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Happy Thanksgiving! To think we are already in November and almost at the end of the year is mind-boggling to me. I continue to enjoy being your representative and am thankful for this district that I serve. We have such amazing neighbors, organizations, and businesses that are always giving and supporting each other. With the recent senseless mass shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs over this past weekend it is even more critical now that we support each other in all possible ways. This was a horrible act that targeted an LGBTQ nightclub killed 5 people and injured more than 18 others. A father and a drag performer managed to subdue the gunman. Like many of us, I am I grieving over the seemingly endless string of mass shootings and hate crimes. For this incident to occur the week of Thanksgiving makes it all the more tragic as well as on the same day as our Transgender Day of Resilience. It's a sad irony that on the day of remembering the beautiful lives of Elise Malary, Nukahh Hlaban, and many others that this act of hate would occur. It's a reminder that we must do more. Earlier this week, I joined with my fellow members of the Illinois General Assembly LGBTQ Caucus issued a statement condemning what occurred and vowing to support future gun reforms that our colleagues in the Gun Violence Prevention Working Group have been hard at work on. We will continue to fight against this hate as much as possible.
I take from that shooting another reminder to cherish the people I love and those who always support me. This year I am heading over to Wyoming to rest and cook. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays as many who know me know I love to cook and bake. I am always cooking and baking for my family, friends, or fellow legislators as that is a way I show love. Our ever so slightly non traditional Thanksgiving in Wyoming is one of my favorite times of the year. Candace and I join with our friends Jan and Paul and any of their neighbors who want some turkey. Jan and I cook and laugh for days, but honestly my favorite part is the leftovers. Every year, my perfect bite wontons are the highlight of the holiday weekend. It’s pretty simple: chop up leftover turkey into fine pieces, do the same with stuffing, whatever veg you want - I’ve even put in finely chopped green bean casserole, mix it all together with some gravy till it binds (the mashed potatoes help there). Scoop about a tablespoon onto a wonton wrapper, use water or egg wash on the edges, then seal the wontons. Bake at 350 till browned and crispy. While the wontons are cooking, take some of whatever cranberry relish you use (I’ve never used the ocean spray kind, but I bet it would work, maybe with a little red wine), season with cayenne pepper and cook down till it’s dipping consistency. Enjoy the perfect bite of Thanksgiving leftovers!
Next week we’ll be back in session and getting to meet all of our new colleagues who will be joining us next session as they’ll also be participating in new member orientation. I’ll share some highlights on the new members then.
I hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving!
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