PLAINFIELD – To celebrate and honor those who served our country, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood), State Representative Natalie Manley (D-Joliet) and Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant will partner with local stakeholders to host a veteran breakfast event ahead of the Veterans Day holiday.

“Those who put their lives on hold in service of something greater than themselves deserve our thanks and praise,” Loughran Cappel said. “This event serves as a small token of appreciation for our local heroes, helps them connect with others who have served, and gives them an opportunity to learn more about different government programs and services that are available to assist them.”

The event will take place Friday, Oct. 22 from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Plainfield American Legion Marne Post 13 outdoor pavilion at 24741 Renwick Road. Food will be provided by Plainfield-based Nabby’s Restaurant and Catering.

Loughran Cappel, Bertino-Tarrant, Manley and Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs Director Terry Prince are set to address those in attendance.

“I am honored to continue on this tradition and join area lawmakers in honoring our brave men and women who have worked tirelessly to protect our freedom and democracy,” Bertino-Tarrant said. “As Veterans Day approaches, a small way we can show appreciation for the veterans in our lives is by inviting them to join us at this event.”

To accommodate all guests, registration is required for this event. To register, veterans can call Loughran Cappel’s office at (815) 267-6119 or visit www.SenatorLoughranCappel.com. 

"With the many sacrifices they have made to keep us safe, it is critical that we are giving back to our veterans," said Manley. "I am proud to stand with other community leaders to show our gratitude to those who served. I look forward to working in Springfield to ensure our veterans get the support they deserve."

PLAINFIELD – Local residents are invited to attend a pet expo hosted by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood), State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport) and the Plainfield Park District.

“This is a great opportunity for residents to bring their pets and have fun while learning about how to best take care of their furry family members,” Loughran Cappel said. “It will be a fun and educational day for families and their pets.”

The expo is 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 9 at Clow Stephens Dog Park, 16676 S. Lily Cache Road, Plainfield, IL, and is free to attend.

Families are encouraged to come and bring their pets for an array of photo opportunities, training demonstrations, and other activities. Balloon animals and temporary tattoos and body glitter will be available for kids, and many local pet businesses will have booths with unique pet products for purchase. Free boxed lunches will also be provided for the first 100 people in attendance.

“Pets are part of our families, too,” Connor said. “This is a fun and family-friendly opportunity for community members to bring their furry friends out to return some of the love they so unconditionally offer us.”

More information is available from Senator Loughran Cappel’s office at 815-267-6119 or Senator Connor’s office at 815-207-4445.

PLAINFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) is urging local businesses to take advantage of Back to Business grants before the Oct. 13 deadline.

The B2B program allocates $250 million in American Rescue Plan Act dollars for small businesses experiencing COVID-19 losses, and grants will continue to be awarded on a rolling basis.

“Throughout the pandemic, our small businesses have stood up to support our communities in endless ways,” Loughran Cappel said. “As I talk to small business owners across Will and Kendall counties, we must continue to work toward providing them with economic stability to help ensure they have the resources they need to keep their doors open.”

Eligible businesses are encouraged to apply by visiting the DCEO website. To help restore operational losses incurred during the pandemic, the B2B program will provide grants ranging in size from $5,000 to $150,000, commensurate with losses experienced. The administration will continue to accept applications for B2B grants through Oct. 13, 2021.

“I am excited to see businesses in our district receive nearly $350,000 in B2B grants during the first wave,” Loughran Cappel said. “This is a great first step in recovery; however, I urge local eligible local businesses to apply before the deadline.”

To highlight and support local businesses in the 49th District, Loughran Cappel has launched a small business tours series and requests entrepreneurs to invite her to visit their businesses. She hopes to meet a variety of business owners and workers, including retail shops, manufacturing businesses and businesses in the service industry – from salons to optometrists.

“Small businesses continue to overcome challenges throughout the pandemic,” Loughran Cappel said. “I look forward to touring our local businesses, hearing their stories and helping promote their contributions to our communities.”
Business owners can submit their information at www.SenatorLoughranCappel.com to be considered for a tour. Once an application is received, a member of Loughran Cappel’s team will reach out with additional details.

Loughran Cappel urges residents to reach out to her office at (815) 267-6119 or visit www.SenatorLoughranCappel.com with questions and concerns.

PLAINFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) is urging residents to renew eligible professional licenses from the comfort of their own home.

Illinois residents can now renew certain professional licenses online. In addition, licensees’ renewal deadlines have been extended to Dec. 31, 2021.

“This is one small way that the State of Illinois is working to eliminate red tape and streamline the process to allow people to renew their professional licenses from the comfort of their own home,” Loughran Cappel said. “Please renew your licenses as soon as possible to avoid late fees and ensure you are up to date.”

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation reports that more than 150,000 licenses are up for renewal.

Loughran Cappel reminds residents to renew their licenses online by going to https://idfpr.com/Renewals/defaultSSL.asp.

Below is a list of professions whose licensees will now have until Dec. 31 to renew:

• Certified Public Accountant/Registered Certified Public Accountant
• Cosmetologist
• Dentist
• Dental Anesthesia Permit Holder
• Dental Hygienist
• Dental Specialist
• Esthetician
• Interior Designer
• Orthotist
• Pedorthist
• Physical Therapy Assistant
• Prosthetist

If area residents have questions or concerns, Loughran Cappel urges them to reach out to her office at (815) 267-6119 or visit www.SenatorLoughranCappel.com.