Will County trail extension project complete
Construction work at the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Lake Chaminwood Preserve in Channahon was completed last week and barriers were removed on a new paved path connecting the preserve to the I&M Canal State Trail.
The 0.25-mile path extension has replaced a grass trail that was used for shoreline fishing on the western portion of the lake. This new trail section connects to the 61.5-mile I&M Canal State Trail via a 90-foot bridge over the canal.
“It also opens up that area along the canal so users who may have just been using the I&M Canal for recreation or exercise can now easily hop over to see what we offer at Lake Chaminwood,” said John Stecyk, the Forest Preserve’s project manager. “I’ve talked to cyclists and runners both on the I&M Canal side and at Lake Chaminwood and they’re very excited about these new trail connections. Many of them on the I&M side … had no idea this preserve was here.”
The project also included installation of two accessible fishing piers, one on the eastern section of the lake and another on the western section of the lake.
The new trail connection to the state-owned I&M Canal State Trail also links to two other Forest Preserve properties. And connecting to the state-owned I&M Canal Trail opens the possibility to travel west to LaSalle County, he added. The trail connection and the additional fishing piers make the preserve a recreational hub, Stecyk said.
Eventually, the DuPage River Trail, which is being built by multiple entities over many years, will also connect to Lake Chaminwood. It will be the southern terminus for this multijurisdictional trail, officials said.
Robin Kelly tours Rich Township High School
U.S. Rep.Robin Kelly and a delegation of local leaders visited the Fine Arts and Communication Campus of Rich Township High School last week to inspect the newly renovated commercial-grade kitchen and food pantry.
“It makes me very, very proud to represent this area,” Kelly stated in a news release from the school. “Many years ago, I lived in this area, the town next door. My kids graduated from the school system. I’m very proud to see the school doing things like this. It’s very meaningful.”
Accompanying Kelly were State Rep. Debbie Meyers-Martin, Matteson Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Currin, Cook County Commissioner Monica Gordon and Richton Park Mayor Rick Reinbold. Their visit highlighted the school’s commitment to community service and innovation.
Superintendent Johnnie Thomas guided the tour, showcasing substantial renovations at the campus located at 5000 Sauk Trail, calling it “a space that really takes care of the community.” The campus now features a television broadcasting area, an athletic medical facilities, a large weight room, a gymnasium with a 200-meter indoor track and an armory for the naval cadet program.
Suicide prevention course set for Sept. 12
Franciscan Health Olympia Fields is hosting a free suicide prevention course from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Sept. 12 at its main campus at 20201 S. Crawford Ave.
The entry level Question, Persuade and Refer or QPR Suicide Prevention Course, is based on curriculum developed by the QPR Institute. The course aims to save lives and reduce suicidal behaviors by providing innovative, practical and proven suicide prevention training.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, with one suicide taking place every 11 minutes. The suicide rate reached its highest point since 1941 in 2022, with nearly 50,000 Americans taking their own lives.
According to the QPR Institute, just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade and refer someone to help.
The course is free, but registration is required with Franciscan Health Community Health Improvement Coordinator Justin Davis at Justin.Davis@FranciscanAlliance.org or 708-855-7692.
Renaissance Academy returns to St. Xavier
Renaissance Chicago NFP brings its program for lifelong learners age 55 and up back to St. Xavier University, 3700 W. 103rd St. in Chicago with 6-week terms in fall, winter and spring, starting Oct. 8. Classes on Tuesdays and Thursday afternoons are at SXU and online on Wednesdays.
For a fee of $180 per year, members can take 1-3 courses per term, attend a Sept. 28 welcome session, luncheons in winter and spring, access SXU facilities such as the track, and two Speakers’ Forums with noted presenters and light lunch. Course topics often include Art, History, Music, Travel, Birds, News & Views, Psychology, and The Novels You Weren’t Ready for in High School.
Registration will be online from Sept. 9-13. Information is at www.renaissancechgo.org or with Betty Kort at 708-819-0139.
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