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I love Women's History Month because it reminds us of the many great women who have served our country and changed the world in the past. But I also think it's important to remember that, today and every day, women in our communities are making history and living lives that will inspire future generations.
So as Women's History Month comes to a close, I'd like to honor one of our neighbors who is making history in our time: the Hon. Chantelle Porter, the first Black woman to serve in the 18th Judicial Circuit of DuPage County.
Chantelle Porter grew up in Hanover Park, the oldest of three children. Public service runs in her family: Her mother was an elementary school teacher who served on the Elgin area U-46 school board, and her father worked in business management and now serves as a trustee in Hanover Park.
Young Chantelle showed early promise as an advocate. Her parents proudly saved an "appeal" she wrote at the age of 12, when she complained that her punishment for a minor infraction violated her rights under the 8th Amendment. (That's the one that bans cruel and unusual punishments.) She went on to star in high school debate, and then earned her bachelor's degree in history at Ohio State University. As a law student at DePaul University, she worked at the Cook County Public Guardian’s Office and the DuPage County Public Defender’s Office.
After passing the bar, she returned to the DuPage County Public Defender’s Office, where she rose to Supervisor of the Juvenile Division. She then moved to private practice, where she spent 15 years advocating for children through family law and working as a Guardian Ad Litem. She was appointed to the judiciary on December 12, 2022.
In an interview soon after she was appointed, Judge Porter said she considers her role on the bench as a "sacred trust."
“Judges are the first face of the legal system," she said. "We want people to walk out of a courthouse with faith in the legal system."
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Believe it or not, it's time to get your pool passes for Lombard's Paradise Bay
I know it may not feel like it, but summer is just around the corner. In less than two months, the Lombard Park District's Paradise Bay Water Park will be open for the season.
Pool passes for the season can provide real savings if you're a frequent visitor. So don't wait! For more information and to get your passes, you can click here.
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Voulez-vous vendre des patisseries? Register to be a Lisle French Market vendor
Calling all chefs, artisans, and gardeners! The Lisle French Market will return on Saturday from May 4 through Oct. 12.
If you're looking for a lovely local venue to sell plants, flowers, produce, artisan foods, or other unique, small-quantity products, sign up today. You can complete an application to be a vendor at this season’s French Market here.
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Support Lombard's Chamber at the Lilac Ball
With the lilacs getting ready to burst into bloom, it's time to buy your tickets to the Lombard Chamber of Commerce Lilac Ball, to be held on May 10 at the Carlisle, 435 E. Butterfield Road in Lombard.
Tickets include a cocktail hour with appetizers, dinner with an open bar, and dancing. There will be games with prizes donated by Lombard businesses, as well as a live auction of "Lombard experiences."
Please get your tickets by Apr. 22. To learn more and buy tickets, you can click here.
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You can still 'Rock Your Socks' to honor World Down Syndrome Day
March 21 was World Down Syndrome Day! As you can see from the photo, my colleagues and I rocked our wacky socks on the House floor last week.
To further raise awareness about World Down Syndrome Day, 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!
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. Please note that our office will be closed tomorrow (Friday).
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PS5 in the Hive at the Helen Plum Library
Great news for young gamers! You can now sign up at the desk in the Teen Corner to play PS5 (PlayStation 5) whenever the Hive is open at the Helen Plum Library, at 411 S Main St. in Lombard.
To reserve video games in the Hive, patrons must be in grades 6-12 and hold an active Helen Plum Library card.
Stop by to play NBA 2K23, Ultimate Chicken Horse, Child of Light, and more. You can click here for more information.
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Keep watching the skies with the Naperville Astronomical Association on SATURDAY
You're invited to view the wonders of the heavens with the Naperville Astronomical Association on Saturday, March 30 from 8 to 10 p.m. at the Naperville Astronomical Association Astronomy Education Center, 3712 Plainfield-Naperville Road.
These events, which are free to the public, are held only on clear nights. The go-or-cancel notice should be displayed on the calendar and on the NAA homepage by 2 p.m. the day of the event. You can click here for more information.
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Hopper Cottontail and Friends invite you to their Hoppy Party in Glen Ellyn SATURDAY
Hopper Cottontail (Glen Ellyn’s own Easter bunny) and some friends are coming to Ackerman SFC for two hours of egg-citing activities and games. The party is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 30, at Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center, 800 St. Charles Road.
This event is for children ages 2-8, who must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required for children only, with a $25 fee per child for residents and a $40 fee per child for nonresidents. For more information and to register, click here.
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It's time for lunch with Wheaton's 'Spring into Dining' restaurant week, through SATURDAY
It's spring at last, and the Downtown Wheaton Association is getting the season off to a festive start with their first-ever spring restaurant week.
From now through Saturday, March 30, you can enjoy discounts on lunch orders and other specials designed to lure you out to enjoy the spring sunshine. (Please note that the Downtown Wheaton Association does NOT guarantee springlike weather...)
For more information, please visit the Downtown Wheaton Association's website.
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Learn how to protect natural resources at the Clean Air and Water Show at SCARCE THURSDAY
The League of Women Voters of Glen Ellyn is teaming up with SCARCE to host the Clean Air and Water Show, from 7 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 4, at the SCARCE facility, 800 S. Rohlwing Road (Route 53) or via Zoom.
Attendees will learn about the importance of clean air and water and ways to safeguard these natural resources here in DuPage County. Members of the community are invited to attend. For more information and to register, you can click here.
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Hear from the the 'Flamin' Hot Cheetos' marketing wizard at COD THURSDAY
From Frito-Lay janitor to top exec, Richard Montañez has inspired millions with the story of how he helped to transform snack culture with Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.
You can hear him in person on Thursday, April 4. at 7 p.m. in the Belushi Performance Hall at the McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd. in Glen Ellyn
After the presentation, you can ask questions and buy a signed copy of his book, which inspired the hit movie on Disney+. For more information and to purchase tickets, you can click here.
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Join the kickoff for Guiding DG and start planning Downers Grove's future THURSDAY
Get involved and become part of the celebration as the Village of Downers Grove kicks off Guiding DG from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Apr. 4 at the Lincoln Center, 935 Maple Avenue.
The free, family-friendly event will have activities for all ages and interests. It will also provide more information on Guiding DG, a series of plans that will help to improve the livability, mobility, design, and sustainability future of Downers Grove.
You'll learn more about the four Guiding DG plans (Comprehensive Plan, Bike and Pedestrian Plan, Environmental Sustainability Plan, and Downtown and Fairview Focus Area Streetscape Plan) and hear about how you can provide your input on important issues and opportunities facing the community. For more information, you can click here.
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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. 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.
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Upcoming Events
We have lots of events coming up, so please take a look and mark your calendars today!
Apr. 13: Wheaton Recycling Event, from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the DuPage Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road
Apr. 16-19: Restaurant Week in Lisle, showcasing restaurants throughout the village
Apr. 17: Glen Ellyn Park District's Tails and Tales, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center, 800 St. Charles Road
Apr. 20: Shred Event in Lisle, from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Sea Lion Aquatic Park Parking Lot, 1825 Short Street
Apr. 20: 2K Glow Run/Walk in Glen Ellyn, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Ackerman Park, 800 St. Charles Road
Apr. 20-26: Glen Ellyn Park District's Earth Week, happening at various locations
Apr. 30: Glen Ellyn Community Blood and Food Drive, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center, 800 St. Charles Road
May 3: Family Bingo Night in Glen Ellyn, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center, 800 St. Charles Road
May 4: DuPage River Sweep: Lake Ellyn Clean-Up, from 9 a.m. to noon at Lake Ellyn Park, 645 Lenox Road
May 4: Glen Ellyn Park District's Touch-A-Truck, from 10 a.m. to noon at Maryknoll Park, 845 Pershing Ave.
May 4: May the Course Be with You Tournament, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Holes & Knolls, 845 Pershing Ave.
May 10: Kids on the Course in Glen Ellyn, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Holes & Knolls, 845 Pershing Ave.
May 20: B.R. Ryall YMCA's Annual Meeting and Champions Dinner at 5:30 p.m. at Abbington Distinctive Banquets, 3S002 Route 53 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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