Dear Stephanie,

I hope everyone is staying warm and making the most of their December. To all who celebrate, Chag sameach! Happy Hanukkah!

One of the enjoyable parts of my position is working with charitable organizations and donation drives to help support our friends and neighbors in need. This year we once again participated as a Toys for Tots donation site, and successfully ended the drive on Monday with the most total contributions in our area, and certainly in our office's history! Thank you to everyone who donated, your generosity will make a truly meaningful and memorable difference in a child's life this season.

Over the weekend I attended the Tradeswomen Build Nations Conference in Washington DC. It was a pleasure to connect with thousands of tradeswomen throughout the three days. One highlight was participating in the parade of trades - 4,000 women from all different trades walked along the streets representing. It was an honor to represent Illinois and the 84th District at this important conference.

Also, we need to never forget Pearl Harbor. December 7th is the day we honor and reflect on the day we were attacked and entered WWII. While I was unable to attend the annual Pearl Harbor Day Luncheon, it is so important to remember every day the sacrifices of the men and women serving our country.

Wishing everyone peace and prosperity,

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

82 years have passed since the attack on Pearl Harbor which not only engaged the United States in World War II, but also cost 2,335 Americans their lives.

There were 2,008 Navy personnel, 109 Marines, and 218 Army casualties the day of the attack making it one of the worst attacks on American soil. 1,177 of these deaths were from the USS Arizona, a United States Navy Battleship and 8 Navy Battleships were either damaged or sunk.

It's important to not only learn this history but honor all those who served and perished that fateful day to defend our Freedoms.

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library program has officially launched in Illinois!

Children ages 0 to 5 will have free, high-quality and age-appropriate books mailed to their homes—regardless of family income.

To find programs near you, visit imaginationlibrary.com

Watch a special message from Dolly Parton herself here ⬇️

To learn more or recognize a young leader making a difference, visit: ilsos.gov

The Illinois Municipal League has released its reports on all enacted laws of "municipal interest" that take effect in 2024. Check it out for yourself HERE

Congrats to Miss Jana's Candy in Aurora and the Fox Valley Winery in Oswego for being inducted into the Illinois Made Program! Join us in supporting these small businesses all year round!

The Illinois Made program celebrates the small businesses whose uniquely Illinoisan style and creativity set our locally made goods apart.

Thank you to everyone who made holiday cards for our Veterans! Which design is the best of the year? Polls close on Dec 14

VOTE HERE

LAST WEEK's ANSWER: Congrats to Jennifer Purdue for correctly answering that Virginia claimed Illinois as a county from 1778 to 1784.

TODAY's QUESTION: On December 7, 1787 Delaware became the first state to ratify the US Constitution...

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 Michelle@ILDistrict84.com or call the

office at 630.585.1308.