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For decades, October has been recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. During this month, we wear pink to honor all those whose lives have been affected by this disease and to educate women about early detection and treatment.
It's really meaningful to see so many local organizations and agencies standing up on behalf of women's health. For the past 11 years, members of the Lombard Fire Department and Lombard Firefighters Union 3009 have hosted an annual pink t-shirt fundraiser to support patients at Bhorade Cancer Care Center, at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove. (That's me rocking my pink t-shirt with Lombard Fire Chief Rick Sander and Lieutenant Mark Laffrey.)
Today in the United States, an estimated one out of every eight women will develop breast cancer at some time in her life. Medical researchers are making great progress in treatment, but mammograms and self breast exams are still our best weapons against this disease. If you are 40 or older, or if you are a younger woman with a history of breast cancer in your family, please take a minute right now to make an appointment for your yearly mammogram.
You can find more information about early detection and learn how you can take action on the National Breast Cancer Foundation's website.
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Helping to keep Illinois manufacturing rolling with Makers on the Move bus tour
From John Deere tractors to Navistar trucks and engines, Illinois is renowned around the world as a manufacturing powerhouse.
I had the opportunity to help celebrate Illinois manufacturers this week when the Makers on the Move bus tour came to Addison.
Makers on the Move is visiting manufacturing facilities, educational institutions and community centers, to focus attention on the career opportunities and economic contributions that manufacturing brings to Illinois. During the eight-day tour, the bus is traveling 2,500 miles throughout Illinois, with stops all across the state. In Addison, the tour showcased SWD Inc., the Chicago area's premier metal finishing, dip spin coatings, and fastener sorting facility. It was fascinating – and I even got to sign the bus!
A big thank you to the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center and the Illinois Manufacturers' Association for bringing Makers on the Move to DuPage County and highlighting our manufacturing muscle!
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Do you have a great idea to share? Let's meet virtually on TUESDAY
The best – and most important – part of my job is meeting with the great people who live in our district and talking with them about the issues that matter most to our communities.
That's why I hold regular "Tuesdays with Terra" constituent meetings throughout our district. This month, I'll be talking one-on-one with constituents virtually from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 15.
If you have an issue you'd like to discuss or an idea you want to share – or even if you just want to talk about our state government and the work we do – I'd love to meet with you.
As always, registration is required. To make your appointment, please reach out to my office at 630-812-9292 or email reptch42@gmail.com.
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Protect your health! Get immunized at our Vaccine Clinic on Oct. 19
When you feel that crispness in the air and see the leaves start to turn colors, you know what season is coming.
Yes, it's flu season! (Sigh.) You can protect yourself from flu, COVID-19 (yes, it's still a thing), shingles, and several other serious diseases by getting vaccinated.
In partnership with Jewel-Osco Pharmacy and the Glen Ellyn Park District, my office is hosting a vaccine clinic on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 9 a.m. to noon at Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center, 800 St. Charles Road. Walk-ups are welcome, but pre-registration is preferred. To register, you can click here.
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Support survivors of domestic violence with our LovePurse Donation Drive
When a woman flees domestic violence and begins rebuilding her life, it's crucially important for her to know that she has the heartfelt support of her community.
As part of Domestic Violence Awareness month, my office is co-sponsoring a donation drive, along with elected officials throughout DuPage County, to support Metropolitan Family Services and their partnership with LovePurse.
The LovePurse program asks donors to buy new purses and fill them with daily essentials, toiletries, and (perhaps most importantly) handwritten notes of love, support, and encouragement. The purses are donated to organizations that serve women who are survivors of domestic violence.
We'll be accepting LovePurse donations through Oct. 31. Please call our office at 630-812-9292 or email Reptch42@gmail.com to schedule a porch pick-up at your home or a drop-off at our office.
You can also drop off donations at Ackerman Sports and Fitness Center, 800 St. Charles Rd. in Glen Ellyn and at Helen Plum Library, 411 S. Main St. in Lombard. You can check the graphic for a full list of drop-off locations in DuPage.
Please note that only new purses and new toiletries are accepted. All gently used purses will be donated to Goodwill.
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Is Downers Grove Museum haunted? Find out at Specters and Spirits TOMORROW
If you're feeling brave, you're invited to the Downers Grove Park District for a spirited exploration of the (allegedly haunted) Downers Grove Museum, the Lincoln Center, and Main Street Cemetery, starting at 7 p.m. tomorrow (Friday).
The event will include a search for ghosts using paranormal detection equipment, as well as light appetizers and a non-alcoholic beverage. To register, you can click here.
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Get up close and personal with large vehicles at Wheaton's Touch-A-Truck event SATURDAY
Don't miss this weekend's Touch-A-Truck event on Saturday, Oct. 12, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Liberty Drive in Wheaton, hosted by the Downtown Wheaton Association.
Liberty Drive will be closed between Wheaton Avenue and Hale Street to make way for trucks, municipal vehicles, emergency vehicles, and more. You can get up close, climb, honk, and touch these cool vehicles from right behind the wheel. For more information, you can visit here.
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Swifties can donate blood (and get a chance to see Taylor Swift!) in Lombard SATURDAY
Wow! Lombard Lodge #1098 will host a blood drive on Saturday, Oct. 12, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at First Church of Lombard, 220 S. Main St. Every donor will get a chance to win two floor tickets to the Taylor Swift Eras Tour, plus a $500 gift card.
Before you roll up your sleeves, make sure to eat a heathy meal and drink plenty of water. (I feel like there's a "Bad Blood" joke to be made here, but I can't come up with it. So I guess I'll have to shake it off...)
Please bring a photo ID. Appointments are appreciated but walk-ins are welcome. To schedule your appointment, you can click here.
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Spend a memorable morning at Lake Ellyn MONDAY on Grandparents and Me Day
Grandparents and grandchildren are invited to create lasting memories at Lake Ellyn Park on Monday, Oct. 14, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 645 Lenox Road in Glen Ellyn.
You're invited to enjoy arts and crafts activities at the Boathouse or explore nature with a hike or scavenger hunt. There will be snacks and refreshments available. If you want to go fishing, just bring your own fishing pole; bait will be provided.
This event is for children ages 3-12, accompanied by an adult. Registration is required for children only. The fee is $20 for residents and $25 for nonresidents. To register, you can click here.
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Give to our communities at our Blood and Food Drive in Glen Ellyn TUESDAY
Your donations make a difference! So if you can, please make time on Tuesday, Oct. 15, to participate in our Blood and Food Drive with the Kiwanis Club of Central DuPage and the Glen Ellyn Park District.
We'll be collecting donations of blood and food from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ackerman Sports and Fitness Center, 800 St. Charles Road.
Food items will be donated to the Glen House Food Pantry. Appointments are recommended for blood donations, but walk-ups are welcome.
If you can, please pick up a few extra grocery items this week to donate as well. Your donation can make a real difference in the life of a family struggling to keep food on the table. For more information, you can click here.
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Explore your future at Glenbard Options Fair on WEDNESDAY
Students with IEPs and 504 plans can explore future possibilities at the Glenbard High School District 87 Options Fair, on Wednesday, Oct. 16, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Glenbard North High School, 990 Kuhn Rd. in Carol Stream.
The Options Fair was established to offer students and their families an opportunity to meet and talk with representatives from colleges and universities, college experience programs, trade schools, and agencies that can offer support after high school. For more information, you can click here.
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NAMI DuPage will hold its annual Remembrance Ceremony on Oct. 17
When an act of suicide ends a life, stigma and shame can lay a heavy burden on grieving survivors. To offer community support to people who have lost a loved one to suicide, NAMI DuPage will host a Remembrance Ceremony from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 17, at the Community Center, 115 N. County Farm Road in Wheaton.
This ceremony will provide a safe space for those who have lost a family member or loved one to suicide. Survivors are invited to show photographs or share remembrances of the person they lost, or you can simply listen to stories of healing and hope. To learn more and register, you can click here.
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GPS hosts hybrid event on helping disaffected youth with psychologist John Duffy on Oct. 17
Parents of disaffected teens may find some practical help when GPS Parent Series hosts a hybrid event at noon (via Zoom) and 7 p.m. in person on Thursday, Oct. 17, at the Glen Ellyn Public Library, 400 Duane St.
Presenter John Duffy is a clinical psychologist who has developed eight practical parenting steps for dealing with common issues that face teens.
As you may know, GPS is a locally based educational consortium dedicated to presenting distinguished, relevant, high-profile authors, clinicians, and educators who share research-based knowledge and practical wisdom. The group's mission is to enhance the resilience and well-being of all students by helping them build relationships, develop coping strategies, and forge responsible decision-making skills.
You can find the Zoom link here. All in-person attendees will receive a copy of Dr. Duffy's new book. To be placed on a reminder list for GPS events or submit a question in advance, contact Gilda Ross, Glenbard District 87 student and community projects coordinator, at gilda_ross@glenbard.org or 630-942-7668.
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Upcoming Events
We have lots of events coming up, so please take a look and mark your calendars today!
Oct. 18-19: The Reckoning: Haunted House, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Lincoln Center, 935 Maple Ave. in Downers Grove
Oct. 19: Monster Madness, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Community Park South Shelter Grass Area, 1800 Short St. in Lisle
Oct. 19: Vaccine Clinic, from 9 a.m. to noon at Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center, 800 St. Charles Road
Oct. 19: Glen Ellyn Park District's Autumn Craft Fair, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Main Street Recreation Center, 501 Hill Ave.
Oct. 19: Halloween Hangout, from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Lake Ellyn Boathouse, 645 Lenox Rd. in Glen Ellyn
Oct. 20: Lombard Spooktacular, from noon to 5 p.m. in Downtown Lombard on St. Charles Road between Main and Elizabeth
Oct. 23: Pumpkin King Carving Court, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Main Street Recreation Center, 501 Hill Ave. in Glen Ellyn
Oct. 24 & 25: Ackerman Haunted Trail, from 4 to 9 p.m. at Ackerman Park, 800 St. Charles Road in Glen Ellyn
Oct. 24-31: Glen Ellyn Park District's Pumpkins on Main, at the Main Street Recreation Center, 501 Hill Ave.
Oct. 26: Touch-a-Truck, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at McCollum Park, 6801 Main St. in Downers Grove
Oct. 26: Boo Bash, from 10 to 11: 30 a.m. at Ackerman Park, 800 St. Charles Road in Glen Ellyn
Nov. 18: Menopause Awareness Event, at 6 p.m. at the College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd. in Glen Ellyn
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,
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Terra Costa Howard
State Representative
42nd District
913 S. Main St.
Lombard, IL 60148
(630) 812-9292
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