Welcome to my March newsletter. I hope you had a wonderful Easter with loved ones!
Please contact my District Office with any questions or concerns regarding state issues. We’re here to help!
FIGHTING FOR YOU!
Monthly Daily Journal Column
I have had the pleasure of writing a column for the Daily Journal once per month during my term. This month’s column focuses on women in social work throughout history. You can read the full article Here!
Around the District & Under the Dome:
Emerging Women
I had the honor of welcoming Lamekia Davis and Liz Gibson to the Emerging Women Leaders event in Springfield. This empowering event consisted of a brunch, listening session, and informational seminars from other women in leadership roles from across the state! Thank you to Lamekia and Liz for attending this event, you are both such assets to the 79th District!
Ricky Rocket Ribbon Cutting
Congratulations to Ricky Rockets on opening your new Kankakee location! This new venture has been several years in the making, and I look forward to seeing your success in our community!
Vex Robotics Competiton
Congratulations to the winners of the VEX Robotics High School State Championship at Olivet Nazarene University! Over 17 high schools from across Illinois participated, and the winning team is now heading to the VEX World Championship!
Local Business Spotlight
For my March 2024 local business spotlight, I am recognizing Brickstone Brewery in Bourbonnais because of their excellent products and customer service! Brickstone Brewery is not only locally owned, but it is also a multi-generational, family-owned business. This family dynamic extends beyond the staff as customers often remark on how they feel like family when visiting Brickstone. I know they sure make me feel like one of the family! I appreciate their dedication to their family, their business, and our entire community!
Capitol Visitors
It’s been an exciting month with so many visitors from the 79th District in the Capital: ICHP, Reed Custer High School CTE students, University Park Police Chief Mitchell, Police Chief’s Association members, IL Soybean Association & members, Stevenson High School students, Catalyst club members and Mr. Jim Schreiner from the I-KAN Regional Office of Education Pledge for Life Partnership, advocating for youth substance use prevention.
It was such a pleasure to host our Emerging Women Leaders program again this year with women leaders from across the state and thanks to my amazing women leaders in the behavioral health industry for presenting a breakout session with me!
Thank you for the visits from the Veterans advocates/VFW, Alzheimer’s Association, Bourbonnais Fire Protection District, Beecher Fire Protection District, Association of Nurse Anesthetists, and all the others I spoke to but didn’t manage to get a picture with!
Other Happenings:
IEPA Grants
The Illinois EPA has announced an additional funding opportunity to provide grants to units of local government to conduct household waste collection and disposal of sharps for their residents.Here
MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
Winter Traveling Office Hours
Park Forest – Park Forest Public Library (400 Lakewood Blvd.)- These hours are paused for winter.
Monee – Monee Village Hall (5130 W. Court St.) every Second Wednesday, 9 AM – 12 PM