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As we continue our celebration of Women's History Month, I would like to tell you a little bit about Helen Plum, the public-spirited woman who brought the first lilacs to Lombard.
Helen Plum and her husband, William, moved to Lombard (then known as Babcock's Grove) when they were newlyweds and jumped right into the life of the community. William was elected to the town council at the age of 23, while Helen became a church leader and a charter member of the Lombard Woman’s Club.
In 1891, when an attorney named Ellen Martin found a loophole in the town ordinances that would allow women to vote, she turned to her neighbor, Helen Plum, to support her cause. Helen organized a dozen women from her church – including her 73-year-old mother – to stand beside Ellen Martin at the Lombard polling place. Together, they demanded their ballots and became the first Illinois women ever to vote in an election.
Two decades later, Helen made local botanical history when she came home from a trip to Europe with two French lilac bushes, one white and one purple. She and William kept on collecting and hybridizing lilacs, and eventually their gardens included more than 1,200 lilacs. They even named their estate Lilacia, to honor the beautiful, fragrant plants.
Helen Plum died in 1924. In her will, she left an endowment for the establishment of a public library in her name. When William died three years later, he bequeathed his estate – including the lilacs – to the people of Lombard, for use as a public park.
Now, every May, we can see Helen Plum’s legacy in the incredible beauty of Lilacia Park in bloom, and her lifelong commitment to civic engagement lives on in the new library building that bears her name.
Women's History Month gives us an opportunity to honor the thousands of women who devote so much of their lives to the betterment of our communities. I am proud to walk in Helen Plum’s footsteps in the 42nd District, and I am inspired by her example and her memory.
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Donate to 'Rock Your Socks' in honor of World Down Syndrome Day
Today is World Down Syndrome Day! As you may remember, I always rock a pair of wacky socks in honor of this day.
To further raise awareness, 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.
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Glenbard's future farmers (etc.!) stopped by for a visit in Springfield
Agribusiness is one of Illinois' major industries, offering a broad range of great career opportunities to our young people. So I was delighted to welcome a group of Glenbard District 87's FFA Program participamts onto the House floor last week when they toured the Capitol.
FFA (formerly known as the Future Farmers of America) provides agricultural education to students all across Illinois – not just in rural areas. Some members are future farmers, but others are thinking about careers as veterinarians, agricultural chemists, food scientists, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and many other ag-based occupations.
As you may remember, I am an honorary member of the downstate Cass-Morgan Farm Bureau, through the Illinois Farm Bureau’s Adopt-a-Legislator program. It has been fascinating to spend time with farm families and to learn more about the importance of agriculture to our state economy.
It was a pleasure talking with the members of this new FFA club, and I look forward to seeing them again as we work to support Illinois agriculture.
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It's time for lunch with Wheaton's 'Spring into Dining' restaurant week, starting TODAY
It's spring (at least, that's what the calendar says.) The Downtown Wheaton Association is getting the season off to a festive start with their first-ever spring restaurant week.
From today (March 21) through 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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What's the big idea? Don't miss MONDAY's deadline for the DuPage Big Idea Pitch Contest
Are you an aspiring student entrepreneur? Don't miss this opportunity to participate in the Big Idea Pitch Contest, organized by Innovation DuPage.
Innovation DuPage’s prestigious Big Idea Pitch Contest application deadline has been extended to Monday, March 25.
You'll have a chance to present your innovative business concepts and compete for cash prizes, with $5,000 going to the first-place winner.
All participants will receive constructive feedback from an eminent panel of judges, as well as valuable exposure within the local business community.
Innovation DuPage is devoted to cultivating the next generation of business leaders. You can apply now by submitting your application here.
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Hunt for eggs and savor a special Bunny Brunch in Lombard SATURDAY
Looking for an egg-citing weekend activity?
The Lombard Park District invites you to bounce on over to Lombard Common this Saturday, March 23, for a (kids-only) egg hunt, followed by a special "bunny brunch."
The egg hunts begin at 10:40 a.m. at the Common, 433 E St. Charles Road. (The hunts are split up by age group, so please click here to find your starting time.) Brunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Lombard Community Building.
Please note: Anyone over the age of 1 must register for the brunch. You can click here to register and learn more.
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Safely view the Sun in Naperville SATURDAY
I usually try not to contradict mothers. (If you've met my mom, you'll understand why....) But if your mom warned you against looking directly into the Sun, this weekend offers a great chance to prove her wrong.
The Naperville Astronomical Association's members have telescopes specially equipped for safe viewing of our Sun, and they are ready to share the views with you this Saturday, March 23 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Naperville Riverwalk just west of the Dandelion Fountain.
You'll be able to see the Sun's "surface" and maybe even some sunspots, as well the Sun's "atmosphere" and solar prominences. The Association also will be distributing eclipse glasses to protect your eyes during the coming solar eclipse on April 8.
Please note that this event is subject to cancellation if clouds or other weather interfere, so check www.naperastro.org for a go-or-cancel announcement on Saturday morning. For more information, you can click here.
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Meet 'Jane Addams,' America's first Nobel Peace Prize winner, in Lombard SATURDAY
The Lombard Historical Society invites you to tea with "Jane Addams" (as portrayed by acclaimed reenactor, Betsey Means) on Saturday afternoon.
Means will present "The Dream of American Democracy - A Social Gathering with Jane Addams" from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Society, at 23 W. Maple St.
Addams co-founded Hull-House in 1889 to serve Chicago's rapidly growing immigrant community. She worked throughout her life as a crusader for social justice, dedicating her life to advocating for the underprivileged and oppressed and fighting for the rights of workers, women, and children. She was the first American woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize, in 1931, and today is considered the founder of modern social work.
Betsey Means is a professional actress and the artistic director of WomanLore, which brings to life women in history through scripts adapted directly from the women’s own writings.
You're invited to stay for tea and cookies with "Ms. Addams" following the presentation. You can click here to learn more and purchase tickets.
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Do you want to fight hunger in our communities? Apply to join the Glen House Food Pantry Team
The Glen House Food Pantry is seeking a highly motivated, organized, creative person to serve as Programs Manager.
This part-time staff member will oversee and manage the Pantry’s programs to provide essential groceries distributed outside the Pantry to low-income neighbors in DuPage County.
The majority of programs are run in partnership with external nonprofit community partners. Responsibilities include ensuring all logistics and volunteers are in place, working within designated budget, and maintaining all paperwork and records related to each program. This staff member will also collaborate with the Pantry board to develop new Programs.
Applications are due by April 4. To learn more about this position, visit here.
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What's your vision for the future of Downers Grove? Take the Village survey today!
Whether you live in Downers Grove, work or own a business there, or are thinking about investing in the community, the Village is asking for you to participate in Guiding DG and share your thoughts for the future.
Guiding DG is a combined planning effort that includes the Comprehensive Plan, the Bike and Pedestrian Plan, the Environmental Sustainability Plan, and the Downtown and Fairview Focus Area Streetscape Plan.
The Guiding DG Plans will serve as a roadmap for the Village to direct future growth and development, mobility, sustainability, and streetscapes over the next 20 years. There are surveys asking for your input on each of these crucial issues. You can click here to learn more about these initiatives and take the surveys.
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It's time for some intergenerational fun with Grandparents and Me Bingo Day TUESDAY
Grandparents and grandchildren can team up to win prizes at the Glen Ellyn Park District's Grandparents and Me Day Bingo, on Tuesday, Mar. 26 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Main Street Recreation Center, 501 Hill Ave.
Prizes will be awarded for each round of bingo, with one lucky winner taking home a grand prize.
This event is for children ages 3-12, accompanied by an adult. Registration is required for children only, with a $5 fee per child for residents and a $10 fee per child for nonresidents. To learn more and register, 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!
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: Public Stargazing from 8 to 10 p.m. at the Naperville Astronomical Association Astronomy Education Center, 3712 Plainfield-Naperville Road
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. 4: An Evening With National Speaker and Author Richard Montañez, the Creative Force Behind Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, at 7 p.m. in the Belushi Performance Hall at the McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd. in Glen Ellyn
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
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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