Around the Southland: New greenhouse at Andrew, 100+ Women gives to Will County agency, more
Andrew students, staff welcome new campus greenhouse
The Victor J. Andrew High School greenhouse officially opened last week with an open house for teachers and staff at the school in Tinley Park.
Staff members were treated to hand-painted pots filled with plants grown and cared for by students.
The greenhouse allows students to investigate soilless growing techniques, the impact of climate change on plant species, and create a pollinator hotspot to help boost the dwindling bee population, according to a news release from School District 230.
“A greenhouse provides opportunities for so many authentic learning experiences,” said Jame Holt, division chair for Science, Applied Technology and Family and Consumer Science. “Our science teachers feel like kids in a candy store. We are so eager and excited to use the space.”
The 1,152-square-foot greenhouse is climate-controlled for year-round use and is equipped with water and electricity. Paid for by ESSER grant funds, the greenhouse will help science teachers teach ecology, agriculture and biology.
Beyond the obvious application to the sciences, a greenhouse can incorporate other disciplines and learning styles.
“We hope to partner with Special Education Ultima students to help plant seeds, with Math and Construction classes to build raised garden beds, and with culinary classes to grow herbs,” Holt said. “It’s also possible that art students may find inspiration among greenhouse flowers and English students could find a quiet place to read and reflect.”
The Andrew Green Team Club, whose members help raise environmental awareness, appreciation for nature, and conservation of natural resources, hopes to utilize the garden in various ways. According to club sponsors and science teachers Sara Biallas and Kelly House, members have plans to start seeds, set up mini ecosystems to learn about biodiversity and conservation, discuss climate change, experiment with hydroponics and aquaponics, and grow plants that will be used to make terrariums for club fundraising.
“The level of environmental consciousness and awareness we will raise thanks to a greenhouse is terrific,” said Andrew science teacher Carrie Ward, who also is a master gardener.
Will County group gives $7,650 to service organization
Members of 100+ Women Who Care of Will County presented $7,650 to Guardian Angel Community Services, a social service agency based in Joliet during a meeting May 21.
Guardian Angel, the oldest non-profit social service agency in Will County, has served at risk children, adults and families for 126 years, through 6 programs. In 1983 the organization established the Groundwork domestic violence program, recognizing the crime of domestic violence as a community problem. Services include a 24-hour emergency hotline and emergency shelter, crisis intervention and safety planning, counseling, legal and medical advocacy and prevention education and community outreach in English and Spanish.
“Last year Groundwork provided 11,971 nights of emergency shelter and 35,193 meals to adults and children fleeing the horrors of domestic violence, while fielding 5,000 calls on our emergency hotline. Central to our philosophy of care is advocacy for peace and justice, and we are so grateful to 100+ Women Who Care of Will County for their generous donation in support of these life-saving efforts to help survivors of domestic violence,” said Guardian Angel director Ines Kutlesa.
100+ Women Who Care of Will County will meet again from 6 to 7 p.m. Sept. 10 at Coom’s Corner in Lockport, where they will decide upon another nonprofit group to support. More information is at www.100wwc-will.org.
Joliet VA Clinic to host mobile food pantry May 30
Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital’s Joliet Community Based Outpatient Clinic will host a mobile food pantry from 4 to 5:30 p.m. May 30 in the Joliet CBOC parking lot, 1201 Eagle Street, Joliet. The pantry is open to all community members in need. No proof of military service, residency or income is required.
Participants will receive basic food staples, including dry goods, meat, dairy and fresh produce. Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. A volunteer will load pre-packed items into each vehicle as directed by the driver. Donations will also be offered to those without access to a vehicle.
The Joliet clinic last hosted a mobile food pantry in November 2023, providing food to 118 households and benefiting more than 409 people. The clinic is planning additional food pantries. More information on area food pantries is at www.solvehungertoday.org and veterans experiencing food, housing or employment insecurity are encouraged to contact Hines VA’s Homeless Program at 708-202-496.
Perinatal loss remembrance service planned
Franciscan Health Olympia Fields is offering comfort and support to families who have suffered the loss of a pregnancy or newborn with a memorial service.
The Little Angels Memorial Service will take place at 2 p.m. June 12 at Assumption Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleum, 19500 S. Cottage Grove Ave., Glenwood.
When a patient experiences the loss of a pregnancy or newborn, Franciscan Health Olympia Fields provides interment at Assumption Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleum’s infant and children’s section. The burial site includes a memorial marker and meditation bench.
“This memorial gives the families of these babies a place to go to remember their little ones,” said Sister M. Ruth Luthman, OSF, MSN, vice president for mission integration at Franciscan Health Olympia Fields. “It also serves as a reminder that every life is precious, no matter how tiny.”
Franciscan Health Olympia Fields conducts perinatal memorial services twice a year on the second Wednesday in June and the second Wednesday in October.
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