The New Trier Township Podcast

New Trier Township Podcast Episode 42-Doctor Scott Mitchell on the Mental Health Counseling Stigma and Life Post COVID-19 May 13, 2021

May is Mental Health Awareness month, and we visit with the Reverend, Doctor Scott Mitchell of SamaraCare, an Illinois-based 501c3 mental health service provider and township grantee. Doctor Mitchell shares his thoughts on building public awareness about mental illness to reduce the negative stigma regarding seeking treatment. Hear this leading expert’s view on the impacts of COVID-19 on everyone’s mental health and what it will be like to reacclimate to the workplace as the pandemic declines. To learn more about SamaraCare visit www.samaracarecounseling.org

New Trier Township Podcast Episode 41 Christine Somervill-NAMI Feb 25, 2021

Christine Somervill Executive Director of Programs at theNational Alliance on Mental Illness of NorthSuburban Cook County (NAMI) joins Jack Macholl to discuss their advocacy work supporting people facing mental illness. Christine shares insights on their programs, including community education, support groups, classes for parents and community organizations that want to learn more about mental illness.

Township grants, foundations and donors make this important work possible free of charge.

For more information visit https://namiccns.org

New Trier Township Podcast Episode 40-Maureen McDonnell Peer Services Feb 19, 2021

The first call one makes for help takes courage, these words from Maureen McDonnell Executive Director of Peer Services, an Evanston Illinois based community substance abuse and prevention treatment services organization are heard in her interview with Jack Macholl on episode 40 of the New Trier Township Podcast. They discuss the global pandemic of 2020/21 and how this situation is impacting adolescents and young adults trying to cope with the problems created by substance abuse.

If you know someone in need of help, or wish to support their mission of education, prevention and treatment, visit PeerServices.org

New Trier Township Podcast Episode 39 Melissa Versch-LIHEAP Dec 15, 2020

The pandemic of 2020 has added financial hardship to many families in New Trier Township. Some are now faced with a "heat or eat" decision. Melissa Versch of the North Shore Senior Center in Northfield Illinois speaks with Jack Macholl about the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

The Senior Center works with CEDA to help people from all over Cook County Illinois who need utility bill payment assistance. Please visit www.cedaorg.net/Pre-App to complete an online application.

Residents of New Trier Township who are facing economic difficulty are encouraged to phone Jeanne Winsted Rosser, Township Social Worker at (847) 446-8201. Emergency financial assistance, food pantry service and access to social services through township grantees are available to income qualified individuals/families.

The New Trier Township Podcast Episode 38-Maribeth Stein-Medicare Part D Oct 26, 2020

New Trier Township hosted a Medicare Part D open enrollment forum on October 22, 2020. Maribeth Stein, Outreach Coordinator/Constituent Advocate for Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky presented as part of the township’s Educational Forum series.

The presentation deck is available at the township's website:

Medicare Part D 2021 Presentation

New Trier Township Podcast Episode 37 Joe Coughlin-Local Journalism Aug 05, 2020

The Coronavirus pandemic of 2020 essentially closed down most American businesses by late March. One casualty was the local newspapers along the North Shore area in Illinois. Can dedicated local news "2.0" return with sweat equity and a Kickstarter campaign?

Learn how Joe Coughlin and his colleagues intend to do just that on episode 37 of the New Trier Township Podcast hosted by Jack Macholl.

New Trier Township Podcast Episode 36 Nareen Kim -Housing Law Aug 01, 2020

Life during a pandemic and a reeling global economy is surely enough for all of us to cope with, but eviction or foreclosure added to the mix? How do working people at risk of losing their residence face this paradox and maintain stability? Nareen Kim of the North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic shares her legal expertise on episode 36 of the New Trier Township Podcast hosted by Jack Macholl.

New Trier Township Podcast Episode 35 Darrin Utynek-Bernie's Book Bank May 27, 2020

Bernie’s Book Bank collects and distributes new and gently used books to help bridge the reading readiness divide. The pandemic of 2020 has not discouraged the devoted staff, who sans volunteers have pivoted, changed procedures, and forged strategic partnerships to distribute over 300,000 books since the shutdown in mid-March. Hear an inspiring interview with Darrin Utynek, CEO of Bernie’s Book Bank on episode 35 of the New Trier Township Podcast, hosted by Jack Macholl.

New Trier Township Podcast Episode 34-Barbara Tubekis-Volunteering Safely During A Pandemic May 05, 2020

A shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a problem across America. Barb Tubekis and the Volunteer Center of Northeast Metro Chicago are working with residents who are sewing masks, delivering meals, and being pen pals to help group homes stay safe during the pandemic. Hear the full story about safe volunteer opportunities during the pandemic on episode 34 of our podcast hosted by Jack Macholl.

NTT Podcast Episode 33 Emily Schnell -Youth Services During COVID-19 Apr 23, 2020

Being a pre-teen or high school student is difficult enough. Add a pandemic with shelter in place orders and keeping youth occupied is a major challenge.

Emily Schnell of the Warming House Youth Center (Wilmette, Illinois, USA) talks with Jack Macholl on episode 33 of the New Trier Township Podcast.

New Trier Township Podcast Episode 32 Tish Rudnicki Apr 22, 2020

The North Shore Senior Center closed on March 12, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic shelter in place order. This jarring change required quick thinking and technlogical ingenuity to keep older adults engaged during the quarantine. Tish Rudnicki, Executive Director of the North Shore Senior Center (Northfield, IL, USA)shares how they pivoted and are maintaining their programs on episode 32 of the New Trier Township Podcast, hosted by Jack Macholl.

New Trier Township Podcast Episode 31 Susan Resko-COVID-19 & Mental Health Apr 09, 2020

Loneliness and isolation has set in as Americans are asked to shelter in place during the COVID-19 pandemic. But what does this situation mean for people facing mental health challenges? Susan Resko, President of the Josselyn Center in Northfield Illinois(and survivor of COVID-19) visits via Zoom with Jack Macholl on episode 31 of the New Trier Township Podcast.

For help in Northeastern Illinois phone the Josselyn Center at (847) 441-5600 ext.1 or text TALK to 552020 and be connected with the Illinois Crisis Line.

New Trier Township Podcast Episode 30-Debi Genthe-Meals On Wheels Apr 02, 2020

Running a Meals on Wheels operation is a big job under normal circumstances. Add the COVID-19 pandemic, it's always on. Debi Genthe, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels of Northeastern Illinois visits with Jack Macholl about the growing demand for meals and what the day to day is like as they serve seniors and other health compromised individuals that must shelter in place during this national health crisis.

This township grantee is making a difference on the front line. Take a listen to episode 30 of the New Trier Township Podcast.

New Trier Township Podcast Episode 29-Rebecca Weininger-Domestic Violence Mar 09, 2020

Every level, every class, every ethnicity, every age…the numbers of domestic violence cases are growing. What can you do to help? Rebecca Weininger of the North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic shares advice on what to look for and how to help without making a dangerous situation worse on episode 29 of the New Trier Township Podcast hosted by Jack Macholl.

New Trier Township Podcast Episode 28-Lia Kim-Yi Immigration Law Mar 09, 2020

Would you know what to do if U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement or “ICE” knocked on your door, or entered your place of business?

Attorney Lia Kim-Yi Director of Immigration Law at the North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic in Highland Park Illinois discusses legal rights and offers tips to help people remain safe on episode 28 of the New Trier Township Podcast hosted by Jack Macholl.

New Trier Township Podcast Episode 27-Preparing the Child For the Path, Not the Path for the Child Dr. Renee Dominguez Feb 29, 2020

Dr. Renee Dominguez of the Family Service Center shares her thoughts on Preparing the Child for the Path, Not Preparing the Path for the Child. Renee says being a parent is one of the toughest jobs on the planet. Hear her thoughts on improving family communication skills, and the growth versus fixed mindset approches to learning. Innovative thoughts from one of Illinois leading psychologists are available on Episode 27 of the New Trier Township Podcast hosted by Jack Macholl.

New Trier Township Podcast Episode 26-Kids & Social Media-Tony DeMonte Feb 15, 2020

Children are logging more screen time than ever, and the job of parenting in the digital age has become more challenging as a result. Is there a “secret formula” to help children balance the digital and analog worlds? Jack Macholl interviews Tony DeMonteof Wilmette School District 39 who offers advice to parents about setting responsible boundaries that form lasting bonds with their children.

New Trier Township Podcast Episode 25 Respite Care Keeps Families Strong-Kim Berenberg of Glenkirk Jan 19, 2020

The diagnosis of Autism has reached record levels. In Illinois, waiting lists for long-term supports are lengthy and growing. So what do families do to cope with caregiver fatigue and get through today? Kim Berenberg of Glenkirk talks with Jack Macholl about their respite program and the need for advocacy to generate action on services for the developmentally challenged. For more information visit glenkirk.org/get-services/respite-care

New Trier Township Podcast Episode 24 Cynthia Doucette Dec 13, 2019

Everyone navigates the obstacles of youth in different ways. Is aging in this era more difficult than it was 30 or 40 years ago? Cynthia Doucette, Executive Director of the Warming House Youth Center visits with Jack Macholl, sharing her 20-years of expertise in youth services on episode 24 of the New Trier Township Podcast.

To learn more about The Warming House Youth Center, visit warminghouse.org . Information about New Trier Township programs and services can be located at NewTrierTownship.com

New Trier Township Podcast Deb Guy-Women's Exchange Oct 29, 2019

Many women raise families, conclude careers, or face other life events that prompt them to ask "now what?" Deb Guy of the Women's Exchange of Winnetka explains how many of their members learn more about who they are and design the next chapters of their lives in Exchange courses. To learn more about their programs visit www.womens-exchange.org or phone (847)441-3406.

Please take a listen to episode 23 of the New Trier Township Podcast.

For information on New Trier Township programs please visit www.newtriertownship.com

New Trier Township Podcast Open Communities Oct 22, 2019

Poverty is expensive, people in desperate situations make short-term decisions for survival, which ultimately equate to more community (taxpayer) expense. Open Communities works with renters, landlords and homeowners to find solutions avoiding the stigma of eviction or foreclosure. Mary Ellen Ball sits down with Jack Macholl to explain how grant funding permits fair housing advocacy work and strengthens communities through dialog and planning. Hear her viewpoint and plans for a new initiative for seniors grappling with property taxes in 2020.

Take a listen to episode 22 of the New Trier Township Podcast.

Dementia Friendly Glencoe- New Trier Township Podcast Episode 21 Sep 30, 2019

Most stigmas occur from a lack of public education or awareness about Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. The leadership of the Village of Glencoe Illinois is banding together, taking action to ensure quality life, inclusion and dignity for all. Emily Mysel of Family Services of Glencoe speaks with Jack Macholl about how they’ll accomplish this by launching Dementia Friendly Glencoe.

The New Trier Township Podcast is a public service. Information on township services can be found at www.newtriertownship.com

Let's Play Raising Children In A Screen-Driven World Aug 16, 2019

The "screen outs" of the mid-1990's are a memory, and today we're surrounded by screens. How do you get young children engaged in the 3D world? Stefanie Maiuri of the Alliance for Early Childhood (Winnetka, Illinois, USA) sits down with Jack Macholl to share some definitive ideas on how to do just that. Listen to the New Trier Township Podcast, episode 20.

"Adulting 101" For Teens Aug 08, 2019

Christina Gikas, Executive Director of the Winnetka Youth Organization joins Jack Macholl to discuss the challenges facing 21st century youth. Amongst the topics covered are basic life skills like boiling an egg, what to wear on a job interview, balancing a check book and more. WYO is launching a new course for teens called "Adulting 101" which provides essential skills not taught in today's test-driven schools. Listen to episode 19 of the New Trier Township Podcast to learn more about the work of this township grantee doing important work with youth in the North Shore of Illinois.

Holly Lichtman on Adult Protective Services Jul 15, 2019

Holly Lichtman, Supervisor of Adult Protective Services at the North Shore Senior Center visits with Jack Macholl. Holly shares her experience and insights about varying forms of abuse and neglect regarding older adults and people with disabilities. The goal of her team is to keep clients living safely in the community and ensure that they obtain the needed supports to reduce the risks of further abuse, neglect or exploitation.

Listent to this episode, learn the signs and what to do when you see something.

Congresswoman Schakowsky on New Trier Township Podcast Jun 11, 2019

Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky sits down with Jack Macholl to discuss food insecurity, wages and mental healthcare on episode 17 of the New Trier Township Podcast. She shares her views on both the national and township level, as it pertains to these crucial subjects.

Recorded 4/25/19 in Glenview Illinois, USA.

Township Services Keeping Families Together Jun 11, 2019

Elliott Robbins, Trustee of New Trier Township presents an address at the Annual Town Meeting in Winnetka, IL (USA). Mr. Robbins discusses the importance of "safety net" programs to family stability and community strength/diversity. He also talks about local government/social service agency partnerships at the township level. Recorded 4/9/2019.

Neighbors Make Social Services Possible-Dr. Alan Goldberg Jun 11, 2019

Dr. Alan Goldberg, Supervisor of New Trier Township (Winnetka, IL USA) delivers his address at the 2019 Annual Town Meeting on 4/9/19. He shares thoughts about government by neighbors and the cooperation required to provide social services at the local level.

Listen to Episode 15 of the New Trier Township Podcast recorded 4/10/19 at the Township's Annual Town Meeting in Winnetka, IL, USA.

Innovations In Mental Health As Budgets Decline Jun 11, 2019

For many years, Susan Resko, President of the Josselyn Center has served as a champion for low-income individuals (youth and adults) in need of mental health services in Northern Illinois. She shares her insights with Jack Macholl on Episode 14 of the New Trier Township Podcast. The discussion includes a glimpse into 21st century therapies that are changing lives in spite of limited funding in Illinois.

Counseling For Youth It's A Text Away Jun 11, 2019

In Novmber of 2016 Jack Macholl sat down with Andy Duran, Executive Director of LEAD, a New Trier Township grant recipient that administers the Text-A-Tip program for the township. Andy shares his expert viewpoint on issues like anxiety, depression, bullying and peer pressure— all issues today’s students are facing. He also addresses 24/7, online connectivity, and why Text-A-Tip is an important adjunct to office-based counselors serving middle/high school students in the township. Recorded 11/23/16 in Arlington Heights Illinois, USA.

Health & Independent Living for Older Adults Jun 11, 2019

Jack Macholl interviews Dr. Elizabeth Gordon of North Shore Senior Options (Northfield Illinois, USA). Dr. Gordon discusses a variety of programs that promote health and independent living for older adults. This episode is part of the New Trier Township Educational Forum series and was recorded 12/18/18 at the North Shore Senior Center in Northfield Illinois, USA.

Demystifying Medicare Part D Jun 11, 2019

The Medicare Part D Prescription program is often daunting to older adults. Maribeth Stein of Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky's office presented at the New Trier Township Educational Forum held 9/27/18 in Winnetka, IL USA. Ms. Stein was interviewed by Jack Macholl on Episode 12 of the New Trier Township Podcast to summarize her thoughts on the Part D program.

Full-Circle Giving-Townships Making A Difference, Right Now Jun 11, 2019

In today's divided America, many view social programs offered by Illinois Townships as "handouts" or "social experiments." In episode 11 of the New Trier Township Podcast, Jack Macholl interviews Gus Stamer and his mother Molly. The Stamer family was assisted by the township during a challenging period and now Gus stages food drives to give back to the New Trier Township Food Pantry.

Volunteerism-Making Things Better In Divided Times Jun 11, 2019

In episode 10 of the New Trier Township Podcast Jack Macholl interviews Barb Tubekis, CEO of the Volunteer Center of the Northern Illinois. Barb discusses how their non-profit organization connects people with volunteer opportunities. We also converse about the need for volunteerism and being helpful in challenging times. The Volunteer Center is a grantee of New Trier Township and connects people with volunteer opportunities.

New Trier Township Podcast-Episode 9 Gail Eisenberg May 30, 2019

Episode 9 of the New Trier Township Podcast features Trustee Gail Schnitzer Eisenberg of Wilmette, Illinois, USA. In her address to community members at the 169th Annual Town Meeting, Gail shares her viewpoint on both the short/long-term importance of Township services to individuals in-need.

Navigating U.S. Government Services Jan 06, 2019

In episode 7 of the New Trier Township Podcast, Jack Macholl sits down with Maribeth Stein, Outreach Coordinator and Constituent Advocate for U.S. Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. Maribeth shares her wisdom on navigating Medicare, Social Security, Veterans Benefits and more.

Social/Emotional Support for Youth In Lean Times Nov 13, 2018

Jack Macholl interviews Amy O'Leary, Executive Director of Youth Services in episode 6 of the New Trier Township Podcast.

Amy provides a heartfelt, front-line viewpoint on the critical need for social/emotional support for children and young adults. We discuss the impact of government funding cutbacks in Illinois, Township support grants and the challenges non-profits face raising money in 21st century America.

What To Do When The School Bus Stops Coming Nov 05, 2018

When students with developmental challenges "age out" of public education system the school bus stops coming and uncertainty can set in. Unless you plan and take action.

In episode 5, Nicole Seidlitz and Jane Gallery of Our Place New Trier visit with Jack Macholl to share thoughts on dignified, meaningful lives for people facing developmental challenges. Their team is devoted to providing meaningful days filled with community inclusive volunteer opportunities and activities to fill the void left when challenged students age out of school (in Illinois) at 22.

Our Place is a grantee of New Trier Township (Winnetka Illinois).

Narrowing the Educational Divide Nov 01, 2018

The disparity in American public education and lack of reading readiness are among the heartfelt topics discussed in episode 4 of the New Trier Township Podcast. Jack Macholl interviews Brian Floriani, Founder of Bernie's Book Bank, who shares his passion for narrowing the educational divide by providing books to at-risk children.

New Trier Township (Winnetka, Illinois) has partnered with Bernie's Book Bank (Lake Bluff, IL) since 2016 to collect new and gently used children's books.

Facing the Pressures of Youth Nov 01, 2018

Since the kickoff on March 14, 2016, the Text-A-Tip service has offered an additional supportive outlet to about 100 students throughout the Township. Over 900 text messages have been exchanged, and numerous students connected with local counseling resources.

In episode two of the New Trier Township Podcast, we are sharing additional material from Jack Macholl's interview with Renee Dominguez, Executive Director, Family Service Center of Wilmette, Glenview, Northbrook and Kenilworth, Robert Mardirossian, Executive Director Counseling Center of the North Shore and William Hansen, Executive Director, Family Service, Glencoe.

These experts in family services counseling comment on the pressures facing today’s students, and the impact of social media on relationships and family.

New Trier Township (Winnetka Illinois) provides grant funding for numerous social services programs to improve the physical and emotional health of community members.

Aging Gracefully Oct 31, 2018

Aging in the 21st century is much different than previous generations. Family services professionals from the North Shore suburbs of Illinois share their viewpoint on aging gracefully (with help from neighbors). The discussion covers caregiving, fulfillment and seniors that wish to remain in their home (community).

The New Trier Township podcast is designed to address issues, challenges and opportunities in the communities served. For more information or to share ideas for upcoming shows, contact Jack Macholl jmacholl@newtriertownship.com

Andy Duran Interview- LEAD Oct 31, 2018

In episode 3 of the New Trier Township podcast, Jack Macholl interviews Andy Duran, Executive Director of LEAD, (Linking Efforts Against Drugs) in the studio.

LEAD is a drug prevention organization in the northern suburbs (Lake Bluff, Illinois) of Chicago. The group has created an app that permits school age youth to confidentially seek help via text messaging.

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