Copyright Chicago Tribune
Lombard man lauded for saving life at fitness center When Moraine Valley Community College police officer Peter Pangiotaros saw a Health, Fitness & Recreation Center member sitting on the Palos Hills facility’s track and was showing signs of having a stroke, he knew the man needed to go to the emergency room, not home. Thanks to his training in basic first aid, CPR, AED and Stop the Bleed, the Lombard resident recognized that Gene Jasmer, of Palos Hills, was hyperventilating, couldn’t see out of one eye and had trouble talking. Timing matters when it comes to preventing a stroke, so he persuaded Jasmer to go to the hospital. “The doctor said if he didn’t get the tPA (tissue plasminogen activator) drug for clot busting, (the result) could’ve been worse or death,” Panagiotaros explained in a news release. “He only had a couple of hours to get the tPA shot.” The officer’s actions that night led to him receiving the college’s Life Saving Award at the Board of Trustees meeting after Jasmer wrote a letter of appreciation for his actions to the college’s police department and Panagiotaros. “I’m grateful he was there along with my neighbor and coach. If it wasn’t for them, the doctor said I wouldn’t have made it,” Jasmer shared in the release. Artisan Fair set for Nov. 1 at Hinsdale South High School Artisans show their wares from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 1 in the cafeteria at Hinsdale South High School, 7401 Clarendon Hills Road, Darien. The fair, which benefits the high school’s post-prom event, is offered by the Hinsdale South Booster Club. It includes concessions and raffle prizes. Admission is $3; children 10 and younger are free. Triton College offers session to discuss death Death Café starts at 1 p.m. Nov. 3 in the Library Café on the main floor of A Building at Triton College, 2000 5th Ave. in River Grove. It’s a global annual gathering that allows participants to share thoughts on death and loss, offering a space with support for conversation without judgment or bias. It is not a counseling session or grief support program. Information is available at librarians@triton.edu. Lapidary museum shares minerals used in tech A new exhibition that explores minerals and gemstones used in technology opened earlier this month and continues through May 2026 at the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, 1220 Kensington Road in Oak Brook. “The Hidden Gems in Cellphones” was inspired by the Smithsonian Institution’s “Cellphone: Unseen Connections” exhibit and takes viewers through the rare earth elements and precious minerals that help run smartphones. The exhibition is included with regular museum admission. Reservations are suggested but walk-ins are welcome. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, with free admission on Wednesdays. Admission costs $10 for adults, $8 for adults 65 and older and $5 for students, teens and children 7 to 12 years old. It’s free for children younger than $6. Brookfield Zoo selling trees for Holiday Magic Brookfield Zoo Chicago in Brookfield has begun selling trees for its Holiday Magic lights festival. Decorating takes place between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Nov. 8 or 9. Community groups, including families, schools or organizations, can buy a fully lit live tree for $225, which includes 20 general admission passes and five parking passes valid on Nov. 8 and 9 only, a sign featuring the name and city of the decorating organization and recognition at the zoo Nov. 8 to Jan. 11. All sales are final. Purchase a tree to decorate at brookfieldzoo.org/TreeTrim. Cheney Mansion in Oak Park open for tours Oak Park’s Cheney Mansion offers free self-guided tours from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays. The home, at 220 N. Euclid Ave., was designed by Charles E. White in 1913 in a style reminiscent of an English country home. It was named an Oak Park landmark in 2004 and is owned by the Park District of Oak Park. A $2 donation or nonperishable food item to benefit Beyond Hunger are suggested donations. Details are at cheneymansion.com or 708-725-2500.. Send news to pioneerwest@tribpub.com.
