I hope you enjoyed your weekend! As the leaves change and the cooler weather rolls in, I wanted to share a few updates you may find helpful this season.
Topics below include:
- Mom & Meals Drive
- Veterans Tributes
- You Asked, We Acted – Joice Lane to Hawley Street
- Safety Reminders for Illinois Families This Thanksgiving
- Wall Breaking Ceremony for the Boys & Girls Club
- Evolve at Lake Zurich’s Fall Fest and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
- U.S. Mint Ends Production of the Penny After More Than Two Centuries
- Mental Health Policy Mixer
- Tracy and Layla’s Treat Delivery
As always, my office is here to help if you have questions or need assistance with anything. You can contact us here or call (224)662-4544.
Mom & Meals Drive
No one gives more of themselves than the moms working hard every day to make ends meet. As someone who was raised by a single mom, I know firsthand the challenges they face. This season, let’s come together to give back to them, and to families throughout our community who could use a helping hand.
From now until December 15, I’m hosting the Moms and Meals Drive 🛒 to collect food and essential household items for single moms and families in need.
Drop off details:
📍 District office: 795 Ela Road, Suite 208, Lake Zurich
⏳ 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Want to donate but do not have extra time? Visit our Amazon Wish List to give directly online! All items will be sent to the district office.
Amazon wish list: Amazon Wish List – Darby Hills
All donations will be distributed to local food pantries throughout the district to help support those who support others. Together, we can make a real difference.
View more details on my website here.
Veterans Day Tributes
I hope all our veterans enjoyed a meaningful Veterans Day. I am deeply grateful to the men and women who have served and sacrificed for our country. This year, I had the privilege of attending the Veterans Tribute at Walter R. Sundling Middle School in Palatine, as well as the Veterans Day ceremony at Lake Barrington Shores. It was inspiring to see our community come together to honor those who have served and to reflect on the true meaning of this day — gratitude, service, and unity.
You Asked, We Acted
A few months ago, we had a constituent reach out to our office over safety concerns regarding the speed limit on a stretch of IL 176 near the Grand Dominion of Del Webb. Because IL 176 is a state road, we brought this concern to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), which conducted a speed study along this stretch of road to determine whether a reduction in speed was warranted.
At the conclusion of the study, IDOT determined that the existing 55 mph speed limit from Joice Lane to Hawley Street should be lowered to 50 mph. The Department has written work orders to change the existing speed limit signs.
I want you to know that my office is here to be a resource for you. When a concern comes up, my team and I are ready to step in, find answers, and help however we can. Serving you is at the heart of what we do, and your voice truly matters. If you ever have questions, need assistance, or have an issue you’d like us to look into, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office. You can contact us here or call (224)662-4544.
Safety Reminders for Illinois Families This Thanksgiving
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I wanted to share helpful tips to ensure that you and your family have a fun and safe holiday.
According to the American Red Cross, Thanksgiving and the day before are the top two days of the year for home cooking fires in the United States. Nationwide, cooking-related incidents cause an average of 158,400 home fires each year, accounting for 44 percent of all home fires. With millions of Americans preparing large holiday meals, the Red Cross warns that simple mistakes in the kitchen can quickly turn dangerous.
To help families stay safe this Thanksgiving, Illinoisans can follow these helpful cooking safety tips:
- Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you must leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
- Use a timer to remind yourself that the stove or oven is on.
- Avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.
- Keep kids and pets at least three feet away from cooking areas.
- Keep anything that can catch on fire — potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains — away from your stove top and oven or any other appliance that generates heat.
- Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup.
- Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher to keep in your kitchen.
- Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving home to make sure all stoves, ovens, and small appliances are turned off.
- Check your smoke alarm batteries.
Following these precautions can help prevent kitchen accidents and reduce the likelihood of a holiday fire emergency.
U.S. Mint Ends Production of the Penny After More Than Two Centuries
After more than 230 years in circulation, the United States Mint has officially stopped producing the penny. The final one-cent coin was struck on November 12, 2025, at the Mint’s Philadelphia facility, marking the end of an era for America’s longest-running coin.
The penny was first authorized by Congress in 1792 and began circulating in 1793. Over the centuries, it has featured several designs, with President Abraham Lincoln appearing on the front since 1909. Over time, the makeup of the penny has changed, with it being made of 97.5 percent zinc and 2.5 percent copper since 1982.
Officials say production costs were a major factor in the decision. In recent years, it has cost nearly four cents to make each penny, far exceeding its face value. While new coins will no longer be produced, existing pennies will remain legal tender and continue to circulate for years to come.
Wall Breaking Ceremony for the Boys & Girls Club
I recently attended the Wall Breaking Ceremony for the Boys & Girls Club of the Northwest Suburbs’ new Woodlands Impact Center. This exciting project will soon provide local teens with expanded opportunities in STEAM, eSports, Culinary Arts, and a range of innovative programming designed to support their personal and academic growth.
It was an honor to take part in this milestone and to support an organization that continues to invest in spaces where young people can learn, grow, and thrive.
Evolve at Lake Zurich’s Fall Fest and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
I recently attended Evolve at Lake Zurich’s Fall Fest and ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of their newly renovated facility. The updated space is truly impressive, and the sense of community among residents, families, and staff was evident throughout the event.
It was a pleasure to meet with residents and team members to hear their stories, discuss their concerns, and learn more about how I can continue advocating for seniors in Springfield. A highlight of the visit was meeting Lois, a resident who will be celebrating her 100th birthday in the coming months.
Mental Health Policy Mixer
Last week, I attended the Mental Health Policy Mixer hosted by the The Community Mental Health Project — the nonprofit that helped establish the Palatine Township Mental Health Board. It was an inspiring evening celebrating community-led advocacy and the incredible progress being made to expand access to behavioral health resources. A big thank you to Chelsea Barnes for doing such a wonderful job as MC and to Ilinca Wallace with Birth to Five Illinois for her continued partnership and dedication to supporting families.
Tracy and Lyla’s Treat Delivery
My constituents Lyla and her mom Tracy heard about the Veterans Expo & Luncheon, and they stopped by my office to drop off these wonderful chocolate treats that will be given to area veterans during the event to thank them for their service. I was so touched by their generosity and know these treats will be enjoyed!