KANKAKEE – Small Business Saturday is this Saturday, Nov. 27, and State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is encouraging residents to patronize local businesses this holiday season.

“Our small businesses are the backbone of our local economy and deserve our support in these trying times,” Joyce said. “I encourage you to go out and support the small businesses in our area that are trying very hard to keep their doors open and our community vibrant for everyone.”

Joyce reminds residents that Small Business Saturday is a day to celebrate and support the small, family-run shops that do so much throughout the year for the community. Joyce added that supporting small does not just mean shopping at brick-and-mortar stores. Residents can show their support through online sales, ordering carryout from a locally owned restaurant or buying gift cards.

“Small Business Saturday is more vital than ever this year,” Joyce said. “Business owners are hoping to see you in line or online this Saturday, Nov. 27.” 

Additionally, if money is tight due to the financial concerns relating to the pandemic, people can follow their social media, recommend them to friends and leave positive reviews.

NEW LENOX – Ahead of Saturday’s Coffee, Conversation and Constituent Services event, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is reminding residents to take the opportunity to share ideas and concerns with their representation in Springfield.

“Giving residents the opportunity to come to the table and provide input on what’s happening in our community or in Springfield is vital, and that’s why my office continues to host events like this,” Joyce said. “I look forward to talking with everyone over a cup of coffee and hearing about the issues that are important to them.”

The event will be held Saturday, Nov. 20 from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at Gost Coffee Roasters located at 1333 S. Schoolhouse Rd. in New Lenox.

This is another effort from Joyce’s office to increase government accountability and accessibility by hosting this traveling event at different times, locations and days of the week in hopes of reaching working families across Will, Cook, Kankakee and Grundy Counties.

This event is free and open to area residents. Those with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact Joyce’s office at 708-756-0882 or visit his website at SenatorPatrickJoyce.com.

KANKAKEE – The annual Conservation Achievement Scholarship is now accepting applications, and Senate Agriculture Chair Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) invites eligible Illinois high school seniors to apply.

The Conservation Achievement Scholarship will award up to four scholarships of $2,000 each to outstanding high school seniors in Illinois who demonstrate effective, voluntary, long-term dedication to the preservation, protection or enhancement of the state’s natural resources.

“This scholarship program awards our best and brightest students for their hard work and dedication to conservation stewardship,” Joyce said. “I encourage all eligible high school seniors to take advantage of this opportunity and apply.”

MANTENO – As Veterans Day approaches, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is asking residents to write friendly, encouraging letters in an effort to thank our heroes in veterans’ homes across the state.

“Veterans Day is a time to honor the brave American men and women who have served our country,” Joyce said. “Join me in writing letters to our veterans so we can show our appreciation to all of them.”

Operation Rising Spirit is an initiative of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs that encourages communities to write letters to residents in the care of veteran’ home in Illinois. At a time when isolation is at a record high, the letters are meant to extend friendly affirmation for the bravery and courage of veterans both throughout their service and the pandemic.

The effort was first launched in 2020 ahead of Veterans Day in November. The letter-writing campaign will focus on the veterans’ homes in Illinois, located in Anna, Chicago, LaSalle, Manteno and Quincy. Senator Joyce represents Manteno, which provides care for up to 294 skilled care and special needs veterans.

“Let’s show our support for our veterans and send these heroes letters to thank them for their service,” Joyce said.

To send a message to a veteran or a veteran home, visit Send-a-note. Locations for each of the veterans’ homes in Illinois can be found here, if someone would rather send a physical letter.