Podcasts about libertyville high school

In this episode of "Discovering Grayslake," host Dave sits down with Alan, a local lawyer, to discuss life, law, and community in Grayslake. Alan shares heartfelt stories from his legal career, insights into family and criminal law, and his passion for giving back through local organizations. The conversation is filled with humor, personal anecdotes, and reflections on Grayslake's vibrant spirit—from favorite pizza spots to community events. With a warm, hometown feel, this episode highlights the importance of connection, kindness, and supporting one another in the Grayslake community. Automatically Transcribed With Podsqueeze Speaker 1 00:00:03  Looking for a car dealer that actually feels like your hometown. Welcome to City Chevrolet of Grayslake, where the vibe is friendly, the pressure is off and you'll always be treated like family. Meet Anthony Scala. He's just not the owner. He's a guy that grew up in the car business, worked his way from porter to owner. Anthony believes in people first. That's why City Chevy sponsors your kids teams, your town events. And matter of fact, this show, they give back every chance they get. Anthony thinks that the experience of buying a car should be fun. No pressure, just honest people who care whether you need a new Chevy, a quality used car, or just service you can trust. City Chevy is here for you. Come visit City Chevrolet of Grayslake right off of 120. And thank you for sponsoring Our town. Our stories, our voice. Let's get after it. Grayslake. Grayslake Rehabilitation Center is a community based private practice physical therapy provider. Do you know they have 13 clinical providers with various levels of specialties including orthopedics, sports, neurology, vestibular geriatrics, pelvic floor and aquatic. Speaker 1 00:01:05  What did I just say? They have a pool. Well they do. And it's the largest indoor warm water pool in Lake County. Featuring two underwater treadmills and swim currents and recently added clinical treatment specialties. In layman's terms. Shockwave. They have both radial and focus units that are the newest tool in regenerative medicine available to everyone. They pride themselves on the most current and up to date specialized care to keep you moving. If you're looking for physical therapy, make sure to see our friends at Grayslake Rehabilitation. All right, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to another episode of Discovering Grayslake. I'm so happy to be here recording again at Agora Co-working. Agora. As you know, if you've listened to any of these shows, Agora is on the corner of Centre Street and Atkinson. It's a co-working place, so if you guys are looking for a place to get your, your business out of the house for a day, for an hour, for a week or a lifetime home, Luke over here is a great dude, and I'll be happy to help you out. Speaker 1 00:01:58  So shout out to Agora for having us here. so I'm not going to mess up your name because you help me. So I'm here with Alan and Ziggy today. That's right buddy. Speaker 2 00:02:07  Hi, Dave. Nice to see you. And, Hello, internet. Speaker 1 00:02:09  Yes. So, actually, it's funny that we, Just as we sat down, we went over just a short thing of all the people from Grayslake that we just from just the Grayslake people that we know we have in common. Speaker 2 00:02:20  Right? I was living in Grayslake for the last 15, 20 years, and, my family lives in Grayslake. My mom does still, even though my dad passed away and I've been active in the Grayslake Exchange Club for a long time. So that's how I kind of got to know the people in that business community, stuff like that. Speaker 1 00:02:35  Right. Okay, so when I got arrested for the third time when I called you and then I called you, and I've not been arrested. Speaker 2 00:02:42  I would not be able to disclose the details unless you told me it was okay. Speaker 2 00:02:45  So just let me know, and I'm happy to. But we have attorney client confidentiality, which prohibits me from talking about it. Speaker 1 00:02:51  Which means all the fun stories that I want to ask you about to tell me today. You can't. Speaker 2 00:02:54  I can tell you stories, but I can't say like, hey, you know my client, Sergio. Guess what happened, right? I can't say that, but I can say I had this one guy and this one thing. I could do that, right? Speaker 1 00:03:03  He looked a lot like Mike Steiner, but. Speaker 2 00:03:06  Nobody looks like Mike Steiner. No, Mike Steiner is like Mike Steiner. Speaker 1 00:03:10  Doesn't even look like Mike Steiner. Speaker 2 00:03:12  He's like a ten. I mean, he's like, maybe mistaken for George Clooney from time to time. Speaker 1 00:03:17  He gets that a lot. I am. Speaker 2 00:03:18  Sure. Speaker 1 00:03:19  Shout out. Shout out to right at home. By the way, one of the sponsors of. Speaker 2 00:03:21  The show is an okay. Speaker 1 00:03:22  Dude. He's great. okay, so, Grayslake has changed, but what is your job? Speaker 2 00:03:27  Okay. Speaker 2 00:03:28  I am a lawyer. Speaker 1 00:03:29  Okay. What kind of a lawyer? Speaker 2 00:03:30  Okay, so my background is as a prosecutor. And when I was a prosecutor with the state's attorney's office. I guess I'll answer this in a long winded way. The easy question is, I tell people at Christmas parties. Like, what kind of lawyer are you? Divorces and DUIs. Okay. Okay. Because that's an easy way to break down family and criminal law. Those are my two specialties. I'm in a law firm called Johnston, Tommy Lansky and Goldberg. I'm one of the founding partners of that law firm, and we do everything collectively. I have a partner that does real estate. I have a partner that does business formation. I have a partner that does wills and trusts. We do probate litigation, foreclosures. We do all kinds of stuff. But my particular role at that law firm is family. So your divorces, child custody, child support type cases sometimes, and then also criminal cases. And, like, I have a murder right now. Speaker 2 00:04:20  So everything from murders down to traffic tickets and suspended licenses. Speaker 1 00:04:24  Is that normal for me? Because this shows how much I know. Is it normal for an attorney to have such a broad range of things like that? Speaker 2 00:04:30  So for me, I want two things, you know, so two things is pretty normal. If you're a guy that only, let's say only does criminal, it's I don't know you people do that, but I like to have a second sort of, type of case because sometimes it ebbs and flows in what you're getting. You know, the family law cases are hourly. The, criminal cases are a flat fee. Usually both are great. The family law cases are more, I guess intellectually and emotionally challenging sometimes. Which which maybe surprises some people. My criminal cases are usually a joy. Like family law cases can be tough. Speaker 1 00:05:08  Yeah, and that's one thing, because, it's no secret that I've been divorced twice. And, you know, for the for the people. And many people listen to the show, I mean, just from the, from the age demographics that I know that if people gone through these, like, heart wrenching, terrible parts of their life where they need someone like you to help guide them through and and hopefully make it as easy as possible. Speaker 2 00:05:29  Divorces are hard. I mean, a lot of you that are listening, have experienced it or your parents did or whatever. So, divorces are very difficult for people, and the plan with me would be just to get them done on time and under budget with a handshake at the end. Speaker 1 00:05:44  Okay. And I've never heard that before because I, I unfortunately, you know, I was spending a lot of time in courtrooms and seeing stuff like that, that it seems like, you know, the guys maybe that aren't doing well, or maybe they need to pay off their boat or something, string things along as long as they can. Speaker 2 00:05:58  They okay. I would never cast aspersions. I tell you, you might be surprised. The family law bar in Lake County is mostly fantastic people. Yeah. most of those lawyers I really like, I get along with the strength of our bench, you know, which means the judges in Lake County is good. Our bench is good. Our bar is good. there are a couple of lawyers that I'm like, oh, I got a case with her again. Speaker 2 00:06:21  Oh, I got a case with that guy. Right? because sometimes the law, just like any maybe more than some other, professions, can attract people with, like, a type of personality. That's annoying. I don't know, I don't want to. I'm not a psychiatrist or psychologist, so I can't say, like, all my clients come in and they say, oh, my husband, he's a narcissist. Or like, he's gaslighting me. People like those psychological sort of terms from today. Like the now times. Like we didn't know what narcissism and gaslighting was in 1997, right? Or I didn't, but now I do for sure, because all my clients are like, he's gaslighting me, he's a narcissist, he's a blah, blah. Speaker 1 00:07:01  One minute your world is normal, the next it's gone. A flood, a fire, a crime scene. Your home shattered, your business shut down, your life on pause. But in the darkest hour, when chaos knocks at your door, that's when Servpro of Northwest Lake County shows up. Speaker 1 00:07:20  Not just a company, not just a cleanup crew, but neighbors, parents, coaches, locals who care. Drake and his team aren't just restoring properties. They're restoring peace, restoring dignity, restoring lives. So when your worst day arrives, call the oh no guy who becomes your, thank God guy. Servpro of Northwest Lake County, locally owned, nationally known, unshakable and trusted from devastation to restoration. Duration. Servpro, northwest Lake County. Speaker 3 00:07:50  Hey, neighbors, this is Bill Mack with the Grayslake Chamber of Commerce. And if you're looking for a network of hardworking, customer focused and generally friendly local businesses who are dedicated to helping each other succeed, then I'd like to invite you to check out and consider joining our Grayslake chamber. We offer our members so many ways to advance their businesses through social networking events, special events, sponsorships, informative lunch and learns, and the ever popular after hours mixers. Come see why we say we're the new wave of business here in Lake County. Speaker 1 00:08:22  Well, at this time of day, everything needs a label, right? Speaker 2 00:08:24  They throw those labels around. Speaker 2 00:08:26  Which, I mean, there's there's nothing wrong with it. it helps me to identify, at least. Now, I don't know if the person saying he's a narcissist means that. Really, she's right and he is a narcissist. Or if it just is helping me to flag this case is going to be a little bit tougher than maybe some other ones. Truth, right? I could see that. It's like one. Okay. Like in internet. Now, I'm sure people are, like, watching TikTok. Like red flag. Red flag. Like I see, yes, red flags when those kind of cases walk in. Speaker 1 00:08:56  Absolutely. Yeah. And I'm sure things changed like that too. Okay. So I want to go back a little bit because you have a it's a very interesting that for me, if I was doing your job I would love it that you could do one day like you have a murderer thing. Totally. But but then you can have a family law case or maybe help a dad get, you know, custody of his child. Speaker 1 00:09:13  Like, yeah, at least there's a little variety for fun, right? Speaker 2 00:09:15  It's interesting. I mean, today I had a couple of DUIs up, you know? And DUIs are like a bread and butter type case for a criminal defense attorney. Because most people, especially in Grayslake, especially in Lake County, they're not murderers. They're not gang members, but otherwise good dude or an otherwise good lady who is not necessarily manifesting a criminal intent. Like I'm going to go shoplift. It's a guy saying, I've had too much to drink, I'm gonna drive. He's making a dumb choice to drive home, but he's not having the criminal intent. Like I want to endanger somebody tonight. Right. Right. And so a DUI is usually the first time that somebody that's a good person is in hot trouble. Speaker 1 00:09:55  Okay. Gotcha. And, you know, it's got to be nice to, some of these, I'm sure, having satisfaction to be able to to help people out and help them navigate through things they have no idea what they're getting into. Speaker 1 00:10:05  Right. Speaker 2 00:10:05  So. Okay, I used to work for a really fantastic attorney in Round Lake Beach, and I want to make sure to give a shout out to Round Lake Beach. That is an awesome town full of super awesome people. And this lawyer I used to work with, named Bruce Scotland. He taught me a lot. And he's still out in Round Lake. He's a competitor of mine, but I really respect him. And when I started working for him, he. He said, Alan, we love helping people for money. And I'm like, yeah, I love helping people for money. Right. Speaker 1 00:10:34  Well put. Right. It wouldn't be as fun as if you didn't get. Speaker 2 00:10:37  Paid for it. No, but I mean, and that, you know, it's a business. You want to help people? Yes. For money. Right. Right. So. And I'm not trying to sound cold, I do some pro bono. I know it's me, but I don't do pro bono divorces. Speaker 2 00:10:47  No way. They're too hot. They take too long. I'll do a pro bono traffic ticket. I'll give people. I used to volunteer at a safe place, and they have a, a battered women's shelter in Zion. And I used to go there, and I used to talk to the ladies about free legal advice. How can I help you? What do you. They have questions about everything, and I would just volunteer and talk to them. I love that, but, a really hot case to do pro bono is is a big mistake for attorney, in my opinion. Yeah. Attorney in my position, I'd say right. Speaker 1 00:11:16  Okay, so the one thing that really, that I found appealing when I was looking through, when we got connected and I went through your website and I was looking at things like places, like a safe place, like, those are people that really need help, right? Yeah. It's tough. I tip my hat to you for going in there and helping out, because I know there's a list of different things that that you do to give back, which is which is extremely generous of you. Speaker 2 00:11:39  Thanks. I just I just signed up to do the mock interviews at Libertyville High School. That's a cool program. Yeah. Cool. That high school has a really good program where they have these kids that are in the business class, and you give them mock interviews to, you know, improve their skills, to hone their hone their interviewing abilities. And I was blown away by how great the kids were. Really? I was like, you're really smart. You're really smart. Wow. You're what an active, wonderful person. And I was like a bump on the log. When I was in high school, I wasn't active like. Speaker 1 00:12:10  I would have loved to seen what my interview would have been like in high school. Speaker 2 00:12:14  I don't know, they were fantastic, but. So some of the stuff I do, yeah. In Libertyville, I was been active in Grayslake because I lived in Grayslake for many years. over there on West Trail. my mom lives in Harrison Farms and, yeah, that's we were living in Grayslake ever since about the turn of the millennium. Speaker 2 00:12:32  So that that wave of people that like third wave of of immigrants to Grayslake that began in the 90s when the, you know, when they started building the subdivision. Speaker 1 00:12:42  Farms, right? Yes. I think that I was one of the first off the Mayflower to when I landed at Avon on the Prairie, one of the first ones off of Atkinson. That was like one of the first things that wasn't in, you know, Grayslake proper. Right. So to say. Right. Right. That's what we showed up. But but so then how long ago is that? Speaker 2 00:13:01  So we moved here in like 2001. Okay. So my mom and dad bought a place in Grayslake on West Trail North in Harrison Farms. And I remember the first day we came to graze. Like, I'm from Florence, Illinois. Speaker 1 00:13:12  Okay. I was just gonna say. Where did you originally come from? Speaker 2 00:13:14  I'm from philosopher. I went to Homewood Philosopher High School. I was born in Harvey, at Ingalls. and, But that's why sometimes I get, like, a Chicago accent. Speaker 2 00:13:22  I don't know, whatever. It's like, it's a but but floss more is is a nice town in the 90s. I mean, it's like the lake bluff of the south side. Yeah. So we we had a good time growing up. Speaker 1 00:13:31  They should put that on their sign. Speaker 2 00:13:32  By the way. Yeah. Right. The lake bluff off. Speaker 1 00:13:35  The. Speaker 2 00:13:35  South side. I need the. Speaker 1 00:13:36  T. Speaker 2 00:13:36  Shirt. I mean, it is. I mean, it's kind of like being the tallest midget, you know? I mean, but no offense to people that are little people. I love them, too. but, you know, I don't know where I was going at that. Speaker 1 00:13:51  Time of growing up in Hollywood or more. Speaker 2 00:13:54  Grew up there. So then I came to, I lived in Champaign because I went to school down at U of I and Champaign, and it was fantastic. And my parents moved up to to Grayslake. So I come up to Grayslake, and on our first day, the restaurant they took me to was Bill's Pub North. Speaker 2 00:14:08  Yeah, right. Engages like and I just thought in my mind I'm like, I'm in the woods. My parents moved to Wisconsin, you know, where am I? I'm like, this is the woods. I mean, here in Wisconsin, there's a polar bear hanging there and there's fish every on, on the wall. And I thought, this is this is great. And it turned out Lake County's not quite Wisconsin, but it's close. It's an interesting. Speaker 1 00:14:29  Perception, I guess if you've never been here. And that's the place they took, I had to. Speaker 2 00:14:33  The only thing I had done with Grayslake before that when my parents moved here, Let's go to Prairie Crossing. Okay. Because my aunt and uncle lived in Prairie Crossing, which is a interesting. I wouldn't say the word weird, but it's an anomalous little part of the world. Prairie crossing is. Speaker 1 00:14:51  Absolutely. Speaker 2 00:14:51  I had never seen anything like that before, because I think that community at the time was novel and maybe still is. so I thought that all Lake County was like that. Speaker 2 00:15:00  And then I saw Bill's Pub and I went, oh my gosh, I'm in Wisconsin. Speaker 1 00:15:03  What's going on? You have no idea. Speaker 2 00:15:04  Where you're at. Am I at the U.P.? I mean, how is ten feet of snow? You know, this is I came from 708. You know, the land of good pizza and terrible baseball. Now, here I am. Speaker 1 00:15:15  The lake bluff on the south side. Speaker 2 00:15:17  Right, right. Yes. Speaker 1 00:15:18  That's awesome. okay, so, when you're studying law. So when you went to, you went to U of, I, law school? Speaker 2 00:15:25  No. So I went to I was an undergrad at u of I. Okay. and then I went to law school at DePaul. Speaker 1 00:15:30  We're taking a quick break just to say hello, because everybody knows Nano and Nano knows real estate. And actually I believe that's the name of her Instagram page. So if you're looking to buy a home, sell a home, or know somebody in the market for a home, contact nano from Baird and Warner. Speaker 1 00:15:44  She's a Grayslake girl helping out Grayslake people. And when you when you went to law school, did you know what you wanted to practice? Speaker 2 00:15:52  Yeah. So I don't mean to be, like, whatever, a little bit, emotional or emo in the, in the interview, but it was September 11th of 2001. Right. And you probably remember that day, but I could remember that day. I wanted a date with the girl. I looked in the sky and I saw there was no jet contrails. What a what a crazy day. And after that day, I thought to myself, I would like to be in law enforcement because I'd like to help our country for, I don't know, because America, I like America. Amen. And I was mad. Oh, I'm nine over 11, right? I mean, come on. Speaker 1 00:16:27  Everybody was. Yes. Speaker 2 00:16:28  So. But after that, I thought I'd go into criminal law. I thought I wanted to be a prosecutor, So then I got a job with Mike Waller, at the State's Attorney's office. Speaker 2 00:16:39  And I tell you, you know Mike Waller, I owe him everything. I love the guy. I know some people don't, but he's a politician. There's people that hate his guts, people that love and support him. He always was a gentleman to me, and I never. I just thought that, the decision making he made was good, and he gave me a job saving my bacon. You know, and so I got to begin my career as a prosecutor. And I was a line assistant state's attorney in Waukegan. They start you off as a DUI assistant. So, you know, brand new 25 year old kid. I was prosecuting DUIs. Misdemeanor DUIs. Right? Misdemeanor traffic cases out in the branch courts. And that was very good. Fulfilling. Fun work, I liked it. Okay. You know, you did. and then, they switched me to just misdemeanor stuff. And I was prosecuting your retail thefts. And back when weed was illegal, I was prosecuting your weed cases and your trespassing. Speaker 2 00:17:31  And here's your fights. And then they stuck me in the domestic violence division for a long time. Speaker 1 00:17:35  Okay, so how was that? Speaker 2 00:17:38  Okay. You know Lew Frank. Of course. Okay. Lew Frank is a fantastic Grayslake. And he would say felt like five minutes underwater, you know, to to be a line assistant in the domestic violence courtroom is hard. Speaker 1 00:17:55  I. Speaker 2 00:17:55  Bet. Because you have to look at the cases. And so, like, are you familiar with the cycle of violence? This is this theory. Speaker 1 00:18:02  I am not. Speaker 2 00:18:03  Okay. So it's a theory that's a big part of criminal prosecutions of domestic violence. And the cycle of violence goes like this. Right now we're having a fight, and I'm going to use the gender of he and she, you know, whatever. But sometimes women can be the victim of domestic violence. Sometimes guys can. But in a classic situation, let's say he slaps her. Okay. Then she calls the police. He's arrested. But then in a few days she's like, maybe he's not that bad or I need him out of jail so he can, like, work and pick up our kid from school. Speaker 2 00:18:35  Like you've been a parent, you know? And so maybe she takes them back and then they have a honeymoon period where it's, like, passionate, like we love each other, and then it can happen again, you know? And that cycle of violence. The State's Attorney's office was really keen to interrupt it. Right. But then that meant that lots of times you'd have the victims, I guess recanting, they'd say, hey, that didn't happen like that, or I'm not coming to court, you know? And so that was frustrating. And then sometimes you had cases, not all, sometimes you had cases where it was a situation where the family's going through a domestic violence thing. Maybe. But maybe what it really is, is a child custody thing. And somebody ringing the bell of domestic violence to get a leg up on somebody in a child custody type proceeding. Right. Like, like I'm going to get an order of protection against him. So I get our kid, which, I mean, I get that, but you need to really be careful about abuses of the system. Speaker 2 00:19:32  So as a line assistant with the State Attorney's office, as back then, I mean, things have changed a little bit now. They have had two different, changeovers between the state's attorney. but anyway, long story short, you still have to use your discretion to decide what really happened. And at least at the time I was a state's attorney, we were empowered with a good amount of discretion. It was awesome. Speaker 1 00:19:53  Really. Speaker 2 00:19:54  So. Speaker 1 00:19:54  Yeah. And and I'm sure with that, too, like, you probably get to be a really good read of people. but then sometimes you probably think you are and then people bamboozle whatever. And you probably don't even know. Speaker 2 00:20:06  I mean, you ever been lied to about your own kid, right? Speaker 1 00:20:09  I mean, you believe. Speaker 2 00:20:09  Him, and then you believe him, and you're like, I have egg on my face. I was lied to in kind. You know, so sometimes, you know, you just you don't have a, a lie detector that buzzes when she lies or he lies, you don't know. Speaker 2 00:20:25  So you have to do your best with what the facts are. But there was a good team at the time. But yeah, I did. Two and a half years as a as a domestic violence prosecutor. And then so when I left the State's Attorney's office, I thought to myself, well, I've been doing family law cases basically already. I may as well do them as a business. Sure. You know, so that's what I did. So now my practice is a hybrid. That's why I say divorces and DUIs. It's family law cases. And then it's criminal law cases too, because I've done all that. Speaker 1 00:20:52  Wow. So your resume is quite deep for all kinds of different things, right? Speaker 2 00:20:58  I guess. Speaker 1 00:20:59  Right. Speaker 2 00:20:59  You know, it's just like, I don't know how other people get through life. This is just what I did. Right. Speaker 1 00:21:05  Well, and everybody, you know, people look at different people, whether you're a doctor, whether you're a lawyer, whether you're a podcaster, where whatever you do that, everybody does something for a line of work that, you know, people are. Speaker 1 00:21:16  You deal with very delicate situations, people going through stuff. And especially the one thing about the family law stuff, it it must be hard for you to stay. You have to almost train yourself to not get emotionally involved in some of those things, right? Speaker 2 00:21:28  I sometimes. Speaker 1 00:21:28  Do. Speaker 2 00:21:29  I remember my first adoption. You know, we had a case that was a very ugly family law case, and it went on a long time. And then at the end of it, the dad, he agreed to put the child up for adoption. To the mom and her new husband. Okay. So the dad was making a very hard choice. Because, I mean, to give up your child, you know, and to look in the mirror and say, all right, I wasn't doing that good of a job. This new dude who's married my ex girl, he'll do better in the best interest of my child. It takes kind of like a man to do that. Speaker 1 00:22:06  Oh, that's a big decision, right? It's a big leap of faith. Speaker 2 00:22:08  But on the other hand, too, you know, maybe people are judging him about. You walked away from your kid, you didn't fight harder. So it's very tough, you know. And that's the type of case I remember I had, like, one manly tear going down my. Speaker 1 00:22:18  Face. Speaker 2 00:22:19  Looking into my steely eyed gaze. No it wasn't. I was bawling like a baby. I was so happy for them, you know? But also that's that's. Those are big moments. Yeah. Speaker 1 00:22:30  So you cool stuff too? Yeah, right. And to see people come through stuff that they deserve that the, the law can either work in your favor or against you. And it's nice when it actually works, right. Speaker 2 00:22:40  It's hard. I will say, okay. I was worried as a kid that I would come into the law and see a lot of weird stuff, like judges tossing cases in exchange for Cubs tickets. I have never seen any of that in Lake County. Really? I have never seen anything crooked or weird. Speaker 2 00:22:58  Everybody's been really professional. I mean, and I'm like, me that right? It's not just because I want to keep on working with these people. Most of them are fantastic. Speaker 1 00:23:06  Well, well, the Cubs have been doing that. Speaker 2 00:23:08  Well, no better than the White Sox, sadly. Speaker 1 00:23:11  Now, if somebody did something bad. Speaker 2 00:23:12  For White Sox. Speaker 1 00:23:13  Tickets, we really question what. Speaker 2 00:23:15  I heard. You could buy some chili at Wendy's and you get free season tickets to the White Sox, right? A cup of chili at Wendy's. Speaker 1 00:23:22  So well. In all seriousness, it is really good to hear you say that because, you know, everybody watches all these TV show, every law TV show and court TV show that people have this fantasy of things, how how they how they go along. Speaker 2 00:23:34  I don't ever watch any legal TV at all. Ever. I just don't. That's probably a good idea. The last legal movie was probably Liar Liar with Jim Carrey, which is a fantastic movie. Speaker 1 00:23:46  Very serious movie about the law. Speaker 2 00:23:48  I don't because I like do it for a living. And then honestly, at 502 when I'm at home, I'm like, I'll see you tomorrow. That sounds like a a modern day problem, al. Speaker 1 00:23:58  Right. Right. Speaker 2 00:24:00  So no, because otherwise you go insane. Speaker 1 00:24:02  No. Yeah, well, everybody needs a break from their job. Nobody wants to go home and do it. And that's why, you know, I've been self-employed for a very long time. That's why most self-employed people end up getting in office in hopes that when you go to the office, you can leave and leave your work there and go home. And if they can make that work. Speaker 2 00:24:20  That's why I don't work from home. Ever. Speaker 1 00:24:22  Yeah, well, good for you. Speaker 2 00:24:23  I mean, I guess ever is a word, I mean. I, I don't. Never say never. I don't like to work from home. And I very, very, very seldom. Speaker 1 00:24:30  Do. Speaker 2 00:24:30  It. Speaker 1 00:24:30  Right. Okay. That's good. Speaker 1 00:24:32  let's do something, because I have a couple other questions to ask you, but, you've said you've listened to a couple of podcasts. Sure. so we do something about halfway through. I call the Grayslake hot seat, where we have some rapid fire questions to get to know you just a little bit better. Speaker 2 00:24:45  I ain't scared enough. Speaker 1 00:24:46  Remember when you said, are these open ended questions, or is this an interrogation or whatever? I ain't scared, right? The Grayslake hot seat is brought to you by Joe Velez, JP financial. It's often said that those who fail to plan are planning to fail. Joe Velez and his team at GPB financial create unique financial plans that are some of the most difficult challenges that people might face as they get older, no matter what stage of life you're in. Having a proactive financial plan can help navigate some of the difficult decisions you'll face, helping you live your life by design, not default securities and investment advisory service offered through Mosaic Wealth, Inc. member Finra, SIPC. Speaker 1 00:25:26  Now for the Grayslake hotseat. Hey. Thanks, Joe. This is where we need the, This. We should have done with a surveillance camera to do this, I think would have been really good. Speaker 2 00:25:36  I've seen lots of those police interviews. I'm looking around for the mirror with the guy behind it. Speaker 1 00:25:42  It's just. It is behind there. We just have the, newer ones, so to say. okay. So, Grayslake. Casey, did you play a, a sport in high school in the lake bluff of the the swimming. Speaker 2 00:25:58  I was on my country club swim team. The floss. More flyers. Yeah. Wow. Speaker 1 00:26:03  Yeah, that sounds bougie as all good. Speaker 2 00:26:05  It was kind of bougie, but, I mean, at the time, I didn't think it was. And at the time, I thought I looked fat in that Speedo. But now I look at those pictures, I'm like, you looked awesome, right? Speaker 1 00:26:13  Well, you got to look back. Speaker 2 00:26:14  Were you wearing a Speedo and everything? It was the 90s. Speaker 1 00:26:17  Were you good? Speaker 2 00:26:18  I mean, okay. Okay. I didn't come in last place because I'm kind of tall, right? And they made me swim a lot. I mean, in the morning, they would say it's 7:00 in the morning, do a bunch of laps. And when you're 14, 15, 16, you do that a lot. You get to be fit. Speaker 1 00:26:32  Oh, absolutely. It's the best. Speaker 2 00:26:34  That was nice. I like that I played T-ball as a little kid. but no, swimming was my jam. And then I became a lifeguard. I was a lifeguard for the H.F. Park district. That was fantastic. Speaker 1 00:26:43  Yeah, that's not a bad gig to have. Awesome gig. Yeah. Nice. First car. Speaker 2 00:26:48  Well, Volvo 740, a blue baby blue Volvo 740. Speaker 1 00:26:52  Nice. I'm a Volvo. Speaker 2 00:26:54  It helped me get one of my first girlfriends who was, honest to God, a Swedish foreign exchange student at my high school. No way. Anne-Marie. Honest to God. Speaker 2 00:27:04  And she. Speaker 1 00:27:04  Got her with a Volvo. Speaker 2 00:27:06  Because they make them in Sweden. And she. She sees it and she goes, oh, she goes, what an awesome car. But I wish it was a Saab. Speaker 1 00:27:14  You did? Speaker 2 00:27:15  She did. Totally. Speaker 1 00:27:16  That's so great. And, folks, I want you to listen closely. Maybe. Hit the rewind button there, because that is the first and last time you'll ever hear on the show about how a guy got a girl because of a Volvo. Speaker 2 00:27:25  That was unlikely. Speaker 1 00:27:27  The only reason that it will happen, totally. Speaker 2 00:27:29  But it was it was. That was my Volvo. It was my in with the Swedish girl. I was fine by me. Speaker 1 00:27:34  That was hilarious. Yeah, and they don't make many blue ones like that either. So it. Speaker 2 00:27:38  Was cool. It was a baby blue Volvo. I mean, whatever, I don't think it was. No, it wasn't cool, but it got me from A to B and. Right. Speaker 1 00:27:45  Whatever, man. Speaker 1 00:27:46  Hey, I got 200,000 on mine sitting in the parking lot. Speaker 2 00:27:48  I had a Dodge Neon for a while. I love that Dodge Neon. Right. I can talk about cars. Speaker 1 00:27:51  Yeah. You were, Yes. The the, two of the hottest cars. I could think of. Hot stuff in my head. speaking of that. So this is what? Oh, maybe this would be a fun one for you. What's the fastest you've ever gone in a in a vehicle? Speaker 2 00:28:06  Well, I got, like, an airplane, like. Speaker 1 00:28:07  No, no, no, we'll leave that out. Speaker 2 00:28:09  Like in. Speaker 1 00:28:10  A car. In a car. Speaker 2 00:28:10  I don't know, a hundred. Speaker 1 00:28:12  Just a. Speaker 2 00:28:12  Hundred, you know. Yeah. Because, I mean, I was a kid and stepping on it. Right. And nowadays, if you do that, like, I never do that anymore. I don't speed anymore. I don't, because the consequences. And I don't mean like death and dismemberment. Yeah. Speaker 2 00:28:24  That happens. Speaker 1 00:28:25  That's all legal consequences. Speaker 2 00:28:26  Yeah. The cops light you up, you know, and the the cases are class A misdemeanors. and they're punishable by up to a year in jail and or a fine of $2,500. Speaker 1 00:28:36  Wow. Speaker 2 00:28:37  Back when I was a prosecutor, I became friends with some police. And maybe they don't say this anymore, but I used to hear nine year fine, 11 year mine. Okay. All right. Which is consistent with my lived experience. Speaker 1 00:28:49  Of going nine miles over. Speaker 2 00:28:50  Nine year fine 11 year. Mine is what the police would say. And and that bears with what I've seen during the time that I've, I've done lots and lots of traffic tickets as a, as a prosecutor and as a defense attorney. And you never see somebody getting pulled over for five over. Right? You know, they are looking at you for 11 to 15 starting at 11, maybe 15 now 20. They want you right? You know, but like I said, nine. You're fine. Speaker 2 00:29:15  11. Your mind. I think that's pretty good. That's the advice I give a lot of the kids that I represent. This is. Speaker 4 00:29:20  Bob Churchill. I know you are always there for your family, caring for your children, your spouse, and even your parents. But in critical times, will you be able to make decisions that assure the best result for your family? Power of attorney may be necessary if, on behalf of a loved one, you need to talk to a doctor, a bank, or the college infirmary. A power of attorney may sound daunting, but the lawyers at Churchill, Quinn, Hamilton and Van Dantzler can easily create this document for you. We are right here in Grayslake supporting the community for over 122 years. Reach out to us at Grayslake law.com or call us at (847) 223-1500. Whether you need a power of attorney, a will or legal help with your business, we'll take care of you so you can care for others. Go to Grayslake Law.com today for more information. Have a wonderful day. Speaker 4 00:30:09  And now back to the program. Speaker 1 00:30:11  Interesting. That's good advice, too. which is funny. I won't tell you how fast I've gone then, because I would not have been fine. Tell me something. Do you like to travel? You have not been. Speaker 2 00:30:25  So I've been like Johnny Cash. I've been everywhere, you know. I have been to lots of different places in this country because my wife is a maniac for travel. She loves it. And we have little kids and we take road trips. But we had little kids. Now they're getting old. my oldest is a sophomore in high school. Speaker 1 00:30:40  Oh, my gosh, it goes fast. It does it really. It just moves. It moves moves, moves so fast. And then I think I heard you have a ten year old too, right? Speaker 2 00:30:46  He's he's a wonderful guy. Awesome guy. but yeah, I have a of a 16 to 12 and a ten, and we've always done road trips around the country. you know, I don't know, early ones where? Tennessee and Kentucky, Upper Peninsula of Michigan, all through Wisconsin. Speaker 2 00:31:00  Indiana. Out to Maine. East coast, Florida. A lot of times we've flown out to California, Utah and Nevada. so around the country And then, like I used to, I lived in Europe briefly. I lived in London for a few years. Speaker 1 00:31:14  Did she really? How cool is that? Speaker 2 00:31:16  My mom, she was a lawyer at, Amoco. Right. The the gasoline company, you know, Amoco. They used to have that big white tower in downtown Chicago. The Amoco building, right? Absolutely. Formerly Standard Oil of Indiana. John Rockefeller's thing. And then they trust. Busted it. Whatever. Monopoly busted it. Right. So. But Amoco, if you remember, in the 90s, merged with BP, British Petroleum. So they moved my mom's job from Chicago to London. So we lived there for a while, and I was kind of in school in champagne and going to London in the summertime. That was awesome. Speaker 1 00:31:47  Oh yeah, especially at that age. But it was really cool. Speaker 2 00:31:50  I worked at a bar. I worked at a pub called the Prince Albert Stafford. That is the guy. It was awesome. Speaker 1 00:31:58  Folks, this isn't a real interview. Just so you know, I just brought one of my buddies in. Speaker 2 00:32:02  I worked at a at a pub called the Prince Albert, and it was in, Notting Hill. Right. You remember Notting Hill with the Hugh Grant movie? You've probably never seen that movie. Speaker 1 00:32:11  I've seen the movie poster. Speaker 2 00:32:12  I saw the poster. Yeah. So Hugh Grant, I thought he was good in the dad movie. But I never saw Notting Hill. But I worked in Notting Hill. so. Yeah, I don't know. Travel places. Speaker 1 00:32:23  There's nothing that you have, like a bucket list. Like I gotta. Speaker 2 00:32:26  Go. Like I don't need to go to Thailand. I don't know. I guess if I had infinite money, I'd travel Europe again, I like it. Sure. Speaker 1 00:32:32  You know, when the. The age of your kid. It sounds like you did your traveling and you did what you wanted to. Speaker 1 00:32:36  And your kids have got, like, some of the best education that kids can get is traveling all over the United States because the United States is cool. Speaker 2 00:32:43  It's fantastic. And like when you travel the United States, like the other day I was coming back from Florida on I-65. We stopped at the Bucky's in Athens, Alabama, which is, you know, a Bucky's is like a like a, you know, if you, you know, a Bucky's, of course. Yeah. It's a giant gas station in front of a giant Walmart, basically. You know, or maybe more like a Kmart. Speaker 1 00:33:03  But one of my favorite places, one of my favorite things, if anybody goes on TikTok right now, there's a woman that explains what Buc-ees is and is the most brilliant thing I've ever seen in my whole life. I love it. Like, if you want to feel like your true, true white trash, she explains exactly what it is. And because we all get excited to go to a Bucky's right. Speaker 2 00:33:22  My kids were stupid excited. They were. And I'm like, guys, it's a gas station that's in front of a K-Mart. What are you talking about? You know. Speaker 1 00:33:29  Exactly what. Speaker 2 00:33:30  It is. I mean, whatever. Back in the old days, Kmart used to have barbecue sandwiches, too. True. Speaker 1 00:33:35  You just couldn't get a puzzle. A sweatshirt and a, you know, corned beef sandwich? No. All at the same time. Speaker 2 00:33:40  It's a fancy dress I've traveled around. It's great. I like. Speaker 1 00:33:43  The train. I like the Bucky's. Was one of the highlights on your trip. Kept coming back. It kind of was. It's kind of. It's kind of fun. And we're getting one close to here now. I keep seeing the signs. God love. Yeah. Speaker 2 00:33:53  God love them. I hope that they take over. I'm ready for Bucky's to be the only employer in the United States. Speaker 1 00:34:00  Did we talk? What was your first job when you were. So you lifeguard was a lifeguard? Speaker 2 00:34:05  Yeah, I was a lifeguard. Speaker 1 00:34:05  Did we call that a job? Is that a job? Speaker 2 00:34:07  Oh, really? Man. Lifeguard. It could be my career. That is a fantastic job. Speaker 1 00:34:12  Maybe when you want to retire, you can go back and be a lifeguard. Speaker 2 00:34:14  My uncle, actually, he was like a car salesman and stuff. And then when he retired, he used to be a lifeguard at his, you know, apartment complex. Like, that's a great job, dude. Come on. Speaker 1 00:34:24  Wow. Maybe when I grow up, I'll look into that. Speaker 2 00:34:26  Be a lifeguard. Speaker 1 00:34:27  It's cool. I'm gonna. Speaker 2 00:34:28  It's cool. Speaker 1 00:34:29  I think it could be a. Speaker 2 00:34:30  Tad creepy. Speaker 1 00:34:31  If I applied at the Grayslake pool right now. Speaker 2 00:34:33  No, I mean, they need people that with with with maturity and experience. Yes. You know. Speaker 1 00:34:39  I have a shirt that says that that's for my requirements. Speaker 2 00:34:42  And it was nice. And I worked at Jewel. I worked at the library in summer. I mean, it was great. Speaker 1 00:34:47  So you had a lot of different jobs? Yeah. Speaker 1 00:34:48  So you actually were taught some work ethic as a as a child from your parents as well? Speaker 2 00:34:53  Well, they worked hard. My parents, they loved each other. They stayed together the whole time. They were both lawyers. They worked. And I just wanted to work. Right. Speaker 1 00:35:01  I don't know. They said very good examples, right? That's awesome. first concert you ever attended? Speaker 2 00:35:07  Man, I don't know. okay. It was, the World Music Center, right? Yeah. Q101 had one of those concerts that's like, not it wasn't, not not, Twisted Christmas. It's the one they did in the summertime. And I remember that garbage. Jamiroquai. Mighty, mighty. Speaker 1 00:35:27  Boston's nice. Speaker 2 00:35:29  Were there. I mean, that's, like, awesome. And I went with a Swedish girl. Really? So. Yeah. Speaker 1 00:35:34  Did you drive the Volvo. Speaker 2 00:35:35  There, though? Maybe I might have got dropped off by my parents, so. Speaker 1 00:35:39  Good, good. Good concert. Speaker 2 00:35:41  I saw the Smashing Pumpkins down there, but that was a different day. Speaker 2 00:35:44  Oh, nice. Billy Corgan, love that guy. Speaker 1 00:35:46  Yeah. He, Billy was at that because I had forever. I forget that where they're from, around North Shore. Yeah, right. And I was hanging out, and I was doing a daddy daughter dance, and a guy came up that looked a lot like Billy Corgan and asked for a song. And I had told him no. Yeah, because it wasn't really. It wasn't really appropriate. Yeah, right. And then somebody came back and one of the people said, well, Mr. Corgan asked for a song, and I guess you told him that you weren't going to play it. And I'm like, okay, well, it just didn't fit with what we were going to do, because I like to think that I do the right thing, right? You do the wood, you work music, you do the right thing for the party. You got to know your audience, unless it's Billy Corgan. And then you just say. Speaker 2 00:36:23  Do what he says. Speaker 1 00:36:24  Right? Speaker 5 00:36:24  Despite all my rage, he's awesome. Speaker 2 00:36:27  It was the best. Speaker 1 00:36:28  And it wasn't a pumpkin song, though. Speaker 2 00:36:29  Oh, that's too bad. Speaker 1 00:36:30  I wish I knew what the song was, though, to look back. Speaker 2 00:36:32  I would think that Billy loves putting on pumpkin songs. I would think that he lists the pumpkins all the time. Speaker 1 00:36:38  He's driving around right now listening. Speaker 2 00:36:40  To all these new stuff because his old stuff is for posers. He's like that old stuff. I'm over it. Only my new stuff. Only Billy and Machines have got to listen to right now. Speaker 1 00:36:48  Yeah. That's hilarious. if you had to have a superpower, what would it be? Speaker 2 00:36:54  Being the greatest golfer ever. Speaker 1 00:36:57  Really? Speaker 2 00:36:57  Yeah. Speaker 1 00:36:58  Come on. That would be good. But then you wouldn't have. Would it be any fun? Because then you beat everybody all the time. But yeah, you could play with people though. Speaker 2 00:37:05  Then you'd be good at golf. And that's what my dream would be. I would love to. Speaker 2 00:37:08  I'm not that good at golf. I wish I were okay. I practice and practice and the people that are naturally gifted, I look at them with such envy, you know? Speaker 1 00:37:17  Now, being a being an attorney makes you a better golfer, though. Doesn't like doctors and attorneys and like. Speaker 2 00:37:22  Yeah, yeah. And some of the attorneys really suck, which is great because I can just stuff them. You know, these old guys especially that that don't play that much. Oh, I'm way better than them. That makes me feel so good about myself just to stuff them. Yeah. Hey. Nice chat counsel. Oh. Speaker 1 00:37:38  That's fantastic. what do you wish you learned sooner in life? Speaker 2 00:37:43  Spanish. Really? Totally, dude. Speaker 1 00:37:45  It's a great answer. Speaker 2 00:37:46  Spanish. Speaker 1 00:37:47  Wow. Okay. So, you know, young people, people in high school, people go in and they're like. I have to tell them. It's probably one of the best things you can do. Right. As an education level, Just. Speaker 2 00:38:00  Your friends, your coworkers, your clients. You know, I mean, learning Spanish is awesome. I personally have a super awesome, legal assistant, and, she is bilingual and she helps me do so much. So I shout out to Crystal. Crystal, you're fantastic. But, like I said, if only I had paid more attention in school and I was better at Spanish, I wish. Right? Speaker 1 00:38:21  Yeah. No. And it's really. That's a great answer. I'm going to. Maybe I'll start learning a different language. have you ever eaten a roller dog from a gas station? No, really? With all the all the road trips you've taken. Speaker 2 00:38:34  I don't do that. Speaker 1 00:38:35  Maybe I'm smarter than me. Speaker 2 00:38:36  Because I'm worried about, like, dying from bacteria. Like it's. Guys, it's only ten more hours to Chicago. Stop 11. Speaker 5 00:38:43  Times. Speaker 2 00:38:43  Or having. Speaker 1 00:38:44  Explosive diarrhea on a. Speaker 2 00:38:45  On a road trip. You know, I don't either. I never eaten, I mean, I've bought stuff at gas stations, beer, I've bought smokes, I've bought lots of things. Speaker 2 00:38:53  if I'm gonna shop for food at gas stations, it's probably beef jerky. Speaker 1 00:38:57  They do have some coffee. Speaker 2 00:38:58  Beef jerky. Maybe some candy. Speaker 1 00:39:00  Okay, nice. what's the chance that, Bigfoot exists? Speaker 2 00:39:04  0%. Speaker 1 00:39:05  Really? Speaker 2 00:39:05  It's a hoax. Speaker 1 00:39:06  Really? Speaker 2 00:39:07  Yeah, I don't believe. I don't think so. Cryptids. Speaker 1 00:39:09  Really? Speaker 2 00:39:10  I'm not aliens. I'm not sure. Ghosts I don't believe in. Okay, okay. Speaker 1 00:39:15  All right. Okay. We were friends right up until. Let's see, what's the mark on there? 3605. Speaker 2 00:39:21  It's okay. You think that Bigfoot exists? Speaker 1 00:39:23  I. I think that the best, the best answer I ever got from it was from Doctor Terry Silky. our wonderful big. One of the biggest philanthropists in town. who's a orthodontic specialist for Lake County. Big shout out, Terry. he said that we think about all the things that we've gone through, like from history, from dinosaurs, to, like, all this thing. He's like, if you don't think it's a distinct possibility that we have a Bigfoot, maybe. Speaker 1 00:39:48  Maybe not today. Right. But maybe in the past. Like with all the things that we've had, he said. But, you know, this guy's been on 20 safaris and you've seen the whole thing. Speaker 2 00:39:58  You would think that there would be, like, Bigfoot heads mounted in the Smithsonian, you know. Speaker 1 00:40:03  Or at Bill's Pub. Speaker 2 00:40:04  Or Bill's Pub. Definitely. You know. I mean, there would be that. And I mean, the fact is, like, I know people lie and they sometimes lie for attention. So ergo, could it have been a hoax, too? Oh. Speaker 1 00:40:15  Maybe. Speaker 2 00:40:16  Right. Speaker 1 00:40:16  And actually, if anybody's watching, I just got this shirt as a gift. It's come from. It's from Logan, Ohio. And they have a, in the summertime. They have a Bigfoot festival there. Yeah. So my only thing is, if he doesn't exist, because this is this podcast is really about Bigfoot. It's not about you. Just so you know. Speaker 2 00:40:35  But I. Speaker 1 00:40:35  Hear you. But why or why is it such a big hoax everywhere? Then why do they have festivals for these? Speaker 2 00:40:40  Cute. I mean, like, people, you know? I mean, people, like, they think he's adorable. He's funny. He's like a meme. I think before memes. Speaker 1 00:40:47  Kill people, I think that might be. Speaker 2 00:40:49  What about Harry and the Hendersons? He was nice. Speaker 1 00:40:51  Yeah, that was just a. That's fiction. Like, he was nice, like Notting Hill. Speaker 2 00:40:54  He would always be like. He would always, like, hide bashfully in the closet. He's cool. Speaker 1 00:40:59  And John Lithgow, isn't that too? Speaker 2 00:41:00  He's nice. Right? He's always frustrated here. He does something. Speaker 1 00:41:04  Well, when I have evidence, I'm calling you. Speaker 2 00:41:06  Call me. I would love to be proven wrong about this, and I will. I would be happy to to to shake Bigfoot's hand. Speaker 1 00:41:12  Okay, good. Because now that we have these new phones that have better, you know, they focus better. Speaker 1 00:41:16  Now we'll get a clear picture of them, not just the fuzzy ones. Speaker 2 00:41:19  I only wish that Nessie was existing. The Loch Ness monster, that's my favorite cryptid. And I have never seen any good proof of that. That's a darn shame. Speaker 1 00:41:28  Yeah, well, hey, you never know. We're finding out all kinds of fun things these days. You never know. All right, so I think it's time we switch off of our hotseat. Questions that we've covered the really important stuff. Thank you. one thing I want to thank you for, because I know that you are a part of an organization, here, which is the Exchange Club. Yeah. so I know that, let's talk for people that aren't familiar with the Exchange Club. What is it? What is it based upon? Speaker 2 00:41:53  Okay, so the Exchange Club is cool. It's really an old organization. It's from, I don't know, 1913. And it is a group that I like in Grayslake because I just get together with my friends and have lunch. Speaker 2 00:42:05  Right. You know, so it's a bunch of business and community leaders. or not even, I mean, not at all. Some of them are just regular people. We have a, you know, like, I don't know, I want to say a retired teacher, not a community leader, but, you know, retired teachers come. And we had a retired accountant lady for a long time. And, you know, people that are just townies. Right. and, they come on, they have lunch where at first draft it's noon. if anybody wants to come to the Exchange Club, it's free lunch. Call me. (847) 549-0600. You can be my guest, but I like the Exchange club, because the main thing is that they plan big parties for the town. You know, they have the craft beer festival, you know, they do, stuff with, I got a taste of Grayslake downtown summer thing. Yeah. Speaker 1 00:42:46  And what did you change the name of all the time? Summer days. Speaker 1 00:42:48  Summer days, Summerfest. Speaker 2 00:42:50  They. but they they do cool stuff. They raise money and then they give that money away to kids in grades, like to go to school, right? Speaker 1 00:42:56  SIPs for scholarships. That's what the, the the craft beer festival is. Speaker 2 00:42:59  Yes. And then and it's good money. They're like, here's a thousand bucks, kid. And it's a Grayslake student that's a top student to go to college. You know, they do good stuff like that. They promote Americanism. you know, what is that? It is what? It's that Americanism is like liking 911 and being interested in our country and like. Right. You know, so it's a cool organization. Check it out. Speaker 1 00:43:21  Yeah. And I like all the nice things they do and the, the men and women that are involved in that. I happen to be fond of a lot of them. Yeah. I think the one day that I knew I knew nothing about the Exchange Club, and I think it was the day that you guys were doing your, you you had picked a couple of kids for scholarships. Speaker 1 00:43:36  You were giving them. And I saw these kids first. I was walking down to have an afternoon beer at the first draft or something like that. So I saw these two kids, like walking back to school and these big smiles on their faces. right? So I get to the bottom and a bunch of the Exchange Club members are hanging out, and to see these men that were standing there, and they were so blown away and so happy and so just straightforward, just happy about what they did. It was it made me really have a fondness for the organization. Speaker 2 00:44:05  And I just want to shout out to the Grayslake kids from North and Central. They're like really fantastic kids, you know? the some of the kids that are winning these awards, I mean, back when I was a kid, I tried to get good grades. I tried to do well in my tests, but otherwise I just went home. Speaker 1 00:44:22  How did I get so smart? Speaker 2 00:44:23  I don't, and they. And they have the energy, this boundless energy that is really. Speaker 2 00:44:27  It's admirable and kind of scary. So God level, I mean, whatever. Speaker 1 00:44:33  Which is. Speaker 2 00:44:34  Good. Don't you ever nap, you know, don't you ever eat too much pizza and then go to sleep, right, like me. So. Speaker 1 00:44:39  Right. Right. And especially as a high school kid. Right. And these guys are doing really, really well with things. Yeah. Speaker 6 00:44:44  Hey, Lake County, I know you know, a teacher out there that needs to be recognized. I'm Jodi, former educator, now realtor, and I'm here representing Educators Advantage. We want you to nominate a teacher of the month. Click the link in the show notes and nominate your favorite teacher. Make your favorite teacher feel appreciated and give them a shout out. Speaker 1 00:45:09  Cool! So I love to see people that get involved with organizations, especially like when going back, like the Safe Place kind of things. So explain this to me too. Are there more than one location for Safe Place? Because there's one in Zion. Speaker 1 00:45:21  Is there also one in Mundelein? Speaker 2 00:45:23  So okay, that is the family visitation center. Okay. Okay. That I believe has moved. Okay. So you'd want to check with Safe Place about the details for when I was involved in the organization. They had two places. They had a women's shelter. That was like a big apartment building in Zion, and it's tucked away. So you don't know about it, right? God love them. But then they also have a really important role that they play, having to do with, facilitating visitation or exchanges of parties that have, like ops against each other. Orders of protection. Yep. Okay. So you've got to go there. You, like drop off your kid in the front, and then dad comes in the back, and then they have like a meeting and they hang out for an hour and have pizza. And then there's people watching, like little child. Jimmy smiled when you saw dad. Right. And they take notes and they give that to the court and the safe place. Speaker 2 00:46:16  Like, honestly, so many exchanges, so much visitation just couldn't happen because of the acrimony between the parties. But for what a safe place does. So they're cool. They're they're fantastic. Speaker 1 00:46:27  I love them and it's nice. And I like places that are put together that look for the best for the children and to keep them safe to and keep, because sometimes just two people just don't get along. So that's a nice way to then get in there. Speaker 2 00:46:38  It's one of the toughest things about family cases is when you have a tremendous amount of acrimony, even like a good divorce, where it's just. I don't love him anymore. You know, you've got to co-parent the kid. But when it's a situation where it's like he raped me or he beat me up, or he right got 60 Y's or he. Whatever those cases, you know, the judges are very reluctant to totally shut out a parent. So they'll give him or her sometimes. Sometimes it's a her, you know, supervised visitation, wrangled by a safe place or supervised by perhaps somebody else, like a mom or grandma or whatever. Speaker 2 00:47:13  Okay. but those, those organizations that facilitate the, the best interest of the kid and the, the parenting time, the the courts. I don't know how they could function before that. That, safe place started doing that. Speaker 1 00:47:26  Yeah. No, it must be a really, really hard thing to do. well, one of the things that I really enjoy, I have to tell you, because I was having a conversation before we got together today, and a man was, who's potential, guest on another show was asking me my my, my motivations on why he wanted to come on. And the guy clearly, wanted to come out and just advertise his business. Right. And I was trying to explain to him that this these are the conversations you are having. You and I are having right now that I really like that. very soon, hopefully, we're gonna have Chief Myra chief of police on, because I really like humanizing. some people have jobs or positions that people don't really get to know, right? So if I had to hire somebody for a family attorney or a DUI attorney or a criminal attorney, I hope that I get to listen to the show so that they get to know your personality, to know that you're a human being, right? Speaker 2 00:48:16  My personality is is unique, but there are a lot of really good attorneys in Lake County. Speaker 2 00:48:21  I'm happy to help people. Whatever. Speaker 1 00:48:23  Yeah. Well, no. And I think it's nice. Speaker 2 00:48:24  I like to be humble. I'm not trying to. Well, you're very humble out there, right? I'm not. I'm not trying to be like. Oh, yeah. I'm like the only one around because I'm not, you know, and like I said, in Lake County, we're blessed with a strong bench and bar, right. You know, and honestly, I get along with just about all of them. Speaker 1 00:48:40  That's cool. Okay, so let's do this. because of people. So let's, to help our listeners out there listening. So let's talk. first of all, when starting to divorce proceedings like they're they know they're going to get divorced, maybe some advice on how they go about finding an attorney that would be right for them. Is that a hard question? Speaker 2 00:49:00  Yeah. So finding an attorney. I mean, a lot of people want to do word of mouth. They talk to their their cousin. Speaker 2 00:49:06  How you got divorced in Lake County. Tell me who you use and then call that guy. That's probably a good decision. Speaker 1 00:49:12  Not to tell you who not to use. Speaker 2 00:49:13  Right? Speaker 1 00:49:14  In their opinion, though, totally right. maybe the decision didn't go their way so it could be false information, right? Speaker 2 00:49:21  Totally. A lot of people just go to Google and they'll Google like Libertyville divorce attorney or Lake County divorce attorney or whatever. And you can get hits there. And you look at their Google reviews we have I mean, my law firm has fantastic reviews, but that's just because we try to just, I don't know, do a good job and then clear the case. You know, try to Because, like, if you take one guy's divorce case and you're like a vampire on his neck and you drain him till he's totally out of blood. Well, you know, that's one case, okay? I'd rather just, like, help a guy and then get a good review and help another guy and get a good review and help a guy and get a good review, and then just, like, kind of build it up that way. Speaker 2 00:49:56  That's way better, right? Speaker 1 00:49:58  And with integrity, when you're walking away, then you can sleep at night and make sure that you know that you can help people out. Speaker 2 00:50:04  I sleep. Speaker 1 00:50:04  At night. Right. That's good. Yeah. All right, so how about, DUI? Speaker 2 00:50:09  So. Okay. How to find a DUI attorney or. So same. Speaker 1 00:50:13  Thing. I know how to get one. Speaker 2 00:50:14  I know. Speaker 1 00:50:15  It's just not the. Speaker 2 00:50:16  Attorney. So, I mean, man, I use Lyfts now. Yes. You know, I, I really do I. Speaker 1 00:50:21  I cheapest thing to do. Right. Speaker 2 00:50:23  It's 20 bucks here and back and you don't have to worry about. Am I going to get in trouble. Right. You know, and you don't have to worry about. Am I going to hurt somebody or whatever? Speaker 1 00:50:32  So yeah, I heard somebody. Maybe it was another stupid social media thing I saw. But there again, like it was a $20 ride home, right? For, let's say I have to go from Grayslake up to Atkinson, like at the bar. Speaker 1 00:50:42  How many Lyft rides would it take to equal to a two? Would it cost to hire an attorney to go through the DUI process? Speaker 2 00:50:51  So I think it was NHTSA, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, one of those organizations, used to run a billboard campaign here in Lake County. And one of the billboards I remember was a picture of a kid blowing into a portable breath test. And there's the police cars, lights behind him, and it says, you just blew $10,000. Speaker 1 00:51:12  Most people have no idea what to do with their aging loved one who needs help. Well, there is a solution. A company that provides care and assistance to make your loved one feel right at home, at right, at home. Their mission statement is to improve the quality of life for those they serve. They offer extensive services personal and companion care, safety, supervision and transportation, fall prevention, dressing and bathing assistance. Medical reminders, meal prep, hospice support, ambulation support, stroke recovery, Parkinson's support, the list goes on and on and on. Speaker 1 00:51:43  If you have an aging loved one that needs help, call. Right at home. Most people prefer to age in their home rather than moving to an assisted living or nursing home. Right at home can make this happen. Contact right at home at right at home NHL.com or give them a call (847) 984-0103. Now back to the show. Speaker 2 00:52:02  You know, which I think is like not inaccurate. Speaker 1 00:52:06  Ten. Speaker 2 00:52:06  Grand right. Because like so the legal fees like, I don't know, cheap one 2500, you know, a hot felony DUI 568, whatever, $1,000. So that's good money there. But even for your first time misdemeanor DUI, you're spending 2500, $3,500 on a lawyer. And then you get the fines, the court costs. There are 3 or $4000. There's treatment that you must do, you know, so you do alcohol or risk evaluations and pay for the classes and then woo woo. It gets to be expensive. So yeah, you know,

In this live 55min group coaching call, Brian Cain, MPM is joined by Libertyville HS Director of Athletics John Woods, MPM. Brian and Coach Woods discuss leadership and culture in athletic administration. Libertyville High School in Illinois has 1,850 Student Athletes, 92 Teams, 31 Sports, over 150 coaches and ONE PROGRAM In this call Coach Woods discusses: What Is Culture? Going from Good to Great Process over outcome The Core Values of PROGRAM ONE PROGRAM: Passion Respect ONE Grit, Reliable, Accountable and Mindful The Importance of Branding The Process of Creating a department mission, vision and core principles. Why It's so much easier to establish a culture than maintaining one The PROGRAM & 10 PILLARS of Libertyville HS Culture Creating A Student Leadership and Developmental Curriculum The importance of having connection before you start working on correction Buy In Fades, Belief Sticks Faith In The Future Creates Power in The Present The Importance of Coaching For Significance vs. Satisfaction and Success How to use The MVP Process With Your First and 2nd Year Teachers How to Brand Your School With Core Principles The Importance of Mid-Season Feedback Form Questions To Ask Yourself Am I a final product - as good as I will ever be? Where am I putting legitimate effort into getting better? How hard and how often am I working at it? How do I know if I am making progress toward my goals? Contact Coach Woods John Woods john.woods@d128.org  217-840-7084 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scoir strategic advisor, Peter Van Buskirk, is joined by Postsecondary Counselor, Amy Belstra of Libertyville High School, to have an important discussion about exploring the options when beginning to think of college. Our conversation covers topics such as: distinguishing between a college and a university, public versus private colleges, lifestyle and campus considerations, and much more. This episode was recorded on April 14, 2021.

Peter Van Buskirk is joined by Postsecondary Counselor at Libertyville High School, Amy Belstra, to discuss the challenges of college counseling in a remote environment. Join us for this conversation on developing a college list, attending virtual tours, college testing considerations, and finally, applying to college in a year clouded by uncertainty. This episode was recorded on October 15, 2020.(We appreciate your patience with our audio quality as we continue to record in a remote setting!)

Note: This episode is part three in a three-part series originally released by Drops of Ink – the student news publication of Libertyville High School. Drops of Ink explores different perspectives on race in Libertyville. Originally published September 14, 2016. Produced and hosted by Conor Kennedy.

Note: This episode is part two in a three-part series originally released by Drops of Ink – the student news publication of Libertyville High School. Drops of Ink explores the history of the movement for housing equality. Originally published July 22, 2016. Produced and hosted by Conor Kennedy.

Note: This episode is part one in a three-part series originally released by Drops of Ink – the student news publication of Libertyville High School. Drops of Ink delves into the history behind the segregation of Libertyville and its surrounding communities. Originally published May 26, 2016. Produced and hosted by Conor Kennedy.

Episode 106 of Lake County Sports Talk with Jon Kerr of Tribune Media and Joe Aguilar of Daily Herald. Recorded on Thursday, April 16, 2020. Our guest is professional baseball player Jimmy Govern. Jimmy is a 2015 graduate of Libertyville High School and currently in the Kansas City Royals organization.  We talk to Jimmy about being at home and staying in shape during the coronavirus pandemic (2:00), his rapid rise from college baseball All-American to the Triple-A level (4:10), the mental side of the game (14:50) and how having a father as a golf pro helps with baseball (19:30). After the interview, Jon and Joe react to conversation with Jimmy, and give the latest on the coronavirus pandemic and impact on the Lake County sports scene (24:30). It's another great episode of Lake County Sports Talk. For more information on the podcast and how to subscribe to the show on iTunes, go to https://exit.sc/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lakecountysportstalk.com (www.lakecountysportstalk.com).

Episode 106 of Lake County Sports Talk with Jon Kerr of Tribune Media and Joe Aguilar of Daily Herald. Recorded on Thursday, April 16, 2020. Our guest is professional baseball player Jimmy Govern. Jimmy is a 2015 graduate of Libertyville High School and currently in the Kansas City Royals organization.  We talk to Jimmy about being at home and staying in shape during the coronavirus pandemic (2:00), his rapid rise from college baseball All-American to the Triple-A level (4:10), the mental side of the game (14:50) and how having a father as a golf pro helps with baseball (19:30). After the interview, Jon and Joe react to conversation with Jimmy, and give the latest on the coronavirus pandemic and impact on the Lake County sports scene (24:30). It’s another great episode of Lake County Sports Talk. For more information on the podcast and how to subscribe to the show on iTunes, go to www.lakecountysportstalk.com.

Local History Librarian Jennifer Barry helps us celebrate Women’s History Month at the local level by highlighting the extraordinary life of Libertyville High School teacher Dr. Norma Munson.

Peter interviews fellow classmate and class of 2019 graduate Thomas Power who is a jazz guitar player at Libertyville High School.  Thomas recalls how his Mom pushed him to take jazz lessons whe he preferred heavy metal.  He fought against it at the time, but he's now very grateful for the skills he's developed and the opportunities it's given him.  Thomas will be attending Miliken University to earn a degree in Music Education.

Peter interviews Donnalyn Warmbold who is a Data Processing Specialist at Libertyville High School in Illinois.  Mrs. Warmbold shares how an anonymous "Grinch" made sure her family had a nice Christmas after her father passed away from cancer.  She hopes to one day pay it forward to another family in need.

Peter interviews Adam Faulkner who teaches special education at Libertyville High School in Illinois.  Mr. Faulkner shares how a stranger risked his own safety to drive him back to school during a winter storm.  That was over 20 years ago during college, but this self-less gesture reminds Mr. Faulkner that helping others sometimes requires courage.

Peter interviews Jeremy Marino who teaches Orchestra at Libertyville High School in Illinois.  They discuss how kindness often goes unnoticed in the simple acts people do for you every day and how we can all practice patience and listening to show kindness toward others.

Peter interviews Daniel Gooris who teaches Physical Education at Libertyville High School in Illinois.  Mr. Gooris recalls how family and friends created a community of support for he and his wife after their daughter was born with medical complications.  They were deeply touched by others providing meals and running errands, so they could stay focused on their newborn.  They've continued receiving support through the years as their daughter continues her medical journey, and this reminds him to pay it forward when he can.  Kindness is contagious!

Peter interviews Alice Leafblad who teaches Social Studies and Life Skills at Libertyville High School in Illinois.  Mrs. Leafblad shares how her 5th grade teacher believed she could achieve more and invested his time into helping her find ways to be successful in class and extra- curricular activities.  Mrs. Leafblad follows his example in her teaching strategies today, helping students feel motivated, confident, and successful.

Peter interviews Dyan Naslund who teaches English at Libertyville High School in Illinois.  Ms. Naslund talks about a health scare she had several years ago and how she had the courage to let her colleagues know about it.  Having the courage to share her situation gave Ms. Naslund tremendous support and reminds her how she can pay it forward when others are going through a difficult time.

Peter interviews David Ness who teaches Guitar classes at Libertyville High School in Illinois.  Mr. Ness shares how he struggled in high school but had a teacher who noticed he was unhappy and had lunch with him quite frequently.  Her interest and concern for how he was doing left a lifelong impression that he uses with his own students today.  Mr. Ness takes the time to get to know his students because there is always more to someone's story than what you see during class.  

Peter interviews Dr. Tom Koulentes who is the Principal at Libertyville High School in Illinois.  Dr. Koulentes shares how an elderly couple in Costa Rica cared for one of his students.  Their selfless act of kindness reminds him what life is all about, "That it's about connecting with other human beings, that love is the ultimate currency, and that gratitude can be shown without materialistic things."

Peter interviews David Kreutz who teaches human anatomy at Libertyville High School in Illinois.  Mr. Kreutz shares how an elderly couple paid for his dental care.  Thirty years later, Mr. Kreutz reflects on how this gift of kindness, which happened during his transitional college years, reminds him that showing someone you care can be life changing.  Knowing that you're not alone reduces stress.  Nobody, he says, should feel so anxious that they can't learn.

Peter interviews Amy Holtsford who teaches law & government at Libertyville High School in Illinois.  Mrs Holtsford shares how a teacher encouraged her to play baseball during the mid-70s when girls weren't allowed to be on the team.  Thirty years later, Mrs. Holtsford thinks often of what a difference this teacher made in her life and how she can do the same today for her students.

Eileen Glynn Tucker hosts this mini-episode of WSFI Spotlight, as she interviews Eagle Scout Edward Stennolk about his AMAZING project to revitalize the Lourdes Grotto at the University of St. Mary of the Lake with a state of the art Votive light.  Hear how this high school junior took his Catholic Faith to heart, and received approval from the Seminary's Board of Advisors, the Cardinal, and fundraised about two-thirds of the necessary funds needed to make this project a reality.  Donations can be sent to Edward Stennkolk, PO Box 6978, Libertyville, IL 60048, with the Checks made payable to the University of St. Mary of the Lake, ATTN VOTIVE PROJECT. 

Episode 34 of Lake County Sports Talk with Jon Kerr of Tribune Media and Joe Aguilar of Daily Herald. Recorded on Wednesday, May 2, 2018. Our guest is Libertyville High School right-handed pitcher Riley Gowens. First we ask Riley about the North Suburban Conference baseball race this season, the Wildcats rivalry with Mundelein and why he chose the University of Illinois for college (1:30-3:30). Next Jon wants to know about Riley's first baseball memories and when he realized he could throw a baseball faster than the other kids (3:40-6:00). Next Riley reveals how he transformed his body physically and how that turned his career around. He also shares his dietary secrets, how he packs his lunch every day and what plant-based food he puts in his sandwiches (6:00-11:30). Next Joe asks Riley about his MLB draft possibilities now and in the future (11:45-16:30). We then close the interview with Riley giving his favorite pro pitchers. He's a Cubs fan (16:30-22:00) Our Headline of the Week is the girls soccer postseason. Brackets are out in both Class 3A and 2A with Lake County teams earning top seeds (24:45-28:30). In our Extra Point segment, Jon gives credit to a famous musician who is championing an important cause with his music this summer (28:45-31:00). And Joe pays tribute to a fallen Lake County coaching legend, Tom Maple (31:30-33:45). It's another great episode of Lake County Sports Talk. For more information on the podcast and how to subscribe to the show on iTunes, go to https://exit.sc/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lakecountysportstalk.com (www.lakecountysportstalk.com).

Episode 34 of Lake County Sports Talk with Jon Kerr of Tribune Media and Joe Aguilar of Daily Herald. Recorded on Wednesday, May 2, 2018. Our guest is Libertyville High School right-handed pitcher Riley Gowens. First we ask Riley about the North Suburban Conference baseball race this season, the Wildcats rivalry with Mundelein and why he chose the University of Illinois for college (1:30-3:30). Next Jon wants to know about Riley’s first baseball memories and when he realized he could throw a baseball faster than the other kids (3:40-6:00). Next Riley reveals how he transformed his body physically and how that turned his career around. He also shares his dietary secrets, how he packs his lunch every day and what plant-based food he puts in his sandwiches (6:00-11:30). Next Joe asks Riley about his MLB draft possibilities now and in the future (11:45-16:30). We then close the interview with Riley giving his favorite pro pitchers. He’s a Cubs fan (16:30-22:00) Our Headline of the Week is the girls soccer postseason. Brackets are out in both Class 3A and 2A with Lake County teams earning top seeds (24:45-28:30). In our Extra Point segment, Jon gives credit to a famous musician who is championing an important cause with his music this summer (28:45-31:00). And Joe pays tribute to a fallen Lake County coaching legend, Tom Maple (31:30-33:45). It’s another great episode of Lake County Sports Talk. For more information on the podcast and how to subscribe to the show on iTunes, go to www.lakecountysportstalk.com.

Episode 22 of Lake County Sports Talk with Jon Kerr of Tribune Media and Joe Aguilar of the Daily Herald. Recorded on Thursday, January 25, 2018. We switch gears this week and interview documentary film maker Santino Panico. Panico is a 2004 Libertyville High School graduate and member of the 2003 state runner up Wildcats football team. He played college football at the University of Nebraska. He now resides in New York but has been busy traveling back to Lake County and Chicagoland for a special reason. A few weeks ago at the Music Box Theater in Chicago, Panico premiered his documentary film, titled "From The Ground Up", a film he wrote, produced and directed. The film is about Panico’s quest to discover the athlete within himself—only as a vegan. He meets with vegetarian and vegan athletes, tells their stories about food and sport, confronting social norms and raising questions about the far-reaching impact of our food choices. Join Jon and Joe for a wide-ranging interview with Lake County filmmaker Santino Panico. For more information on the film, go to fromthegroundupfilm.com. Go to www.lakecountysportstalk.com for more on the podcast.

Episode 22 of Lake County Sports Talk with Jon Kerr of Tribune Media and Joe Aguilar of the Daily Herald. Recorded on Thursday, January 25, 2018. We switch gears this week and interview documentary film maker Santino Panico. Panico is a 2004 Libertyville High School graduate and member of the 2003 state runner up Wildcats football team. He played college football at the University of Nebraska. He now resides in New York but has been busy traveling back to Lake County and Chicagoland for a special reason. A few weeks ago at the Music Box Theater in Chicago, Panico premiered his documentary film, titled "From The Ground Up", a film he wrote, produced and directed. The film is about Panico's quest to discover the athlete within himself—only as a vegan. He meets with vegetarian and vegan athletes, tells their stories about food and sport, confronting social norms and raising questions about the far-reaching impact of our food choices. Join Jon and Joe for a wide-ranging interview with Lake County filmmaker Santino Panico. For more information on the film, go to http://fromthegroundupfilm.com (fromthegroundupfilm.com). Go to http://www.lakecountysportstalk.com (www.lakecountysportstalk.com) for more on the podcast.