Rep. Stephens Recap – 5/9-5/16

Marie Bertsch’s 106th Birthday!

We had a wonderful time celebrating Marie Bertsch’s 106th birthday! We are so grateful to have Marie’s kind spirit and uplifting smile in our district and were happy to celebrate such an incredible milestone with her. Thank you to Ascension Living Resurrection Village for having us and happy birthday, Marie!


9/11 Never Forget Mobile Exhibit

Our team was grateful to visit the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s 9/11 Never Forget Mobile Exhibit hosted by the Village of Rosemont. Tours of the exhibit were given by first responders who witnessed the attack on the World Trade Center and provided firsthand accounts of their personal experiences on September 11, 2001. We truly appreciated being able to hear the stories from these first responders and thank the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and the Village of Rosemont for setting up such a fantastic experience!


Ridgewood High School International Partnership Celebration

Our team was grateful to attend a celebration hosted by Ridgewood High School for their ongoing international partnership with the New Bridge Multi-Academy Trust in Manchester, England. The collaboration has created wonderful opportunities for students with special needs by integrating technology, adaptive athletics, and now, performing arts in its third year, a testament to the impact of inclusive education and global connection.

The event showcased this impact, specifically through the remarkable transatlantic partnership and cross-cultural connections the collaboration continues to foster. We were blown away by the work this partnership continues to put forth and were delighted to meet so many wonderful students. Thank you for having us!


Eisenhower Public Library Community Wellness Fair

I’d like to thank everyone who stopped by our booth at the Community Wellness Fair hosted by the Eisenhower Public Library! The event showcased various community services available in our area, including displays by dozens of local organizations that provided information on the public, health, nutritional, mental, wellness, and other services they provide to members of our community.

We had a great turnout and appreciate the Eisenhower Public Library for their continued partnership and for setting up such a fantastic event!


Illinois Fallen Firefighter Memorial & Firefighting Medal of Honor Awards Ceremony

This week, here in Springfield, the 32nd annual Illinois Fallen Firefighter Memorial & Firefighting Medal of Honor Awards Ceremony took place – an event that memorialized those who made incredible sacrifices.

The brave men and women who have served on the front lines to keep Illinoisans safe are more than deserving of recognition for their bravery and dedication, and I am so grateful for all those, past and present, who have taken up their calling to protect our communities.

Thank you to all of the firefighters here in Illinois for your resilience, selflessness, and the heroic work you do. My heart goes out to all the families who have lost one of these brave souls.