State Senator Patrick Joyce joins the leadership of the Kankakee Valley Theatre Association for a small business tour on Monday, July 12. From left to right: Secretary Kayla James, Business Manager Paula Sutter, President Courtney Stephens, State Senator Patrick Joyce and former KTVA Vice President Rhonda Stenzinger.

KANKAKEE – As part of a district-wide tour of local businesses, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) visited the Kankakee Valley Theatre Association (KVTA) on Monday to tour the theater.

“The Kankakee Valley Theatre Association has a great impact on our community, and they are finally able to welcome people back,” Joyce said. “Without their performances, our community would have few opportunities to see these productions in our area. They have a fantastic list of shows coming up, and it’s a great excuse to get out and show our support.” 

During the tour, Joyce met with KTVA President Courtney Stephens, Business Manager Paula Sutter, Secretary Kayla James and former Vice President Rhonda Stenzinger. Stephens said they are excited to be able to return to the stage and entertain the community again after the theater sat empty for so many months, and they ask the community to consider supporting their work by attending one of their upcoming productions.

The following is a list of current and upcoming productions at the theater:

Youth Summer Theatre Camp - July 2021
10-Minute Play Festival - August 2021
The Music Man - October 2021
The Beast of Gevaudan - October 2021
Beauty and the Beast JR. - November 2021
Peter and the Starcatcher - February 2022
Mary Poppins JR. - April 2022
Guys and Dolls - May 2022

Read more: Joyce kicks off small business tours at the Kankakee Valley Theatre Association

PARK FOREST— To encourage young people to continue learning this summer, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is encouraging kids to participate in his Summer Book Club for children and young people who live in the 40th State Senate District.

“The purpose of this reading club is to inspire our youth to read during the summer when school is out,” Joyce said. “This book club also offers a completion incentive, giving kids something to work toward during the summer months.”

The Summer Book Club requires students to read eight books of their choice during the summer break, record the names of the books on a form and return the form to Joyce’s office by Aug. 11. Participants will receive a gift card and certificate from Senator Joyce. 

“This Summer Book Club makes reading fun and promotes lifelong learning,” Joyce said. “I am encouraging young readers to set aside 10-15 minutes a day to read and make it a part of their summer routine.”

To receive a book club form, visit SenatorPatrickJoyce.com to download and print the form, or call Joyce’s office at 708-756-0882 to request a copy by mail.

Joyce urges interested residents to call his office with any additional questions.

KANKAKEE – A measure sponsored by State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) to prevent children’s lemonade stands from being shut down for not having a permit was signed into law Friday by Gov. JB Pritzker. 

This new law was inspired by 12-year-old Hayli Martinez, whose lemonade stand in Kankakee was flagged by local officials and shut down.

“Opening a lemonade stand can teach kids about entrepreneurship and responsibility, so it’s really a great opportunity for them to learn while making some extra money,” Joyce said. “This new law will allow our young entrepreneurs to dream big without any hurdles.”

Under this measure, the Illinois Department of Public Health, a local health department or public health district cannot regulate the sale of lemonade or nonalcoholic drinks or mixed beverages by a person under age 16. The law also prevents authorities from requiring a permit for children to sell lemonade on private properties or in a public park.

Senate Bill 119 was signed into law on Friday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2022.

BOURBONNAIS – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) invites residents to ask questions and get assistance with state matters at his Coffee, Conversation and Constituent Services event on Saturday, July 31 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Starbucks, located at 532 Main St. NW in Bourbonnais.

“This is a great opportunity for the residents of Bourbonnais and surrounding communities to enjoy a cup of coffee while having a conversation about what’s happening in state government, or to simply bring an issue to my attention,” Joyce said. “I look forward to having a casual conversation with those who are available to join me.”

Community members are welcome to stop by Starbucks to work with the senator’s staff and receive assistance with different services. Attendees can receive help with FOID cards applications, unemployment and much more.

With questions or for additional information, contact Joyce’s office at 708-756-0882 or visit SenatorPatrickJoyce.com.