Hello Stephanie,

I hope this message finds you well. Tomorrow is National Popcorn Day! Did you know that in 2003, popcorn officially became the snack food of Illinois? With hundreds of farms cultivating popcorn on 47,000 acres, our state proudly stands as the third-largest grower of this beloved treat. A fun fact: Mason County leads the nation in popcorn production!

Switching gears, I want to address the recent cold snap and snowstorm that blanketed our area last week. With 4.5 inches of snow in just 24 hours, Kane County deputies responded to 47 motorist assists, highlighting the importance of driving safely in inclement weather. Please take extra precautions if you must travel during adverse conditions.

On a personal note, I'm thrilled to share that I recently returned from visiting my son Sam in Japan, where he serves in the Navy and is stationed in Yokosuka. Spending time with family was truly wonderful, and we had a lovely time together.

This week, I've been back in Springfield for the legislative session. This Friday is the deadline that we have to get all our requests for legislation submitted. While we did not spend a lot of time on the IL House floor, I did a lot of work finishing my requests. I will provide more updates as the drafts are filed in the upcoming months.

Exciting and crucial updates await you in this newsletter, so keep reading for more information. The trivia question is at the end, let's see who this week's winner is. 

Best regards,

P.S. Read all the way to the bottom to participate in this week's Trivia Challenge!

REMINDER: The Roosevelt-Aurora American Legion Post 84 regularly scheduled meeting is Tomorrow, Friday January 19, 2024.

This is a rescheduled meeting from Friday Jan, 12, which was cancelled because of last weeks winter storm.

On January 16, 1836, the Illinois legislature formed a new County and named it after Elias Kent Kane, the highly-respected attorney who helped draft the Illinois constitution and was the first Secretary of State.

Today, Kane County is the 5th largest county in the state and is home to over 500,000 people. Happy Birthday Kane County!

The Veteran Service Organizations State Charter Act that I sponsored and passed last year became effective January 1, 2024. It gives the Illinois Attorney General’s Office oversight to approve State charters.

The application process is NOW OPEN at illinoisattorneygeneral.gov

A state charter allows a VSO to become part of a county veterans assistance commission where VSOs support veterans countywide by connecting them to the much-needed and well-deserved resources they have earned.

You may also call the Military and Veterans Rights Helpline at 1-800-382-3000.

State Charter Requirements

You must fulfill all requirements under either 1.a or 1.b

1.a

• Be formed by veterans and for veterans.
• Have a board comprised by a majority of members who are veterans.
• Demonstrates the majority of the organization’s expenses show how it supports veterans.

1.b

• Have at least 15 members.
• Be associated with a Congressionally chartered organization.

The Park District invites you to be a part of their volunteer program and help inspire appreciation for the natural world and cultural history of Kane County.

The District has volunteer opportunities in natural areas management, environmental education, cultural and historic preservation, public safety and trails and recreation.

Volunteer Restoration Workdays are wonderful individual and family experiences for all-ages. No registration is required unless you're attending with a group of 10 or more. Workday Schedule Here

You can find their volunteer application on this site. You can get more information by calling the Volunteer Office at 630-762-2741 or emailing CleaveRobb@kaneforest.com.

more information here

Join me in wishing Aurora Police Officer Mike Oeser a Happy Retirement!

Appointed on December 29, 1997, Officer Oeser served the department and our community honorably for over twenty-six (26) years.

Thank you for your service, and best of luck in your future endeavors!

Last year, the Treasurer launched First Steps to help families get started on their education savings journey. The program provides $50 deposits into college savings accounts opened by Illinois residents with a baby born or adopted in 2023 or afterward.

This is money that can be used for a university, community college, trade school, vocational program, or an apprenticeship. Saving is important because securing a good-paying job that can support a family often requires some form of education or training after high school. The average college graduate is 24% more likely to be employed and on average earns $32,000 a year more than those who have only completed their high school degree.

If you had a child or adopted one since last New Year’s, start them on a path to success early by claiming your First Steps seed money. If you know a family that can claim it, please reach out and let them know. If your children are a little older and don’t qualify for First Steps, you can still open a Bright Start or Bright Directions account for them. It’s not too late to start.

Kane County is offering Free CPR Classes, in recognition of National Heart Month (February 2024)

There are 4 classes available in February with 120 open slots. They will be taught by the Kane County Health Department and Kane County Sherriff's office.

Sign up HERE

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is accepting applications now for instructors for 2024 summer fishing clinics through the department’s Urban Fishing Program.

These are temporary positions not to exceed six months, making them perfect for teachers, retirees, students, and others who are eager to help people learn about fishing skills and ecology.

The deadline to apply is approaching quickly. To learn more about the positions, qualifications and how to apply, visit https://bit.ly/IDNRjobs. Look for positions titled “conservation education representative.”

For the second consecutive year, Illinois has been named the number one leader for workforce development in the Midwest region. The top ranking highlights the State of Illinois' commitment to expanding access to innovative workforce programs and making critical investments through legislation and programming to reduce barriers to good-paying jobs in order to create a thriving business ecosystem for jobseekers, employees and employers.

The Site Selection magazine ranking recognizes "states that performed well in a set of measures that gauge workforce-related aspects of states' overall employment climate." It combines information from CNBC, U.S. News, and other organizations.

Read more HERE

LAST WEEK's ANSWER:

The world's busiest airport, a plane takes off or lands at O’Hare International

every 23 seconds!

THIS WEEK's QUESTIONS:

Watch the most recent Coffee Chat on Facebook!

Or, subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎧!

I continue to host Monday Morning Coffee live via Facebook at 9:00am-10:00am where you can post your comments and questions.

I realize not everyone has Facebook. The good news is that you can still participate. If you would like to join us on Monday mornings, you can join in via ZOOM! Once connected via ZOOM, you'll be able to interact just as if you were on Facebook. Don't worry you will not be on live - your video feed and mic will be muted.

The ZOOM link will be emailed to everyone separately for Monday morning participation.

If you would like to join us, please email Nick@ildistrict84.com or call the

office at 630.585.1308