Gang awareness seminar in Maine Township

Maine Township’s MaineStay Youth and Family Services will present a seminar about “Gang Awareness and Prevention” from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19, at Maine Township town hall, 1700 Ballard Road, Park Ridge.

Hosted by Township Trustee Laura Morask, the seminar is appropriate for parents, teens, seniors, law enforcement personnel, as well as anyone else who is concerned about gang issues in our community. The program is free, but reservations are requested.

A career prosecutor with the Cook County State’s Attorneys Office and an expert on local gangs, Morask will be joined in a panel presentation by a number of local officials including Jim Prandini, Des Plaines police chief; Kevin Hughes, deputy supervisor, Narcotics Unit, state’s attorney; and Greg Jacobson, senior detective in Gang Mission Team for Chicago Police Department. Des Plaines Mayor Marty Moylan will also make a brief presentation about the ideas that Des Plaines has put in place because of the recent gang murder. Other officials will be announced as they are confirmed.

“It is gratifying to know that all segments of the community have pulled together in these efforts. By dealing with gang violence now, our hardworking police and prosecutors are not only helping to preserve the quality of life in our community, they are saving lives instead of just picking up the pieces later,” said Morask who has led the initiative along with the Maine Township board of trustees.

In addition to providing an in-depth look at gang identifiers specific to Maine Township such as signs, colors and names, the panel will also discuss the reasons that youths join gangs. They will also talk about what parents who suspect that their children are involved in gang activity need to know, how to get kids out of gangs, and strategies and phone numbers to help you stay safe.

“These seminars reflect Maine Township’s ongoing efforts to serve our community,” said Township Supervisor Carol A. Teschky. “We encourage residents to participate and to become active in supporting their neighborhoods by helping prevent gang problems. The solutions start with awareness and working with law enforcement authorities.”

To register for this seminar or for information about other MaineStay seminars, call Marissa Vigna, (847) 297-2510, ext. 273. Information is also posted on the township website, www.mainetownship.com.

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