Gurnee police spreading good cheer
They have had their Santa hats on at the Gurnee Police Department.
Police officers, village employees, citizens and one very special and private individual teamed up to hand out some presents for folks who really need them, Cmdr. Jay Patrick said.
Money raised at the department's 15th annual Turkey Trot was passed out to deserving recipients.
Patrick said the overseeing committee for the 5K fun run, Mayor Kritina Korvak and Village Administrator Jim Hayner divided up the $19,200 raised as follows:
•$6,500 was donated to the Gurnee Community Church.
•$5,000 was given to Gurnee Firefighter Russ Constantino, who is on leave from the department battling cancer.
•Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago received $3,000.
•The special needs program at Gurnee Elementary School District 56 received $2,500.
•Another $2,200 was given to the Warren Township Food Bank, Patrick said.
The Angel Tree program received its usual enthusiastic support from village employees who chipped in to provide Christmas presents for needy children, Patrick said.
A "secret Santa" in the form of a local businessman who shuns publicity also stepped up again this year, Patrick said, and purchased gifts for children on a list provided by Catholic Charities.
Finally, the police department adopted a local family in need and provided gifts for them through the Salvation Army.
Morelli takes charge
Frank Morelli, an 11-year adult probation officer in Lake County, has been elected president of the Illinois Probation and Court Services Association.
The IPCSA has about 1,000 members and provides services such as legislative updates, programs and training.
Morelli, who also served as a probation officer in Rock Island County, has been affiliated with the group for 18 years and previously served as chairman of the election and membership committees.
"Being involved with IPCSA has given me the opportunity to get involved with probation on the state and national level," Morelli said. "It has allowed me to work with other officers on issues that affect our profession."
A few good friends
The Lake County Children's Advocacy Center recently honored some private citizens who came to its aid in the fight against child abuse.
Executive Director Laura Notson said Nanine Schweda of Highland Park received the community support award for delivering boxes of snacks and beverages or children and organizing a holiday drive to benefit victims.'
Shoshana Shanes of Mundelein and Emma Ives of Waukegan received the center's Incredible Kids awards for their donations to the center, Notson said.
Shoshana was recognized for asking guests at her bat mitzvah ceremony to bring a stuffed animal to donate to the center and Emma asked her family and friends to donate stuffed animals to the center instead of buying birthday presents for her.