Betty Loren-Maltese, daughter reunite

The Maltese file . . .

Former Cicero President Betty Loren-Maltese, who spent seven years in federal prison on corruption charges hoping one day to be reunited with her 5-year-old daughter – Ashleigh Rose – just had her prayer answered.

“I never thought it would happen, but it has,” said Loren-Maltese, who now lives in a small apartment in Glen Ellyn, does computer work, and lives on her Social Security widow’s pension.

“As long as I can remember, I’d always wish on the first star I saw at night – and for the past nine years it’s been to get my Ashleigh back and clear my name. I guess I’ll just have to keep hoping for the latter.”

Ashleigh, who had been adopted by Loren-Maltese as an infant and was living with Loren-Maltese’s sister until recently, is now 14.

“She just started high school, she’s decorating her own bedroom, and just met with her birth parents for the first time. She has a sister who is about to have a baby and we went to the shower.”

“She’s had a lot of trauma in her young life and she didn’t know I was in prison until she was 10 years old.

“I’m just so happy . . . and finally we are having fun together.”

Gown gab . . .

The rail thin retinue of bejeweled actresses in slinky gowns and long trains may have been eye popping at the Academy Awards, but the white gown worn by first lady Michelle Obama at a White House gala Sunday night was a definite contender for best dressed.

â—† Mrs. Obama’s dress was described as a “fitted, nude dress . . . embellished with silver sequins and crystals which created a leaf style pattern.” Wow. Even Sneed was impressed.

CAREER CHANGE . . .

â—† Tiger Seal? Now comes word Tiger Woods considered abandoning golf to become a Navy SEAL at the height of his career a few years ago, according to a soon-to-be released tell-all book by golf instructor Hank Haney, who once coached Woods.

Sports shorts . . .

â—† Da Bears: Even when Brian Urlacher is relaxing on his boat in Florida, his main profession is not far from his mind: The name of his vessel is “Line Breaker,” and it’s painted in blue and orange.

â—† Nice assist: Sneed hears former hoopster Isiah Thomas just picked up a student’s tab for four years of tuition at Christ the King Jesuit College Preparatory High School in Austin, which was once the site of Thomas’ former Catholic grade school.

Sneedlings

Calendar date: Watch for actor Brian Dennehy to narrate the Old St. Pat’s Church Siamsa na NGael Celtic celebration that also will feature singer Catherine O’Connell on March 12 at the Symphony Center. Today’s birthdays: Jennifer O’Neill, 65; Tony Robbins, 52, and Dennis Farina, 58.