Copyright Chicago Tribune
Orland Park rededicates Village Hall to former Mayor Fredrick Owens More than 100 family members, friends, residents and officials gathered Oct. 26 to remember former Orland Park Mayor Fredrick T. Owens, as the village of Orland Park rededicated Village Hall in his honor. Owens, who moved to Orland Park in 1972, was elected village trustee in 1979 and in 1982 and became the village’s 10th mayor in 1985, serving two terms. He helped bring Lake Michigan water to Orland Park, helping fuel the village’s growth, among his many accomplishments. The geography and history teacher led tours for the Orland Historical Society and helped save the historic Twin Tower Sanctuary of the Methodist Church in Old Orland by establishing the Old Orland Heritage Foundation to preserve the landmark, which gained a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989, three years before Owens died of cancer at 54.The Village Board voted unanimously later that year to dedicate Village Hall in his honor. “It’s an honor to see my father’s name returned to Village Hall,” shared daughter Marjorie Owens-Klotz in a news release. “Our family is deeply touched to know that his commitment to public service and his love for Orland Park continue to be remembered and celebrated.” New board member joins School District 210 in Lemont Lemont High School District 210 Board of Education has filled a vacancy left by the resignation of former board member Renée Koehler by appointing Lemont resident Sarah Forzley Pocic to the board. She was sworn in at the board’s Oct. 20 meeting. Pocic, a 2007 Lemont HS graduate and managing attorney at Sarah Forzley LCC, is following in the footsteps of her grandfather, the late Joe Forzley, who graduated from Lemont High in 1945 before serving on the board from 1969 to 1980, including as its president from 1977-80. Koehler, a 10-year member of the board, was first elected in 2015 and had won a third four-year term in 2023. Moraine Valley CC honors officer who saved fitness member 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. Hospital gift shop hosts Christmas grand opening Childerguild will hold its annual Christmas grand opening from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 3 at its gift shop at Silver Cross Hospital, 1900 Silver Cross Blvd. in New Lenox. Mrs. Claus will make an appearance, and cookies and hot cider will be available. The gift shop, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, has evolved over the years, from its roots in a small space at the former Joliet campus and lots of homemade items to merchandise that features women’s and baby’s clothing, books, jewelry and other items. During its history, it’s helped raise more than $6.8 million for women’s and children’s health services at the new Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, according to a news release. For instance, in 2022, it donated a ventilator system that makes it easier for babies in the new NICU to breathe comfortably. Volunteers are welcome. Details are at 815-300-7472. Fashion show, lunch benefit Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra The Friends of the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra host Symphony of Style, the 34th annual fashion show boutique and luncheon starting at 11 a.m. Nov. 9 at Idlewild Country Club, 19201 Dixie Highway in Flossmoor. The boutique, available 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., features vendors with jewelry, clothing and unique items. Lunch is served at 1 p.m. and the fashion show starts at 2 p.m. Fashions will be provided by Azul Boutique in Frankfort, Kluger Furs in Flossmoor, Maxine’s Apparel in Homewood and Jayne in LaGrange and other locations. Tickets, $75 per person, are available at ipomusic.org/fashion-show. Seminars aim to prevent seniors falling from scams The Palos Park Police Department will host seminars aimed to prevent older residents from falling victim to a scam, with sessions set for 2:30 and 6 p.m. Nov. 5 at the Kapture Center, 8999 W. 123rd St. The seminars will focus on how people can avoid becoming a victim of fraudulent tax schemes, identity theft and other emerging crime trends. Light refreshments will be served. Sadly, some older people fall victim to people who use a ruse to get into their home by dressing as utility workers and pose as local or municipal utility workers, contractors or repairmen. The sessions are free. Send news to communitynews@southtownstar.com.
