Statebridge Company, LLC Plaintiff, vs.

Marta Bajaczyk aka Marta Bakaczyic; Mill Creek Homeowners Association; Krzysztof Bajaczyk aka Krysztof Bajazyk; Unknown Owners and Non-Record Claimants Defendants.

CASE NO. 17 CH 2354 12825 South Mills Road, Palos Park, Illinois 60464 Spratt Calendar 64 NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given you, Marta Bajaczyk aka Marta Bakaczyic, Mill Creek Homeowners Association, and UNKNOWN OWNERS and NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, defendants in the above entitled cause, that suit has been commenced against you and other defendants in the Circuit Court for the Judicial Circuit by said plaintiff praying for the foreclosure of a certain mortgage conveying the premises described as follows, to wit: LOT 100 IN MILL CREEK, A PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT OF PART OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 33, TOWNSHIP 37 NORTH, RANGE 12 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. P.I.N.: 23-33-205-014-0000 Said property is commonly known as 12825 South Mills Road, Palos Park, Illinois 60464, and which said mortgage(s) was/were made by Marta Bajaczyk and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds as Document Number 0725054003 and for other relief; that Summons was duly issued out of the above Court against you as provided by law and that said suit is now pending.

NOW THEREFORE, unless you, the said above named defendants, file your answer to the complaint in the said suit or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Office of the Clerk of the Court at Cook County on or before APRIL 10, 2017 a default may be taken against you at any time after that date and a Judgment entered in accordance with the prayer of said complaint.

This communication is an attempt to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Steven C. Lindberg ANSELMO LINDBERG OLIVER LLC 1771 W. Diehl Rd., Ste 120 Naperville, IL 60563-4947 630-453-6960 | 866-402-8661 | 630-428-4620 (fax) Attorney No. Cook 58852, DuPage 293191, Kane 031-26104, Peoria 1794, Winnebago 3802, IL 03126232 foreclosure@ALOLawGroup.com THIS LAW FIRM IS DEEMED TO BE A DEBT COLLECTOR.

8 Thursday, March 23, 2017

The Regional News

COMMUNITY NOTES Night hike set for Orland Grassland

Submitted photo

Shedding hair for a cause

A St. Baldrick’s event to fight childhood cancer was held last Thursday night at Chicago Christian High School in Palos Heights. Thirty students and five faculty members either shaved their heads or donated several inches of hair to help raise over $11,000. Tony Domanik (above), a Chicago Christian High School teacher, volunteered to have his head shaved during the St. Baldrick’s fundraiser.

Stewards of the Orland Grassland are inviting everyone on an hourlong, night-time hike through the nature preserve near 167th and LaGrange Road on Saturday, March 25.

Dubbed “Hike the Night,” the event is designed to coincide with the World Wildlife Federation’s Earth Hour, an annual event in which people are asked to turn off electronics and lights for one hour to help reduce their carbon footprint and raise awareness about climate change.

Those taking part in the hike are asked to arrive at 8 p.m. The parking lot will be locked at 8:25, and the walk will begin five minutes after that, along Birdsong Trail.

“We’ll hike into the grassland wilderness along this natural terrain trail to stargaze and hear the frogs call,” according to a statement from organizers. “We may hear owls, we may see American woodcocks. We may see the red

tower lights twinkle from the silhouette of the Chicago skyline on top of Kwadekik hill. We’ll be unplugged and surrounded by nature.”

Participants are reminded to bring a flashlight, dress for the weather and consider wearing boots, as it may be muddy in some areas. There will be a hot beverage and dessert bar afterwards.

Those with telescopes are invited to bring them.

Reservations are suggested. For more information, call Becky Erickson at (303) 803-7532 or email her at raverick819@gmail.com.

Fishing fundraiser set at Lake Katherine Fishing enthusiasts can cast away along Lake Katherine’s entire shoreline during the annual spring catch-and-release fundraiser set for Saturday, April 8 at the nature center in Palos Heights.

It will take place between 7 a.m.

and noon. Anglers can fish the entire shore for muskie, channel catfish, walleye, bluegill and bass.

A donation of $100 per competitor includes lunch at noon. There will be cash prizes for the largest fish.

Each year, the event raises about $2,000 for restoration, education and animal care.

Space is limited to 125 fishermen. Registration forms for the 2017 event can be found in the nature center and on Lake Katherine’s website, lakekatherine.org.

Palos Fine Arts offers scholarships Palos Fine Arts is offering scholarships to local high school juniors and seniors studying music, visual arts, theater, creative writing or dance.

Five scholarships — One for $1,000 and four for $800 will be awarded.

Applicants must reside within the boundaries of high school Districts 230 or 218.

Completed applications must be received by April 8. For information, call (708) 448-5332 or email kathy@swsmontessori. com.

Palos Fine Arts was founded in 1984 to stimulate, promote and present the arts in the Palos area.

Palos Fine Arts has been awarding scholarships since 1991.

McCord’s annual tea includes flower arranging McCord Gallery and Cultural Center’s “Annual Tea, Afternoon in the Park with George” will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, April 9 at its Anderson Annex for the Arts, 9602 West Creek Road, Palos Park.

Participants will sip tea and eat delicacies while George Mitchell, owner of Mitchell’s Florist, creates flower arrangements.

Admission is $35, and reservations are required. For more information, phone (708) 671-0648.

SPORTS The Regional News • The Reporter

Thursday, March 23, 2017 5, 2015

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

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

If it’s any consolation...

Moraine Valley drops first game in national tournament

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

Moraine Valley Community College’s women’s basketball team’s quest for a national championship was dashed Tuesday, but the Cyclones can still bring some hardware back home.

The Cyclones will still be hanging around Harrison, Ark., for a few days as they compete in the consolation round of the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II Championship tournament after dropping a 77-71 first-round decision to Kalamazoo Valley at Pioneer Pavilion.

The 10th-seeded Cyclones (16-18) are scheduled

to play Lackawanna (Pa.) (19-11) at 9 a.m. today, Thursday in the first round of the consolation bracket. Lackawanna suffered a 72-44 defeat to No. 2 Johnson County.

Seventh-seeded Kalamazoo (29-3) raced out to a 25-12 lead Tuesday after the first quarter. Moraine was able to close the gap to 51-48 after three quarters but could not pull it out.

As for most of the games in the past two seasons, the Cyclones were led by Mother McAuley graduate and Evergreen Park native Erin Drynan and Andrew graduate Michelle Borgen.

Drynan scored 21 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and notched two blocked shots and two steals. Bor-

gen had 23 points and seven rebounds. Diamond Dortch and Krista Brill each had eight points.

The team stats were nearly identical in shooting percentage (Moraine was 39.7 percent to Kalamazoo’s 38.2), free-throw shooting (Moraine had a 64.7-65.4 percent advantage) and rebounds (Kalamazoo had a 44-43 advantage). But the Cyclones were guilty of 26 turnovers, which led to 21 Kalamazoo points.

This was the first time the Cyclones qualified for nationals since 1989.

Even before the first basketball was bounced this See MORAINE, Page 3

Photo courtesy of Moraine Valley

Moraine Valley’s Michelle Borgen tries to get a shot off during her team’s 77-71 first-round loss to Kalamazoo Valley in the NJCAA Division II Championship tournament on Tuesday.

ST. LAURENCE NAMES FIRST GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH

Shimko hire makes for a Peace-ful transition

RJ Collins is pictured during his Shepard football days (left) and as a singer on the rise (right).

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

It looks like most of the old gang is going to be back.

Just across the street and in different uniforms.

When Queen of Peace announced in January it was going to close, many players from its record-setting basketball team — as well as members of the student population in general — were sad and worried about where they would end up next year.

In February, when next-door neighbor St. Laurence in Burbank made the shocking announcement it was going to go coed, people just assumed that coach George Shimko and his players would end up there and all would be well.

It looks like that may indeed be the case.

Shimko was hired on March 15 as the school’s girls varsity basketball coach, and he said that many of his returning players on this year’s 28-win Queen of Peace varsity team and a majority of players on the sophomore team will be enrolling at the school as well.

The coach said he is grateful for the opportunity to build up a new program.

“It’s exciting to come in and try to build a quality program that matches the things they have already done athletically,” Shimko said. “The Vikings have a pretty rich tradition on the athletic side with baseball and football and basketball, and to be able to come into the program from scratch is really, really exciting to me.’’

And it doesn’t hurt that when he blows his first whistle at his first practice in the summer, there will be a lot of familiar faces around.

Shinko’s son, Alex, will continue to be his assistant.

The elder Shimko plans to ask his other assistants to make the trek across the street.

He added that so far varsity players Kelly Mason, Ashley Murphy, Erin Foley, Brooke Vida and Ashley Kevin told him they were coming to St. Laurence. He said several lower-level players also plan on attending St. Laurence.

“We have a pretty good group of those who are coming over,” Shimko said. “Some of them saw me in the hallway after I got the job and said ‘Yay! Yay!’ They were excited.’’

Shimko is glad that some his players will be able to get through their senior year without too much angst.

“I’m happy for the juniors because I was really worried about them,” Shimko said. “It’s difficult to acclimate yourself to a new program when you are a senior.

Now they have the opportunity and they chose the opportunity to stay together, so that will be nice for them.’

Shimko said St. Laurence will replace Queen of Peace in the Girls Catholic Athletic Conference White division. The team will have summer workouts and play in See SHIMKO, Page 3

Photo by Jeff Vorva

George Shimko was named the first girls basketball coach in St. Laurence history.

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Photo by Erin Kay

From scoring TDs to Alicia Keys Recent Shepard grad gained ground on ‘The Voice’

By Jeff Vorva • Sports Editor

S

hepard football coach Dominic Passolano and superstar singer Alicia Keys do not seem to have a lot in common. But now they both have a strong bond: coaching RJ Collins.

Collins graduated from Shepard last year After the song was over, Keys gushed, and the 18-year-old’s career has taken an odd “Wow…what voice is that?” Lambert quickly but wonderful twist, as he advanced past the said, “That’s the winning voice right there.’’ blind round on the NBC TV show “The Voice,’’ Collins appeared star-struck when interwhich aired on March 13. The Calumet Park naacting with Keys. tive selected Keys to be his coach even though “You just said my name — aw,” he said after she called him CJ. fellow judge Adam Lambert showed the most “I’m waiting for magic,” Keys said. “I’ve interest and predicted, “You could win ‘The been waiting to feel something and your Voice.’ ’’ soul comes through in this music in a way That didn’t happen, as it was revealed Tuesthat’s really, really evident. I want to push day that Collins was bumped off in the second you, too, because there is more greatness round by teammate Chris Blue. inside of you. There is obviously no limit to But Passolano, who used Collins as a running you. And if you would like me to say your back in 2014 and 2015, was still proud of his RJ Collins name a few more times, then you just come former player. and join my team.’’

“It goes without saying that we are extremely Then when she said, “We need beautiful proud of the way RJ represented himself on the black men on my team…,’’ he interrupted show,” the coach said. “RJ was always a posiand said, “Did you just call me beautiful? I’m tive, hard-working kid for us. He was detersorry, Adam…’’ mined as a player to be an all-conference runAnd that was it for Lambert. ning back and help get his team in the playoffs, All horsing around aside, Collins said which he was able to accomplish. he was inspired to audition for the show in “So it comes as no surprise when you watch memory of his brother, Randy, who was fa‘The Voice’ and see a guy who is a positive intally shot by Riverdale police a few days befluence and is determined to achieve his dreams fore Christmas in 2009. and goals.’’

Collins made a cameo appearance at his Collins belted out Justin Bieber’s “Purpose.’’

Palos Heights alma mater on March 10 as The blind round features four judges/coaches he sang the “Star-Spangled Banner” at an with their backs to the singer. If they like what they hear, they hit their button and their chair turns around to face assembly.

Even as a football player, Collins showed he could be a quick the performer.

Seven words into the song, Lambert pounded his button. About wit after games.

The Astros beat Argo 41-0 to stay alive for a playoff berth dura minute and 15 seconds into the tune, Keys got on board and hit her button, much to the chagrin of Lambert, who buried his head ing his senior season, and Collins had 83 yards on eight carries, including a 59-yard run to open the scoring. into his right arm.

“I just saw the light,” he said of the big play. “It said, ‘Come Oddly enough, the other two judges — Gwen Stefani and Blake here, R.J.’” Shelton — did not turn around to face the music.

I saw the light? Hmmm. Maybe the next time he is on TV he But all you need is one judge in your corner to will tackle some Hank Williams. advance, and Collins had two.

There is more greatness inside of you. There is obviously no limit to you. ’’ ‘‘ — Alicia Keys (left), responding to RJ Collins’ performance on “The Voice”’

2

Section 2 Thursday, March 23, 2017

The Regional News - The Reporter

CHICAGO FIRE ANALYSIS

FOCUS ON AREA COLLEGES

Beatdown vs. expansion team is tough to swallow

SXU enjoys award-winning efforts

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

Ouch.

This one hurt.

The Chicago Fire, puffed up from salvaging a 1-1 tie to open the season at Columbus and a 2-0 home-opening victory over Real Salt Lake, went Photos by Jeff Vorva to Atlanta on Saturday and stunk up the joint. The Fire coach Veljko Paunovic had plenty to applaud with result was a 4-0 loss to Atlanta United FC in front his team the first two weeks, but he suffered one of of an announced crowd of 45,922 at Bobby Dodd the worst defeats in his young tenure on Saturday Stadium. with a 4-0 loss to expansion team Atlanta.

Now, a 4-0 spanking would be humiliating against any opponent, even an elite team in Major three games.

The Fire was able to put together an impressive League Soccer.

But this came against an expansion team that first half after the red card, shutting out Atlanta for the final 34 minutes. But damage was already had just two games under its belt. done in the fourth minute when Time will tell if Atlanta (2-1a shot went off of defender 0 with 11 goals in three matchWORST POUNDINGS Brendan Vincent’s foot for an es) is the real deal or not. If so, own goal.

FOR PAUNO a lot of veteran general managIt didn’t look likely that 10 ers are going to be scratching their heads wondering how a The worst Chicago losses in the Veljko men were going to stop a highoctane offense in the second team can build a power from Paunovic era: Saturday: 4-0 to Atlanta half, and they didn’t. scratch while their teams are “For us, this was a hard lesAug. 27, 2016: 6-2 to D.C. United scratching for respectability. son that we learned and we have That includes the Fire and Sept. 23, 2016: 4-1 to NYC FC general manager Nelson Ro- Oct. 1, 2016: 3-0 to Columbus Crew to fix a lot of things,” Fire coach Veljko Paunovic said. “But I driguez. Rodriguez spent time also want to appreciate the efand money this offseason to build a team that is supposed to be vastly im- fort and hard work that all of our team had.’’

The Fire returns to action April 1 for a home proved over the past two seasons, when the Fire game with Montreal. had the worst record in the league.

The team has a long time to try to fix this.

For two weeks, things looked good for the Fire.

“It’s tough when you don’t get a result,” Fire The team was even named the MSL Team of the midfielder Juninho said. “It’s hard to say someWeek after salting away Salt Lake. And it’s not right to freak out over the third game of the sea- thing, but we had a system to start, we tried to score on the counter but their team was better toson.

But, again, this came against an expansion team day. We lost a guy in the beginning of the game and it made everything complicated. But you have that had just two games under its belt.

One could argue that the Fire deserves some to move on, you have to adjust on what we did bad slack because it played this game with only 10 in this game and move on to the next one.

“This is our third game of the season and we men most of the way after Johan Kappelhof received a red card for clipping Josef Martinez in played against a good team. They have their systhe 11th minute. It’s debatable whether a yellow or tem and their different mission and style so we’re getting to know them for the first time. Our exred card should have been issued.

But, ultimately, the Fire defender put his team perience was not the best, but we have to fix a lot of things. Our coaches will talk to us throughout in a bad spot.

Martinez may have been denied a goal in the these two weeks.

“We won’t have a game because of the FIFA 11th minute, but he scored against the Chicago 10 in the 60th and 82nd minutes of the game and set break, but it’s going to help us to take this time to the MLS record for scoring five goals in his first put everything in place.”

CHICAGO FIRE NOTEBOOK

Fire signs German superstar Schweinsteiger

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

The Chicago Fire signed one of the biggest names to ever don a Fire uniform on Monday when they inked German and Manchester United star Bastian Schweinsteiger to a one-year contract worth a reported $4.5 million. There is also a mutual option for 2018.

“This is a very big day for our club,’’ Fire General Manager Nelson Rodriguez said. “And I believe it’s big for Major League Soccer by acquiring one of our sport’s great champions. It’s not often you can add a player not just of Bastian’s pedigree but also one who represents our values.

“This is a historic moment for our club.’’

Mixing the 32-year-old scoring threat into a roster that already features David Accam, Juninho, Michael de Leeuw, Dax McCarty and Nemanja Nikolic gives the Fire some offensive firepower.

The team averaged just 1.1 goals per match in the 2015 and 2016 campaigns.

The MLS has an off week this week and Rodriguez said it’s possible Schweinsteiger could make his Fire debut April 1 at Toyota Park. The new Fire star is ready to help make the team elite again.

“Through my conversations with Nelson and (coach Veljko Paunovic), I’m convinced by the club’s vision and philosophy and I want to help

them with this project,’’ Schweinsteiger said.

Schweinsteiger has 24 goals in 121 international matches for Germany, had 70 goals and 103 assists in 535 first team games and has been a part of 23 major domestic and international cups — more than any previous player entering their first season in MLS.

Dax on U.S. men’s team

Fire midfielder Dax McCarty has been selected

by U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Bruce Arena to the 24-man roster for the World Cup Qualifying matches against Honduras and Panama.

McCarty was scheduled to report to San Jose, Calif. on Sunday for training and practice. The USA-Honduras match will take place at 9:30 p.m.

Friday at Avaya Stadium in San Jose followed by a battle with Panama Tuesday in Panama City.

McCarty, who most recently took part in the USA’s annual January Camp, received his first senior cap as a sub on Nov. 14, 2009 in an international friendly with Slovakia and has since made six total appearances for the men’s national team.

Dallas game moved The Fire’s home match against FC Dallas will now take place at Toyota Park at 7:30 p.m. May 25. The match was originally scheduled to take place on Wednesday, May 31.

FOCUS ON HIGH SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY SPORTS

Shepard prepares for outdoors by winning SSC meet Shepard’s boys track team won the South Suburban Red Indoor Conference championship.

First-place winners were Nieko Carter, Tyrese Smith, Elijah Butler, Chammar Thompson, Kevin Callahan, Brian Hauser, Caleb Washington, Delvin Humphrey and Mike Kaczmarczyk.

Butler was voted meet MVP for taking three first-place finishes: 55 dash, 200 dash and 4x160 relay.

Palos Park offers softball league Palos Park is offering a 14inch coed softball league.

This non-competitive league will consist of an eight-game regular season schedule, with the top four teams advancing to the playoffs. Each team is required to have four female and five male players on the field at all times. Rosters are limited to 18 players.

The fee is $500 per team.

Games will be played in the evenings at Centennial Park located at 12216 S. Will Cook Rd. on Wednesdays from April 12 to May 31. The registration deadline is March 31. For additional

Submitted photo

Shepard’s track team recently won the South Suburban Red indoor conference meet.

information, call 708-671-3760.

Sandburg creates athletic hall of fame Carl Sandburg High School created an Athletic Hall of Fame to recognize and honor Eagle athletes, coaches, and supporters who have excelled in their respective sports or coaching and supporting roles.

School officials invite members of the community to nominate former athletes, coaches, and supporters who should be considered. Nomination forms can be found on the Carl Sand-

burg High School website, http:// sandburg.d230.org, under the Athletics tab. All nominations should be submitted electronically and must be submitted no later than May 1. A selection committee made up of nine individuals will meet to vote on each nominee at the end of May and the first class of inductees will be notified in June.

The inaugural class of inductees will be recognized at a ceremony at the school on Nov. 3.

— We welcome community news at sports@regionalpublishing.com

Award after award…

Just about every day last week St. Xavier University’s athletic department picked up recognition for its athletes both on and off the court.

Start with the women’s basketball team, which finished second in the nation in NAIA Division II on March 14. Right after the championship game in Sioux City, junior Kara Krolicki was named the Player of the Year. Later in the week, she was named to the All-America first team while senior guard Mikayla Leyden was named to the third team and junior center Brittany Collins was named as honorable mention.

It is the first time since 201011 that SXU had three players recognized on the NAIA AllAmerica teams and only the third time in program history.

Krolicki finished the season ranked No. 2 in the NAIA in scoring per game (21.5 points per game). She also led the nation in three-pointers made (140) and ranked fourth in the NAIA in three-point field goal Krolicki percentage (.473). was named the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) Player of the Year as well this year after leading the league in scoring and threepointers made. She becomes the first Saint Xavier basketball player (men’s or women’s) to claim the NAIA’s top individual honor.

Leyden finished the season ranked No. 2 in the NAIA in total assists (231) and broke a national tournament record for most assists (44) that had stood since 1995.

Collins ranked No. 2 in the nation in field goal percentage this season.

Then the academic awards came flooding in and six Cougars were named to the Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athletes junior guard Tomei team: Ball, Collins, Krolicki, junior guard Casey McMahon (an Orland Park native who went to Stagg), senior forward Sami Pawlak and senior forward Sarah Vozel. In order to be nominated, a student-athlete must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and must have achieved junior academic status.

“As proud as I am about all of the accomplishments that we had as a team this season on the basketball court, I’m just as excited about what these young women have been able to achieve in the classroom,” said Saint Xavier women’s basketball coach Bob Hallberg. “First and foremost, our players are here to get an education and our student-athletes exemplify that philosophy. To have nearly half of your roster recognized as Scholar-Athletes is truly a great honor.”

On the men’s side, junior guard Quinn Niego earned a spot on the 2016-17 NAIA Division II Men’s Basketball AllAmerica Honorable Mention team Niego led the NAIA in freethrow percentage this season at .933 and also ranked sixth in the CCAC and 42nd in the NAIA in scoring averaging 18.6 points per game.

Four players were named Scholar-Athletes — senior guard Kyle Huppe, senior power forward Kody Kleinrichert, senior point guard Lucas Daurer and Niego.

“These four young men are extremely hard working and strive for excellence in everything that they do, so it does not surprise me in the least to see them honored by the NAIA for their academic achievements,” said SXU men’s basketball coach Tom O’Malley. “They have been tremendous leaders for our program and I have no doubts that they will all be very successful in whatever they decide to pursue after college.”

An award for a spring sport also found its way to SXU as freshman Amanda Ruskowsky was named the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference Softball Player of the Week.

Ruskowsky hit .459 with two grand slams among her three home runs and 13 runs batted in in 10 games for the Cougars.

She hit safely in nine of the 10 contests with multiple-hit games on six occasions.

Moraine Valley Cross country: SXU was not alone in collecting awards.

The Cyclones recently found out they have a few coming

Photo by St. Xavier University

St. Xavier’s Kara Krolicki, left, was named NAIA Division II Player of the Year and was on the All-America first team while Brittany Collins, right, was named honorable mention to the All-America team.

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Mikayla Leyden of SXU was named third-team All-America.

their way.

The men finished the fall semester with the second highest National Junior College Athletic Association GPA in the nation — 3.836 — and the women finished with the third highest —3.90. Only 20 women’s and 17 men’s teams earned this honor.

Sixteen Cyclones were named individual Scholar AllAmericans earning at least a 3.5 GPA: Hannah Funk (Sandburg), Lydia Limas (Andrew), Yuliana Olivares (Reavis), Stephanie Majewski (Reavis), Fiona Agapito (Oak Lawn), Theresa Orr (Argo), Weronika Staszel (Reavis), Sarah McCann (Marist), Fabiola Castillo (Argo), Ilse Caballero (Sandburg), and for the men, Jeremy Morgan (Tinley Park), Alec Altman (Sandburg), Christian Delgado (Argo), Mark Harris (Lincoln-Way North), Rej Bedini (Albania), and Ronaldo Wallace (Thornridge).

This is the highest the teams have ever finished and is the most individuals Moraine Valley has had named Scholar AllAmericans.

Women’s soccer: NJCAA Region IV Player of the Year, Dalila Alcala, of the Cyclones signed to Saint Xavier.

For two years, Alcala was a key player in the Cyclones’ success, helping her team win Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference and Region IV championships as well as compete at the national championships two consecutive years.

She started both years at center back and played nearly every minute. This past season she was captain and led the defense, holding region opponents to just two goals in two years.

One of her two goals this year was the game-winner in the region championship that sent the team to nationals. Alcala also is a two-time All-Region and AllConference first-team player.

“I’m very proud and happy for Dalila. She was great for us, and she will be great for Saint Xavier. Dalila is a fantastic student, player, teammate, and leader with a great attitude,” said Moraine Valley head Coach Al Palar. “I’m excited to watch her and the Cougars play next year. I wish her nothing but the best.”

“Dalila is a big signing for us. Losing two key senior defenders, she will step in right

away and take charge of the back line for us. Her versatility will help us. We can use her on the field in different positions as well,” said Saint Xavier head Coach Evan Strehlau. “We are very excited to sign her. She is coming from a well-coached program, so she will be ready to go on day one.”

Trinity Christian College Women’s basketball: The Trolls were not shut out when it came to awards.

Juniors Celina Wanta and Lauren Stokes were named to the National Christian Collegiate Athletic Conference North Central All-Region Team and Bethany Jansma received honorable mention status. For the season this trio led the team in scoring and was key to the team’s improved overall record at 16-16 and appearance in postseason play.

Wanta was the top scorer and rebounder for the team with 12.2 points and 5.6 steals per game.

In addition Wanta and Stokes earned Scholar-Athlete honors.

Wanta was named to the NAIA, NCCAA, and CCAC scholarathlete lists while Stokes was a CCAC Scholar-Athlete. Also earning academic honors were senior Samantha Andringa for the NAIA, NCCAA, and CCAC, junior Katie Moran on the NCCAA and CCAC lists and senior Molly Toepper as a CCAC Scholar-Athlete.

Men’s basketball: Jordan Perry was named CCAC AllConference Honorable Mention and to the NCCAA North Central All-Region team. For the season Perry led the team in scoring and rebounding with 20.0 points per game and 7.4 rebounds per game. He posted a .529 field goal percentage and with his 559 points for the season and amassed his 1,000th career point at Trinity.

Garnering NCCAA North Central All-Region Honorable Mention status was senior Trey Johnson.

Earning NAIA and NCCAA Scholar-Athlete honors were juniors Ben Brinks and Zach Fitch. Also on the NCCAA Scholar-Athlete list were juniors Aaron Johnson and Matt Dail and sophomore Aaron Haan.

Those five, along with sophomore Ben Andringa, were also on the CCAC Scholar-Team list.

The Regional News - The Reporter

Thursday, March 23, 2017 Section 2

3

Coyne and teammates seek more coin and threaten boycott F ood for thought for those who aren’t very hungry: Every time I’ve seen Kendall Coyne, she was smiling.

The Palos Heights native, Sandburg graduate and hockey legend who won a silver medal in Olympic play in 2014 is a great example of an athlete who loves what she is doing and seems to love using her celebrity status to talk to grade school and high school kids about staying positive.

If she has had any frustrations in her career — and JEFF VORVA let’s face it, she’s human so bound to happen — she Making the that’s never let on publicly.

Extra Point But now, Coyne and her USA Hockey teammates are in the middle of a controversy that is serious — serious enough where they have threatened to boycott the International Ice Hockey Federation World Championships that are set to take place March in Plymouth, Mich., over money. The players do not feel they are being paid enough for all the hours of practice they put in.

USA Hockey is reportedly looking for a new group of players to replace Coyne and her 22 teammates in Plymouth.

Left wing Hilary Knight is doing the heavy lifting when it comes to speaking for the team but last week Coyne showed her support by tweeting: “US WNT will not play in 2017 World Championship due to stalled negotiations over fair wages and support from USA Hockey.’’ She then added #BeBoldForChange.

Earlier this week, the players and USA Hockey were supposed to meet. As of this paper’s deadline, there was no news on a settlement.

The players are seeking a four-year contract with compensation during non-Olympic periods.

If USA Hockey decides to play hardball and

Shimko

Continued from Page 1 a league at Shepard and a shootout at Marian Catholic. The schedule is not finalized, but Shimko is hoping to have the Vikings open the season in November at Oak Lawn and participate in a Thanksgiving Tournament in Beecher, as well as a holiday tournament at Guerin Prep.

St. Laurence athletic director Tim Chandler said this hire was historic since it was the naming of the school’s first girls coach.

“We are very excited to welcome George, whose extensive basketball background and great reputation of developing student-athletes makes him a great culture fit for St. Laurence,” Chandler said. “He did a tremendous job in turning around the program at Queen of Peace, and I look forward to working with him as he builds a successful program at St. Laurence.”

Shimko has been a basketball staple in this area for years, running the George Shimko Basketball School in Oak Lawn.

Four seasons ago, he took over the Queen of Peace program and his team suffered what looked like a season in which it wouldn’t win a game. But the Pride pulled off two late-season wins to finish 2-28.

Since then the team progressed and put together 19- and 28-win seasons and a pair of Class 3A Regional titles the past two campaigns. The Pride also won a league title in the GCAC this season.

Despite all of his accolades and the fact that this position seemed like a perfect fit, Shimko and St. Laurence took nothing for granted. This was not a case in which the Vikings brass said, “Here you go, George — you have the job.’’

“It was a long interview process,’’ Shimko said. “The first interview, I met with five people and I was fortunate to be invited back for a second interview.

There were a long series of questions and answers.

“It was thorough. It was a job interview and I approached it as a job interview. I came prepared.

I gave everyone a package of information for all of them to learn about me and what my plan was going to be. I didn’t look at it as the fact I was at Queen of Peace, I was going to automatically be at St. Laurence.’’

But now that he will be there starting in the summer…

“I look forward to being a Viking. It’s going to be fun,’’ he said.

bozo, yelling and screaming in joy and pumping everyone up.

Perhaps to outsiders it may seem a little like he’s acting like a goofball, but for those who know him, this is pure Fitz. The Sandburg graduate fell in love with Northwestern when he played football for the Wildcats and he is super pumped when good things happen to the school.

It’s kind of cool to see that.

I can’t imagine any other college football coach in the country that would lead a crowd in cheers at a basketball game.

Never said this before…

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Kendall Coyne, shown at a Sandburg rally after winning a silver medal in 2014, and her USA Hockey teammates are talking about boycotting a world championship event.

holds this possible boycott against the current team in the future, that could spell trouble for Coyne and her teammates.

Not to be overdramatic, but is this the last we see of Kendall Coyne in a USA uniform?

I hope not. Hopefully egos will be put aside and some meaningful negotiations will take place.

The Fitz blitz Orland Park native and Northwestern football coach Pat Fitzgerald had a ton of fun cheering on the Wildcats’ men’s basketball team in its historic two-game run in the NCAA Tournament. It’s the first time the team ever made it to the big dance.

During the Wildcats’ opening-round game against Vanderbilt on Thursday, Fitzgerald actually went down on the floor and led cheers in front on an NU section. He was also shown on social media in the Wildcats locker room going

I have used all of these words in a sentence before, but not in this order: The other day I was listening to Northwestern’s men’s basketball team playing in the NCAA Tournament on the radio and during a commercial I switched to listen to the defending World Series champion Cubs.

Coming up Just a few things coming up in our friendly sports section…

Thanks to St. Xavier University’s women’s basketball team’s deep run in the NAIA Division II Tournament and Moraine Valley qualifying for the National Junior College Athletic Association, we had to put a few things on hold.

Unless some giant-size news busts wide open in the next few weeks, we are looking at running a look at spring sports next Thursday, March 30. On April 6, we will announce our athletes of the year in boys swimming and boys and girls bowling. On April 13, we will announce our athletes of the year in boys and girls basketball and wrestling.

Also on April 6, Jim Kirby’s hunting column will run — we have gotten some good feedback from his March column. And on April 13, Tim Cronin will debut as a golf columnist. He will mostly cover the local scene but will also have some thoughts on the national scene as well.

Photo courtesy of Northwestern University

NU football coach Pat Fitzgerald was wild and enthusiastic during the Wildcats’ historic men’s basketball run in the NCAA Tournament.

This is how the high school baseball season started…

The Illinois High School Association baseball and softball seasons opened on March 13 but some snow hit the area early in the week and fields, such as this one at Richards High School, were unplayable. A few games were played later in the week after the snow melted.

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Moraine

Continued from Page 1 season, coach Delwyn Jones had a good feeling about this team.

The dynamic duo of Drynan and Borgen and their ability to dominate inside, had the coach thinking big.

“I really feel that there’s no way we can’t go to nationals as long as we stay healthy,” Jones said during the preseason. “This team is just flat-out good.’’

On the court, they proved him right as the Cyclones won 31 of 33 games with their only losses coming to Triton (69-67) and Kankakee (83-74) and ran the table in the Skyway Conference.

But late in the season, the NJCAA ordered the

forfeiture of 15 games for using ineligible players and the Cyclones were given a 4-8 mark in the conference and entered the nationals with a 16-17 record.

Jones called them “very minor infractions” and there was no intent to cheat.

He also said that the team was able to get through the disappointment of being stripped those victories and made it to the nationals.

“They have fought and have never given up,” Jones said. “We feel the world is against us and tried to take away some things we felt we earned legitimately.’’

The area has one other connection in the tournament.

Evergreen Park’s Megan Pfister, a 5-foot-9 sophomore, is playing for Kankakee Community College, which had a first-round game on Wednesday night.

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Photo by Jeff Vorva

Queen of Peace coach George Shimko said several of his players will be joining him at St. Laurence next season.

Photo courtesy of Moraine Valley Community College

Moraine Valley assistant coach Sean Mackey talks with the players on Tuesday. The Cyclones were beaten in the first round of the NJCAA Division II Championship tournament.

ANY SIZE ORDER MONDAY – WEDNESDAY

4

Section 2 Thursday, March 23, 2017

The Regional News - The Reporter

Warm welcome on a cool day for national runner-up SXU

The bus carrying the St. Xavier University women’s basketball team pulls into campus on March 15, one day after the Cougars finished second in the nation in NAIA Division II play.

Less than 24 hours after losing to Marian (Ind.) in the NAIA Division II National Championship game, SXU women’s basketball player emerge from their bus and are greeted by cheers from dozens of fans at the Chicago campus.

Dozens of fans welcomed the Cougars during an impromptu homecoming for the women’s basketball team.

THROUGH THE YEARS AT THE NATIONALS St. Xavier University’s women’s basketball team has gone to the NAIA Division II National Championship tournament 15 straight years. Here is a look at how the Cougars have fared:

Year W-L End result 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

0-1 0-1 0-1 1-1 1-1 0-1 1-1 2-1 0-1 1-1 1-1 0-1 2-1 1-1 4-1

Lost to Montana Western in debut Lost to Vanguard in sophomore eff rt Lost to Point Loma Nazarene by 19 First national win came against Carroll Second split in a row Lost a three-point heartbreaker to Lubbock Christian Ousted by four points by Oklahoma City First year of multiple wins but lost by four to Azusa Pacifi Lost to Shawnee State Eliminated after a four-point loss to Westmont Blew out St. Thomas before 13-point loss to St. Francis (Ind.) Lost by 25 to College of the Ozarks Got revenge with seven-point win over College of the Ozarks Stunned by Goshen in the second round Finished second in the nation

Photos by Jeff Vorva Oak Lawn’s Bob Hallberg, the only women’s basketball coach in SXU history, shows the national runnerup trophy off to the crowd.

SXU student assistant coach Maloree Johnson, a former player for the Cougars, shows off the trophy her team won at the NAIA Division II National Championship.

SXU football coach Mike Feminis, the only coach in school history to win a national title as his football team won in 2011, talks with women’s basketball coach/athletic director Bob Hallberg during the Cougars’ homecoming.

SXU junior Kara Krolicki, the NAIA Division II Player of the Year, thanks the crowd for its support during the season.

Hugs were the norm after the Cougars returned home from their nine-day trip to Sioux City, Iowa, for the NAIA nationals.

The Regional News - The Reporter

448-6161

For Sale

For Sale

For Sale

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION

WELLS FARGO BANK N.A., AS TRUSTEE, FOR CARRINGTON MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2006-NC4 ASSET-BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES Plaintiff, -v.MICHAEL HOLDEN, ANGELA BOROWSKI, HOUSEHOLD FINANCE CORPORATION III, CITY OF CHICAGO, MIDLAND FUNDING LLC, CHASE BANK USA, N. A Defendants

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF THE CWABS, INC., ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-1 Plaintiff, -v.DANIEL CAGALA AKA DANIEL J. CAGALA AKA DANIEL J. CAGALA JR., CAROLYN CAGALA AKA CAROLYN D. CAGALA, VILLAGE OF OAK LAWN, STACEY VALLARTA, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION GREEN TREE SERVICING LLC Plaintiff, -v.SIE KHALIL Defendants 12 CH 39434 10619 SOUTH TOD DRIVE PALOS HILLS, IL 60465 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on March 10, 2016, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on April 26, 2017, 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 10619 SOUTH TOD DRIVE, PALOS HILLS, IL 60465 Property Index No. 23-13-113-006-0000. The real estate is improved with a red brick split level single family home; two 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 12339.

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. 12339 Attorney Code. 60489 Case Number: 12 CH 39434 TJSC#: 36-12989 I713562

15 CH 3521 10635 LOMBARD AVENUE Chicago Ridge, IL 60415 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 23, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on April 24, 2017, 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 10635 LOMBARD AVENUE, Chicago Ridge, IL 60415 Property Index No. 24-17-122-010-0000.

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $254,816.57.

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.

5

Thursday, March 23, 2017 Section 2

16 CH 11326 10721 LAWLER 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 January 12, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on May 1, 2017, 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 10721 LAWLER AVENUE, Oak Lawn, IL 60453 Property Index No. 24-16-417-007-0000.

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $217,238.53.

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 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.

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.

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 120, NAPERVILLE, IL 60563, (630) 453-6960 For bidding instructions, visit www.fal-illinois.com. Please refer to file number F14100121.

For information, contact the sales department, ANSELMO LINDBERG OLIVER LLC, 1771 W. Diehl Road, Suite 120, NAPERVILLE, IL 60563, (630) 453-6960 For bidding instructions, visit www.fal-illinois.com. Please refer to file number F16070135.

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.

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 120 NAPERVILLE, IL 60563 (630) 453-6960 E-Mail: foreclosurenotice@fal-illinois.com Attorney File No. F14100121 Attorney ARDC No. 3126232 Attorney Code. 58852 Case Number: 15 CH 3521 TJSC#: 37-1038

ANSELMO LINDBERG OLIVER LLC 1771 W. Diehl Road, Suite 120 NAPERVILLE, IL 60563 (630) 453-6960 E-Mail: foreclosurenotice@fal-illinois.com Attorney File No. F16070135 Attorney ARDC No. 3126232 Attorney Code. 58852 Case Number: 16 CH 11326 TJSC#: 37-680

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.

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.

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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION TAYLOR, BEAN & WHITAKER MORTGAGE CORP. Plaintiff, -v.DONALD A. TIETZ, PAMELA D. TIETZ, MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., CAPITAL ONE BANK (USA), N.A., MALLARD LANDINGS HOMEOWNER’S ASSOCIATION Defendants 15 CH 013551 16810 HIGHBUSH 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 January 27, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on May 1, 2017, 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 16810 HIGHBUSH ROAD, ORLAND PARK, IL 60467 Property Index No. 27-29-211-007, Property Index No. (27-29-201-010 underlying).

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 14-15-14568.

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.

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.

I717051

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK TRUST, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR LSF9 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST Plaintiff, -v.BRYAN J. DAHLSTROM, TERRY A. DAHLSTROM, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 15 CH 005413 8707 S. 81ST COURT 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 January 31, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on May 2, 2017, 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 8707 S. 81ST COURT, HICKORY HILLS, IL 60457 Property Index No. 23-02-205-020-0000.

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.

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 14-15-05165.

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.

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.

I717058

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

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis.

To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1 (800) 669-9777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is: 1 (800) 927-9275.

6

Section 2 Thursday, March 23, 2017

448-6161

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The Regional News • The Reporter

Thursday, March 23, 2017

O&A MOVIE REVIEW

‘Beauty and the Beast’ works, but film takes no giant leaps The new “Beauty and the Beast” attempts, strangely, to be both different and absolutely the same as the animated Disney classic of the same name from 1991 directed by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise.

Almost all of the original film is in this remake, but director Bill Condon — armed with screenwriters Stephen Chbosky and Evan Spiliotopoulos — has added scenes of unnecessary backstory and a few too many ill-timed attempts at humor.

Disney music legends Alan Menken and Tim Rice have also been brought on to add songs to the score originally composed by Menken and the late Howard Ashmore. These new songs are incompatible both in style and quality next to the classics once again on display.

However, when Condon and crew aren’t trying to add to the story, it works just fine. Condon has directed this film with such arresting visual intensity and playfulness that it’s hard not to get caught up in the magic, despite the unnecessary additions.

Emma Watson plays Belle, the beautiful bookworm heroine of this “tale old as time”. She pines for adventure outside of her insular village where knowledge is frowned upon, especially if it is in regard to women, and she’s the object of unwanted affection by the town narcissist Gaston (Luke Evans).

Belle, however, finds herself the prisoner of a monster when her father (Kevin Kline) stumbles upon his enchanted castle filled with talking appliances. The Beast (Dan Stevens) wants to take him as a prisoner for trespassing. Belle, being kind and loving, requests to take her father’s place. Thus begins a journey into unconventional romance.

Stevens works as the Beast. His voice, both when speaking and singing, exudes authority and austerity.

The CGI rendering of the Beast at times is spotty, but mostly effective.

Watson in a general sense is fine, but struggles

VARIETY

BRIAN LAUGHRAN here and there. Her singing voice is thin and sounds as though it has been digitally manipulated. And what this Belle possesses in intelligence and agency, she lacks in pluck and fire.

Evans is the real standout of the cast. His interpretation of Gaston begins as funny and cartoonish, but then twists into pure villainy. Evans also possesses one of the strongest singing voices in the cast. His scenes with Josh Gad’s LeFou — Gaston’s sniveling crony — are among some of the best character work in the film.

The voice actors of the servants-turned-appliances run the gamut. Ian McKellen and Ewan McGregor ably lead the pack as the grumpy clock Cogsworth and suave candelabra Lumiere, respectively.

Emma Thompson, playing the matronly tea kettle Mrs. Potts, may not possess the singing chops of the original Angela Lansbury, but she owns the character in a different, entertaining way.

However, I found the voices of Audra McDonald and Stanley Tucci rather campy and obnoxious as a dresser and harpsichord that were once married.

Still, I’m giving the film a modest recommendation for its great visuals and working as a generally fun time at the movies. Despite having been here before, there’s still a little old school Disney magic floating around.

RATING: C

Southwest • Section 2, Page 7

BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS Abstract art class set for McCord

An abstract art workshop is set for 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 25 at the McCord Gallery and Cultural Center, 9602 West Creek Road, Palos Park.

“This is truly exciting, as this is the first time abstract art will be taught in a classroom setting at McCord,” officials noted in a press release. “It is an open invitation to explore ways to think outside of the box by using color, found objects and informal techniques to create abstract art.”

The public is invited, and space is limited. Registration is $115 for members of McCord and $125 for non-members. For more information or to make a reservation, call (708) 671-0648.

Show tunes concert set for Trinity

The Southwest Symphony Orchestra, in concert with Grande Prairie Chorale and the Moraine Chorale, will present an afternoon of Rodgers and Hammerstein favorites at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 26 in the Ozinga Auditorium at Trinity Christian College, 6601 W. College Drive, Palos Heights.

Reserved “artist’s circle” tickets range in price from $26 for adults to $6 for students. “Open seating” tickets are priced slightly lower. Children age 12 and under are admitted at no charge.

Tickets will be available at the door. They may be reserved at Will Call by calling (708) 802-0686.

Tickets are also available online at southwestsymphony.com or via phone at 1-800-838-3006.

Perhaps the most famous musical theater songwriting team in U.S. history, Rodgers and Hammerstein are best known for their work on “Oklahoma!”, “South Pacific,” “The King and I” and The Sound of Music,” among others.

The Center sets event slate

The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park, is offering several events in the days ahead.

For more information, or to register for a program, call (708) 361-3650.

• “Womantalk!” is set for 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, March 28. Womantalk! is a nurturing and supportive discussion group, focusing on the months in Sarah Ban Breathnach’s “Simple Abundance” book, or any Brian Laughran’s movie reviews will appear the other inspirational resources that attendees would second and fourth Thursdays of every month. like to bring to share. The focus is on learning to live authentically, joyfully, simply, gracefully and gratefully, according to a publicity blurb. Participants are asked to call ahead to confirm attendance.

• “Luncheon: Between Two Comets: The Life Of Mark Twain” is scheduled for noon to 2 p.m.

Tuesday, March 28. Writer Mark Twain lived his life between the Halley’s Comets of 1835 and

1910. During that time, he penned some of the most beloved and controversial literature of the 19th century. Local actor Terry Lynch will portray Twain, discussing his life, writings and constant struggle to be accepted by society and to support his family with his work. Luncheon cost is $22, and reservations must be made in advance.

• “Mommy & Me Art: Spring Painting Workshop” is expected to run from 11 a.. to noon Wednesday, March 29. Instructor Karen Signore will read a spring-themed story to start the class. Participants will have a choice of working on their own small painting on canvas or completing a larger canvas together, and to experiment with paint by mixing new colors and finger painting techniques. Workshop fee is $11 per person. The class is designed for mothers or grandmothers with children ages 3-6, but the instructor is open to family members of all ages attending “Mommy and Me.”

Bridge Teen Center provides free events

The Bridge Teen Center, 15555 S. 71st Ct., Orland Park, is offering several free events for teens in seventh through 12th grade in the week ahead. For more information on activities, call (708) 532-0500.

• “The Voice Night with open mic” starts at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 24. Students will be able to sign up for a fusion of “The Voice,” and “Name That Tune.” Free food samples will be provided by TruGurt. This is a “high school after hours night.

Grade school students must leave by 10:30 p.m., but high school students are invited to stay until midnight.

• “SAT Prep w/C2” is for high school students and runs from 5 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 28, Students will learn about the SAT and some secret strategies to help them do their best on the test.

• “Start Your Summer Garden w/Priscilla” is set for 4 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 29. Plenty of tips for growing a beautifully-plentiful garden will be offered.

• “What it’s Like to Be a Police Officer” is scheduled for 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 29.

Alsip police officers will show students what it’s like to serve and protect a community.

• “Paint & Distress Furniture w/Evilena’s Red Dresser” runs from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, March 30. Students will learn the “how to” tips and give a plain piece of furniture a new look.

• “Movie Trivia & Brain Busters Night” is set for 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, March 31, Students are invited to play movie trivia and brain games at The Bridge. Free food samples will be provided

by White Castle.

OMARR’S WEEKLY ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST

By Jeraldine Saunders

Scott Kirkland/PictureGroup/Sipa USA/TNS

The cast of “This is Us” includes Chris Sullivan, Ron Cephas Jones, Mandy Moore, Susan Kelechi Watson, Justin Hartley, Chrissy Metz, Sterling K. Brown and Milo Ventimiglia at the 2016 PaleyFest Fall TV Previews on September 13, 2016 in Beverly Hills, Calif.

Behind the scenes of ‘This Is Us’ emotional memorial episode

By Debra Birnbaum It had been raining for a week straight in Los Angeles, but the skies cleared on the late January day that the cast and crew of “This Is Us” assembled on the streets of Hancock Park to shoot William’s memorial.

The Pearson clan — Randall (Sterling K. Brown), Beth (Susan Kelechi Watson), and their daughters; Kate (Chrissy Metz) and boyfriend Toby (Chris Sullivan); Kate (Mandy Moore) and husband Miguel (Jon Huertas); and Kevin (Justin Hartley) — all donned colorful party hats for their walk in memory of William (Ron Cephas Jones), whose strolls through the neighborhood had become part of his daily routine. The “fun-eral,” as Randall had dubbed it, was all part of the girls’ plan to honor their grandfather, who’d left them in charge of planning his memorial.

Though the skies stayed clear, the waterworks started when mother and son finally make up, as Rebecca apologizes with a lengthy, heartbreaking speech explaining why she’d kept the secret of William’s existence from Randall for so long. “What if he

started using again and broke your heart? What if he tried to take you back?” she tells him. “It was selfish and wrong and I want you to know that I am just so deeply sorry that you didn’t have more time with him. That I kept you from having more time with him.”

Take after take, Moore delivers the monologue with deep emotion — breaking down in tears. There’s not a dry eye on the set — or in the high-tech van that’s serving as a makeshift video village. KJ Steinberg, who wrote the episode with Vera Herbert, is wiping away a flood of tears, though Herbert is surprisingly a bit more impassive. “You’re heartless,” cracks Steinberg. “How did you not cry?”

The show’s makeup artist is fretting about the state of Moore’s prosthetics, which turn the 32-year-old actress into a sixtysomething grandmother. “This is when we discover that crying is the perfect makeup remover,” she says. “Don’t go in any tighter,” she cautions Yasu Tanida, the director of photography.

Meanwhile on the set, Brown is experimenting with different reactions to Moore’s speech. He starts out stoically, but by the end, the

tears are pouring down. “(Director) Wendey (Stanzler) wanted a more emotional take,” he tells Variety. “My thinking was that so much has happened I wanted (the forgiveness) to be more earned. Today of all days love is what is needed. There’s room for some mercy. Have it build to that.”

The take with his tears is, naturally, what made the final cut.

Brown says the reconciliation will be a lasting one. “I think they’re back,” he says. “He’s a mama’s boy. He adores his mother.

I expect them to be thick as thieves going forward.”

But it was a long time in coming, he adds.

“It’s interesting because the reconciliation was going to happen at Christmas,” he says. “And (showrunner) Dan (Fogelman) said he felt like it was too easy, too short. I felt like there’s a lot of history that can’t be reconciled in one day. So I knew that it was coming before the end of the season. I knew it was time. Every time I was out, people would ask me, what’s going to happen with Randall and Rebecca? And I’d say, I think it’s going to be OK.”

ARIES (March 21-April 19): As the first week of spring unfolds your fancies may turn to thoughts of love. You might be inspired by the first daffodil peeking out of the ground or wallow in a mire of unrealistic ideas. Avoid conversational mix-ups.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Plotting and planning might be on your mind in the week ahead.

Harness your vivid imagination and put it to the test. You may be energized to make money but could just as easily find ways to spend it.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Fuzzy thinking is not the same thing as fuzzy logic. In the week ahead be sure to communicate clearly and avoid becoming bogged down in details. Your physical energy levels are high, so tackle odd jobs.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Too many friends can spoil the broth. You can never have too many well-wishers in your corner, but your time might be eaten up by texting and email messages in the week to come. Avoid extravagant purchases.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): The more the merrier is fine until you want some rest. In the week to come your contact with numerous people might help you realize how necessary it is for you to have a special someone as the center of your life.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Keep your money in your pocket.

You may be attracted to something or someone that is not worthy of your attention as this week unfolds. Focus on learning how to perform physical tasks or pursue constructive ideas.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): You are never too old to learn new tricks. You could join a group that shares your interests or widens your scope. There may be a few times in the week ahead when you think the truth has been stretched too far.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): During the week to come it might seem that the more money you make the more you must spend.

Your participation in group activities might cost more than you expect. Find ways to apply wisdom to your finances.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You might end up running in circles as this week unfolds.

Put a puzzling problem on the back burner and concentrate on getting caught up with a backlog of essential tasks around the home and office.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Don’t pretend to be someone you aren’t. You might think you can get away with hiding your past or your faults but it will seem silly in hindsight. In the week ahead ask friends to help you achieve your goals.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You may feel it necessary to defend yourself from unwarranted criticism concerning the way you handle your possessions or bank account. You may be challenged in the week ahead to handle a tight schedule.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Win the wrestling match with your conscience. Someone might be more successful than you, but that does not diminish your innate gifts. Brief feelings of inadequacy may undermine your confidence this week.

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

OUT & ABOUT

The Regional News • The Reporter

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Southwest • Section 2, Page 8

WOLFGANG PUCK’S KITCHEN

A perfect pear: Late-harvest pears and dried fruit make a spring dessert

By Wolfgang Puck As spring arrives, there are so many good reasons for food lovers everywhere to rejoice. Yet, often, the last thing you want to do when the days are suddenly longer, brighter and warmer is to spend time in the kitchen when you have fun things waiting to be done outside, from playing with your family and friends to going for a walk to working in your garden.

My favorite activity right now, not surprisingly, is to visit the farmers’ market to see what wonderful produce the season has to offer. And one of the items I enjoy the most right now is a fruit that many people associate with just autumn and winter: pears.

Yes, the plump, juicy, sweet and aromatic tree fruit most often graces out tables during the holidays. But you can still find some excellent varieties for sale well into springtime, particularly elongated, brown-skinned Bosc pears, with their good, strong pear flavor and an almost crunchy texture that makes them an excellent candidate for cooking as well as eating raw. You’ll also find both green-skinned and red-skinned Anjou pears, which are plumper in shape, with a firm texture and a flavor that ranges from bright

and almost lemony for the green variety to the slightly spicier red ones.

That’s why I’d like to share one of my favorite simple recipes featuring pears. This home-style compote highlights the fruit’s distinctive character by briefly cooking it with tart dried cherries, fruity German- or Austrian-style white wine, a little lemon juice and a fresh vanilla bean.

The recipe takes almost no time for you to prepare. All you have to do is spend a few minutes quartering, peeling and coring the pears, and then combine them with the other ingredients to marinate for an hour while you go do something else. Lastly, you cook the pears for just 15 minutes before letting them cool to room temperature for serving.

Simplicity also rules in the way you serve them. Just spoon a few pear quarters, cherries and the cooking juices into serving bowls, garnish with mint, and you’re ready to enjoy a treat that tastes as fresh as springtime — and would make a perfect addition to your holiday table for Easter or Passover.

You’ll also notice, by the way, that the recipe doesn’t include even a spoonful of added sugar.

That’s because the pears and the wine in which they are briefly poached provide enough sweet-

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:

“LION”: Recently nominated for six Oscars including best picture, this affecting, fact-inspired drama follows the journey of Saroo, who — as a youngster (played

by Sunny Pawar) — is separated from his family in India, then is taken in and raised by an Australian couple (Oscar nominee Nicole Kidman and David Wenham). Still haunted by his heritage a quartercentury later (and portrayed at that point by Dev Patel, also Academy Award-nominated), he uses the then-nascent Google Earth to find his biological family. Rooney Mara also appears in the moving tale as the central character’s girlfriend. DVD extras: deleted scenes; photo gallery; music video. **** (PG-13: AS) (Also on Bluray and On Demand) “SING”: The proceedings are musical, indeed, in a world of animals as the title of this enjoyable computer-animation tale infers. Against a soundtrack of very familiar tunes, Matthew McConaughey leads an all-star voice cast as a koala who owns a theater, but it faces closure unless the needed funds are raised through a vocal competition he stages. The finalists include a pig (voice of Reese Witherspoon), a mouse (voice of Seth MacFarlane), a porcupine (voice of Scarlett Johansson) and a gorilla (voice of Taron Egerton, “Kingsman: The Secret Service”).

John C. Reilly, Nick Offerman (“Parks and Recreation”), Jennifer Hudson, Rhea Perlman and several “Saturday Night Live” veterans — Laraine Newman, Jay Pharoah and Leslie Jones — also are heard.

The film’s writer-director, Garth Jennings, voices a senior-citizen iguana. *** (PG: AS) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “LIVE BY NIGHT”: Ben Affleck turns director again with this period drama that pays heed to the Boston area where he was raised, the setting of a post-World War I story he adapted from a Dennis Lehane novel, and in which he also stars as a military veteran on the wrong side of the law — to the obvious displeasure of his father (Brendan Gleeson), the city’s deputy police superintendent. As much as he’s against the establishment, there are criminal elements the felon refuses to work for or with, eventually prompting him to take his illegal activities to Florida ... where he finds that you can run, but you can’t hide. The impressive cast also includes Elle Fanning, Chris Messina, Sienna Miller, Zoe Saldana, Chris Cooper and Clark Gregg (“Marvel’s Agents

of S.H.I.E.L.D.”). DVD extras: deleted scenes. *** (R: AS, N, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “MISS SLOANE”: Jessica Chastain does a fine job playing both strong and vulnerable in director John Madden’s (“Shakespeare in Love”) drama about a Washington, D.C., lobbyist whose own past could influence her approach to a controversial issue ... namely, background checks for gun owners. Political and corporate intrigue come into play big-time, with Chastain’s alter ego Elizabeth Sloane at the center of various interests’ agendas.

The excellent supporting cast includes Sam Waterston, John Lithgow, Mark Strong, Michael Stuhlbarg, Alison Pill (“The Newsroom”) and Dylan Baker. DVD extra: “making-of” documentary. *** (R: AS, P) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “MASTER OF NONE: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON”: Aziz Ansari’s seriocomic, widely acclaimed Netflix series comes to home video, with the star and co-creator playing a New York-based actor trying to survive life’s turns personally and professionally. Among his concerns are his heritage and what he owes his parents, his struggles to overcome being stereotyped, and his budding — and easily derailed — romance with a music publicist (Noel Wells). The co-writer of virtually all of the episodes (along with fellow show creator Alan Yang), Ansari also directed a couple of them. *** (Not rated: AS, P)

COMING SOON:

“FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM” (March 28): The J.K. Rowling story casts Eddie Redmayne as a “magizoolgist” who loses several of his fantastic beasts in mid-1920s New York. (PG-13: V) “A MONSTER CALLS” (March 28): A troubled youngster (Lewis MacDougall) with an ill mother finds a very unexpected ally in a tree monster. (PG-13: AS) “20TH CENTURY WOMEN” (March 28): Annette Bening plays a woman who recruits others to help raise her son in the late 1970s; Greta Gerwig and Elle Fanning also star. (R: AS, N, P) “WHY HIM?” (March 28): A conservative man (Bryan Cranston) is unsettled by his daughter’s choice of boyfriend (James Franco). (R: AS, P) “OFFICE CHRISTMAS PARTY” (April 4): Workers refuse to let their branch’s pending closure wreck their holiday bash; Jennifer Aniston, Jason Bateman and T.J. Miller star. (R: AS, N, P) FAMILY-VIEWING GUIDE KEY: AS, adult situations; N, nudity; P, profanity; V, violence; GV, particularly graphic violence.

ness on their own, making this an especially healthy dessert to enjoy at just around the time you might be thinking about fitting into your swimsuit. After all, we’re only three months away!

PEAR AND DRIED SOUR CHERRY COMPOTE Serves 8 to 10 • 8 large firm, but ripe Bosc or Anjou pears, peeled • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice • 1 cup (250 mL) dried sour cherries • 1/2 vanilla bean • 2 cups (500 mL) fruity, aromatic white wine such as gewurztraminer or riesling • 8 to 10 small sprigs fresh mint With a small, sharp knife, cut each pear lengthwise in half, and then remove the stem and core.

Cut the halves in two and put the quarters in a medium mixing bowl. Drizzle the lemon juice and toss well to coat the pears.

Loosely arrange the pear quarters in a single layer in a nonreactive 12-inch (30-cm) skillet.

Scatter in the dried cherries.

With the small, sharp knife, cut

Dreamstime.com

Green Anjou pears have a firm texture and a bright, almost lemony flavor.

the piece of vanilla bean lengthwise in half. With the back edge of the knife blade, carefully scrape the tiny vanilla seeds from the middle of each half. Put the seeds and the bean halves in the pan with the pears. Pour the wine over the pears, cover the skillet, and leave the pears at room temperature to

marinate for about 1 hour.

Leaving the pears covered, transfer the skillet to the stove over medium heat. When the wine is almost at a boil, reduce the heat to very low and cook until the pears are barely tender enough to be pierced easily with the tip of a sharp knife, about 15 minutes

depending on ripeness.

Transfer the pears and their liquid from the skillet to a heatproof bowl and leave to cool. Serve at room temperature, arranging 3 or 4 pear quarters in each serving bowl and then spooning the cherries and sauce over the pears. Garnish each serving with a mint sprig.

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