Vol. VI No. 30 Maywood hires new manager, PAGE 2
East transformed into ‘Little Medical School’ for youth Young students gathered July 16 and July 23 inside Proviso East’s social room for workshops designed to simulate the medical experience By SHANEL ROMAIN Staff
About a dozen young people, ages 11 to 14, gathered inside of the Fred Hampton social room at Proviso East High School in Maywood July 23 to get a sense of what it’s like to study medicine. The young participants got real stethoscopes and learned about the human heart, skin, blood, digestion, disease and surgery techniques, among other things. The first “Little Medical School” was free for participants and sponsored by Maywood Safe Summer, a youth summer activities program started by Maywood Trustee Isiah Brandon. See LITTLE MEDICAL on page 8
JULY 27, 2022 When work dissapears, PAGE 9
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Westchester Garden Walk showcases plant power
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July 23 event demonstrates how gardens can be solutions for endangered species, soothing for humans By MICHAEL ROMAIN Editor
Recently, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classified migratory monarch butterflies as endangered and close to extinction. “So many people and organizations have come together to try and protect this butterfly and its habitats,” said Anna Walker, a member of an IUCN group that
focuses on butterfly and moth species. “From planting native milkweed and reducing pesticide use to supporting the protection of overwintering sites and contributing to community science, we all have a role to play in making sure this iconic insect makes a full recovery,” she said. Westchester resident Amy Chenski is playing her part. On July 23, Chenski was among eight homeowners to participate in the 4th Annual Westchester Garden Walk, which is hosted each year by the Westchester Garden Club. Proceeds from the event’s ticket sales benefit the Westchester Food Pantry. Chenski, who lives on the 1600 block of Hull Avenue, may have one of the most complex gardens in the village, replete with native plant species and perennials
that grow throughout the year. Importantly, Chenksi has plants like milkweed and coneflower, which attract butterflies and hummingbirds. She said, despite the recent news of their endangerment, there have been multiple sightings of monarchs “within the last week or two,” along with other butterfly species, such as yellow and black swallowtails. In fact, all eight of the gardens featured in this year’s Garden Walk might be considered sanctuaries for butterflies and other animal and insect species that are increasingly in need of natural ecosystems. In some gardens, nature intermingles with local history. That’s certainly the case with Bill Ernst’s garden on the 10000 block of Gladstone Street. See GARDEN WALK on page 5