By: James Worthington
Guest Contributor
Homewood, IL–(ENEWSPF)– Over 100 family members and friends gathered at the Calumet Country Club in Homewood recently to celebrate to celebrate the retirement of Alfreda Keller from Juvenile Court. A long-time resident of Park Forest, Keller currently serves as Chairwoman of the Commission on Human Relations.
Probation Officer Keller served the court for 30 years as a Juvenile Probation Officer in the Sixth Municipal District in Markham. Keller was honored by co-workers family and friends. Former Park Forest Human Relation Commissioner James Worthington was the guest speaker.
“February is Black History Month. We here tonight have a lot to celebrate. We celebrate the election of our first African American President, Barack Obama, and his lovely wife Michele Obama, who is the First Lady. Tonight we celebrate a strong ‘Black Woman’ who we also know as a ‘Diva.’ That woman is Alfreda Keller, ” Worthington said.
Worthington noted Keller’s many accomplishments and the organizations to which she belongs. One of these organizations, Alpha Kappa Alpha, was in attendance.
“As a Probation Officer she worked very hard for her clients. She went above and beyond her duties.” Worthington stated.
According to the speaker, Keller garnered a lot of support from those communities she served. Keller had coat drives for her needy clients.
One of Probation Officer Keller’s favorite projects was dirt bikes. PO Keller taught her clients how to ride dirt bikes.
Keller also has a deep love for her family, Worthington said. Family members from her native home of Springfield, Illinois were present. Her son Richard Keller III had high praise for his mother.
“Mom, I remember when I was little you would take me to so many meetings of the different organizations you belonged to. You also got me involved. Now mom it is time for you to take a rest,” Richard said. “I love you mom.”
Director of Probation Michael Rohan and Deputy Director of Probation Charles
Young presented Keller a plaque for her 30 years of outstanding service to the probation department.
“You set the standard for your fellow co-workers. You were both dedicated and loyal. You worked hard for your clients and they will miss you along with the Juvenile Court family,” said Director Rohan
Thornton Township Democratic Committeeman Frank Zucarrelli also praised Keller for her hard work.
PO Alfreda Keller addressed the audience and thanked them for coming and showing their love and support.
“I really appreciate everyone, my homies from Springfield, my first apartment when I first moved to Chicago, my sorority sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha, my godchildren, my co-workers, Judge Stuttley. And most important of all, my son Richard,” Keller said.
