Lake Forest attorney, group honored

Lake County Circuit Judges chose a Lake Forest attorney and a group that works with ex-offenders to receive the 2009 Liberty Bell awards.

The awards, presented in the county since 1996, honor extraordinary service to the justice system and dedication to the administration of justice.

Edmund R. McGlynn is a partner in the firm of Lesser, Lutrey and McGlynn and was chosen for the individual award for his work training the county's Habitat for Humanity families in estate planning.

The Coalition to Reduce Recidivism is a group of social service agencies, faith-based organizations, medical institutions and government agencies dedicated to reducing crime by helping ex-offenders in their transition into productive society.

Chief Judge James Booras said both McGlynn and the coalition provide great examples of dedication to the law and service to the community.

Primary vote:

County Clerk Willard Helander is inviting voters to express their opinion on moving the primary election date from February to a more hospitable month.

A survey on the Web site LakeCountyClerk.info asks voters to consider primary dates in April, May, June or August and includes variables that might impact turnout such as holidays, travel plans and candidate interest.

The survey is less than 10 questions and is anonymous. For more information contact the clerk's office at (847) 377-2308.

Volunteer honored:

Patricia Braskich of Vernon Hills has been named the Illinois Court Appointed Special Advocate of the year.

A statement from the Lake County organization that works with children in the juvenile court system said that Braskich is active in that group as well as similar organizations in Cook and McHenry counties.

She has also worked as a committee member for the Lake County CASA golf outing and annual dinner-dance fundraiser.

Braskich joined the group eight years and was selected for the award from the more than 2,000 CASA volunteers throughout the state.