Thursday, July 9, 2015 The Reporter
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in the end, they finished nearly three hours ahead of schedule, with a time of 69 hours, 6 minutes, 52 seconds. Lerner himself ran the eighth leg of the relay. “We have a great team,” Lerner said Sunday, as he watched Alsip resident Josh Maier, 19, a Shepard High School alumnus and former state champion long-distance runner, burn up the track early Sunday afternoon. “Josh and Abel [Hernandez] are two of our best and fastest, the guys you want to bring it home strong at the end.” Minutes later, Maier--who currently runs track for the Southern Illinois University Salukis—ended his final lap and handed the baton to Hernandez, 20, a fellow Alsip resident and Shepard grad, as well as a current track star for the St. Xavier University Cougars. Hernandez, who as a freshman set an SXU record in the 10,000-meter run, had requested to be the anchorman of the marathon relay. “He’s fast, he’s steady, he’s reliable,” Lerner said of Hernandez. “It’s hard to imagine a better runner to anchor this event.” Others shared the assessment of Hernandez. “Look at him,” said Palos Heights resident Cheri Boland, who ran track in high school about 20 years ago. “He runs so steady and smooth, I’ll bet you could balance a teacup on his head and it wouldn’t fall off.” Hernandez did not disappoint, hitting the tape with a burst of energy to the cheers of a crowd of more than 100 fellow runners and fans. Most of the runners who made the run at the record book are current or former students from Shepard and Trinity Christian,
as well as Richards High School and Moraine Valley Community College. Co-organizer Dimitri Dimizas is a track and cross-country coach at Richards and Moraine Valley. He ran the 11th leg of the relay, at about 11 p.m. last Thursday. “I’m glad we met our goal,” he told The Regional News on Monday. “We knew what our team was capable of doing, but to actually see it happen is amazing. The runners did what we knew they could do—run--but I was amazed and will be ever thankful by the time, commitment and support that the volunteers showed. “Even in the cold, rain, and heat, they cheered for people they’ve never met,” he continued. “Without them this wouldn’t be possible.” Dimizas gave special praise to runners who traveled to participate. “We had two runners fly into Chicago -one from London, Ontario and the other from Atlanta, Georgia--run that same day, and then fly back,” he noted. “That kind of commitment and support has been overwhelming.” More than a run for a record, the event was designed to raise awareness of cancer and funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society—all to honor and support Shepard High School special-education teacher Bridget Durkin, who has battled the disease for nearly a year. Some $800 has been raised through registration fees, with more coming in via T-shirt sales and other donations, Dimizas said. Since donations are accepted through July 25, a final tally is not yet available. Those who missed the event but want to be a part of history and make a donation to fight leukemia are advised to visit tinyurl.com/PalosHeightsWorldRecord online.
Photo by Tim Hadac
Savoring their success as event co-organizers are track and cross country coaches Dimitri Dimizas (left) and Joseph Lerner. The 100 athletes, many of whom are or were coached by one or both of the pair, finished the 625-mile relay race in just over 69 hours, well ahead of their 72-hour goal.
Submitted photo
CineVerse, an Oak Lawn film group, celebrated its 10 anniversary. Current members include (from left to right: back row) Jeff Kueltzo, Len Gornik, Farrell McNulty, Dan Quenzel, Brian Hansen, group founder/moderator Erik Martin, Tom Nesis, Pat McMahon, Janet Pierucci, Larry Leipart, Rose Krc, Carole Bogaard, Mike Bochenek, Peggy Quinn, and Joe Valente; (front row) Don McGoldrick, Ken Demski, Marce Demski, Danealle Kueltzo, and Jeannie Johnson. th
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to research them. “I don’t pride myself on being a know-it-all on this stuff,’’ he said. “I think the majority would agree that one of the great pleasures of CineVerse is discovering stuff that you would have never seen on your own. And it’s important to hear other viewpoints. It’s great to hear what people like and don’t like about a movie. It’s a communal, social experience. “The crux of it, to me, is that you watch movies all the time, but how often do you really talk about them? That’s what keeps everybody coming back.’’ Hometown’s Brian Hansen and Tom Nesis kicked off the discussion on the Marx Brothers double feature. While casual film viewers notice the obvious slapstick gags, from Groucho, Chico, Harpo and Zeppo, people like Hansen and Nesis observed some of the more subtle humor, double entendres and its satire on world events during the 1930s era in which the movies were made. Martin likes to bring facts about the movie to the table. He examined the Marx Brothers movies of the early 1930s with some of their later works for MGM, in which more music and love-interest storylines were featured. “This isn’t trivia,” he said. “I try to find out what is contextually interesting. Historically
Community Briefs CRESTWOOD Animal Welfare League, Petsmart Charities to host adoption even at Petsmart The Animal Welfare League and Petsmart Charities are teaming up for a life-saving mobile pet adoption event at the Petsmart Store in Crestwood, 4975 Cal Sag Road, Saturday, July 11 and Sunday, July 12 from noon to 6 p.m. each day. Cal Sag Road. Adoptable shelter dogs, cats, puppies and kittens will be on-hand for on-site pet adoptions. The Animal Welfare League will be adopting dogs for $145 and cats for $42.50. When someone adopts a cat, they will get another one free. All pets are spayed/neutered, fully vaccinated, micro-chipped and ready to go home. A leash and collar will be included. There is a10-day health guarantee and a 30-day money back guarantee also included. In celebration of Independence Day, and recognizing our military men and women, the event is titled “Paws for Patriots”. The AWL is offering all veterans and active military a 50 percent discount on all adoptions that weekend at the event. Other participating rescues and organizations include: Animal Care League, The Australian Cattle Dog Rescue, Cry for Help, All Herding Breed Rescue, Hinsdale Humane Society, It’s a Pittie Rescue, NAWS, South Suburban Humane Society, STRAES and the Illinois Horse Rescue. These organizations too will be offering on-site adoptions and special adoption pricing. EVERGREEN PARK Evergreen Public Library to raise funds with ultimate block party in August The Evergreen Park Public Library, 9400 S Troy, is hosting the “Ultimate Block Party” Saturday, Aug. 8 from 6 to 10 p.m., rain or shine. Evergreen Park’s own singer/songwriter Katie Quick and her high-energy band will provide live music. The cost is $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Participants will receive an entry wristband and 10 tickets for food or beverages, including beer and wine. For more information, and registration, call 422-8522, or visit evergreenparklibrary.org. Credit cards will be accepted. Fifth Third Bank is the latest sponsor of the library fundraising event. More sponsors are needed. Please contact seidln@evergreenparklibrary.org. Evergreen Park Chamber invites members, guests to annual golf outing The Evergreen Park Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual golf outing Friday, July 31 at the Fountain Hills Golf Course, Alsip. Registration will begin at noon and there is a 1 p.m. shotgun tee-off time. The golf outing, including a cart, and the barbecue is $65. The barbecue only is $25. There are other pricing opportunities as well. For more information, or to register, visit evergreenparkchamber.org/events. Look for EPCC Golf Outing.
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OAK LAWN Golfers welcome to Park Lawn’s 30th annual golf invitational Golfers are invited show off their golf skills at Park Lawn’s 30th annual “A Day in the Sun” golf invitational Monday, July 20 at Prestwick Country Club, 601 Prestwick Drive, Frankfort. Throughout the past 29 years, “A Day in the Sun” has raised more than $500,000 towards Park Lawn’s endowment, a fund established to ensure the future success of the organization. Golfers who participate in Park Lawn’s golf invitational can enjoy a grilled lunch with registration beginning at 10:30 a.m. The shot-gun start with scramble format will begin at 12:30 p.m. Throughout the day each golfer will experience 18 holes of golf with cart and caddy, cocktail reception, dinner, raffles and awards. Park Lawn’s “A Day in the Sun” golf outing is sponsored by Topline Automotive Engineering Inc. of Chicago. Additional sponsors include Charlie Gardner and Patti Eylar, The Lombard Company, Chase Bank and honoring Terry Barger. Sponsorships are still available, including tee and hole sponsorships, starting at $150. To register, contact the development office at 425-6867, or visit parklawn.com. PALOS HILLS Residents invited to stargaze on Moraine Valley’s observatory open viewing days Residents and their guests are invited to check out the stars at Moraine Valley Community College, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills, as it hosts its series of telescope open viewing nights this season. This is the 13th year of free public viewings. This season’s schedule includes the following Fridays: Aug. 21 at 8 p.m., Sept. 18 at 7:20 p.m. and Oct. 23 at 6:15 p.m. Viewings will be canceled if the sky is cloudy or there are high winds. Dates and times are subject to change. All viewings are held at the telescope dome on the G. Jack Bradley Observation Deck, located on the west side of the college’s Nature Study Area, off Kean Avenue near 107th Street. Observers can park in lots east of Building P or in the west section of the Building D parking lot and then walk on the path to the observation deck. An adult or supervisor must accompany children. Observers are reminded to dress for the weather, wear insect repellent and bring binoculars if they have them. This season there should be good views of Jupiter, Saturn and the moon. Occasionally, the International Space Station passes into view. Tom McCague, retired associate professor, hosts the viewings. An amateur astronomer for more than 40 years, McCague built the telescope using common hardware store items and donated it to the college. The telescope is a 6½-foot Newtonian reflecting model with a 13-inch diameter. For more information, call Maura Vizza, Moraine Valley public relations generalist, at 974-5742, email VizzaM@morainevalley.edu or visit morainevalley.edu/naturestudy/events.
Photo by Jeff Vorva
Hometown’s Brian Hansen and Tom Nesis were two CineVerse attendees who had opinions on a Marx Brothers double feature. interesting. What’s relevant? What still resonates today? What were the themes? Were there any symbols or repeated patterns? What was the director going for? Why does this movie still hold up today? Or does it not hold up? Those important kinds of questions that I ask.’’ Ten years ago, the group started by watching the Orson Wells’ classic “Citizen Kane.’’ It’s been shown three times in 10 years. Martin remembers spirited debate over D.W. Griffith’s 1915 silent movie “Birth of a Nation,’’ which
features the founding of the Ku Klux Klan. Coming up in July and August include “Casablanca,” “Cool Hand Luke,” and “The Shawshank Redemption.’’ Martin did have an off-night, in which he snuck in some classically bad films. “It fell on April 1 and I told them a week before to show up because I had a special surprise planned,” he said. “I told them they would be watching clips from some of the greatest movies of all time. I told them I put a special package together
and we will talk about these. “We got a pretty good turnout. We hit the lights. I hit ‘play’ and suddenly we started watching ‘Mystery Science Theater 3000’ skewering ‘Manos the Hands of Fate,’ which is a real bad drive-in horror movie, and ‘Santa Claus Conquers the Martians.’ We tried to get those both in and we just couldn’t take it anymore. We had to turn it off. It was that bad.’’ Films are shown at 7 p.m. at the Oak View Center, 4625 S. 110th St. in Oak Lawn.
Saying goodbye to a ‘living history book’ By Michael Gilbert Correspondent More than 10 years have passed since George Lutz retired as Palos Hills’ public works commissioner, but Alderman Marty Kleefisch still vividly remembers the conversations the two would engage in at city hall. “George was a living history book,” Kleefisch (1st Ward) said. “He was a pilot in World War II, and he knew a lot about United States history so I would enjoy sitting down and conversing about that with him. He was a very bright man.” Mr. Lutz, who was hired in the mid-1980s as public works commissioner and served more than two decades in the position, died on June 26. He was 95. Mr. Lutz, who most recently called Burr Ridge home, held the rank of major in the United States Army Air Corps. A profile of Mr. Lutz on the Honor Flight Chicago website states he “almost circumnavigated the globe during his time with the US Air Transport Command.” He flew more than 600,000 miles and logged 3,200 hours while in the Army Air Corps. Following his time in the military, Mr. Lutz worked as general contractor building homes. He later came to Palos Hills and worked diligently to alleviate flooding in the city. “He helped eliminate a lot of flooding problems the city had at one time,” said Alderman Pauline Stratton (2nd Ward). “He was a good, hard worker. He had a lot of good ideas and he always followed through.” “He was very knowledgeable about his job,” Kleefisch added. “He saved the city quite a bit of money by the way he approached projects. Although he was the commissioner he wasn’t reluctant to climb down an excavation or do anything else he was asking his men to do.” Mayor Gerald Bennett was at the helm throughout Mr. Lutz’s entire tenure with the city. “He will always be remembered as one of the most dedicated employees whose contributions made some of the greatest improvements in changing the course of our city’s history,” Bennett said. “We were all fortunate to have him share part of his life with us.”
That admiration was mutual as evident by a campaign Bennett undertook in the week’s prior to Mr. Lutz participating in an Honor Flight Chicago trip to Washington D.C. last September. Charles Lutz contacted Bennett to see if he would ask those from the city who knew his father to write a letter of appreciation to be read during “Mail Call,” on the way back from Washington D.C. Charles Lutz told Bennett his father was never in the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion posts and then age 94, had outlived most of his comrades. “I heard from Honor Flight Chicago that most veterans receive between 200 to 500 letters, and our list of contacts was only George Lutz about 30,” Charles Lutz told In a letter to Bennett an- The Reporter last September. nouncing the passing of his We didn’t want my father to father, Charles Lutz told the be embarrassed so I asked the mayor that “until the end of [my city if the people who know my father’s] life, he never stopped dad wouldn’t mind writing a talking about you, the aldermen, letter for him to read back on your town and its citizens and the flight back.” especially the staff and team of tradesmen you have in the Bennett not only asked city public works department that employees to write a letter but served him so well.” he also opened the campaign to “He was so proud of that residents and students attendorganization and would brag ing North Palos School District that if there was ever a reality 117. The end result was more show about public works depart- than 2,000 people penning a ments, his team would put all letter of thanks to Mr. Lutz. others to shame,” Charles Lutz Palos Hills treasurer Ken Notold Bennett. “His time [in Palos lan said Mr. Lutz was simply Hills] were some of the happiest “a great guy.” of his life and his admiration “He always knew what he was for you and your dreams for doing even though he went on Palos Hills were always held into his mid 80s,” Nolan said. in high regard.” “He was an asset to the city.”
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