The sixth annual gang awareness seminar on Oct. 17 at Maine Township proved highly successful. Nearly 90 law enforcement personnel, parents, teens and educators heard from a VIP panel of experts including Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez.

"These seminars reflect Maine Township's ongoing efforts to serve our community," said Township Supervisor Carol Teschky. "We encouraged 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."

New to the seminar this year, Maine Community Youth Assistance Foundation (MCYAF) presented a “Stay Out of My Room!”, an interactive exhibit which allowed seminar attendees to step inside a typical teenager's bedroom to find out what dangers may be overlooked in plain sight—potential indicators of drugs/alcohol/gang activity.

In addition to the Seminar Leader Trustee Laura Morask, other gang panel members included Kevin Hughes, Deputy Supervising State's Attorney for the Narcotics Division; Detective Greg Jacobson, Chicago Police Gang Mission Team expert; Dean Strolecki, Niles Police Chief; Frank Kaminski, Park Ridge Police Chief; Derrick Carey, Cook County Sheriff's Gang Crimes Commander; Tony Brzezniak, Cook County Sheriff's Deputy Area Commander; Donna Pellar, Maine Township High School District 207 Board Member; and Larry Bunyon, Maine Township Code Enforcement Officer.