September Newsletter

Dear Neighbors,

The school year has begun in earnest and the leaves are starting to change colors. With the start of fall, I am reminded of my own school experience – and in particular, how my sons have grown up experiencing a dramatically different school environment than my generation. Lockdown drills are now considered a routine part of the safety drills that kids and parents have come to accept as a ‘normal’ part of the start to a new school year.

I share our community’s call to action, and we are working with urgency to ban assault weapons and high capacity magazines among other legislative measures to keep our kids safe.

On a happier note, I want to wish all those who celebrate Rosh Hashanah a healthy, happy and sweet New Year.

L’shana tova tikatevu from my family to yours.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office should you need assistance. Our office is available weekdays at (847) 486-8810, you can also email us at info@gonggershowitz.com.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz

District Updates

Early in September I participated in a roundtable discussion alongside Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky to hear from gun safety advocates and high school students from throughout the district who shared how the constant threat of gun violence has impacted their daily lives. Teens talked about the stress they feel carrying bulletproof backpacks and participating in active shooter drills since Kindergarten. We listened and had the opportunity to hear their ideas for change.

Glenview School District 34 has recently completed phase one of the projects funded by the 2019 referendum to repair, replace and update our local schools. It was exciting to attend the opening of the newly renovated Springman Middle School and tour the new gymnasium this past week.

On September 11th I joined the Evanston Police and Fire Departments to remember the 2,977 victims of the attacks on 9/11, including the 415 first responders who lost their lives in the line of duty.

My office alongside State Senators Julie Morrison and Laura Fine and State Representatives Bob Morgan and Jonathan Carroll recently hosted a free drive thru shred event at the North Suburban YMCA. Thank you to everyone who came out!

 

Highway Investments coming to 17th District

The Illinois Department of Transportation recently released their FY23-28 Highway Improvement Plan. The 17th District is going to be receiving $30 million in improvements to our highway infrastructure. To review a list of the upcoming projects visit IDOT’s website HERE.

LIHEAP Applications now open

Do you need help with energy bills, including natural gas, propane, and electricity? $300m in LIHEAP assistance is now available. Individuals can apply for assistance through the Help Illinois Families program now through May 2023, or until funding is exhausted.

Learn more HERE or call 1-833-711-0374. There is assistance available in 30 languages!

Niles Township Flu Shot Clinic 9/29

Niles Township is hosting a free flu shot clinic for Township residents on Thursday, September 29th from 9 AM to 3 PM. Flu shots will be available to anyone age 3 and up!

District Shout Out – Northlight Theatre

This month I wanted to recognize one of the great arts organizations the 17th District has to offer, the Northlight Theatre in Skokie. Northlight is one of the largest non-profit theatres in the Chicago area and is active throughout our community. You can read a review of their newest production, The Garbologists, on Evanston Roundtable HERE.

Events and Opportunities:

  • Our office continues to serve as a drop off location for the Glenview Chamber of Commerce’s food drive to benefit the Northfield Township Food Pantry throughout September, you can view a list of most needed items HERE. Please call ahead at 847-486-8810 to ensure someone will be able to take your donation.
  • Beginning September 22nd, 2022 through February 4th, 2023 the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center will have a new exhibit Chim: Between Devastation and Resurrection. This exhibition will showcase the works of David Seymor, or Chim, who was a Polish photographer that focused on post-war Europe, the effect of the Second World War on children and the birth of the new State of Israel. More information HERE.
  • Evanston is hosting their 2022 Bike the Ridge on Sunday, September 25th from 9 AM to 1 PM. Ridge Avenue will be closed to all vehicular traffic between Howard and Church, there will be music, food trucks and bike repairs available to attendees. Learn more HERE.
  • The Illinois State Board of Education is looking for applicants to join their 2022 Council on Women and Girls. Chaired by Lieutenant Governor Julianna Stratton, the Illinois Council on Women and Girls advises Governor JB Pritzker and the General Assembly on policy issues impacting women and girls in Illinois. Girls participating in the Council will have the opportunity to make a difference in issues affecting their lives and the lives of their peers. To apply you must be residing in Illinois and in the 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th grades at the time of applying. Learn more and apply HERE.

 

Related posts