Positive Alternatives

Positive Alternatives 5 Minute Thoughts - In this episode I talk with my good friend Rita Kreslin as we promote the 17th Annual Bikers Take AAIM fundraiser coming August 25th. It should be a great day and it's for a great cause. 2019 Bikers Take AAIM

Jennifer Cifaldi, Illinois Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor, has worked long and hard to keep impaired drivers from endangering our families. With the recent legalization of marijuana in Illinois, Jen is working hard to make sure our officers are prepared to properly identify drug impaired drivers. With all of the drugs available, it's a real challenge to know what's what out there.

Positive Alternatives 5 Minute Thoughts - The Homeowners Association where I live ordered the basketball hoop to come down so down it came. What also came down is the kids outside playing and the energy in our neighborhood that their activity brought. We have been lessened by that short sighted decision. I also discuss the mixed messages from the marijuana crowd. Which way doth the wind blow today?

In this episode I share some of the actual comments I recorded from last week's Naperville City Council discussion on whether or not to sell recreational marijuana in their city. The discussion was open to the public and open to any and all comments. Most of those who showed up opposed the sale of recreational marijuana. The City Council's position was much closer as they voted 5-4 to opt out. 

DUI Court is not as busy these days. I've noticed this trend for the past year. I am left to surmise that perhaps ride-sharing businesses are having an impact. A very positive impact. We all benefit from the safer highways and byways.

Outside my door and around the corner there are many, many places to buy alcohol. Grocery stores, gas stations, and numerous restaurants. Alcohol is entrenched in our psyche as normalized. On the discussion of whether or not to allow two businesses to sell recreational weed to adults, suddenly; family values prevailed in my community. They voted to Opt Out.

Positive Alternatives 5 Minute Thoughts - Don't close your mind to opposing opinions. The tricky part of growing your position is when you don't allow yourself to listen to people who just might have something to teach you. If you shut your mind to the possibility, you truly will never know what you might have missed. 

Former Professional Wrestler and Current Wrestling Manager, The Russian Brute (George Petraski) takes time to share some pro rasslin' stories with this long time fan of the sport. The Russian Brute is also very giving in that he also spends valuable time promoting reading programs at elementary schools while dressed up in his Russian Brute persona. Did I mention he has a sandwich named after him. You have to listen to find out where you can find it! TRB Sports

Positive Alternatives 5 Minute Thoughts - Too many distractions can keep us from being focused on the bigger issues. Don't "tilt at windmills" and miss the chance to work together and positively impact your world. Teens need adults clear headed thinking.

In this episode we interview Jacy Good, founder of  Hang Up and Drive who shares her tragic and compelling story how she came to be a leading advocate for keeping our roads safe from distracted drivers. Jacy has appeared on Oprah Winfrey, has spoken at the United Nations, and has shared her message over 1100 times in 39 states and 3 countries on this important life changing subject. She is a strong woman and I am honored she took time to speak to me on this podcast.

Positive Alternatives 5 Minute Thoughts - Freedom Of Choice is a key component of being a free country. It's the lines we draw regarding the freedom of a particular issue, or choice, that creates tough discussions and, at times, conflict. 

In this episode I take some time to share how past mistakes have impacted me at this later stage of life. Take it from me. Mistakes can come back to bite you in the back side. Pretty sure it will leave a bruise.

In this episode of Positive Alternatives 5 Minute Thoughts, I relate how my fondness for gardening helps me to stop and think through my relationships with those young folks I seek to help.

Our Interview with Dr. Charles "Chuck" Nozicka, Division Director of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at Advocate Children's Hospital. We go deep diving into the upcoming challenges teens will face with the state by state legalization of marijuana. The good doctor also shares his learned understanding of how alcohol and drugs negatively impact the still developing teen brain. 

In this Positive Alternative 5 Minute Thoughts I share some thoughts about the very successful Jonathan Petit Collaborative Community Sticker Shock Campaign and wrap things up with some of the good and the not so good relationship with the local media.

Our Interview with Amy Voss, a Buffalo Grove Illinois mom who knows what it is to get knocked down but not out. After her son, Jared, lost a long battle to addiction Amy decided no more. It is a hard battle for this Graceful Warrior but she is a determined Mom and I can think of no stronger weapon than a parent who fights for their, and our, children.

Eight Drug Free Coalitions, 5 Chicago Area Counties, and One Cause. Working together to remind Parents during the always problematic Graduation Party Season that Adult Supervised Underage Drinking is Not Safe Underage Drinking. 

Year number two of a growing and important endeavor, a statewide Sticker Shock Campaign. Has it been done before? Yes. But it did not sustain. It's always the sustain of the process that is the big roadblock to continued success. This Dad is on the prowl.

Too often we repeat the name of the offender, I choose not to with "this guy". After violating terms of his probation his bond was increased and he is back in jail trying to figure out his next steps.

I love it when the kids get outside and play. Technology has changed behavior in ways both good and bad but the sounds of playing are sounds that make me smile.