Fire Science students get a boost at Moraine Valley
Students in the Fire Science program at Moraine Valley Community College have a new tool for their studies: an updated residential sprinkler demonstration unit, which was donated by the Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board.
Former firefighter Greg Monnet made the unit to replace the college’s outdated model. It features several types of sprinklers, pipes, vales, bells, smoke alarms and HVAC installations firefighters may run across in homes.
When thanking board President Erik Hoffer for the donation, Andrew Hufnagl, coordinator and instructor of the program called the new equipment “critical” for having well-prepared students. “These systems are becoming more commonplace, and we want to prepare the students for every possibility when they’re out working in the field,” he said via a news release. “Should they encounter this system, we will have all the confidence in the world that they’ll know how to operate them and to shut them off and protect the property.”
Flossmoor ordinance paves way for Chipotle, 7 Brew
The Flossmoor Board of Trustees passed an ordinance Feb. 2 that approves an amendment to a final place that allows 3900 Vollmer Road to be subdivided. That means a Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurant, drive-through and patio can be built, as well as a double drive-through 7 Brew, in an outlet near Meijer Superstore.
Chipotle restaurants serve Mexican-themed dishes, while 7Brew offers iced and hot drinks.
Joseph Development Flossmoor Outlet B LLC is expected to start construction on the restaurants in the spring with the hopes that they can be open in the fall.
Hospital hosts suicide prevention courses in Olympia Fields
Free suicide prevention classes will be happening this month and next at Franciscan Health Olympia Fields.
The first, QPR Suicide Prevention, is based on curriculum from the QPR Institute, or “question, persuade and refer,” according to a news release. It’s set for 10 to 11 a.m. Feb. 19 in GME 1, 20201 S. Crawford Ave., with a second QPR class from 11 a.m. to noon March 26 in The Learning Center 1 Classroom at the hospital.
A safeTALK course 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 9 in Learning Center Classroom 1 requires registration by March 5. The half-day session focuses on heping recognize a person with suicidal thoughts and how to connect them with resources. Anyone 15 and older is welcome.
A two-part Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, or ASIST, takes place 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 30-31 in GME 1 and 2 at the hospital. Registration is required by March 26. It’s aimed at caregivers, friends and relatives with little or no training but also professionals who need professional development related to preventing suicide.
Register for any of the courses by calling 219-228-1037 or emailing Shelby.Beasley@franciscanalliance.org.
Palos South cheerleaders win competition
The cheerleading team at Palos South Middle School in Palos Park earned first place at last month’s 2026 Middle School Matchup at Old Quarry Middle School in Lemont. (Palos 118)
The Palos South Middle School Cardinal cheer team came out on top at the 2026 Middle School Matchup cheerleading competition last month at Old Quarry Middle School in Lemont, earning first place of eight teams in the small junior high division.
The team is made up of Aliyana Acosta, Evelyn York, Avery Hansel, Sydney Dore, Emma Walkowicz, Alexa OwensMorgan Frankiewicz, Abigail Kjeldsen, Penelope Brackin, Devin Curran, Layla Coriell, Ava Mendoza, Mallory Coriell and Bianca Kapusciarz, and is coached by teachers Brittney Kmiecik and Ashley Partin.
“Seeing the girls’ excitement brought tears to my eyes,” Partin shared via a news release, Kmiecik added that the win “reflects their commitment and perseverance,” showcasing technical strength and skill but also camaraderie and positive energy.
Bunco event aids kidney dialysis patients
Feb. 16 is the last day to register for the King’s Daughters Silver Belles Circle bunco fundraiser, planned for 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 22 in Lower-Level Pavilion A at the Silver Cross Hospital Conference Center, 1890 Silver Cross Blvd. in New Lenox.
Bunco play, light refreshments and a chance to win prizes are included in the admission fee, which is $15 per person with cash payment at the door. Space is limited; call 815-693-1999.
Proceeds will be used for the inpatient dialysis program at the hospital. The International Order of King’s Daughters and Sons founded the hospital in 1895.
Evergreen Park Mustangs reunite this month
An all-school reunion is planned for alums of Evergreen Park Community High School as part of its 70th anniversary, and the event is 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Feb. 28 at 115 Bourbon Street, 3359 W. 115th St. in Merrionette Park.
Mustangs from every era are invited. Graduates from 1958 are expected to attend, and thousands of photographs will be on display that showcase the school’s history. A free tour of the school takes place earlier in the day; sign up by emailing jolieburnscasey@gmail.com.
Pre-tickets will be sold for $60 through Feb. 12 and can be bought online. Tickets at the door cost $90 per person. Admission includes an open bar and four-hour buffet. Photos printed that night will be sold for $20 cash or $22 credit.
Park Forest student earns scholarship for study abroad
Avaion Viverett, a junior at Elmhurst University from Park Forest, won a Gilman Scholarship to finance international business study in Australia and New Zealand.
The scholarships are part of a U.S. Department of State program that helps students with limited means study or intern abroad. He and others left early last month for the three-week Global Business in Australia and New Zealand course taught by Elmhurst University business and economics faculty members Lawrence Brown and Vania Adams.
Viverette, a sociology and psychology major, plans to enter industrial/organization psychology after he graduates.
Caregivers learn how to ease anxiety with dementia
Alleviating anxiety in people with dementia will be the focus of the next meeting of the Smith Village Caregiver Support Group at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 17 at 23230 W. 113th Place in Chicago.
Routine and structure are two tools to help ease so-called “anticipation anxiety” as those with dementia can lose the ability to plan. The session will be led by Smith Village life enrichment director Bridget Murphy and Alicia Keane, a Smith Village resident, who both have accreditation from the national Alzheimer’s Association.
RSVP by calling 773-474-7302. The group meets the third Tuesday each month.
Send news to communitynews@southtownstar.com.
