PARK FOREST – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) will join the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) on Tuesday, Sept. 29 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. to host a free virtual utility bill clinic to help consumers save money during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I’m excited to partner with CUB to help people find alternative ways to reduce their utility bills,” Joyce said. “As families and individuals continue to face tough financial stressors, this clinic is a great resource to make sure their utility usage and costs are in check.” 

Starting Aug. 25 at 9 a.m., residents will be able to register for a virtual one-on-one consultation with a CUB professional to discuss lowering their electric, water, gas, phone, cable and internet bills. After registrants have selected a time slot, they will receive details for a private video call with a CUB representative.

During the clinic, the representative will evaluate participants’ bills to determine if they are signed up with an alternative supplier or paying for unnecessary products or services. CUB will also let participants know if they are eligible for money-saving programs, like financial assistance, and share information about energy efficiency programs.

For more information on the program, visit www.citizensutilityboard.org or contact Joyce’s office at 708-756-0882.

PARK FOREST – Since the COVID-19 crisis has left many older adults alone and separated from their loved ones, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is seeking handwritten messages and cards to send to local long-term care facilities.

“During this pandemic, many older adults have been forced into isolation from their loved ones,” Joyce said. “There are strict guidelines in place at our long term care facilities to keep older adults safe but in this case staying healthy can also bring on extreme loneliness. Taking the time to send them a quick note or card will help brighten their day and make sure they know that someone is thinking about them.”

Joyce is encouraging residents to write cards, which can be homemade or purchased, with a few words of support for older adults. Send cards to Joyce’s office, and staff will distribute them to local long-term care facilities.

“I hope residents will take five minutes today to help provide some comfort to these folks,” Joyce said. “It is important to make sure our seniors know that we are thinking and care about them.”

Cards can be sent to:

State Senator Patrick Joyce
270 Main St.
Park Forest, IL 60466

If residents have any concerns or questions, Joyce urges them to call his office at 708-756-0882 or visit his website SenatorPatrickJoyce.com.

What: Due to concerns of coronavirus (COVID-19), coffee an conversation on Saturday, March 14, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Stefari Café (150 N. Schuyler Ave., Kankakee) is cancelled.

When: Saturday, March 14, 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Where: Stefari Café, 150 N. Shuyler Ave., Kankakee

Details: CANCELLED!

SPRINGFIELD – Winter months in northern Illinois can bring brutal weather. To help ensure residents in Will County have access to warm clothes, State Senator Patrick Joyce will be co-hosting a winter clothing drive with State Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant.

From Nov. 25 to Dec. 13, local and state elected officials will be working together to ensure there is an adequate amount of supplies at organizations throughout the region that benefit Will County residents.

“It gets extremely cold during the winter months in Will County, therefore, I want to help folks who may not have the proper apparel to stay warm during the most frigid time of the year,” Joyce said.

The following items are welcome: gently used or new winter gear including coats, socks, sweatshirts, scarves, gloves and more.

The coldest time of the year can be very difficult for low-income families, seniors, veterans and the homeless.

Locations to drop off donations include:
•             State Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant’s Office (15300 Rt. 59, Unit 202, Plainfield)
•             State Senator John Curran’s Office (7501 Lemont Rd., Suite 315G, Woodridge)
•             State Senator Napoleon Harris’ Office (1350 E. Sibley Blvd., Suite 403, Dolton)
•             State Senator Michael E. Hastings’ Office (20855 S. LaGrange Rd., Suite 102, Frankfort)
•             State Senator Patrick Joyce’s Office (270 Main St., Park Forest)
•             State Senator Pat McGuire’s Office (16151 Weber Rd., Suite 103, Crest Hill)
•             State Senator Sue Rezin’s Office (1421 N. Division St., Morris)
•             Plainfield Village Hall (24401 W. Lockport St., Plainfield)
•             Channahon Village Hall (24555 S. Navajo Dr., Channahon)
•             Romeoville Village Hall (1050 Romeo Rd., Romeoville)
•             Crest Hill City Hall (1610 Plainfield Rd., Crest Hill)
•             Mokena Village Hall (11004 Carpenter St., Mokena)
•             Wilmington City Hall (1165 S. Water St., Wilmington)
•             Rockdale Village Hall (79 Moen Ave., Rockdale)
•             Lockport City Hall (222 E. 9th St., Lockport)
•             Manhattan Village Hall (260 Market Pl., Manhattan)
•            Joliet City Hall (150 W. Jefferson St., Joliet)

The donations will be greatly appreciated. The clothing drive will benefit the Will County Veterans’ Assistance Commission and other organizations in the region.