Bloom Trail group focuses on suicide prevention
When Matthew Kunkel was hired as the Student Assistance Coordinator at Bloom Trail High School in Steger, one of his goals was to form a group of students from varying backgrounds and interests who would be willing to bring awareness on social issues to the student body and staff.
The group of students, called The Breakfast Club, became a reality this year and in their first effort in September they focused on suicide prevention. The students put up 200 signs around the building and handed out over 1,300 wristbands to students and staff. They brought in a speaker who is a suicide survivor, facilitated class discussions and distributed wallet cards with suicide prevention information and phone numbers.
he Breakfast Club sold over 180 purple shirts Sept. 17 for a suicide prevention theme day and students wrote messages of hope and encouragement to friends in speech bubbles that were posted around the school.
Oak Forest, Bremen students compete in STEM
Industrial Technology students at Oak Forest and Bremen high schools participated last month in a STEM Competition at IBEW Technical Institute sponsored by Local IBEW 134, Northwestern University and Powering Chicago.
The students competed in a variety of career-based electrician skills that tested the students’ team and time management skills, including calculating the electrical demands of a home, completing an electrician’s challenge course, designing a photovoltaic array and bending conduit.
The students were rewarded for their efforts with tickets to see the Northwestern University football game on its STEM day Sept. 25.
Will County redistricting hearing is Monday
The Will County Board will hold a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the board chambers, 302 N. Chicago St., Joliet, to seek input on its proposed redistricting maps.
Residents can comment about two different maps under consideration, which includes dividing the county into 11 districts with two representatives per district or dividing the county into 13 districts with two representatives per district. Currently, Will County is divided into 13 districts represented by two county board members each.
Residents can attend the public hearing in-person or access the meeting virtually at www.willcountyboard.com. Residents can also email the board at publiccomment@willcountyillinois.com.
Maps are available online at the County Board’s website. Physical maps will also be displayed at libraries in Crete, Frankfort, Homer Glen and Naperville’s 95th Street branch among other locations.
The district maps must be redrawn every 10 years using the latest census data. Each district must have an equal population and consideration is taken to ensure each district has similar demographics, housing, roadways and interests.
The county board’s executive committee will discuss the maps at its meetings Oct. 7 and 14. The county board is expected to approve a final map at its Oct. 21 meeting.
-Michelle Mullins
Hazel Crest’s Alsberry, others in Southland take Municipal League posts
The Illinois Municipal League elected new officers to lead the organization Sept= 25, as a part of its 108th Annual Conference at the Hilton Chicago.
Membership unanimously elected Hazel Crest Village President Vernard L. Alsberry Jr. to serve a one-year term as Second Vice President of the statewide association. Alsberry has served on the IML Board of Directors since 2019 and the IML Executive Committee since 2020.
Other Southland mayors elected to the IML board were Charles E. Tokar of Chicago Ridge, Sheila Chalmers-Currin of Matteson and Rick Reinbold of Richton Park.
Oak Lawn sets Howl-O-Ween at Wolfe Wildlife Refuge
One of Oak Lawn Park District’s biggest events is set for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 23 at Wolfe Wildlife Refuge, 109th Street and Laramie Avenue. This outdoor event will feature various games, activities, and performances as families walk through the path at Wolfe.
Activities at the event include a scavenger hunt, pumpkin decorating, crafts, character performances and more. Participants must register in advance for a time slot. Time slots will be limited to four groups with a max of five people per group. The cost is $5 per child. Parents can register kids ages 2-12 for $5 each at www.olparks.com.
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