Dear Stephanie,

Happy Thanksgiving!

This Thanksgiving, like many families, we will have an empty chair at the table. My son, who is currently serving in the US Navy overseas in Japan, cannot be home for Thanksgiving. While I am excited to see the rest of my family, I look forward to seeing him after Christmas in Japan. Being unable to spend time together with loved ones during the holidays is difficult for many military families. Please keep all our service members in your thoughts and prayers during this holiday season.

This week I am giving thanks for my family, friends, fellow Veterans and all of you! The support of the wonderful people of the 84th District makes being your state Representative truly a blessing.

While the holiday season brings joy to many individuals, it is also important to acknowledge that not everyone is as fortunate. I encourage anyone who is struggling in any situation to please call my district office (630) 585-1308 or send me an email. My constituent services office will be able to provide any assistance or resources so that we can help you as winter approaches. The holidays can be difficult.

I have listed some upcoming events below. I am wishing you and your family and friends a wonderful Thanksgiving and remember to Shop Local and support our small businesses in our community.

Take care and be well,

P.S. Please reach out to our office if you need assistance at (630) 585-1308 or send me an email.

Andrew Price joined the fire department in 2009 and spent the past decade at Engine 55, working his way up to lead driver of Truck 44. He was also an instructor at the academy. Engine 55 crew members described Price as genuine, big-hearted and hard-working. He was always the first to the firehouse in the morning, always looking out for others and checking in after a long day. He had a way of making everyone around him happier, fellow members said

Price, 39, died Nov. 13 battling an extra-alarm blaze in the 2400 block of North Lincoln Avenue

I offer my deepest sympathy to Andrew Price's family, friends, and all members of the Chicago Fire Department. You are all in our thoughts and prayers this Thanksgiving.

You might not realize it, but everytime you pick up a cup of coffee from your favorite neighborhood cafe or buy a gift from a local artist or shop, you're shopping small and making a difference.

One way to support local businesses is to buy gift cards now for later use, or guy gift cards as gifts, thank yous, or as random acts of kindness. Or you can visit the store and find that unique items for that special someone.

Aurora: For fun shoping in Downtown Aurora visit Auroradowntown.org

Oswego: For fun shopping in Downtown Oswego visit GoOswego.org

Naperville: For fun shopping in Downtown Naperville visit DowntownNaperville.com

Kane County: Checkout Kane County Connects Here

Oswego Christmas Walk returns December 1

Live performances, ice sculpting, tree lighting and family activities on tap MORE HERE

First Friday's Cocoa Crawl Aurora

Dec 1 - First Fridays features dozens of downtown venues open with art, music, and more. Visit the Food Truck Court located at Water Street Square from 5 to 9 p.m. Cocoa Crawl participation requires the purchase of a mug. Please see Aurora Downtown's website for full details.

Making Spirits Bright in North Aurora

North Aurora will kick-off the holiday season Dec. 2 at Riverfront Park with a small lighted vehicle parade, live reindeer to pet, holiday music and more. READ MORE

_Cooking Safety & Fire Prevention:_

• Never leave frying, boiling, grilling or broiling food unattended! 
• If frying a turkey, make sure to not overfill oil in the fryer, and fry outdoors only!
• Create a “Kid Free Zone” of at least three feet around the stove
• If you have any doubt fighting a small fire, just get out! Call 9-1-1 

_Make It To The Table: _Buckle Up And Drive Sober

• There will be 100's of additional seat belt enforcement zones & other enforcement patrols through Nov 28
• IL saw 10 people killed in crashes during Thanksgiving 2022
• Visit www.itsnotagameillinois.com for more information.

_Prevent Food-Borne Illnesses:_

• Wash your hands often
• Be careful not to consume raw turkey or its juices!
• Cook turkey & stuffing to internal temp 165° F
• Do not leave foods at room temperature more than two hours ...

_Get Ready for Winter Weather:_

• Plan ahead
• Reduce speeds
• Increase stopping distances
• Anticipate changing conditions
• Eyes on the road
• Bookmark GettingAroundIllinois.com
• And do not crowd the plow!

Kids off school and looking for something to do? Visit the Aurora Public library!

Find out what's going on this week at www.aurorapubliclibrary.org/events

Save the date for the 2023 State of Illinois Vendor Summit.

The summit will take place on November 30, 2023 at UIC Student Center East in Chicago, IL from 9 AM - 3 PM.

REGISTER / INFO HERE

On Monday I had a great conversation with Jacob Perez, the Deputy Director of our Business Enterprise Program.

Jacob talked about the Veterans Business Program (VBP) that assists businesses owned by qualified service disabled and Veteran-owned business gain access to State of Illinois contracting opportunities and participation in the competitive procurement process.

To learn more about VBP Benefits and how to get certified visit cei.illinois.gov/veterans-business-program

Watch our whole conversation below:

The Care Center is listed as High-Performing for both Short-Term Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care, making it one of just 3% of nursing homes nationwide to receive both designations. Congratulations!

To be recognized as one of the 2024 U.S. News Best Nursing Homes, a home must have been High Performing in short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, or both. Only 19 percent of the more than 15,000 skilled nursing facilities rated by U.S. News meet that standard.

Last month, Newsweek Magazine ranked the DuPage Care Center as the third-best nursing home in Illinois.

Read More Here or at U.S. News & World Reports

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.