Hello Stephanie,

Dear Friends, I hope this newsletter finds you well and enjoying the summer season. As we move through another productive week, I want to remind you about our highly anticipated 2024 Recycle & Shred Day Event taking place tomorrow, Saturday, July 13, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at 1677 Montgomery Road, Aurora, IL 60504.

This annual event is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together to protect the environment, support local organizations, and promote sustainability. We will offer services including electronics recycling, paper shredding, and the collection of cell phones, eyeglasses, and lightly used books.

Our Recycle & Shred Day is more than just a chance to declutter; it's a chance to reconnect with neighbors, enjoy some fresh air, and make a positive impact on our community. Whether you're bringing old documents to shred or electronics to recycle, your participation helps us create a cleaner, safer environment for everyone.

I look forward to seeing you there and working together to keep our community clean and green. Your continued support and engagement are what make events like these so successful and meaningful.

Have a wonderful week ahead,

Representative Stephanie Kifowit's highly anticipated 2024 Recycle & Shred Day Event is taking place tomorrow on Saturday, July 13, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at 1677 Montgomery Road, Aurora, IL 60504. 

“A clean and sustainable environment is essential for the well-being of our community,” said Rep. Kifowit. “Our annual Shred & Recycle Day not only helps protect the environment but also supports local organizations and promotes community engagement. It's the perfect opportunity for residents to do some spring cleaning and responsibly dispose of unwanted items.”

The Recycle & Shred Day Event offers electronics recycling, paper shredding, and a collection of cell phones, eyeglasses, and lightly used books. Due to a change in state law, medications and sharps will not be collected this year. Instead, they can be dropped off at nearby participating pharmacies listed at medtakebackillinois.org. This annual event, sponsored by KCT Credit Union, aims to promote environmental responsibility and provide a valuable service to the community.

The event is open to the public, rain or shine, and has garnered tremendous popularity over the years. Participants can safely dispose of old bills, bank statements, receipts, and other sensitive documents through the on-site paper shredding service. This helps protect against identity theft and ensures the responsible management of confidential information. 

The event also provides an opportunity to responsibly recycle approved electronic items, including computer towers, microwave ovens, DVD players, VCRs, printers, fax machines, and video game consoles. However, please note that TVs or computer monitors will not be accepted.  

Furthermore, the event supports organizations such as Lions Clubs International, who will receive the donated eyeglasses. The donated books—new or gently used—will be provided to area literacy programs such as Scarce in Addison and the Will County Sheriff's Office for use by individuals while they are incarcerated. Furthermore, collected cell phones will be donated to Mutual Ground to support their vital work.

To learn more about the acceptable items and detailed information regarding the Recycle & Shred Day Event, please contact Representative Stephanie Kifowit's district office at 630.583.1308 or email stephanie.kifowit@att.net

It was my absolute honor to speak at a heartwarming dedication ceremony on Monday, July 8, at Montgomery Park, unveiling two monuments honoring the service and sacrifices of Veterans, First Responders, and Essential Workers.

The monuments are a beautifully crafted symbol of gratitude and respect, were unveiled amidst applause, heartfelt cheers, and a few “hoorahs” from Veterans. The first monument dedicated was the Veterans Memorial, standing tall and proud against the Fox River, proudly displaying the insignias of the six military branches. World War II Veteran Dick Miller led the crowd in singing God Bless America while members of the Montgomery Memorial Post 7452 Veterans of Foreign Wars raised the flags and revealed the monument.

I was proud to have secured a $200,000 from the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity to fund the Veterans Memorial and reflection area along the river.

What is the Illinois state fish?

Bluegill

The bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) was elected the State Fish in 1986 by Illinois schoolchildren. Its name refers to the bright blue gill covers found on many males of this species.

Illinois currently requires insurance coverage for mental, emotional, nervous or substance use treatments for pregnant people through delivery, postpartum and neonatal care. But there is no requirement to provide those services in the case of miscarriage or stillbirth. House Bill 5282 adds coverage for individuals needing those services as a result of a miscarriage or stillbirth. HB 5282 was passed and sent to the governor. Learn more here.

Would you vote for HB5282?

In May 2023, the Supreme Court gutted federal protections for wetlands, weakening Clean Water Act protections for millions of acres of wetlands across the U.S. The Wetlands Protection Act would have reinstated those protections in the state – anyone who wants to build an industrial or residential development on a wetland must first obtain a permit from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Developers would have needed to pay a fee that would go toward mitigation — the restoration, establishment, or enhancement of wetlands elsewhere to compensate for the impact of that development. Learn more here.

Would you support SB771?

The Veterans Assistance Commission for DuPage County is excited to have a FEMALE VSO Every 3rd Tuesday of the month!!

She is also coming to the American Legion Meetings on the 2nd Friday of each month at 1649 Montgomery Road, Suite 7, Aurora

They recommend appointments, walk-ins are welcome too!!

I continue to host Monday Morning Coffee live on Facebook from 9:00am-10:00am. You can share your comments and ask questions there.

If you don't have Facebook, no worries! You can join us on Zoom instead. Your video and mic will be muted, so you won't be on live. I'll email the Zoom link separately.

To join on Zoom, just email Nick@ildistrict84.com or call 630.585.1308.

Watch the most recent Coffee Chat on Facebook!

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