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When I was growing up, most of us didn't know very much about autism, and there was a painful lack of available resources for people living with autism and their families.
Since then, we've made so much progress, both in understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and in developing new services and support systems for people living with autism.
This April, as we mark National Autism Awareness Month (or, as many advocates now call it, Autism Acceptance Month), I want to commend the National Autism Society for the great work that they do to raise awareness of the disorder and to promote funding for research and support services.
It's estimated that there are about 5.5 million American adults living with ASD. For many of them, the disorder can create serious difficulties in communication, social interaction, and the basic activities of daily life. Research has found that early diagnosis and intervention can help people with ASD live their best, most productive lives, so Autism Awareness Month plays an important role in helping families recognize the signs of autism and find treatment.
Here in DuPage County, Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley currently offers comprehensive pediatric outpatient rehabilitation services to more than 1,000 children each week, along with support for their families. They also offer evaluations and free screenings, and they work closely with the state's Early Intervention program to help make sure children with ASD get timely treatment. You can learn more about Easterseals and their services here.
For additional resources for people with autism in this area, take a look at the Rush University Medical Center Autism Resource Directory here.
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Shred those stacks of outdated personal documents in Lisle SATURDAY
It's spring cleaning time (for some of us, anyway.) If there's a stack of outdated personal documents in the corner of your office, you can dispose of them securely at the Lisle Park District's annual Shred Event, from 8 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, at the Sea Lion Aquatic Park Parking Lot, 1825 Short St.
You just drive up and hand off your documents to event staff, who will feed them into an on-site industrial shredder that will turn them into confetti. All shredded material is recycled, which means that every ton of paper shredded will save 17 trees.
Documents will be accepted ONLY in brown paper bags, and there is a limit of five bags per car. No registration is required. You can click here for more information.
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Celebrate Earth Week with special activities in Glen Ellyn's parks, starting SATURDAY
Celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day with seven days of environmental experiences in Glen Ellyn's parks, starting on Saturday, April 20.
The program lineup includes a Forest Bathing Wellness Walk, a Wildflower Walk, Trees for Glen Ellyn, Breakfast with the Birds, among other activities.
Registration is required for all activities, and fees may apply. You can click here for more information.
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Here comes the Sun! Take a look with the Naperville Astronomical Association SATURDAY
If you've become fascinated by the Sun after last week's eclipse, the Naperville Astronomical Association invites you to gaze (safely) at the solar surface from 9 a.m. to noon this Saturday, April 20.
You'll find Association members and specially equipped telescopes set up near Dandelion Fountain at the Naperville Riverwalk. They help you to observe solar prominences and other phenomena, and maybe even some sunspots!
Please note that this event is subject to cancellation if clouds or other weather interfere, so check www.naperastro.org for a go-or-cancel announcement on Saturday morning. For more information and a calendar of events, you can click here.
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Nominate someone amazing to join the Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame
Do you know an outstanding older adult who deserves recognition for their achievements and contributions? Nominate them today for inclusion in the Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame Class of 2024.
Nominations are made in four categories:
- Arts, sports, and entertainment
- Community service
- Education
- Labor force
Completed nomination forms may be submitted electronically or returned via U.S. mail, fax, or email. For more information or to submit a nomination, please visit here.
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You can still enjoy Restaurant Week in Lisle – from now until TOMORROW
You've still got time to enjoy a special meal as part of Lisle Restaurant Week, now through tomorrow (Friday)!
You can learn more and find a list of participating restaurants here.
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Give blood at Lombard Common on TUESDAY
Just about every week, we ask you to take a few minutes out of your day and donate at one of our local blood drives. But even though these requests may seem routine, it's important to remember that every single one of these drives represents an opportunity to save lives.
So on Tuesday, April 23, I hope you'll support the Lombard Park District at their blood drive from 2:30 to 7 p.m. at the Lombard Community Building in Lombard Common, 433 E. St. Charles Road.
To make an appointment (and help save someone's life), you can click here.
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Learn how to talk about tough subjects with your teen at GPS webinar TUESDAY
It can be tough to talk to our teens about the things that matter most. To help you come up with the right words to tackle difficult subjects, the Glenbard Parent Series (GPS): Navigating Healthy Families will present a webinar with teen development specialist Robyn Silverman at noon and again at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23, via Zoom.
As you may know, GPS is a locally based educational consortium dedicated to presenting distinguished, relevant, high-profile authors, clinicians, and educators who share research-based knowledge and practical wisdom. The group's mission is to enhance the resilience and well-being of all students by helping them build relationships, develop coping strategies, and forge responsible decision-making skills.
Go to glenbardgps.org for further information and the links to these two webinars. To be placed on a reminder list for GPS events or submit a question in advance, contact Gilda Ross, Glenbard District 87 student and community projects coordinator, at gilda_ross@glenbard.org or 630-942-7668.
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Happy "Annie"-Versary to Lombard's Little Orphan Annie
Today, most of us probably know her best as the central character in the musical "Annie".
But 100 years ago, when Lombard resident Harold Gray first launched her namesake comic strip, "Little Orphan Annie" was a symbol of American pluckiness in the face of adversity. A century later, we still root for the mop-haired little heroine (and of course, her beloved dog, Sandy.)
To celebrate Annie's 100th birthday, the Lombard Historical Society, Village of Lombard, and the DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau (DCVB) has planned a special exhibit and a series of Annie-themed events, from April 27 through Dec. 23. (Their plans include a week-long "Annie"-Versary party later this summer!) To see a list of upcoming events and learn more, you can click here.
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Lisle Library District is collecting donations for the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans
The Lisle Library District has partnered with the Lisle Woman's Club to help the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans. From now through April 20, you can donate items in the Library's main lobby, at 777 Front Street.
Needed items include paper towels, napkins, all-purpose cleaner, paper plates, and resealable plastic bags.
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Join a Committee Board in Lombard
The Village of Lombard is currently seeking applicants for current and upcoming vacancies on several committees. By volunteering, you will have the opportunity to serve your community, be part of the decision-making process, and contribute to the betterment of Lombard.
Current and upcoming vacancies include:
- Plan Commission
- Public Safety and Transportation Committee
- Zoning Board of Appeals
Seated terms for these positions range between two and five years. Members must be Village residents. While there are no specific professional requirements to serve, individuals with relevant experience in the committee's subject area are strongly encouraged to apply.
To learn more about Lombard's volunteer committees and access the application form, visit www.villageoflombard.org/committees. If you are interested in serving, please complete and submit the online application form. If you have applied within the last year, your application is valid and will be considered. For applications submitted over a year ago, please submit a new application
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Support Lombard's Chamber at the Lilac Ball
With the lilacs starting to burst into bloom, it's time to buy your tickets to the Lombard Chamber of Commerce Lilac Ball, to be held on May 10 at The Carlisle, 435 E. Butterfield Road in Lombard.
Tickets include a cocktail hour with appetizers, dinner with an open bar, and dancing. There will be games with prizes donated by Lombard businesses, as well as a live auction of "Lombard experiences."
Please get your tickets by Apr. 22. To learn more and buy tickets, you can click here.
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You can still place orders for Glen Ellyn's Kiwanis hanging basket/Vidalia Onion Sale
The Kiwanis Club of Glen Ellyn is hosting its annual sale of hanging flower baskets and Vidalia onions, to raise money for children in our community.
To order a hanging flower basket, you can click here. You also can order a bag (or more!) of Vidalia onions, now through April 29, by clicking here.
Additional information and order forms can be found here.
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Upcoming Events
We have lots of events coming up, so please take a look and mark your calendars today!
Apr. 27: Glen Ellyn Recycling Extravaganza, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., in Parking Lot #6 (from Lambert, west on College Road)
Apr. 27: Free Public Stargazing, from 8:30 to 10 p.m. at the Naperville Astronomical Association's Astronomy Education Center, 3712 Plainfield-Naperville Road
Apr. 30: Glen Ellyn Community Blood and Food Drive, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center, 800 St. Charles Road
May 3: Family Bingo Night in Glen Ellyn, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center, 800 St. Charles Road
May 4: DuPage River Sweep: Lake Ellyn Clean-Up, from 9 a.m. to noon at Lake Ellyn Park, 645 Lenox Road
May 4: Glen Ellyn Park District's Touch-A-Truck, from 10 a.m. to noon at Maryknoll Park, 845 Pershing Ave.
May 4: May the Course Be with You Tournament, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Holes & Knolls, 845 Pershing Ave.
May 10: Kids on the Course in Glen Ellyn, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Holes & Knolls, 845 Pershing Ave.
May 18: Lombard Park District's Mutt Strut 5k & 1 Mile, at 8 a.m. at Lilacia Park, 150 S Park Ave
May 20: B.R. Ryall YMCA's Annual Meeting and Champions Dinner at 5:30 p.m. at Abbington Distinctive Banquets, 3S002 Route 53 in Glen Ellyn
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,
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Terra Costa Howard
State Representative
42nd District
913 S. Main St.
Lombard, IL 60148
(630) 812-9292
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