Hello Stephanie,

As we begin July and say farewell to June, I hope you and your family are well and staying cool during this time of extreme heat. June was a wonderful month for getting into Summer, taking vacations with the family, and enjoying all the great events in our community. I hope to see you out there and making the most of everything our great state has to offer!

As we begin to celebrate the Independence of our Country, I wanted to remind you of the dangers and effects that illegal fireworks can have. In Illinois last year significant injuries resulted in 10 individuals experiencing dismemberments of a part of their body. Nationwide, there were 9,700 injuries from fireworks and 8 fatalities. One of the reasons is that fireworks are often defective, and since they are manufactured overseas are difficult to regulate.

Also, keep in mind that fireworks can trigger anxiety and haunting flashbacks in our first responders and Veterans. So it's best to enjoy fireworks at a professional display. Here are a list of the places where you can watch amazing firework displays.

I hope you have a wonderful week and holiday weekend.

Aurora Fireworks

Wednesday, July 3, 9:30 p.m

Watch from RiverEdge Park, McCullough Park, Wilder Park & Promenade. (Parks open at 6 p.m.) - more

Aurora Parade

Thursday, July 4, 10 a.m.

Downtown Aurora - more

Naperville Fireworks

Thursday, July 4, 9:30 p.m

Municipal Band Concert at 7:30 p.m.

Watch from the Frontier Sports Complex - more

Oswego Fireworks

Thursday, July 4, 9:30 p.m

Watch from Prairie Point Park - more

In addition to being the start of summer, did you know June was PTSD Awareness Month? I think we should talk about it all year long, especially over the holidays.

Some people do not realize they have PTSD, and it can subconsciously affect the things you might do. When you have post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), you may feel discomfort with certain memories or frequently be on alert. PTSD can develop in anyone, not just Veterans, who has experienced a traumatic event. While most people who live through a traumatic event will experience stress reactions afterward, if that stress or bad feeling doesn’t go away or starts interrupting your daily life—you may be dealing with PTSD.

PTSD symptoms fall into four main categories. You can learn more about these symptoms at the National Center for PTSD.

• Reliving or re-experiencing the event. You may have nightmares, flashbacks (where you feel like you’re reliving the event), or trauma reminders like places, sounds or smells that cause distress.
• Avoidance. You may avoid things, places, or people that remind you of the event. This might mean keeping busy to avoid thinking about the trauma or staying away from people because you feel it’s just easier to be alone.
• Negative changes in feelings and beliefs. You may notice changes in the way you think about yourself and others, you might feel guilt or shame about the traumatic event, or lose interest in things or people you used to enjoy.
• Hyperarousal or being on guard. You may feel keyed up, on edge, have a difficult time focusing, or feel as if you are “on alert” for danger more often.

If you think you’re experiencing any of these symptoms—don’t wait. Talk to a mental health care provider who can help you determine whether your feelings and behaviors may be related to PTSD. Knowing if you have PTSD is the first step to getting effective treatment—and there are treatment options that can help you begin to feel better and take back control of your life, no matter how long you’ve been living with symptoms of PTSD.

VA’s National Center for PTSD offers a variety of resources related to PTSD and PTSD Treatment. By visiting their website, you can:

• Get help finding a VA PTSD program or a mental health care provider
• Learn about and compare PTSD treatment options with the PTSD Treatment Decision Aid
• Read Understanding PTSD and PTSD Treatment if you’ve been diagnosed with PTSD
• Read Understanding PTSD: A Guide for Family and Friends if a loved one has been diagnosed with PTSD
• Download PTSD Coach, a mobile app that can help you learn about your symptoms, develop skills to manage those symptoms, and track your progress over time
• Take a self-screen to find out if your feelings and behaviors may be related to PTSD

No matter what you’re experiencing—you are not alone. PTSD treatment works. Be your own advocate and take the first step toward treatment today.

WWII Veteran Dick Miller's 98th Birthday

On Saturday, we got together to celebrate WWII Navy Veteran, and Aurora's very own hero, Dick Miller on his 98th Birthday. I presented him with an official resolution passed by the Illinois House of Representatives that congratulated him on his many achievements and thanked him for his service to our country and community.

COD's Robert J. Miller Homeland Security Education Center

On Tuesday, I toured College of DuPage's Robert J. Miller Homeland Security Education Center (HEC), which is home to the Fire Science Technology program, the Criminal and Justice Studies program, the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) and the College’s Police Department. In addition to the tour, I discussed the state of the college with outgoing president Dr. Brian W. Caputo.

What is the state flower of Illinois?

Violet

Illinois was the first of four states to choose the violet (Viola sp.) as its State Flower. It was selected by schoolchildren in 1908. Violets are found growing in all kinds of locations, from prairies and lawns to woods and wetlands.

The violet is also the State Flower of New Jersey, Rhode Island and Wisconsin.

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 vote for 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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