MK_111419

® 

Hero’s welcome 

Former Mokena resident returns home 

to retire from USMC, Page 4 

The grades are in 

Annual state report card shows high 

marks for D210, Page 6 

D-Day remembered 

Historian explains seminal WWII 

event, Page 7 

mokena’s Award-Winning Hometown Newspaper MokenaMessengerDaily.com • November 14, 2019 • Vol. 12 No. 14 • $1 

A 

Publication 

,LLC 

Nine-year-old Isabella Enright, of 

Mokena, hangs her stocking among 

scores of others during Mokena 

Community Park District’s Stockings for 

Our Troops Friday, Nov. 8. T.J. Kremer 

III/22nd Century Media 

Community 

shows support for 

troops by filling 

stocking care 

packages, Page 3 

Appraisal Days 

FRI, NOV 15 & SAT, NOV 16 

NEW LENOX 1000 E. Lincoln Hwy. 

www.LWCBank.com 

SEE OUR AD INSIDE FOR DETAILS!

2 | November 14, 2019 | the mokena messenger calendar 

mokenamessengerdaily.com 

In this week’s 

Messenger 

Pet of the Week.............11 

Editorial........................13 

Faith Briefs....................16 

Puzzles..........................21 

The Scene......................21 

Classifieds................ 25-33 

The Mokena 

Messenger 

ph: 708.326.9170 fx: 708.326.9179 

Editor 

TJ Kremer III, x29 

tj@mokenamessenger.com 

sports editor 

Steve Millar, ext 34 

s.millar@22ndcm.com 

Sales director 

Lora Healy, x31 

l.healy@22ndcenturymedia.com 

real estate sales 

Courtney Masinter ext 47 

c.masinter@22ndcenturymedia.com 

classifieds/Legal Notices 

Jeff Schouten, x51 

j.schouten@22ndcenturymedia.com 

PUBLISHER 

Joe Coughlin 847.272.4565, x16 

j.coughlin@22ndcenturymedia.com 

Managing Editor 

Bill Jones, x20 

bill@opprairie.com 

president 

Andrew Nicks 

a.nicks@22ndcenturymedia.com 

EDITORIAL DESIGN DIRECTOR 

Nancy Burgan, x30 

n.burgan@22ndcenturymedia.com 

22 nd Century Media 

11516 West 183rd Street 

Unit SW Office Condo #3 

Orland Park, IL 60467 

www.MokenaMessenger.com 

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Published by 

www.22ndcenturymedia.com 

Saturday 

B-I-N-G-O 

1-2 p.m., Nov. 16, Mokena 

Community Public 

Library District, 11327 

W. 195th St. in Mokena. 

Come try your luck at 

BINGO. Prizes and refreshments. 

Ages 18 

and older welcome. For 

more information, call 

(708) 479-9663, or visit 

mokenalibrary.org. 

Night of a Thousand Lights 

6-11 p.m., Nov. 16, Silver 

Lake Country Club, 

14700 S. 82nd Ave. in Orland 

Park. Join My Joyful 

Heart for an evening of 

dinner and dancing to celebrate 

the 1,000+ children 

helped by the nonprofit 

organization. Tickets are 

$50 per person or $400 

per table of eight, and includes 

a family-style dinner, 

dancing, cash bar, 

silent auction and more. 

For more information, call 

(815) 806-1700, or visit 

myjoyfulheart.org. 

Sunday 

Mokena Park District’s 

Pictures with Santa 

Noon-5 p.m., Nov. 17, 

Mokena Community Park 

District Program Center, 

10925 W. LaPorte Road 

in Mokena. Santa is making 

a special appearance 

at Mokena Park District. 

TSS Photography of Mokena 

will be there to take 

your child’s photo with the 

Jolly Old Elf. Fee of $8 per 

picture includes professional 

5”x7” photograph. 

Additional packages will 

be available for purchase. 

Appointments are recommended. 

Children’s pictures 

from noon-3 p.m.; 

Pet pictures from 3-5 p.m. 

Call by noon on Thursday, 

Nov. 14, to reserve your 

spot. Walk-ins accepted 

as space allows. Personal 

photography, cameras/ 

camera phones are not allowed. 

Call Mokena Park 

District for more information 

or to reserve your 

appointment at (708) 390- 

2401. 

Lincoln-Way Area Chorale 

holiday concert 

3 p.m., Nov. 17, Lincoln-Way 

East Performing 

Arts Center, 201 Colorado 

Ave. in Frankfort. “Silver 

Sounds of the Season” will 

be presented by the Lincoln 

Way Area Chorale. 

Tickets for adults are $18, 

seniors and students are 

$16. Tickets may be purchased 

online at lwac.com, 

from any Chorale member, 

or by calling (708) 479- 

1863 or (815) 469-1010. 

TUESDAY 

Reading With Rudy 



Library District, 11327 W. 

195th St. in Mokena. Rudy, 

the certified therapy dog, 

helps by giving children 

a boost of confidence. We 

host reading sessions with 

Rudy for children with and 

without special needs in 

the Activity Room. Class 

is limited to six children. 

Registration is required 

at Children’s Circulation 

Desk. For more information, 

call (708) 479-9663, 

or visit mokenalibrary.org. 

UPCOMING 

Christmas Fest 

Nov. 23. Kick off the 

Holiday Season with the 

annual Christmas Fest, 

hosted by the Mokena 

Chamber of Commerce. 

Activities include: Santa’s 

Workshop, Crafters, 10 

a.m.-2 p.m. at Mokena Elementary 

School, 11244 

Willowcrest Lane; lunch 

and pictures with Mr. and 

Mrs. Claus, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 

at Mokena Elementary 

School, 11244 Willowcrest 

Lane; Parade of Lights, 5 

p.m., Front Street; Family 

Christmas Dance, immediately 

following tree lighting 

until 10 p.m. at Mokena 

VFW Post 725, 19852 

S. Wolf Road; and more. 

For a full list of activities, 

visit mokena.org. 

Holiday side dishes and 

party planning 



Library District, 11327 W. 

195th St. in Mokena. Mokena 


Library District is happy 

to welcome back Chef Michael 

Niksic. He is going 

to help make our holidays 

easier with party planning 

tips, and side dish recipes. 


(708) 479-9663, or visit 

mokenalibrary.org. 

22CM’s 10th Annual 

Cheers to Charity 

6-10 p.m. Nov. 26, 

Rock Bottom Restaurant 

& Brewery, 16156 S. La- 

Grange Road, Orland Park. 

Bring a new, unwrapped 

toy for Toy Box Connection 

or three canned food 

items for Orland Township 

Food Pantry and get 

$5 off the bill through 

Dec. 20 or order a glass of 

Rudolph the Prairie Red 

and 25 cents will benefit 

he Orland Township Food 

Pantry. The pantry also is 

to receive 10 percent of all 

sales on Nov. 26 from 6-10 

p.m. For more information, 

call (708) 226-0021. 

ONGOING 

LWABWO Meetings 

6-8 p.m. on the third 

Tuesday of each month 

Sept. through June, Gatto’s 

Restaurant, 1938 E. 

Lincoln Highway, New 

Lenox. The Lincoln-Way 

Area Business Women’s 

Organization is a non-profit 

club formed in 1971 to 

provide scholarship funds 

to graduating female high 

school seniors and adult 

women for the purpose of 

continuing education. For 

more information, visit 

LWABWO.org. 

We are Lions 

7 p.m. first Thursday 

of each month, Doc’s 

Smokehouse, 19081 Old 

LaGrange Road #105 in 

Mokena. The Lions Club 

of Mokena hosts is monthly 

meeting. For more information, 

email Mokena 

LionsClub@att.net. 

Al-Anon 

6 p.m. Sundays, Mokena 

Fellowship Center, 11137 

W. 191st St., Mokena; 7 

p.m. Mondays and 6 p.m. 

Thursdays, Old Plank Trail 

Bank, 20012 Wolf Road 

in Mokena. Meetings are 

open to anyone who feels 

their life has been affected 

by a problem drinker. 

There are no dues or fees. 

All meetings are confidential. 

For more information, 

call (815) 773-9623. 

Mokena Fire Protection 

CPR Class 

6-9:30 p.m. Ongoing. 

Mokena Fire Station 

LIST IT YOURSELF 

Reach out to thousands of daily 

users by submitting your event at 

MokenaMessenger.com/calendar 

For just print*, email all information to 

tj@mokenamessenger.com 

*Deadline for print is 5 p.m. the Thursday prior to publication. 

1, 19853 S. Wolf Road, 

Moknea. The Mokena Fire 

Protection District offers 

monthly CPR classes for 

the public. The cost of 

the class is $35 for Community 

CPR and $40 

Healthcare CPR. Register 

for specific dates at 

mokenafire.org. 

Kindergarten Registration 

Drive 

8 a.m.-4 p.m. Ongoing. 

District Administrative 

Center, 20100 South 

Spruce Drive in Frankfort. 

Summit Hill School 

District’s 2019-20 kindergarten 

registration drive 

continues. Parents may 

access studentregistration. 

org to review the checklist 

of documents needed 

for registration. Parents 

can enroll their kindergartener 

in the extended day 

program or the half-day 

program. Registration fee 

for extended day is $150. 

Registration fee for half 

day is $125. 

Walking Book Club 

9-10 a.m. Wednesdays, 

The Oaks Fitness & Recreation 

Center, 10847 

LaPorte Road, Mokena. 

Organized by the Mokena 

Community Public Library, 

this group walks for 

30 minutes and then talks 

about a book for 30 minutes. 

Copies of the reading 

schedule are doled out 

at weekly meetings. For 


(708) 479-9663.

mokenamessengerdaily.com news 

the mokena messenger | November 14, 2019 | 3 

Community stuffs stockings bound for overseas troops 

3 

T.J. Kremer III, Editor 

Christmas came early this year 

to The Oaks Recreation and Fitness 

Center in Mokena. 

Stockings — approximately 

300 of them, all individually 

decorated — stretched from one 

side of the gym to the other. 

Scores of community volunteers 

— both young and young 

at heart — showed up to stuff 

stockings for our troops during 

Mokena Community Park District’s 

annual Stockings for Our 

Troops event Friday, Nov. 8. 

“We are very excited to be able 

to do Stockings for Our Troops 

[along with Operation Care Package],” 

said Mike Selep, executive 

director of the park district. 

People brought donated items, 

such as soap, shampoo and other 

essentials, to stuff the stockings. 

Additionally, monetary donations 

were accepted, and $236 was collected, 

which was matched by the 

Mokena Community Park Foundation 

for a total of $472. 

Siblings Gabriel, 5; Isabella, 

9; and Angelica, 6, Enright, of 

Mokena, were busy decorating 

and stuffing stockings with their 

grandmother Cindy Enright. The 

Enrights brought some supplies 

to stuff their stockings with, such 

as toothpaste, deodorant, hand 

sanitizer and, of course, candy. 

“It’s important because some 

can’t come for [the holidays],” 

Gabriel said. 

“They’re fighting because there 

are a lot of mean people who want 

to hurt us,” Isabella said. 

When asked if she could grant 

a Christmas wish for the troops, 

Isabella replied, “For them to be 

able to come home for the holidays.” 

Gabriel added that he would 

wish for “them to have a puppy.” 

Angelica wished for the troops 

“to stay at home with their families 

and not get hurt.” 

Meanwhile, Lorraine and 

Gene Luering, of Mokena, had 

made about a dozen stockings in 

the first two hours of the event. 

Lorraine said she hoped the 

stockings would brighten a 

troop’s day and remind them of 

home. 

“We’re grateful for their service 

and we’re glad to do something 

for them,” Lorraine said. 

Gene, who served in the Army 

from 1962-65, had a special perspective 

on what the stockings 

could mean for the troops. 

“I was overseas for three 

Christmases, so I understand 

what it’s like to be away from 

home and not be home for 

Christmas,” he said. “I think 

they would appreciate getting a 

little box of goodies.” 

The O’Connor sisters — Ainsley (left), 9; Keira (middle), 11; and 

Mieve, 6, of Mokena — pose with the stockings they made during 

Mokena Community Park District’s Stockings for Our Troops 

Friday, Nov. 8. T.J. Kremer III/22nd Century Media 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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military intelligence was 

a better stepping stone 

toward the future he 

wanted. He took a test for 

a Naval flight officer to 

open up his options. The 

result: Norm flew in over 

100 combat missions. 

“This is overwhelming,” 

he said. “My previ- 

4 | November 14, 2019 | the mokena messenger news 


Welcome home, soldier 

Former Mokena 

resident gets 

hero’s welcome 

Mary Compton 

Freelance Reporter 

A member of New 

Lenox Community Emergency 

Response Team 

was going to miss an 

important training day. 

Phillia Mitchell, of Manhattan, 

had a good reason: 

her son, Marine Major 

Norm Mitchell III, was 

coming home. 

“I would be [there] but 

I have the most important 

event going on: welcoming 

my son home,” she 

said. 

Approximately 40 

friends, neighbors and 

family members came to 

Manhattan to welcome 

the former Mokena resident 

home and thank him 

for his service Nov. 2. 

“My son grew up in 

Mokena,” Phillia said. 

“When he was 15, we 

moved to New Lenox. I 

homeschooled my kids 

through high school.” 

As Phillia was speaking 

about the history of 

her son, veterans from 

the American Legion Post 

935 in Manhattan arrived 

at the Mitchell home, now 

in Manhattan. 

“I’m happy for my son 

and his wife, Akena, and 

their six kids,” she said. 

After 20 years and a dozen 

moves, they will be 

settling down in Colorado 

“It’s been quite a journey, 

the whole Marine 

Corps life,” Phillia said. 

“He has been to Iraq, Afghanistan 

and numerous 

deployments, as well as 

flying in the F-18 fighter 

jets. It was scary for us 

and his family, but he 

loved flying. It’s been so 

many years it’s hard for 

me to see him not in the 

Marine Corps.” 

Her other son, Eric, is 

also a Marine. 

“Today, it’s kind of a 

happy feeling but it’s also 

a sad feeling because we 

love the military and we 

love our country, and I’m 

so proud of them for serving 

and keeping us free,” 

Phillia said. 

Several vehicles came 

driving down Butler 

Road in Manhattan, horns 

beeping. Friends and family 

ran to the edge of the 

street waving American 

flags. 

Tears in her eyes, and 

holding her granddaughter, 

River, Phillia waved 

her flag as she watched 

her son stop in front of 

their home. 

“I’m so touched by the 

Illinois Patriot Guard, 

the Color Guard from the 

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“So glad you’re home 

daddy.” Marine Corps 

Major Norm Mitchell gets 

a hug from his 14 yearold-daughter 

Raegan 

Mitchell. Norm Mitchell, 

who has served 20 years 

in the Marine Corps, will 

retire in January. 

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Phillia Mitchell, mother of Marine Major Norm Mitchell waves an American flag 

while holding granddaughter River Mitchell. Norm Mitchell, who grew up in Mokena 

and New Lenox was honored by the Patriot Guard, friends and family after coming 

back home to his parents house in Manhattan Nov. 2. Photos by Mary Compton/22nd 

Century Media 

American Legion, neighbors 

who came out to 

welcome him home,” she 

said. “When your kids are 

appreciated for what you 

think is a good thing, it’s 

an added bonus.” 

Norm stepped out holding 

hands with his wife, 

Akena, and was greeted 

with hugs from his children. 

“The military calls 20 

years [of service] a milestone,” 

Norm said to the 

crowd. “... It’s a milestone 

I feel I have not 

confidently crossed; it’s a 

milestone that I’ve stumbled 

across, gasping for 

breath with far better men 

than I am. I have been 

so fortunate that I have a 

phenomenal family who 

stood by me through difficult 

circumstances. I’ve 

been fortunate to find an 

environment in the Marine 

Corps that is lucky 

for me. I was created by 

people that care deeply 

A small parade of vehicles bring Major Norm Mitchell 

home as they drive along Baker Avenue in Manhattan. 

After twenty years in the United States Marine Corps, 

Major Mitchell will retire in January. 

about our country and 

about making me better 

than I was the day before. 

I’m fortunate to have all 

of you, this is more than 

I deserve. The credit goes 

to my family and to the 

people whose shoulder I 

was standing on.” 

When Norm was in 

college, he knew that 

6 

Please see soldier, 6

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Expires 11/28/19 10/31/19 

Cheers 

Expires 11/28/19 10/31/19 

Report card shows D210 

schools some of best in state 

T.J. Kremer III, Editor 

6-10PM | TUESDAY, NOV. 26 

& 

PRESENT 

SANDBURG CHAMBER SINGERS 6:15-7:30PM 

Rock Bottom Orland Park 

16156 LAGRANGE ROAD 

The grades are in, and 

all three Lincoln-Way 

Community High School 

District 210 schools 

have received “Exemplary” 

status, according 

to the 2019 Illinois Report 

Card, an annual assessment 

of the state’s 

schools. 

For the second year in a 

row, all three LW schools 

placed in the Top 10 percent 

academically, with 

some of the highlights being 

graduation rates and 

SAT scores. 

Overall, the district 

boasted a four-year graduation 

rate of 95.5 percent, 

compared with the state 

average of 85.9 percent; 

From 6-10pm 

10% 

of all sales 

toCharity 

will benefit the 

food pantry 

Cheers Charity 

Bring a new unwrapped toy for Toy Box Connection 

or 3 canned food items for Orland Township Food Pantry 

anytime through Dec. 20 and receive $5 off your total bill!* 

*Valid from 11/26/19 through 12/20/19. Must bring new, unwrapped toy or three canned food items to receive $5 off your total bill. 

however, this number was 

slightly down from its 

2018 graduation rate of 

96.8 percent, compared 

with the state average 

of 85.4 percent from the 

same year. 

The 2019 graduation 

rate compared almost exactly 

to data that showed 

that ninth-graders in the 

district were 95.6 were on 

track to graduate, compared 

with the state average 

of 86.6 percent. 

Across the district, 17.8 

percent of students earned 

a Level 4 — which is designated 

“Exceeds Standards,” 

the highest level 

attainable — on the ELA 

portion of the SAT scores 

and 13.5 percent in the 

same category for math, 

compared with the state’s 

average of 10.6 percent 

and 9.1 percent, respectively. 

Those numbers appear 

to fair well for D210 students, 

as approximately 83 

percent of D210’s Class 

of 2018 students were enrolled 

in a two- or fouryear 

college within 12-16 

months of graduation, 

compared with the state 

average of approximately 

73 percent. 

Other data showed the 

district’s student population 

in decline, losing 

87 students, down from 

7,010 in 2018 to 6,923 

in 2019. The district is 

also operating with fewer 

teachers in 2019, down 

from 404 in 2018 to 390 

in 2019. Average class 

sizes increased from 20 in 

2018, which was also the 

state’s average that year, 

to 26.4 in 2019, compared 

with the state average of 

21.7. 

Editorial Intern Carly Styka 

contributed to this report. 

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soldier 

From Page 4 

ous posting was at Camp 

Pendleton three years 

ago. The Marines decided 

I needed to get some culture 

so they sent me to the 

Air Force.” 

Norm will officially retire 

in January 2020. 

“I’m going to miss the 

people,” he said. “During 

hardships, you form 

some pretty strong bonds. 

When you work with people 

that are committed to 

you, to holding you to a 

high standard and always 

having my back means a 

lot.” 

At the end of November, 

the Mitchell family 

will move to Colorado 

Springs, Colorado, and 

Norm will return to college 

to study business. 

“I still plan on serving 

my country in other 

ways,” he said. “The Marines 

do a lot of humanitarian 

work. It was an 

absolute honor and privilege 

to serve in the Marine 

Corps. I consider life 

to be pursuit, something 

you never succeed at. Any 

ideal you strive for is always 

out of reach, which 

is a good thing.” 

As the celebration 

dwindled down, Norm 

gave one last comment. 

“A lot of people talk 

about military service 

and associate it with sacrifice,” 

he began. “Part of 

the reason I’m uncomfortable 

with gatherings 

like this is because I feel 

I have not sacrificed that 

much. There are others 

who have given their 

lives, given up limbs and 

had more difficulty than 

I’ve had to face. I’m not 

a religious person, but I 

look at Jesus Christ as 

the one who made the 

ultimate sacrifice, which 

serves as an ideal for that. 

If I can pursue a life that 

Jesus exemplified, I will 

be a happy man.”



Residents learn about events surrounding D-Day 

4 

Beth Krooswyk, Freelance Reporter 

Jim Gibbons sure can captivate 

an audience, from 10-yearolds 

to senior citizens, with his 

knowledge and energy. 

The historian spoke and answered 

questions for almost 

two hours on Nov. 2 in the 

Mokena Community Public 

Library District’s community 

room during his presentation, 

D-Day: The Invasion of Normandy. 

“I saw a flyer about this a few 

days ago and decided to check 

it out because I like history,” 

said Mokena resident Tim Wojotulewicz, 

who attended the 

free event. 

Wojotulewicz and the other 

history buffs were in for quite 

a treat as Gibbons began his 

animated talk with his slogan, 

“Life is no mystery when you 

know your history,” which reflects 

another quote he shared 

by writer George Santayana, 

“Those who cannot remember 

the past are condemned to repeat 

it.” 

Then Gibbons launched into 

a synopsis of important historical 

figures and events surrounding 

World War I, which set the 

stage for World War II and D- 

Day, by tying together for his 

listeners the many intricate 

details of several decades with 

his fast-paced storytelling and 

humor. 

“D-Day was the largest amphibian 

landing ever. I don’t 

know if something like this 

could happen in today’s world 

because it was totally planned 

in secrecy,” Gibbons said. 

Included in the audience 

were three 10-year-old boys. 

Twins Nick and Joe Biondo, 

of Mokena, came with their 

dad, Barry Biondo, and grandfather, 

Pete Biondo, who had 

family involved in WWII. 

“I just read an ‘I Survived’ 

book about D-Day, and I wanted 

to learn more about it,” Nick 

said. 

Joe was also interested to 

discover more facts about this 

pivotal event in world history. 

“I’m kind of into it,” Joe said. 

The brothers brought along 

their friend and neighbor Nolan 

Esquivel. 

“I didn’t know much about 

D-Day, but I learned a lot,” Esquivel 

said. 

The boys and the rest of the 

attendees learned that D-Day 

was originally planned for June 

5, 1944; however, a monsoon 

came up that day, so when the 

weather calmed, the amphibian 

Please see d-day, 8 

Historian Jim Gibbons explains the events leading up to D-Day 

during his Mokena Community Public Library District presentation 

on Nov. 2. Beth Krooswyk/22nd Century Media 

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To RSVP and Learn More visit 

www.healthyhangouts.com or call 708-478-9850 

APRIL BLAIR 

Broker 

• Lifelong resident of the 

LincolnWay area 

• Full time realtor since 1992 

• Remodeling & staging 

experience 

• Competitive commission rates 

• Professional photography 

included with all listings 

(815) 954-4443 Cell 

www.AprilBlairHomes.com 

april.blair@comcast.net 

When is your dream job? 

NFL football player. 

What are some of your 

most played songs on your 

iPod? 

“High Hopes” by Panic 

at the Disco and “Believer” 

by Imagine Dragons 

What is one thing people 

don’t know about you? 

I am a Packers fan and 

my whole family loves the 

Bears. 

Whom do you look up to 

and why? 

My papa because he is 

funny and he takes us to 

cool places. 

What’s your favorite class 

and why? 

d-day 

From Page 7 

Science and recess are 

my favorite classes because 

I like learning about 

the Earth and playing outside. 

What extracurricular(s) do 

you wish your school had? 

I wish that my school 

had football. 

If you could change one 

thing about school what 

would it be? 

If I could change one 

thing about my school it 

would be to have a shorter 

attack took place instead 

on June 6. In addition, 

they learned that the bazooka 

gun was first used 

on Normandy Beach. 

Gibbons also noted 

that there were around 

20,000 total WWII concentration 

camps, and 

it was Supreme Allied 

Commander Dwight D. 

Eisenhower who insisted 

they be filmed so that future 

generations would 

believe that it happened. 

He pointed out that Eisenhower 

was greatly affected 

by his experience and 

in later years would talk 

about any other war but 

WWII, even though he 

played a vital role in it. 

“I just love it,” Gibbons 

said of his passion 

for history and attention 

to detail. “I do many other 

presentations — Harry 

Truman, FDR, Eisenhower, 

Churchill, Pearl 

school day. 

Photo submitted 

What’s your favorite thing 

to eat in the cafeteria? 

I like to eat Pirate’s Booty 

and Domino’s pizza. 

What’s your best memory 

from school? 

I really like Soles for 

Souls where we walk to 

raise money for charity. 

Standout Student is a weekly 

feature for The Mokena Messenger. 

Nominations come 

from Mokena-area schools. 

Harbor — and I just take 

all these little pieces of 

the puzzle and get to put 

them all together.” 

Gibbons’ passionate 

narratives have even 

earned him a loyal fan 

club. 

“I’ve been to probably 

60 of his presentations,” 

said Michelle Alfano, of 

Oak Forest. “We’re like 

Deadheads, but with history. 

We follow Jim all 

over the suburbs. He has 

a big following.”



Mokena’s own ‘Golden Girls’ 

honored for 50 years of service 

Beth Krooswyk 


Mokena residents Virginia Backhus (left), Joan 

Fleckenstein (middle) and Carmen Smallwood were 

honored with personalized scrapbooks and more in a 

surprise celebration for their 50-year anniversaries with 

the Mokena Woman’s Club during the group’s Oct. 14 

meeting. Photo submitted 

Where were you back in 

the autumn of 1969? 

If you were Carmen 

Smallwood, Joan Fleckenstein 

or Virginia Backhus, 

then you were attending 

your first few meetings of 

the then recently formed 

Mokena Woman’s Club. 

Fifty years later, at the 

Club’s Oct. 14 monthly 

gathering, these Mokena 

residents were recognized 

in a surprise celebration for 

their golden anniversaries. 

They each received their 

own 50-year-membership 

pin from the General Federation 

of Women’s Clubs, 

of which the MWC has 

been affiliated since its inception 

in 1960. 

“I was flabbergasted. I 

did not expect it,” Fleckenstein 

said of the experience. 

Smallwood had a similar 

reaction. 

“I was really totally 

stunned,” she said. “I 

thought, ‘How could they 

have done all of this without 

us knowing?’ It’s always 

an honor when your 

fellow club members recognize 

you like that.” 

Club historian Joann 

Jeffers, who is also first 

vice president and parliamentary 

advisor, went 

through many past club 

photos and archives to prepare 

a scrapbook for each 

of the ladies as a keepsake, 

which also included reflections 

from current and former 

members. 

“Carmen, Joan and Virginia 

were always willing 

to step up to the plate. All 

three of them were club 

officers within just a few 

years of their joining,” Jeffers 

said. “They became 

members of a women’s 

service organization when 

women’s lib basically was 

just starting. Between the 

three of them, they have 

13 kids, so not only were 

they raising their children, 

working full-time jobs and 

active in their churches and 

other community organizations, 

but they were also 

willing to become involved 

and were instrumental in 

serving this organization in 

many different capacities 

throughout the years.” 

Fleckenstein, who 

worked in data entry and 

then also started Fleckenstein’s 

Bakery with 

her husband during these 

years, had modest reasons 

for originally joining the 

MWC. 

“I had a young child at 

the time, and I joined with 

7 

a friend,” she said. “I kept 

going because I enjoyed 

the club and the people in 

it.” 

Backhus and Fleckenstein 

knew each other at 

the time they joined the 

MWC. Backhus was a registered 

nurse then, and will 

be retiring from the Mokena 

Public Library at the 

end of this year. 

Over these 50 years, the 

three of them altogether 

have held a total of 31 

years of being officers in 

the club’s five different 

elected positions. In addition, 

they’ve helped with 

many club projects, including 

the maintenance of 

Pioneer Cemetery, as well 

as all 46 years of the Holli- 

Daze craft show. 

“I got in [the club] as 

Please see golden girls, 12 

INSPIRED BY 

THE PEOPLE 

WHO FILL 

OUR HEARTS. 

And the amazing valves and 

vessels that make our hearts go. 

At Franciscan Health, we’re 

inspired by heart care that 

keeps you doing what you love, 

with who you love. To discover 

more about our inspired approach 

to heart care, visit 

FranciscanHealth.org/Heart.

10 | November 14, 2019 | the mokena messenger mokena 


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LIVING FOR THREE YEARS IN A ROW!!! 

What’s it 

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mokenamessengerdaily.com community 


Changing of the guard 

Mokena Chamber of Commerce moves to elect new board 

tm 

RECYCLE ONLY THESE ITEMS 

President of the Mokena Chamber of Commerce, Michelle DePaolis (left to right), with 

Lincolnway Community Bank; Skye Bergeson, with Edward Jones; president-elect 

Ed Kasza; 2019 Volunteer of the Year Samantha Tunney, with CTO Enterprises; Gavin 

“Guy” Weir, with The Huntington Bank; and Brian Ciapinski, with Shark Shredding, are 

recognized at the Chamber’s Nov. 5 meeting. T.J. Kremer III/22nd Century Media 

Aluminum, Tin 

& Metal Cans 

 

& Containers 

 

& Jars 

Cartons - Milk, Juice, 

Broth, Soup & Other 

Junk Mail, Glossy 

Paper, Magazines 

 

Paper, Envelopes 

Kino 

NAWS Illinois Humane Society 9981 W. 

190th St. Mokena, 60448 

Kino is a handsome, 1-year-old, male 

mix who is looking for his forever 

home. He is a fun, active and energetic 

boy. He can be slightly tentative in 

new situations, but he quickly adjusts. 

Once you gain his trust, his playful and 

loving nature shows. He has already 

mastered “sit” and would love for 

someone to continue his training. Kino 

loves other dogs and would love to find a home with another energetic dog he 

could play with. Please email Heather at heather@nawsus.org or call NAWS at 

(708) 478-5102 to setup and appointment with an adoption counselor to meet 

him. 

Want to see your pet featured as The Mokena Messenger’s Pet of the Week? Send your pet’s 

photo and a few sentences explaining why your pet is outstanding to Editor T.J. Kremer III 

at tj@mokenamessenger.com or 11516 W. 183rd St., Office Condo 3, Suite SW, Orland Park, 

IL 60467. 

Paperboard Boxes - 

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Cardboard Boxes 

Newspapers, Catalogs, 

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Paper Bags 

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FROM THE TINLEY JUNCTION 

Dentist leads Real Men 

Wear Pink fundraising 

campaign in the southern 

suburbs 

Whether breast cancer, 

prostate cancer, lung cancer, 

or any other type of 

cancers, today, nearly everyone 

has been impacted 

by cancer in one way or 

another. 

For Dr. Ralph Ginn, 

dentist at Tinley Park’s 

My Care Dental, cancer 

has been a part of his life 

in many ways. Every day, 

he looks for oral cancers 

while examining his patients 

and, like many others, 

he has been called to 

support loved ones who 

received the diagnosis. 

Although he spends 

a lot of time educating 

people about oral cancers, 

Ginn knew he could do 

more. Then last year, a 

longtime patient educated 

him about the American 

Cancer Society’s Real 

Men Wear Pink campaign, 

which happens every year 

during Breast Cancer 

Awareness Month. 

This year, the south suburban 

campaign has a goal 

to raise a total of $50,000. 

As of press time, Ginn was 

leading the pack, raising 

almost $5,000 himself. 

Reporting by Amanda Del 

Buono, Freelance Reporter. 

For more, visit 

TinleyJunctionDaily.com. 

FROM THE ORLAND PARK PRAIRIE 

Orland Park man 

advocates importance 

of CPR after saving 

stranger’s life 

After saving the life of 

a stranger who was in cardiac 

arrest on a Swallow 

Cliff Woods trail, Thomas 

O’Brien, of Orland Park, 

is raising awareness on the 

importance of being CPR 

certified. 

Just over a year ago, on 

Sept. 14, 2018, Thomas 

and his wife, Deb, went 

running on the Swallow 

Cliff Woods trail at a time 

they typically do not run. 

During the run, Deb got 

ahead of him. As Thomas 

was running, he noticed a 

man, who would later be 

identified as Denis Fellmann, 

also of Orland Park, 

lying face down on the 

trail. 

“There was a man lying 

face down on the trail, 

and he wasn’t moving at 

all, so I flipped him over,” 

Thomas said. “He wasn’t 

breathing and his eyes 

weren’t open. He was in 

big trouble.” 

After rolling him over, 

Thomas immediately performed 

CPR. Realizing 

the severity of the situation, 

Thomas dialed 911, 

and soon first responders 

arrived and transported 

Fellmann to the hospital. 

Fellmann survived, 

thanks in large part to 

Thomas’ quick actions. 

As a result, the O’Briens’ 

church, All Saints Lutheran 

in Orland Park, has 

hosted a few CPR classes. 

Reporting by Alyssa Groh, 

Freelance Reporter. For more, 

visit OPPrairieDaily.com. 

FROM THE FRANKFORT STATION 

Scouts celebrated with 

Eagle Court of Honor 

ceremony 

The members of Frankfort 

Boy Scout Troop 270 

are well-known throughout 

the community. From 

running the Frankfort Fall 

Fest parking lot to hosting 

Winter on the Green 

events to coordinating 

food drives for the Frankfort 

Food Pantry, these 

Scouts are always ready to 

help in any way they can. 

On Nov. 3, Michael 

Clarkin, Alex Desjardins, 

Rory Hanlon, Jake Leonard, 

Matthew Lexow and 

Justin Murray of Troop 

Please see nfyn, 13 

golden girls 

From Page 9 

a young mother and fulltime 

teacher. I thought I 

didn’t have time for it,” 

Smallwood said. “But I 

absolutely fell in love with 

it. The opportunity to meet 

a variety of ladies from 

around the country was 

extremely enjoyable. The 

club broadened my life 

and improved my leadership 

skills.” 

At the celebratory October 

meeting, Jeffers also 

proposed that the club add 

a new “Our Golden Girls” 

chapter of 50-year members, 

with Smallwood, 

Fleckenstein and Backhus 

being charter members. 

The MWC also dedicated 

their current club year to 

the three ladies. 

“The ironic thing is that 

they all attended their very 

first meeting together and 

they were inducted into 

membership at the same 

meeting, too,” Jeffers said 

of this full-circle moment. 

“They were genuinely surprised 

and moved by it all. 

It was a neat thing for us to 

do for them.” 

In addition to the pins 

and scrapbooks, they each 

received an etched glass 

plaque from the MWC, as 

well as a letter of congratulations 

from GFWC International 

President Mary 

Ellen Brock. 

“What a noteworthy 

milestone this is,” Brock 

stated in the letter. “You 

have spent these years 

contributing to GFWC’s 

proud tradition of achievement, 

but more importantly, 

you have helped ensure 

the continuation of that 

legacy into the future.” 

While the club’s future 

projects will continue to 

serve the changing needs 

of the times — especially 

in the areas of education, 

scholarships, politics and 

charitable giving for the 

community — the focus 

will stay the same as it’s 

always been in the past. 

“Our Mokena Woman’s 

Club motto is, ‘Where 

community service and 

friendship meet,’ and we 

really hold true to that,” 

Jeffers said. “One person 

can do a little, but a whole 

group of people can do a 

lot. Our focus has always 

been service, and the reward 

from that service is 

the friendships that are 

formed.”

mokenamessengerdaily.com sound off 


Social snapshot 

Top Web Stories 

From MokenaMessengerDaily.com as of 

Monday, Nov. 11. 

From the Editorial Intern 

Don’t rush to Christmas 

1. New Lenox — UPDATE: Missing Tinley 

Park woman found safe 

2. Mokena’s own ‘Golden Girls’ honored 

for 50 years of service 

3. Mokena man shares milestone 

marathon with his daughter 

4. Woman allegedly groped on Old Plank 

Road Trail 

5. Matt’s Old Mokena — Gangster’s roots 

planted in Mokena 

Become a member: mokenamessenger.com/plus 

“MES Student Council held a supply drive 

for Mokena Marley FISH pantry. Mokena is 

a community that cares!” 

Mokena School District 159 posted this to 

its Facebook page Nov. 5. 

Like The Mokena Messenger: facebook.com/ 

mokenamessenger.com 

Carly Styka 

Editorial Intern 

Christmas is a big 

deal for many 

people. Sharing in 

the holiday festivities with 

family is one of the best 

things about it. Despite 

this, putting up decorations 

and shopping for 

gifts can be time-consuming 

and even stressful. Not 

to mention the difficult 

transition from crisp fall 

weather to brutally cold 

temperatures and snow. 

Why wouldn’t we want 

to dwell on Thanksgiving 

more? 

Thanksgiving is a great 

holiday to celebrate. 

Events such as Turkey 

Trots and parades are fun 

ways to celebrate and bask 

in the cool fall weather. 

Don’t get me wrong; I 

always look forward to 

Christmas. Giving and receiving 

presents is a great 

way to bond with family 

and friends. (Such as the 

case with our Cover Story 

on Page 3.) The only 

problem is that it seems to 

trump Thanksgiving. 

Many retail stores begin 

putting up their Christmas 

displays right after 

Halloween, some even as 

early as September. Of 

course, people want to get 

good deals on decorations 

and other holiday items, 

but it would be nice if the 

stores could hold off on 

the Christmas trees just a 

little bit. 

Holiday sales, such as 

Black Friday, have been 

creeping up earlier each 

year. Many stores are open 

on Thanksgiving. Target 

released its Black Friday 

ad three weeks early and 

some stores even have 

pre-Black Friday specials. 

I’m not totally against 

these sales. I have gone 

shopping on Thanksgiving 

in the past and gotten 

some great deals. I have 

also had to work on 

holidays, and while it is 

unfortunate, it is not the 

worst thing in the world. 

Although, having to listen 

to Christmas music for 

eight hours straight every 

day in the months leading 

up to Christmas can drive 

anyone crazy. 

It makes sense for retailers 

to open their doors 

and start their holiday 

sales earlier if customers 

are willing to spend their 

money. This is how business 

works. 

Retailers must stay 

competitive. If a store 

is the only one in their 

region that is not selling 

holiday items, then they 

are missing out on that 

potential sale. 

I am not a fan of 

holidays being used for 

profit many months ahead 

of time. It’s overkill and 

makes it seem like the 

holidays exist solely for 

the purpose of making 

large corporations money. 

It cheapens the meaning 

of the holiday. 

Whether you like it or 

not, the early deals are 

most likely here to stay. 

We may even see Christmas 

trees being sold as 

early as July. 

“Congratulations to the LWC October 

Student of the Month- Hunter Kidwell.” 

@LWCentralKnight posted this to its 

Twitter account Nov. 4. 

Follow The Mokena Messenger: @mokenamessenger 

nfyn 

From Page 12 

270 participated in an 

Eagle Court of Honor ceremony 

commemorating 

each young man’s achievement 

of attaining Scouting’s 

highest rank of Eagle 

Scout. 

Jim Hurley, who serves 

as Scoutmaster of Troop 

270 along with Arnaud 

Desjardins, explained that 

the event was a milestone 

for the group. 

“This past year, we 

reached 100 Eagles, so 

now we’re above 100,” 

Hurley said, adding he was 

grateful to all the adults 

who help run the program. 

“These boys have done a 

fantastic job supporting 

the community through 

different service projects, 

Eagle projects and food 

drives. I’m really, really 

proud of them.” 

Reporting by Laurie Fanelli, 

Freelance Reporter. For 

more, visit FrankfortStation 

Daily.com. 

FROM THE NEW LENOX PATRIOT 

Man in Navy does 20-mile 

ruck march for veteran 

suicide awareness 

Twenty miles for the 20 

veterans who die by suicide 

everyday. 

That is what New Lenox 

resident Ryan Brazel — 

who has been in the Navy 

since he was 18, enlisting 

in the wake of Sept. 11 — 

did Nov. 2. 

That Saturday was cold, 

and he had an extra 35-40 

pounds on his back, with 

blistered and bloody feet, 

but the ruck march was 

something he had to do. 

“The number 20 always 

stuck out to me, because 

the suicides among the active 

duty veterans is 20 a 

day, 7,300 a year, which 

is more than the number 

we had killed in action in 

Afghanistan and Iraq the 

entire time we’ve been 

there,” Brazel said. 

Reporting by Sean Hastings, 

Editor. For more, visit 

NewLenoxPatriotDaily.com. 

Sound Off Policy 

Editorials and columns are the opinions of the author. Pieces from 

22nd Century Media are the thoughts of the company as a whole. 

The Mokena Messenger encourages readers to write letters to Sound 

Off. All letters must be signed, and names and hometowns will be 

published. We also ask that writers include their address and phone 

number for verification, not publication. Letters should be limited 

to 400 words. The Mokena Messenger reserves the right to edit letters. 

Letters become property of The Mokena Messenger. Letters that 

are published do not reflect the thoughts and views of The Mokena 

Messenger. Letters can be mailed to: The Mokena Messenger, 11516 

West 183rd Street, Unit SW Office Condo #3, Orland Park, Illinois, 

60467. Fax letters to (708) 326-9179 or e-mail to tj@mok 

namessenger.com. 

www.mokenamessenger.com.



SSHBA Builder of the Month 

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Crafting galore 

Holli-Daze Arts and Crafts 

Show draws approximately 4K 

people, Page 18 

the mokena messenger | November 14, 2019 | mokenamessengerdaily.com 

Stirring things up 

The Barrel Club aims to please lunchtime 

diners, nightlife seekers and event crowds 

alike at south suburban spot, Page 20 

A mixed-media piece from Lincoln-Way Central 

student Cara Hansen hangs in the Vogt Visual Arts 

Center’s High School Fine Art Exhibit. 

An acrylic painting from Lincoln-Way West student Morgan Burke hangs in 

the Vogt Visual Arts Center’s High School Fine Art Exhibit. Photos by Laurie 

Fanelli/22nd Century Media 

Lincoln-Way East senior Jessica Selph takes home 

“Best in Show” in the Vogt Visual Arts Center’s High 

School Fine Art Exhibit for her colored pencil piece. 

LW students shine at art show, Page 17

16 | November 14, 2019 | the mokena messenger faith 


Faith Briefs 

St. Mary’s Catholic Church (19515 

115th Ave., Mokena) 

Church Service 

5 p.m. Saturdays; 8 a.m., 

9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 6 

p.m. Sundays 

Adoration 

Wednesdays following 

8 a.m. Mass in the Chapel 

until 6:45 p.m. 

Holy Rosary 

7:30 a.m. daily; 7 p.m. 

Tuesday evenings. 

St. John’s United Church of Christ 

(11100 Second St., Mokena) 

Christmas craft fair 

11 a.m.-3 p.m., Dec. 8. 

Join St. John’s UCC for a 

Christmas craft fair with 

handmade crafts, local 

vendors, raffle prizes and a 

children’s craft station. Free 

entry to the event. For more 

information, call (708) 479- 

5123, or visit stjohnspreschoolmokena.org. 


8 a.m. traditional service, 

9:45 a.m. contemporary 

and family service 

with children’s bible lesson 

during adult worship 

service. For more information, 

visit stjohnsmokena. 

org. 

Cards for a Cause 

7 p.m. the second Monday 

of each month. Bring 

your tape, scissors and colored 

pencils, if you have 

them, and plan for a creative 

evening with lots of 

fun. 

Mokena United Methodist Church 

(10901 LaPorte Road, Mokena) 

Service 

10:15 a.m. Sundays. 


(708) 479-1110. 

Bible Study 

7 p.m. Tuesdays at the 

church. For more information, 

call (708) 479- 

1110. 

Breakfast 

9 a.m. every third Saturday 

of the month. 

FUNERAL SERVICES DIRECTORY 

 

 

 

 

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colonialchapel.com 

708-532-5400 

The Cremation Experts. 

funeralservices. 

Marley Community Church (12625 W. 

187th St., Mokena) 

Untraditional Traditional 

Thanksgiving Dinner 

3 p.m., Nov. 28. Please 

join us for a traditional 

turkey meal complete 

with all the trimmings, 

untraditionally sharing it 

with people you may not 

know. Young or old, rich 

or poor, all are welcome. 

Dinner is complimentary, 

the only requirement 

is a reservation. Call 

(708) 692-6172 to RSVP. 

Limited seating available 

so reservations are 

required. 


10 a.m. Sundays. Childcare 

is provided. 

Sunday School 

9-10 a.m. Sundays. 

Men’s Group 

6 p.m. Sunday nights in 

the church basement. All 

men are welcome. 

Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran 

Church (10731 W. La Porte Road, 

Mokena) 

Worship 

5 p.m. Saturdays and 9 

a.m. Sundays. 

God’s Kids Club 

10:15 a.m. Sundays in 

Sept.-May. 

Adult Bible Study 

10:15 a.m. Sundays in 

Sept.-May. 

Parker Road Bible Church (18512 

Parker Road, Mokena) 

Worship Service 

10:30 a.m. Sundays. Be 

sure to arrive early for our 

Sunday Worship Service 

to enjoy a hot, complimentary 

cup of coffee every 

week at the church. Following 

the Christian Education 

Hour (9:15-10:15 

a.m.), all beverages can 

be found just outside the 

sanctuary. 

Grace Fellowship Church (11049 

LaPorte Road, Mokena) 

Narcotics Anonymous 

7-9 p.m. Mondays. All 

those struggling or who 

have struggled with a narcotics 

addiction are welcome. 

All meetings are 

confidential. For more information, 

call (708) 479- 

0300. 

Spanish Church 

12:30 p.m. Sundays. 

Worship Service 

10 a.m. Sundays. All are 

welcome. 

Women’s Bible Study 

8:45-9:45 a.m. Sundays 

and 2-3 p.m. Tuesdays. 

Victory Baptist Church (13550 US Route 

6, Mokena) 

Sunday School 


Morning Worship 


Mokena Baptist Church (9960 W. 187th 

St., Mokena) 

Sunday Services 

11 a.m. and 5 p.m. For 


(312) 350-2279. 

Evening Worship 

6 p.m. Sundays. 

Weekday Worship 

7 p.m. Wednesdays. 

Contact the 

 

708.326.9170 

 

Sunday School 


Mokena Baptist offers 

Sunday School classes 

for all ages. For more information, 

call (312) 350- 

2279. 

Have something for Faith 

Briefs? Contact Editor T.J. 

Kremer at tj@mokenames 

senger.com or call (708) 

326-9170 ext. 29. Deadline 

is noon Thursday one week 

prior to publication.

mokenamessengerdaily.com Life & arts 


High School Art Exhibit highlights fresh talent 

8 

LW East student 

takes home Best in 

Show honor 

Laurie Fanelli 


From self portraits to 

still lives, abstract paintings 

to photography, the 

Vogt Visual Arts Center 

in Tinley Park is featuring 

an array of mediums from 

talented young artists during 

its annual High School 

Fine Art Exhibit. 

Students from eight 

area schools – double last 

year’s participation – including 

Lincoln-Way Central, 

East, and West High 

Schools, Victor J. Andrew, 

Tinley Park, Bremen, 

Oak Forest, and Hillcrest, 

which will run through 

Nov. 27. 

During the exhibit’s 

opening reception on the 

afternoon of Nov. 2 artists 

had the opportunity to 

see the work of their peers 

while also sharing insight 

into their own creations. 

Gallery Director Julie 

Dekker was struck by 

the personal, original and 

emotional nature of many 

of this year’s submissions. 

“It’s very individual 

type of work, very expressive. 

As always, this group 

brings in interesting subject 

matter,” Dekker said. “It’s 

very personal and evokes 

emotion more than some art 

we see from adults who are 

more representative. That’s 

always exciting to see.” 

A panel of Vogt Visual 

Orland Park resident Rose Skinulis admires a painting 

by her great-granddaughter Olivia Freiberg, a Lincoln- 

Way Central student, at the Vogt Visual Arts Center on 

Nov. 2. Laurie Fanelli/22nd Century Media 

Arts Center instructors selected 

several pieces from 

each school to receive special 

recognition awards 

and Jessica Selph, a senior 

at Lincoln-Way East, took 

home the honor of Best in 

Show. 

“It’s a very interesting 

piece, very imaginative,” 

Dekker said of Selph’s colored 

pencil work. “It’s sort 

of a little girl with a bunny 

mask on, big eyes and she’s 

holding two bunches of carrots. 

It’s very fantasy driven 

and very well done. It’s 

a well thought-out piece. It 

jumps right at you.” 

Lincoln-Way West student 

Shawna Gordon 

tapped into both her left 

and right brain to create 

her black and white marker 

design. 

“I wanted to do something 

with depth,” Gordon 

said. “Toward the center 

you can see that the lines 

get closer together and then 

[farther] apart going toward 

the outside. I like to 

play with that kind of thing 

along with a sea feeling. It 

has these parts on the bottom 

and top that are almost 

like seaweed and the little 

rocks all around play at the 

idea of the bottom of an 

ocean that’s topsy turvy.” 

Tinley Park resident 

Stephanie Odubunmi, a 

freshman at Andrew, captured 

a fleeting moment 

of perfect lighting on her 

brother David with her 

photography submission. 

She explained that using 

film, rather than digital 

photography, makes the 

artistic process that much 

more enjoyable. 

“The process of using 

film is very interesting 

to me. Digital is like you 

just take the photo and it’s 

there, but I like seeing it 

come along,” Odubunmi 

said. “This picture was 

taken around five o’clock. 

My brother came outside 

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18 | November 14, 2019 | the mokena messenger life & arts 


Craft show offers something for everyone 

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Mokena Woman’s 

Club’s annual Holli- 

Daze draws crowd 

from across US 

Beth Krooswyk 


It took 46 years to look 

this good. 

The Holli-Daze 2019 

Arts and Craft show, presented 

by the Mokena 

Woman’s Club, filled the 

Lincoln-Way East fieldhouse, 

bustling with 153 

vendors and about 4,000 

customers over two days, 

Oct. 26-27. 

“The craft fair has always 

been our only fundraiser 

for the entire year,” 

said Mary MacKenzie, 

reservation and applications 

co-chair for the Mokena 

Woman’s Club. 

Yet the first Holli-Daze 

craft fair had more humble 

beginnings, held in 1973 

at what was then Mokena 

Middle School. 

“That first year, we had 

something like 42 exhibitors,” 

said Joann Jeffers, 

first vice president and 

parliamentary advisor 

for the Mokena Woman’s 

Club. 

Jeffers even drew up 

the first floor plan for that 

original event and has 

been part of every craft 

show since then. 

“The concept that you 

pay an admission fee to 

enter a craft show was a 

brand-new idea back then 

because people were used 

to little craft shows and 

church bazaars,” Jeffers 

explained, noting that the 

money from the vendor 

booths covers the show’s 

expenses, while the profit 

raised from admission fees 

goes toward the Club’s 

“Artist George” Senediak, of South Haven, Michigan, 

offers his vibrant oil paint landscapes at the Mokena 

Woman’s Club Holli-Daze Arts and Crafts Show 

at Lincoln-Way East High School Oct. 26. Beth 

Krooswyk/22nd Century Media 

scholarship program and 

charitable giving fund. 

This year’s exhibitors 

displayed all sorts of 

eye-catching wares: custom 

pillowcases and pillows, 

handmade jewelry, 

tablerunners and cloth 

napkins, holiday décor of 

all types, hand-crocheted 

and knit hats and scarves, 

baby blankets and bibs, 

ceramics, ornaments, doll 

clothing and furniture, 

handcrafted cards, stuffed 

animals, wooden signs 

and puzzles, metal word 

art, artisan chocolates and 

fudge, and much more. 

“We have crafters who 

come from the whole Midwest, 

especially Illinois, 

Indiana, Michigan and 

Wisconsin,” MacKenzie 

said. 

“Artist George” Senediak 

displayed about 25 of 

his original large oil-painted 

canvases at his booth. 

He uses a special knife 

technique to create his almost 

3-D-like landscapes. 

“I’ve been in this business 

of designer and artist 

for 45 years,” the South 

Haven, Michigan, resident 

said. “Off and on, I’ve 

been coming to this particular 

craft fair for 20-25 

years.” 

Gary Provance came 

from Naperville to participate 

in the Holli-Daze 

event. He offered whimsical 

decorative light switch 

covers of all types — 

sports teams, bands, funny 

sayings, superheroes and 

more — through his Just 

Switch It 2 business. 

“I’ve been crafting 

about eight or nine years, 

and this is my fifth year 

at this show,” Provance 

said. “I find pictures wherever 

I can, size them, print 

them, then laminate them 

on metal switch plates 

with three coats of finish. 

I always keep a list of people’s 

special requests for 

future ideas.” 

The Mokena Woman’s 

Club hosts meetings on the 

second Monday of every 

month, September through 

May, at the Mokena Community 

Public Library District, 

11327 195th St. For 

more information, contact 

Club President Kathy Voboril 

at (708) 751-0114.

mokenamessengerdaily.com mokena 


Mistletoe 

Market 

PRESENTED BY 

22ND CENTURY MEDIA 

AND COLLEEN MCLAUGHLIN, 

THE MCLAUGHLIN TEAM, 

COLDWELL BANKER RESIDENTIAL 

4–8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, 

Orland Park Crossing, 

14225 95th Ave. Orland Park 

Former Charming Charlie's 

space (North Pole) 

Former The Dailey Method 

space (South Pole) 

FREE ADMISSION 

FAMILIES WELCOME 

Vendors Include 

This event will feature: 

• 70+ vendor booths to finish your holiday shopping! 

• Santa, Mrs. Claus and an elf - bring your camera 

(4-8 p.m.) - North Pole 

• Live reindeer (5-8 p.m.) - North Pole 

• Live Ice Carving with Chef Michael McGreal 

of Joliet Junior College Culinary Arts 

(5:30 p.m.) - South Pole 

• Sandburg Chamber Singers (5:30-6:30 p.m.) 

• Enter to win a chance to see Andy Grammar 

LIVE at WeishFest, or Broadway in Chicago tickets! 

• Bring a new, unwrapped toy for our Toy Drive! 

• Free tote bag to first 200 people, courtesy of 

Artistic Med Spa! 

• Paint your own ornament with DIY Sign Party ($5-$8) 

• Holiday makeovers with Von Maur! 

• 22nd Century Media 

• 3B’s Mobile Boutique 

• A-N-D Bedding 

• ARMOR Video & Photo 

• Artistic Med Spa 

• Avon 

• Bare Scrubs by Mary 

O’Connor 

• Beautycounter 

• Between Me, You, and 

The Wall 

• Brannigan Chiropractic 

• ChoVonne Accessories 

• Colleen McLaughlin, The 

McLaughlin Team, Coldwell 

Banker Residential 

Sponsors 

• Coldwell Banker Residential 

Brokerage & Neighborhood 

Loans 

• Color Street - Tracy 

Swanson, independent stylist 

• Comfy Threads Boutique 

• Crafts by Rosemary 

• DIY Sign Party 

• doTERRA 

• Dykstra Home Services 

• Eagle Sports Range 

• Elements by The Odyssey 

• Fabulously Sweet Creations 

• Four 12 Photography 

• Fred Astaire Mokena 

• Gemzisle 

• Gift Basket by Occasion 

• GorJus Whips Body Butter 

• Gracie Pie Apothecary 

• Hemp Heals Body Shop 

• Huaywasi: Handmade in Peru 

• Imperfect Produce 

• Infinity Scarves by Nancy 

• Inspirational Lula Ladies 

Tiffany & Sheri (LuLaRoe) 

• Inspire Studio Gallery 

• Irish Greens 

• Jean Lachat Photography 

• Jewels 2 U 

• Juicy Luzy Sangria 

• Just a Spoonful 

• Laurie's Fudgelicious 

• L’BRI PURE n’ NATURAL 

Skin Care 

• LegalShield 

• Madewithalittlelove 

• Mary Kay Cosmetics 

• Matilda Jane Clothing 

• Mrs. Banton’s Cookies 

• NEW YOU CBD 

• Norwex 

• Nothing Bundt Cake 

• Nuturing through Nature 

• Oberweis Dairy Home Delivery 

• Paparazzi (Glamour Bijoux) 

• Parker James Boutique 

• Porter Place Memory Care 

• Premier Designs Jewelry 

• Rock's #1 Gals Jewelry 

• RockNmom Art 

• Smart Cake Creations 

• Sterk Family Law Group, P.C. 

• Surprise Parties 

• Tastefully Simple 

• The Little Red Donut Truck 

• Total Life Changes (TLC) 

• Totes & Taggies by Melinda 

• Usborne Books & More 

• Virtue Cider 

• Von Maur 

• Wakaya Perfection/CBD/KETO 

• Wicks & Wax 

• Wine, Spirit, Butterbeer Mixes 

• Women’s Healthcare of Illinois 

• Young Living Essential Oils 

(Oily University) 

• Younique 

AND MORE TO COME! 

For more information, call (708) 326-9170 ext. 16 or 

visit 22ndCenturyMedia.com/mistletoe

20 | November 14, 2019 | the mokena messenger dining out 


The Dish 

Barrel Club more than the sum of its steaks, spirits and stogies 

Oak Lawn eatery 

switches vibes from 

lunch to dinner, focuses 

on gatherings 

Bill Jones, Managing Editor 

At a quick glance, The Barrel 

Club looks on paper like 

something of a throwback, with 

a steak-heavy dinner menu, a 

drinks list that leans hard on 

bourbon and a showcase of cigar 

selections for the smokers. 

Make no mistake: Spirits are 

the star of the show at The Barrel 

Club. From the membership program 

that for $39 monthly sends 

customers home with different 

bottles of the Barrel Club’s spirits 

and accessories — think branded 

shot glasses, ice ball silicones and 

rocks glasses — to a list that rivals 

most city establishments for 

whiskey enthusiasts, drinks are 

undoubtedly the No. 1 attraction 

at the Oak Lawn establishment. 

But the facade of the building 

on 111th Street near Cicero Avenue 

is enough to let passersby 

know the offerings are more than 

first meets the eye. The modern 

confines hint at the wines Barrel 

Club also proudly offers. A patio 

with a fire pit welcomes musical 

acts and outdoor loungers alike. 

The event spaces are designed to 

attract both corporate meetings 

and small birthday gatherings 

(ask to see The Little Pub). And 

the lunch menu caters to a family 

crowd more than the nightlife 

seekers might otherwise imagine. 

Barrel Club strives to be more 

than the typical suburban eatery, 

Oak Lawn’s Barrel Club offers sandwiches during its lunch hours, 

including the pictured Barrel Dip ($14), featuring shaved rib-eye on 

a French roll, with giardiniera, au jus and horseradish cream. 

and it strives to please a lot of 

different people in the process. 

As Director of Operations 

April Koerber, an Orland Parker, 

puts it, “It’s downtown dining on 

the south side of Chicago. The 

food looks like a masterpiece.” 

Behind that food is executive 

chef Carlos DeLeon, who approaches 

an ingredient-focused 

menu with a “less is best on the 

plate” philosophy. 

“The products that we use here 

are great,” he said. 

They use Duke’s mayonnaise, 

for instance, simply because, 

DeLeon said, “It’s delicious, the 

king of mayos.” 

Diners will find that on the 

lobster roll ($16), which Koerber 

cites as a favorite for the simplicity 

of its Maine lobster, mayo, 

Old Bay and brioche. 

The kitchen at Barrel Club 

also takes the time to make its 

own creme fraiche — a threeday 

process. And the roasted 

chicken (for 2, $29) — which is 

sliced in front of customers — 

goes through a 48-hour process. 

“What you get out of it is a 

crisp, seasoned-all-the-waythrough 

chicken,” DeLeon said. 

Among the sandwich standouts 

for the lunch crowd is the 

Cuban ($13), featuring pork carnitas, 

smoked ham, Chihuahua 

cheese, dill pickle and mustard 

on a telera roll. 

“Its not a traditional Cuban, but 

it’s damn close,” DeLeon said. 

The restaurant also has some 

fun mixing influences with items 

like the potato and cheese pierogies 

($9), which feature Yukon 

Gold potatoes and Chihuahua 

cheese for a combination that is 

part Polish, part Mexican, according 

to DeLeon. Giardiniera 

finds its way into Barrel Club’s 

chopped salad ($13) for a distinct 

Chicago tweak to the classic. 

The Barrel Club’s Traces of Buffalo whiskey flight ($22) is one of 10 

that offer guests tastes of three different spirits — in this case W.L. 

Weller Special Reserve, E.H. Taylor Small Batch and George Stagg Jr. 

— alongside optional bitters. Photos by Bill Jones/22nd Century Media 

The Barrel Club 

4910 W. 111th St. in Oak Lawn 

Kitchen Hours 

• Lunch: 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 

Monday-Friday 

• Brunch: 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 

Saturday-Sunday 

• Dinner: 4-10 p.m. daily 

Bar Hours 

• 10 a.m.-midnight Sunday- 

Thursday 

• 10 a.m.-2 a.m. Friday- 

Saturday 

For more information ... 

Web: barrelclubillinois.com 

Phone: (708) 581-3357 

And gluten-free and vegetarians 

diners are not forgotten, with 

options for both highlighted on 

the menus. 

“You just try to keep it balanced 

for people with allergies,” 

DeLeon said. 

The Barrel Club maintains 

membership with the Orland Park 

Area Chamber of Commerce, and 

Koerber, who previously worked 

with several businesses in Orland 

Park, said she made the jump for 

a new opportunity to work with a 

restaurant that does a spirits club. 

It also gives her the opportunity 

to continue to organize events, 

including benefits for local organizations 

Barrel Club has done 

since its recent opening. 

Koerber said she has enjoyed the 

new role because Barrel Club tries 

to create a “wow factor” for its customers, 

whether that’s an elderly 

group doing an early lunch, whiskey 

fanatics working their way 

through the spirits selection or executives 

looking to impress clients. 

“It’s really personal,” she said. 

“And they want that personalized 

touch.” 

lw art 

From Page 17 

and I saw the light. I told him to 

look this way and I took the picture.” 

The result is a beautiful portrait 

with shadows and lights 

working together to reveal hints 

of the subject’s personality. 

Crosshatching, acrylic painting 

and digital photography were 

also popular mediums of this 

year’s high school show. 

Following the High School 

Fine Art Exhibit, the Vogt Visual 

Arts Center is getting ready for 

the holidays with its highly-anticipated 

Model Train exhibit. 

“It’s time for our model train 

show,” Dekker said. “Our dollhouse 

and miniatures show has 

morphed into a model train exhibit 

and it’s gotten really popular. 

This year we’re excited 

because we have several new 

layouts. We’re changing it all 

around. We have new participants 

so it’s going to be a little 

bit bigger and I’m really excited 

about it.” 

The High School Fine Art 

Exhibit will be on display until 

Nov. 27 and the opening reception 

for the Trains and Miniatures 

Exhibit will be held from 

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 7 and 

from noon until 5 p.m. on Dec. 

8 to coincide with Downtown 

Tinley Park’s Holiday Market. 

The Vogt Visual Arts Center is 

located at 17420 67th Court. For 

more information, visit tinleyp 

arkdistrict.org.

mokenamessengerdaily.com puzzles 


crosstown CROSSWORD & Sudoku The crosstowns: Frankfort, Homer Glen, Lockport, Mokena, New Lenox, Orland Park, Tinley Park 

Crossword by Myles Mellor and Cindy LaFleur 

Across 

1. Some Brit. sports 

cars 

4. Trademarks, abbr. 

7. Pandowdy, e.g. 

10. Birchbark 

13. ‘’__ a Lady’’ (Tom 

Jones tune) 

14. Epithet for the 

Yankees 

15. LTHS 2019 Jackson 

Award winner, 

technology teacher, 

Jeff ____ 

16. Official doc. 

17. Regal Norse name 

18. At first light 

19. Make ___ while the 

sun shines 

20. ___ gratias 

21. Way back when 

23. Lucy of “Charlie’s 

Angels,” 2000 

25. Human blood classification 

28. __ Zeppelin 

29. Abe Vigoda, in 

“The Godfather” 

30. Conservative 

Justice 

32. Railroad employee 

35. Welcome rugs 

39. Australian jumper, 

for short 

40. Fund-raising suffix 

41. Jealous 

44. Tyrant 

45. Dig in 

47. Do-say link 

50. Wore away 

51. Land of opportunity 

53. “____ into Lockport” 

- classic car 

event 

55. The tone “G” 

57. Van Gogh: “___ 

Cypresses” 

59. Gets licked 

60. The Adamsons’ cat 

62. Border on 

63. Mindless 

64. Epitome of redness 

65. Flower receptacle 

66. Do watercolors 

67. Some degs. 

68. UFO crew 

69. Vegas opener 

Down 

1. 1990s-2000s TV 

attorney 

2. Car storage locale 

3. Wheezed 

4. “___-Team” 

5. Actress Streep 

6. Jet that was retired 

in 2003 

7. Northern California 

city 

8. Personal statement 

intro 

9. Post delivery: 

Abbr. 

11. Certain hooters 

12. Ethereal singer, 

and namesakes 

13. Academic types 

14. Defendant called 

John 

20. Silver coin 

22. Chipper 

24. Practice suffix 

26. “Très ___!” 

27. Dinghy propeller 

31. Fireplace remains 

33. Money to the 

bottom line, abbr. 

34. Pigeon pen 

35. Bubbly name 

36. Estimates value 

37. Coffee stirrer 

38. Capital of South 

Korea 

41. Handheld 

42. Ave. crossers 

43. Musical talent 

46. Holland export 

47. Attack 

48. Reddish brown 

49. Atlas features 

52. Chance for a hit 

54. College in New 

Rochelle, New York 

56. Cereal grain 

58. Weak one 

60. Go down 

61. Meadow (Brit.) 

62. 5th ___ 

How to play Sudoku 

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that 

has been subdivided into nine smaller grids 

of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, 

column and box must contain each of the 

numbers 1-9. 

LEVEL: Medium 

Crossword by Myles Mellor and Susan Flanagan 

answers 

MOKENA 

The Alley Grill and Tap 

House 

(18700 S. Old LaGrange 

Road, Mokena; (708) 

478-3610) 

■9 ■ p.m. Tuesdays: 

Karaoke 

Fox’s Restaurant and Pub 

(11247 W. 187th St., 

Mokena; (708) 478- 

8888) 

■6 ■ p.m. Thursdays, 

Fridays and Saturdays: 

Performance by Jerry 

Eadie 

NEW LENOX 

Little Joe’s Restaurant 

(1300 N. Cedar Road, 

New Lenox; (815) 463- 

1099) 

■5-8 ■ p.m. Tuesdays: 

Piano Styles by Joe 

HOMER GLEN 

Front Row 

(14903 S. Bell Road, 

Homer Glen; (708) 645- 

7000) 

■7 ■ p.m. Wednesdays: 

Trivia 

FRANKFORT 

Pete Mitchell’s Bar & Grill 

(21000 Frankfort 

Square Road, Frankfort; 

(815) 464-8100) 

■6-8 ■ p.m. Wednesdays: 

Free N’ Fun Bar Game. 

Free to play. 

LOCKPORT 

Port Noir 

(900 S. State St., Lockport; 

(815) 834-9463) 

■4-7 ■ p.m. Monday- 

Friday: Happy Hour 

Strike N Spare II 

(811 Northern Drive, 

Lockport; (708) 301- 

1477) 

■9:30 ■ p.m.-12:30 a.m. 

Mondays: Quartermania 

ORLAND PARK 

Traverso’s Restaurant 

(15601 S. Harlem Ave., 

Orland Park; (708) 532- 

2220) 

■8 ■ p.m. Wednesdays 

and Saturdays: Karaoke 

To place an event 

in The Scene, email 

a.datta@22ndcenturymedia. 

com.

22 | November 14, 2019 | the mokena messenger local living 

mokenamessengerdaily.com

mokenamessengerdaily.com local living 


If you are looking for the perfect ranch home 

at a great price, look no more. Ranch Villas at 

Keating Point, in the Village of Channahon, 

offers ranch homes that are both beautiful and 

maintenance-free. 

These unique, detached townhomes feature 

two bedrooms and two baths in 1,308 to 1,621 

square feet. Each comes equipped with a full 

basement, two-car attached garage, brick fronts, 

and central air. 

These Ranch Villas start in the $230’s and 

boast an association fee of just $140 per month. 

We offer five floorplans for you to choose from. 

Do you long for a little more time to yourself? 

For more family moments, too? 

Luxury Ranch Detached Townhomes 

Immediate Move-Ins. • Maintenance-Free Living 

Starting from the $230’s 

Maintenance-free living at The Ranch Villas at 

Keating Pointe is our solution to your problem. 

In one of our ranch townhomes, you can finally 

wave goodbye to the chores that gobble up your 

precious time. All exterior and landscaping 

maintenance is done for you, including snow 

removal. If you’ve had enough of cleaning 

gutters, mowing the lawn, and shoveling the 

driveway, you’re ready to take the next step. 

The photos in this article feature The Roma, 

one of the floorplans you can choose from for 

your new ranch home. This 1,467 sq. ft. design 

features two bedrooms and two baths. Plus, 

you’ll get a flex room to use as you see fit. 

Office? Guest room?You tell us. The Roma also 

features ceilings that reach nine feet high and a 

large kitchen with included appliances. You’ll 

enjoy an impressively roomy feel, bounty of 

spaceforentertaining,andultimateconvenience. 

Speaking of convenience, a basement, two-car 

attached garage, and patio are included. The 

Roma starts in the low $240’s, delivering quality 

in its construction and price tag. 

Looking to move into a new home sometime 

soon? Our ranch homes also feature quick 

delivery homes. These quick delivery homes 

have move-in dates as early as this fall. 

To learn more about our detached ranch 

townhomes, give us a call at (815) 290-5303 or 

go to homesbycore.com. 

Immediate Move-Ins • Maintenance-Free Living

24 | November 14, 2019 | the mokena messenger real estate 


Sept. 12 

• 19132 S. Richard 

Ave., Mokena, 60448- 

8702 - Marc D. Nesci to 

Pat C. Diorio, $307,500 

• 11046 Quail Drive, 

Mokena, 60448-8290 

- Robert W. Holzhauser 

to Walter Tyler, Karyl J. 

Tyler, $243,000 

• 19537 116th Ave. 

D, Mokena, 60448- 

1849 - Jim Kupiec to 

Nathanael Beeson, 

$120,000 

• 11618 Roberts St. 

7, Mokena, 60448- 

1809 - Scott Robert 

Baumgartner to Jason 

E. Potacki, $112,000 

Sept. 13 

• 19511 Catulpa St., 

Mokena, 60448-8911 - 

James Crilly to Raj Soni, 

$185,000 

The Going Rate is provided 

by Record Information 

Services, Inc. For more 

information, visit www. 

public-record.com or call 

(630) 557-1000. 

STAY UP TO DATE 

ON EVENTS 

IN YOUR AREA. 

For more info visit 

22ndcenturymedia.com/events

mokenamessengerdaily.com classifieds 


CLASSIFIEDS 

Help Wanted · Garage Sales · Automotive 

Real Estate · Rentals · Merchandise 

School Bus Drivers Wanted 

Homer School District 33C 

seeks quality individuals 

to join our family of 

school bus drivers. 

$17.42/hr. + full benefits 

available 

Training provided. 

Call (708) 226-7625 

or visit homerschools.org 

employment tab 

Hiring Desk Clerk 

(must be flexible w/ shifts) 

& Housekeeping 

(Morning) 

Needed at Super 8 Motel 

Apply within: 

9485 W. 191st St, Mokena 

No Phone Calls 

Van-Go Transportation 

Looking for Drivers and 

One-on-One Aids 

for Special Needs Van 

Bus Driver permit a plus, 

but will train 

Great part-time job with 

great pay: $14-$18/hour 

(815) 931-2880 

Help 

Wanted 

1003 Help Wanted 

Cashiers Wanted for 

Microsoft Computer Registers 

$10.00/hr to start, 6 week raise 

Paid vacation, Winter bonus 

15% employee discount 

Never work past 9:00pm! 

Must be 18 years and older 

No phone calls! Apply in store: 

Sox Outlet 6220 W. 159th St. 

Oak Forest, IL 

Medical Office in 

Orland Park seeks P/T, 

licensed medical X-ray 

technician for 1 day/wk. 

Fax resume to 708.460.9254 

or email datkenson@aol.com 

Alvernia Manor Senior Living 

is now hiring 3 positions 

- CNA to work all shifts 

- Activity aide, part-time 

Call to apply: 630-257-7721 

Production Worker 

No Experience Necessary 

No Evenings or Weekends 

Located in Mokena 

ctoenterprises.com/now-hiring/ 

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1021 Lost & 

Found 

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1027 Arts and Craft Fairs 

Automotive 

$52 

4 lines/ 

7 papers 

1023 Caregiver 

Heaven Sent Caregivers 

Professional caregiving 

service. 24 hr or hourly 

services; shower or bath 

visits. Licensed & bonded. 

Try the best! 708.638.0641 

1037 Prayer / Novena 

Prayer to the Blessed Virgin 

Oh, most beautiful flower of 

Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine, 

splendor of Heaven, Blessed 

Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate 

Virgin, assist me in 

my necessity. Oh, Star of the 

Sea, help me and show me, 

herein you are my mother. Oh, 

Holy Mary, Mother of God, 

Queen of Heaven and Earth! 

I humbly beseech you from 

the bottom of my heart to succor 

me in this necessity. There 

are none that can withstand 

your power. Oh show me 

herein you are my mother. Oh 

Mary, conceived without sin, 

pray for us who have recourse 

to thee (3x). Holy Mother, I 

place this cause in your hands. 

Miraculous Prayer 

Dear heart of Jesus in the past 

I have asked for favors. 

This time I ask you for this 

very special one (mention 

Favor). Take it dear Jesus and 

place it within your own 

broken heart where your father 

sees it then in your merciful 

eyes it will become your favor 

not mine. Amen. - Tom 

DRIVE CAR BUYERS 

TO YOUR DOOR WITH 

A CLASSIFIED AUTO AD 

708.326.9170 

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per line $13 

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1042 Pets Wanted 

Looking for young, adult 

Schnauzer. Housebroken, preferably 

male. Can guarantee a 

loving home! Contact afternoons 

only 708-590-6243 

Automotive 

1069 Antique 

Cars 

1948 Plymouth Deluxe 

4-Door Sedan 

Radio, Spotlight, 

Shop-Manual Included 

Last Driven 1985 

Garage Kept 

Asking for $2000 

(708) 532-4117 

1074 Auto for 

Sale 

1995 Honda Del Sol 

New tires, 103k miles 

$2250 OBO 

708-301-4953 

1996 Chevrolet Suburban 

Custom Lights 

Engine/Trans/Brakes Great. 

Pull Any Trailer. 

160K mileage. $2000 

Call (815) 464-8866 

1077 Tractor for 

Sale 

For Sale to Good Home or 

Collector: Antique tractor, 

1938 Allis Chalmers 

Model WC. Runs great, 

have to see to appreciate! 

$1,200 708-821-7311 

Advertise 

your 

RENTAL 

PROPERTY 

in the 

newspaper 

people turn 

to first CALL US TODAY: 708.326.9170 


Real Estate 

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7 lines/ 

7 papers 

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$30 

4 lines/ 

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Real Estate 

1090 House for 

Sale 

Beautiful Custom 

Home in 

Silo Ridge Estates 

$975,000 call Whitney 

Wang 312-857-4658 

Whitney@whitneyig.com 

Prospect Equities Real Estate 

1091 Condo for 

Sale 

Mokena, Condo FSBO 

2bd/1ba, $99,900 

Excellent conidtion! new 

carpeting, electric heat, 

wall ac, carpet/tile, 

shower/tub, dishwasher, 

parking in lot, For 

info/pics call 708-479-9655 

Rental 

1225 Apartments 

for Rent 

Mokena/Weber 

Wills Apartments 

1 Bedroom apt. $ 850 

2 Bedroom apt. $ 980 

CLOSE TO METRA AND 1-80 

708-479-2448 

1226 Townhouses 

for Rent 

3 bed/2bath townhouse with 

garage completed remodeled 

in 2011, hardwoods 

downstairs new appliances 

Pheseant Ridge Mokena 

1st/last, plus deposit $1,250 

month 630-660-4889

26 | November 14, 2019 | the mokena messenger classifieds 


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Automotive 

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LOCAL 

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REALTOR 

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per line $13 

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$50 

7 lines/ 

7 papers 

Merchandise 

$30 

4 lines/ 

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Business Directory 

2003 Appliance Repair 

QUALITY 

APPLIANCE 

REPAIR, Inc. 

• Air Conditioning • Furnaces 

Refrigeration • Dishwashers 

Stoves & Ovens • Microwaves 

Garbage Disposals 

Washers&Dryers 

Family Owned &Operatedsince 1986 

Someone you can TRUST 

All work GUARANTEED 

BEST price in town! 

708-712-1392 

2004 Asphalt Paving/Seal Coating 

BUY, SELL ORRENT 

Handling your entire Family’shousing needs for over 15 years. 

• Your listing advertised on all major websites 

• Instant feedback- weekly updates 

• Professional photography- aerial shots too 

• Discounts to all teachers, senior citizens, 

veterans, 1st responders, doctors & nurses. 

CALL TODAY-LISTED TOMORROW 

Bob Haustein 

Lincoln-Way Resident • Remax 1st Service 

Call, Text or Email 

708-822-3690 

bobhaustein@yahoo.com 

www.bobhaustein.com 

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RENTAL PROPERTY 

in the newspaper 

people turn to first 

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2006 Basement Waterproofing 

...to place your 


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per line $13 

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$50 

7 lines/ 

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$30 

4 lines/ 

7 papers 

2011 Brick/Chimney Experts 

2025 Concrete Work 

2080 Firewood 

Ideal 

Firewood 

Seasoned Mixed 

Hardwoods 

$120.00 per FC 

Free Stacking & 

Delivery 

708 856 5422 

A+ 

2032 Decking 

Sturdy 

Deck & Fence 

Repair, Rebuild or 

Replace 

Make It Safe - Make it Sturdy 

708 479 9035 

2070 Electrical 

EXPERIENCED 

ELECTRICIAN 

R E A S O N A B L E 

D E P E N D A B L E 

SMALL JOBS 

CALL ANYTIME 

(708) 478-8269 

2090 Flooring 

GroundsKeeper 

Landscape Services! 

Get Your Firewood 

Early This Year 

FREE Local Delivery 

Contact us at 

708.301.7441 

or 

Visit our website 

www.groundskpr.com 

2060 Drywall 

Drywall 

*Hanging *Taping 

*New Homes 

*Additions 

*Remodeling 

Call Greg At: 

(815)485-3782 

2017 Cleaning Services 

Barb’s Cleaning 

Service 

We clean your home the 

way YOU want it 

cleaned! Good 

Quality, Professional, 

Reliable, and 

Experienced. 

Please call for 

estimate. 

708-663-1789 

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It! 

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It! 

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It! 

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2080 Firewood 

2110 Gutter Systems 

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2120 Handyman 

2120 Handyman 

2132 Home Improvement 

2130 Heating/Cooling 

2132 Home Improvement 

HANDYMAN SERVICE —WHATEVER YOU NEED 

"OVER 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE" 

Windows, Doors, Decks Kitchen & Bathroom Remodeling, Plumbing Interior and 

Exterior Painting Wall Paper Removal Professional Work At Competitive Prices 

CALL MIKE AT 708-790-3416



2135 Insulation 

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$13 

per line 

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$30 

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2150 Paint & Decorating 

2170 Plumbing 

2140 Landscaping 

MARTY’S 

PAINTING 

Interior / Exterior 

Fast, Neat Painting 

Drywall 

Wallpaper Removal 

Staining 

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20% Off with this ad 

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2150 Paint & Decorating 

2200 Roofing 



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2276 Tuckpointing/Masonry 

2294 Window Cleaning 

2224 Snow Blower Repair 

P.K.WINDOW 

CLEANING CO. 

Window Cleaning 

Gutter Cleaning 

Power Washing 

Office Cleaning 

call and get $40.00 off 

708 974-8044 

www.pkwindowcleaning.co4 

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2390 Computer Services/Repair 


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2391 Custom Apparel 

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2420 Piano Tuning 

Automotive 

$52 

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Directory 

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Real Estate 

$50 

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$30 

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2489 Merchandise Wanted 

2394 Debt Relief 

Metal Wanted 

Scrap Metal, Garden 

Tractors, 

Snowmobiles, 

Appliances, Etc. 

ANYTHING METAL! 

Call 815-210-8819 

Free pickup! 



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2702 Public 

Notices 

2900 Merchandise 

Under $100 

Certificate 33118 was filed inthe 

office of the County clerk ofWill 

County on October 24, 2019 

wherein the business firm of Something 

Simple Boutique located at 

19327 Baron Rd, Mokena, IL 

60448 was registered; that the true 

or real name of the person owning 

the business, with their respective 

post office address, is as folows: 

Sarah A Halper 

19327 Baron Rd 

Mokena, IL 60448 708-979-9171 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have 

hereunto set my hand and Official 

Seal at my office in Joliet; Illinois, 

24th day of October, 2019. 

Lauren Staley Ferry 

Will County Clerk 

2900 Merchandise 

Under $100 

5medal cars $10 ea, Extention 

cord on wheels $10, Like new 

router on table $25 Call 

708-479-0193 

50pc screwdriving bit set 

w/case $19, 7 1/2in circular 

saw blade $4ea, 3in ratcheting 

clamp $5, 45pc Hex key 

wrench set w/case wts 3lbs $29 

Call 708-460-8308 

6’ artificial pre-lit Christmas 

tree, never used $25 Call 

815-838-6246 

Beautiful 10’ Christmas tree 

$50 Call 815-469-9023 Please 

leave a message. 

Bissell carpet cleaner shampooer 

upright heat steam powerful 

deep clean pet almost 

new, went with wood floor 

$100 Call 708-479-1613 

Cat litter covered box w/extras 

$15, 10” glass fishbowl $5, 

New cat brush $4, bunny water 

bottle $2&$3, 1976 anniversity 

plate shows 12 months $15 

Call 708-460-8308 

Christmas tree, used twice, 

7’x54” dia. with stationary or 

rotating stand white &multi 

C3 led lites 500 total w/storage 

bag on wheels $40 Call 

708-403-2473 

Electric ice crusher $6, Howard 

Miller chime table top 

clock $40 Call 708-349-3228 

Everlast powercore punching 

bag, like new, used only twice 

$50 Call 708-220-9508 and 

leave message. Will return 

call. 

Halloween new doormat $9, 

New Ames bent handle snow 

shovel $22, Used snow shovel 

alum. blade $10, 20” wide 

Christmas tree stand red new 

$15 Call 708-460-8308 

Hoover FloorMate Deluxe, 

hard floor cleaner FH40165, 

like new with box $100 Call 

708-912-4234 

Kryptonite bike cable HD steel 

$12, 9004 Auto new headlight 

$12, 4pk Rayovac alkaline D 

batteries $5, 40W 2pk appliance 

bulbs $4 Call 

708-460-8308 

Ladies long black coat w/hood 

8P $25, Ladies hooded short 

jacket XL $15, Wedding dress 

petite $39, Snuggly extra long 

sox red or pink $4 each Call 

708-460-8308 

Left handed golf complete set 

like new w/bag &club covers 

$75 black, Lrg 211/4” turkey 

platter w/box $10 Gibson Call 

773-552-7850 

Long navy winter coat size 14, 

100% wool, excellent condition 

$20 Call 708-444-8535 

Magnavox flat screen 40 in TV 

great picture $95 Call 

779-324-5208 

Med brown love seat, seats recline 

w/center console opens 2 

cup holders $90 Call 

815-838-0239 

Men’s Sorel winter boots size 

10 below zero -5-40 never 

worn $45, 2 life like animated 

illuminated Christmas dolls 

$25 each Call 708-478-8976 

Mickey &Minnie cookie jars 

$25 ea, Black free standing 

tri-fold picture holder holds 15 

8x10 pictures $25, Electric 

wall dart baseball game $25 

Call 815-806-9094 

Motion Recliner, neutral color 

&very comfortable $75 OBO 

Call 708-921-8505 

New deluxe 5piece barbecue 

tool set stainless steel with 

solid oak wood handles $30, 

Antique vintage Geneva IL5 

star #8 black flat cast iron $25, 

New Legacy Rabbit corkscrew 

wine bottle opener kit includes 

case $25 Call 708-466-9907 

Portable Sony CD boombox 

$10 ea, Golf umbrellas $10 ea, 

Tennis racquet $10, Sears electri 

drill $20, Black &Decker 

edger $10 Call 708-601-1997 

Psylvania 13” TV color with 

remote; one 13” Zeith color 

TV with remote Palys VHS 

tapes one JVC VHS 

recorder/player; 25plus VHS 

tapes ALL $15 Call 

708-614-8541 

Rubbermaid coolers: round, orange 

and white sport drink or 

water dispensers. One 5gal. 

$8, one 10 gal. $15. Very 

clean. Call 708-203-9272 

Sale: was 100 for $100, now 

100 predriven Titleist ProV’s 

for $50 Call 708-597-2972 

Small dorm size refrigerator, 

clean $25 Call 708-479-6718 

Toro 421 snowblower 2-stage, 

self propelled, electric start 

$100 Call 708-308-6835 

MORTGAGE 

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LOCALLY. 

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34 | November 14, 2019 | the mokena messenger sports 


Youth Sports 

Roundup 

Loss to JCA ends Providence 

volleyball’s best run since 2005 

Mokena Junior High’s boys cross country team competed at the IESA state meet. 

Team members included Vince Demma, Sam Simone, Korey Cagnolatti, Matthew 

Bettenhausen, Braden Meyer, Jackson Meyer and Noah Sloane. Photos submitted 

Area cross country runners 

compete at IESA state meet 

STEVE MILLAR, Sports Editor 

Several athletes from local 

junior highs qualified 

for the Illinois Elementary 

School Association state 

cross country meet, which 

was held Oct. 19 at Maxwell 

Park in Normal. 

Leading the way among 

area runners was Mokena 

Junior High eighth-grader 

Vince Demma, who finished 

sixth in the Class 

2A boys race, finishing the 

two-mile race in 10 minutes, 

51.2 seconds. 

“It was Vince’s best 

race of the year,” Mokena 

coach Rick West said. 

“It was the first time he 

went under 11 [minutes]. 

It was definitely his best 

performance at the right 

time.” 

Mokena Junior High 

qualified its boys team 

to state for the first time 

in seven years, and finished 

22nd. In addition to 

Demma, Mokena runners 

Summit Hill Junior High cross country runners who 

qualified for state were (from left) Makayla Kelly, Kara 

Waishwell and Mia Hedrick. 

included Sam Simone, Korey 

Cagnolatti, Matthew 

Bettenhausen, Braden 

Meyer, Jackson Meyer and 

Noah Sloane. 

“It was nice to get the 

whole boys team down 

there,” West said. “It was 

exciting, it’s tough to even 

place at sectional. Our girls 

almost made it, but we got 

three down individually. 

So we had 10 kids, it was 

really nice.” 

Gabriella Bush, Marissa 

Culver and Taylor White 

were the girls qualifiers 

from Mokena. 

The girls team from 

Hickory Creek Middle 

School in Frankfort finished 

ninth in Class 3A. 

Hickory Creek’s runners 

were Maura Hanrahan, 

Ava Conway, Ellie Feigl, 

Kylie Lamonto, Katie 

O’Brien, Riley Drzewiecki 

and Elyse Defrank. 

Summit Hill Junior 

High in Frankfort also had 

three girls compete at state 

in Mia Hedrick, Makayla 

Kelly and Kara Waishwell. 

STEVE MILLAR, Sports Editor 

This Week In 

KNIGHTS VARSITY 

ATHLETICS 

GIRLS BASKETBALL 

■Nov. ■ 19 – hosts Joliet 

Central, 6:30 p.m. 

BOYS BOWLING 

■Nov. ■ 14 – hosts Stagg at 

Laraway Lanes, 4:30 p.m. 

■Nov. ■ 16 – Lake Park Invite 

at Stardust Bowl, 10 a.m. 

■Nov. ■ 18 – T.F. South at 

Providence was playing 

its best volleyball of 

the year at the right time, 

storming through its first 

three playoff matches with 

ease. 

The Celtics won all three 

in straight sets, and never 

let an opponent reach 20 

points. 

That included a 25-19, 

25-18 stomping of Marian 

Catholic in the Class 3A 

Joliet Catholic Sectional 

semifinal Nov. 4, an especially 

impressive result 

considering Marian’s history 

of success the last decade, 

including a 3A state 

championship in 2016. 

The Spartans also beat 

Providence earlier in the 

season. 

“We’ve been really on 

lately, and I think it’s because 

we know we’ve put 

in all this work,” junior 

Gillian Peterson said after 

the Marian win “We know 

we can come out here and 

beat any of these teams if 

we play our ‘A’ game.” 

Providence earned its 

way into a sectional final 

for the first time since 

2005. But the Celtics ran 

into Joliet Catholic in its 

own gym in the championship 

match, and the 

Angels’ postseason experience 

and homecourt advantage 

proved too much 

to overcome. 

Joliet Catholic won its 

11th sectional title in the 

last 17 years with a 25- 

21, 25-20 victory over the 

Celtics on Nov. 6. 

Providence has still not 

won a sectional championship 

since 2001. 

“I think the crowd really 

made a difference,” Providence 

senior Izabela Gorys 

said. “It was just a lot 

of mental things for us. We 

played our hearts out, and 

I’m really proud of every 

single one of our girls.” 

Peterson had seven kills 

to lead the Celtics (23-17). 

Juliana Warfield added six 

and Gorys had five. 

After dropping the opening 

set, Providence stormed 

out to a 12-4 lead in the second, 

behind three kills from 

Warfield and strong serving 

from Abby Lab, Gorys and 

Kailey Labuda. 

Joliet Catholic (24-14), 

though, countered with an 

11-2 run to take a 15-14 

lead. After the stunning 

swing, Providence never 

led again. 

In the win over Marian, 

Gorys and Warfield 

Lynwood Lanes, 4:30 p.m. 

GIRLS SWIMMING 

■Nov. ■ 16 – hosts LW 

Central Sectional, 9 a.m. 

GRIFFINS VARSITY 

ATHLETICS 

GIRLS BASKETBALL 

■Nov. ■ 19 – hosts Maine 

South, 6 p.m. 

■Nov. ■ 20 – at Marist 

Thanksgiving Tournament, 

TBA 

led with eight kills each, 

Peterson had six kills, 

Labuda and Vittoria Conte 

added 11 digs each, and 

Lab had 10 assists. 

Opportunities increase for 

Allegretti 

Lincoln-Way East 

graduate Nick Allegretti 

stepped in at right guard 

during the Kansas City 

Chiefs’ 35-32 loss to the 

Tennessee Titans on Sunday, 

Nov. 10. Allegretti 

got his opportunity to play 

a significant number of 

snaps after a pair of injuries 

on the offensive line. 

Fellow Chiefs lineman 

Andrew Wylie said Allegretti 

“had a gleam in his 

eye,” according to Chiefs 

Digest. 

Knights bowlers fifth 

in season-opening 

tournament 

Lincoln-Way Central’s 

boys bowling team 

opened the season with a 

fifth-place showing at the 

Naperville Central Baker 

Kickoff Classic. 

The Knights qualified 

for the tournament’s Gold 

Division, then fired 2,272 

over 12 Baker games to 

finish fifth as Glenbard 

East (2,506) won the event. 

BOYS BOWLING 

■Nov. ■ 14 – hosts Sandburg 

at Thunder Bowl, 4:30 p.m. 

■Nov. ■ 19 – hosts Stagg at 

Thunder Bowl, 4:30 p.m. 

FOOTBALL 

■Nov. ■ 16 – hosts Class 8A 

quarterfinal vs. H-F, 1 p.m. 

GIRLS SWIMMING 

■Nov. ■ 16 – at LW Central 

Sectional, 9 a.m.

mokenamessengerdaily.com sports 


Athlete of the Week 

10 Questions 

with Kevin Conway 

Mokena native Kevin 

Conway is a junior quarterback 

on the Providence 

football team. 

How long have you 

been playing football 

and how did you get 

started? 

I’ve been playing since 

kindergarten. I started 

with flag football until, I 

think, third grade, and then 

I started tackle in fourth. 

My dad actually played at 

Mount Carmel and won 

state there, so football has 

always been a big thing in 

my family. I always would 

play football with my dad 

on the side of the house. 

What did your dad 

think of you going to 

Providence and not 

Mount Carmel? 

He always told me just 

to go where I wanted to 

go and of course he was 

going to support me wherever 

I went. Plus, at the 

time when I was deciding 

where to go, Mount Carmel 

was running the triple 

option. So, why would I 

3 

got into that offense? It obviously 

didn’t really fit me 

as a quarterback. 

What do you like so 

much about football? 

I like the whole family 

bonding that you have 

with your team. I don’t 

think there’s another sport 

that brings people so close 

together. I’ve played baseball 

and basketball, too, 

but football is just different. 

It’s always been number 

one for me. 

Have you always 

Steve Millar/22nd Century 

Media 

played quarterback? 

No, I didn’t start until 

seventh or eighth grade. I 

was always a running back 

before that. My dad was a 

running back. I didn’t think 

I’d ever be fast enough to 

be a running back at the 

next level, so I wanted to 

try quarterback. I still run a 

lot, though. I love running 

the football. 

What does it take to 

play quarterback? 

What it really comes 

down to is first you have 

to understand your entire 

offense and know that like 

the back of your hand. 

Then, you have to be able 

to look up and read coverages 

and know who is going 

to be open. Knowing 

all that makes everything 

else so much easier. 

Do you have any 

pregame routines? 

I listen to music to get 

pumped up. Also, my 

coach always sends me the 

[play-calling] script and I 

draw it all out before the 

game to get ready. 

If you could be 

anybody else for a 

day, who would you 

want to be? 

Tom Brady. He has everything. 

It’d be really fun 

to live that life for a day. 

You’re stranded on a 

deserted island and 

can have an endless 

supply of one food. 

What do you pick? 

Steak, probably filet mignon. 

I love steak and it’s 

usually expensive, so if I 

can have an endless supply, 

that’d be great. Crab 

would be good, too. 

What is your favorite 

movie? 

“Lone Survivor.” It’s 

crazy how close those four 

guys were and how they 

had each other’s backs no 

matter what. 

If a movie was being 

made about your life, 

who would play you? 

You know Kevin from 

“Home Alone”? I’d say 

him [Macaulay Culkin], 

but at my age. 

Interview conducted by 

Sports Editor Steve Millar. 

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Football 

Vaughn unstoppable as Providence ends Crete-Monee’s undefeated season 

RANDY WHALEN 


On Saturday, Nov. 9, 

Aaron Vaughn ran into 

some old friends — and 

past them, around them 

and through them. 

Providence’s sophomore 

running back, who is from 

Crete, ran wild to help 

end the season of Crete- 

Monee, which rostered 

many of Vaughn’s friends. 

So does he feel bad 

about that? 

“A little bit,” he said 

before pausing. “Well, not 

really. It’s business.” 

Vaughn made sure the 

host Celtics took care of 

business as he ran 26 times 

for 366 yards and scored 

four touchdowns. His 

career-best performance 

helped Providence pull 

away from the Warriors 

for an unforgettable 61-37 

victory in a Class 6A second-round 

playoff game in 

New Lenox. 

There were nearly 900 

combined yards of offense 

in the game. The 61 

points are the second most 

in Providence postseason 

history. The record is 68 

in a shutout of Fenger in a 

first-round playoff game in 

2002. 

The Celtics (8-3) are now 

19-1 in second-round playoff 

games, including 9-0 at 

home in the past 25 years. 

They will host another undefeated 

team – Glenwood 

(11-0), from downstate 

Chatham, in a quarterfinal. 

Crete-Monee (10-1), the 

2018 6A state runner-up, 

was hoping to make its 

fourth state title game appearance 

in the past eight 

seasons. But Vaughn had 

other ideas. Even if he was 

anxious about them. 

“I was nervous,” Vaughn 

said. “I came out and felt 

like I was going to puke. 

These were the guys I grew 

up with. I knew them and 

they knew me. I couldn’t 

sleep [Friday] night. I 

woke up at six [Saturday 

morning] and I was going 

to sleep until eight.” 

Those nerves didn’t matter 

much as Vaughn scored 

on runs of three, 65, 42 and 

33 yards. The final two of 

those came in the last 1:44 

of the game as the Celtics 

capped it off by scoring the 

final 21 points. 

“Every time they [the 

Providence’s Aaron Vaughn breaks off a big run as the 

Celtics’ sideline cheers him on Saturday, Nov. 9, in New 

Lenox. Vaughn ran for 366 yards and four touchdowns 

in Providence’s 61-37 win. BOB KLEIN/22ND CENTURY MEDIA 

Warriors] scored I told 

our guys, ‘That’s OK,” 

Vaughn said. “We will just 

score again and add to our 

stats. We have the best offensive 

line in the state and 

they showed that.” 

Indeed, the all-senior offensive 

line of Tre Allen, 

Adam Banathy, Michael 

Charnot, Oliver Cox, and 

Jake Renfro, along with 

junior tight end Jameson 

Geers, helped lead the way 

as 481 of the Celtics 589 

total yards came on the 

ground. 

But in a game where 

Vaughn was the star, it was 

a handoff by him that led 

to the most important play 

of the game. 

Crete-Monee had cut the 

Celtics’ lead to 40-37 with 

8:48 to play on a 50-yard 

TD run by Trayvon Rudolph., 

the quarterback’s 

fourth touchdown run of 

the game. 

On the ensuing possession, 

Providence had a 

third-and-16 from its own 

49. Junior quarterback 

Kevin Conway had left the 

game moments before after 

taking a big hit. Vaughn 

lined up at quarterback 

in the Wildcat formation 

Crete-Monee At Providence 

1 2 3 4 F 

Crete-Monee 3 13 8 13 37 

Providence 7 17 10 27 61 

THREE STARS OF THE GAME 

1. Aaron Vaughn, Providence, sophomore running back: 

26 carries - 366 yards, four TD’s of 3, 65, 42 and 33 

yards. 

2. Trayvon Rudolph, Crete-Monee senior quarterback: 23 

carries - 201 yards, four TD’s of 38, 40, 1 and 50 

yards. Also 12-of-19 passing for 83 yards. 

3. Kevin Conway, Providence, junior quarterback; 20 carries 

- 96 yards, three TD’s of 7, 1 and 1 yards. Also 4-of-6 

passing for 108 yards, including a 66-yard TD pass to 

Lucas Porto. 

and handed it off to Kevin 

Countryman, who ran 18 

yards for a first down. 

Countryman, a senior 

defensive back who had an 

interception earlier in the 

game, was playing offense 

for the first time this season. 

Conway came back in 

and scored on a 1-yard run 

with 3:53 remaining to up 

the lead to 47-37. 

Conway ran 20 times 

for 96 yards, including TD 

runs of 7, 1 and 1 yards. 

He was 4-of-6 passing for 

5 

Up Next: Providence hosts Glenwood (11-0) in a Class 6A 

quarterfinal. 

108 yards, including a 66- 

yard TD pass to senior Lucas 

Porto. 

“I came in with an injured 

ankle, but on that play 

I got clobbered in the ribs,” 

Conway said of leaving the 

game. “I just needed to take 

a play or two off. No, I have 

never played in a game like 

this. But our tough schedule 

prepared us for it. 

“Still, it was insane. But 

[Vaughn] did the greatest 

job I’ve ever seen by a running 

back.” 

Our staff’s predictions for the top games in the quarterfinals of the playoffs 

There are still just two teams left from our area 

– Providence and Lincoln-Way East. Could we 

see two teams in the state title game in DeKalb 

two days after belching up our Thanksgiving Day 

meals? It is a possibility. 

54-12 

53-13 

Thomas Czaja | 

Editor 

• LWE 27, Homewood-Flossmoor 

24. Vikings will give Griffins their 

closest game of the season in 

rematch, but East handles them 

again to advance. 

• Providence 35, Chatham Glenwood 

28. Celtics have proven time and 

again to throw out the records this 

time of year – they know how to 

make a postseason run. 

52-14 

49-17 

48-18 

Sean Hastings | 

Contributing Editor 

• LW East 34, Homewood-Flossmoor 

28. Griffins win battle of two area 

powerhouses. 


14. Celtics utilize home-field 

advantage. 

46-20 

GameS of the Week 

• Homewood-Flossmoor (10-1) at LW East (11-0) 

• Chatham Glenwood (11-0) at Providence (8-3) 

Jeff Vorva | 

Sports Editor 

• LWE 35, Homewood-Flossmoor 14. A 

rematch of the regular season Game 

of the Century should receive plenty 

of hype, but Griffs’ are refocused 

after being shut out in second half 

against Niles Notre Dame. 


23. Hay, Hay! Coach Dave Hay of 

Glenwood brings in a spiffy 34-9 career 

record but the Celtics should send 

him home with double digit losses 

after a fun game in New Lenox. 

Steve Millar | 

Sports Editor 

• LWE 31, Homewood-Flossmoor 20. 

East QB Kyle Quinn did not play 

in the regular season win over the 

Vikings. He will throw a couple of 

TD passes in this one to get the 

Griffins back into the semifinals. 


28. Beating undefeated teams in 

back-to-back weeks is a tough task, 

but if the Celtics offense keeps 

rolling, they can pull it off. 

Joe Coughlin | 

Publisher 


Griffins defense answers the call 

against familiar foe. 


38. Celtics are on fire and outscore 

another big-time opponent. 

Heather Warthen | 

Chief Marketing Officer 


Griffins continue hot streak and 

close out the Vikings’ season. 


21. Home-field advantage does the 

Celtics good as they continue their 

playoff march.

38 | November 14, 2019 | the mokena messenger sports 


Kreis pushes hard, finishes fifth in historic state meet 

4 

JEFF DEGRAW 


It was the fastest cross 

country race ever ran 

on the famed Detweiller 

course in Peoria at the 

IHSA state cross country 

finals, and Lincoln-Way 

Central’s Jared Kreis had 

no regrets. 

Josh Methner, of 

Hersey, broke Craig Virgin’s 

course record of 13 

minutes, 50 seconds set 

in 1972, running 13:49 

on Saturday, Nov. 9. The 

record had a magical connotation 

for many in the 

sport. 

Kreis, a senior who was 

in second place the first 

half of the race, was satisfied 

with his effort and his 

fifth-place finish, running 

14:30. 

It was the best finish 

ever for a Central runner, 

topping the sixth-place 

showing from Mark Battista 

in 2006. 

“I was really surprised 

that Josh [Methner] took 

it out so hard,” Kreis said. 

“He went for the record 

and it was really fast from 

the start. But I have no 

regrets because I went after 

it also. It was fun and 

I can look back and not 

have any what ifs. It’s 

pretty good to finish in 

fifth place.” 

The Knights placed 

23rd as a team and Kreis, 

a Duke recruit, was the 

only senior among the 

five runners who scored. 

Sophomore Caden Simone 

finished 132nd, freshman 

Nolan Sams 158th, freshman 

Connor LeBeau 184th 

and junior Jay Parker was 

199th. 

“Jared went out after it 

and he knew what he had 

to do because he is such a 

great student of the sport,” 

Knights coach John Taylor 

said. “This team had a 

great mix of guys this year 

and we are young. 

“Our younger guys 

learned a lot today and 

they ran well and when 

you do that in the biggest 

meet of the year that is all 

you can ask.” 

Lincoln-Way East finished 

in 25th and is in a 

similar situation as Central 

with a very young team. 

East was led by sophomore 

Nolan Rogers in 

153rd. He was followed 

by junior Nolan Enright 

(190th), and freshmen Justin 

Falejczyk (193rd), Jack 

Roberts (208th) and Gerry 

Cushing (209th). 

The Griffins were without 

one of the best runners 

in the state, as senior Brett 

Gardner could not run because 

of a left leg injury. 

After finishing second in 

the sectional meet, Gardner 

knew there was something 

wrong. 

“I felt something before 

the race but didn’t think 

much about it, but coach 

[Ross Widinski] and I 

talked and he just said run 

to qualify. He told me during 

the race that our team 

was qualified, so I backed 

off, but after the race I 

knew something wasn’t 

right. It was different than 

I had ever felt before and 

runners know their bodies 

well and I knew this 

wasn’t good. 

“I didn’t want anyone to 

know until after the visit to 

the doctor on Monday and 

it was a stress reaction in 

my lower leg. I feel bad 

and it’s frustrating not to 

run here, but I’d rather be 

out four weeks than four 

months.” 

Gardner shifted to a 

cheerleading and coaching 

role. 

Lincoln-Way Central’s Jared Kreis receives his All-State medal after finishing fifth in 

the Class 3A state cross country race Saturday, Nov. 9. Clark Brooks/PhotoNews Media 

Junior Merrigan Allen led the Lincoln-Way Central girls team with a 45th-place finish 

in the Class 3A state cross country race. 22nd Century Media file photo. 

“This entire weekend 

I’ve been excited for our 

team and I’m here to help 

them anyway I can,” he 

said. “It’s different and 

I’m taking this entire experience 

of being here 

from a different perspective. 

I know that if I get 

healthy my hard work will 

pay off down the road and 

hopefully that will be [next 

spring] in track.” 

Central placed 22nd as 

a team in the girls race 

and received a 45th-place 

finish from junior Merrigan 

Allen (17:45). Senior 

Rachel Baumgartner 

followed in 75th (18:06). 

Junior Catherine Ihrke 

(136th), junior Colleen 

Erdman (174th) and freshman 

Emma Olson (186th) 

rounded out the scorers. 

“I’m so happy with my 

race today,” Allen said. 

“All the hard work has 

paid off and hopefully 

this will now carry over to 

track. Last year being here 

and getting sick just days 

before the race really motivated 

me to do so much 

better this year and it’s sort 

of redemption for getting 

sick last year.” 

Ihrke — who Knights 

coach Ryan Stapinski said 

has improved as much as 

anyone on the team — was 

extremely happy with her 

race and the state meet experience. 

“It was fun,” Ihrke said. 

“I came through the mile 

faster than I ever have and 

I thought to myself If I 

feel this good going this 

fast, I might as well keep 

going. 

“It’s a mindset that you 

can do this, and our team 

is really close. We have 

great chemistry together 

and really help each other 

and I’m looking forward to 

more of this next year.” 

Stapinski said there was 

a lot for the Knights to be 

proud of. 

“I’m very pleased with 

our performance,” Stapinski 

said. “Merrigan ran so 

well and Rachel went out 

after it today. Everyone did 

their best and how can you 

not be happy with that, this 

meet is what it’s about.” 

Lincoln-Way East 

sophomore Kate Guderjan 

placed 142nd but suffered 

a fall in the first half-mile 

of the race according to 

coach Wendy Hegarty. 

Providence had one individual 

in the girls 2A 

race as Emma Kulpinski 

finished 163rd.



fastbreak 

Steve Millar/22nd Century 

Media 

1st and 3 

three notes on 

GIRLS BASKEtball, 

which is set to begin 

monday, nov. 18 

1. LW Central 

The Knights look to 

improve on a 13-15 

season in 2018- 

19 behind senior 

sharpshooter Regan 

LoConte (above) 

and junior Haley 

Stoklosa. Junior 

Megan Hutchinson 

is a multi-sport 

standout who stars 

in soccer. 

2. LW East 

The Griffins must 

replace some key 

pieces from a 19-10 

team in 2018-19. 

Olivia Molnar and 

Reilly Sheehan have 

some experience at 

guard. Senior Andie 

Perch is an inside 

presence at 6-foot-1. 

3. Providence 

The Celtics have a 

strong trio of starters 

back from a GCAC 

White championship 

squad: Lauren 

Knight, Ashley 

Raymer and Claire 

McGrath. 

Football 

Henning, defense help Griffins overcome up-and-down performance 

JON DEPAOLIS 


If onlookers had not 

checked the scoreboard 

minutes after Lincoln- 

Way East’s 23-13 victory 

over Niles Notre Dame in 

a Class 8A second-round 

game on Saturday, Nov. 9, 

it could have easily looked 

like the Griffins were lamenting 

a loss. 

But after a second half 

that saw the Dons outscore 

East 13-0, the players and 

coaches in cobalt blue 

openly took accountability 

for the up-and-down performance. 

“As well as we played in 

the first half was as poorly 

as we did in the second,” 

East coach Rob Zvonar 

said, while also giving 

credit to Notre Dame for 

the second-half performance. 

“They could have 

folded at halftime, but 

they came back out and 

competed. If you look at 

the box score, we lost the 

second half 13-0. Our guys 

know that if that happens 

next week, it’ll be the last 

week. 

“We’ve got a lot of 

things we have to look at 

in the second half and kind 

of figure out why that happened. 

Hopefully, we’ll 

figure it out, so history 

doesn’t repeat itself.” 

The Griffins (11-0) will 

host SouthWest Suburban 

rival Homewood-Flossmoor 

(10-1) - a 38-23 winner 

over Neuqua Valley 

- in the quarterfinals. East 

NOTRE DAME AT LW EAST, NOV. 9 

1 2 3 4 F 

Notre Dame 0 0 7 6 13 

LW East 16 7 0 0 23 

Three Stars of the Game: 

1. AJ Henning, LW East, senior wide receiver – Eight 

receptions, 100 yards, two touchdowns; 1-yard 

rushing touchdown 

2. Kyle Quinn, LW East, senior quarterback – 10-of-18 

passing, 115 yards, two touchdowns 

3. Jalen Hacha, LW East senior defensive back – fumble 

recovery, punt block for a safety 

Up Next: LW East will host Homewood-Flossmoor (10-1) in a 

Class 8A quarterfinal. The Griffins beat the Vikings 28-14 on 

Sept. 27. 

beat H-F 28-14 on Sept. 

27. 

East got out of the gate 

hot against Notre Dame, 

with the defense forcing 

three straight three-andouts 

for the Dons (8-3). 

On that third Notre 

Dame possession, the snap 

on the punt was fumbled 

and East’s Jalen Hacha fell 

on top of it to set the Griffins 

up at the Dons’ 4-yard 

line. A few plays later, senior 

AJ Henning scored on 

a 1-yard run. 

“We practiced the 

hardest we ever have 

[this] week,” said Sean 

McLaughlin, East senior 

defensive end and captain. 

“Going into this game, we 

knew they were a good 

enough opponent to beat 

us. So, we just flipped a 

switch and we were ready 

to go.” 

After the defense forced 

another three-and-out, the 

Griffins’ special teams got 

in on the action again as 

Hacha blocked a punt. The 

ball rolled backward and 

out of the end zone for a 

safety to make it 9-0 with 

1:07 left in the opening 

quarter. 

On the ensuing offensive 

possession, East quarterback 

Kyle Quinn completed 

four straight passes 

of 10 yards or more – the 

last of which was a 29- 

yard touchdown strike to 

Henning to make it 16-0 

with 14 seconds left. 

“It’s just not fair,” 

McLaughlin said of Henning. 

“I mean, that kid 

is one of a kind. There is 

nothing better than seeing 

No. 3 running down the 

sidelines. We know that 

even when he doesn’t have 

those crazy stat lines, he is 

going to do something to 

help us win. He’s got tremendous 

blocking on the 

Lincoln-Way East offensive lineman Alec Ogarek lifts up 

AJ Henning after one of Henning’s three touchdowns 

in the Griffins’ 23-13 win over Notre Dame in a Class 8A 

second-round game Saturday, Nov. 9, in Frankfort. 

JULIE MCMANN/22ND CENTURY MEDIA 

outside, and he knows he 

wants all of his other teammates 

to succeed, so that’s 

what he is going to do.” 

The Griffins added on 

late in the second quarter, 

as defensive lineman 

Owen Phaby recovered a 

fumble by Dons running 

back Julian Schurr. On the 

next play, Quinn connected 

with Henning on a 13- 

yard catch-and-run touchdown 

to make it 23-0. 

However, on the extrapoint 

attempt, East defensive 

end Adrian Wilson 

was hurt on the play and 

would not return the rest 

of the game. 

On Notre Dame’s first 

offensive possession of 

the third quarter, the Dons 

5 

actively exploited the side 

of the field where Wilson 

would have been – culminating 

in a long drive 

that ended with a 1-yard 

touchdown run by Schurr 

with 2:06 remaining in the 

quarter. 

Then, late in the fourth 

quarter, the Dons scored 

on an 11-yard touchdown 

pass from Anthony Sayles 

to Nick Giamarusti. The 

Dons’ two-point attempt 

failed, however, making it 

23-13 with 1:02 left in the 

game. 

East recovered the ensuing 

onside kick to ice the 

game. 

This is the fourth straight 

year the Griffins have advanced 

to the quarterfinals. 

LISTEN UP 

“It was fun and I can look back and not have any what ifs. It’s 

pretty good to finish in fifth place.” 

Jared Kreis – LW Central senior, on pushing hard to try to keep pace 

with Hersey’s Josh Methner’s record-breaking run at the Class 3A 

cross country state meet 

Tune In 

Girls Swimming, 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 16 

LW Central Sectional 

• The Knights, Griffins and Warriors all compete and each 

team should send several swimmers to state. 

Index 

35 - Athlete of the Week 

34 - This Week In 

FASTBREAK is compiled by Sports Editor 

Steve Millar, s.millar@22ndcm.com.

mokena’s Hometown Newspaper | November 14, 2019 

GOOD ENOUGH Fast 

start helps Griffins overcome 

lackluster finish, Page 39 

SHOOTOUT WIN 

Providence piles up points to 

knock off Crete-Monee, Page 37 

LW Central’s Kreis 

takes fifth at state 

cross country, alltime 

best finish for a 

Knight, Page 38 

Lincoln-Way Central senior 

Jared Kreis runs on his way 

to a fifth-place finish in the 

Class 3A state cross country 

race Saturday, Nov. 9, at 

Detweiller Park in Peoria. 

Clark Brooks/PhotoNews 

Media

MK_111419

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