Lake Villa Police Chief Takes Allendale Students Snow Tubing

A group of students from Allendale Association recently shared an exciting afternoon of snow tubing with none other than Lake Villa Chief of Police Craig Somerville and a few of his officers.

Local business owners Jim and Barb Ratajczyk, owners of Lakeland Autobody of Lake Villa, sponsored the January 16 event, which took place at Wilmot Mountain.

The boys, all residents of St. Armand’s Cottage on the Allendale campus, range between the ages of 10-13. Although they hadn’t experienced the thrill of snow tubing before, many have already asked when they can go again.

“We’re thrilled that Lake Villa’s police force has taken Allendale’s kids under their wing,” says Jason Keeler, President/CEO of Allendale Association. “It lets the kids know the community cares.”

In addition, Keeler expressed gratitude to the Ratajczyks for sponsoring the trip, noting “Lakeland Autobody not only does a great job servicing Allendale vehicles—they support our kids. It makes a difference.”

The not-for-profit has been caring for kids in crisis for 120 years. Allendale has at times more than 150 kids ages 7-21 in its residential treatment and specialized foster care programs. It provides educational/vocational as well as school-based mental health services to 500 hundreds of students, including those in neighboring communities. In addition, Allendale also offers outpatient counseling services to Lake County children and adults through its Bradley Counseling Center.

The groundwork for the snow tubing excursion was laid the prior week, when the Chief and a few deputies held a pizza night at St. Armand’s cottage. The Chief announced, “There’s a big pile of snow that I need a hand with—who’s up for helping?”

Thinking he needed help shoveling snow, one or two boys tentatively raised their hands. He then showed them a video of snow tubing at Wilmot and asked the question again. This time, every boy in the room excitedly raised his hand high.

The boys had such a good time, one exclaimed it was one of “the best days of my life,” noted Allendale staff, who accompanied them on the trip as well.

Chief Somerville makes a point of regularly spending time with Allendale students. Last fall, he and his deputies guided a group of girl students on a climbing wall/high ropes adventure.

“We want the kids to know that they’re part of our community and that when we work as a team, there’s nothing we can’t accomplish,” he said.

At this point, Allendale kids are looking forward to whatever he dreams up next. www.Allendale4kids.org