Dear Terra,

For many of us, the possibility of facing dementia as we age is terrifying. 

When we see friends and family members dealing with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia, our fears can lead us to look away, pull back, and deny reality in ways that can be tremendously harmful for people in need. The damaging stigma that we attach to dementia can even keep us from seeking treatment in the early stages of the disease. 

So I'm very proud of one of our neighbors, Shon Lowe, who has been advocating to end the stigma since her mother, Terrie, was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's Disease in 2015, at the age of 58. 

Since Terrie's diagnosis, Shon and Terrie have been using their voices to push for increased access to care, expansion of services and vital research dollars. I am deeply inspired by Terrie's determination to take a difficult diagnosis and use it to create meaning and purpose, both for her family and for so many others grappling with dementia and its impacts.

To help make sure that people living with dementia get the informed, compassionate care they need and deserve, I cosponsored HB4388, which requires regular dementia training for emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics. This bill, which was signed into law in 2022, was the first of its kind in the nation. 

I want to thank Shon so much for sharing her mother's story with me, and I will continue to work for new laws to improve the lives of people living with dementia and the people who care about them.

The Alzheimer's Association maintains a 24/7 helpline for anyone who needs assistance. Please call anytime, at 1-800-272-3900. To learn more about dementia, you can click here.

Many thanks to Magdalene House Chicago for their 'Advocate of the Year' award

I was deeply honored last week to be named Advocate of the Year by Magdalene House Chicago, an innovative Lombard-based residential program for survivors of sex trafficking, prostitution, and addiction. 

It was so moving to meet the other honorees and to talk with the Rev. Amity Carrubba, their Board Chair, at the award ceremony.

I’ve spent my entire career standing up for vulnerable people, and I have continued that advocacy as a State Representative. I was especially proud to sponsor the Lodging Establishment Human Trafficking Recognition Training Act, which imposes harsher penalties on traffickers and others who profit from the exploitation of vulnerable women and children. The law also makes sure Illinois law enforcement officers have the training they need to identify and investigate human trafficking and involuntary servitude.

I am committed to working in Springfield to find solutions that target the reality of trafficking, and I'm going to continue to press for new laws that will fight trafficking and provide hope and healing for survivors.

Celebrate local women artists by visiting 'We Are Women' in Wheaton in March

In celebration of Women’s History Month, you're invited to enjoy works by local female artists at some of your favorite women-owned or -managed businesses in Downtown Wheaton.

Throughout March, more than 20 pieces of artwork from local women artists from the DuPage Art League and local high schools will be on display. The exhibit is presented by Wheaton's Community Relations Commission, in partnership with the Downtown Wheaton Association and the DuPage Art League, from March 1 through 31.

You can visit the Downtown Wheaton Association's website for a map of participating businesses.

Scholarships available for graduating high school seniors from the Lisle Chamber of Commerce

The Lisle Area Chamber of Commerce is offering scholarships to local graduating seniors, based on academic achievement, community involvement, and financial need.

To learn more, please contact the Chamber at (630) 271-4102. The application is available online here.

You can send your completed application via email, to info@lislechamber.com or jill@lislechamber.com, drop it off in person at the Lisle Area Chamber office, or mail it to the Chamber at 925 Burlington Ave., Lisle IL 60532. Applications are due by 4 p.m. on April 5, so don't delay!

Black History Month Spotlight: Ellsworth Dansby, Tuskegee Airman and civil rights leader

Ellsworth Dansby Jr., a native of Decatur, made history as a member of the U.S. Army Air Corps' 99th Fighter Squadron – better known as the Tuskegee Airmen – who served their country as pilots in the first all-Black squadron during World War II.

Dansby, who was born in 1914, grew up fascinated with flying. At the age of 12, he became friends with two brothers whose family owned a single-seat airplane. One day when their parents weren't home, they invited young Ellsworth to try it out. He hopped in and, without ever having had a single flying lesson, took off and then managed to land safely. He went on to fly whenever and wherever he could.

When he graduated from Decatur High School, he began applying to the U.S. Army Air Corps. But while white high school graduates could enlist directly in the U.S. Army Air Corps, Black enlistees had to have a college degree. So after graduating from Millikin University, as one of their first Black graduates, he succeeded in enlisting in a new squadron of Black aviators that was activated at Chanute Field in Rantoul, in central Illinois, and then sent to Tuskegee, AL, for training.

Mr. Dansby was the second Black man to be sworn into the Army Air Corps and the first to rise to the rank of Master Sergeant. He and his fellow Tuskegee Airmen served with great distinction in the Mediterranean combat theater, flying from bases in North Africa and Italy while supporting operations against German forces. 

After World War II ended, Sgt. Dansby returned to Decatur, where he – like so many of the Tuskegee Airmen – became a strong and effective advocate for civil rights. In one notable effort, he organized local African-Americans to pay their power bills in pennies until the Illinois Power Co. agreed to hire Black female office workers.

He went on to serve on the Decatur school board from 1968 to 1971 and was a member of the Board of Directors of the Decatur/Macon County Opportunities Corporation. He also spent four years at Argonne National Laboratory, where he worked to develop nuclear energy technologies. He died in 1989, at the age of 74. In 2023, Ellsworth Dansby Jr. Magnet School, a STEM school in Decatur, was named in his honor.

If you're interested in learning more about the Tuskegee Airmen and their bravery, take a look at this informative web page from the National Air and Space Museum. You can learn about Illinois' own Tuskegee Airmen here. You also might enjoy the movie Red Tails, a (highly fictionalized) movie about the Tuskegee Airmen, which is available for streaming.

Donate to 'Rock Your Socks' in March to honor World Down Syndrome Day

In honor of World Down Syndrome Day (March 21), my office is participating in the Rock Your Socks Drive, collecting new, unused socks throughout the month of March.

We're joining forces with the Village of Glen Ellyn, Glen Ellyn Park District, Glen Ellyn Public Library, School District 41, Chitkowski Law Offices, and Faith Lutheran Church to collect socks, which will be given to the People's Resource Center. Last year, the Rock Your Socks drive collected an amazing 2,100 pairs of new socks. We're hoping to surpass that number this year!

I know I'll be rocking my wacky socks once again to show my support for people with Down Syndrome on March 21, and I hope you will, too! To learn more about the symbolism of wearing wacky socks on this day, take a look at the 3-21 Foundation website here.

If you would like to schedule a time to drop off donations, please email reptch42@gmail.com or call us at 630-812-9292.

Looking for a summer job? Check out Glen Ellyn Park District Job Fair TOMORROW

If you're looking for a fun and flexible summer job, don't miss the Glen Ellyn Park District Job Fair tomorrow, Mar. 1, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Main Street Recreation Center, 501 Hill Ave.

Working for the Park District offers opportunities for teens and others to hone their skills, boost confidence, acquire valuable work experience, and forge new friendships. (I know this firsthand, as a former park district lifeguard!) As an added bonus, park district employees receive complimentary fitness memberships and guest passes for various amenities.

The District will offer on-site job interviews during the Fair. Click here to learn more.

Learn how to become an herbal gourmet in Lombard on SATURDAY

Learn how to transform your culinary creations with the art of herbal gastronomy at the Lombard Historical Society's "Become an Herbal Gourmet" event from 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 2, at 23 W. Maple St.

Marcy Lautanen-Raleigh, a Lombard resident and herb gardener extraordinaire, is the proprietor of Backyard Patch Herbs, an online herbal products company. She will teach attendees how to infuse even the most basic dishes with vibrant, delectable herb flavors. creating salt-free blends, exquisite herbal vinegars, and infused sugars.

For more information and to register, you can click here.

Play Pickleball to support District 88 SATURDAY

The District 88 Foundation will host a Pickleball Tournament from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 2, at the Willowbrook High School fieldhouse, at 1250 S. Ardmore Ave. in Villa Park.

If you're interested in pickleball but have never played, don't worry – there will be a short lesson for newcomers at 8:30 a.m. before the tournament begins. 

All proceeds will benefit D88 students and staff through mini-grants for teacher initiatives and innovations. For questions, you can contact District 88 Director of Community Relations Dani Brink at dbrink@dupage88.net or 630-530-3989. You can click here to register.

Children can enjoy cocoa, cookies and crafts at Lyman Woods SUNDAY

Families with children aged 3 through 12 are invited to enjoy an afternoon of sweet treats, crafts, and storytelling from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 3, at Lyman Woods, 901 31st St. in Downers Grove.

Hosted by the Downers Grove Park District, this event is a lovely opportunity to spend quality time with your little ones in a beautiful natural setting. For more information and to register, you can click here.

Children can meet therapy dogs in Glen Ellyn WEDNESDAY



You're invited to meet therapy dogs from Rainbow Animal Assisted Therapy at the Glen Ellyn Park District's Tails and Tales event from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 6, at Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center, 800 St. Charles Road.

Children will listen to a dog-themed story, play games, and learn about dog safety, while adults will enjoy the stress-relieving, wellness-boosting benefits of spending time with therapy dogs.

This event is for children ages 2 and up, accompanied by an adult. Registration is required, and there is a $7 fee for each child. For more information and to register, you can click here.

Shop, sip, and get ready for spring planting at Noon Whistle Brewing in Lombard



Calling all plant lovers! Shop from 17 local small business owners at the Plant Market on Thursday, March 7 from 4 to 9 p.m. at Noon Whistle Brewing, 800 E. Roosevelt Road in Lombard.

You can buy plants, pots, soil, and accessories, as well as plant-themed clothing, jewelry, art, home decor, and sweets. For more information, you can click here.

If it's March, it must be time for Glen Ellyn's Kiwanis Hanging Basket/Vidalia Onion Sale

The Kiwanis Club of Glen Ellyn is hosting its annual sale of hanging flower baskets and Vidalia onions, to raise money for children in our community.

To order a hanging flower basket, you can click here. Please order by March 10, to make sure you get your first choice. You also can order a bag (or more!) of Vidalia onions, now through April 29, by clicking here.

Additional information and forms for ordering can be found here.

Considering a career in public service? We're looking for summer interns!

Do you know somebody who has a passion for public service or who is thinking about a career in government?

My office is now accepting applications for summer interns. It's a great opportunity for someone who is interested in spending the summer working to support our communities – and getting paid for it!

Duties will include:

• Constituent casework
• Policy research
• Engaging with constituents through canvassing
• Social media content creation
• Attending events and meetings with Rep. Costa Howard
• Event planning

You'll need excellent writing, communication, and organizational skills, as well as experience with social media and Google Docs. Our interns work from our District Office in Lombard and will be required to attend off-site meetings and events.

If you're interested, you can email your resume to Reptch42@gmail.com.

Upcoming Events

We have lots of events coming up, so please take a look and mark your calendars today!

Mar. 10: Sportswap in Glen Ellyn, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center, 800 St. Charles Road

Mar. 16: Nature at Night Hikes, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the William F. Sherman Jr. Interpretive Center - Lyman Woods, 901 31st St. in Downers Grove

Mar. 16: Electronics Recycling Event, from 9 a.m. to noon at Benedictine University, Rice Center parking lot, 5700 College Road in Lisle

Mar. 17: Leapin' Leprechauns Event from 1 to 2 p.m. at Lyman Woods, 901 31st St in Downers Grove

Mar. 19: Women's History Trivia, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Lisle Library District (Meeting Room A/B), 777 Front St.

Mar. 21: Adults-Only Egg Hunt, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Lake Ellyn Boathouse, 645 Lenox Road in Glen Ellyn

Mar. 23: Lombard Park District's Egg Hunt, from 10:40 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Lombard Common, 433 E. St. Charles Road, field east of Paradise Bay Water Park

Mar. 23: Bunny Brunch in Lombard, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Lombard Community Building, 433 E. St. Charles Road

Mar. 26: Glen Ellyn Park District's Grandparents and Me Day Bingo, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Main Street Recreation Center, 501 Hill Ave.

Mar. 28: Flashlight Egg Hunt from 7:45 to 8:15 p.m. (ages 6-8) and 8:45 to 9:15 p.m. (ages 9-11) at Churchill Park, 271 St. Charles Road in Glen Ellyn

Mar. 29: Glen Ellyn Park District's Eggs-traordinary Egg Hunt, from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. or 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. at Maryknoll Park, 845 Pershing Ave.

Mar. 30: Glen Ellyn Park District's Hopper Cottontail and Friends Hoppy Party, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center, 800 St. Charles Road.

Apr. 16-19: Restaurant Week in Lisle, showcasing restaurants throughout the village

If you have any questions about pending legislation or other issues related to your state government, please don't hesitate to contact my office at 630-812-9292 or RepTCH42@gmail.com.

Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay strong,

Terra Costa Howard

State Representative 

42nd District

913 S. Main St.

Lombard, IL 60148

(630) 812-9292