Richards baseball coach Wujcik reflects after reaching milestone
Marist fishing for state tourney win
REPORTER
SPORTS, Section 2
SPORTS
THE Volume LVIII, No. 9
Serving Chicago Ridge, Evergreen Park, Hickory Hills, Oak Lawn, Palos Hills and Worth
USPS 118-690
$1 Newstand 2 SECTIONS
Thursday, May 11, 2017
Carson’s thrives, Plaza project progresses A lot of stores could be up in June and July, says EP Mayor Sexton By Joe Boyle
last symbol of the old Plaza, was a portion of a wall that was visible as of last Thursday. The Evergreen Park Village Board approved special-use permits during their most recent meeting for outdoor seating at three restaurants. The outdoor seating was approved for Potbelly Sandwich Restaurant, Raising Cane’s and Mod Pizza. The demolition of the old Carson’s was expected to occur this spring. It did not receive the fanfare of the first phase of the demolition when the old Montgomery Ward’s building was leveled. Sexton is pleased because this means that soon the parking lot will be expanded and cleaned up to make way for the new retail stores that are being built alongside Carson’s. Additional retail stores that will be joining
The new Carson’s, the anchor for the new Evergreen Park Plaza, has exceeded expectations while plans for additional retail shops and restaurants are on schedule, according to Mayor James Sexton. “They are rocking,” Sexton said about the new Carson’s at 9700 S. Western Ave. “Business is doing very well there. I have heard they are very happy.” Specific figures on sales were not available, but staff at Carson’s said that business has been doing well despite ongoing construction along the old Plaza site. The old Carson’s building, which was located across the parking lot from the new facility, has been torn down. The only remnant of the old structure, the
Carson’s will be DSW, Petco, Five Below, TJ Maxx, Ulta, Rally House, 365, Carter’s Oshkosh, Dress Barn, and Dick’s Sporting Goods. The stores will extend as far north as Campbell Avenue. The old Carson’s was the last store that was still operating dating back to the early days of the old Evergreen Plaza. The store actually remained open until last September, when the new Carson’s held its grand opening. Along with Cane’s, Potbelly and Mod, Rusty Taco will be built along Western Avenue. Naf Naf Grill will eventually open between Potbelly and Mod. Outdoor seating is also scheduled to be available at Naf Naf Grill. Photo by Joe Boyle Applebee’s will continue to operate from an Retail stores are being built alongside the new Carson’s for the new Evergreen Plaza. The stores, many of which will open this summer, will
See PLAZA, Page 8 include DSW, Petco, TJ Maxx and Dick’s Sporting Goods Store.
SOUTHWEST HALF MARATHON & 10K
A picture-perfect day for runners Event in Palos Heights is judged a rousing success By Dermot Connolly
Photo by Joe Boyle
Hickory Hills residents Gus Papadrosos and his daughter, Maria, utilize the new outdoor exercise equipment at Kasey Meadow Park.
New park options in Hickory Hills By Joe Boyle Despite delays caused by unseasonably cool temperatures and wet conditions, an upgrade in playground equipment and other amenities are evident to residents who visit the Kasey Meadow Park in Hickory Hills. “Because the weather has been so cold and with all the rain we have had, there have been some delays in completing the projects,” said Jennifer Fullerton, executive director of the Hickory Hills Park District. “But as of Monday, we are
putting in asphalt for our walking paths and working on getting the stones along the wall fixed up. With all the rain we have had, we have had to work on the stones about three times.” Fullerton is referring specifically to the improvements scheduled for the Kasey Meadow Park District, 8047 W. 91st Place. Many improvements have already taken place, including repairs to the splash pad that will be open this summer. Repairs to some fencing also have been made at the park. Fullerton believes better days are ahead.
The Hickory Hills Park District will host a carnival at Kasey Meadow Park, beginning today (Thursday, May 11) and continuing through Sunday. Rides and activities for children and families will be featured. More information can be obtained by calling Kasey Meadow Park at (708) 598-1233. “We are pretty excited about the carnival,” Fullerton said. “They are beginning to set everything up. I think we had one about 30 years ago. We are excited See HICKORY HILLS, Page 8
The 10th Annual Southwest Half Marathon and 10K races were run under blue skies on Sunday, and the cool temperatures were judged perfect for running. “Here in Camelot, the weather is always like this,” joked Palos Heights Mayor Bob Straz, as he welcomed everyone to his city before the races kicked off on Route 83. He did the countdown for the half marathon at 7:30 a.m., while Palos Hills Mayor Gerald Bennett did the honors for the 10K Run/Walk 10 minutes later. Next came the Walk, Run & Roll, sponsored by Southwest Special Recreation Association (SWSRA) for people with disabilities. About 100 children also ran in the new Kids’ Dash, featuring races of various lengths for children between 2 and 10 years old. The free event, with everyone getting medals, was intended to make the 10th anniversary more of a family event. Refreshments and live music were also part of the festivities. After Pastor David Grutheson, of Harvest Bible Chapel in Palos Heights, got the day started with a prayer service, a rock band entertained the crowd during and after the races. “We’re almost sold out of beer,” said Bridget Provost, a volunteer in charge of beer sales, at about
Comic book fans follow ‘quest’ to Oak Lawn Library By Joe Boyle Superman, Batman and the Power Rangers flocked to the Oak Lawn Library on Saturday for a “Cosmic Quest.” The third annual Oak Lawn Library Fan Fest drew a large crowd, with many of the attendees dressed as their favorite superhero. The all-ages event is a celebration of pop culture and Free Comic Book Day. The theme this year was entitled the “Cosmic Quest.” Kids on the main floor had an opportunity to have their pictures taken with life-size cardboard figures of Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, to name a few. Free comics ranging from “Doctor Who” to “Archie” were also available to comic book fans of all ages before they journeyed downstairs to see numerous displays and adults
Photo by Joe Boyle
Jen Usellis (left), also known as the Klingon Pop Warrior, prepares to “battle” Julie Malnekoff, of Marok’s Imperial Emporium, during the “Cosmic Quest” Fan Fest at the Oak Lawn Library.
dressed as superheroes and action figures. Burbank resident Mike Wilson had his “Dorkabout Art” display set up downstairs.
Photo by Dermot Connolly
See COSMIC QUEST, Page 8
Alec Bettenhausen
Fiat Alfa Romeo General Sales Manager
17514 S. Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park
Let Alec Bettenhausen and his staff Change Your Mind about Car Buying
Lease for
See RUNNERS, Page 7 Armando Avalos (left), 51, of Posen, and Joe Betz, 67, of Valparaiso, Ind., celebrate after running in the 10th Annual Southwest Half Marathon in Palos Heights. Avalos said his habit of running the Swallow Cliff stairs on Sunday mornings prepared him for his first half marathon.
Wilson has been at all three of the fan fests and enjoys the camaraderie with the guests. He draws original art figures for young visitors who are drawn to his table. “My mom liked the idea of me drawing,” said Wilson. “She liked that I started using paper instead of walls. You feel as though you want to make this a career. I really enjoy doing this. It’s fun.” Wilson said he is currently working on making a comic book. He enjoys attending the fan fest because he has an opportunity to talk to youngsters who are interested in drawing. “I like to encourage kids to draw,” Wilson said. “Other people inspired me so if I can inspire other children, then it would make
New 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia RWD
11 a.m. “We had a lot left over last year, when it was raining.” Cong. Dan Lipinski (D-3rd) continued his tradition of serving as grand marshal, and running in the half marathon. His wife, Judy, also ran this time. After being introduced on the podium, the congressman pulled More up his sweatshirt coverage of to show off the the SW Half T-shirt with his Marathon original bib num- and 10K. ber 1 that he wore SPORTS in the inaugural race. State Sen. Bill Cunningham (D-18th), also an avid runner, was there again on Sunday, too. Emcee Jeff Prestinario, who co-founded the race with Mel Diab, recalled how Cunningham’s predecessor, Ed Maloney, helped make the race possible. “It takes a lot to put this on,” said Prestinario. “The two of us told him what we needed, and while we were in his office, he called IDOT and got permission to close Route 83,” he said. “I don’t have as much clout as him, but I’m a runner, and this is my fifth consecutive half marathon,” said Cunningham. Diab, the race director, was pleased with the turnout, noting that 1,000 people ran in the halfmarathon and 400 in the 10K.
888-744-4697
SALES HOURS: Mon-Thurs 8am-8pm, Fri-Sat 8am-6pm | SERVICE HOURS: Mon-Fri 7:30am-6pm, Sat 7:30am-4pm
$379† per month BettenhausenAlfaRomeo.com
† To lease a new 2017 Guilia RWD 36 Month Lease /10,000 Miles Per Year for Well-Qualified Lessees. $4,299 Due at Lease Signing, Tax, Title and License Extra. No Security Deposit Required. For well qualified lessees. Based on MSRP example of $38,990.00 with 22L package. Total due at lease signing includes a down payment and first month’s payment. Offer requires dealer contribution. Tax, title & license extra. Lessee pays for excess wear and mileage of $0.20/mile for each mile over 10,000 miles per year, if vehicle is returned at end of term. Option to buy at lease end at pre-negotiated price. Dealer’s actual terms may vary. Offer through Ally. Residency restrictions apply. Must take retail delivery by June 1, 2017. See dealer for complete details. Dealer not responsible for typographical or printing errors. Images are for display purposes only and may not represent vehicle purchased.