MacAuley students pair with Mercy Circle
MACS with Mercy launched its third year with help from the Black Student Union Club. The program is a joint effort between Mother McAuley High School, Alderman Matt O’Shea of Chicago’s 19th Ward, and Mercy Circle, a not-for-profit continuing care retirement community sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas located near the school.
In September, students and residents painted wooden trivets shaped like apples as a gift for families who are served by Pat’s Pantry. MACS with Mercy is an intergenerational program that aims to brighten the lives of others. Each month, students from a different club at McAuley visit the seniors.
Suicide prevention event planned Oct. 22 in New Lenox
The village of New Lenox and its safe Community Coalition host “A Pathway to Hope and Healing” from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22 at Trinity Services, 301 Veterans Parkway. Everyone is welcome to learn more about suicide and suicide prevention, although children younger than 16 must be with a parent or guardian.
The resource fair will feature more than a dozen organizations. The panel discussion, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., features Shelly Lewis of Manhattan, who lost her son Jackson, 15, to suicide in 2020; Marie Kress, a licensed clinical professional counselor and founder of the Mental Wellness Center of Manhattan; Pearl Casurella of Oswego, a suicide awareness advocate who lost a spouse with depression and addiction to suicide; and Michaeel Mecozzi, a licenses clinical psychologist who owns the practice Hope With ME in New Lenox with his wife.
Registration is required online at eventbrite.com. Information is at dmartin@newlenox.net or 815-462-6493.
High School District 230 fills school board vacancy
Orland Park resident Chris Kasmer has been named to serve out a vacant term of office until April 2025 of the Consolidated High School District 230 Board of Education.
Kashmir, president of Carpenters Local 1027 and in his 14th year as a trustee for the Chicago Transit Authority’s Retiree Health Care Trust, is an active volunteer in District 230’s feeder school system. He served three years as president and five years as treasurer of District 135’s Parents for Education.
“The Board of Education is thrilled to welcome Mr. Kasmer to our team,” said board President Lynn Zeder in a news release. “His collaborative spirit and valuable experience will greatly benefit D230 students and families.”
“Having an active student in the district will help the board understand how well the schools are communicating and serving students from the perspective of families,” Kasmer said in the release. “I think that high school is a critical time for students not just to learn the curriculum but also to learn skill acquisition. I can also empathize with anyone on a non-traditional educational arc, as I entered the trades before attending college.”
Kasmer finished a four-year Department of Labor accredited apprenticeship through the Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council, earned a bachelor’s degree from DePaul University and a professional accreditation from the Wharton School and the International Foundation of Employee Benefits Specialists. He also works part time at the United Brotherhood of Carpenters International Training Center.
Orland Park library exhibit marks anniversaries
Regional history lovers can attend the exhibit “20/20: One Hundred Years in Focus – Smith Communities in a Changing World” through Oct. 28 in the second-floor gallery of the Orland Park Public Library, 14921 S. Ravinia Ave.
The library celebrated the 20th anniversary of its architecturally acclaimed home by welcoming the timeline exhibition, which marks the 20th anniversary of senior living community Smith Crossing. It was created to highlight Smith Crossing and the centennial of its sister community, Smith Village in Beverly.
The timeline features nine 3- by 4-foot panels and includes more than 220 people, places and events in world history, focusing on Chicago and Orland Park.
Trunks needed for Halloween event in Chicago Heights
Organizations, businesses and churches are needed to decorate vehicles and pass out goodies during Trunk or Treat from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 26 in the parking lot at the East Gold Court, 315 Glenwood Road, Chicago Heights.
Participants are welcome to dress in costume. Trick or treaters will be driven during the event, and vendors will pass out candy as they do so. Vehicles should be lined up at 3 p.m.
Registration for vehicles is free and must be done by 5 p.m. Oct. 21 and requires a copy of one’s driver’s license via email or dropping it off at the recreation center office, 1400 Chicago Road. Email wrodgers-spruell@chparkdistrict.net or call 708-755-1351.
Franciscan Health schedules job fair in Olympia Fields
Investigate career opportunities in the south suburbs with help from Franciscan Health Olympia Fields in partnership with Specialty Physicians of Illinois during a recruitment fair from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 22 at Franciscan Health Olympia Fields, 20201 S. Crawford Ave, Olympia Fields. Use the main entrance.
Positions are available in both clinical and nonclinical settings, including physician practices, home health and hospitals. Participants should bring copies of their resume and other supporting documents. Hiring managers will conduct live interviews and make employment offers on the spot.
Register online at https://jobs.franciscanhealth.org. Information is at jobs.franciscanhealth.org or jobs.FranciscanHealth.org/specialtyphysiciansofillinois.
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