State Treasurer candidates to square off at chamber luncheon in Tinley Park

By Bob Bong

Southland Savvy

State Treasurer hopefuls Democrat Robin Kelly and Republican Dan Rutherford will appear at a candidates forum in Tinley Park on Monday sponsored by the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce.

Kelly, a former state representative from Matteson, is chief of staff for Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, who is seeking President Obama’s former Senate seat.

Rutherford is a state Senator from Pontiac.

The forum will take place during the chamber’s regional consensus luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Tinley Park Holiday Inn and Convention Center, 18501 S. Harlem Ave.

Reservations are $25 for members and $35 for nonmembers. For more information, call 708-956-6950 or visit http://www.chicagosouthland.com/.

Gino's East pizzeria closes in Orland Park

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

The economy has claimed another longtime Orland Park business with the recent closing of Gino’s East at 15840 S. Harlem Ave.

The restaurant has been struggling for some time and had cut back its hours in recent years.

Gino’s East said it will honor gift certificates and coupons issued by the Orland store at its other locations. The nearest Gino’s East eateries are in Naperville and Highland, Ind. For a complete list of open locations, visit http://www.ginoseast.com/

Just A Pizza closesAnother pizzeria that couldn’t make a go in this economy is Just A Pizza, 7108 W. 183rd St. in Tinley Park, which closed recently after being open just about six months.

Mokena ribbon cuttingsTwo new businesses in Mokena will be having ribbon-cutting ceremonies in the next week.

Tiger Kwon’s Martial Arts will hold its ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday at 19813 S. LaGrange Road in Mokena, which is the second location for Tiger Kwon’s. There also is a dojo in New Lenox. For more information, visit http://www.tigerkwonkicks.com/.

Unwind Massage Therapy will do the honors at 5 p.m. next Thursday at 19054 Henry Drive in Mokena. For more information, visit http://www.unwindmylife.com/.

Both new businesses also have Facebook pages.

Simply Smokin’
The restaurant, which has been under renovation for months at 10211 W. Lincoln Highway in Frankfort, finally has a name. The former pancake house and Mexican restaurant is expected to open soon as Simply Smokin’ BBQ and Grill.

Now open
Six Essentials Integrative Health, a nontraditional health services office, opened recently at 11267 W. 159th St. in Orland Park. For more information, visit http://www.sixessentialshealth.com/.

Landmark Flooring, a flooring contractor, opened recently at 9501 W. 171st St. in Tinley Park. Phone number is 708-349-0011 or visit http://www.landmarkflooring.net/.

South Holland adds the blues to this year's Fourth of July celebration

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

South Holland has added its first ever blues concert to its 77th annual Independence Day celebration at Veterans Memorial Park this year.

Jamiah on Fire (pictured), a trio consisting of three boys ranging in age from 8 to 13, will take the stage at 4:30 p.m. Monday at the park at 160th Place and South Park Avenue with its Tribute to Jimi Hendrix.

“They are small boys with a big sound,” says promoter Cal Spencer, who urged the village to add a blues concert to the agenda this year. “The drummer is only 11 and he’s so small you can’t see him sitting behind the drums.”

Jamiah will be followed at 5:30 p.m. by Jimme J and the Hard Drive Blues Band, who Spencer calls the King of Indiana Blues.

“Both groups have tremendous followings and fans are sure to pack the park,” says Spencer.

The celebration kicks off Sunday with an outdoor worship service at 6 p.m. at Veterans Park presented by the South Holland Ministerial Association.

A full day of events at the park begins at 7 a.m. Monday with check-in for the Rib Fest Cook-Off, which begins at 7:30 a.m. at Veterans Park. Judging will take place at 11:45 a.m.

Prayer at the Gates starts at 8 a.m. with prayer services being held at all entrances to the village.

Other events include a farmer’s market starting at 10 a.m., a softball game at 1:30 p.m. between village employees and the ministerial association and a giant water balloon fight at 2:30 p.m.

The South Holland Municipal Band will play a selection of patriotic songs leading up to the fireworks show at 9:10 p.m.

Food from Home Plate Grill including burgers, hot dogs, pizza, ice cream and soft drinks will be available from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

For more information and a complete list of events and times, visit http://www.southholland.org/ and click on the community events tab.
Here's a video of Jamiah On Fire at Paris Delane's show, March 7, 2009 at The Morse Theater, Chicago.