Dear Terra,

I just wanted to take a moment to wish you the very best during this holiday season.

No matter which holidays you're celebrating this year, I hope this season includes moments of joy for you and all those you hold dear.

Every day, I am filled with gratitude for the wonderful people of this district. I deeply appreciate your support, and I am honored to serve as your State Representative.

This will be our last newsletter for 2023. So until then, from all of us to all of you, we send our best wishes for a Happy New Year!

Congrats to Lombard Parks' Paul Friedrichs

Paul Friedrichs has served the Lombard Park District for a quarter of a century, and his dedication and vision have made the village a better place to live, work, and visit.

Now Paul is retiring as the Park District's Executive Director at the end of this month. I was proud to sponsor this House Resolution honoring Paul's service, and I want to thank him on behalf of everyone in our communities.

During his tenure, the district built the Paradise Bay Water Park – and he brought that project in on time and under budget. Paul worked in partnership with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to invest in beautiful new infrastructure projects at Four Seasons, Sunset Knoll, and Southland parks in 2021. He also led construction of the state-of-the-art Madison Meadow Athletic Center in 2018.

I was especially grateful for Paul's leadership in 2021, when he helped expand access to COVID-19 vaccines by partnering with Jewel-Osco to offer a vaccination clinic at Madison Meadow Athletic Center. He also has provided important supports to local families through the Park District's before- and after-school programs.

Under Paul's guidance, the Lombard Park District was honored with the National Recreation and Park Association’s 2009 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in the Field of Park and Recreation Management.

Thank you, Paul Friedrichs, for all that you have done for our communities. We will miss your leadership and your commitment to making Lombard a greener, healthier, and more beautiful place, for all of us.

Embrace your inner Dickens at the Victorian Cottage in Lombard

Many of our modern Christmas traditions date back to the Victorian era, when Charles Dickens was writing A Christmas Carol and Victoria and Albert were decking the Buckingham Palace Christmas tree with candles and gingerbread ornaments.

If you want a look at Christmas the way the Victorians celebrated it, head over to the

Lombard Historical Society for the Victorian Cottage Christmas Tour, tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday. Tours begin at 1, 2, and 3 p.m. and cost $5 per person. Children aged 12 and under are free. Tour space is limited, so click here to learn more and book your tour.

Glen Ellyn Park District's Last Chance Burn on New Year's Eve

You can get a jump start on your New Year's resolutions from 7 to 10 a.m on Sunday, Dec. 31 at the Glen Ellyn Park District's "Last Chance Burn" at Ackerman SFC, 800 St. Charles Road.

The District is offering three hours of group fitness classes to support the Glen Ellyn Food Pantry. Just bring a non-perishable food item or toiletry as your entry "fee." This event is for ages 14 and above. You can visit here for more information.

It's time to nominate a resident or business for Lisle's Community Recognition Award

Do you know a Lisle resident or business that deserves to be recognized? The Village of Lisle’s Community Recognition Program recognizes individuals and businesses for their contributions to the community.

Submitting your nomination is quick and easy, and can be done online. Nominations must be submitted by Dec. 31 to be considered. To nominate a resident or business, please click here to submit an electronic nomination form on the Village’s website. Winners will be announced at the State of the Village Address, which will be presented by Mayor Chris Pecak after a Committee of the Whole meeting in early 2024.

Get a healthy start on your new year with Free Week at Ackerman SFC in Glen Ellyn

The Glen Ellyn Park District invites you to get your new year off to a healthy start by offering "Free Week" at Ackerman SFC from Jan. 1 to Jan. 7.

To participate, simply register at the front desk of Ackerman SFC, at 800 St. Charles Road. Individuals must be 18 years or older with a valid ID; youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. You can click here to learn more.

Downers Grove asks for donations of gently worn cold-weather clothing to their Winter Coat Drive

The Village of Downers Grove is collecting donations of new and gently worn coats, winter hats, and scarves for all ages now through Dec. 29. The drive will benefit organizations such as Sharing Connections and DuPage PADS.

Donations can be dropped off between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the Public Works Facility, 5101 Walnut Ave. and Fire Station 2, 5420 Main St. The Village asks that clothing items be clean and wearable.

Community Job Fair in Naperville on Jan. 6

The Naperville Park District and Kids Matter will host a Community Job Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 6 at the Fort Hill Activity Center, 20 Fort Hill Drive in Naperville. At the Fair, you can network with area businesses and organizations, and learn more about a variety of employment opportunities.

The free event will feature full-time, part-time, and seasonal positions for a wide range of job seekers from high school students (age 15+) through senior adults. You can click here to learn more.

Upcoming Events

We have lots of events coming up, so please take a look and mark your calendars today!

Jan 7: 19th Annual World Peace Day Interfaith Prayer Service at 3 p.m. at the Wentz Concert Hall at North Central College, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville

Jan. 11: Changeable: The Collaborative Problem-Solving Method to Reduce Anxiety or Challenging Behavior, a webinar from Glenbard Parent Series, at noon and 7 p.m.

Jan 13: Frozen Fest from 10 a.m. to noon at Lake Ellyn Park, 645 Lenox Road, Glen Ellyn

Jan. 15: Animals Around the World from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Main Street Recreation Center, 501 Hill Ave., Glen Ellyn

Jan. 26: Ackerman Arcade Night from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Ackerman SFC, 800 St. Charles Road, Glen Ellyn

Jan. 27: Grandparents and Me Winter Tea from 10 to 11:15 a.m. at Maryknoll Clubhouse, 845 Pershing Ave., Glen Ellyn

Feb. 3: Winter Fest from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at Sunset Knoll Recreation Center, 820 S. Finley Road, Lombard

Feb. 3: Ice-A-Palooza from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Central Athletic Complex, 500 S. Naperville Road, Wheaton

If you have any questions about pending legislation or other issues related to your state government, please don't hesitate to contact my office at 630-812-9292 or RepTCH42@gmail.com.

Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay strong,

Terra Costa Howard

State Representative 

42nd District

913 S. Main St.

Lombard, IL 60148

(630) 812-9292