Wake tonight, funeral tomorrow for former Judge James Geocaris

The wake for former 3rd Municipal District Presiding Judge James Geocaris will be tonight, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Donnellan Family Funeral Services, 10045 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie.

A tribute to Judge Georcaris, on the Northwest Suburban Bar Association Instagram page, notes that Judge Geocaris was an original member of the NWSBA, when that group was founded in 1960.

An excerpt from the NWSBA tribute:

Judge Geocaris was instrumental in bringing the Third District Municipal Courthouse to Rolling Meadows. He participated in the groundbreaking in 1986 at Euclid Avenue and Wilke Road, following years of advocacy by Judge Geocaris and NWSBA members for a courthouse to serve the Northwest Suburbs. Their efforts came to fruition in 1989 with the opening of the Rolling Meadows Courthouse, a $60 million facility with 21 courtrooms. In 2019, the street in front of the courthouse was named "Honorary Judge Geocaris Way."

Further information is posted on the Donnellan Family Funeral Services website.

Reception for 2026 Cook County Retention Judges set for September 17

The Committee for Retention of Judges in Cook County will hold its reception for Cook County judges seeking retention this year on Thursday, September 17, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Plumbers Hall, 1340 W. Washington Blvd.

This is the one and only fundraiser for the retention class as a whole. Tickets cost $130 each, and the price includes wine, beer, soft drinks, and hors d'oeuvres. Sponsorships are avaiable (Silver - $1,000, Gold - $2,500, or Platinum - $5,000). Tickets and sponsorships can be purchased at this ActBlue webpage; tickets will be held at the door.

Event organizers ask that persons interested in attending respond by September 10.

Illinois Italian American Judges Association installation set for September 15

Before this afternoon, I didn't even know there was an Illinois Italian American Judges Association. But there is. And the IIAJA is holding its installation of officers (and playing bocci ball for good measure) on Tuesday, September 15, at Elmwood Park Community & Recreation Center, 4 Conti Pkwy, Elmwood Park. A buffet dinner begins at 5:30 p.m.; bocci starts at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets are $100 each. The ticket includes dinner, one drink ticket, and bocci. A ticket and IIAJA dues -- dues are ordiniarily $50 -- costs $140. However, a separate registration is required for bocci.

There are a number of QR code payment options on the flyer, reproduced above. For those squeamish about these abstract dabs, there are buttons offering these same payment options that can be found on the IIAJA website.

A portion of the proceeds from the event will be devoted to future law student scholarships.

Diversity Scholarship Foundation announces scholarship application process

Granted, most FWIW readers are long past the scholarship application stage (even if many of you are still paying off education loans), but some readers may know young persons who may be very interested....

The Diversity Scholarship Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2027 scholarship awards. The application, and the eligibility requirements, submission rules, and other pertinent information (there's even a link to a FAQ page) can be found at this link. You can also reach the application from the DSF homepage... as the above poster indicates... but this should be easier. The application deadline is October 23.

Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk set for October 3

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention will hold its Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk at Montrose Harbor on Saturday, October 3.

There is no registration fee or fundraising minimum to participate but event organizers encourage all participants to set a goal of $150 to receive the official event t-shirt.

According to the AFSP, suicide is the third leading cause of death for persons aged 15-34 in Illinois, and the fourth leading cause of death for Illinois residents aged 35-54. Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death nationwide, according to AFSP. AFSP’s stated mission is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. It strives to create a culture that is "smart about mental health through education and community programs, develop suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provide support for those affected by suicide."

Funds raised at the Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk directly support research, advocacy efforts, and educational programs in schools, workplaces, and communities across Illinois.

To register for the Chicago walk, or for information about available sponsorships, click here. For more information about the event, click on this link for an Event Guide.