KANKAKEE – As part of a district-wide tour of local businesses, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) visited the Kankakee Valley Theatre Association (KVTA) on Monday to tour the theater.

“The Kankakee Valley Theatre Association has a great impact on our community, and they are finally able to welcome people back,” Joyce said. “Without their performances, our community would have few opportunities to see these productions in our area. They have a fantastic list of shows coming up, and it’s a great excuse to get out and show our support.” 

During the tour, Joyce met with KTVA President Courtney Stephens, Business Manager Paula Sutter, Secretary Kayla James and former Vice President Rhonda Stenzinger. Stephens said they are excited to be able to return to the stage and entertain the community again after the theater sat empty for so many months, and they ask the community to consider supporting their work by attending one of their upcoming productions.

The following is a list of current and upcoming productions at the theater:

Youth Summer Theatre Camp - July 2021

10-Minute Play Festival - August 2021

The Music Man - October 2021

The Beast of Gevaudan - October 2021

Beauty and the Beast JR. - November 2021

Peter and the Starcatcher - February 2022

Mary Poppins JR. - April 2022

Guys and Dolls - May 2022

"KVTA would like to thank Senator Joyce for taking the time to pause and appreciate the arts in our community,” said KTVA President Courtney Stephens. “His support and dedication to helping KVTA thrive goes above and beyond our expectations."

The theater is actively seeking out new volunteers, especially after being sidelined for over a year and a half due to the pandemic. Additional details can be found at www.kvta.org.

Joyce hopes to visit more local restaurants, retail shops and businesses that provide personal services, like spas and salons, in the coming weeks as part of his small business tour series. Interested businesses can schedule a tour by visiting SenatorPatrickJoyce.com.

Photo: State Senator Patrick Joyce joins the leadership of the Kankakee Valley Theatre Association for a small business tour on Monday, July 12. From left to right: Secretary Kayla James, President Courtney Stephens, Business Manager Paula Sutter, State Senator Patrick Joyce and former KTVA Vice President Rhonda Stenzinger.

Last week was a busy one for Illinois Democratic Caucus senators, as they took part in several events across the state.

Last Wednesday, State Senator Scott Bennett (D- Champaign) toured local constituent Kevin Wolz’s black and white currant farm in Ogden. Along with representatives from Savanna Institute and the Illinois Stewardship Alliance, Bennett took the morning to learn about local sustainable agriculture and agroforestry efforts in his district.

“It was great to meet with Kevin and the others, who are all so knowledgeable about local efforts to preserve our land while also providing us with great Illinois-grown products,” Bennett said. “I always learn so much from the people that really understand the issues at small events like this one, and I appreciate the time they took to show me around the farm.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) spent her Sunday like a Litchfield tourist, checking out several attractions in the area with Litchfield Mayor Steve Dougherty and City Administrator Tonya Flannery.

“I am really taking advantage of the state reopening, now that we can all come together to enjoy events again,” said Senator Turner. “One thing I like most about being in office is getting out and getting to know constituents. This has been a hard year for everyone, so I encourage residents to go out and enjoy local activities.”

During her first stop, Turner enjoyed a walk through the Litchfield Pickers Market. The market, held 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every second Sunday of the month from May to October, gives visitors a look at vintage items, antiques and collectibles. All items sold at the market date back to 1980 or prior. 

Senator Turner also trailed along the historic Illinois Route 66 before coming to a stop at the Litchfield Museum & Route 66 Welcome Center. The museum has been open since 2013 and proudly welcomes visitors from around the world.

The museum features displays of Route 66 memorabilia, including Bob Waldmire maps and drawings, an original Route 66 road sign, a gas pump, an old automobile, a history section which includes portraits of old country schools as well as town schools, teachers, administration, graduates and much more.

“I had a great time learning about the fascinating history of Litchfield and Route 66 in Illinois,” said Senator Turner. “There’s so much to learn about Central Illinois, and really, Illinois as a whole.”

The Litchfield Museum & Route 66 Welcome Center reopened to the general public in February after easing COVID-19 restrictions. To plan a free tour, visit http://www.litchfieldmuseum.org/plan-your-visit/ .

Photo: Litchfield City Administrator Tonya Flannery (left), State Senator Doris Turner and Litchfield Mayor Steve Dougherty(right) stop for a smile in front of the AMI jukebox at the Litchfield Museum & Route 66 Welcome Center on Sunday, July 11.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – To encourage students to read over summer break, State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) is hosting a Summer Book Club in partnership with local libraries.

“Students of all ages can avoid summer learning loss by engaging with a series of good books,” Gillespie said. “This program will reward young readers with the best our local libraries and parks have to offer this summer.”

The Summer Book Club requires students to read eight books of their choice during summer break, record the names of the books and return a signed form to Senator Gillespie’s district office by Aug. 11. Forms can be downloaded at www.SenatorAnnGillespie.org or picked up at the following locations:

• 171 W. Wing St. #202, Arlington Heights
• Palatine Public Library, 700 N. North Court, Palatine
• Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights
• Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St., Mount Prospect

Students who complete the Summer Book Club will be awarded either a day pass to a local park district pool or a gift card for ice cream at Kilwins, depending on availability and preference.

SOUTH WILMINGTON – Motorists who have been unable to visit a driver services facility to renew their driver’s licenses and purchase vehicle stickers will be able to attend a free mobile unit event, sponsored by State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) in partnership with the secretary of state’s office. 

“The mobile unit makes it easier for folks to receive necessary services without waiting for long periods of time outside a driver services facility,” Joyce said. “I encourage anyone in need of a safe and convenient way to renew and pay fees to attend this upcoming event.”

The unit operates like a DMV office and offers driver’s license renewals, identification cards and license plate stickers. Attendees must wear face coverings, and social distancing rules must be followed.

Joyce reminds residents that REAL ID services will not be available at the mobile unit. The deadline to obtain a REAL ID has been extended to May 3, 2023.

In addition, Joyce invites local veterans to utilize this event to add a veteran’s designation to their driver’s license or state ID. For veteran designation, residents must bring their DD-214 or NAF 13038. For more information about veteran ID services, call the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs at 1-800-437-9824.

With questions or for additional information, contact Joyce’s office at 708-756-0882 or visit SenatorPatrickJoyce.com.

WHO:                   State Senator Patrick Joyce and Secretary of State Jesse White’s office

WHAT:                 Secretary of state mobile unit event  

WHEN:                 Tuesday, July 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.        

WHERE:               South Wilmington Village Hall

                             380 Lake St., South Wilmington

PARK FOREST— To encourage young people to continue learning this summer, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is encouraging kids to participate in his Summer Book Club for children and young people who live in the 40^th State Senate District.

“The purpose of this reading club is to inspire our youth to read during the summer when school is out,” Joyce said. “This book club also offers a completion incentive, giving kids something to work toward during the summer months.”

The Summer Book Club requires students to read eight books of their choice during the summer break, record the names of the books on a form and return the form to Joyce’s office by Aug. 11. Participants will receive a gift card and certificate from Senator Joyce. 

“This Summer Book Club makes reading fun and promotes lifelong learning,” Joyce said. “I am encouraging young readers to set aside 10-15 minutes a day to read and make it a part of their summer routine.”

To receive a book club form, visit SenatorPatrickJoyce.com to download and print the form, or call Joyce’s office at 708-756-0882 to request a copy by mail.

Joyce urges interested residents to call his office with any additional questions.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) celebrated the signing of an expansion to Ashley’s Law allowing designated caregivers at summer camps and other park district programs to administer medical cannabis products.

“Ashley’s Law was so important to making sure students are able to get the medication they need,” said Castro, who sponsored the original law. “This expansion will make sure they get continued care during the summer months, and I am happy to see it signed into law.”

Ashley’s Law passed in 2018 in response to the case of an 11-year-old student being denied use of medical cannabis prescribed to her to alleviate symptoms of leukemia treatment. Although she was a qualified medical cannabis patient, previous state law prohibited her use of medicinal cannabis on school grounds.

NAPERVILLE – Assistant Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) and Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) will be hosting a free Mental Wellness Fair on Monday, July 19 to help local residents access important mental health services.

“This past year was tough on many of us,” Holmes said. “It is essential that residents have the information required to address their mental health needs and find tools to make adjustments in their lives.”

The mental wellness fair will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. at Neuqua Valley High School, located at 2360 95^th St. in Naperville. Several groups will be present at the fair to address residents’ specific mental health needs, including:

• 360 Youth
• Connect For Life
• Family Focus
• IL Department of Human Services
• Linden Oaks
• Metro Family Services
• Mutual Ground
• NAMI DuPage
• Samara Care
• Congresswoman Lauren Underwood’s Office
• Will County Office of Substance Use Initiative

“Ensuring that people have access to mental health services is incredibly important,” Ellman said. “This event offers a great opportunity to connect with incredible organizations offering helpful and even life-saving resources right here in our community.”

Attendees will be required to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status, and social distancing guidelines will be in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

For more information, residents can reach out to Leader Holmes’ office by visiting her website or calling 630-820-8650. Senator Ellman’s staff is also available through her website or by calling 630-601-9961.