OAKBROOK TERRACE – To brighten the spirits of older residents who have been isolated from loved ones, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) invites people of all ages to donate valentines to be given out at local long-term care facilities.

“Whether the card comes from the store or is made from paper and crayons, many older residents could use an extra reminder that they are cared for,” Glowiak Hilton said. “I encourage families, students, community members and anyone with artistic talent to send in a Valentine’s Day card to spread love to our older neighbors.”

Glowiak Hilton’s office will collect Valentine’s Day cards through Wednesday, Feb. 10. Once all the cards have been collected, they will be delivered to various long-term care facilities in the community.

Those wishing to participate can drop off cards in the office’s mail slot or mail them to:

State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton

17W715 E. Butterfield Rd.

Suite F

Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181

For questions, contact Glowiak Hilton’s office at (630) 785-3177.

OAKBROOK TERRACE – Salt Creek Primary School in Elmhurst and Stella May Swartz Elementary School in Oakbrook Terrace have received Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Grants to fund the creation of butterfly gardens at each school, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) announced. 

“Creating interactive, educational spaces at our schools will teach children the importance of taking care of their environment,” Glowiak Hilton said. “Butterfly gardens will provide students with a hands-on learning opportunity about many aspects of nature including insects, pollination and native plants in Illinois.”

The Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant program is administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Illinois Conservation Fund (ICF) to support the development or enhancement of wildlife habitat on the school grounds or other public places. 

Funding for the program is provided through donations to the ICF. More than $329,000 in Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant funding has been distributed since the program’s inception. 

Applications for the next round of Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Grants will be open soon, with an application deadline of Nov. 30, 2021. More information on applying for the next round of grants can be found on the IDNR website. 

OAKBROOK TERRACE – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) is encouraging K-12 students to create and submit artwork for the annual art contest sponsored by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and the Illinois State Board of Education. This year’s theme is “Art Surrounds Us.”

“Creating artwork allows students to express themselves, be creative and inspire the people around them,” Glowiak Hilton said. “Parents, teachers and friends: Please encourage your young, talented artists to enter. I look forward to seeing the pieces of art submitted to this statewide contest.”

The contest includes four entry levels: grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. A panel of judges selects a winner and three runners-up in each entry level.

All winners and runners-up will have their work displayed at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. One student’s work will be chosen by the judges as “Best in Show” and will be featured on a poster to celebrate the arts during Illinois Arts Education Week, which takes place March 15-19 this year.

Student submissions must be postmarked by Feb. 12, 2021 to be considered. More information on the competition and how to submit artwork can be found on the ALPLM website.