NEW LENOX – State Senators Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) and Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) attended a ribbon cutting ceremony for the grand opening of Leigh Park in New Lenox Thursday. 

“Leigh Park is a collaboration of grants, park district money and fundraising efforts over the past few years,” Joyce said. “This park will enable Will County residents to better enjoy time outside, providing a gathering place for people to come and talk, walk and let their kids play.” 

This park benefited from a grant through the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program, resulting in a state-of-the-art playground designed for maximum accessibility, in partnership with LWSRA park district partners from Frankfort, Frankfort Square, Manhattan, Mokena, New Lenox, Peotone, and Wilmington Island Park Districts and other local partners. 

PARK FOREST – Residents can safely dispose of sensitive personal documents and unused prescription drugs at a free community event hosted by State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) and other area officials.

“Consumer fraud and identity theft are becoming far too common in our communities,” Joyce said. “Personal data should be confidential – I urge everyone to attend this free event so they can safely dispose of sensitive documents.” 

In addition to offering free document shredding, Joyce, DeLuca, and Vanderbilt have teamed up with the Park Forest Police Department to provide safe disposal of unused or expired prescription drugs at the event.

Anyone with questions or who needs additional information can contact Joyce’s office at 708-756-0882 or visit SenatorPatrickJoyce.com.

• WHO: State Senator Patrick Joyce, State Representative Anthony DeLuca, Park Forest Mayor Jonathan Vanderbilt and Park Forest Police Department
• WHAT: Shred and drug take-back event   
• WHEN: Thursday, July 22 from 9 to 11 a.m.        
• WHERE: Village of Park Forest parking lot 
  350 Victory Drive, Park Forest 

SOUTH WILMINGTON – Local residents were given the opportunity to renew their driver’s licenses and purchase vehicle stickers at a free mobile unit event on Tuesday, sponsored by State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) in partnership with the secretary of state’s office.

Joyce teamed up with the secretary of state’s office for their third mobile unit event at the South Wilmington Village Hall, giving more than 100 attendees the opportunity to receive necessary services without waiting for long periods of time outside a driver services facility.

“I was pleased to see so many people show up for this free event,” Joyce said. “The mobile unit is great for folks trying to access DMV services in one convenient location. I’d like to thank everyone that came out and took advantage of the unit, as well as all the hardworking people that made it possible.”

Joyce plans to host another mobile unit event in the future and encourages residents to visit SenatorPatrickJoyce.com to stay up to date on events his office is hosting this summer.

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