Geneva psychologist offers free help to jobless dads
The troubling statistics tell us many people are out of work. But they don't tell the stories unfolding in a home when the father is out of work.
Peter Temple, a doctor of psychology with an office in Geneva, wants to hear those stories and help get out-of-work fathers back on track - without adding to their financial problems.
"We are going through extremely difficult economic times right now and while this impacts all of us, I am particularly worried about the fathers out there who are dealing with joblessness," Temple said. "I relate to their fears both as a father myself, and as a therapist who works predominantly with men and young men.
"I am certain there are many men currently struggling with depression and/or anxiety," Temple added.
Because many of these fathers might avoid seeking help for fear of the cost of counseling, Temple said he has decided to offer his services at no cost to fathers who are out of work.
"My intention is to devote a half day every week to see men for regular appointments," Temple said. "There is a good chance this could evolve into a support group with no fees that may become an important resource for these men as they move forward to meet their challenges."
Temple said interested fathers should contact him with questions or to arrange an appointment at (630) 232-7245 or via the Web site at drpetertemple.com.
Sensing that traffic: The stoplight upgrade work along intersections on Fabyan Parkway the past few weeks had some readers wondering if those long-nosed cameras high atop the light poles or utility poles were designed to catch red-light violators.
"No, those are traffic control sensors that primarily tells the signal controller that vehicles are in the left-handed turn lanes along Fabyan or the side streets," said Tom Szabo, traffic manager for the Kane County Transportation Department.
Szabo said the sensor will alert the signal controller when any vehicle is in need of the green arrow for left-handed turns, not just when several cars are backed up.
As with any piece of electronic equipment, the signal sensor is "pretty dependable, but not 100 percent," Szabo said.
"They are a visual device, so it may not be able to see through a heavy fog, or a strong wind can move the camera slightly and throw it off," Szabo said.
Dimitri's goes dark: It's no fun to watch stores closing left and right during this economic free-fall we're enduring, but when it affects my taste buds, it is all the more difficult.
When places such as Circuit City in Batavia and Tweeter in Geneva recently announced closings, I figured it was a sign of the times and the glut of electronic retail stores thinning itself out.
But when I noticed Dimitri's Restaurant on the east side of St. Charles dark and shuttered and its phone disconnected, I was bummed out. If you never dined at Dimitri's, you missed a good one. If anyone has more details on whether Dimitri's will make a comeback, please drop me a note that I can pass along to readers.