Loughran Cappel, Connor encourage summer reading through book club

SHOREWOOD – To help kids have fun and stay engaged this summer, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) and State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport) are hosting a Summer Book Club for kids across the 49^th and 43^rd Senate Districts.

“Even though school’s out, it’s critical for students to keep their minds active,” Loughran Cappel said. “It is my hope that kids of all ages will take advantage of this opportunity to stay sharp, creative and have fun during the summer months.”

The book club requires kids to read any eight books they choose, record them on a form with a parent, guardian, or other important adult’s signature, and return the form by Aug. 11. Everyone who completes Senator Connor’s summer book club will be invited to attend an ice cream social hosted by Senator Connor at Cool Creations Homemade Ice Cream to celebrate. Those who complete Senator Loughran Cappel’s summer book club will receive a gift card to use at a local small business.

“Kids can go on all kinds of adventures this summer through books,” Connor said. “Reading over summer break can also help keep students sharp and ready to head back to class in the fall.”

Book club forms can be printed off at www.senatorlougrancappel.com orwww.senatorconnor.com. They can also be requested via mail by calling Connor’s district office at (815) 207-4445 or Loughran Cappel’s district office at (815) 267-6119.

Residents with any further questions are welcome to call the district office.

Loughran Cappel announces $475,000 investment in local biking and walking trails

SHOREWOOD – Plainfield and Oswego will see a combined $475,990 investment in bike paths and sidewalks, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) announced Wednesday.

“Infrastructure maintenance is important at every single level of a community,” Loughran Cappel said. “Though they can be overlooked, bike paths and walking trails are vital structures that deserve regular attention and care.”

Residents will see improvements to a number of area trails for pedestrians and bicyclists, including Wolfs Crossing Road at Harvey Road Intersection in Oswego, and DuPage River Trail at Renwick Road in Plainfield.

These projects are part of the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program, for which the Illinois Department of Transportation has selected 99 projects totaling $105.7 million. Projects receiving funding in this round of investment include biking and walking paths, trails, streetscape beautification, and other projects designed to encourage safe travel across the various modes of transportation at the local level.

“Our residents are extremely fortunate to have accessible, clean trails that give everyone the chance to enjoy the outdoors,” Loughran Cappel said. “Investments such as this ensure long-term viability and encourage active lifestyles.”  

Loughran Cappel, Connor attend ribbon cutting for Fountaindale Library’s new Bookmobile

Loughran Cappel acts to bolster safety precautions in school zones

SPRINGFIELD – A piece of bipartisan legislation, led by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) and State Representative Mark Batnick, that would expand the period of time in which school zone speed limits are active passed the both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly.

“More students are taking advantage of the extra opportunities for help available to them before school,” Loughran Cappel said. “While this is encouraging, it’s important that we expand safety guidelines to accommodate their schedules.”

Under current school speed zone rules, children are to be assumed present between the hours of 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. However, Plainfield-area high schools begin classes at 7:05 and students arrive during a timeframe when school zone rules are not yet active. Additionally, numerous students arrive before 7 a.m. to attend before school programs, tutoring or other extracurricular activities.

Under House Bill 343, school zone speed limits on school days would begin at 6:30 a.m. rather than 7 a.m.

Violation of the speed zone limits would still result in a subsequent fine or possible incarceration depending on the speed violation.

“The cost for violating the safety of our students is still quite steep,” Loughran Cappel said. “It’s my hope that by bringing this law back into the public conversation, people will be reminded of the dangers presented by reckless driving.”

This measure now awaits the governor's approval.