Stadelman opens annual summer book club

State Senator Steve Stadelman is opening his annual Summer Book Club online today and with formal kickoff rally June 17.

During his summer reading challenge, Senator Stadelman encourages students in the 34th legislative district that he represents to read eight books over the summer. Those who accomplish the challenge are invited to celebrate at an August pizza party.

For a third year, Stadelman is basing his Summer Book Club at the Boys and Girls Club Stenstrom Unit, where the kickoff and pizza party will take place. Students at Stenstrom participate in the book club as part of their Summer Enrichment Program where experienced teachers focus on building math and reading skills through small group lessons, hands-on activities and interactive Chromebook exercises.

But the kickoff rally and the pizza party are open to any student whose parent or guardian signs and returns a form listing the eight books that were enjoyed to fulfill the challenge. The kickoff rally -- where Senator Stadelman will read a book aloud -- is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. June 17 at the Stenstrom Unit, 609 Kilburn Avenue, Rockford.

Families can download a brochure by clicking on the image below. Or paper copies can be obtained by visiting public libraries in Rockford, Loves Park, Cherry Valley and Belvidere beginning the week of June 10.

IDOT closing U.S. 20 at 1-39 nightly in June

Overnight closures of U.S. 20 at its interchange with Interstate 39 between Mulford and Alpine roads in Rockford began this week and are expect to last the rest of June. The highway will remain open Friday and Saturday nights, but close in both directions at 9 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays.

 

Traffic on I-39 will not be affected. 

 

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, the overnight shutdown is necessary for the installation of structural steel for the new southbound I-39 flyover bridge as part of the state's $98.8 million project to rebuild the I-39/U.S. 20 interchange.

 

Eastbound U.S. 20 traffic will will detour using I-39 southbound, the Baxter Road interchange (exit 115) and I-39 northbound. Westbound U.S. 20 traffic will detour using I-39 southbound, the Baxter Road interchange (exit 115), I-39 northbound and the exit ramp to U.S. 20 westbound.

 

Read more here.

Deadline to apply volunteer recognition is June 14

Governor's Hometown Awards logo

It's not too late apply to receive the Governor’s Hometown Award (GHTA) for volunteer projects that improved the quality of life in an Illinois community. The awards are issued by the Serve Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service (Serve Illinois) in partnership with the Office of the Governor to formally recognize people and organizations whose projects had strong volunteer support, met an important need and made a definitive positive impact.

Now in its 16th year, the awards support commission’s mission to improve Illinois communities by enhancing volunteerism and instilling an ethic of service throughout the state. 

To apply please visit: GHTA Application Link by 5:00 pm on June 14, 2024. On the application link, you will submit the below-required documents:

  • A minimum of five (5) and no more than seven (7) photographs that accurately represent the project. Images should be uploaded through the provided application link. Photographs may be utilized for publicity or marketing purposes.
  • A copy of the Letter of Support from the unit of local government (applicant).
  • A copy of the Letter of Support from the group that completed the project and/or continues to oversee the project (if applicable).

 

 

In case you missed me on Facebook ...

Steve Stadelman
June 1 at 5:34 PM

The Rockford Park District unveiled the Levings Unity Pavilion in southwest Rockford! It will be the home stage for the 'Live at Levings' and 'Domingos En El Parque' summer entertainment series. Thanks to Hard Rock Rockford and Ringland-Johnson Construction for funding the project. Rock-and-roll royalty Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick took part in the Grand Opening!



 


State Senator Steve Stadelman
June 6 at 9:00 AM

Today marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day — a day to honor the brave service members who fought in the battle that led to the end of World War II and reflect on the sacrifice of those who died in battle.