CHICAGO –Taft Freshman Academy has received an Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Grant to fund a pollinator garden at the school, State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) announced.

“Physical, hands-on learning is one of the best ways to engage children in their education,” Martwick said. “This project will help students learn about natural habitats and ecology by interacting with the many species that call their garden home.”

The Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant program is administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois Conservation Fund to support the development or enhancement of wildlife habitat on school grounds or other public places. Projects funded by these grants are meant to teach children that their actions can make a difference in the world while increasing the use of native plants in Illinois.

CHAMPAIGN – The Champaign Downtown Commercial District is one of 12 Illinois sites added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2020, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) announced Wednesday.

“This designation is a tremendous recognition of the historic structures that continue to serve as part of the Downtown Commercial District in Champaign,” Bennett said. “I’m thrilled to see our community being recognized with this distinct honor for its history and architecture.”

CHICAGO – To help get the health of Illinoisans back on track, State Senator Emil Jones, III (D-Chicago) is thrilled to announce a COVID-19 vaccination site has opened in Robbins.

“I encourage everyone who is eligible to get the vaccine,” Jones said. “We have waited nearly a year to get to this point. The sooner people get the vaccine, the sooner we can get back to normal and put this pandemic, and all the hardships it caused, behind us.”

The site opened this week at Robbins Health Center, located at 13450 S. Kedzie Ave., and its hours will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) retained her leadership position as Majority Caucus Chair of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus.

“I am happy to continue serving as Majority Caucus Chair for the Democratic Caucus,” Hunter said. “I will continue to work with my colleagues to develop policies that better the lives of our constituents across the state.”

Hunter has represented the 3^rd District for nearly 20 years and has passed over 200 bills concerning breast cancer, childhood vaccines, youth employment, environmental issues and education.

PLAINFIELD – The Oswegoland Park District Nature Preschool has received an Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Grant to fund a pollinator garden at the school, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Plainfield) announced. 

“Kids learn best through hands-on experience, so this grant opportunity is a great way to give them that opportunity,” said Loughran Cappel, who was a teacher prior to becoming senator. “This project will benefit both the kids who get to learn about Illinois habitats and the wildlife species the garden will attract.”

OAKBROOK TERRACE – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) is encouraging K-12 students to create and submit artwork for the annual art contest sponsored by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and the Illinois State Board of Education. This year’s theme is “Art Surrounds Us.”

“Creating artwork allows students to express themselves, be creative and inspire the people around them,” Glowiak Hilton said. “Parents, teachers and friends: Please encourage your young, talented artists to enter. I look forward to seeing the pieces of art submitted to this statewide contest.”

The contest includes four entry levels: grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. A panel of judges selects a winner and three runners-up in each entry level.

MARYVILLE – State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) is encouraging K-12 students to create and submit artwork for the annual art contest sponsored by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and the Illinois State Board of Education. This year’s theme is “Art Surrounds Us.”

“Creating art is a great way for students to express themselves,” Crowe said. “The Metro East has many talented artists, and I hope students of all ages choose to participate in this statewide art contest.”

The contest includes four entry levels: grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. A panel of judges selects a winner and three runners-up in each entry level.

O’FALLON – The Tiedemann House in O’Fallon is one of 12 Illinois sites added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2020, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) announced Wednesday.

“I’m pleased to hear the Tiedemann House has been recognized on a national scale for its architectural and historical value,” Belt said. “This beautiful home is a critical piece of the history of Illinois and the Metro East, and it’s an honor to finally see it added to the National Register of Historic Places.”