DES PLAINES – To support local businesses as they recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and provide an opportunity for their owners to share concerns about the state’s pandemic response, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) is launching a small business tour series and invites entrepreneurs in the Northwest Suburbs to apply.

“Our small businesses have overcome unimaginable challenges over the past year and a half. Although we’re approaching recovery, many business owners are still in need of support,” Murphy said. “I look forward to touring our community’s businesses, hearing their stories and helping promote their work.”

Murphy hopes to visit a variety of businesses, including, but not limited to, retail shops, manufacturing businesses and businesses in the service industry – from salons to optometrists.

Business owners can submit their information at www.SenatorLauraMurphy.com/SmallBusinessTours to be considered for a tour. Once an application is received, a member of Murphy’s team will reach out with additional details.

Applications will be accepted through July 30. Tours will begin in August.

Those with questions can contact Murphy’s office at 847-718-1110 or www.SenatorLauraMurphy.com/contact-us.

BOLINGBROOK – State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport) and State Representative Dagmara Avelar (D-Bolingbrook) hosted a mobile driver services unit on Saturday, bringing secretary of state resources to local communities that may have had trouble getting help as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The unit was incredibly well attended, which speaks to a need for these services to be made more accessible,” Connor said. “It is my goal to continue to bring these vital resources to the community.”

Through the mobile unit, community members were able to renew or correct licenses and state IDs, update license plate stickers, and register to vote or to be an organ donor.

Illinois driver’s license and ID card expiration dates have been extended through Jan. 1, 2022, but those wishing to conduct secretary of state business sooner can visit CyberDriveIllinois.com or visit a local secretary of state facility.

EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) is encouraging residents to take advantage of public parks and natural spaces in celebration of National Park and Recreation Month.

“Parks offer communities a place to gather with friends and family outdoors,” Belt said. “I hope people will take advantage of spending time outside and experiencing the nature around us during Park and Recreation Month.”

According to the National Recreation and Park Association, parks play an important role in maintaining quality of life in a community. Parks provide gathering places for members of a community to interact with each other, host public events and offer recreational programs.

Additionally, parks are a public place where people can go to keep healthy and fit. A Penn State University study showed that the length of visits to parks has a connection with reductions in stress, lowered blood pressure and perceived physical health.

Parks also offer an economic benefit to their communities by raising nearby property values and increasing revenue from tourism. Trees and other growth are also estimated to save cities money in environmental impacts and the effects of storms.

“The Metro East has a wide range of parks and trails available for residents visit,” Belt said. “It’s a great time of year to enjoy the outdoors and appreciate all nature offers.”

Visit the Metro East Park and Recreation District to find a park near in the area.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) and State Rep. Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights) are inviting residents to join them for a legislative town hall forum on Thursday, July 22.

The community forum will take place at 7 p.m. at the School District 25 building, 1200 S. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights. All residents are welcome to attend to learn about the latest from Springfield and engage in a civil discussion on legislative matters.

Senator Gillespie will hold an additional town hall on Tuesday, July 27 at the Palatine Public Library at 7 p.m. Both town halls will be livestreamed on Facebook.

For more information on these events, contact Senator Gillespie’s office at 847-749-1880 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or Rep. Walker’s office at 847-749-1137 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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.