Lake County CASA

Living in Lake County- CASA

Odie Pahl

A number of years ago I was volunteering for the Zacharias Center in Gurnee, which assists victims of sexual abuse. After being thoroughly trained, I signed-up for the help line, was on call for emergency visits to local hospitals for victims’ treatment, and learned how to advocate in court when perpetrators were brought for trial. It was very interesting, a bit depressing, and thoroughly fulfilling to help these people during their darkest hours.

However, I have a special penchant for children. I wanted to be of service for the ones who are really hurting.  I heard about CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and called to see what it was all about. After an interview, almost 40 hours of training, and being assigned to a case manager, I was ready to receive my first assignment. The children are victims of neglect, abandonment and abuse. My cases were no different. Each child starts the process through the court system and CASA volunteers do, as well. Until an illness two years ago circumvented my service, I was fortunate to work on several cases.

About the time, I was sworn in (2010) there were 70,900 advocates nationally and they had helped over 240,000 children through the court system. That same year, there were more than 700,000 children who were victims of abuse and neglect. CASAs become the voice of the child in the courtroom, research the background of their assigned cases, and advocate for the best interests of the child.

Although the training covers a lot of information, provides expert speakers, and prepares advocates through role play and the study of past cases (privacy insured), until assigned a child or children it all seems a bit unreal for a new CASA.  Early-on the responsibility you take on becomes quite clear. These children are thrown into a system they do not understand, sometimes taken from their parents indefinitely, and placed with strangers temporarily while the courts determine their future. As an advocate, you may be the only person looking out for their well-being.

Back in 1976, Superior Court Judge David Soukup in Seattle, WA was concerned with the lack of information about how the children were fairing in his criminal cases. No one was speaking for the child’s welfare. By January 1977, he had a pilot program implemented. The first year there were 110 volunteers, serving 498 children in 376 cases in Seattle, alone. During the next few decades, the replication of the initial program moved across the country. There are now over 1,015 CASA programs within the United States.

CASA Lake County is located in Vernon Hills not too far from the Robert W. Depke Juvenile Justice Complex on Milwaukee Avenue. It is considered a nonprofit membership organization. There are multiple fundraisers throughout the year to fund the program. If interested in their training program go to http://casalakecounty.com for dates and to investigate the application process.  The commitment is major, but worth the effort in the life of each child. CASA volunteers run the gamut of differing professions, ethnic backgrounds, and possible time constraints. If becoming an advocate is too time intensive, there are other volunteer possibilities. Call (847) 377-7975 for information.

Should She Stay or Should She Go- Liz Biondi Should Resign

Update- Liz Biondi did show up at the January board meeting for Warren Township High School with little or no remorse. Once again the public blasted her for comments on the hiring of a new superintendent and was asked again to resign. When it was time for her to speak, she did not apologize or explain her actions. She rambled on about other issues and was cut-off after her three minute limit was reached. Clueless, she is an embarrassment to our community and District 121.

Living in Lake County- Controversial School Board Member

Odie Pahl

Last Tuesday night I attended a school board meeting in Gurnee. I admit I no longer attend meetings at Warren Township High School District 121 on a regular basis. My children are adults and I have so many things going on in my busy life. Unfortunately, I am here to tell you, when you put off civic responsibilities and assume others will take care of business for you, you are asking for trouble. I’m talking about Liz Biondi.

Liz Biondi was elected to Warren’s board by 31 write-in votes in April, 2013. Hardly, a rousing endorsement from the community, but she did capture the majority of votes and won her spot fair and square. The problem with having such a poor voter turnout is; the community has not actually done its job. We took for granted our right to decide and we are paying the price. Liz Biondi, school board member, is the end result.

Earlier in December, Warren’s board met to discuss the search for a new superintendent, since the current one was retiring at the end of the 2014-2015 school year.  This is sad news for D121 because they have had a great one. This is not only my opinion, but general consensus. At that meeting, apparently Biondi chose to express her opinion on having a gay or lesbian superintendent when additional input was requested from the members.

Biondi expressed concerned with the personal fires that someone with that background would be putting out rather than dealing with superintendent fires. I was not there to hear those comments, but let me assure you her opinion spread like the wildfire. She was denounced quite publically in the media, across the Internet, and in private conversations. A petition was started drawing close to 3000 signatures condemning her comments and requesting her resignation.

On December 16^th, without Biondi in attendance, the community did what we should have done in the first place and told the school board what we thought. Private Citizens, concerned past and present parents of Warren students, local politicians, teachers, village trustees, and the students themselves spoke quite eloquently on Biondi’s lack of moral judgment and asking for her resignation. Not one person came to her defense. Biondi was told quite frankly through this public forum that she was alone in her personal views.

At this time, Biondi has refused to resign. The resolution presented by the school board passed by a 5-0 vote. It left no doubt that Biondi’s opinions were her own. She certainly does not represent the people of Warren Township who stood up to her at that board meeting.

The fact of the matter is Biondi is not well-liked in her position. She’s known to be antagonistic and contrary at most meetings. However, until she stepped over-the-line with her comments, both legally and morally, she had every right to do so as a rightfully elected member of District 121. Hopefully, the powers-that-be will fix this mistake for us. Next election, I will pay attention.

A New Mystery Writer Unveiled

Living in Lake County- A New Author

Odie Pahl

 

Set back by the cruel exploits of her abusive husband and haunted by an evil presence she can’t quite grasp, Police Chief Josie Oliver finds herself drawn into the cross hairs of a vicious serial killer. Fighting for her marriage, faith, and fate, Chief Josie is confronted by an Adversary that only God can conquer—if she decides to let Him in. (excerpt Alabaster Vases)

Dr. Catherine Finger is well-known in Lake County as an educator, administrator, board member, and Lake County’s Superintendent of the Year. She has lead Grayslake High School District 127 for the last nine years (she’s in her tenth year) making her one of the longest tenured administrators in the county. Now, she adds one more hat to her collection, novelist. Her blog states:

“Like her heroine, Police Chief Jo Oliver, Dr. Catherine Finger is committed to protect and serve, but instead of handcuffs and handguns, she uses her wit and wisdom as a high school superintendent and a community volunteer in Grayslake, Illinois. When she’s not working or writing she can be found enjoying God’s presence and the people of New Hope Church in Round Lake, Illinois. She is passionate about sharing God’s truth through her fiction. Alabaster Vases is her debut novel and the first in the Murder with a Message series.” (catherinefinger.com)

Being a writer myself, I know what a big undertaking writing can be for a busy person with many responsibilities. I work on my future projects every minute I can get away from my day-to-day schedule. However, I also understand the great joy to follow your passion in a very tangible way to publication. On January 1, 2015, Finger will celebrate her debut story with a book launch at Dalton’s Cakes, 970 Harris Road, from 1-4pm in Grayslake. Munching on tasty treats, while mingling in a literary atmosphere,  is not a bad way to welcome 2015.

The book release introduces the first of a series of mysteries from Finger through Deep River Books. Blending a faith-based message, yet having real-life events sprinkled with mystery and intrigue has to be fun to write. I read the excerpt from her website and very quickly I wanted to read more. The book unfolds in this locality, so Lake County residents will recognize the area. Originally, from Wisconsin, Catherine Finger, draws from her experiences, while letting her imagination weave some interesting scenarios in a world of murder and mayhem. The spiritual message is incorporated not to preach, but to enlighten and to help the heroine and possibly the reader find answers.

If you can’t make the New Year’s Day release event, Alabaster Vases is available on Amazon.com as a pre-order for only $13.17. This time of year, Amazon has some great discounts and fast shipping. Who knows it may be shipped from the new facility in Kenosha. Have you seen that building on 94? It’s huge! What a nice boon to the Wisconsin-Illinois workforce. Happy Reading!

AJ Soars

Living in Lake County- A Parent’s Pain

Odie Pahl

Are you a parent? There isn’t a day that I’m not grateful for two healthy adult daughters or two precious granddaughters in my world. When my kids were little I was anxious about all the worries that parents are typically concerned about. How am I going to fund their education, will they do well in school, will they have friends, and will they grow up to be happy and responsible adults? Those fears never go away.

The one issue I failed to mention is probably the most worrisome, will they be healthy? You try not to borrow trouble and believe all will be fine, but the truth is you never stop praying for guidance and protection for your children’s well-being.  You, also never and I mean never become complacent for their glowing health.

Angela and Adrian Peterson know about this, all too well. Their son, AJ, is fighting the fight of his life and they are praying for a miracle. The oldest of four children, AJ was diagnosed with brain cancer last June. Shortly after school was out, the family headed for Florida.  He had some troubling symptoms that raised a red flag almost immediately. Visiting numerous specialists, it was determined to be life-changing.

Only six years old, this current first grader was given a prognosis that no parent wants to hear and no child should suffer through. Diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor known as Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), it was determined to be inoperable.  Alternative treatment was his only hope.

On Facebook at AJ Soars, the Peterson’s document their struggle with the help of new and old friends. In turn, Adrian (a former Chicago Bear running back and motivational speaker), with his wife, Angela (a teacher in Gurnee) shower all the love and support they can on their ailing son. AJ maintains his activities in-between hospital stays or ER visits. The Peterson Family perseveres (together) in their new normal; so very different than a short six months ago.

Multiple fundraisers and events were organized for him; always with tremendous moral support. The family receives encouragement from the Bears organization, Angela’s coworkers, AJ’s school, and their faith community. Just recently AJ was granted one of his wishes through the Make a Wish Foundation. He became an honorary policeman. Sworn-in and given a uniform in the presence of family and friends, the Village of Round Lake came out big time. He was thrilled.

The family remains strong, relying on their faith, and taking it one-day-at-a-time. There’s a website for donations with updates on his ongoing condition. Through it all, AJ remains courageous and hopeful, regardless of his ups and downs. He flashes that infectious smile guaranteed to melt your heart. AJ’s a wonderful soul that shines a light on everyone he meets.

Angela Peterson commented on the website, http://gofundme.com/aj-soars, “Thank you for your support and prayers. It never goes unrecognized. Your angel work and support means the world to us.”  

AJ Soars

Living in Lake County- A Parent’s Pain

Odie Pahl

Are you a parent? There isn’t a day that I’m not grateful for two healthy adult daughters or two precious granddaughters in my world. When my kids were little I was anxious about all the worries that parents are typically concerned about. How am I going to fund their education, will they do well in school, will they have friends, and will they grow up to be happy and responsible adults? Those fears never go away.

The one issue I failed to mention is probably the most worrisome, will they be healthy? You try not to borrow trouble and believe all will be fine, but the truth is you never stop praying for guidance and protection for your children’s well-being.  You, also never and I mean never become complacent for their glowing health.

Angela and Adrian Peterson know about this, all too well. Their son, AJ, is fighting the fight of his life and they are praying for a miracle. The oldest of four children, AJ was diagnosed with brain cancer last June. Shortly after school was out, the family headed for Florida.  He had some troubling symptoms that raised a red flag almost immediately. Visiting numerous specialists, it was determined to be life-changing.

Only six years old, this current first grader was given a prognosis that no parent wants to hear and no child should suffer through. Diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor known as Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), it was determined to be inoperable.  Alternative treatment was his only hope.

On Facebook at AJ Soars, the Peterson’s document their struggle with the help of new and old friends. In turn, Adrian (a former Chicago Bear running back and motivational speaker), with his wife, Angela (a teacher in Gurnee) shower all the love and support they can on their ailing son. AJ maintains his activities in-between hospital stays or ER visits. The Peterson Family perseveres (together) in their new normal; so very different than a short six months ago.

Multiple fundraisers and events were organized for him; always with tremendous moral support. The family receives encouragement from the Bears organization, Angela’s coworkers, AJ’s school, and their faith community. Just recently AJ was granted one of his wishes through the Make a Wish Foundation. He became an honorary policeman. Sworn-in and given a uniform in the presence of family and friends, the Village of Round Lake came out big time. He was thrilled.

The family remains strong, relying on their faith, and taking it one-day-at-a-time. There’s a website for donations with updates on his ongoing condition. Through it all, AJ remains courageous and hopeful, regardless of his ups and downs. He flashes that infectious smile guaranteed to melt your heart. AJ’s a wonderful soul that shines a light on everyone he meets.

Angela Peterson commented on the website, http://gofundme.com/aj-soars, “Thank you for your support and prayers. It never goes unrecognized. Your angel work and support means the world to us.”  

The View and Marriage in Today’s World

I was watching The View this morning and through the chaos of the panel’s differing opinions on marriage I did relate to some of the topics presented. I really love The View, but even I’ll have to step away from the screen when they are thrashing out one of the “Hot Topics”. Talking over each other, interrupting whoever’s train-of-thought, and/or lambasting someone for daring to take another stance, is all great fun. However, some of the facts tend to get lost in the obvious posturing.

Anyway, they were talking about renewing a marriage license like we do our driver’s license, like every four years. Taking a look at the whole process and figuring out if we want to continue on and re-up until the next term or call it a day. What do you think? At the beginning of marriage, we are not as entwined in family, property, or life experiences, so a difficult divorce can be avoided under the “apprenticeship” program.

They say in a long standing marriage, couples may have multiple versions of their marriage. As our bodies are ever-changing, so is who we are. Making a successful partnership is a work in progress and maybe if regulated in the first four years, you can cancel the contract if you are not growing in the same direction. Once children are involved, of course, the marriage certificate kicks in. It would be no different for same-sex marriages.

They also discussed some kind of certification for raising children, the future of Beyoncé’s marriage, a new movie with John Lithgow on Alfred Molina about a same-sex couple as they grow older (interesting), and if a man is hit by a woman should she be treated as the victim when he turns on her. Does she have an applied expectation that she is immune to retaliation if she started the altercation? I tell you it was an interesting show.  Let me just say, no one has the right to physically harm another unless it is in self-defense. Man or woman- you pay the price for violating their right to safety.

After 39 years of marriage, I’ve lived through a number of different versions in our relationship. Some great, others pretty good, and let’s not repeat that again. Either way, if it was as easy as a simple renewal, some marriages wouldn’t last the first expiration date. Mine included. People are more willing to give up when there’s not much to lose. When abuse or dysfunction is perpetrated on either party, all bets are off, no question.

It takes time to really know someone, to accept someone after the initial passion has cooled, and understand we are not perfect as individuals. So the odds are we will not be in a marriage, which is perfect. We really need to work at things, regardless of how complicated they are. The harder the task the more we appreciate it when we succeed.

What’s your view?  Until next time…

The Wisdom of Our Grandmothers

I relish the idea of being a wise old woman, a grandmother. Heaven knows I am old enough to be one and God willing I will be getting older. So, I meet the main criteria with my grandchildren and then my age. I am getting on in years despite feeling just the same. Not like today, many of the ancient cultures revere us (older folks) with respect and admiration for what we have learned. Society doesn’t care so much. The gift of our wisdom and experience may be tolerated by our children at best and uniformly dismissed by the younger generations at its worst.  More invisible than pertinent to the conversation, I’ve become mute at times.

This is not acceptable. I’m at that age (baby boomer) when I’m not known for my innovative perspective, but continue to have valid ideas. I’ve learned that most seniors are fully functional, willing to try new things, and have decades of knowledge to share, Maybe it takes a little longer for me to find that particular word I was looking for (again) that lies beyond the tip of my tongue, I might need a couple tries to master a particular app on my smartphone or iPad, but I eventually figure out how to get there with the GPS. I admit my texting can improve a bit (okay, greatly), yet I am proud that it is in proper English and grammatically correct.  Speed is not always better. Candy Crush is addicting.

I once read the story of a grandmother and grandson that goes like this: A grandmother told her grandson that she felt like there were two wild animals fighting in her heart. The first one was mean, angry, and full of revenge and the other was good, kind, and forgiving. The boy asked, “Grandmother, which one will win”?  The grandmother answered, “The one I feed”. Doesn’t that say it all? What we become is based on how we nurture ourselves and we are a sum of how we have used those experiences. Grandmothers realize we are all connected and we suffer the same.

All the self-help books, talk show hosts, and celebrity experts cannot replace the information garnered from our own journeys, or the counsel of our elders. Grandmothers of today know how to raise children, while juggling a career. They have lived life before cell phones and computers, but stay in touch on Facebook. Actually, the grandmothers of today have conquered many obstacles in the workplace, on the home front, and through the dictates of society regardless of race, age or gender.

We know that kindness is more important than being right. We understand equality is not possible, but acceptance and fairness are. We believe sometimes we have to fail to appreciate success. We recognize that timing and luck are not the same and apathy will rob us of our opportunities. Grandmothers love unconditionally and the Golden
Rule exists for a reason. Nope, we did not learn everything we know in kindergarten, but in a lifetime of classrooms without opening up a book. Finally, we know it is not the destination, rather the journey. Grandmothers know...we need to listen and learn.