Reporter 8 17 17

Worth Days will bring four days of family fun

REPORTER Pages 11-12

THE Volume LVIII, No. 23

Serving Chicago Ridge, Evergreen Park, Hickory Hills, Oak Lawn, Palos Hills and Worth

USPS 118-690

$1 Newstand 2 SECTIONS

Thursday, August 17, 2017

Illinois nears historic education funding reform Bipartisan group of Senators votes to override Gov. Rauner veto Staff reports SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate voted to advance an historic education funding reform Sunday afternoon, overriding a veto of the bill from Gov. Bruce Rauner.

The Senate voted 38-19 to override the governor’s amendatory veto of Senate Bill 1, a data-driven reform that replaces the state’s worst-in-the-nation school funding formula with an evidence-based adequacy model. The Senate’s successful override vote sends the legislation to the House of Representatives.

If the House follows suit in voting to override

the governor, the historic reform will become law.

If the House does not get the 71 votes necessary to override, the state will be unable to disburse general state aid payments to school districts.

“Schools need long-term certainty and stability.

Not only does SB1 provide this, it does so with a formula that directs the largest funding increases to the schools that need it most so that all students can succeed regardless of their zip code,” said state Sen. Steve Landek (D-12th), who voted for the override.

Senate Bill 1 in its original form is backed by See SENATORS, Page 8

Local school district officials concerned about future funding

By Dermot Connolly Senate Bill 1, the education funding bill currently being haggled over in Springfield, is getting mixed reviews from leaders of local school districts.

Local districts depend primarily on property taxes rather than state funding to balance their budgets. They have money in reserve, so they will open on time, even with the delay in passing the education funding bill.

The Senate overrode Gov. Bruce Rauner’s amendatory veto of SB1 on Sunday, which would have made some changes to the funding formula. But even if the House is able to get the four Repub-

lican votes needed to override the veto and pass SB1 in its original form this week, several local superintendents said the bill, at best, won’t hurt their districts this year.

Dr. Robert Machak, superintendent of Evergreen Park Elementary School District 124, said SB1 “does not work” for his district. He said the bill’s ‘hold harmless’ clause, which ensures no school district will see a decrease in funding this year, leads to a drastic decrease in the amount of funds available for the new “evidence-based” formula.

The superintendent, who oversees all four See SENATORS, Page 8

Hickory Hills residents welcome recycling service at their doors

By Sharon L. Filkins

Photo by Anthony Caciopo

Sheila Sweeney, of Oak Lawn, holds aloft a sign outside Palos Township headquarters, 10802 S. Roberts Road, in Palos Hills. Sweeney and approximately 100 other people rallied there as part of continuing effort to force the resignation of Sharon Brannigan, a township trustee who posted comments on social media about Middle Eastern people that many found offensive. The monthly township officials’ meeting was cancelled moments before it was due to begin because of the inability of the meeting space to accommodate the number of people who wanted to attend.

Overflow crowd sees Palos Twp. meeting cancelled at last minute

By Anthony Caciopo An overflow crowd of activists and concerned citizens broke into cheers at the Palos Township monthly meeting of board members Monday when the meeting was cancelled moments before it was due to convene.

“This is a major victory to the people,” shouted Bassem Kawar, of the National Network for Arab American Communities, as he led the packed meeting room into a repeated series of calls and responses after hearing the official word of the meeting’s cancellation.

“We’re going to continue to shut down every single meeting,” Kawar said.

Attendees were present to continue their pressure on Trustee Sharon Brannigan and the

Palos Township Board following Brannigan’s now-deleted social media postings about Muslims and Middle Easterners, which many people have found offensive.

“Everywhere you turn, from Orland Park Brannigan to Bridgeview, those numbers are increasing in leaps and bounds,” Brannigan wrote. “We are allowing these people whether they have peaceful intentions or not into our country without question.”

Her comments also included questions about Muslim children enrolled in schools who she says lack proper documentation.

“What’s Palos doing? Why are all our schools filling with Middle Eastern students without proper documentation?”

In another now-deleted post, Brannigan expressed admiration for President Trump’s family during their visit to the Middle East in May. “Watching President Trump and family this morning I am so proud that they represent us!

Am particularly proud that our women are not wearing the headscarves. WE AMERICAN WOMEN ARE REPRESENTED WITH DIGNITY.” Citing fire code and the Illinois Open Meetings Act, Township Supervisor Colleen G. See PALOS TWP., Page 8

According to a report at the Hickory Hills City Council last Thursday night, there has been a steady increase in the number of residents participating in the At Your Door Recycling Service provided by Waste Management, Inc. Ald. John Szeszyci (2nd Ward), who chairs the city’s Finance Committee, reported that 8,000 pounds of electronics and hazardous materials were picked up in the month of July, reflecting an increase from 6,000 pounds the month before.

“This is proving to be something good for the community and our residents are happy,” said Ald. Brian Fonte (3rd Ward), who chairs the Health/Environmental/Recycling Committee.

“We started the program with Waste Management in January and we have seen a gradual increase in pick-ups each month,” said Fonte. “This is really a good deal for our residents at a very reasonable low fee.

“It only costs $1.25 per month, which is included on the water bill, and the residents can schedule as many pick-ups as they need. The service comes right to your door to pick up your non-recyclable material,” said Fonte.

Waste Management will dispose of TVs, computers, keyboards, speakers, cellphones, batteries, microwave ovens, as well as materials such as paint, motor oil, aerosols, pesticides and acids, according to Fonte.

He added that this is a benefit because electronics and haz-

“ This program

saves our residents from paying hefty fees at drop-off locations ... We are hoping more residents will be signing up.”

­— Hickory Hills Ald. Brian Fonte

ardous waste can no longer be disposed of for free.

“This program saves our residents from paying hefty fees at drop-off locations,” Fonte said.

“We have a one-year contract with Waste Management, which can be extended in January if the program continues to be successful. We are hoping more residents will be signing up,” Fonte added.

Fonte recommended that residents wishing to sign up for the program contact the City Hall at (708) 598-4800.

In other matters, the council approved a resolution authorizing disposal of high mileage city vehicles by public auction/ sale. A public auction, sponsored annually by the Southwest Conference of Mayors, will be conducted on Saturday, Sept.

30.

Aldermen Mike McHugh (1st Ward) and Tom McAvoy (3rd Ward) were absent from the meeting.

Worth Historical Museum has closed its doors

By Sharon L. Filkins After serving 22 years as a valuable source for historical information, the Worth Historical Museum, located in the park district’s Terrace Centre, was officially closed on July 19.

Robert O’Shaughnessy, director of the Worth Parks and Recreation department, said the museum was closed by a vote of the district’s board of commissioners.

“The board’s decision was based on three major needs of the district at this time: a need for rental space, more office room and increased storage

space,” said O’Shaughnessy. “Having additional space to rent for various events will help increase our revenue.”

O’Shaughnessy said he was presently contacting everyone who had donated historical items, documents and memorabilia to the museum, giving them the opportunity to pick up their items, if they wished.

“If they choose to leave them, we will store everything with the rest of the museum contents. We will store all remaining items in climatecontrolled storage units in nearby storage facilities.

“Nothing will be thrown away. It is our hope that it will open again somewhere,” O’Shaughnessy added.

“I have reached out to both the Worth Library and the school district to see if they could house the museum. Neither of them is able to take it on. I will be more than happy to talk to anyone; a business, or organization which may have the interest and the resources to care for the museum.”

In early July, The Reporter ran a story on the possible closing of the museum. At that time, O’Shaughnessy

Clothes, signs and memorabilia were among the items found in the Worth Historical Museum that closed a month ago.

Photo by Joe Boyle

See MUSEUM, Page 8

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2 The Reporter

Thursday, August 17, 2017

POLICE REPORTS Chicago Ridge Trespassing charge

Photo by Kelly White

Hot wheels

Bill Klein displays his 1927 Fort T-Bucket at the Glenn Maker American Legion Car Show in Chicago Ridge on Sunday afternoon. Klein began building his the car 12 years ago. He enjoys showcasing his hard work at car shows.

Bridgeview man accused of luring child in Hickory Hills

By Dermot Connolly A 70-year-old Bridgeview man was charged with child abduction and luring after allegedly offering a 9-year-old girl a ride as she walked her dog on Aug. 9 in Hickory Hills.

Hickory Hills police said they responded to a report of attempted child abduction in the 7600 block of West 94th Street at 9:50 a.m. Aug. 9. The girl told them that a light-colored pick-up truck driven by a man later identified by police as Brian Dudzik had stopped next to her as she walked her dog, and the man asked, “Do you want to come in the car?”

While the victim immediately ran home and told her mother, a witness called 911 and took a photo of Dudzik’s vehicle, a

1996 gray Nissan, as it fled the area, according to police. The witness then provided the photo to police and Dudzik was identified as a suspect.

Police said surveillance was then established at Dudzik’s house in the 7800 block of South 78th Avenue. Dudzik was pulled over for a traffic stop just after 1 p.m. near his home, and officers from Hickory Hills and Bridgeview took him into custody.

At a bond hearing in a Bridgeview courtroom last Thursday, it was revealed that Dudzik was an Army veteran and retired steelworker who was working part-time for the Bridgeview Park District. His bail was set at $50,000. HIs next court date is scheduled for Sept. 6.

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Ghaleb Sandouka, 50, of the 13000 block of South Blossom Drive, was charged with criminal trespassing following a disturbance in Thornton’s Mini-Mart, 10559 S. Harlem Ave., at 12:18 a.m. Aug. 8. Police said he refused to leave the store when asked to do so by staff after being unable to purchase beer. He is due in court on Oct. 2.

Retail theft

Stavroula Georgopoulos, 57, of the 10400 block of South Mansfield Avenue, was charged with retail theft at 5:58 p.m. Aug. 9 at Kohl’s in Chicago Ridge Mall.

Police said she left the store with clothing worth $630 concealed in her belongings. She is due in court on Oct. 2.

Suspended license

• Daniel Carrero, 35, of the 7000 block of West O’Connell Drive, Chicago Ridge, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 4:15 p.m.

Aug. 9 at 109th Street and Oak Avenue. Police said he was also charged with resisting arrest after refusing to get out of the vehicle and resisted being handcuffed. He is due in court on Oct. 2.

• Ebony Williams, 26, of the 10500 block of South Wentworth Avenue, Chicago, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 111th Street and South Mason Avenue at 8:24 a.m. last Thursday.

Police said she is due in court on Sept. 26.

• Jason Brennan, 34, of the 9700 block of Southwest Highway, was charged with driving with a suspended license in the 5800 block of West 111th Street at 6:05 p.m. last Thursday. Police said he was also cited for using a cellphone while driving. He is due in court on Sept. 26.

• Dennis Ortega, 22, of the 10900 block of South Ridgeland Avenue, Worth, was charged with driving with a suspended license at 9:05 a.m. Saturday at 99th Street and Ridgeland Avenue.

Police said he was also cited for having a defective windshield.

Evergreen Park Theft charge

Charles Green, 20, of Gary, Ind., was charged with felony theft at Walmart, 2500 W. 95th St., at 12:51 p.m. Aug. 4. Police said that Green allegedly took a total of $5,200 from cash registers while working at the store between July 3 and Aug. 4. Investigators determined that the money was taken over 12 days that he was working.

Possession of cannabis

Antwon L. Williams, 19, of Chicago, was charged with felony possession of cannabis with in-

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tent to deliver following a traffic stop at 8:11 p.m. Aug. 7 at 87th Street and Fairfield Avenue. Police said he was carrying 21.5 grams of cannabis in baggies. He was also charged with driving without insurance and speeding.

Possession of cocaine

Dujuan Rodriguez, 23, of Cicero, was charged with possession of a controlled substance following a traffic stop at 4:03 a.m. Friday at 95th Street and Western Avenue. Police said he was a front-seat passenger in the vehicle that was stopped, and was carrying 1.7 grams of cocaine.

Battery off nse

Scott Washack, 53, of Merrionette Park, was charged with battery after police said he interfered with police conducting a traffic stop in the 2600 block of West 95th Street at 7:04 p.m. Aug. 7.

Police said he was an employee of a nearby BP gas station, and began yelling at police and preventing them from carrying out their duties. Police said he was also charged with resisting an officer and obstruction of justice.

due in court on Oct. 2.

Suspended license

• Shireen Olayan, 28, of Burbank, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 5:22 p.m. Monday in the 8000 block of West 94th Street. Police said she was also cited for speeding and driving a car with expired registration. She is due in court on Sept. 14.

• Raymond A. Almaraz, 67, of Hickory Hills, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 9:11 a.m. Saturday in the 8600 block of Thomas Charles Lane. Police said he was also cited for having expired registration. He is due in court on Oct. 2.

Revoked registration

Tommy E. Lofton, 48, of Chicago, was cited for driving a car with revoked registration following a traffic stop at 9:16 p.m. Monday in the 8800 block of Thomas Charles Lane. He was also cited for driving a car without a front license plate. He is due in court on Sept. 14.

Hickory Hills

Oak Lawn

Brittin K. Davis, 24, of Justice, and William Reid Jr., of Joliet, were issued trespass warnings after police responded to a report of suspicious activity outside Dollar General, 8821 W. 87th St., at 9:59 a.m. last Thursday. Police said the men were seen bothering customers, and admitted that they were offering them the use of a LINK card assigned to Reid in exchange for cash. The information was forwarded to the Illinois Department of Human Services, which may take further action.

• John R. Peretti, 27, of Bridgeview, was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance following a traffic stop in the 8700 block of South Ridgeland Avenue at 11:54 p.m.

Aug. 7. Police said they responded to a report of a motorist asleep behind the wheel in a parking lot for more than two hours. They said four Alprazolam pills were found in Peretti’s pocket, as well as a glass pipe. He was also cited for possession of drug paraphernalia. Court information was not available.

• Three men face charges following a traffic stop at 1:28 a.m. Aug. 8 at 95th Street and Southwest Highway. Police said the driver, Daniel Hernandez, 40, of Central Stickney, was charged with driving with a revoked license and possession of drug paraphernalia. A passenger, Jason A. Hutchins, 37, of Chicago, was charged with felony possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia after 27 bags, many containing heroin, as well as five hypodermic needles and other items related to drug use were reportedly found in his possession. A second passenger, Ladonte A. Blade, 37, of Chicago, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia because police said he had a pipe used to smoke crack cocaine. Hernandez and Blade are due in court on Sept. 11, while Hutchins was held for a bond hearing.

Trespass warning

Outstanding warrant

• Jose A. Alcantar-Campos, 38, of Hickory Hills, was arrested on an outstanding Hickory Hills warrant after police picked him up at Sammy’s Café, 8700 S. 83rd Ave., where he worked, at 10:56 a.m. last Thursday. Police said the warrant was for failure to appear in court on a charge of unlicensed driving. He is due in court on Sept. 14.

• Julie A. Creamer-Moore, 42, of Homewood, was arrested on an outstanding warrant following a traffic stop in a parking lot in the 8000 block of West 87th Street at 1:45 p.m. Aug. 7. Police said the warrant was for failure to appear in court on a charge of driving without a license. She is due in court on Aug. 24.

• Mustafa Abdallah Ramzon, 19, of Hickory Hills, was arrested by state police in Wheaton on an outstanding Hickory Hills warrant at 11:07 p.m. Monday. Police said the warrant was for failure to appear in court on a charge of driving with a suspended license.

He was held for a bond hearing.

Unlicensed driving

• Constance E. Brown, 27, of Chicago, was charged with driving without a license following a traffic stop at 1:09 p.m. Saturday in the 7900 block of West 95th Street. Police said she was also cited for speeding and driving without insurance. She is due in court on Oct. 2.

• Nicholas D. Degante, 33, of Chicago, was charged with driving without a license following a traffic stop at 11:14 a.m. Aug. 7, in the 9000 block of South Roberts Road. Police said he is due in court on Oct. 2.

• Vanessa J. Aquino, 23, of Bridgeview, was charged with driving without a license following a traffic stop at 9:13 p.m. Saturday in the 8200 block of West 87th Street. Police said she was also cited for driving with only one headlight. She is due in court on

Drug charges

Battery

• Jerome Dumas Jr. and Cortrell C. Rush, 23, both of Oak Lawn, face charges following an incident at Kmart, 4101 W. 95th St., at 10:06 p.m. Aug. 8. Police said a store manager said the men refused to leave the store at closing time, arguing that that they were being told to leave because they were black. Dumas allegedly punched two staff members in the face and head. Police arrested them both in the parking lot. Dumas was charged with battery, resisting a peace officer and criminal trespassing. Rush was charged with criminal trespassing. Both are due in court on Sept. 5.

• Thomas A. Hughes, 60, of Chicago, was charged with battery following a road-rage incident at 6:15 p.m. Aug. 2 at 103rd Street and Central Avenue. Police said Hughes allegedly got out of his car and punched the driver of another car. The other driver said Hughes had been weaving across lanes, and approached him when

he pulled into the turning lane to get out of his way. He is due in court on Sept. 13.

Outstanding warrant

Holli L. Hibbeler, 34, was arrested on an outstanding Bedford Park warrant that was discovered during a background check when she came to the Oak Lawn Police Department at 4 p.m. Aug. 9 seeking information about an order of protection. Police said the charge was for theft of service. She was held pending bond.

Unlicensed driving

Sean D. Leahy, 27, of Evergreen Park, was charged with driving without a valid license following a traffic stop at 95th Street and Kilpatrick Avenue at 4:53 p.m.

Aug. 6. Police said he was also cited for driving with expired registration. He is due in court on Sept. 12.

Theft of service

Robert D. Maxwell, 52, of Evergreen Park, was issued a village ordinance violation for theft of service at Fox’s Restaurant, 9240 S. Cicero Ave., at 7:53 p.m. Aug. 6. A waitress said Maxwell was unhappy with a sandwich and fries he had ordered, and another meal was made for him. After eating half the second sandwich, he left without paying any of the $36 bill. He is due at a hearing in village hall on Sept. 5.

Palos Hills

Cannabis delivery

• A juvenile was charged with intent to deliver cannabis following a traffic stop at 7 p.m. Aug. 8 in the 10400 block of South Roberts Road. Police said that he was also cited for eight traffic offenses, possession of smoking materials and possession of drug paraphernalia. His case was referred to Juvenile Court in Bridgeview.

• Ahmed Khattab, 25, of Palos Hills, was charged with intent to deliver cannabis, a felony, at 8 p.m. Aug. 9. Police said they were investigating another incident when they saw Khattab inside his vehicle, with cannabis, baggies and scales. He was also cited for possession of drug paraphernalia and appeared in bond court the following day.

Vandalism reported

Damage to a mailbox caused by fireworks was discovered and reported to police at 10:30 p.m.

Aug. 8 in the 10400 block of South Aspen Drive.

Battery complaint

Police responded to a battery complaint at 2 a.m. Saturday at the Valley Inn, 8300 W. 107th St. Police said a man had reportedly been struck in the head with a bottle, but the victim told police he did not know what happened and all parties involved refused to sign criminal complaints.

Identity theft

• A Palos Hills resident reported an identity theft complaint at 1 p.m. Saturday. Police were told the victim’s driver’s license had been stolen and used as identification to report an accident report in another jurisdiction.

• Another local resident told police at 3:30 p.m. Saturday that someone had stolen a Carson’s charge card. Police were advised that the resident received information that a Carson’s credit card was opened up in the victim’s name that the owner of the card had not applied for.

Police reports are provided by law enforcement agencies. Charges are not evidence of guilt. They are a record of police actions taken, and persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proved guilty in a court of law.

Thursday, August 17, 2017

The Reporter

Custom classic

Tip leads Oak Lawn police to armed robbery suspect

Friends Sal Spalla, of Hickory Hills, and Joan Decker, of Chicago, stand next to Spalla’s 1955 Ford Custom Line two-door sedan on Sunday afternoon at the Glenn Maker American Legion Car Show in Chicago Ridge.

Spalla purchased the car 34 years ago and said he takes great pride in his vehicle.

Oak Lawn police received an anonymous tip last week that led to the arrest of a 54-year-old Chicago man suspected of committing the Dec. 20, 2016 armed robbery of the Subway sandwich shop at 9610 S. Cicero Ave. In his first appearance on Friday in a Bridgeview courtroom, Everett Sanders, charged with armed robbery, was ordered held on $500,000 bail.

Following the robbery, in which a man displayed a black handgun and demanded money from the clerk, his description and photos taken from surveillance video were distributed to the public by the Oak Lawn Police Department.

Division Chief Ross Finnelly said in a statement that “detectives followed up numerous tips

CHICAGO RIDGE VILLAGE BOARD MEETING

Trustees approve restaurant and sports training center

By Dermot Connolly Two new businesses — a restaurant/bar and a sports training center — will soon be opening on 111th Street, after receiving approval for licenses at the Chicago Ridge Village Board meeting on Tuesday.

First to come up for discussion was The Brick Tavern, which owners Chris and Stanislawa Hodurek plan to open where The Grove Bar & Grill is now, at 6030 W. 111th St. Brad Grove, a lifelong Chicago Ridge resident and former village trustee, has operated that business since 2004.

The Hodureks informed the board that they already own two other establishments; the Last Call Lounge in Chicago’s Clearing neighborhood, and the Fire Station Pub in Summit.

The menu in their new business will include Polish food, reflecting the owners’ heritage.

The new owners said they plan to do some remodeling of the interior of the building before opening. Mayor Chuck Tokar noted that the bathrooms will need to be brought

into compliance with ADA standards.

Asked when The Brick Tavern might open, the Hodureks said a date had not been set.

“The Grove is still open now. Go over and give the Grovester some love,” Brad Grove said from the back of the auditorium.

The other new business, called Sportspace, at 6100 W. 111th St., is something new for Chicago Ridge entirely.

Dan Fannelli said he plans to turn the 5,800-square-foot building that was Thomas Appliances and Furniture into an indoor training center for a variety of sports.

“My general idea is to turn it into a performance training center,” said Fannelli, adding that he already plans to invest $150,000 in the remodeling of the building. He said he would lease space to “only certain, vetted organizations.”

As a father of four sons who play sports, Fannelli said he recognized that “the need is there for something like this, especially in this area in the offseason.”

“I’ve already been approached by teams

interested in the idea,” said Fannelli, pointing out that he currently has to take his children to the northern or western suburbs to find a similar facility.

He said his first “prospective tenant” could be the St. Jude Hockey Club based in Crestwood. The site will not include an ice rink but Fannelli said there will be space and equipment for “dry hockey” and skills training.

Fannelli said he would like to include a batting cage that would fold back against a wall, as well as a pitcher’s mound for baseball players to use in the off-season. Various teams and organizations would share the space and lease it at different times during the week.

He said individuals would also be able to use the facility for one-on-one coaching.

“There are the top-end kids, and others who may not be at that elite level, and we want to be able to serve all of them,” said Fannelli.

“I think it is going to be a great business, for you, and Chicago Ridge and the whole area,” said Tokar. “I look forward to seeing it open.”

Local residents prepare for eclipse Viewing events planned at numerous locations The solar eclipse is coming, and southwest suburban residents will have a number of venues to observe this historic event.

Students and faculty members at Moraine Valley Community College, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills, will gather on a grassy commons area between the G and U buildings on campus to view the solar eclipse, which will occur on Monday, Aug. 21.

Peter Placas, an adjunct science professor at Moraine Valley, has helped to organize this event and will be assisted by other members of the faculty. Students, faculty and local curious observers will view the eclipse before and after from 11:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Placas said that 500 specially made glasses will be lent out to view the solar eclipse.

“This is a momentous occasion,” Placas said. “This is very exciting and as for me, as an educator, I’m happy the press is getting the word out. I think there is still a lot we don’t know.

What is really exciting about this is that NASA and many other people will be conducting experiments and learning more about the eclipse.”

Placas reminds residents that the safest way to view the solar eclipse is through specially made glasses. While wearing the glasses, observers will see only darkness until they look up and view the eclipse.

According to Placas, the total solar eclipse in the Chicago area will take place at about 1:19 p.m.

Placas is confident that people who attend the viewing Monday at Moraine Valley will be able to witness history.

“It looks like it should come off without a hitch,” Placas said.

“The reports we have been getting is that there will be just a few clouds. I know that they will see it clearly in the Carbondale area, but we should see at least 87 percent of the eclipse.”

What pleases Placas is that not only astronomers and science professors are interested in the solar eclipse, but the average person is also curious.

“What excites me is that younger people who have never thought about an eclipse are becoming interested,” Placas said. “This could help younger people to become

that came in as a result of the alert and positively identified the offender as Sanders, of the 6300 block of South Winchester Avenue in Chicago.”

Finnelly said that a warrant was obtained for Sanders’ arrest, but attempts to locate him were initially unsuccessful. Information gathered by police indicated that he fled the state. But on Aug. 9, Oak Lawn police received an anonymous call informing them that Sanders had returned to the area.

He was located at a residence in the 5000 block of South Racine Avenue in Chicago, where he was taken into custody without incident, and charged with armed robbery.

Sanders remained in Cook County Jail this week. His next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 7.

By Dermot Connolly

Photo by Kelly White

By Joe Boyle

3

more interested in science. That would be a great thing.”

The youth services department at the Oak Lawn Library, 9427 S. Raymond Ave., will also host a viewing party and event for children ages 7 and up accompanied by an adult. The event will take place from about 1 to 2 p.m. Monday, and children and adults will also be fitted with the specially made glasses to view the solar eclipse.

While the event will be fun, it will also be an educational experience. Gina Kenny, who is also known as Ms. Emily and who often directs youth programs at the library, will be skyping from the Shawnee National Forest near Carbondale to report on her findings after observing the eclipse, where 100 percent totality will most likely occur.

“We are asking people to collect data and report what they find,” Kenny said. “We will report on how much the temperature drops when the eclipse occurs, for instance.”

Kenny said the event has been in the planning stages for six months. The free eclipse glasses will be provided by STAR.Net. While the program is intended to enlighten and educate youngsters about the eclipse and science in general, Kenny said that adults

are welcome to the event.

“This will be enjoyable for everyone of all ages,” added Kenny.

“This is not just for children.

Adults are more than welcome to drop by.”

For more information about this and other youth programs at the Oak Lawn Library, call (708) 422-4990 or visit www.olpl.org.

Some local high schools will be viewing the solar eclipse on Monday. Nick Bax, a teacher at Shepard High School, 13049 S. Ridgeland Ave., Palos Heights, will be taking his students out to view the eclipse. Using their

iPads (all Shepard students have them) and built-in cameras, they will turn their backs to the eclipse to record the event safely, according to District 218 officials.

Placas warns resident not to look at the sun with the naked eye during the eclipse. It could cause damage to the retinas, he said. He emphasizes how historic this day will be.

“The fact that I find startling is that roughly 80 percent of the people of the United States are a day’s ride or less to view the eclipse,” Placas said. “The chances of in the future of seeing a solar eclipse is once in every 375 years. This is exciting and historical.”

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4 The Reporter

Our Neighborhood

Thursday, August 17, 2017

St. Gerald Carnival is blessed with sunny skies

The Rev. Lawrence Malcolm, pastor of St. Gerald Parish, said he prayed for good weather for the annual four-day festival that was held on the parish grounds, 9310 S. 55th Court, Oak Lawn, Thursday, Aug.

10 through Sunday, Aug. 17.

The St. Gerald pastor got his wish.

The was no hint of rain over the four days of the carnival, which included rides for the kids and a parish

Kids have fun riding on the merry-go-round Saturday at the annual St. Gerald Carnival held on the parish grounds.

food tent. Musical entertainment was provided by the Rockaholics, AnthemChicago, Fifty-One Lincoln and the Dancing Noodles.

Bingo was held daily under a tent.

A parish raffle and pull-tabs were offered over the weekend. A beer garden was available near the music stage. A mother’s club booth was set up. Food was provided by several local restaurants.

Jenna Samra, 6, of Oak Lawn, shows some skills and strength during the strongman contest at the St. Gerald Carnival on Saturday. Jenna, a student at Covington Elementary School, won a prize for ringing the bell.

Another feature was Fr. Malcolm’s bread, which is always a big seller each year.

The carnival drew large crowds each day due in part to the weather, with temperatures averaging about 80 degrees.

Photos by Joe Boyle

Bingo was played each day at the St. Gerald Carnival in Oak Lawn.

Palos Park Women’s Club, Rec Dept. join Aug. 23 Palos Market

The Palos Park Women’s Club will join the Aug. 23 Palos Heights Farmers Market, 12217 S. Harlem Ave., with their annual white elephant and jewelry sale.

Stop by the group’s tent to find that hidden treasure, and help the organization with their fundraising efforts to benefit local charities. Information about group membership and upcoming events and activities will be provided.

The Palos Heights Recreation Department will also be on hand with information about fall programs for children, teens and adults. Music and art classes, athletics, fitness and dancing classes for all age groups, outings and more can be found right at the Rec Center. At this week’s visit, the Rec Department will be holding a one month fitness membership and a 5 punch group fitness pass raffle.

The Palos Market organizers wants to thank everyone who attended the Aug. 9 Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra String Quartet concert. Thank you also to the talented musicians who played

for nearly 1.5 hours. The Orchestra will be performing their 40th season at the Trinity Christian College Ozinga Chapel.

Informational brochures will be available at the City Tent, at ipomusic.org, or by calling (708) 481-7774.

Our dedicated face painters must return to school. The market is incredibly thankful to Lauren, Grace, Amanda, Cassie and Cate for their beautiful designs and artwork that made many children happy all summer long. All the best as you start a new school year.

Produce continues to be available at the market summer and early fall fruits and vegetables are in the market in large amounts. Fruits include early fall apples, raspberries, cherries, apricots, plums, peaches, nectarines, melons and watermelons, peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, beans, beets, carrots, eggplant, onions, corn, summer and early fall squashes. A large selection of food items are also at the market on a weekly basis.

They include breads, and multiple

types of bakery items, pies and noodles, cheeses, eggs, butter, jams and jellies, local honey, olive oils and vinegars, beef, pork and chicken, salsas, pasta and BBQ sauces and Italian peppers, three different varieties of ready to eat tamales, pizza and pizza products, ready

to bake pizza, pesto, and organic and vegan frozen vegetable patties, soups, desserts, coffee and lattes, peanuts and roasted cashews. The vendors also have perennial and annual plants, herbs and fresh cut flowers. Finally, get ready for the fall tailgate barbecues and parties

by Pampered Chef.

The market’s Facebook page will showcase all available produce at the start of the market day: www.Facebook. com/PalosHeightsFarmersMarket. Shop in early for best selection.

At the City Tent, residents can pick up the frequent shopper cards to have them endorsed. Receive double credit on the frequent shopper card every week for donations of either canned goods or fresh produce. Canned donations are given to Palos Methodist Church Food Pantry, 12108 S Harlem Ave., Palos Heights, and fresh produce is delivered to Operation Blessing, 4901 W 128th Place, Alsip.

LINK cards are also accepted at the market. Stop by the City Tent to start the process.

Also while at the City Tent, pick up this week’s recipe, “Corn on the Cob,” courtesy of Dr. John Principe MD, of WellbeingMD Center for Life. This and some previous year’s recipes will be available. Previous year’s recipes can be found at www.wellbeingmd.com, or palosheights.org. New to the Market in 2017, Farmers Market gift certificates are available for purchase. They can be purchased for $5 and can be used at the vendors.

The market would like to thank this year’s Palos Heights Farmers Market sponsors. They include Dr. John Principe, MD of Wellbeing MD Center for Life; Palos Health, The Private Bank, CNB Bank and Trust, United Trust Bank, Palos Heights Mayor Bob Straz, Running for Kicks, Golden Shoes and Camille’s Confections.

Additional information about the market can be found at www.palosheights. org or by emailing farmersmarket@ palosheights.org. Residents can join them on Facebook or call (708) 361-1800.

Hurley to host free community shred day Saturday at Worth Village Hall State Rep. Fran Hurley (D-35th) is hosting a community shred day from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 19 at the Worth Village Hall, 7112 W. 111 St., “Many people have old documents with confidential information that they need to dispose of,” Hurley said. “This shred day

is a great opportunity for members of the community to safely dispose of sensitive documents such as old credit card statements, bank statements, medical records, and pay stubs that they might not want to throw out in the trash. The community shred day allows for the safe disposal of these

documents in an environmental friendly way while also protecting themselves against identity theft.”

The event is free. For more information, contact Hurley’s full-time constituent service office at (773) 445-8128 or repfranhurley@ gmail.com.

Burke urges governor to sign proposal protecting student loan borrowers State Rep. Kelly Burke (D36th) is urging Gov. Bruce Rauner to sign her Student Loan Bill of Rights, which she said would provide students and middle class families with new, strong protections against predatory student loan companies.

“As a mom, I know how difficult it can be for students and their families to afford college, and for most young people the only way to afford a higher education is by taking out student loans,” Burke said. “But no student should fall victim to unscrupulous lending practices while pursuing the dream of a college degree. My measure is designed to give our students the protection they need against predatory student loan companies.”

Burke supported Senate Bill 1351, which establishes a Student Loan Bill of Rights. The legisla-

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The measure requires that all student loan vendors be licensed by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

“Along with fighting to protect student loan borrowers, I worked to pass a fair and responsible budget to adequately fund our universities and preserve the MAP Grant Program, which helps pay for over 100,000 students to attend college,” Burke said. “I am urging Gov. Rauner to sign this measure and better protect our sons and daughters from being financially taken advantage of loan companies.”

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News and events from our archives • 50 years ago Former Oak Lawn High School wrestler is named to U.S. junior team From the Aug. 17, 1967 issue: The story: Bill Vail Jr., a 1967 Oak Lawn Community High School graduate, won a berth on the United States junior wrestling team by taking the 123-pound title in the final trials held at Northwestern University last weekend.

Vail had a sparkling mat career at Oak Lawn, topped off in his senior year by placing second in the 112-pound class at the Illinois state finals. He is one of three Illinois wrestlers who made the American team. The U.S. team will compete in the World Junior Wrestling Championships from Aug. 22 to Aug 27.

The quote: “We are all so proud of him,” said Jim Craig, the Oak Lawn wrestling coach. “The finals were real close right down the line. Bill will be a fine representative of the United States.”

• 25 years ago Palos Hills police station deemed ‘inadequate and dangerous’ From the Aug. 13, 1992 issue: The story: The Palos Hills police station is completely inadequate, and even dangerous, according to the annual report of the city’s Police and Fire Commission.

The commission recommended that the city council move forward next month to form a risk assessment committee to explore options for a larger police station, Ald. Richard Riley (3rd Ward) told the board at last Thursday’s city council meeting. An expanded, modern police station is needed to reduce “the risk of human injury,” wrote the commissioners who added that the existing conditions are dangerous. Commissioners also said that the cramped quarters negatively impacts employee morale.

The quote: “We have wrestled with the issue of a new city hall and police department,” Riley said. “But now, city officials might have to move ahead on an expanded police station and drop plans for a combined administration building.”

• 10 years ago Health planning board rejects hospital project for Hickory Hills From the Aug. 16, 2007 issue: The story: A proposal to build a $25 million long-term care hospital in Hickory Hills was rejected last month by the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board because there was no sufficient need in Hickory Hills for such a facility.

Hickory Hills Mayor Mike Howley announced the planning board’s decision at the city council’s meeting last week. Kindred Health Care Inc., a health care services provider that operates 80 long-term acute care hospitals in 24 states, had proposed a 60bed, 54,000-square-foot facility for Hickory Hills. The hospital would have been at the corner of 95th Street and 88th Avenue.

The quote: “We’re really disappointed,” Howley said. “The decision was made without a whole lot of discussion.”

Thursday, August 17, 2017

The Reporter

WHATIZIT?

5

Author brings thrills to Evergreen Park Library

By Kelly White

Photo by Joe Boyle

The clue for this week’s Whatizit photo (above) is: Hills school.

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

Last week’s quiz proved to be a real stumper for our readers.

The correct answer was Palos Township Hall, 10802 S. Roberts Road, Palos Hills. The Palos Township Board of Commissioners usually hold meetings once a month at the hall.

Palos Township health services are often provided at the hall.

The township hall is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Clinic hours and physician hours are held at various times during the week.

More information can be obtained by calling the Palos Township Hall, (708) 598-4418. More information about health services can be obtained by calling (708) 598-2441.

SUDOKU

Answers on Page 10

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Mary Kubica, a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of four suspenseful novels, talked about her passion for writing when she paid a visit to the Evergreen Park Public Library last Thursday night.

Kubica, 39, said her interest in writing began at a young age.

“Writing has always been a passion of mine since I was a little girl,” she said. “I started writing when I was 11 or 12 years old, after a cousin of mine shared a story with me that she had written. I was completely consumed with her story as well as the idea of creating characters and worlds from scratch and watching them develop on the page. I knew it was something I wanted to try my hand at.”

Kubica is a resident of the western suburbs who grew up in Lake Zurich. The mother of two published her debut novel, “The Good Girl” in 2014. It’s a book that took her five years to write, beginning in 2005.

It took two more years to find an agent, and another two to lock down a publisher, which was Harlequin MIRA. Kubica is a former high school history teacher and holds bachelor of arts degrees in history and American Literature from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. She began writing “The Good Girl” after she became a mother and then left teaching.

With no deadline pressures, the book progressed at its own pace, she said.

Since then, she has written “Pretty Baby” and “Don’t You Cry”, as well as “Every Last Lie”, which was released just this summer. All of her novels are psychological suspense thrillers and have received glowing reviews, including one in Publishers Weekly that compared Kubica’s work favorably with Gillian Flynn’s best-seller “Gone Girl.”

“My novels have been hailed as page-turners with twisty endings; readers tend to empathize with my characters and feel they know them quite well by the end of my books,” Kubica said. ”Hopefully readers will experience a thrilling mystery as well as be taken on an emotional journey into my characters’ lives psyches.”

Her novels hit close to home,

Photos by Kelly White

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of four novels Mary Kubica met with patrons of the Evergreen Park Public Library last Thursday night during a presentation on her writing career and novels.

Mary Kubica signs a copy of one of her four novels at the Evergreen Park Library last Thursday night.

based primarily out of Chicago, and readers can’t seem to get enough of the page-turners.

“All of her books are amazing,” said Allie White, 23, of Chicago Ridge. “Once I pick one up, I can’t put it back down again until it’s finished.”

“I love how Ms. Kubica’s novels pull you along with page turning suspense and edge of your seat plot twists that keep you guessing the whole way through,” said Anna Wassenaar, head of adult services at the Evergreen Park Library.

Kubica has traveled to conferences, libraries and bookstores, connecting with other authors and talking to readers. She was happy when the Evergreen Park Public Library contacted her about coming in, making it her first appearance at the library, 9400

Moraine Valley is looking for local residents to host international students

ACROSS 1 Word with time or money 5 Greek cross 8 Cameo shape 12 It may be straight 14 Ostracize 15 Spy follower?

16 Expenditure 17 Home to Mykonos and Milos 19 Concocts 21 Broad panoramas 22 Anatomical pouch 23 Sanctioned 25 __ lab 26 Condensed, for short: Abbr.

27 Schooner part 31 Woman undercover 35 __ String 36 Vessels on carts 37 Tennis lob strategy 39 Made a bad call, say 40 Park that opened in April 1965 42 Unkempt dos 43 Christian denom.

44 Guatemala gold 45 Election check 47 Simile center 50 Improvises 54 Like the water in a Simon & Garfunkel song 56 Laundry challenge 58 New home subcontractor 59 De Tocqueville thought 60 Lummoxes 61 Online jotting 62 With 63- and 64-Across, meeting place suggested both literally and graphically by this puzzle’s circled letters 63 See 62-Across 64 See 62-Across

DOWN 1 Nudges 2 Actress Dern 3 Ancient Texcoco native 4 __ mat 5 Popular reading in New York and Washington 6 National Mustard Day mo.

7 Like some parallel bars 8 Has 9 Immense 10 Rest __ 11 Grazing sites 13 Neptune or Mars 14 “Better Call __” 18 Pitch in 20 Approach to a subject 24 “Father Knows Best” actress Jane 25 Figures (out) 27 Perform improperly 28 Iams competitor 29 Svelte 30 River to the North Sea 31 Agenda bullet 32 300-pound Wolfe 33 Trivial objection 34 Half-brother of Ishmael 35 GMC Terrain, for one 38 Maine college town 41 Pandora alternative 43 Impart 45 NFL ball carriers 46 Footed vases 47 Deal out 48 Handle 49 Seller of TV time 50 “Yeah, right!”

51 Extinct bird 52 Stead 53 Actor Robert of “The Sopranos” 55 Recycling containers 57 TourBook-issuing org.

Answers on Page 10

Moraine Valley Community College’s International Student Affairs Department is in need of local residents to help integrate these new students into the U.S. and provide a place for them to stay through the Host Home Program, sometimes their main housing option.

Hundreds of international students from countries such as South Korea, Vietnam, China, Poland, Congo, Japan, and Sweden enroll at Moraine Valley, and on average more than 70 students are in host homes throughout the community. With a new crop of students expected at the college this fall, many are in need of a safe place to live and learn either short term or semester-long.

Students pay hosts a monthly fee determined by the college.

Community members who live in Worth, Chicago Ridge, Burbank, Palos Hills, Hickory Hills, and Oak Lawn or near a bus line are encouraged to participate.

“Participants can host more than one student. Our hosts really enjoy this and help students learn about the U.S. culture while decreasing the student’s isolation,” said Diane Viverito, assistant dean of International Student Affairs. “We want our students to love their experience and have a positive one in America. This is an important contribution to international friendship and understanding.”

For more information on hosting an international student, contact Susan Schroering, international student housing specialist, at (708) 974-5756 or schroerings@ morainevalley.edu.

Kubica holds up a copy of her latest Troy Ave. During her hour-long presenta- novel, “Every Last Lie.” tion, Kubica read a selection of her work and fielded questions bica said. “Not only is reading a regarding her writing process. wonderful pastime, but there’s so After the speaking engagement, much we can learn from literature, she signed copies of her books for including empathy, kindness and patrons. Copies of “Every Last a greater insight into the human Lie” were available for purchase race. I think it’s important that today’s youth explore different at the event.

“Attendees were able to have genres and find what interests the chance to hear the bestselling them. So many times I hear kids author’s work read in the author’s say that they don’t like to read own voice, and ask questions they and, as the adage goes, it’s likely may have about the books, char- that they just haven’t found the acters, plots and settings of Ms. right type of books. They need Kubica’s works,” Wassenaar said. to keep exploring until they find “They were also able to comment something they enjoy.”

She also touched upon her own to the author about what they liked literary icons. and didn’t like in the works.”

“I studied the classics in colWassenaar assured Kubica’s books are very popular reads at lege and loved Hemingway and Fitzgerald, among others,” Kubica the library.

“The library owns digital and said. “These days, I read mainly hardcover copies of all of Ms. psychological suspense, and in Kubica’s books, and they are all the genre, Megan Abbott is an checked out right now,” Was- inspiration to me. She sets the bar quite high for others to follow.” senaar said.

Kubica noted she is in the proKubica stressed the importance of reading among today’s youth. cess of working on her next novel, “People develop a love of lit- which she expects to be released erature from an early age,” Ku- next year.

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6 The Reporter

COMMENTARY

THE

Thursday, August 17, 2017

REPORTER

An Independent Newspaper Published Weekly Founded March 16, 1960

Ray Hanania

Last-minute games harm education reform

Seniors need to be treated better

C

hicago has vast property wealth and the largest population by far in Illinois. But it also has a large amount of that property wealth locked up in Tax Increment Financing districts.

According to figures released last week by the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability, Chicago has over half of the $12.4 billion in statewide equalized assessed valuation locked up in TIF districts. About 8.6 percent of the city’s total EAV is in a TIF district, well above the statewide average of 3.95 percent, but only the seventh-highest percentage in the state (29 percent of Clinton County’s EAV is in TIF districts, making it the leader going away).

And partly because Chicago is by far the largest city covered under state tax cap laws, Rich the city’s public schools were able to claim million in state adjustment benefits in Miller $125 Fiscal Year 2016 for districts with property tax caps, according to numbers crunched by the Taxpayers Federation of Illinois. But the way the laws are written, that $125 million was most of the $141 million claimed by all school districts in Illinois. The total amount was expected to drop by more than half during Fiscal Year 2017.

When valuations go up, so does the subsidy. In 2010, CPS’ subsidy was almost $444 million to account for “lost” revenue due to the tax caps. Elgin’s school district was second that year, at $18.3 million, but it wasn’t even in the top 15 last year.

The governor’s amendatory veto of SB1, the school funding reform bill, would slash state funding to school districts that are within TIF districts and covered under property tax caps. That seems counter-intuitive for this governor, who has railed against high local property taxes since first announcing for office. While he denied it last week, it’s clear he wants to force local school districts to raise their property taxes to avoid state funding cuts.

Why would he do that? Chicago Public Schools funding, obviously. The governor has often put CPS in the middle of his Statehouse wars. One of the events that motivated him to run for higher office was the successful Chicago Teachers Union strike, which angered him to no end. And he’s clearly looking for leverage in the wake of the budget and tax hike veto overrides.

That’s not to say the Democrats aren’t playing the same sort of game. They added even more money to SB1 for CPS when the bill finally reached the House and then jammed it through on a mostly partisan roll call.

The Illinois State Board of Education said it had finished its numbers crunching of Rauner’s amendatory veto last week, but then found some data mistakes, so as of this writing we don’t know what the numbers are, but you can bet that CPS will take a big hit.

The bigger question is how many suburban and Downstate districts will be slammed by this amendatory veto. Ford County, which is within Sen. Jason Barickman’s district, has the second highest percentage of assessed valuation in a TIF district in the state, over 10 percent of its EAV. Barickman (R-Bloomington) is the lead Senate Republican negotiator on education funding reform. Politically, this could be quite problematic.

These sorts of negotiations take years to complete. First, you have to convince people to open a nasty can of worms — which isn’t easy because so many folks have vested interests in the status quo and have cut little deals over the years to sweeten their own pots. Then you have to convince everybody to create a whole new can of worms. And then you have to actually do it. It isn’t easy.

Education funding reform has taken at least four years to get this far. Barickman has suggested that perhaps TIF districts created in the future could trigger a change to state aid. But even that could be a heavy lift at this late stage, with schools about to open.

Fiddling now with TIF and property tax caps could require a rewrite of the whole bill to achieve the bipartisan goals that were laid down at the outset of this monstrous task.

A last-minute amendatory veto isn’t the right way to go. If the governor wanted this stuff, he had over two years to bring it to the bargaining table. And the same goes for the House’s lastminute add-ons from the end of May. What they should probably do is back up and run a bill that’s as close to the Senate-approved version as possible.

Rich Miller also publishes Capitol Fax, a daily political newsletter, and CapitolFax.com.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Student body presidents united against hate and violence

As student body presidents across the United States, we are deeply saddened by the events that have occurred in Charlottesville, Va. We are united with the students of the University of Virginia, as what affects one of our campuses affects us all. College campuses are spaces that students should be able to call home, not places of violence, hate, and racism.

Students should always feel welcome and safe at our incredible higher education institutions, never having to fear for their personal well-being. As the voice of our students, we collectively call on one another to speak up in the face of injustice, as silence reduces us to bystanders in oppression. This is a statement to not only support the Student Body at the University of Virginia but to make clear our advocacy for the victimized and marginalized students on all our campuses.

We will continue to support students and universities in their peaceful resistance to violence, racism, white supremacy, bigotry, and acts of terrorism on our own campuses and beyond. If the students of the University

of Virginia or the citizens of Charlottesville need any assistance, please know you have a network of universities that supports you.

In solidarity: — Ramon DeShazer, Richards High School Class of 2013, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville — Mugdha Mokashi, University of Alabama at Birmingham — Zaynab AbulQuadir-Morris, University of California-Berkeley — Kevion Ellis, University of Northern Colorado — Taylor Dumpson, American University, District of Columbia — Kamar Mack, Georgetown University — Jalisa White, Florida State University — Leonardo Cosio, Florida International University, Biscayne Bay Campus — Krista Schmidt, Florida International University, Modesto Maidique Campus —Ximena Pedroza , New College of Florida

Illinois Secretary of State says there is no room for hate I am horrified by the offensive and deadly actions committed by white supremacists Sunday in Charlottesville, Va.. This is a sad reminder that bigotry and hate exist in our country. We need to do all we can to clearly denounce this kind of hatred.

I know personally how deeply racism and bigotry can affect an individual. Having attended college at Alabama State in Montgomery, Ala., I personally experienced the

ugliness of racism and bigotry.

I urge our political, community and faith leaders, along with parents, to teach our young people that disliking anyone because of race, creed or color is the ugliest card in the deck. Racism and bigotry cannot be tolerated and must be condemned by our words and our actions.

— Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White

Pay the toll for illegal U.S. immigration and unplanned pregnancy

Illegal immigration and unplanned parenthood are not morally bankrupt activities.

These eventualities are just part of life that come with living to millions of people. Many people not finding themselves in the jaws of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or the hot juices of paternity court can truthfully say that there is for the grace of God are fortunate.

I don’t let myself think about illegal U.S. immigration too often or too long because the problem is so big and the proposed solutions are so inadequate. Millions of illegal immigrants nestle here, often with American-born children delivered on our soil through no fault of their own.

Popular American thought supports building a Trump Wall along our southern border, hiring more border guards and expelling the likes of Mother Beatriz Casillas, the mother of four who lives in Ohio and who may be soon deported to Mexico. No benefits, no patience, no mercy.

I don’t like the choices offered as solutions.

Back to the car, the hotel room, the park, the beach -- the millions of places where one thing leads to another and oops by gosh population happens.

Back to the border, the river crossed, the fence climbed, the immigration law broken.

Like in the heat of the moment when a line is crossed, or in the pursuit of a better life when a border is crossed.

OK this is wrong, but moral turpitude? Not so much. St. Peter might scold us but never banish us to purgatory as a transgressor.

In America, fortunately, we don’t force abortion, incarcerate or deport children who arrive in the U.S. as an innocent part of someone else’s living and life decisions. Yet, again, the transgressor was wrong, made a mistake, gave in to what seemed to be a good idea at the time. Is there no consequence?

Mother Beatriz might say: “My punishment doesn’t fit the crime.”

Should Beatriz lose her job, her home, her family, her common law citizenship? As a society, should we attempt to minimize the harm caused by Beatriz’ transgression?

Should our immigration solution cause less harm than the immigration infraction? Not just to Beatriz but to her innocent children and to American society that inherits the problems and costs of orphaned innocents of ICE? A country that sleeps on its rights has none, paraphrasing an adage of the law and the wit of the immigration defense bar.

But fellow citizens, we need a decision on Mother Beatriz. What do you say, America?

What do you say, President Donald Trump?

Why not do what judges do in paternity cases born of mistake but not moral bankruptcy?

Pay child support. Not indentured servitude, not an unaffordable fortune, not forever.

But pay your citizenship toll, bounty, fine — by whatever name — a cost imposed on the Pursuit of Happiness, a cost even taxed upon the poor, the tired, and the huddled masses yearning to be free, recalling Emma Lazarus’ sonnet.

— James Gierach, Palos Park

Advice for our president: less tweeting, more governing As a veteran I am concerned with the chaos our “Commander-In-Tweets” creates with his child-like tweets. How can our military put faith in him when he continually tweets out ridiculous accusations and false information, and questions advice from his generals? How can we believe what he says?

Many tweets are designed to deflect criticism of him and move people’s thoughts in his direction. These diversionary tactics might work as the CEO of his company where he had absolute control, but it will not work with Congress and the media.

If Trump is to succeed and implement his policies, he needs Congress and the media on his side. He will not succeed by proposing

half-baked policies, and insulting people and institutions that disagree with him. Executive orders do not stand the test of time. They are easily rescinded.

Trump believes all publicity, including negative publicity, is beneficial, but this doesn’t work when you are president.

Our commander-In-tweets is sowing chaos, doubt and confusion in the minds of the American public, our military, and the world, and it is endangering the security of our country and our status in the world. Mr. president, please get normal.

— Donald Moskowitz, Londonderry, N.H.

ow that I am a senior, I don’t like the way seniors are treated.

I guess I just took all of the signs promising senior care and discounts for granted when I wasn’t a senior. So how would I know how bad it really is until I start wearing senior shoes?

The other day I walked into a restaurant and they offered me a “Senior Discount.” I won’t name them.

The price of the breakfast was about 30 percent cheaper than a regular breakfast I wanted to order, but they said I could get the discount. Great, I thought. I can get the same meal with a savings because I am a senior.

Ah, but that’s not the reality.

The reality is that they cut the price 30 percent but cut the food in half. I got 50 percent less food for 20 percent more price. That’s not a discount.

That’s being cheated.

Maybe they think that just because I am a senior, I can’t do the math or I can’t count anymore.

Unfortunately, a lot of the “discounts” are really new math crafted to take advantage of seniors and make them think they are getting a discount when they’re not getting a discount at all.

A lot of seniors I know hate the Internet. They are the last public constituency to join Facebook, which I think is really a great benefit for senior citizens. On Facebook, seniors can stay in touch with relatives who might live far away and are too busy to visit as often as one might want. You can communicate and view photos of your relatives and your friends.

The downside, of course, is that the crooks who target seniors work extra hard on the Internet to steal your money.

So, many seniors limit what they do on the Internet. But that causes a problem.

For example, the bank where I have my home mortgage gives mortgage holders a significant percentage discount on their interest if they do their banking online and pay their mortgage payments using the Internet.

So if many seniors are not using the Internet, or are afraid to use the Internet, that means seniors are being cheated out of that discount.

I don’t think that is fair.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle obviously doesn’t care too much about seniors, either.

She passed the repressive soda pop and sweetened drink tax, which is the tax equivalent of 1 cent per ounce of the drink. A 20-ounce drink, a standard-size drink, would cost 20 cents more in taxes.

Ouch!

Seniors drink a lot of pop.

That means seniors are paying a lot more for their drinks these days, thanks to Toni Preckwinkle.

There was one place where I really got a good discount. We went to the Grand Canyon last month and while entering the park, the U.S. Park Services officer said that because I was a senior, I could get a lifetime membership card to get in to every federally run park for only $10.

And sure enough, when we went to Dinosaur Monument in Jensen, Utah, the pass got the family in for free, because I am a senior.

Sometimes we unfairly criticize government, expecting too much, when seniors should be more careful about the experiences we have locally with restaurants, or retail outlets.

And then, sometimes, we don’t criticize government enough, like when it hammers us with a stupid tax on soda pop and make the dumb claim that it’s to keep us healthy.

Yeah, right!

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

Email him at rghanania@gmail. com.

Thursday, August 17, 2017

The Reporter

7

Southwest Regional Publishing pressman Donald Nagel dies prompted his son to say, “There’s lots of friends Donald F. Nagel, 56, an here from the neighboremployee of Southwest hood. The common thing Regional Publishing, I hear from people is that died suddenly Aug. 8 at no one ever had anything his home in LaGrange bad to say about him.”

Park.

Speaking further Mr. Nagel was born about the devotion his and raised in Chicago’s dad had from the many Nagel Clearing and Garfield people who knew him, Ridge neighborhoods. He attended Bryan said, “So many people St. Rene Goupil elementary school have told me that he was their and Kennedy High School, both best friend.” in the neighborhood.

At Southwest Regional Publish“He was a great dad, always ing, Mr. Nagel worked as a second there for us,” said his son, Bryan. pressman. His anonymous work “He took my brother and I to Little was displayed for thousands of League practice after he got off readers weekly on the pages of work.” all the company’s family of pubMr. Nagel was passionate about lications, including The Regional music, his son said.

News, The Reporter, Desplaines “It all started with the Beatles, Valley News and his old neighborfor him and his brothers, and it hood’s local paper, the Southwest went from there. Led Zeppelin, News-Herald. others. They would wait for each Mr. Nagel’s survivors, in adnew album to come out. He would dition to his son, Bryan (Amy), tell me of all the concerts he went include his wife, Tammy T. (nee to, hundreds of them,” Bryan said. Marshall); another son, ChristoAnother of his longtime inter- pher; brothers, Michael (Pam) and ests was sports.

Kenny “Hondosh”; sisters, Karyn “He loved the Cubs, Black- (Randy) and Pammy (Mikey); hawks and Bears — in that order,” granddaughter, Kailey and many said Bryan. “He was a Cubs fan nieces and nephews. since he was a kid and last year Services were Monday from (the World Series victory) was Ridge Funeral Home in Chicago definitely his favorite moment as to St. Rene Church for Mass. Ina sports fan.” terment took place at Resurrection Mr. Nagel’s overflow wake Cemetery.

By Anthony Caciopo

Photos by Kelly White

Evergreen Park Elementary School District 124 welcomes students and their families back with its fifth annual Back 2 School Bash on Friday evening at Central Middle School.

Back 2 School Bash celebrates new school year for Evergreen Park District 124

By Kelly White Summer vacation will soon be coming to an end for children and that means returning to the classroom. Evergreen Park Elementary School District chose to welcome students back with its fifth annual Back 2 School Bash on Friday evening at Central Middle School, 9400 S. Sawyer Ave. “One of the wonderful things about District 124 is the love that our families have for their home elementary school,” said Dr. Robert Machak, superintendent of District 124. “This event pulls in parents, students and staff from all of our schools and brings them together to celebrate the entire district.

We established the event as a way for friends to reconnect and get excited about the start of the school year.”

The bash also served as a chance for students to meet current or new students in their grade level, Machak said, and parents agreed.

“This event invites all families to come together before the start of the school year,” said Jeannie Olson, of Evergreen Park. “It ties together the school staff, students and parents.”

“This is a great way to reconnect with families that you haven’t seen all summer long,” said Nora Kowalczyk, of Evergreen Park.

Kowalczyk attended with her children, Evelyn, 6, and Benjamin, 3.

The Back 2 School Bash is organized each year by the D124 Foundation, a nonprofit, volunteer organization made up of the district’s friends and supporters that raises and distributes charitable contributions from a variety of sources to enhance the educational experience of the students in the district.

It is free to attend and open to the public.

There was a DJ providing musical entertainment throughout the evening. Plenty of games and raffles were held. Food and drink vendors were also on hand.

“It’s a lot of fun seeing my friends and playing games together,” said Annie Olson, 9, of Evergreen Park.

“The foundation has never attended to use this event as a fundraiser,” Machak said.

“The money we raise helps defray the costs

Evelyn Kowalczyk, 6, of Evergreen Park, and her brother, Benjamin, 3, enjoy pizza at Evergreen Park School District 124’s Back 2 School Bash on Friday evening at Central Middle School.

Annie Olson, 9, of Evergreen Park, bowls during the Back 2 School Bash.

involved in putting this event on each year.

We’d love it financially if we could break even.”

In addition to the fun-filled activities, the Back-2-School Bash also gave community members the opportunity to connect with local organizations. This year, Little Com-

pany of Mary Hospital was on site to talk to parents about fall sports physicals. Evergreen Park Library was also registering families for library cards. The Evergreen Park Police and Fire Department offered vehicle tours to children and free student ID cards.

“The kids love trying on all of the firefighters’ gear,” Machak said. “It has turned into a real community event. It is a great way for parents to access important services and information to start the school year all in one spot.”

Machak said he is excited about the upcoming school year as all students within the district will be receiving an iPad or Google Chromebook to support their learning. The iPad or Chromebook will be used inside and outside of the classroom.

“We realize our goal this year is having all grades go 1:1,” Machak said. “We will also be reviewing our K to eighth grade science curriculum this year as a component of our new long-range strategic plan.”

Additionally, the district’s four elementary schools will have assistant principals for the first time. Patty Johnson will be serving as assistant principal for both Northeast and Northwest elementary schools, and Scott Liska serving as assistant principal for both Southeast and Southwest elementary schools.

Recent injury draws some attention but little sympathy wasn’t a particularly athletic child, nor did I want to be. I was happy walking to the library and reading books under the old maple in our backyard.

While most of my peers played softball and tether ball on the corner, I was an unashamed loner. And because of that I was safe.

I remember one summer day lying on my bed with my kitty, when my mother ran in to my room: “Get your shoes on.

We have to take your sister to the doctor as fast as we can!” I followed her to the car, mostly curious. Turns out my sister had stepped on a rusty nail while running barefoot in the backyard. As our doctor cleaned her puncture wound and gave her a shot, I was silently thankful that it was her and not me. On our way out, however, the doctor opened a jar on his desk and offered her a pretzel for being such a good patient. Hey! What about me?

Upon arriving home, I once again curled up with Cleo and plotted ways to get just slightly hurt, maybe not for a simple pretzel rod, but for all of that loving attention. So as summer went on, I’d approach my mom every few days or so with a mysteriously invisible sliver, a suspected bee sting, or a stomach ache that was a sure sign of imminent death.

She’d pat my head, “You’ll be fine.” Not long after that my younger sister broke her leg on a trampoline. It was all too much. I was reminded of it every day for six long weeks when she hopped around on her cool crutches, wearing a cast that was signed by everyone in town. Some people have all the luck.

I’ve learned you might want to recon-

I

sider what you wish for.

Middle age sneaks up and one day you wake up feeling as if you got mowed down by a garbage truck. Some mornings it takes a full 10 minutes of stretching and rolling my neck before I Janet can even get out the door Boudreau for some exercise. I limp, then walk, and finally do something comparable to a horse trot that I call running.

About three years ago I mentioned to my husband that my hands felt tingly and numb all the time. While I hoped he would go into some sort of hysteria over the possibility of a small stroke, he calmly looked up over his newspaper and said, “You probably have carpal tunnel syndrome. Bilateral.” Of course he was right. I had two surgeries and a total of six weeks in casts. As much as I complained, even sharing cellphone pictures of my stitches, no one seemed to feel really bad for me.

The following year I was standing on a chair trying to turn a ceiling fan on.

I’m in no way blaming myself for this accident, although a lot of people disagree.

The chair went out from under me and I broke my arm in three places. Four weeks in a cast, and again, no attention. I remember asking my husband if he could load the dishwasher. He said I could do it just fine. A little lightbulb went off. Maybe there would be a little more adulation if I showed others how well I coped. Yes! That was it!

I marched into Home Depot the next

day and hauled two large bags of fertilizer into my cart (still in a cast, mind you). A couple stopped and the woman gestured at me, “Bob, go help that poor woman.” I shook my head and smiled, “No, I can manage by myself.” I went home and got to work on my front lawn, just sure that the neighbors were looking out their windows shaking their heads, thinking, wow, look at that Janet go, broken arm and all. I also planned my reaction for when my hubby was sure to come out and take over. I’d feign surprise and say, “No problem. This is easy peasy!” But he never came out. He was glued to a football game on TV. Finally, for years I had been talking about my “bad back.” I think a lot of us have a bad back, for lack of better words. One day I stood up and found I could barely move. The pain in my lower back was shooting down my left leg. I got into an orthopedic doctor as soon as possible. The tests came back and I was given meds and scheduled for 12 weeks of physical therapy.

When I got home I showed my husband the MRI report. He studied it and just when I expected him to toss it aside, he shook his head and said, “Wow, you have one messed-up back.” If I could have physically danced a little jig, I would have. He then went back to watching the news and over his shoulder asked, “So what’s for dinner?”

I’m thinking of sending myself some flowers.

Janet Boudreau is a writer, blogger and longtime resident of Evergreen Park. You can reach her at blndy9@yahoo.com

Sisters of Mercy offer grants for SXU students The Sisters of Mercy, founders of St. Xavier University, is offering grants for qualifying students to advance their education.

For the 2017-18 academic year, the Sisters of Mercy West Midwest Community have provided St. Xavier University with a $27,000 Mercy Scholarship grant. Selected students will receive a $4,500 scholarship, and are expected to educate themselves on one of the five critical concerns of the Sisters of Mercy: earth, immigration, nonviolence, racism and women.

Recipients will write reflections on their experiences, which will be read by a Sister of Mercy.

“The Mercy Scholarship award recipients commit to reflection on the mission of the Sisters of Mercy and St. Xavier University,” said Sister Corinne Raven, RSM. “This reflection will help guide their career – all in fidelity to addressing the Critical Concerns

of our times.”

To qualify for the grant, students must meet the following criteria: be enrolled in an undergraduate program at the sophomore, junior or senior level at SXU; demonstrate considerable financial need; be in good disciplinary standing with the university; and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Additionally, preference will be given to female students in their senior year.

The Mother Catherine McAuley established the Sisters of Mercy in 1831; an order focused primarily on service, hospitality and compassion, three of SXU’s core values.

This scholarship combines these principles in an attempt to influence and encourage students to achieve their ambitions.

Interested scholarship candidates must complete the application by Friday, Sept. 1 at St. Xavier.

Decisions regarding the recipients will be announced in October.

Funeral Directory Palos-Gaidas FUNERAL HOME

708-974-4410 FUNERAL HOME David Gaidas, Jr. Director

11028 Southwest Highway Palos Hills, IL 60465

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8 The Reporter

Thursday, August 17, 2017

SXU hosts ‘Traced Hollows’ exhibit The “Traced Hollows” exhibit by Meghann Sottile will take place from Monday, Aug. 21 through Tuesday, Sept. 12 at the St. Xavier University Art Gallery, 3700 W. 103rd St., Chicago.

Sottile is a sculptor and metalsmith who often uses ordinary “found” objects in her work. She will give a brief presentation about her work on display at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30 at the SXU Art Gallery. The exhibit is free.

A graduate of Arizona State University with a

bachelor of fine arts in metalworking and in art education, Sottile has instructed numerous workshops, including one for the Eleanor A. Robb Children’s Art Workshop at ASU. Currently, she works at Columbia College in Chicago in the design department as an instructional specialist for the fabrication facility.

SXU’s Art Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday, Wednesday and Friday; noon to 5 p.m.

Tuesday and Thursday; and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. For more information, visit www.sxu.edu.

Palos Twp.

in the parking lot an hour before the scheduled start of the meeting. Multiple speakers addressed the crowd and protestors stood along Roberts Road, holding signs aloft to grab the attention of motorists.

Diane Bruske, a Mokena resident and a member of Southwest Suburban Activists, was among the first to take the microphone.

“Private citizens have every right to publish racist and bigoted statements, and to enjoy membership with online anti-Muslim hate groups,” said Bruske.

“Yet, as township trustee, Ms. Brannigan is charged with being a ‘citizen official’ to act in consideration of every resident of her town.”

Late last month, Brannigan stepped down from the Cook County Commission on Women’s Issues. County Board President Toni Preckwinkle had publically called on her to resign, citing the controversial social media posts, although Brannigan claimed she had already resigned from the position because she could not give the commission the proper attention.

Following the cancelled meeting, as the crowd milled outside township headquarters, Nareman Taha of Arab American Family Services, with offices in Bridgeview, said, “We are disappointed with the trustees of Palos Township but I think our message has been consistent, and so will our actions. We will continue to come back as a community. No matter what faith, what race, no one wants hate in their community. We all stand for caring for each other as one humanity.

“At the end of the day, I’m just surprised a trustee like her is not representing all her constituents,” said Taha. “It’s sad, it breaks my heart that she doesn’t respect (all) her constituents. She doesn’t see that we are generations of Arab Americans who have invested their blood, their time, their effort to build the community and here she is, dismissing us.

“We’re here and we intend to come back,” said Taha.

Continued from Page 1

Schumann stepped to the front of the room moments before the meeting was set to begin Monday evening. She called it off due to the inability of the room to accommodate all the people present.

“I asked to be notified to how many people would be coming,” said Schumann. “I never got that notification, so unfortunately this meeting is cancelled.”

Seating capacity of the room is 42. Approximately 100 people were present, most of whom had to stand outside the building.

The most recent monthly meeting, held July 10, was allowed to proceed despite a similar turnout of people.

The next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 11.

The location of a larger venue has not been determined.

“It will be posted on the door and on our website,” Schumann said as the noise level in the meeting room grew.

Another township representative present also mentioned notification will be posted “in the newspaper.”

“We’re just trying to find a facility that will fit a lot of people,” he said.

Upon Schumann’s departure, Kawar said into a microphone, “We’ll be back next month,” as some of the attendees questioned why Brannigan was not present.

“She couldn’t even show her face,” said an unidentified woman in the crowd.

“They (the board members) knew we were coming back,” said Tammy Georgiou, of Palos Hills, who had stood up to shout after the meeting was cancelled. “They purposely did not prepare, because their plan was (to cancel the meeting).”

The evening began, like on July 10, with a rally

Museum

Continued from Page 1

stated that the district would like to get out of the management of the museum and move it to another location.

“The park district is not the best group to be running it as we are not in the museum business,” O’Shaughnessy said at the time. “We want it to stay in the community and ideally, we would love for a school, or library or a civic organization which might have room for it to take it over.”

Carol Hall, director of the Worth Public Library, spoke emotionally about the closing of the museum.

“It is very sad to see it close. A lot of love and work went into it.”

She referenced Colleen McElroy, who was curator of the museum for six years, prior to the position being eliminated in July 2016.

“She had such a love and passion for the history of the town and she worked very hard to preserve its story. Two years ago she authored a book, ‘The History of Worth,’ which was filled with wonderful pictures of the early days of the village and stories of the people who pioneered the creation of the town.”

The book is still available at the library. Hall said she wished the library had room for the museum.

“We just couldn’t handle it. We don’t have the room or the staff. A museum is a huge responsibility and it would need a curator.”

She added that she understands that the park district commissioners had a hard decision to make.

“The town has to take care of its own history,” she said, her voice breaking. “Hopefully, someone will come forward and say, ‘I can’t do all of it, but I will try to help.’”

When Dr. Rita Wojtylewski, superintendent of Worth School District 127 was contacted for this story, she said, “We can’t run a museum, but we would be happy to have pieces of it to display.”

Wojtylewski was a little surprised that the park district had considered the school district as a possible location.

“A museum is open to the public and we simply could not risk hosting a facility open to the public.

It would be a huge security risk,” Wojtylewski said.

She also pointed out that the school’s revenue comes from state and federal funds and property taxes. None of these entities can fund a museum.

“In addition to these reasons, our district is growing and we have no unoccupied school space,” Wojtylewski said.

“I am sad the museum is closed. Walking the kids down to the museum was one of our favorite field trips,” she said.

McElroy, also a former village trustee for eight years, expressed hope that the valuable documents and memorabilia could be preserved.

She added that the creation and maintenance of the museum was not done by just one person.

It was done through a community of volunteers, spearheaded by a park district board.

Although the museum is not under the jurisdiction of the village, Mayor Mary Werner also expressed sadness at the closing of the museum.

“I believe the closing of the facility had been discussed for months by the park district and I feel comfortable that they looked at all possible options. It is unfortunate that no one can take it over at this time.”

O’Shaughnessy stated again that he is willing to talk to anyone who might have an interest, the resources or a plan for the future of the Worth Historical Museum. He can be reached at (708) 448-7080.

Library treats movie buffs

Photo by Kelly White

Film art enthusiasts, including Makylah Lewis (above), 12, of Evergreen Park, were able to browse a large selection of movie posters at the Evergreen Park Public Library’s Movie Poster Display Day on Saturday afternoon.

Senators

Continued from Page 1

education experts and non-partisan school finance professionals as it invests $350 million in new funding to K-12 education. But that money can’t be distributed if an evidence-based funding model is not in place.

Because of this, the state missed its general state aid payment to schools for the first time in Illinois’ history earlier this month.

“Senate Bill 1 is the only bill offered that gives long-term stability to schools. It updates Illinois’ outdated, 20-year-old funding formula and stops the practice of simply throwing money at schools, instead basing investment on the specific needs of every district,” Landek said.

Landek pointed out that Senate Bill 1 directs funding toward 27 key elements — such as class size, availability of full-day kindergarten and teacher training opportunities — that positively impact student achievement. Based on the individual school district’s needs, a minimum adequacy target is determined to help ensure students in every school district get a highquality education.

Landek said Rauner’s amendatory veto removes the minimum funding level guaranteed in Senate

Districts

Continued from Page 1

public elementary schools and one middle school in Evergreen Park, said that “Rather than providing the promised funding that meets the needs of our students, the bill penalizes the district for depending on property taxes that are well above the state average as its main source of revenue.”

“This legislation,” Machak continued, “does not take into account the costs involved in programming for English language learners, children with special needs, gifted education or any other situation that requires the district to spend additional funds to ensure that each and every student is receiving the quality education that they deserve.”

Machak noted that the intent of the original bill was to find a more equitable way to fund schools across the state and shift the majority of the burden for doing so away from district property taxes.

But, he said, “There is no relief for the taxpayers of Evergreen Park in the legislation’s current form and, if there were, our legislators are at a loss to explain from where the money to run our school district would otherwise come.”

Business manager Tim Kostecki said, “The reserves of Evergreen Park Elementary School

Bill 1, creating uncertainty by tying funding to enrollment numbers. The veto also pits schools against economic development efforts by removing protections for school districts that lie within Tax Increment Financing districts, he added.

Rauner’s veto was signed despite reports from his education secretary that the governor supported “90 percent” of the bill. On top of that, he vetoed the bill even though it was based on the ideas of a commission he appointed, as he claimed it was a “Chicago bailout.”

But Landek said that is false, as 268 schools see a greater per-pupil funding increase than Chicago Public Schools. Schools throughout the suburbs would see considerable funding increases per Senate Bill 1. Those include Argo High School District 217 (gain of $227,413), Oak Lawn 229 and Oak Lawn-Hometown 123 (combined gain of more than $281,000), Community High School District 218 (gain of $409,448), and High School District 230 (gain $209,930).

“The bottom line is Senate Bill 1 is an effective and dynamic reform. It’s already passed the legislature, so Sunday’s vote was simply a rejection of the governor’s hastily crafted amendatory veto,” Landek said.

After the Senate’s action, the House has 15 days to act on Rauner’s amendatory veto. They were scheduled to take up the matter on Wednesday.

District 124 will allow us to keep our doors open and continue to educate our students despite the absence of General State Aid payments. With that being said, the district may be forced into a problematic position of dipping into those reserves to cover our expenses until future payments are made by the state.”

High school districts are facing the same issues.

“We are for fair and equitable funding for all schools, and it is the Legislature’s responsibility to provide funding for public education,” said Dr. James Gay, superintendent of School District 230, who was asked about SB1 a few weeks ago, before Rauner’s amendatory veto. His district includes Stagg, Sandburg and Andrew high schools.

“The important thing to us is that the funding bill in its current form would have no negative impact on our district this year. It is a ‘holdsharmless’ type of language,” said John Lavelle, assistant superintendent for business services for District 230. But he added that he is concerned with how the bill would affect funding in future years is still unclear.

“The concern is that to make sure that no district would lose any funding,” said Gay. “We totally agree with that overall. There is just not enough state funding to go around. The main point is not to take money away from any district.”

COMMUNITY CALENDAR CHICAGO RIDGE

cherry, peach, blueberry and pecan.

Seek vendors for McDonald-Linn VFW Pot craft fair

HICKORY HILLS

177, 10537 S. Ridgeland Ave., Chicago Ridge.

Vendors are being sought for the craft fair. The fee is $30 a table. For more information or to obtain applications, call Debi at (708) 636-3220.

Zumba classes will be held every Wednesday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Krueger Park Recreation Center, 9100 S. 88th Ave., Hickory Hills.

This high-energy class combines aerobic exercise with Latin dance moves. Park district officials said the steps are repetitive and easy to learn. The program is for ages 14 and up.

The registration fee is $6 for residents and $7 for non-residents. Participants will pay at the door.

More information can be obtained by calling the park district at (708) 598-1233 or visit the website at www.hhparkdistrict.org.

Zumba classes will be held at A craft and vendor fair will be held SaturKrueger Park day, Nov. 11 at the McDonald-Linn VFW Post

EVERGREEN PARK

Farmers Market on Thursdays at Yukich Field

The Evergreen Park Farmers Market will be held from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Thursday until mid-October at Yukich Field, 8900 S. Kedzie Ave. A new season of goods and other novelties will be available for purchase. For more information or to become a vendor, call (708) 422-8776.

First United Methodist hosts old-fashioned corn boil

An old-fashioned corn boil and craft show will be held beginning at 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19 at First United Methodist Church, 9358 S. Homan Ave., Evergreen Park. Corn, hot dogs, salads, beverages and desserts will be served.

The fee is $10 for a single person or $25 for a family of three or four. Reservations can be arranged by calling (708) 422-8451.

Pie sale will be held at First United Methodist Church

A pie sale will be held beginning at 9 a.m.

Saturday, Sept. 9 at First United Methodist Church, 9358 S. Homan Ave., Evergreen Park.

Residents can pre-order pies by calling (708) 422-8451. Pies can be pre-ordered for baked or frozen for future use. A nine-inch pie is $15.

A five-inch pie is $5 or two for $8.50. Pies for sale include apple, strawberry, rhubarb,

OAK LAWN

Oak Lawn Farmers Market continues through summer

The Oak Lawn Farmers Market is being offered from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays through Oct. 11 at Dumke Drive and 52nd Avenue.

The farmers market will not be held on Sept. 7.

Shoppers will gather to select fresh vegetables, fruits, oils, homemade jams, cheese, f lowers, shrubs, homemade salsa, honey, dog biscuits, homemade beefs, spices, coffee, tea, popcorn, clothing, soaps, jewelry, arts and crafts and more. The market features over 35 vendors.

Smilin’ Clyde’s hot dog wagon is available for lunch. Each week, the farmers market has a sponsor.

PALOS HILLS

Community Safety Issues examined

Community Safety Issues will be discussed from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30 at the Palos Township Health Service, 10802 S.

Roberts Road, Palos Hills. The event will be presented by the Palos Hills Police Department.

This event is open to all residents.

Saints Constantine and Helen Church to host Greek Fest

The Palos Hills Greek Fest 2017 will be held beginning from 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18 on the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church grounds, 11025 S. Roberts Road, Palos Hills.

The fest will also be held from 3 to 11 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 19 and noon to 11 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20. The festival will include a variety of Greek food and other dishes. The family event will include new rides and games. Greek music and dancing will also be offered.

Tickets for the drawing will be offered. Tickets are available at the church office or by calling (708) 974-3400. Residents who would like to volunteer in helping with the preparation, set-up, or transport food and sweets can contact the church office.

RCIA classes will be offered at Sacred Heart Parish

Residents who are interested in becoming a Catholic or learning more about Christianity can attend Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) to be held at Sacred Heart Parish, 8245 W. 111th St., Palos Hills.

These sessions could also apply to nonCatholics married or engaged to a baptized Catholic. RCIA also provides information for someone who was recently asked to be a godparent for a baptism, or a sponsor for a confirmation or a quinceanera. The program is for someone baptized as a baby but has not yet received the Sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation.

RCIA is for teens and adults can join the Catholic Church. More information can be obtained by calling Elizabeth Droel, pastoral associate, at (708) 974-3336, ext. 250, or droel@

sacredheartpalos.org. The program is free and not limited to Palos Hills or Worth residents,

Veterans can share experiences over a cup of coffee

A “Cup o’ Joe and Veteran Talk” will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 8 at the Palos Hills Community Center, 8455 W. 103rd St. Vets are invited to come and enjoy the camaraderie of other veterans. They can tell stories and share wartime experiences and photos over a cup of coffee. Other light refreshments will be served. The event is free.

More information can be obtained by calling Sandy, (708) 430-4500.

Community shred day will be held at Palos Hills Rec Department

The City of Palos Hills Resource and Recreation Department will be hosting a community shred day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, which will be held in the rear parking lot of the Palos Hills Community Center, 8455 W. 103rd St. Residents can eliminate clutter and can bring in old documents to be safely shredded. This free event is sponsored by state Rep. Kelly Burke (D-36th), state Sen. Bill Cunningham (D-18th) and Palos Hills Mayor Gerald Bennett. The shred day will be held in partnership with AT&T. A three-box limit will be enforced per customer. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 430-4500.

WORTH

Worth Cruisers Car Club weekly Cruise Nights

The Worth Cruisers Car Club will hold their Cruise Nights from 6 to 9 p.m. every Monday through Oct. 6 in the parking lot of the Water’s Edge Golf Course, 11500 S. Harlem Ave., Worth.

SCHOOL NEWS

Thursday, August 17, 2017

The Reporter

9

District 230 appoints new director of student services

Submitted photos

Richards High School students (from left) Yusef Gaamoom, Fabian Escobar-Gomora, Kevin Pham, Luis Gabriel-Melendez, Nick Bruno-Lind, Kenny Pham, Mohammed Judeh, Logan Evans, Odeh Odeh, Elizabeth Schuster, Jessica Schaal, Victoria Fasano and Sofia Gomez gather after graduating from the U.S. Navy Basic Leadership Training camp at the National Guard Training Base in Marseilles, Ill.

Students enroll in U.S. Navy JROTC at Richards

Richards High School student Odeh Odeh learns how to properly apply a tourniquet as part of fi st aid training at the U.S. Navy Basic Leadership Training camp at the National Guard Training Base in Marseilles, Ill..

After a year of military exercises, 12 students have since enrolled in the U.S. Navy JROTC program at Richards High School in Oak Lawn.

The instruction included military drills, classroom sessions, marksmanship and inspection. With a dozen more students entering the Navy JROTC program, they applied their skills and knowledge for a week at the Basic Leadership Training camp.

Hosted by the National Guard Training Base in Marseilles, Ill., the experience featured a range of military training, team-building, and leadership development activities.

SXU nursing program receives Health and Human Services grant

St. Xavier University’s School of Nursing (SON) has been awarded a grant through the Health Resources and Services Administration within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

SXU’s Assistant Professor of Nursing Laura Tucco, Ph.D., secured the Advanced Nursing Education Workforce (ANEW) grant for a two-year period, which began July 1 and runs through June 30, 2019.

During the 2017-18 and 201819 academic semesters, the grant will cover the cost of 15 family nurse practitioner (FNP) students each year. The total of the grant is $887,467. A project will go along with the grant, which will involve a partnership with a group of Franciscan Specialty Physicians, who provide care to underserved communities, which is consistent with the SXU Mercy mission.

“Specialty Physicians of Illinois, LLC, is pleased to partner with St. Xavier and provide a training site for family nurse practitioner students,” said Franciscan Specialty Physicians of Illinois, LLC Human Resources

Submitted photo

The St. Xavier University’s School of Nursing has been awarded a grant for students with a strong commitment and passion for aiding medically underserved communities.

Manager Rai Barney. “Our advanced practice providers understand the vital role of preceptors and are eager to aid in the clinical and professional development of our community’s future nurse practitioners.”

Tucco, who is leading the project, must identify, select and maintain 15 dedicated FNP students for each year, work closely with the students who report to

her, and encourage the continuation of a relationship with Franciscan Specialty Physicians. The pupils who receive the award will be those with a strong commitment and passion for aiding medically underserved communities.

“Receipt of the ANEW grant provides funding to support the clinical education of family nurse practitioner (FNP) students in academic-practice partnerships

with clinical facilities where students will care for the medically underserved,” said Tucco.

“Caring for the medically underserved is consistent with the Mercy mission of St. Xavier University. The grant provides much needed funding to FNP students allowing them to focus on their studies and prepare for future careers as primary health care providers.”

Since 2014, SXU’s SON has obtained close to $2 million in awards for FNP education. The ANEW grant is now the third consecutive program to bring necessary funding for the students.

“We are very proud and excited to have received a two-year ANEW grant from HRSA,” said SXU President Laurie M. Joyner, Ph.D. “Receipt of this highlycompetitive award showcases not only the hardworking efforts of our Nursing faculty, but our dedication and commitment to academic excellence. The knowledge and experiences our FNP students will receive through these clinical partnerships will be vital to their future professional success.”

The District 230 School Board tional Services Dr. Kim Dryier. approved the hiring of Lisa “She has extensive knowledge Shulman as the new director of and experience for this position student services during a recent and we look forward to seeing special meeting. all of the great work she will do Shulman is joining Consolidat- in District 230.” ed High School District 230 from On top of her work at Oswego Oswego High School.

High School, Shulman While at Oswego High has also worked at KenSchool, Shulman held dall County Special many leadership roles, Education Cooperative in Oswego, G.O.A.L. in including extended Plainfield, Oswego East school year coordinaHigh School and Strattor, event coordinator ford Middle School in for athletics, test accommodations coordinator, Bloomingdale. During Shulman her time at Oswego East and supervisor for online learning for students High School, Shulman with special needs. mentored new teachers, superShe also wrote board proposals vised student teachers, aided in for acquisition of new teachers, the hiring of teachers, created led Institute Day and incorpo- a resource curriculum, and led rated Common Core into IEP staff development in the area of goals, ran transition meetings differentiation. at district junior high schools, Shulman was the head coach created teacher schedules, was for the JV wheelchair basketball a member of the building lead- team and the head coach for ership team, the pupil support Special Olympics basketball team and Rising Star. squad at WDSRA in Carol Shulman is PERA trained. Stream. She was also a head She holds a bachelor of arts in track coach and freshmen girls special education from Elmhurst basketball coach at Oswego College, a master of arts in ad- East High School. ministration from North Central “Her special education and College. administration knowledge will “We are excited to welcome be a great asset to her work and Lisa Shulman as the new director will benefit not only the students, of student services,” said Assis- but their parents, teachers and tant Superintendent for Instruc- community as well.” said Dryier.

Sisters of Mercy offer qualifying St. Xavier students scholarships The Sisters of Mercy, founders of St. Xavier University, is offering grants for qualifying students to advance their education.

For the 2017-18 academic year, the Sisters of Mercy West Midwest Community have provided St. Xavier University with a $27,000 Mercy Scholarship grant. Selected students will receive a $4,500 scholarship, and are expected to educate themselves on one of the five critical concerns of the Sisters of Mercy: earth, immigration, nonviolence, racism and women. Recipients will write reflections on their experiences, which will be read by a Sister of Mercy.

“The Mercy Scholarship award recipients commit to reflection on the mission of the Sisters of Mercy and St. Xavier University,” said Sister Corinne Raven, RSM. “This reflection will help guide their career – all in fidelity to addressing the Critical Concerns

of our times.”

To qualify for the grant, students must meet the following criteria: be enrolled in an undergraduate program at the sophomore, junior or senior level at SXU; demonstrate considerable financial need; be in good disciplinary standing with the university; and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Additionally, preference will be given to female students in their senior year.

The Mother Catherine McAuley established the Sisters of Mercy in 1831; an order focused primarily on service, hospitality and compassion, three of SXU’s core values. This scholarship combines these principles in an attempt to influence and encourage students to achieve their ambitions.

Interested scholarship candidates must complete the application by Friday, Sept. 1 at St. Xavier. Decisions regarding the recipients will be announced in October.

LIBRARY HAPPENINGS

CHICAGO RIDGE

Free class provides search strategies for older workers

“Search Strategies for Older Workers” will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. today (Thursday, Aug 17) at the Chicago Ridge Library, 10400 S. Oxford Ave. The National Labor Department has recently reported that older workers are having a tougher time finding jobs. This free presentation will cover easier tactics that will improve a job search, including resume and cover letter tips, interview strategies and modern job search techniques.

An open and candid discussion on job discrimination and how to overcome it will be discussed.

For more information or to register, call the library at (708) 423-7753 or visit the website at www. chicagoridgelibrary.org.

EVERGREEN PARK

Author to discuss upcoming book

Author Elizabeth Berg will visit the Evergreen Park Library, 9400 S. Troy Ave., as part of her summer library tour from 6:30 to 9 p.m. today (Thursday, Aug. 17) in the meeting room. She will provide a sneak preview of “The Story of Arthur Truluy,” which is due out in November. Her appearance will be preceded by a dog adoption event with the Animal Welfare League in Chicago Ridge.

OAK LAWN

Oak Lawn film group to mark 50th anniversary of ‘Bonnie and Clyde’

Cineversary, the Oak Lawn Public Library’s monthly film discussion group open to anyone age 17 and older, will celebrate the 50th anniversary of “Bonnie and Clyde” with a screening and discussion of the movie from 6 to 8:45 p.m. today (Thursday, Aug.17) at the Oak Lawn Public Library, 9427 S. Raymond Ave. The 1967 film will be presented in the downstairs theater. For more information, call (708) 422-4990 or visit tinyurl.com/cineversary.

Friends of Library offer kicks on Route 66

Registration for the fall trip “Route 66: An American Icon (Part II)” is being offered through The Friends of the Oak Lawn Library.

Author and guide John Weiss returns and picks up from the original tour to narrate a stretch of iconic Route 66 from Dwight, Ill. to Atlanta, Ill. The journey begins on Wednesday, Sept. 13 in Dwight with breakfast at the nostalgic Route 66 diner just after 9 a.m. The group will then head south to visit some unique sights such as the former Illinois State Police Office; Memory Lane, the original stretch of Route 66; Spraque’s Super Service gas station; the Beer Nuts plant to sample products; and shops, diners, wall murals and the giant Paul Bunyan “Muffler Men” statue.

The trip concludes with dinner at Country Mansion Restaurant in Dwight at about 4:15 p.m. The bus will depart from the library at 7:15 a.m. and return at about 6:45 p.m. The fee is $96 for members and $101 for non-members. For more information about this and other programs, call (708) 422-4990 or visit www.olpl.org.

Media digital program offers Hoopla downloads

Hoopla is being offered through the Oak Lawn Library digital media program for patrons who would like to borrow movies, music, audiobooks, eBooks, comics and TV shows to view on their computers, table, phone or TV. Patrons who are interested will not have to wait.

Hoopla has hundreds of thousands of titles to choose from, and more are being added daily. Titles can be streamed immediately, or downloaded to phones or tablets for offline enjoyment at a later time.

Each OLPL cardholder receives four downloads a month, which means everyone (including children) has access to this feature.

The hoopla link is searchable through www. olpl.org. Residents can search for a particular item at catalog.olpl.org. Patrons can also download the hoopla digital app on their favorite mobile device.

They can do that by using their own Oak Lawn Public Library card number and password. For more information about hoopla, contact librarian Shannon Kazmierczak at (708) 422-4990, ext. 515, or skazmierczak@olpl.org.

Car enthusiasts sought by library

Patrons who like to work on cars and helping others fix their vehicles are being sought for a special event that will take place at a later date at the Oak Lawn Library. Car enthusiasts are being sought to devote their time to assisting community

members with their car troubles. This will not involve hard labor. The volunteers will provide their advice and expertise. To volunteer, contact Melissa Apple at (708) 422-4990.

Donate books, magazines and CD

Residents can donate ”gently used” books, magazines, CDs and videos to the Friends of the Oak Lawn Library’s Ongoing Book Sale at the Oak Lawn Library.

Due to space limitations, the Friends will not accept Readers Digest Condensed Books, encyclopedias and older text books. The donation drop-off area is near the library’s Cook Avenue entrance.

Interested parties may fill out a short form at the customer services desk to receive a tax letter by mail that acknowledges their donation.

The Friends Ongoing Book Sale provides an ever-changing variety of books, magazines and other forms of media at bargain prices. Hardcover books cost 50 cents each, paperbacks are 25 cents and magazines cost 10 cents each. Audio visual items are priced as indicated. Funds collected from the book sale support library programming and purchases that are beyond their regular budget.

Volunteers sought to work in the Friends Bookstore

The Friends of the Oak Lawn Library is accepting applications for bookstore volunteers, which consists of sorting book donations and stocking the store at the library. One four-hour shift per week is required. Volunteer forms are available at the Customer Services Desk on the first floor of the library. For more information, call Carole Onwiler at (708) 422-8646.

PALOS HILLS

Family Movie Time at library

The Family Movie Time presentation will be screened beginning at 4:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18 at the Green Hills Library, 10331 S. Interlochen Drive, Palos Hills. Popcorn and juice will be provided for the family during the free movie. All ages are welcome. Register online at greenhillslibrary.org.

‘La La Land’ is next Afternoon Movie

The movie “La La Land” will be screened at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug 22 at the Green Hills Library.

Popcorn and drinks will be served. The event is

for adults only. One lucky person will win a copy of the movie.

Tech Club to tinker with technology and robotics

Students in the third through eighth grade tinker with technology and robotics during a program to be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22 at the Green Hills Library. Youths can experiment with Makey Makeys, Squishy Circuits and the Mbot robot.

Registration is limited to 25. Register online at greenhillslibrary.org.

Book discussion for kids

Miss Natalie will offer a book discussion followed by craft snacks from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 23 at the Green Hills Library. The program is for kids ages 10 to 17. Registration is limited to 15. Copies of the book will be available at the Youth Services Desk. Register online at greenhillslibrary.org.

Discussion on old cemeteries

Two speakers will present a talk on old cemeteries at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24 at Green Hills Library. The presentation will include discussing unique headstones, historical events and unique gravesites. The event is for adults only. Register online at greenhillslibrary.org.

Decorate marimo aquariums at library craft night

Patrons will have an opportunity to decorate a marimo light bulb aquarium at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29 at the Green Hills Library. Visitors will decorate the aquarium with sand, mini shells and glass rocks. All materials will be provided. The event is for adults only. Register online at greenhillslibrary.org.

WORTH

Understanding credit will be discussed at library

A program entitled “To Your Credit” will be offered at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug 22 in the meeting room at the Worth Library, 6917 W. 111th St. Items to be discussed include understanding your credit report and assisting in building a positive credit history. More information can be obtained by calling the library, (708) 448-2855.

10 The Reporter

CONSUMER NEWS

Take steps to leave the legacy you desire

COMINGS & GOINGS

Six new stores to open at Chicago Ridge Mall

Y

C

hicago Ridge Mall announced that six new retailers will be opening at the Chicago Ridge shopping complex this fall.

Guests to the mall at 95th Street and Ridgeland Avenue will find a new children’s apparel retailer, new dessert and treat vendors, and a virtual reality ride added to the mall’s shopping, dining and entertainment experiences.

Bob “We are so pleased to Bong bring even more opportunities for fun get-togethers at Chicago Ridge Mall,” Steven Yee, Chicago Ridge Mall general manager, said in a release. “Whether it’s enjoying a frozen or other sweet treat, shopping for back-toschool fashions or trying out the latest in digital entertainment, we’re thrilled to be adding six new experiences.”

This fall, Virtual Reality Rides, will unveil VR experiences in Kohl’s Court including underwater and space adventures.

Journeys Kidz opens in Center Court across from Zales, offering the latest in athletic sneakers, boots, heels and casual shoes, as well as clothing and accessories.

Wireless Planet will be located in the Food Court across from Sbarro, where certified technicians will be on hand to resolve any issues and repair any damage with smartphones, computers or data recovery.

La Michoacana, a Mexican ice cream and specialty treats shop, opens this fall near Sears Court across from Visionworks. In Kohl’s Court, across from Aeropostale, Cinnabon will be baking up its cinnamon-sweet confections. Doc Popcorn/Dippin’ Dots brings sweet and savory together in Center Court across from Victoria’s Secret. The leading maker of flash-frozen beaded ice cream, Dippin’ Dots sets up shop with its sister brand Doc Popcorn, which offers a cornucopia of flavored popcorn from Better Butter, Cheesy Cheddar and Hots Wings ‘N’ Bleu to all-time favorites Klassic Kettle and Cookies ‘N’ Cream.

Duke’s Ace Hardware closed its Frankfort location earlier this month.

Kenootz Pizza adds Homer Glen location

Kenootz Pizza, which was established in 1988 in Midlothian, opened its second location earlier this summer in southwest suburban Homer Glen.

The second location held its grand opening July 9 at 15755 S. Bell Road in the former location of Big Jim’s Pizza and A-1 Catering.

The family-run business offers dine-in, delivery and carry-out as well as catering. The menu features pizza, dinners, sandwiches and chicken.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and from 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.

For more information, call (708) 7377188.

Duke’s closes Frankfort location

Duke’s Ace Hardware recently closed its location at 21150 S. LaGrange Road in the Jewel-Osco plaza in Frankfort. The store had been open for decades in that location.

A manager at the Burbank location said the Frankfort store was closed because of a recent rent increase and accounts at the store were moved to the Burbank location, 5634 W. 87th St. Duke’s also has another store at 7610 W. 111th St. in Palos Hills.

Marie’s Cafe closes in Mount Greenwood

Marie’s Cafe, which opened five years ago, shut its doors at 3660 W. 111th St. in Chicago’s Mount Greenwood community for the final time Sunday night.

Photo by Bob Bong

Owners Dean and Allison Kochert closed the popular cafe across the street from Mount Greenwood Park, because of a combination of higher vendor prices, poor sales and the new $11 Chicago minimum wage.

The Oak Lawn couple chose the location after they decided to open a place of their own but were unsuccessful in finding the right suburban location.

“We tried to locate in Oak Lawn,” he said. “We looked and looked and couldn’t find a location that worked.”

They settled on a space owned by St. Xavier University that formerly was a Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream shop.

Kochert decided on quick casual, a concept he was familiar with after working for years at the Italian Village and Panera.

“I’ve worked for a number of fast casual restaurants,” he said when the restaurant opened in May 2012. “Marie’s is similar to Corner Bakery or Panera.”

Summit approves new licenses

A business license was approved recently for Summit Gas & Food Inc., at 7200 W. 63rd St., a Shell station that has a new owner. A clerk at the station was murdered there in July 2016.

Business licenses were also approved for Mexiquito Imports, a new business at 6201 W. Archer Road, and Welsch Ready Mix Inc., an existing ready-mix concrete supplier at 8000 W. 59th St. Ozinga was the previous owner.

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

Moraine Valley requesting public’s comments about college Moraine Valley Community College is seeking comments from the public about the college in preparation for its periodic evaluation by its regional accrediting agency, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

The college will host a HLC team visit Feb. 5 to Feb. 7. The team will review the

institution’s ongoing ability to meet HLC’s Criteria for Accreditation. Moraine Valley has been accredited by the commission since 1975.

The public is invited to submit comments regarding the college on HLC’s website at www.hlcommission.org/comment or via mail to the following address: Public Comment on

Moraine Valley Community College Higher Learning Commission, 230 S. LaSalle St., Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604-1411 Comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of the institution or its academic programs. Comments must be submitted in writing and must be received

by Jan. 8.

AREA PROPERTY TRANSFERS Following are the property transfers in the area, according to the latest report, as received from the Cook County Recorder of Deeds Office.

The Reporter Newspaper does not attempt to correct errors made by that office.

M, 2613 W 89th St, $110,000; Anderson Bruce J to Tracy Joseph, 10005 S Spaulding Ave, $266,000; Stratton Steven to Keaty James F, 9649 S Harding Ave, $247,000.

Chicago Ridge

Swanson Marlene Tr to Mahoney John J, 6633 W 87th Pl, $147,000; LSF9 Master Participation Trust to Galvan Amapola, 10109 S Cicero Ave, Unit #101019304, $52,500; Wells Fargo Bk Tr to Rickert David, 9841 Minnick Ave, $142,000; Howe Robert W to Medina Veronica V, 8808 51st Ave, $162,500; Wright Steven R to Valdez John M Sr, 10340 S Kolin Ave, $217,000; Jennings Bryant G Tr to Vo Ngoc Oanh, 9829 Warren Ave, $215,000; Bayview Loan Servicing LLC to Kurowski Jan, 10050 Melvina Ave, $82,500; Bilanzic Peter J Tr to Gillespie Kariann, 9636 S Kolin Ave, $250,000; Tallackson Erik M to Obryne Kevin, 10428 Laporte Ave, $270,000; Waicekauskas Robert Extr to Murphy Novalyn K, 10936 S Kenton Ave, $209,500; Oxford B&T to Frausto John C, 5365 Kimball Pl, $195,000;

Olivia & Assoc LLC to Barone Lou, 10304 Ridgeland Ave, Unit #101, $52,000; Bizub Maria to Kempe Emily, 850 S Nottingham Ave, Unit #102, $92,000; Rush Scott to Grove Joseph L, 10639 Oxford Ave, $217,000.

Evergreen Park Motta Jose to Ramos Philip, 9313 S Central Park Ave, $142,000; Diombala Jeanne to Williams Charles, 9024 S Utica Ave, $145,000; Romanas Kathryn M Tr to Nolan Jeffrey S, 9145 S Springfield Ave, $205,000; Albright Andrew A to Coen William, 9201 S Clifton Park Ave, $211,000; Serna Joel R to Gertonson Mark, 9911 S Sawyer Ave, $255,000; Gausselin Phyllis G Tr to Sullivan Timothy, 9345 S Millard Ave, $235,000; Hamersly Gary A to Bauer Matthew

Oak Lawn

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE Notice isNOTICE hereby given that the Plan Commission/Zoning Board of Appealswill of the City of PUBLIC IS HEREBY GIVEN that a PUBLIC MEETING Hills will conduct a public hearing pursuant a request the Petitioner, Amin beHickory held on Tuesday September 5, 2017 AD attothe hour ofby7:00 P.M. Donuts), for a special use for a drive-through facility on the following atPanjwani City Hall(Dunkin’ of the City of Palos Hills, 10335 S Roberts Rd, Palos Hills, described property: Illinois, before the ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS to consider approval of one VARIANCE property, consisting approximately LOT 1 AND OUTLOT A IN K &or K aSUBDIVISION, BEING A of SUBDIVISION OF PART OF 7,500 square feet, dimensions are 100.0x’ x 75.0’ locatedOF SECTION THE EAST HALF OFwhich THE WEST HALF OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER th NORTH, RANGE 12 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN 2, TOWNSHIP 37 at 10515 S. 84 Ave. in the City of Palos Hills, legally described as COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. follows: The common address of the property is 8700 W. 95th Street, Hickory Hills, Illinois

Lot 448 Presently in Frankthis Delugach’s wooded 60457. property is zoned C-3. hills being a subdivision of the south half of the northeast quarter of section 14, township 37 north, range 12 east of the third principal meridian, except partattaken for in the City Hall The public hearing will be conducted on Monday, August 28, 2017, 7:30 P.M. th Street, Hickory Counciland Chambers, 8652 W. 95 streets road in Cook County, Illinois Hills, IL at which time all persons will be given an opportunity to be heard.

The petitioner is: Boguslaw Wojnicz /s/ Syed Imam, Chairman

The property is currently zoned: R-3 The request is for: A 19% variance on the front yard to allow construction of a new attached garage in line with the existing front façade of the existing home.

All persons interested should attend and will be given an opportunity to be heard. By order of the Zoning Board of Appeals of the City of Palos Hills.

Zoning Board of Appeals David Miller, Chairman

Thursday, August 17, 2017

Hollingsworth Michael A to Chavarria Margie, 4027 Almansa Ln, $110,500; Senese Sheri to Mendez Luis E Rivera, 9708 S Keeler Ave, $240,000; Shelton Donald to Laan Alison B Vander, 5110 Tomcin Trl, $180,000; Huck Toni M Tr to Hillegouds James, 9216 Lynwood Dr, $220,000; Sfirnaciuc Irina to Vazquez Yolanda, 10317 Lavergne Ave, $255,000; Nest Real Estate LLC to Jakelski Jacob, 9635 53rd Ave, $265,000; Lake Donna M Tr to ZBI Remodeling Inc, 6475 W 88th Pl, $165,000; Badie Jeanne M to Boothe Karen L, 10007 Merrimac Ave, $100,000; Midland Fed S&L Assn Tr to Chicago Trust Co TRA, 10424 Central Ave, Unit #A7, $79,000; Ward Donald L to Eftimoff Rachel, 9201 Lynwood Dr, $160,000.

Palos Hills Parda Wladyslaw to Swetland Angelena, 10501 S 81st Ave, $259,000; Finfrock Margaret G Tr to Sauseda Calista, 7849 W 107th St, $140,000; Mortell Tim to Lojek Robert, 11281 S Roberts Rd, Unit J, $107,000; Janicki Roman to Gonciarczyk Jan, 8218 Cobblestone Dr, Unit #41C, $125,000; Mundy Joseph P Tr to Gallik Branislav, 10548 S Tod Dr, $267,000.

Worth Norris James M Ind Adm to Bryan David H, 7110 W 115th St, $105,000; Cook County Sheriff to Element Inv Corp, 7000 W 110th St, Unit #4, $42,000; Stedham Sherill L to Standard B&T Co, 10704 S Depot St, Unit #204, $31,500; National Asset Mgmt Inc to Kangas Julie F, 7236 W 115th St, $155,000.

SUDOKU

or if you’re giving ou may not see someone power of it in the greetattorney over your fiing card section nancial or health-related of your local drugstore, matters, they should be but August is “What prepared.

Will Be Your Legacy • Update your Month.” So it’s a good documents. During time to think about the your life, you may type of legacy you’d well experience any like to leave.

Scott number of changes — Of course, “legacy” Johnson new marriage, new can mean many things. children, opening a In the broadest sense, family business, and so on. your legacy is how you will You need to make sure your be remembered by your loved ones, friends and the communi- legal documents and financial accounts reflect these changes. ties to which you belong. On For example, if you’ve remara practical level, establishing ried, you may want to change your legacy means providing the beneficiary designations your family and the charitable on your IRA, 401(k) and other organizations you support with retirement accounts – if left the resources you’d like them untouched, these designato have. tions may even supersede the And that means you may instructions left in your will. need to take the following And the directions in life actions: create your plans, chosen by your grown children communicate your wishes and may also dictate changes in review and update your docuyour will or living trust. In any ments. case, it’s a good idea to review Let’s take a quick look at all all your legacy-related docuthese steps: ments periodically, and update • Create your plans. You them as needed. will want to work with your In addition to taking the legal professional, and possibly above steps, you also need to your tax and financial profesprotect the financial resources sionals, too, to draft the plans that go into your legacy. So, needed to fulfill your legacy when you retire and begin wishes. These plans may taking funds from your IRA, include drafting a will, liv401(k) and other retirement ing trust, health care directive, accounts, make sure your power of attorney and other withdrawal rate is sufficient documents. Ideally, you want for your living expenses, but these plans to do more than not so high that it eventually just convey where you want jeopardizes the amounts you your money to go – you want planned to leave to your family to impart, to the next generaor to your preferred charition, a sense of the effort that ties. A financial professional went into building the wealth can help you determine the they receive. Without such an appreciation, your heirs may be withdrawal rate appropriate for your situation. less than rigorous in retaining With careful planning, and the tangible legacies you’ve left by making the right moves, them. you can create the type of • Communicate your legacy you desire — one that wishes. It’s important to comcan benefit your loved ones far municate your legacy-related wishes to your family members into the future. as early as possible. By doing Scott Johnson, CFP, is a so, you can hopefully avoid financial advisor with Edward unpleasant surprises and hurt feelings when it’s time for your Jones, 8146 W. 111th St., Palos Hills, (708) 974-1965. Edward estate to be settled — and Jones does not provide legal you’ll also let people know what tasks, if any, they need to advice. This article was writperform. For example, if you’re ten by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones choosing a family member to financial advisor. be the executor of your estate,

Program provides $32 million in overpayments to taxpayers A program to avoid duplicate property tax payments has handed back $32.3 million to property owners this year, according to Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas.

The Stop Taxpayer Over-Payment System (STOPS) automatically returns a second tax payment on a property. Nearly 6,100 double payments were prevented in 2017, said Pappas last Thursday.

“The program has been helpful to property owners by letting them avoid seeking a refund,” Pappas said. “STOPS also has allowed us to reduce our staff, which saves money for all taxpayers.”

The STOPS program helps taxpayers who have forgotten that they have already paid their taxes.

Sometimes it prevents married

couples from paying the taxes separately. More often the program comes into play when two mortgage companies try to pay the same tax bill, according to Pappas.

She added that since STOPS began in 2009, more than 72,000 double payments have been avoided. A total of $306.2 million in duplicate payments have been returned.

If a payment is stopped, it can be resubmitted only if the second payer is legally responsible for the payment. In that case, the first payer is authorized to receive a refund, Pappas said.

The Treasurer’s Office this year also reduced about 900 checks to the amounts actually due, preventing overpayments totaling $206,000.

CROSSWORD

Answers

Answers

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a PUBLIC MEETING will be held on Tuesday August 29, 2017 AD at the hour of 7:00 P.M. at City Hall of the City of Palos Hills, 10335 S Roberts Rd, Palos Hills, Illinois, before the ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS to consider approval of one VARIANCE or a property, consisting of approximately 7,500 square feet, which dimensions are 100.0x’ x 75.0’ located at 10515 S. 84th Ave. in the City of Palos Hills, legally described as follows:

LEGAL NOTICE

Lot 448 in Frank Delugach’s wooded hills being a subdivision of the south half of the northeast quarter of section 14, township 37 north, range 12 east of the third principal meridian, except part taken for streets and road in Cook County, Illinois The petitioner is: Boguslaw Wojnicz The property is currently zoned: R-3 The request is for: A 19% variance on the front yard to allow construction of a new attached garage in line with the existing front façade of the existing home.

All persons interested should attend and will be given an opportunity to be heard. By order of the Zoning Board of Appeals of the City of Palos Hills.

Zoning Board of Appeals David Miller, Chairman

Mortgage Rates Around the Area First Midwest Bank (as of August 14) 30-year fi ed 15-year fi ed 30-year fi ed Jumbo

RATES 3.875 3.125 4.000

United Trust Bank (as of August 14) 30-year fi ed 15-year fi ed 10-year fi ed

RATES 3.875 3.250 3.250

APR 3.92 3.180 4.055

POINTS 0 0 0

APR 3.845 3.244 3.260

POINTS 0 0 0

Prospect Savings Bank (as of August 15) 30-year fi ed 20-year fi ed 15-year fi ed

RATES 3.750 3.500 3.000

APR 3.862 3.655 3.197

CNB Bank & Trust, N.A. (as of August 14) 30-year fi ed 20-year fi ed 15-year fi ed

RATES 4.00 3.75 3.25

All rates subject to change daily. Equal opportunity lenders.

POINTS .25 .25 .25

The Reporter

Thursday, August 17, 2017

11

Photo by Joe Boyle

Worth Days will feature a carnival and rides like last year’s event (above). Entertainment and a Kids Zone will again be featured at the festival that will be held at Altman Park.

Bingo nights helped Worth Days grow into the major festival it is today

By Joe Boyle

Bonnie Price can’t wait for the start of Worth Days, which takes place at Altman Park at 11300 S. Harlem Ave. from Thursday, Aug. 24 through Sunday, Aug. 27.

But Price, who is the longtime village clerk, said that she also recalls the earliest days of Worth Days, which dates back over 40 years.

“This was started by the Worth Days Committee. They saved all their money from the whole year from bingo on Friday nights,” Price said. “They would raise a lot of money beginning in January. They saved all through the summer.”

Price said the earliest versions of Worth Days were held on Saturday and Sundays at Peaks Park at 107th and Oak Park Avenue.

She recalls that they did have a small beer garden and carnival rides as well, much like they do today.

“We used to have elephant rides back in those days,” Price said with a laugh. “We also had pony rides, too. The village became more involved later and began to run the

Worth Days Continued from Page 12

have people from four or five generations who all come out. We have good bands and we have great amusement rides. Everyone has a great time.”

Werner and other local officials can be seen during the parade at the reviewing stand near PrivateBank. Most businesses are closed during the parade with the exception of Chieftains Irish Pub, which will be open and will provide refreshments.

Both O’Shaughnessy and the mayor said they hope the weather will cooperate over the four days

event. Everybody chipped in.”

Price mentions two individuals who date back to the original Worth Days, Bob Fickes and Helen Goy. She said they played a role in bringing the festival to the village.

“Helen just moved to Florida but Bob still lives in Worth,” Price said. “There is just so much history here and those two were part of it. It was through the first group of volunteers that Worth Days got going.”

The festival has since transformed into a much larger event, Price said. A much larger beer garden is present at the current Worth Days. Price has been a volunteer at the beer garden over the years.

Price said the festival moved to its current location because the event usually draws large crowds and more room is needed. She said the festival always has great entertainment. They now have more carnival rides for kids as well.

But what makes Worth Days a little more unique than other local festivals is that a parade begins the festivities on the final day, Sunday, Aug. 27.

of the event.

“The weather is the one thing we can’t control,” Werner said with a laugh.

Mega passes for unlimited carnival rides are $50 until Friday, Aug. 18. The mega passes are then $55 until Wednesday, Aug. 23. The passes can be purchased at the Terrace Centre, which is adjacent to Altman Park. The mega passes can still be purchased at the carnival for $60.

The musical acts include RockStar Rodeo from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., followed by Infinity from 9 to 11 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 25.

Taking the main stage to perform on Saturday, Aug. 26 will be Whiskey Road from 4 to 6

The parade begins at noon near Ridgeland Avenue and continues west along 111th Street to Depot. The parade concludes in the parking lot of the Marrs-Meyer American Legion Hall 991.

“The parade draws large crowds every year,” Price said. “But what is so great about it is that you meet people you haven’t seen in a long time. People who no longer live in Worth come back to see the parade. So that makes it a lot of fun. You get to see people that you knew when your kids were playing baseball and soccer. It gives you an opportunity to catch up with them to see how they are doing.”

Worth Days will be held from 6 to 10 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 24; 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25; 1 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26; and 1 to 10 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27.

Price also enjoys the conclusion of Worth Days, which features a fireworks show at dusk on Aug. 27.

“No offense to other festivals that have fireworks shows, but I think we have the best fireworks show anywhere,” Price said.

p.m.; The Fortunate Sons from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.; and 7th Heaven from 9 to 11 p.m.

The Seventh Sons will take the stage from 3 to 4:30 p.m., followed by Dick Diamond and the Dusters from 4:45 to 6:45 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 27. The Keith Semple Band will close out the fest from 7 to 9 p.m.

The Kids Zone on Saturday, Aug. 26 will feature sand art, giant board games, face painters, a dunk tank and spin art from 2 to 7 p.m. A mechanical bull will be at the Kids Zone from 3 to 7 p.m.

Storytelling Juggling with Chris Fascione and the Chat-Tastic Balloons with Kevin Chatman will entertain kids and adults from

4 to 6 p.m.

The giant board games, face painters, dunk tank and spin art will return from 2 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 27. The petting zoo with animals from Zoos R Us will be available for youngsters from 2 to 7 p.m. Euro bungee jumping will be offered from 3 to 7 p.m. Storytelling Juggling and Chat-Tastic Balloons return on the final day from 4 to 6 p.m.

The fireworks show will be presented by Flashing Thunder Fireworks. The fireworks are set to conclude the Worth Days festival at dusk.

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12 The Reporter

Serving Oak Lawn & SOuthweSt Side FOr Over 60 YearS

Thursday, August 17, 2017

Worth Days returns with music, rides, parade, food, fireworks and fun for all The annual Worth Days festival will begin on Thursday, Aug 24 at Altman Park, 11500 S. Beloit Ave., and will feature entertainment, food and refreshments, a carnival, a parade and fireworks.

The festival hours are from 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24; 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, Aug 25; Saturday, Aug. 26; and 1 to 10 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27.

The Worth Park District has been organizing the festival the past several years. The Worth Days festival dates back to about 40 years ago.

Bob O’Shaughnessy, the director of parks and recreation for the Worth Park District, is looking forward to this year’s event. Fantasy Amusement of Arlington Heights is the new carnival company serving the festival this year. He added that the festival will once again have a kids zone and a

business expo.

The unique feature of Worth Days is that a parade is held on the final day. The parade begins at noon beginning near Ridgeland Avenue and continues west along 111th Street to Depot Street and the Marrs-Meyer American Legion Post 991.

O’Shaughnessy said that longtime Worth residents George and Jen Cernick will serve as grand marshals for the parade.

“They are just ecstatic that they have been chosen,” O’Shaughnessy said. “They are thrilled.”

Worth Mayor Mary Werner is also eagerly awaiting Worth Days.

“Absolutely, we are looking forward to it,” she said. “The parade is something to see. We have people lined up on both sides of the street. We See WORTH DAYS, Page 11

It’s that time of year again when the Friendly Villagers of Worth are looking forward to the annual Worth Days Festival. When you see the schedule and the line-up for this event it is obvious the Worth Park District has worked very hard at putting together another great event. Things kick off with the carnival only Thursday night, August 24th and then there are 3 days of fun, entertainment, food, beverages and excitement waiting for you. And as always this amazing weekend concludes on Sunday with the Parade down 111th Street at noon and then Fireworks at dusk.

This year we have brought back the very popular Vendor/Crafter area and an expanded Kids Zone that includes Giant Board Games, Sand Art, Face Painters, Dunk Tank, Spin Art, Storytelling Juggling, and Chat-Tastic Balloons. In addition, on Saturday they have brought back the Mechanical Bull and on Sunday there will be a Petting Zoo and the Euro Bungee Jump. All of this and an all-star lineup of live entertainment and admission is still free for kids under 16, for Seniors, and for active duty Military, and believe it or not for Worth Residents the cost is only $3 and a mere $5 for non-residents.

Don’t forget to buy your Megapass for the carnival so you can enjoy 4 days of unlimited rides.

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by August 23rd for only $55, and if you wait and purchase one at the Festival they will be $60. I am looking forward to another exciting weekend filled with family fun.

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Serving Oak Lawn & SOuthweSt Side FOr Over 60 YearS

KITCHEN & BATH

SPORTS The Regional News • The Reporter

Ken Karrson, Sports Editor • sports@regionalpublishing.com Jeff Vorva, Sports Editor • sports@regionalpublishing.com

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

Thursday, 17,2015 2017 Thursday,August March 5,

FIRE, RED STARS, THUNDERBOLTS CHASE POSTSEASON BERTHS

Playoffs? Let’s talk playoffs!

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

It was about 16 years ago that then-Indianapolis Colts coach Jim Mora made his famous rant about how bad his team was playing.

When a reporter asked him about the Colts’ possibility of making the playoffs, he yelped/barked: “Playoffs? Don’t talk about — playoffs?

You kidding me? Playoffs?! I just hope we can win a game. Another game.’’

Well, around here, three of the area’s professional teams in or bordering this newspaper’s coverage area are making a run at the postseason in their respective sports and leagues.

Playoffs? To heck with Mora — let’s talk about playoffs.

The Chicago Fire, which had the worst record in Major League Soccer the past two seasons, is in prime position for the playoffs.

The Chicago Red Stars have been trading first- and second-place positions with North Carolina in the National Women’s Soccer League and also are eying the postseason with a decent seed. In baseball, the Windy City ThunderBolts have been on the cusp of a slot in the Frontier League playoffs.

So here is a look at the past, present and future of the three The Chicago Fire and Matt Polster have been soaring this season, and the Fire is in good position to make its first MLS postseason appearance since 2012. area teams regarding postseason bids in 2017:

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Chicago Fire

Past: The Fire’s first MLS season was successful in 1998 as the team not only made the playoffs but also won the MLS Cup with a 2-0 victory over D.C. United.

It never got that good again.

Still, the team made the playoffs with regularity early in franchise history, making the postseason from 1999 to 2003 before failing to qualify in 2004. It went on a five-year run making the playoffs from 2005 to 2009 before hitting a dry spell.

Since 2010, the Fire made the playoffs just once in 2012 and lost in the knockout round to Houston, 2-1.

With back-to-back seasons of 8-20-6 in 2015 and 7-17-10 in 2016, a playoff appearance this year would be a refreshing change for Fire fans.

Present: The Fire headed into this week with a 12-6-5 mark, good

Photo by Jeff Vorva

See PLAYOFFS, Page 3 New Chicago Red Star Yuki Nagasato and her teammates are eyeing an NWSL title this season.

Photo by Melissa Tamez

Windy City and slugging catcher Larry Balkwill are fighting to make it to the Frontier League playoffs for the first time since 2010.

Long career on a fast track: CC coach retires after 36 years

T

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Retired track coach Jim Kwasteniet coached and taught at Chicago Christian 36 years and spent four years at the Palos Heights school as a student.

he best moment in Chicago Christian girls track coach Jim Kwasteniet’s career came while he was looking for trash, lost clothing and equipment.

After 36 years, Kwasteniet quietly retired after the spring track season. He recently chatted with the Regional/Reporter seated at a picnic table near the concession stand at the Palos Heights school’s stadium.

To his right was an honor board of the school records, which provided hundreds of memories for the 67-year-old Worth native and Palos Heights resident. To his left was the Knights’ track, which provided hundreds of more memories.

He also had plenty of memories from the 1990, 1991 and 1992 teams, which won Class A state titles. Mother McAuley’s volleyball teams from 1980, 1981 and 1982 were the only other area squads to win three straight titles.

But his proudest moment as a coach was not hoisting a trophy.

It was not hugging a state champion.

It was not for being inducted into the Illinois Track and Cross Country Coaches

FOOTBALL SEASON

JEFF VORVA Making the Extra Point Association Hall of Fame or being named coach of the year four times by that organization.

It came during the indoor season in 1990. His team was deemed good enough to be invited to a meet at Illinois State University, and after the Knights won the title, Kwasteniet went back into the bleacher area where the team camped out all day and did one final inspection to check for trash or lost items.

“A group of parents from a school in central Illinois asked if it was my girls who were sitting here during the meet,” he said. “At that point, you’re thinking, ‘Uh-oh, what did they do?’ I said, ‘Yeah, they were.’ They said, ‘We just want you to know that we’ve been watching your girls all night long and we just have to

let you know that they really represent the name on the front of their uniforms.’

“That’s the ultimate compliment. For a school like ours…that’s the goal. That’s the goal.’’

While the coach is proud of all his accomplishments, he gets the biggest kick out of athletes who represent with class the school that he graduated from in 1968.

“One thing that I have stressed over my entire career here is that the girls track team has never had ‘CCHS’ or ‘Knights’ on the front of our uniform. It always says ‘Chicago Christian.’ I want people to know who we are and where we are from and what we are all about,’’ he said.

“People see ‘CCHS’ and they might not know what that represents. Or ‘Knights’… what’s that? I stress to the kids that who you are and what you represent is right on your uniform and always remember that.’’

Plenty of success Under Kwasteniet’s watch, the Knights won 13 individual state championships and 115 all-state honors and had six state

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2

Section 2 Thursday, August 17, 2017

The Regional News - The Reporter

CHICAGO FIRE ANALYSIS

The day we’ve been waiting for: Dove hunting opens Sept. 1

Fire hopes home edge will help knock off MLS-best Toronto

By Jeff Vorva

M

TORONTO FC AT CHICAGO FIRE

Sports Editor

The highly anticipated battle between the Chicago Fire and Toronto will take place in the oh-so-friendly fortress of Toyota Park in Bridgeview.

Oh-so-friendly for the Fire, that is.

The team is 10-0-1 there and has won a franchisebest nine in a row. The Fire scored four goals in each of its wins over Orlando City, Vancouver and New England in the confines of Toyota Park.

The team has drawn 20,000 or more fans for three straight home games.

Many signs are pointing to a nice victory over the team with the best record in Major League Soccer.

But… The Fire had been neck-and-neck in the standings with Toronto for first place in the Eastern Conference, but its road woes have dropped it to third place heading into this week’s action as the New York City FC (43 points) jumped over Chicago (41) for second place after the Fire’s 3-1 loss at Columbus on Saturday night at MAPFRE Stadium.

Toronto has 47 points. It’s the first time the Fire has not been in first or second since it was in fourth place on May 17.

The Fire can make up some ground as it was scheduled to face Montreal on the road Wednesday night, but the way Chicago has been playing on the road, that is no guarantee. The Fire had lost three in a row away from home.

Michael de Leeuw scored his third goal in the last six matches in the 13th minute to give the Fire the early lead against Columbus on Saturday, but that momentum was quickly erased five minutes later when Kekuta Mannech put the ball in the net after a deflection off of Fire defender Johan Kappelhof.

Columbus (11-12-2) put the match away in the sec-

WHEN: 7 p.m., Saturday WHERE: Toyota Park, Bridgeview FIRE’S RECORD: 12-6-5 (through Sunday) TORONTO’S RECORD: 13-3-8 NOTEWORTHY: Toronto, which has the best record in Major League Soccer, exploded for four goals in the final 32 minutes of a 4-1 thrashing of Portland on Saturday.

Justin Morrow had two of those goals.

ond half with a pair of goals, and the Fire offense was stagnant.

“I think we actually killed ourselves,” Fire coach Veljko Paunovic said. “I think we conceded things and mistakes that we had and the adjustments we did weren’t good enough. I just think in the second half especially, at some point, even controlling the game, we dropped the attitude and the concentration.

“We lost a couple of very dangerous balls and teams like Columbus will always punish you for that.

I think without taking credit away from Columbus, I think we lost the game definitely today in our approach in the second half and we all have to get better. It’s individual mistakes that kill us. If we want to be a successful team and a team that dominates, which we want, we have to do better in these kinds of games, especially on the road.”

De Leeuw was happy with the goal but disgusted with the loss.

“So right after the match, what’s positive?’’ he asked right after the match. “That’s difficult because now only what’s in my head is like the way we played.

I think we played well in certain parts of the game but most of all we were very sloppy. I think we had 20 unforced errors and at the end, the goals came from that. I think we played well but the sloppy mistakes were too much.”

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Nemanja Nikolic has not scored in the Fire’s last five matches after scoring 16 goals in the first 18 games.

The Fire is hoping that its big two scorers can soon roar back to life.

Nemanjna Nikolic is scoreless in his last five games after scoring 16 in the team’s first 18. David Accam (11 goals) is scoreless in the last two games.

And the team has to win away from Bridgeview if it wants a deep run in the playoffs.

“We have to come back where we were at some point this season where you couldn’t find the difference playing at home or on the road,’’ Paunovic said.

“So that’s what we have to achieve again.”

CHICAGO FIRE NOTES

Fire officials wheel and deal to bolster roster

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

The Chicago Fire made a pair of moves last week to help strengthen its roster.

The team acquired defender Christian Dean from Vancouver Whitecaps FC in exchange for $50,000 of General Allocation Money, an additional $50,000 of conditional Targeted Allocation Money in the event Dean starts 12 or more 2018 regular season matches for the Fire, as well as a percentage of any future transfer fees, which is on a sliding scale and expires following the first transfer window of 2020. Dean is contracted through the 2018 season with club options for 2019 and 2020.

“Christian adds a complementary skill set to our back line, and with his versatility we expect him to compete for playing time,” said Fire general manager Nelson Rodríguez.

After a standout collegiate career at the University of California-Berkley, Dean was selected in the first

round (third overall) of the 2014 MLS SuperDraft by the Whitecaps. He made his professional debut as a second-half substitute in the Whitecaps’ 1-1 draw at Chivas USA on March 16, 2014.

The East Palo Alto, Calif. native started 14 of 21 appearances across all competitions for the Whitecaps over the course of four seasons and also made 14 USL appearances for Whitecaps 2.

New goalie comes to town With backup goalie Jorge Bava on the shelf for the rest of the season after undergoing elbow surgery, the Fire picked up Richard Sanchez through Major League Soccer’s Allocation Process.

In order to acquire Sanchez, the Fire sent the club’s natural third-round pick in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft and the No. 19 spot in the Allocation Ranking Order to the Portland Timbers in exchange for the No. 6 spot. Should Sanchez appear in five or more games this season, the Timbers will receive the Fire’s natural second-round SuperDraft pick instead of the natural

third-round pick. Sanchez is under contract for the 2017 season with club options for 2018 and 2019.

“With Jorge’s unfortunate injury, we were in need of adding another quality goalkeeper,” Rodríguez said. “Richard’s experience in big matches and his familiarity with MLS were an ideal combination.”

Sanchez joins the Fire after most spending time with Liga MX side Tigres UANL, whom he represented from 2014 to 2017. While in Mexico, Sanchez was loaned to FC Dallas in 2014 and Tampico Madero in 2016-17. Sanchez appeared in five matches for La Jaiba Brava last season.

Sanchez began his professional career as a member of FC Dallas in 2011. In 2013 he was loaned to the Fort Lauderdale Strikers and started 14 matches for the NASL side, recording a 1.428 goals against average and tallying three shutouts.

A Mexican Youth International, Sanchez helped lead Mexico to a FIFA U-17 World Cup title in 2011 and appeared in all four of Mexico’s matches in the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2013.

PORTLAND 3, RED STARS 2

Yuki makes debut in Red Stars’ first home loss

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

“I’m ready, Chicago.’’

With those three words — and some roster shuffling by the bosses — the Chicago Red Stars were finally able to show the world their star import.

Japan’s Yuki Nagasato, whom the Red Stars signed in late May, has been on the disabled list with a knee injury and was able to make her debut Saturday night in the 59th minute of a 3-2 loss to Portland at Toyota Park in Bridgeview in front of an announced crowd of 4,934.

The roster move comes at a time when the Red Stars and North Carolina have been treating the National Women’s Soccer League lead like a tug of war but Saturday’s loss dropped the Red Stars to third place with an 8-4-5 mark and 29 points.

Heading into this week, North Carolina was atop the standings with 33 points while Portland was second with 31.

Nagasato didn’t help the Red Stars win Saturday and it was their first loss at Toyota Park this season as they fell to 6-1-2 in Bridgeview. But it appears that even if Real Madrid’s Ronaldo was playing for the Red Stars, a win against the Thorns would not be a guarantee. The Red Stars are 1-6-6 lifetime and have been outscored 22-15 by the biggest thorn in their sides since joining the NWSL. Christen Press and Sofia Huerta scored for the Red Stars in the first half to erase a 2-0 deficit and knot the match up.

But Emily Sonnett scored on a header for Portland in the 55th minute to provide the winning goal.

As Nagasato continues to

work with her new teammates, the Red Stars should be able to make a run at first place.

From 2002 to 2016, she played for various international teams and scored 175 goals in 267 matches.

“We are looking forward to finally having Yuki available for us,” Red Stars coach Rory Dames said. “She has looked great in practice and provides a veteran presence in this last half of the season as we aim for a playoff spot.”

To make room for Nagasato, the Red Stars waived midfielder Mary Luba, who played just 50 minutes this season.

“Having to let go of Luba was a difficult decision. We can’t thank her enough for all she has done for this club and community over the last two seasons,” Dames said. “We wish her nothing but success on and off the field.”

Outdoor calendar

Aug. 18: Non-resident/resident firearm and muzzleloader deer permits third lottery closes.

Aug. 17-31: Residents may apply for duck and goose permits, first lottery.

Aug. 21: Total solar eclipse.

Sept. 1-14: Residents may apply for duck and goose permits, second lottery.

Sept. 1: Early Canada goose season opens.

Sept. 1-Nov. 14: Dove season opens.

Waterfowl hunting

team also signed left-handed pitcher Nick Hornbreaker.

Landsheft was the winning pitcher in Friday’s victory over the Beach Bums.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has announced waterfowl season dates and bag limits for the 2017-18 seasons.

The seasons include 60-day duck seasons in each of the state’s four waterfowl hunting zones, along with 107 days of Canada goose hunting opportunity in the North and Central zones (15 days in September, two days of youth hunting and 90 days of the regular goose season), 99 days of Canada goose hunting opportunity in South Central Zone and 87 days of Canada goose hunting opportunity in the South Zone. Goose season lengths are shorter in the South Central and South Zones to coincide with duck season dates and to match hunter preferences. Additional information: https://www.dnr.illinois. gov/hunting/waterfowl/DocumentsWaterfowlZoneDatesFinal20162020.pdf.

Coming up

Big years ahead in boating

Photo by Melissa Tamez

Yuki Nagasato, right, made her Chicago Red Stars debut in a 3-2 loss to Portland Saturday night in Bridgeview.

FOCUS ON WINDY CITY THUNDERBOLTS

T-Bolts recover from rough series in Joliet

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

Greatest.

Weekend.

Ever.

That’s what last weekend’s three-game home set with Traverse City was billed as, because there were plenty of promotions and fireworks.

On the field, it might not have been the greatest weekend ever, but it was huge when it comes to a bid for the Frontier League

playoffs The Bolts took two out of three games from the Beach Bums and entered this week’s action with a 41-35 mark and was one percentage point (.539-.538) in front of the River City Rascals for the fourth and final spot for the playoffs.

It could have been worse.

On Aug. 9, Windy City grabbed a 7-0 lead on the road against Joliet and completely collapsed and dropped an 8-7

decision.

Losses like that could kill a season and when the ThunderBolts came out the next day and lost 11-2, they were in need of a good showing on the greatest weekend ever.

They opened with an 8-5 victory over the Beach Bums on Friday as Keenyn Walker and Ransom LaLonde each drove in two runs in a six-run secondinning explosion.

Closer Brian Loconsole tied the ThunderBolts’ single-season

record with his 26th save.

On Saturday, Jake Fisher threw a shutout in a 1-0 victory in front of 2,779 fans. Tim Zier singled home Orland Park native and St. Laurence graduate Kyle Wood with the lone run in the seventh inning.

A sweep was not in the cards as Windy City dropped a 3-1 decision on Sunday.

Wheeling and dealing Windy City made a few deals last week as they acquired righthanded pitcher Will Landsheft from the Gateway Grizzlies for a player to be named later. The

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Top-25 St. Xavier squad to be on display for a sneak peek Saturday

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

Despite a 5-6 record last year, St. Xavier University picked up a top25 ranking heading into this season.

The NAIA coaches tabbed the Cougars at the 24th best team in the nation, and fans will get a chance to get an early peek at the team

Saturday in a scrimmage at 12:45 p.m. at the Bruce R. Deaton Memorial Field in Chicago.

The season opens Aug. 31 with a battle against No. 5 Marian (Indiana) University at 6 p.m. at Deaton Field.

“We’re starting our 25th season on a Thursday night Labor Day weekend against the number five team in the country so it doesn’t

ost wing shooters consider whitewinged/mourning dove hunting as the opening of the bird hunting season.

In Illinois, Sept. 1 is the day we’ve been waiting for.

Dove hunting hours are sunrise to sunset. Daily limit is 15 doves with a possession limit of not more than 45 doves after the third day.

If this opener is anything like previous ones, it will be hot, so dress accordingly and have a cooler handy with plenty of ice and water. In addition to being something to sit OUTDOORS on, the cooler will also be handy for keeping WITH downed birds cool JIM KIRBY the and suitable for delicious table fare.

Dove hunting is probably the most demanding of the wing shooting sports.

Doves in the hunting fields bear no resemblance to those cute little birds you see in your backyard or sitting on the telephone wires. Doves can come from any direction and as you raise your gun, they tend to climb, dive, dip to left or right (seemingly all at the same time) and employ every evasive maneuver, making them a challenge for even the most experienced wing shooters.

Depending on whose statistics you believe, it’s estimated that to take anywhere from one to three boxes of shells (25 shells to a box) to harvest a limit of 15 doves. (Sadly I have witnessed both scenarios, due in part to hunter experience and dove field conditions.)

Get a group of dove hunters together and disagreements will arise as to what type of shotgun is best suited for dove hunting: automatic, pump, double barrel or over and under, and what gauge: .410, 28, 20, 16 or 12 gauge. And then there is the question of shot size: 6s, 7-1/2s, 8s or even 9s. I have seen a man with a smallbore .410 shotgun take 15 doves with less than a box of shells and another with a 12-gauge shotgun expend three boxes of shell to get his limit. In the end all boils down to what works best for you.

Retrieving a downed dove is another matter of opinion. If you are lucky enough to hunt with a dog that is a good retriever, problem solved! Without a dog the question is should you immediately go out into the field after a bird is downed or make a mental note as to the location of the birds and pick them up during a shooting lull, or wait to the end of the hunt?

Before going afield after doves, make it a point to read the regulations, They’re constantly changing, and migratory birds — doves included — have their own set of potential problems, including shooting over baited grounds and using steel shot at certain sites.

get much better than that,’’ SXU coach Mike Feminis said. “Marian has really taken it to us the last two years and there’s no question we were humbled as a program last season. Our expectation every year is to make the playoffs and compete for the national championship so we’ve been chomping at the bit since January.”

The ThunderBolts close a three-game home series with Lake Erie at 7:05 p.m. tonight (Thursday), and wrestler Ricky “the Dragon” Steamboat is scheduled to appear. They visit the Traverse City Beach Bums Friday through Sunday and return home for three games against the Joliet Slammers starting Tuesday.

St. Xavier football coach Mike Feminis carries a few helmets at Deaton Field.

He and the team want to change things around after a rough 5-6 campaign in 2016.

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Boat sales are increasing and are expected to ride the momentum for the coming two years. That’s according to National Marine Manufacturers Association President Thom Dammrich, who addressed the crowd of approximately 200 people at the Miami International Boat Show last month.

“Consumer confidence is at a 10-year high,” Dammrich said. “Real disposable income continues to grow. Consumer spending continues to grow. Gasoline prices remain low. We’ve got two, twoand-a-half years of real prosperity ahead.”

The industry still needs to make gains in reaching a younger and more diverse audience, the interesting thing is that people between the ages of 25 and 34 have a very high interest in the boating lifestyle.

Think about it Fishing is the art of doing almost nothing.

Jim Kirby’s column appears every first and third Thursday of the month. E-mail him at Kirbyoutdoors@sbcglobal.net

The Regional News - The Reporter

Thursday, August 17, 2017 Section 2

3

FOCUS ON HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

Season just started and history is made

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

Supplied photo

Golfer Maddy Misicka became the first female to participate in an IHSA event for St. Laurence.

The new high school sports season is in its infant stages and there is already some history for the area to brag about.

The first instance came on Thursday when St. Laurence’s Maddy Misicka became the first female in the 56-year history of the former all-boys school to participate in an Illinois High School Association event when she shot a 93 at the St. Laurence Invitational at Lincoln Oaks Golf Course in Crete.

The senior from Burbank is a former Queen of Peace student who made it to sectional play last season.

Several other fall sports begin play Monday, and on Tuesday Mother McAuley’s volleyball team will honor some history of its own.

The school will host the raising of the IHSA Class 4A state and national championship volleyball banners at 6 p.m. in the school’s gym (3737 W. 99th St., Chicago).

The team won its 15th state title last year and was recognized by three organizations for winning

the national championship.

Also, senior Charley Niego will be honored for winning the Gatorade Player of the Year while Jen DeJarld will be recognized for a national coach of the year honor.

The ceremony will take place between the junior varsity and varsity matches against Joliet Catholic Academy.

Guest Jim Cornelison will sing “The Star Spangled Banner’’ during the program. There will also be performances by the McAuley a cappella choir and members of the Brother Rice/Mother McAuley marching band.

Photo by Jeff Vorva

The Mother McAuley volleyball team, shown celebrating its IHSA Class 4A championship win over Minooka, will be honored Tuesday.

COMMENTARY

WOMEN’S SOFTBALL

Saying one more goodbye to 244 years of coaching Former Oak Lawn Ice star has scalding career

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

As I inch closer to the finish of my second year as the sports editor of the Regional/ Reporter, I’ve realized that in close to 730 days on the job, we’ve had some coaches with looooooong tenures retire.

Now, I am not taking responsibility for them leaving, but it is worth noting that six coaches with 244 years of experience have hung up their whistles.

Here is one more notice of appreciation for these deans of deans.

In Spring 2016, we got a double-dose of retirements when St. Laurence track coach Terry Murphy said goodbye after 40 years of coaching five sports — mostly track and cross county — and Shepard’s Dmitri Cooper retired after 32 years of coaching various sports — mostly tennis.

It turns out he’s the puppy of this group of ol’ dogs.

In the winter, Jim Caliendo of Sandburg said he was ready to retire after coaching 38 years of swimming and water polo at St. Laurence, Fenwick and Sandburg.

Also in the winter, Shepard took another hit when assistant wrestling coach Jim Craig called it a career after 55 years of coaching at various schools, including Oak Lawn.

And Oak Lawn took its own hit when Mark Kleeman was given a rocking chair by the girls basketball team after he coached various sports for 43 years.

Finally, in the spring, Chicago Christian girls track coach Jim Kwasteniet retired with little fanfare after 36 years at the helm.

There was almost a seventh coach in the mix. Sandburg girls gymnastics boss announced his retirement in 2016 after 32 years on the job. But he came back for a 33rd year last season and is listed as coach again for 2017-18.

Vorva

Continued from Page 1 record setters.

The 2010 Knights 4x800 team of Kirsten Harms, Julie Kamp, Justine VanDyk and Stacey Kamp still owns the Class 1A state record with a time of 9 minutes, 20.40 seconds.

The 1990-92 teams went on a three-year run that tied the area mark for consecutive state titles.

“I had a feeling we had some really talented kids,” Kwasteniet said. “We ran the indoor meet at ISU before the season. We had a good sophomore class and came away from that meet with the championship. We said, ‘All right, if we can play this right and keep the kids healthy, we may have a good chance come May in Charleston,’ and it proved to be true.

“When we qualified we didn’t have mini busses at the time so we were borrowing vans and were wondering how we were going to get all these kids down to Charleston. In one of the vans on the way home, the big trophy

By Aaron FitzPatrick Correspondent

Submitted photo

Longtime Oak Lawn coach Mike Kleeman received a rocking chair from the girls basketball team for his 43 years of service at the school.

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Terry Murphy closed out a career at St. Laurence that spanned 40 years.

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Jim Caliendo spent 38 years coaching swimming and water polo.

The Chicago Bandits of the National Pro Fastpitch League have added a Southwest Side star with ties to Oak Lawn to their roster this season.

Clearing native Abby Ramirez, now with 36 games under her belt, is batting .240 with two doubles, a triple and 14 RBI. She also has three stolen bases.

“It’s a dream come true,” said the switch-hitting infielder. “Ever since I was a little girl, I thought about playing professionally and for the Bandits. It’s very cool to be playing in front of people I know.”

She got her first taste of the softball diamond with Clear Ridge Little League, where she played for the Twins.

“My favorite thing was after games, we had snack time,” she recalled of her earliest years. “I love when they brought popsicles — the Freeze Pops. Those were my favorite.

“And they always gave out a game ball. Those were things I will always remember. I still have some of those game balls in my room.’’

Ramirez learned quickly and excelled with Clear Ridge.

“I remember being on the allstar team was really cool because it was a big deal to make the all-star team in the league,” she said. “We won a lot of big games, which was really cool. I played with a lot of friends from my school — the neighborhood. Someone called my parents and I was very happy because my sister (Amanda) made the older all-star team. We were really excited about that.”

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Jim Craig coached wrestling for an astounding 55 years.

— after everyone left.

The track was finished for the 1988 season and the school decided to host an invitational each year. When the meet turns 30 in the spring, it will be renamed in Kwasteniet’s honor.

School officials tried to coax him into coaching one more year but he wants to spend more time with his wife, Nancy, and offspring Ross (who lives in Chicago), Gwen (Denver) and Kyle (Grand Rapids, Mich.).

“When I retired two years ago from teaching, they asked me if I would still coach,” he said. “I agreed to do it one year at a time. As this last season was Photo by Jeff Vorva progressing, my wife was flying Former Chicago Christian track coach Jim Kwasteniet poses near a to Denver to spend time with our record board near the school’s track. grandkids and I was starting to was sitting right up in the front was the athletic director for 17 think it was time.

“I always thought that I would and the kids were all sort of years. He also taught physical know when it was time and I looking at it and they were still education, history, bible studies pretty excited and said, ‘We’re and a history of Chicago class. knew. When I was at the state meet this past year, I kept sayall going to be back next year. ing to myself, ‘I won’t be back Let’s do this again.’ They set the Parking lot practice bar for themselves.’’

When the coach started in the at another state track meet as a Kwasteniet also coached boys 1982 season, the track was not coach.’ And I was OK with it. and girls basketball, junior varsity built yet and athletes had to run That confirmed for me that I made football and cross country and in the parking lots after school the right decision.’’

Playoffs

Continued from Page 1 for 41 points. The team was third in the MLS East behind Toronto (47 points) and New York City FC (43). Toronto visits the Fire at 7 p.m. Saturday at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, where the Fire owns a 10-0-1 record and a nine-game winning streak.

The past two seasons, the MLS expanded the playoffs, opening the door for six teams in each conference to make the postseason. In 2015, it took 42 points to make it to the playoffs. In 2016, it took 49.

Future: The playoffs start in late October and extend all the way to early December.

If the Fire keeps up its current pace, making the playoffs won’t be a problem and the team might get a high enough seed where postseason soccer will be back in Bridgeview.

Chicago Red Stars Past: The Red Stars joined the NWSL in 2015 and made the four-team playoff round by finishing second out of nine teams but lost 3-0 in the first round of the playoffs to defending champion and third-seeded FC Kansas City.

Last year, the Red Stars finished third in the 10-team league and lost 2-1 in the first round to second-seeded Washington.

Present: The Red Stars enter this week with an 8-4-5 mark and had a match scheduled against Seattle Wednesday night at Toyota Park. They will host

Kansas City at 7 p.m. Sunday.

They fell to third place after a 3-2 loss to Portland over the weekend. North Carolina entered the week with 36 points, while Portland had 31 and Chicago 29.

The Red Stars have one more game against NC — a home game on Sept. 3.

Chicago beat NC 3-1 on the road May 21 and 3-2 in Bridgeview on May 27.

The Red Stars are hoping that Saturday’s debut of Japanese star Yuki Nagasato will help turn this team into a championship contender.

Future: The top four teams make it to the semifinals and will battle it out Oct. 7-8, and the top two seeds will serve as hosts. The NWSC Championship match will be held Oct. 14 in Orlando.

The Red Stars have proven that they are one of the elite teams in the league

Sports Editor Jeff Vorva contributed to this story.

Abby Ramirez jokes around with teammates before the Chicago Bandits face the Windy City ThunderBolts in the Battle of the Sexes last month.

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Former Shepard coach Dmitri Cooper not only coached for 32 years, he sometimes took photos at football games.

In her early years, Ramirez also played with the Oak Lawn Ice, Chi Town Express and Beverly Bandits She attended St. Symphorosa School, then Trinity High School, where she was the 2013 Illinois Gatorade Softball Player of the Year.

From Trinity, Ramirez continued her education and softball career at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor.

As she did in high school, Ramirez excelled at the college level. As a freshman in 2013, she posted a .982 fielding percentage in the infield, was an All-Big Ten Defensive selection at second base the following year and hit .370 her senior years as the Wolverines posted the top offensive squad in the Big Ten. Ramirez is familiar with the Bandits’ home field, The Ball Park At Rosemont, and said the team has made the transition from college to pro very comfortable.

“Everyone has been so welcoming,” she said. “I played college ball with Haylie Wagner and travel ball with Sammy Marshall. So that made things easier when you’re already familiar with some of the people. It’s been a lot of fun so far.

Every day gets better and better.”

One of the biggest differences, so far, for Ramirez has been the travel schedule.

“There’s a lot more involved,” she said. “Instead of most of our games and traveling being on weekends, like in college, we have plenty of games during the week. We treat road trips the same way. This is a business trip. We’re here to play softball. There’s just more of it.”

Photo by Jeff Vorva

FOCUS ON COMMUNITY SPORTS

Sharks training camp offered in OL Oak Lawn Baseball is offering a Sharks baseball and softball training camp in the fall. This camp is run by high school coaches and current and past college players.

The dates are on Wednesdays and Thursdays from Aug. 22 through Sept. 13 at the Spartan Athletic Complex. Athletes ages 7 through 10 meet from 6 to 7:15 p.m., and ages 10 to 13 meet from 7:15 to 8:30 p.m. Cost is $100 per player.

For more information or to register, visit oaklawnbaseball.com.

Also, for more information, contact OLB President Gary Gudino at randolphfd@sbcglobal.net.

and are gunning to get past that semifinal round and into the title game.

Windy City ThunderBolts Past: Since being changed from the Cook County Cheetahs to the Windy City ThunderBolts in 2004, they have gone to the Frontier League playoffs four times.

In 2007, the Bolts won their first Frontier League title sweeping Rockford in three games in the division series and knocking off Washington in five games of the best-of-five championship series.

In 2008, the Bolts won their second title beating Southern Illinois 3-1 in the division series and sweeping Kalamazoo in three games in the championship series.

The Bolts made it back to the playoffs in 2009 and 2010 but lost in the division series both times. Windy City has not

Shooters tryouts The South Side Shooters will host boys basketball tryouts for their winter session Aug. 28 at the HFRC Building at Moraine Valley Community College, 9000 College Parkway in Palos Hills.

Tryouts for fourth and fifth graders will be 5 to 6 p.m.., sixth and seventh graders will try out 6 to 7 p.m. and eighth graders will try out from 7 to 8 p.m.

For more details contact Bill Finn at 708-508-0170 or finn@ morainevalley.edu.

We are interested in community news.

Submit items to sports@regionalpublishing.com.

been back to the playoffs since.

Present: The Thunderbolts entered this week with a 41-35 mark and are still in contention to snag one of the wild-card spots in the four-team Frontier League playoffs. They were one percentage point ahead of the River City Rascals for that slot. The league takes the top team in each division and the two wild-card teams with the best records.

Future: The Frontier League playoffs open Sept. 5 with the divisional round, while the championship round is scheduled to open Sept. 12.

The T-Bolt’ chances of making it to the playoffs are on the iffy side because they lost four strong pitchers — Scott Kuzminsky, Kyle Von Ruden, Kevin Lenik and Brady Muller. Each was selected by a major league organization.

4

Section 2 Thursday, August 17, 2017

The Regional News - The Reporter

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The Regional News - The Reporter

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Houses For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. Plaintiff, -v.UNKNOWN SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE OF THE MARGARET R. REGAN TRUST AGREEMENT DATED JUNE 24TH, 1998, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, MARGARET R. REGAN TRUST AGREEMENT DATED JUNE 24TH, 1998, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, DOLORES E. KAMPWIRTH A/K/A LORRIE KAMPWIRTH, AS SUCCESSOR CO-TRUSTEE OF THE MARGARET R. REGAN TRUST AGREEMENT DATED JUNE 24TH, 1998, BRIAN J. REGAN, AS SUCCESSOR CO-TRUSTEE OF THE MARGARET R. REGAN TRUST AGREEMENT DATED JUNE 24TH, 1998, ANNE M. LARDENOIT, AS SUCCESSOR CO-TRUSTEE OF THE MARGARET R. REGAN TRUST AGREEMENT DATED JUNE 24TH, 1998, SARAH C. SCHIFFLER, AS SUCCESSOR CO-TRUSTEE OF THE MARGARET R. REGAN TRUST AGREEMENT DATED JUNE 24TH, 1998, MARGARET R. HENNESSY A/K/A MARGIE HENNESSY, AS SUCCESSOR CO-TRUSTEE OF THE MARGARET R. REGAN TRUST AGREEMENT DATED JUNE 24TH, 1998 Defendants 16 CH 002016 14509 WILLOW STREET ORLAND PARK, IL 60462 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on June 9, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on September 11, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 14509 WILLOW STREET, ORLAND PARK, IL 60462 Property Index No. 27-10-102-034-0000.

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 in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours.

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

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

Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption.

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

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

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

For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-15-19672.

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.

I726565

Houses For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION CITIZENS BANK, NA; Plaintiff, vs.

MATTHEW KEEFE; INA KEEFE; TRAINING, RESEARCH, ADVOCACY & EDUCATION NETWORK, INC. FKA ANDREA A. RAILA & ASSOCIATES, INC.; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF MATTHEW KEEFE, IF ANY; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF INA KEEFE, IF ANY; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 14 CH 19310 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 27-18-417-004-0000.

Commonly known as 15845 South 114th Court, Orland Park, IL 60462.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection For information call the Sales Clerk at Plaintiff’s Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 360-9455 W14-2584.

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3057597

5

Thursday, August 17, 2017 Section 2

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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION CITIMORTGAGE, INC. Plaintiff, -v.GARY GIBSON, COLLEEN GIBSON, CITIBANK, N.A., CAPITAL ONE BANK (USA), N.A. Defendants 14 CH 010141 11910 S. TIMBERLANE DRIVE PALOS PARK, IL 60464 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on June 21, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on September 25, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 11910 S. TIMBERLANE DRIVE, PALOS PARK, IL 60464 Property Index No. 23-26-202-003-0000.

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 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 14-13-25131.

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.

I726717

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION PHH MORTGAGE CORPORATION Plaintiff, -v.SALLY J. DAVIDSON, SALLY J. DAVIDSON, AS TRUSTEE OF THE SALLY J. DAVIDSON TRUST DATED JUNE 28, 2012, WESTBROOK TERRACE TOWNHOME ASSOCIATION Defendants 16 CH 14025 9031 WEST 111TH STREET, APARTMENT B 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 June 16, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on September 19, 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 9031 WEST 111TH STREET, APARTMENT B, Palos Hills, IL 60465 Property Index No. 23-22-200-088-0000.

The real estate is improved with a townhouse.

The judgment amount was $146,055.17.

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 in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours.

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

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

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

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

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

For information, contact The sales clerk, SHAPIRO KREISMAN & ASSOCIATES, LLC, 2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301, Bannockburn, IL 60015, (847) 291-1717 For information call between the hours of 1pm - 3pm. Please refer to file number 16-079007.

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.

I724699

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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION OCWEN LOAN SERVICING, LLC; Plaintiff, vs.

TADEUSZ SOKOL; JOANNA SOKOL; THE RIVERA IN PALOS IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION; MONIKA SOKOL; SLAWOMIR SOKOL; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF TADEUSZ SOKOL, IF ANY; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF MONIKA SOKOL, IF ANY; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF SLAWOMIR SOKOL, IF ANY; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 16 CH 11860 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Friday, September 15, 2017 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 23-23-101-059-0000.

Commonly known as 21 Cour Madelein, Palos Hills, IL 60465.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection For information call the Sales Clerk at Plaintiff’s Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 360-9455 WA16-0606.

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3057676

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

ANNA E. NESTOR A/K/A ANNA NESTOR, THOMAS B. NESTOR A/K/A THOMAS NESTOR, LINCOLNWAY COMMUNITY BANK, DOORNBOS HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING, INC., STATE OF ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE, UNKNOWN OWNERS, GENERALLY, AND NON- RECORD CLAIMANTS, Defendants, 11 CH 23296 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause on May 29, 2015 Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, September 18, 2017 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 27-09-108-020-0000.

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

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection For information call Ms. Kimberly S. Reid at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Kluever & Platt, L.L.C., 65 East Wacker Place, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (312) 236-0077.

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3058160

HAVE A HOUSE FOR SALE?

RT. 45 IN PEOTONE 600 ft. frontage x 400 ft. deep 40 ft. x 60 ft. pole barn CALL 815-450-0004 Wanted to Rent 1st floor condo with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths (one with sit-in shower) $1400 price range Call 708-342-1730 Houses For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF Cook County, Illinois, County Department, Chancery Division.

Nationstar Mortgage LLC Plaintiff, vs.

Rajae Morrar aka Rajae M. Morrar; Ferial Morrar; Discover Bank; Unknown Owners and Non-Record Claimants Defendants, Case # 16CH13379 Sheriff’s # 170137 F16090269 NSTR Pursuant to a Judgment made and entered by said Court in the above entitled cause, Thomas J. Dart, Sheriff of Cook County, Illinois, will on September 25th, 2017, at 1pm in room LL06 of the Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington Street, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction the following described premises and real estate mentioned in said Judgment: Common Address: 9621 Merton Avenue, Oak Lawn, Illinois 60453 P.I.N: 24-08-110-046-0000; 24-08-110-010-0000 (old); 24-08-110-011-0000 (old) Improvements: This property consists of a single family home.

Sale shall be under the following terms: payment of not less than ten percent (10%) of the amount of the successful and highest bid to be paid to the Sheriff by cashier’s check or certified funds at the sale; and the full remaining balance to be paid to the Sheriff by cashier’s check or certified funds within twenty-four (24) hours after the sale.

Sale shall be subject to general taxes, special assessments.

Premise will NOT be open for inspection.

Firm Information: Plaintiff’s Attorney ANSELMO, LINDBERG OLIVER LLC Sales Department 1771 W. DIEHL., Suite 120 Naperville, IL 60563-4947 Phone: 630-453-6960 Fax: 630-428-4620 For bidding instructions, visit www.fal-illinois.com

This is an attempt to collect a debt pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE

Advertise in Real Estate!

86 million Americans

Maybe even you,

have prediabetes. person-ABOUT-TO-

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.

FACT-CHECK-THIS-FACT.

This Newspaper is Recyclable

6

Section 2 Thursday, August 17, 2017

448-6161

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

OUT & ABOUT

The Regional News • The Reporter

Thursday, August 17, 2017

BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS

Southwest • Section 2, Page 7

VARIETY

How ‘Atomic Blonde’ team pulled off the ‘one-take’ action sequence

By Peter Debruge

Supplied photo

The Center’s rummage sale typically attracts a large crowd.

The Center announces new activities

The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park, has announced a slate of activities for the days ahead.

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

• A “yoga celebration” walk will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday Aug. 19.

The labyrinth walk will celebrate and reflect upon the bounty and beauty of the summer season.

• Students will learn the art of creating salsa and bruschetta spread from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20. The class begins with picking tomatoes and herbs in the farm garden, and then moves into the Anderson Center kitchen at the farm. Participants will go home with a small jar of both salsa and bruschetta, and the class will sample some. The workshop fee is $16, plus $6 materials fee.

• Instructor Marilyn VandenBout will show students how to press fruits, vegetables, leaves and husks to make unique papyrus creations from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 23. Papyrus is a material similar to thick paper that was used in ancient times as a writing surface. The workshop fee is $17, plus a $5 materials fee.

• The Center’s rummage sale will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Aug. 25 and

Aug. 26. The riding arena at the Children’s Farm will be filled with books, electronics, housewares, linens, luggage, jewelry, clothes, shoes and toys.

Furniture and sporting goods will be on display outside, and the Kiwanis Club of Palos Heights will be on hand to help. The Center’s rummage sale resembles an old-fashioned department store, and an estimated 250,000 items are on display for sale.

• On the first Sunday of each month (except December) Communion is offered at both Wayside Chapel services. Volunteers are needed setting up Communion, as well as helping to distribute it.

Those who are able and interested should contact Chris Hopkins at The Center. All are welcome. The Wayside Chapel serves a non-alcoholic cup of wine and gluten-free bread.

Bridge Teen Center students invited to art night

The Bridge Teen Center, 15555 S. 71st Ct., Orland Park, offers several free events for teens in seventh through 12th grade.

For more information call (708) 532-0500.

• Art Studio Night is scheduled from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18. Students are invited to attend an art themed night at The Bridge. Nothing Bundt Cakes will provide free food samples.

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:

“ALIEN: COVENANT’’: Both a sequel to ``Prometheus’’ and a prequel to ``Alien,’’ returning director Ridley Scott’s latest contribution to the sci-fi franchise folds in elements of both films in an expectedly eerie way. Back from ``Prometheus,’’ Michael Fassbender has dual roles as androids aboard another spacecraft that picks up unwelcome passengers that turn lethal back on board. Though she’s playing a different character, Katherine Waterston essentially is a surrogate for Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley here; the human cast also includes Danny McBride, Demian Bichir, Jussie Smollett (“Empire’’) and — spoiler alert: very briefly — James Franco. *** (R: AS, N, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “BILLIONS: SEASON TWO’’: Federal prosecutor Chuck Rhoades and hedge-fund king Bobby ``Axe’’ Axelrod (Paul Giamatti, Damian Lewis) almost have more in common than not in the sophomore round of the smartly acted, superb Showtime drama.

Both are having problems with their respective spouses (Maggie Siff, Malin Akerman), but that ultimately does little to alter the collision course the two men remain on ... with Wendy (Siff) still caught between them. Eric Bogosian and David Strathairn make recurring appearances, and a particularly notable cast addition is Asia Kate Dillon as an Axe Capital analyst who advances very far very quickly. **** (Not rated: AS, P) “DISNEY’S DESCENDANTS 2’’: A sequel to the 2015 cable movie about the offspring of such legendary Disney characters as Maleficent and the Evil Queen, this music-infused fantasy recently made its debut across five of the company’s networks simultaneously. Dove Cameron, Cameron Boyce, Sofia Carson, Booboo Stewart and Mitchell Hope are

among the returning stars as the so-called Villain Kids leave their idyllic new surroundings and go back to the Isle of the Lost. There, they try to keep evil influences from escaping to the outside world. Director Kenny Ortega (``High School Musical’’) also is back. DVD extras: ``making-of’’ documentary; outtakes; deleted song. *** (Not rated) “CHUCK’’: Though he has established a strong image for himself in the title role of the Showtime series “Ray Donovan,’’ Liev Schreiber adopts a different — but still rugged — persona in this true story of Chuck Wepner, the real-life boxer whose underdog story inspired “Rocky.’’ In the same way Sylvester Stallone’s character was chosen to go up against the champ, liquor salesman Wepner got the chance to fight none other than Muhammad Ali. As much attention as he got at the time for the amazing opportunity, he also had to deal with falling out of the limelight just as suddenly afterward. The noteworthy cast also includes Naomi Watts (Schreiber’s former significant other), Elisabeth Moss, Ron Perlman and comic Jim Gaffigan. *** (R: AS, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “RIVERDALE: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON’’: Some familiar characters get big twists as this CW drama series, inspired by the “Archie’’ comic books, opens with the supposedly idyllic town of Riverdale trying to come to grips with the death of a popular student. Archie Andrews (portrayed by KJ Apa) is the romantic target of both longtime friend Betty Cooper (Lili Reinhart) and newcomer Veronica Lodge (Camila Mendes).

Cole Sprouse plays Jughead, and Luke Perry, Madchen Amick and Marisol Nichols also star. Molly Ringwald enters the show as the season progresses. DVD extras: two ‘making-of`` documentaries; deleted scenes; outtakes; two musical pieces; Comic-Con panel. *** (Not rated: AS, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray, via Warner Archive) “HOW TO BE A LATIN LOVER’’: Though this comedy from actor-turned-director Ken Marino purports to provide the title education, it also mixes the premise of “About a Boy’’ into

its plot. Eugenio Derbez (“Instructions Not Included’’) plays the title casanova, who gets an unexpected comeuppance when he’s thrown out of his marriage by the woman he married for her wealth. To get back to the comfortable lifestyle he knew, he uses his young nephew (Raphael Alejandro) to meet other prospective wives. Salma Hayek plays the boy’s mother in a cast that also includes Rob Lowe, Kristen Bell, Raquel Welch and Rob Corddry.

DVD extras: two ``making-of’’ documentaries; audio commentary

by Marino, producer Ben Odell and editor John Daigle; deleted and extended scenes. *** (PG-13: AS, N, P) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand)

COMING SOON:

“GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2’’ (Aug. 22): Peter Quill’s (Chris Pratt) longabsent father (Kurt Russell) turns up in the seriocomic Marvel adventure sequel. (PG-13: AS, P, V) “BLUE BLOODS: THE SEVENTH SEASON’’ (Aug. 22): A literally fiery finale caps this latest round of the CBS police-family drama starring Tom Selleck and Donnie Wahlberg. (Not rated: AS, P, V) “WAKEFIELD’’ (Aug. 22): Bryan Cranston has the title role in E.L. Doctorow’s story of a family man who places himself in isolation in his attic. (R: AS, P) “MY COUSIN RACHEL’’ (Aug. 29): In the Daphne du Maurier tale, a man (Sam Claflin) begins to fall for the woman (Rachel Weisz) he believes killed his benefactor. (PG-13: AS, P) “HAWAII FIVE-0: THE SEVENTH SEASON’’ (Sept.

5): Say farewell to Chin Ho and Kono, since this turned out to be the last round of the CBS reboot for Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park. (Not rated: AS, P, V) “THE MUMMY’’ (Sept. 12): A finder and seller of artifacts (Tom Cruise) becomes the target of an ancient princess’ malevolent spirit (Sofia Boutella). (PG-13: AS, N, P, V)

From “Children of Men” to the opening scene of “La La Land,” socalled oners are all the rage these days, as directors design scenes (or entire movies, a la “Birdman”) to look as if they were filmed in one continuous take. But surely none has been more complicated than the nearly 10-minute, “single-shot” action scene in David Leitch’s “Atomic Blonde.” In this jaw-dropping set-piece, Charlize Theron’s secret-agent character ushers her “package” inside a rancid old Berlin building, fights her way upstairs and back down, then out into the street, where the sequence continues as a car chase, replete with exploding windows and somersaulting SUVs. Leave it to Leitch, who served alongside Chad Stahelski as a stunt coordinator and second unit director on movies such as “The Matrix Revolutions” and “Jurassic World,” to attempt something so audacious for his directorial debut. From the get-go, Leitch was inspired by two things: “Children of Men” and a mandate DP Roger Deakins had once given him.

Leitch was shooting second unit on “In Time,” and Deakins challenged him, “How do we stay with the character?” he recalls.

Early on, producer Kelly McCormick, who also happens to be Leitch’s wife, told the director, “If you ever had something you wanted to do in a film, this is your chance to do it.” For more than a decade, Leitch had been looking for an excuse to stage an elaborate action-driven sequence shot, “But as a fight director, you’re beholden to your director,” he says. “This movie is an independent movie, so we needed to find bold ways to strike out.”

Also, shooting a typical car chase would have cost more and demanded more days than the film’s budget allowed. “If you had done it in a conventional way — like an earlier fight scene with a fire hose — there would be a lot more coverage, where you’re doing 25 to 30 setups a day,” Leitch says. “For this sequence, you’re doing three setups a day, but to get it right, you have to do 15 to 20 takes of each one.”

Technically, the “Atomic Blonde” sequence is made up of nearly 40 separate shots, discreetly stitched together to appear as one.

Orchestrating it required close collaboration among multiple contributors, from cinematographer Jonathan Sela to editor Elísabet Ronaldsdóttir (both “John Wick” veterans), and left no room for error. “You are committing to the pacing, and you are hoping that the rest of the movie accelerates to the point you want to be at this moment, and that this scene lives at the correct speed within it,” Leitch explains.

To pull it off, “We shot the scene chronologically all the way through,” says Ronaldsdót-

Universal Pictures

Charlize Theron in “Atomic Blonde.”

tir, who was on set for the entire sequence to make sure each of the cuts worked, since the goal was to make those transitions as invisible as possible. Sela elaborates: “We had to choose the take we wanted right there, and that’s the one we’d have to match to.”

That meant the next shot had to be framed almost identically and, if the handheld camera was moving (which it nearly always was), the shot had to be picked up at the same angle and momentum.

For the location, the team found a real Berlin building — although it didn’t have an elevator, which meant cheating Theron’s ascent: The camera follows her into a fake elevator, and when it pans down to check her gun, there’s a “stitch” before she exits on the fourth floor.

The simplest cuts occur when the camera swish-pans quickly, or when a door frame provides a vertical seam to connect two segments, although nearly half the splices required a CGI assist, Ronaldsdottir estimates. “There are all kinds of tricks,” she says. “Just working on a computer instead of a Steenbeck [flatbed editor], you can blow up the shot a bit or move it around to match it better.

You can work within the frame.”

Things got a lot more complicated once the characters exit back onto the street and steal a police car. “That was three different locations, because we couldn’t own six whole blocks, and we had to use greenscreen, because you can only shoot the background plate of the car flipping once,” says Ronaldsdóttir, who relied on visual effects supervisor Michael Wortmann of Chimney Pot to make what audiences see through the window fit the handheld camerawork.

Meanwhile, Sela entrusted stunt coordinator Sam Hargrave to operate the camera (an Alexa Mini versatile enough to fit inside the car with the actors), since Hargrave had designed the choreography of

not only the actors but also how the camera ought to capture them fighting when there would be no cutaways to mask the blows.

According to Leitch, “Chad Stahelski and I operate the cameras in all the fight scenes we direct.

You know the timing, so if the actors are off just a second in their punch or if they skip a move, you know to get around it and catch the hit. In a situation like this, it’s just easier to have the guys who have been rehearsing the scene operate the camera.”

Overall, the stairwell sequence signals a shift in the movie. Until that point, everything has been relatively smooth, and the fight scenes are neon-lit and set to vintage ‘80s pop songs. “Charlize and I had many discussions about making the third act where we would see the consequences of action, and to ground it as the character spiraled down into the darker Berlin,” he continues. “We’ve been enjoying these musical set pieces, and now we kick up the pace and rip out the music so it’s just raw sound design.”

The camerawork switches to handheld, keeping the character tightly within frame. For nearly the entire sequence, it’s Theron up there on screen — except when the character is being thrown against the wall or augured down the stairs.

“I’m sure everyone would be game for it once, but there are certain moments where you just can’t take the risk,” Leitch says.

And yet, it was important to show that Theron’s character is not a superhero, but a human being.

“She was committed to finding the reality of the situation. That’s why we stay with her and watch her take all the beatings and the bruising and get more tired, to the point she can barely stand. They’ve already tapped their adrenaline, they’ve already used all their energy, they’re exhausted, and in the end it just comes down to human will,” Leitch says.

OMARR’S WEEKLY ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST

By Jeraldine Saunders

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Be cautious that your warmth and enthusiasm does not inadvertently lead someone on. Take the easiest path where your money is concerned in the week ahead. Don’t append too much or spend too little.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Be a great advisor and mentor in the week to come. You may receive extra social invitations. Your certain someone may be caught up in a wild goose chase that could prove costly, but your wisdom can prevent a loss.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Fly straight as an arrow. There is no financial opportunity or risk that is worth losing your good name. Refuse to sign documents that you haven’t read this week and anything you have read but don’t understand.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Like Humpty Dumpty even the FAMILY-VIEWING GUIDE mighty can fall. Follow ethical beKEY: AS, adult situations; N, nu- havior in the week to come when dity; P, profanity; V, violence; GV, financial matters are in question. particularly graphic violence.

If you try to please someone else

you may be secretly influenced by their maneuverings.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Take the bit between your teeth. You may have plenty of determination and stamina to make your projects a success. Passing disagreements may only spur you to more ambitious accomplishments in the week ahead.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Be discriminative. When faced with a choice between two evils in the week ahead make the most morally acceptable choice. Your loved ones or friends might not agree because they cannot see the fine line you walk.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Don’t voice your suspicions in the week ahead, but adopt a wait and see attitude. Unconditional love delivered in daily doses can even melt a heart made of stone. Your gentle ways can move mountains, even in the workplace.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Soul mates seem to be on the same wavelength. Business contacts, however, may be tuned to a different station. As this week unfolds focus on family, hobbies and home based activities for the

very best success.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Listen to the boss who dictates your daily chores rather than following the dictates of your heart.

A certain someone may think your friendship holds more promise for intimacy than you intend in the week ahead.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Aesop’s turtle knew that slow and steady wins the race. Caution and dedication to duty will pay off during the week ahead. If you are thrifty about the pennies, the dollars will begin to roll in.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Toe the mark. Those in authority may expect perfection as this week unfurls. You have plenty of enthusiasm and eagerness to get something accomplished, but might feel that your efforts are restrained by necessity.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): If you can’t escape the truth sit back and enjoy it. Somewhere deep inside you might feel you do not deserve the rewards or opportunities you receive as this week unfolds. Be grateful that someone recognizes your worth.

8 Section 2

Thursday, August 17, 2017

The Regional News • The Reporter

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Stacking tomato and mozzarella like this offers a new approach to Caprese salad.

A ‘high-rise’ approach to a summer favorite

By Wolfgang Puck

As I often like to say, we eat with our eyes first. Food that looks beautiful without being too fussy starts your mouth watering in anticipation. And, by contrast, if good ingredients have been well prepared only to be presented in a way that looks unexciting, you may get less pleasure from the whole experience.

That explains why I’ve been taking a different approach to a summertime seasonal classic: the tomato, mozzarella and basil salad, also known in Italy as the Caprese, after the island of Capri, or the Tricolore, because its red, white and green colors mimic those of the Italian flag. Most often, the salad’s three main ingredients are simply arranged overlapping each other on a plate or platter, with a vinaigrette dressing drizzled over them. That’s certainly how you’ll probably see it on most antipasto displays in Italian restaurants or when you order an individual one off the menu.

Even though sun-ripened tomatoes are wonderfully flavorful in August, and go so well with the rich-tasting fresh mozzarella you can find so easily in well-stocked supermarkets today, such a presentation doesn’t do much anymore to get people excited about this wonderful seasonal specialty. And that’s a shame. So I’d like to share the simple solution my chefs and I like to use in our restaurants: We go vertical instead of horizontal.

In other words, we’ve taken to stacking the ingredients, alternating slices of tomato with equally sized slices of the cheese and individual basil leaves. The result instantly catches the eye, making people see this now familiar combination in a fresh new light.

Though that may sound like architectural or engineering skills are called for in creating such a presentation, it’s surprisingly easy.

Just make sure when you’re shopping that you buy ripe yet firm tomatoes that are approximately the same diameter as the balls of fresh mozzarella you’ll be using. (Head for the market’s cheese department first so you’ll have the package of mozzarella in your cart to serve as a guide.)

With a similar sensibility, I’ve simplified the dressing for the salad as well. Instead of making a vinaigrette, I first sprinkle each slice of tomato individually with a little salt and pepper, to make sure that every bite taken is properly seasoned. Then I drizzle each stack with good-quality balsamic vinegar that I’ve first reduced to a syrupy consistency to concentrate

its sweet-tart flavor; I also add a drizzle of good, fruity-tasting extravirgin olive oil.

The result is an appetizer that will make everyone at your table feel as if they’re seeing and tasting this combination for the first time.

What a perfect way to showcase some of summer’s finest produce.

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• 1 cup (250 mL) good-quality balsamic vinegar • 4 medium-to-large sunripened organic tomatoes • 8 ounces (250 g) fresh mozzarella • 12 leaves fresh basil • Kosher salt • Freshly ground black pepper • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil Several hours before serving, prepare the balsamic reduction.

Put the vinegar in a small nonreactive saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Then, reduce the heat to low and simmer until its volume reduces by a third to a half. Set aside to cool to room temperature; transfer to a covered glass container and refrigerate until ready to use.

For the salad, use the tip of a small, sharp knife to core the tomatoes. Trim and discard a thin slice from the bottom of each tomato before cutting each one horizontally into slices about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick. Drain the mozzarella, patting it dry with paper towels, and cut crosswise into slices about 1/2 inch (12 mm) thick. Stack the basil leaves and, starting at the side of the stack, roll them up tightly into a tube shape. Cut the roll crosswise into thin slices, separating them with your fingertips into julienne strips.

To assemble the salads on a platter or individual serving plates, alternate the slices from each tomato with slices of the mozzarella, stacking the tomato slices in the order you cut them starting with the trimmed slice from the bottom, and sprinkling each tomato slice with a little salt and pepper before placing the mozzarella on it. End each stack with a tomato slice, sprinkling it with salt, pepper and basil julienne.

Just before serving, drizzle each stack with about 1 teaspoon of the balsamic reduction. (Reserve the remainder in the refrigerator, where it will keep for several months.)

Drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil over each stack; serve immediately.

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