August 2023
Hello Neighbor!
I remember when my kids were little how excited we would all get as August brought about flyers for school supplies. It was one of the things that tipped us off that summer was coming to a close. While we enjoyed our summer, I could always tell when my girls were ready to get back into a routine. Now that my children are grown, I no longer have that reminder of the time of the year. Instead, I rely on organizations, like the D300 Food Pantry, to make me aware that “back to school” is soon approaching. I still feel the same excitement as I used to when thinking about buying school supplies. I always wanted my kids to start the school year off on the right foot, with the right supplies and I extend that same wish to all kids. That is why my office is proud to be a partner with D300 Food Pantry for their “back to school” supply drive. I get to buy school supplies and help other families set their kids up for success. If you’d like to join me, see below for ways to participate.
I’m also very proud to have two high school students working in my office this summer. Emily Kershner and Renee Schleutermann. Both are bright, eager, talented young people who have enriched our team immensely this summer. It keeps me motivated and hopeful about the work we are doing.
I’m looking forward to my first end-of-session town hall coming up soon. It will be held at the Algonquin Village Hall on Aug. 9th at 6:30. I’ll be joined by Corinne Periog, the Chairperson of the Kane County Board to share an update about Longmeadow Parkway, as well as updates from this past session. I hope you can join us.
Sincerely, Suzanne
Community Infrastructure Improvements
Longmeadow Bridge is now TOLL-FREE!
One session highlight for me was being able to secure the remaining 12.5 million for Longmeadow Parkway Bridge. There will be no TOLL for Longmeadow!” The bridge is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, that is if there are no unforeseen delays. If you would like to learn more about the Longmeadow Parkway Bridge Corridor, please click on the link below or attend my upcoming Town Hall on August 9th. http://kdot.countyofkane.org/Pages/Projects/Longmeadow-Parkway-Bridge/Longmeadow-Pkwy.aspx
Northern Randall Road Improvement
The northern section of Randall Road will be widened to six lanes from four lanes between James Rakow Road Polaris Dr/Acorn Ln, with the addition of a shared biking path after the Illinois Department of Transportation has awarded $3 million dollars to the McHenry County Division of Transportation. If you wish to learn more about the Randall Road Corridor Improvement Project, please visit this link: https://www.mchenrycountyil.gov/departments/transportation/projects/randall-road-northern-segment
Crack and Joint Sealing
on Illinois Route 72
The Illinois Department of Transportation is awarding contracts to seal cracks on Illinois Route 72 from Industrial Drive to Highland Drive in Gilberts and Elgin. This will preserve the road longer and alleviate issues in the future. If you have any more questions regarding this road project, please contact Shaumburg’s IDOT office at (847)-705-4000.
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
I’m committed to creating opportunities for constituents to reach me.
See below for several upcoming events and be sure to share this newsletter
with your friends and neighbors so they can sign up and receive notice of
events as well.
JULY HIGHLIGHTS
D300 Food Pantry Volunteering
It was my turn in the rotation to volunteer at the D300 Food Pantry. We sorted and bagged produce for the families shopping that evening. I loved seeing young people helping out. Such a worthwhile cause and the food pantry does such a great job helping so many families!
Click here to Volunteer! |
Meals on Wheels
A few weeks ago, I picked up 15 shelf stable boxes from the Dupage Senior Council, for seniors who receive Meals on Wheels. These boxes help seniors make it through the times when their meals are not delivered.
I plan to continue doing this. If you’re interested in volunteering with Meals on Wheels, contact my office for more information!
P: 224-484-8620
Crystal Lake Concert in the Park
I enjoyed spending time with the community at the Crystal Lake Concert! My staff and I met with so many constituents during this beautiful evening.
Clearbrook Tour
I joined my legislative colleagues on a tour with Clearbrook. We all enjoyed learning and seeing how Clearbrook continues to provide assistance and guidance to adults with intellectual disabilities and how we can continue supporting their mission.
Thank you for the informative tour of Clearbrook!
Dundee River Race
Nan and I had a great time at the Dundee River Race as volunteers and we even got to ride in the Pace Car!
Resolution to the McHenry County Board
I presented a Resolution at the McHenry County Board meeting to the Buss family in honor of former board member John “Ed” Buss who passed away in February of this year. John “Ed” Buss contributed and served the McHenry County community for many years and it was a privilege to acknowledge his service with a resolution.
JULY RIBBON CUTTINGS
Kane County Fair Ribbon Cutting
I had so much fun kicking off the Kane County Fair with a Ribbon Cutting. I’m happy I could participate again- What a great family fun event!
Mercy Health Hospital Ribbon Cutting
After too many years, Crystal Lake finally has an emergency room! This was not only necessary for our community, but it will also spark more economic development in the region, including jobs, housing, and local revenue.
As a customer of MercyHealth, I am delighted to have this state-of-the-art hospital close to home. Congratulations to everyone that made this happen!
Sticky Fingers Kitchen Ribbon Cutting
Congratulations to Sticky Fingers Kitchen on their Grand Opening! I am happy you have chosen Carpentersville to grow your family-owned business and offer delicious food for the community to enjoy.
The restaurant is located at 142 S. Western Ave Carpentersville!
For more information on the restaurant click the link provided: https://stickyfingerskitchenil.com/
Adoptable Pet of the Month
Meet Fluffer Nutter
Fluffer Nutter is a 6-month-old, 47 lb terrier mix. He is housebroken, crate trained, and looking for his forever home. He is a very treat-motivated boy and is busy working hard on following commands and learning. He loves walks and visits outdoor restaurant patios. Fluffer Nutter is good with other dogs and loves playing with them in the yard and is good with kids, but we do recommend kids that are 10+ as he is a puppy as he still exhibits puppy behaviors such as jumping, and playful puppy nipping. Applicants must be committed to continuing his training and working with him to grow into the best boy possible. He is very young and trainable and will be a great addition to the right family. Fluffer Nutter’s adoption fee is $400 – which includes core vaccinations (age appropriate), microchip & spay/neuter at one of our contracted vets (if applicable) *HWMAR presents the information in these bios based on our foster observations and any information presented to us regarding prior living conditions, breed specifications. While we aim to be as accurate as possible, each animal is individual and their behaviors and personalities can change in different surroundings. HWMAR holds no guarantees to personality, behavior, or breed *Please review our adoption process & complete an application on our website – www.hoofwoofmeow.org/adoption We adopt within 150 mile radius of Elgin, IL **We are a 100% volunteer rescue. All of our dogs are in Foster Homes **Submission of an application does not guarantee the adoption of any specific animal as they may have applications pending or might not be the right match for you**
Click here to learn about the process and complete an application |
Meet Sabrina
Sabrina is a 14 lbs., 2-year-old sleek, beautiful, black female feline. She enjoys a good face scratch, quick snuggles, and a good conversation. She has a calm demeanor and is affectionate. She is a great companion cat who loves to be where you are! Sabrina’s adoption fee is $175 – which includes core vaccinations (age appropriate), microchip & spay/neuter at one of our contracted vets (if applicable) *HWMAR presents the information in these bios based on our foster observations and any information presented to us regarding prior living conditions, breed specifications. While we aim to be as accurate as possible, each animal is individual, and their behaviors and personalities can change in different surroundings. HWMAR holds no guarantees to personality, behavior, or breed *Please review our adoption process & complete an application on our website – www.hoofwoofmeow.org/adoption* We adopt within a 150-mile radius of Elgin, IL **We are a 100% volunteer rescue. All of our cats are in Foster Homes** Submission of an application does not guarantee the adoption of any specific animal as they may have applications pending or might not be the right match for you*
Click here to learn about the process and complete an application |
RESOURCES
Free Internet Hotspots for Students
Fox River Valley Library
The Fox River Valley Library is offering their patrons internet hotspots to students. Please check out the flyer below for more information about this resource.
FREE Webinar – Student Loan Updates
Interest rates on all federal student loans will start accruing on Sept. 1st, with payments starting Oct. 1st
IDFPR expects very long wait times for borrowers who call either Federal Student Aid or their servicer with questions.
To help assist Illinois borrowers, IDFPR is partnering with the University of Illinois system to provide free webinars focused on return to repayment. To register, please visit this link: https://go.uillinois.edu/repay
Northern Illinois Food Bank
Mobile Pantry
The Northern Illinois Food Bank will be hosting a mobile pantry on Tuesday, August 15 from 4:00 pm-5:30 pm! This event will be hosted at Buena Vista Apartments, 1287 Fleetwood Dr, Elgin (behind building 1213).
Algonquin Area Public Library
Blood Drive
Every day, patients in your community need blood transfusions to survive and thrive. They rely on the generosity of donors like you to help ensure a safe, healthy blood supply. Schedule an appointment here: https://donate.illinois.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/5602631
Need help?
Contact Theresa at (847) 458-3133 or Carrie Futchko at (815) 271-2910.
Tobacco Quitline’s Free Resouces
Make the change and start living a healthier life by utilizing the Illinois Tobacco Quitline’s free resources.
Resources include nicotine patches, gum, and lozenges.
Visit https://www.quityes.org/ today to get yours, or call 1-866-784-8937. Information about the Illinois Tobacco Quitline can also be found at all Well Child Center locations in Elgin and Carpentersville.
EasterSeals Dupage & Fox Valley
Bike for the Kids
Wheels of all kinds and riders of all ages and abilities are welcome at Festival Park in Elgin on August 27th! Registrations include event-day activities, a taco lunch, a beer tent, an adapted bike presentation, and more while being close to the Festival Park playground and splash pad. 🚲 💦
Register with early registration rates until August 11! https://www.classy.org/event/bike-for-the-kids/e465794
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