southtownstar.suntimes.com

Frankfort Square woman off school board, but still a volunteer force

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:28:42 -0500

Friends and family of Mary Kenny, 66, know her as a wife, mother of five, and grandmother of two. To them, she’s been a typical stay-at-home mom for the past 42 years. But it’s highly unlikely any of them would limit Kenny to those titles. They’re more likely to label her a “force of nature.” In the words of Roy Corrigan, former president of the Summit Hill School District 161 Board, “Mrs. Kenny is an exceptional person.” A recent surprise tribute at Summit Hill Junior High in Frankfort to honor Kenny for her retirement after 28 years as a District …

Pets o’ the Week for May 23, 2013

Wed, 22 May 2013 18:27:59 -0500

The Thursday Neighborhood Star prints adoptable pets each week. Area shelters should send photos, pet descriptions, shelter hours, address and contact information to Jessi Virtusio at jvirtusio@southtownstar.com with “Pets o’ the Week” in the subject line.

Schrader on Wine: Sauvignon Blanc for spring, summer drinking

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:40:01 -0500

This time of year can be tricky when it comes to picking a wine to suit the teetering Chicago temperatures. The days can be warm; nights, cool; and often our summer weather decides to show up with little warning. Wines that bring us from the cool breezes of spring to the warm days of summer are essential. Sauvignon Blanc, the often overlooked white wine, has lots to offer when transitioning between the two seasons; perfect for sipping with the harvest of spring vegetables, yet refreshing enough to cool the palette during the warm summer months. Sauvignon Blanc is easily passed …

Serving for May 23, 2013

Wed, 22 May 2013 18:12:38 -0500

Here is a look at what Southlanders are accomplishing in the military. News includes Country Club Hills, New Lenox, Calumet City, Park Forest, Oak Lawn, Lansing, South Holland and Chicago.

Restaurant learns online reviews can make or break

Wed, 22 May 2013 18:26:00 -0500

It was the customer service disaster heard around the Internet. An Arizona restaurateur, fed up after years of negative online reviews and an embarrassing appearance on a reality television show, posted a social media rant laced with salty language and angry, uppercase letters that quickly went viral last week, to the delight of people who love a good Internet meltdown. “I AM NOT STUPID ALL OF YOU ARE,” read the posting on the Facebook wall of Amy’s Baking Co. in suburban Phoenix. It was, to put it kindly, not a best business practice. Add to that an appearance earlier this …

What’s Going On for May 23, 2013

Wed, 22 May 2013 18:12:46 -0500

Here is a look at what’s going on in the Southland. News includes Midlothian, Palos Hills and Tinley Park.

Top chefs offer up fresh takes on taco night

Wed, 22 May 2013 18:26:00 -0500

When salsa overtook ketchup as America’s favorite condiment in the 1990s, you had to know that “taco night” wasn’t far behind. Simple, satisfying and inexpensive, hard or soft tacos filled with meat, cheese and a what-have-you of veggies have become a staple for busy families. Sales of taco shells, seasonings and other products have grown steadily over the last decade, said Juv Marchisio, senior marketing manager for B&G Foods, which owns the Ortega brand. Research suggests that about half of all Americans indulge in tacos at home. And why not? Tacos offer communal family dining at its best: There’s no …

Your Pets for May 23, 2013

Wed, 22 May 2013 18:27:59 -0500

We want your pet photos. Whether it’s you with your dog, cat, bird, fish or lizard, please email a .jpg with your name, your pet’s name and hometown to Jessi Virtusio at jvirtusio@southtownstar.com with “Your Pets” in the subject line.

To Your Health: Make every day ‘Don’t Fry Day’

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:51:48 -0500

The American Cancer Society shares tips to protect your skin from cancer.

Health Briefs For May 22

Wed, 22 May 2013 03:44:00 -0500

Here is a look at health news in the Southland.

Your Pets for May 22, 2013

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:26:47 -0500

We want your pet photos.Whether it’s you with your dog, cat, bird, fish or lizard, please email a .jpg with your name, your pet’s name and hometown to Jessi Virtusio at jvirtusio@southtownstar.com with “Your Pets” in the subject line.

Culver’s sales to benefit Honor Flight Chicago

Mon, 20 May 2013 18:46:01 -0500

Honor Flight Chicago, a nonprofit that flies World War II veterans to the National World War II Memorial in Washington, will receive a portion of May 21 sales at Chicago-area Culver’s restaurants, according to a news release from the restaurant chain. Giant thank you cards for patrons to sign also will be on display through Memorial Day weekend at Culver’s locations in Homewood, Orland Park, Frankfort and Matteson. All 64 Chicago-area and northwest Indiana stores will donate 10 percent of sales for May 21 to Honor Flight Chicago, the release said. Staff reports …

Charity Briefs for May 21, 2013

Tue, 21 May 2013 11:29:10 -0500

Here is a look at charity news in the Southland.

Taking on challenges adds up to success for Rich South senior

Mon, 20 May 2013 10:44:44 -0500

Falling asleep in class isn’t the way to get into a great college. Fortunately for Rich South High School senior Cydney Richardson, that was not the norm, although she did have her moments. “When I was in seventh grade, math class bored me because I was never challenged,” Richardson said. Not content with the status quo, her mother, Carrlynn Richardson, got Cydney involved with Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development. She enrolled in an online honors geometry class that provided the needed challenge. Years later, Cydney — the daughter of Carrlynn and Demietrius Richardson, of Matteson — already has credit …

A Thousand Words for May 20, 2013

Mon, 20 May 2013 10:42:46 -0500

A Thousand Words offers SouthtownStar readers the chance to share funny captions for photos. May 20’s photo features a battle while May 13’s photo featured chicks. Think you can write a funny caption? Send in yours, and we’ll be the judge. Every Monday we’ll run a photo and the best captions from the previous week. Your submissions can be mailed to: Craig Pedziwiatr — A Thousand Words, SouthtownStar, 350 N. Orleans St., 9th Floor, Chicago, IL 60654. Submissions also can be emailed to cpedziwiatr@southtownstar.com with “A Thousand Words” in the subject line. Entries for May 20’s photo must be received …

Vickroy: Guiding knight: Lab gets woman where she needs to go

Wed, 22 May 2013 04:00:13 -0500

Up concrete stairs, around giant flowerpots and through throngs of bustling commuters, Kathy Austin makes her way to work each morning. Though she is virtually blind, only able to distinguish contrasts of light and dark, she makes getting from her home in the leafy suburb of Homewood to her office on the 10th floor of a Loop high rise look easy, partly because she has Solomon to guide her, partly because she doesn’t let much stop her from pursuing her dreams. “Going blind is the only horrible thing that’s ever happened to me,” she says. “It’s just one of those …