Snow Thrower Safety Tips: Keep Best Practices in Mind This Winter
Clearing snow and ice from driveways, sidewalks and parking lots is no small job. You rely on your outdoor power equipment to do the heavy lifting, and it’s important to keep safety in mind. The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) reminds home and business owners to use snow throwers, often referred to as snow blowers, safely and offers tips to help.
“Weather today is unpredictable. You need to have your snow thrower serviced and ready to power up,” says OPEI President and CEO Kris Kiser. “Review your owner’s manual so you can use your equipment safely.” Kiser says preparation is key and that home and business owners should consider the following: Review the owner’s manual. Check the owner’s manual for safe handling procedures. If the manual cannot be found, look it up online, and store a copy on your computer so it’s available to reference in the future. Review how to operate controls. Be able to shut off equipment quickly. Check equipment. The snow thrower should be powered off when being checked over. Adjust any cables and check the auger.
Charge batteries. Locate the batteries for your snow thrower and charge them fully before it snows. Purchase fuel. Be sure to use the correct fuel recommended by the equipment’s manufacturer. For most gasoline-powered snow throwers, that is E10 or less. Often fuel stations are closed after a storm so buy gasoline in advance of storms. Fuel that is more than 30 days old can phase separate and cause operating problems. For more information on fueling properly see www.opei.org/ programs/ethanolwarning
Store and use fuel properly. Place gasoline in a proper fuel container and label it with the date purchased and the ethanol content. Store fuel safely and out of the reach of children. Fill the fuel tank outside before starting the engine and while the engine is cold. Never add fuel to a running or hot engine.
Clear the area. Snow can sometimes hide objects. Doormats, hoses, balls, toys, boards, wires, and other debris should be removed from areas you intend to clear. When run over by a snow thrower, these objects may harm the machine or people.
Dress for winter weather. Locate safety gear now, and place it in an accessible closet or location. Wear safety
glasses, gloves and footwear that can handle cold and slippery surfaces when operating the snow thrower.
KEY SAFETY TIP: Never put your hands inside the auger or chute. Use a clean out tool to unclog snow or debris from the snow thrower. Your hands should never go inside the auger or chute.
Turn OFF the snow thrower if you need to clear a clog. If you need to remove debris or unclog snow, always turn off the snow thrower. Wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop before clearing any clogs or debris. Operate in visible conditions. Never operate the snow thrower without good visibility or light.
Aim with care. Never throw snow toward people or cars. Keep children or pets inside and away from your snow thrower when it is operating.
Use extreme caution on slopes and hills. Use caution when changing directions on slopes. Do not attempt to clear steep slopes.
Know where the cord is. If using an electric powered snow thrower, be aware of where the power cord is at all times. Avoid tripping.
These tips to keep you safe are provided by The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI.)
Homewood-Flossmoor Park District and Midlothian Park District will receive a combined total of $1 million in grant funding thanks to the assistance of State Senator Napoleon B. Harris, III.
new outdoor fitness stations, replacing the existing playground, adding a pollinator garden with bug houses along with a community gathering space.
Park District has been awarded a generous grant from the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development, or OSLAD, program,” said Doug Boehm, Homewood-Flossmoor Park District Executive Director. Harris announces $1 million in funding for local parks
“It’s important we fund our local park districts so they can give young people and families opportunities for safe and fun activities,” said Harris (D-Harvey). “More supervised programs running in our community will help put youth on a path to success.”
The grant funding is provided through the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) program. A total of $55.2 million was awarded to 100 local park projects across the state. In Harris’s district, Homewood-Flossmoor Park District was awarded $600,000 and Midlothian Park District was awarded $400,000.
Midlothian Park District will use the grant to make upgrades at Memorial Park, specifically for the west side of the park. They will be installing 2 pickle ball courts,
Homewood-Flossmoor Park District will use the OSLAD grant funding to expand Irwin Park with new amenities, including a new playground, rain garden with pollinator plants, story walk, seating areas and more. These improvements will not only enhance the park’s aesthetic appeal but also make it a more inclusive and enjoyable space for residents of all ages.
“I am thrilled that the Homewood-Flossmoor
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The Hospital Caused the Problem
On December 19, 2024, I wrote a letter for a client to a hospital in northwest Indiana. The client is from Chesterton. With some editing to protect privacy, here is the letter that I sent to the hospital, its collection law firm, and its registered agent for service of process in the State of Indiana. Also, I sent a copy to the client so that he would know that I really worked to protect him from the hospital and its collection law firm.
Our client sent to our firm bills from your firm and a letter from a collection law firm. He asked us to check this bill and help him respond. The bills were under Account # XXXXXXX.
I phoned his Medicare supplement insurance company (secondary insurer) and asked what they knew of this bill. This was their response.
They got the bill information on 1-31-24 but without the details. On 2-1-24. the secondary insurer sent a request to your firm for a copy of the Medicare Remittance Advisory. To date, your firm has not responded with that document. THAT IS THE REASON YOU HAVE NOT BEEN PAID BY THE SECONDARY INSURER. The fault is NOT with our client – your patient. The problem
Accountability, Acceptance, Action, and Ambition
by Janice R Newman
This week, we’re focusing on four motivational and inspiring “A” words: accountability, acceptance, action, and ambition. These “A” words are vital to personal growth and success because they can influence drastic life changes. These words are the foundation for making progress and achieving our goals. When we take accountability for our choices, accept our past mistakes while embracing reality, and actively work towards improvement, along with the ambition to aim higher and dream bigger, we set ourselves on a path towards achieving in all areas of life.
Accountability means taking full responsibility for your actions, decisions, thoughts, and inactions. It’s about owing to the outcomes of your choices, the successful ones or the setbacks. This principle applies to every area of your life-personal, physical, spiritual, and financial. By being accountable, you demonstrate integrity, honesty, and reliability, those qualities build trust and respect from others.
Being accountable also means not shifting blame onto others, making excuses, or finding fault elsewhere when things don’t go as planned. To become more accountable, you need to reflect and acknowledge what went wrong, learn from the experience, and adjust to improve the situation. Self-reflection and responsibility that comes with accountability produce personal and professional growth.
Acceptance is about understanding and acknowledging your current and past situation, strengths, and weaknesses. Accepting simple truths such as you can’t change the past, so don’t put your focus there, can help you grow versus being stuck in the past, which will prevent you from moving forward. Acceptance can reduce stress because you stop worrying about things you can change or not within your control. Take time to reflect on what you’ve accepted or need to accept about yourself or your situation that is preventing your advancement. Remember, the past is in the past and gone.
Action is necessary to turn ideas, goals,
and dreams into reality. You must act, even if it’s small steps towards your goal, like sending an email, daily walking for exercise or planning. Acting can mean actively pursuing opportunities rather than waiting for them to come to you. Action is movement, doing something versus nothing. You can’t reach your goals or grow without doing something to improve the situation and work on your purpose.
Break larger goals into smaller manageable tasks and focus on completing one step at a time. Baby steps lead to progressing towards the goal line. You can celebrate accomplishing even small actions to inspire you to keep going. James 2:17 reminds us, “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” Faith with action produces meaningful results and can lead to noticeable advancement.
Ambition is your internal drive to achieve something better. It inspires you to set goals and to want to grow and improve. Ambition leads you to work towards a work promotion, start or expand a business, build relationships, or learn a new skill. It fuels resilience and should align with your values. Ambition can be positive and powerful in achieving goals.
When you combine accountability, acceptance, action, and ambition, you’re preparing for personal and professional growth. Imagine how your life could change if you embraced these words in every aspect of your life. Accountability puts you in control of your actions and decisions. You can’t blame anyone for your actions, and you mature. Acceptance helps you to understand that you can’t change the past, that we have weaknesses, and strengths, and need to let go of what we cannot change. Actions are more effective than words. Movement is necessary to advance versus just thinking about it. Small steps are essential. Lastly, let ambition drive you to achieve your goals and aim for the best outcome. Y? Why Not!
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was caused by your failure to respond to the secondary insurer’s reasonable request to get you paid.
Please, do the correct and professional thing and send the requested information. Send it to the following address: Claims, XXX Ins. Co., XXXX.
Please, cooperate so that we do not have to help the client to file a complaint against your firm for your bad business practices with the Indiana Attorney General’s Office of Consumer Protection.
All the help that we gave this client was FREE OF CHARGE. We help all clients with Medicare related medical bill problems to demonstrate that we really appreciate and care for them. If the insurance agent or agency that you use does not give this high level of customer service, shouldn’t you switch to one that does? This one does.
Note: Woodrow Wilcox is the senior medical bill case worker at Senior Care Insurance Services in Merrillville, Indiana. He has saved clients of that firm over three million dollars by fighting mistakes and fraud in Medicare related medical billing. Also, Wilcox wrote the book SOLVING MEDICARE PROBLEM$ which can be ordered at book stores or online.
Speaking Of Seniors
WOODROW WILCOX
LOCAL CHURCHES
CHRIST COMMUNITY CHURCH, COGIC
1151 E. 170th St., South Holland
708-331-8389
FAX 708.331.8374
Admin@ChristCommunityCOGIC.org
ChristCommunityCOGIC.org
PASTOR DR. CARL E. KING, SR. WORSHIP SERVICES
SUNDAY
Church School 9:15 a.m.
Worship Services 10:30 a.m.
WEDNESDAY Bible Study…… 7:00 p.m.
COVENANT UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
1130 East 154th St., South Holland
708-333-5955
www.covucc.org
PASTOR REV. DR. PATRICK L. DAYMOND WORSHIP SERVICES
Sunday Worship 7:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m.
Wed. Bible Study Noon
FIRST CHURCH (PCA)
3134 Ridge Rd, Lansing
708-474-9610
www.firstchurchpca.org
Morning Worship 9:30 a.m.
Sunday School 11:00 a.m.
Evening Worship 5:30 p.m.
JESUS LIGHTHOUSE OF LOVE
INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES 19058 Burnham Ave, Lansing 312-206-1833
facebook.com/JLOLMinistries
PASTOR EL CID ZOLLICOFFER
PASTOR SHONNI ZOLLICOFFER WORSHIP SERVICES
Sunday........................................... 11:00 a.m. Wed. Service on Facebook.............7:30 p.m. Women of Worship via Zoom 3rd Sat. @ 12 pm
RECONCILIATION CHURCH
833 East 168th St., South Holland
708-331-7755
www.reconciliationchurch.org
PASTOR GLEN MCCARTHY
WORSHIP SERVICES
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m.
Wednesday Bible Study 7:00 p.m.
REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCH
651 East 166th St., South Holland
708-331-4100
redeemer-lutheran@sbcglobal.net
WORSHIP SERVICES Sunday 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:45 a.m. Channel 6 Tues. 10:00 a.m.
ST. PAUL’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN
CHURCH & SCHOOL
8601 Harrison Avenue, Munster, In. 46321 219-838-6720
stplmunster.com
Pastors: Peter Speckhard, Adrian Krebs
WORSHIP SERVICES: Monday: ..........................................6:30 p.m. Sunday: .....................8:00 a.m. & 10:15 a.m.
Heart Smart
JOSH BOOTSMA
It’s a new year — and I’m feeling emotional whiplash. In Christian communities, we spend December talking about advent, the eager anticipation of Christ’s arrival. We talk about hope and peace, and we proclaim the joy of Emmanuel, which means “God with us.”
And now the calendar has turned. It’s back to winter without the holiday warmth. We’re back to frigid without the festive. Despite our advent prayers, we’re back to where we were: Christ isn’t back yet. And we feel it.
We didn’t even get a full day in 2025 before two tragedies, one in New Orleans and the other in Las Vegas, rubbed the veneer of holiday cheer away, and set this reality before us once again: we live in a broken world. Still.
And we need Jesus more than ever.
I was struck this year by the importance of Christmas not only as a looking back to a savior entering the world in Bethlehem, but as a looking forward to the ultimate advent of Jesus Christ’s return to set all things right.
The messiah was promised for thousands of years before he came. People groaned, cried, and doubted his coming. But he came. He kept his promise. And Jesus promised that he will return, and when he does, in the words of The Lord of the Rings, “Everything sad will come untrue.”
Our Lord is a promise-keeper. Christ came, he will come again, and what a blessing — he comes every day in our lives!
The advent of Jesus can occur in our lives by the power of the Holy Spirit, who is God himself living in our hearts. The Lord allows Emmanual, “God with us,” to happen as his spirit-filled people live and work in the world.
As we enter 2025 anxiously awaiting Christ’s return, we can choose daily to live as a tiny preview of the kingdom that’s yet to come. What a privilege — and responsibility!
Josh Bootsma Member, Covenant Fellowship Church cfcsh.org
FIRST ORTHODOX PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH OF SOUTH HOLLAND
16248 South Park Ave., South Holland
708-333-8211
www.firstchurchsh.org
PASTOR REV. DANIEL SVENDSEN WORSHIP SERVICES
Sunday 9:30 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.
Sunday School 11:00 a.m.
GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH, LCMS
8303 Sheffield Avenue Dyer, IN 46311 (219) 865-1137
gracedyer.org
PASTOR REV. DALE HETHERINGTON WORSHIP SERVICES
Sunday........................................... 9:00 a.m.
Bible Study Sunday 10:30 a.m. Monday...........................................7:00 p.m.
Saturday Prayer Service 10:30 a.m.
Bible Study: Sundays at ........9:15am (Sunday school at this time too) 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month (Ladies’ Bible Study) Wednesdays at 10am Thursdays at 10am (Nursery available for Sunday morning services)
ESPIRITU DE DIOS
16400 S. State St., South Holland
708-439-1220
sogfchurch.com
PASTORES Jose & Paula Lopez
SERVICIOS: Grupo de Oracion de Hombres
Jueves ........................................... 7:30 p.m.
Sabado Alabanza y Predicacion.....6:00 p.m.
UNITY OF NORTHWEST INDIANA
Plum Creek Center
2138 Moeller Street Dyer, IN 46311 (219) 931-5284
www.unitynwi.org ALL WELCOME MINISTER: REV. GERALDINE COLVIN SUNDAY SERVICE.......................10:00 AM
LIBRARY HAPPENINGS
Calumet City Public Librar y Address: 660 S Manistee Ave, Calumet City, IL 60409
Phone: (708) 862-6220
Email: info@calumetcitypl.org
Website: http://www calumetcitypl.org/index.html
Dolton Public Libr ar y
Address: 14037 Lincoln Ave, Dolton, IL
Phone: 708-849-2385
Email: lincoln@doltonpubliclibrary.org
Website: www.doltonpubliclibrary.org
BINGO NIGHT
Starting October 12th, from 3 – 4pm. Held every 2 nd and 4 th Thursday in the Kopac. Please call (708) 849-2385 x3 leaving your full name, email address and phone number or send email to lincoln@doltonpubliclibrary.org to register. FREE
Virtual Zumba
Dolton Public Library District presents
VIRTUAL ZUMBA with licensed instructor
Yvette Roberts Come and join in the fun every Friday at 5pm Please call (708)8492385 or email lincoln@doltonpubliclibrary org and leave your full name, email address and phone number to register (5pm – 6pm every Friday). FREE
BEGINNERS LINE DANCING with “DAWN the DANCIN’’ DEEVA”
Every Wednesday, from 3pm to 4pm. Please call 708-849-2385 ext. 3 to register, RSVP between Friday, 9am and Tuesday, 4pm ONLY Leaving your full name and phone number Held in the Josway Auditorium. FREE
VIRTUAL SENIOR YOGA
Every Wednesday taught by Dionne Arnold, Certified Yoga Instructor, (4pm to 5pm) Please call 708-849-2385 or email lincoln@ doltonpubliclibrary.org and leaving your full name, email address and phone number to register. FREE
SENIOR BRIDGE CLUB
Held e v ery Tu es d a y, i n perso n, f ro m 3:3 0 pm t o 4: 3 0pm P
y cal li n g 708- 8 49- 2 3 8 5 x 3
l i ncol n @dolt o npu
b
or g a nd leav e your f u l l name, em a i l a n d p h o n e n umber t o registe r. FRE E
VIRTUAL WORKOUT with SHEENA STINSON
Get in Shape from Home. Classes held every Monday from 6pm to 6:30pm Please call 708-849-2385 or email us at lincoln@ doltonpubliclibrary org leaving your full name, email address and phone number to register. A Zoom Link will be sent day of the program FREE
Get up and Move with Simon Says Join the Dolton Public Library Youth Services Dept. as we play “Simon Says”. Held every 3rd or 4th Friday from 10:45 to 11:45am starting Oct. 27 th . PLEASE CALL FOR FUTURE DATES. Register by calling (708849-2385, ext. 4) or emailing at lincoln@ doltonpubliclibrary.org leaving your name, email address, phone number and the number of children participating. FREE
Buriobo
Burbio is a one-stop free resource to find out about all the Dolton area events and activities. If your group wishes to post your events on burbio contact: groupsupport@burbio. com Sign-up at Burbio.com or download the free Android or iPhone app and follow the calendars that interest you. FREE
VIRTUAL PASSPORT TO KNOWLEDGE,
Every first Monday of the month from 3:30 – 4pm. Pack your bags for a virtual trip around the world and learn about other countries and cultures. Register at lincoln@ doltonpubliclibrary.org or call (708-849-2385) and leave your name, email and phone number Come curbside to pick up your Passport Packet prior to departure. The link for Zoom will be emailed prior to the program. FREE
BET WEEN the PAGES : A Virtual Story Time
Every third Saturday of the month at 1:30pm. To register call (708-849-2385) or email lincoln@doltonpubliclibrary.org and leave your name, phone number and email address. A link will be sent to you. FREE
COOKBOOK BOOK CLUB
Will meet in the Josway Auditorium on one Saturday a month, from 11am to 1pm at the library (14037 Lincoln Avenue, Dolton, IL 60419). To discuss the selected cookbook and to taste samples that have been prepared by our members from the recipes within the book
Potential new members please call 708-849-2385, ext. 5 to register leaving your name, email and phone number to get complete details. FREE
Homework Help
GOT HOMEWORK? NEED HELP? For ages 5 – 14yrs, make an appointment with Mrs. Brooks on Fridays or Saturdays by calling (708) 849- 2385 x 4. Sessions are limited to 30 minutes each. FREE
Toddler Time
For young children (18 mos – 4 yrs.) and their caregivers. Every 2nd Tuesday, 10:45am – 11:45am. 14037 Lincoln Avenue, Kopac Room, starting June 6, 2023. To join us, please register at lincoln@doltonpubiclibrary.org leave your name, email address or call at 708-8492385, ext. 4. FREE
Family Game Time
Join us twice a month on Saturday, from 1:00 to 2:30pm for free fun and activities. To be held in the Youth Services department. Call (708) 849-2385 x 4 for future dates. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. FREE
Creative Craft
Join Ms. Barbara every 4th Wednesday for a new fun art craft from 3:30 – 4:00 pm in the Kopac Room. NO NEED TO REGISTER KIDS &YOUTH 5-16 YRS. FREE!
Hammond Public Librar y
Address: 564 State St., Hammond
Phone: (219) 931-5100, ext. 310 or 307
Email: swishl@hammond.lib.in.us Website: www.hammond.lib.in.us
Har vey Public Libr ar y
Address: 15441 Turlington, Harvey, IL 60426
Phone: 708-331-0757x3200
Email: has@harvey.lib.il.us Website:www.harvey.lib.il.us
FREE online Line Dancing with Dawn the Diva, Tuesdays at 6:30pm
Join Us For Vir tual Programs : Each day at 4:00 pm, “stop” in for online family-fun at the Harvey Library Tuesday: Craft Wednesday: Story Time Thursday: Bacon Bits & Cooking Tips Monthly Virtual Music Class (Friday, check calendar each month)
Homewood Public Librar y
Address: 564 State St., Hammond
Phone: (219) 931-5100, ext. 310 or 307
Email: hplhelp@homewoodlibrary.org Website: www.homewoodlibrary.org/
Lansing Public Libr ar y
Address: 2750 Indiana Ave., Lansing IL
Phone: 708-474-2447
Email: shari@lansingpl.org Website: www.lansingpl.org
Riverdale Public Librar y
Address: 208 W 144th St Riverdale, IL 60827
Phone: (708) 841-3311
Email: library@rpld.org Website: www.rpld.org
Riverdale Public Library District Food Pantry
Our food pantry is open to everyone and is located in the entryway of library. Donations are also welcome and can be dropped off at the Circulation Desk. Please ensure that food items are non-perishable, non-glass containers and not expired.
Weekly Walking Group 9 – 10 am Ages: Adults/Seniors This walking program is for everyone interested in achieving a healthier lifestyle. What better way to start your path to better physical and emotional health, than on your feet making strides to help your heart and improve your general health.
South Holland Public Librar y Address: 16250 Wausau Ave., South Holland IL Phone: 708-527-3160 or 708-580-6161 Email: library@southhollandlibrary.org Website: shlibrary.org/events-calendar
Thor nton Public Librar y Address: 115 E. Margaret St. Thornton, IL. Email: library@thorntonil us Website: https://www thorntonlibrary org/
Join the Towle Theater for its 2025 Season Preview
Welcoming some new faces, the Towle Theater prepares for their 2025 Season Preview the weekend of January 4th and 5th giving audiences a taste of what to expect in their 22nd season. This one weekend only event will highlight scenes and songs from their upcoming season! Their season opens with the musical The Mad Ones sponsored by Hammond Horseshoe Casino, starring Madison Meeron, Lauren Reece, and TJ Bird.
The Mad Ones follows 18-year-old Samantha Brown as she sits in a hand-me-down car with the keys clutched in her hand. Caught between a yearning for the unknown and feeling bound by expectation, she telescopes back to a time before her world had fallen apart. As she sits in the driver’s seat, she faces a choice: will she follow in her mother’s footsteps, or take the dare of her impetuous best friend and chart a new path?. The musical runs February 28th March 1-2, 7-9th, 2025.
The second show of the season is the comedy, POTUS Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive. One four-letter word is about to rock 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. When the President unwittingly spins a PR nightmare into a global crisis, the seven brilliant and beleaguered women he relies upon most risk life, liberty, and the pursuit of sanity to keep the commander-in-chief out of trouble. POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep
Him Alive is a bawdy and irreverent look at sex, politics and the women in charge of the man in charge of the free world. Who knew that global crisis is always just a fourletter word away. This show runs May 2nd-4th & 9th11th, 2025.
Their summer musical is Superhero. This excerpt features Jimmy Poynton and Lauren Reece. Superhero is a deeply human new musical about a fractured family. The story follows Simon, a teenage comic book fan who retreats into an imaginary world after witnessing his father’s death in an accident two years earlier. Simon’s mother, Charlotte, is an English lit professor who struggles to process her grief while also worrying about her son. The two are joined by a mysterious neighbor and an unexpected hero who helps them on their journey. Before we can save the world, we have to save each other. This musical runs July 18th-20th, 25th-27th, 2025.
The final show of the 2025 season is a farce, Ms.Holmes & Ms.Watson in Apt 2B. An irreverent, darkly comic, modern take on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous sleuth and sidekick, this fast-paced romp re-examines the world’s most famous detective story with a bold new feminist lens. In this highly theatrical, escapade, oddball female roommates Sherlock Holmes & Joan Watson join forces to emerge from pandemic fog as a deeply codependent, quasi-dysfunctional Odd Couple adventure duo - solving mysteries and kicking butts, until they come face to
face with a villain who seems to have all the answers. Performances for this show are September 12th-14th & 19th - 21st.
Any patron who would like to attend any Towle Theater performance must reserve a ticket prior to the show date, and tickets are non-refundable. Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to curtain as there will be no late seating.
The Season Preview on January 4th, 2025 features a reception beginning at 6 p.m. and performance at 7 p.m., and on Sunday, January 5th, the reception is at 1 p.m. and performance is at 2 p.m. The event is $10 to subscribers who have 2025 Season Tickets. Tickets are only $15 to non-subscribers, and they can apply $5 of that toward the purchase of a Season Ticket at the Preview. Season Subscriptions of 4 Flexible tickets are $75. That’s only $18.75 per ticket.Advanced individual show tickets are $24 and are $28 at the door in the 2025 season. Order your Season Tickets today or come check out the Season Preview to solidify your choice.
The Towle Theater is located in beautiful downtown Hammond at 5205 Hohman Avenue. Parking is available right in front of the building on Hohman Avenue as well as the gravel lot located on Sibley. Street parking is also available! For more information on purchasing 2025 Season Tickets or Preview Tickets, please visit www. towletheater.org or call the box office at 219-937-8780.
Real Estate Questions & Answers
CATHY & JIM HIGGINS
Question: We are thinking of moving to an area where there is an HOA. Are these good or bad?
Answer: Across the U.S., homeowners’ associations, (HOA’s) are on the ascent. We’ve been dealing with and living in HOA communities for years. Here is what we can tell you.
A well-run and managed HOA can be a blessing, and a poorly managed HOA can be a curse.
Generally, an HOA establishes rules to ensure the neighborhood looks good These include strict guidelines about keeping lawns manicured, restrictions on parking boats and other large vehicles on the street, and limitations on exterior paint colors, etc This type of oversight eliminates issues with one or two properties weighing down all property values due to an unpleasant exterior.
HOA dues are earmarked for maintenance of shared spaces. This includes community lawn care (but not for your own yard), community snow removal (but not for your own property) and upkeep of common areas like the pool or the fitness center.
Involved in a tiff with your neighbor over that big oak tree that’s losing limbs? You can settle some confrontations
with your neighbors by taking your grievances to the HOA’s board or management company.
When buying a home in a community with an HOA, you’ve got to add HOA dues to your budget. The dues vary, but typically run in the hundreds of dollars per month.
If someone buys a home in an HOA community and wants to make changes to the property, such as the addition of an enclosed patio, it normally must be approved by the HOA’s board. It’s possible that an HOA could prevent certain updates on a home.
When you live in a community governed by a HOA, you’ll have to follow its rules, even if you think they’re ridiculous. You do, however, have the option of petitioning the homeowners’ association to change any rule you don’t agree with. But if you lose, you will have to live with it.
E-mail us your Real Estate questions at Cathyah@aol.com. Thinking of selling your home? Call Cathy & Jim Higgins, Licensed Broker/Realtors in Indiana & Illinois. IN: 219-865-4361 IL: 708-8283304. McColly Real Estate. Website: www.Cathyhiggins.com. Personal Real Estate Journal: www.Higginshousechat. blogspot.com
Forever Simon & Garfunkel: A Tribute to Perform Highland, IN on January 27, 2025
Sean Altman & Jack Skuller are bringing the legendary music of Simon & Garfunkel to life in an exciting concert at Highland High School, 9135 Erie Street, Highland, IN 46322 on Monday, January 27, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. Single tickets available on the day of the performance for $30.
For more information, please contact Carolyn Borchardt at 219-932-9795 or cborc86914@aol.com.
Sean Altman & Jack Skuller, both award-winning singer/songwriters and founders of the popular tribute show The Everly Set, have come together to create a new and exciting show! With soaring energy, wit and laser-precise harmony, the duo takes audiences on a journey through the history of Paul Simon & Art Garfunkel, from their teenage roots to their global dominance as hit-makers. Performing iconinc hits from one of the most popular duos in Rock n’ Roll history like “The Sound of Silence,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “Mrs. Robinson,” and more, Forever Simon & Garfunkel: A Tribute will entertain music-lovers of all ages. Click Here To View A Video Of Forever Simon & Garfunkel: A Tribute.
Lakeshore Community Concerts has been presenting concerts to the community since 1947. LCC is committed “to offer to every man, woman and child the opportunity to experience the magic of live performance at an affordable cost.”
Live On Stage, Inc. provides excellent, affordable, entertainment attractions and support services to an American community of concert presenters.
Mrvan Statement on Block of U.S. Steel Sale
Rep. Frank J. Mrvan, Vice Chairman of the Congressional Steel Caucus, released the following statement in response to President Biden blocking the sale of U.S. Steel Corporation to a foreign entity.
“Since the initial announcement, I have expressed my sincere distrust of handing over the strength of our Northwest Indiana steel industry and the abilities of our national security and defense manufacturing base to a company that has a proven record of violating our trading laws.
“To date, Nippon Steel has been involved in 12 distinct anti-dumping and countervailing duty orders from the U.S. International Trade Commission, in addition to the current active investigation into the import of their hot-rolled steel sheet products. These cases mean that American industry and workers have been harmed, notably through job losses, by Nippon willfully violating our nation’s trading laws. This is an example of the federal government’s essential role to ensure that American manufacturing and members of organized labor can compete on a level-playing field, and it is absolutely right to prevent a foreign company with proven trade abuses from controlling our domestic steel production.
“The process of this potential sale has demonstrated the real and positive impact of Buy America requirements and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for our nation and the Northwest Indiana steel industry. We now know we have this tremendously valuable asset in the City of Gary, and I will continue to do everything I can to build on its success and ensure that everyone in our region benefits from its essential work for years to come.”
James R. Rietveld, age 92, of Crete, IL, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 31, 2024. Beloved husband of the late Jacqueline F. Rietveld, nee Gross. Loving father of Michael (Nancy) Rietveld and Ronald (Susan) Rietveld. Proud grandfather of Stephanie (Grant) Mensonides, Jonathan Rietveld, Matthew (fiancée Grace Thelo) Rietveld, Leanne (Mitch) Clark, Rachel Rietveld, and the late infant Sarah Jane Rietveld. Great-grandfather of Bowen and Everett. Dear brother of the late Mary (late Larry) Scholl, late Ivan (late Mabel) Rietveld, and the late Merrill Rietveld. Preceded in death by his parents John C. and Sarah Rietveld. Jim was a farmer and a member of First Reformed Church of South Holland. He was loved by many and will be dearly missed.
Visitation Friday, January 3, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 7:00 p.m. at Smits Funeral Home 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane Dyer, IN with services conducted by Rev. James Oord and Pastor Corey Buchanan. Interment Oak Ridge Cemetery – Lansing, IL. Memorial contributions may be given to a Christian school of your choice. For further information, please contact 219-3227300 or visit our online guestbook and obituary at www.SMITSFH.com
Joseph “Bugs” Moran, age 62, of Downers Grove, IL, passed away Friday, January 3, 2025. Dear brother of Tom (Joan) Moran, late Mary Kay (Frank) Rios, Mark Moran, and Peggy (Dave) Duncan. Fond uncle of many nieces and nephews, friend to many. Preceded in death by his parents Thomas Patrick and Catherine Sylvia Moran. He was loved by many and will be missed.
Private burial to be held at Joseph’s request. Arrangements entrusted to Smits Funeral Home.
Patricia Ann Paarlberg, age 64, of South Holland, IL passed away suddenly on Sunday, December 29, 2024. Beloved wife of the late Stephen Randolph “Randy” Gretz. Loving mother of Peter Stevens and Andrew (Elizabeth) Stevens. Devoted grandmother of Theodore Stevens. Dear sister of Larry (Marcia) Paarlberg and Susan (Terry) Klinker. Kind aunt of several nieces and nephews and dear family member and friend to many others. Preceded in death by her parents Howard and Alma (nee VanderGiessen) Paarlberg.
Tricia was a retired educator and teacher having taught previously at Calvin Christian School, Timothy Christian School and Trinity Christian College. She was a very caring and generous person always looking out for others. She loved to travel with family and friends and loved taking care of her dogs. Above all else, she loved spending time with her family and being a part of their lives.
A memorial visitation will take place with family and friends on Friday, January 3, 2025 from 3:00 – 7:00 P.M. in the fellowship room at First Reformed Church, 15924 South Park Ave., South Holland, IL. A Celebration of Life service will take place on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary at First Reformed Church with services conducted by Rev. Jim Oord. A livestream of the service can be found on First Reformed Church’s YouTube page at: First Reformed Church YouTube page
Memorial contributions may be given to First Reformed Church of South Holland (https://www.frcsh. org/) or Calvin Christian School (https://www. calvinschool.org/)
Arrangements entrusted to Smits Funeral Home – South Holland, IL. For further information, please contact 708-333-7000 or visit our online guestbook and obituary at www.SMITSFH.com
Thomas Jay Stallinga, age 65, of Lansing, IL was called home to Glory by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, January 3, 2025. Beloved husband of Terri Stallinga, nee Dykstra. Loving father of David and Ashlee De Wit, Kelsee Stallinga, and Tommy Stallinga. Devoted grandfather of Asa and Rose De Wit. Loving son of Gertrude and the late Arnold Stallinga. Dear brother of Rick and Deb Stallinga, Jeff Stallinga, and brother-in-law Fred and Eve Dykstra. Uncle of Derek and Stephanie Postma, Freddy and Karissa Dykstra, Joey and Heather Dykstra, and eight great-nieces and great-nephews. Preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law Fred and Joyce Dykstra. Tom was a Sales Associate for Van Drunen Farms. He was a faithful servant of his Lord and Savior and led by example. He served with the Sports Ambassadors organization in South America as a young adult, as a deacon at church, and at both Lansing Christian School and Roseland Christian Ministries. He was loved by many and will be missed.
Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at New Hope Church, 3642 Lake St., Lansing, IL beginning at 5:00 p.m. Immediately following will be a Celebration of Life Service for Tom at 7:00 p.m. A private family burial service will take place at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Lansing, IL. Memorials may be given to Roseland Christian Ministries(roselandchr istianministries.org) or Lansing Christian School (lansingchristian.org).
For further information, please contact 219-3227300 or visit our online guestbook and obituary at www.SMITSFH.com
Sally Ann DeJong, nee Brouwer, age 73, of St. John IN passed away peacefully, at home, surrounded by family on Saturday, December 28, 2024. Beloved wife of Marvin DeJong. Loving mother of Kerrie (late Scott) Friesema and Steven DeJong. Devoted grandmother of Bradley (Ciara) Werblo, Brian (Karisa) Werblo, Brett (Krista) Werblo, Rebecca Werblo, Nicole (Alex) Batta, Alyssa (Garrett) Wiggs, Sydney DeJong and Brayden DeJong and greatgrandmother of Grayson Werblo. Sister of Cynthia (Fred) Krooswyk and the late Karyl (Paul) DeYoung along with numerous nephews and nieces and other extended family members. Preceded in death by her parents Lewis and Florence (nee Eenigenburg) Brouwer. Sally learned from her mother the skill of being an exceptional seamstress and made clothing for herself and her family for many years. She also loved to keep busy with needlepoint, cross-stitch, quilting, and crochet and gave many away over the years as gifts to family and friends. Sally was an avid reader and also loved music, she was a talented pianist and sang in the church choir and a women’s double trio for many years. Her greatest passion, however, was her family, especially her grandchildren spending as much time as she could with them. She was loved by her family, and many friends, and will be dearly missed.
Visitation Wednesday, January 1, 2025 from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Ln. (Rt.30/Pleasant Springs Ln.), Dyer, IN. Funeral Service, Thursday, January 2, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Bethel Christian Reformed Church, 3500 Glenwood-Lansing Rd., Lansing, IL with Rev. Cal Aardsma officiating. Memorial contributions may be given to Bible League International (Bible League ). For further information, please contact 219-3227300 or visit our online obituary and guestbook at www.SMITSFH.com
Services
AC/HEATING
SERVICES: Summer
Special! Furnaces or A/C’s , Clean & check $59.95. Furnaces, A/C’s, Boilers, water heaters, sump pumps, humidifiers, installations, repairs, furnaces installed from $1495.00 R/D Heating & Cooling. IL. and IN. 219-616-3281
SMITH PAINTING 30 YRS EXP FREE
ESTIMATES Mention Sherry, get 5%off job. Call Mike 2197429867
MOVING SERVICES: Pick up/ Delivery Service.Small moves; in-house move; store-to-home. Assembly: Furniture & exercise equipment (Ikea, Office Depot, etc.) Call Rob daily until 9pm 708-898-8668
JUNK REMOVAL Time to make space! Cleanouts (garage attic, basement, shed). Hauling away appliances, furniture, trash. WE RECYCLE! Call ‘til 8pm. 708-898-8668
CAR / TRUCK
TROUBLE?
Vehicle shopping? Onlocation diagnosis: Will find needed repairs / maintenance. Uncertain of mechanic estimate? 32 years exper. Any day! 708-898-8668
Wanted
Looking for room to rent with own bathroom. NW Indiana/Lansing area. Elderly care experience. 40+ Non-drinking/smoking male w/ maintnenance skills. Prefer kitchenette & garage space. 708-898-8668
Looking for all running Stihl Lawn Equiptment, Weed Wackers, Chainsaws, Blowers, Edgers. Also 20-24” Lawn Mowers. Call Robb - 219-743-4685
Used or new musical instruments for a local school that does not have a music program. Students need arts like music to appreciate its many benefits. Please donate your working instruments. We need oboes, saxophones, double French horns, trumpets, flutes, clarinets, upright bass, and percussions. (219) 680-7215
WANTED: OLD BEER CANS AND POP CANS.
Single cans or whole collections.Also, beer signs, trays, other misc. vintage beer/tavern items.Cash paid. 219-730-9624
Need cleaning woman (or man) for doors, baseboards and exterior of kitchen cabinets; also vacuuming carpets. (708) 895-2647
In need individual looking for older model car donation or under $1000 708-341-3106
Single, childles WANTED DEGAN OR MUSSER VIBRAPHONE CALL 219-801-0955
WANTED - As many can of salmon fish as you have. 219-801-0955
WANTED - Thick rubber roll roof for (4) car garage. 219-801-0955 s, and disabled, female is in need of a smoke free and quiet room. Anyone interested in helping financially or with a bed? Not interested in drama, or sexual favors!! I”m trying to pay off debts and pay for my monthly expenses. I will not bring over family/friends. Thanks. Text/call 312.736.2037 IN DESPARATE NEED SMALL CAR FOR 80 YEAR OLDECONOMICAL CAR CAN BE DAMAGED IF RUNNING FOR LOW INCOME SR. CITIZ. Does not have to pass emission test if the price is right - Call 219-801-0955
WANTED: 1972 & OLDER CARS & TRUCKS, PARTS, RUNNING OR NOT (and parts) unfinished project and 67-69 Camaros. 708-439-9770
WANTED - GARAGE TO STORE MY OLD DODGE CAR. Could use 1 or 2 Stall Garage. Prefer the Lansing area. Call James between 9am and 9pm, 708-460-8308 IN SEARCH OF OLDER COBRA CB RADIO BASE STATIONS & ACCESSORIES let me know what you have. Dan 312-720-0844
SENIOR LOOKING TO RENT 2 OR 3 BEDROOM HOUSE WITH GARAGE. Have Sect. 8, also have 24hr caregiver. Looking in Lansing, Calumet City, South Holland, or Thornton ASAP. Call 815-263-0490. Ask for Carol
WANTED: Electric chainsaws and as many chains as you have. Exterior Brown Paint. 219-801-0955
For Sale
1 GE electric stainless steel double oven, 1 Amana electric glass cooktop, both are in excellent condition. $600 for both or available separately. Best offer considered. 5 foot long, 30 inches high all glass jewelry case with light, $100 or best offer. NordiTrack treadmill in great shape, $150 or best offer. For more information, call 708-536-3228.
1960s Gilbert American Flyer Train Set All Aboard Pioneer 600 Model 6 square interlocking panels with rails mounted 5 unit train, buildings, landscape,transformer. box is rough $80 Dan 312-7200844
DUCKS ARE STARTING TO FLY. I have mallard decoys in good condition. 35$ a dozen. 7088953767
Trailer hitch Curt 13146 with plug & play wiring harness. Honda Pilot 201622/Acura MDX 2014-20. $150 used708 955 4890
FOR SALE: Schwinn Men’s 26” Jaguar bike, as is. $100.00. 219-836-6104.
Fisher-Price Power Wheels
Barbie Jeep. In original box. Excellent condition. Needs battery and charger. $50 Call or text 708-6739361
Modern Medical Counselor, book, guide to health, 1943...$25.00... Queen mattress , box spring., guest room,.. like new . $125.00. 708-6454245
Emerson stereophonic phonograph ( record player) used lightly in original box late 1970s model $30. 312-720-0844
Late 1960s Gilbert American Flyer All Aboard Pioneer 600 train set 6 scenic panel 5 unit train original box is rough nearly all pieces inside $100. 312-720-0844
100 yr old Singer Pedal Sewing MachineAntique Croquet Set with all piecesAntique Royal Typewriter with stand$100 each or best offer Lansing Illinois - 630-697-0188
Pyrex Bowls and Bakeware $3-$5 a Piece; Champagne and Wine Glasses (Crystal) $2 ea; Crystal Wine, Liquor Decanters $15-$25; “Johnson’s Bros.” White English Ironstone Set of Dishes (64 pc.) $40 or OBO. Vintage Madame Alexander doll, “Degas” girl #1575 in original box, wrist tag and stand, $45. 708-481-6907
Exercise Bike Pro Form Model GR 75 $60 OBO; Drill Press Bench Mount Wards Powercraft $60 OBO; Trailer Winch Fulton Model 511 1600 LBS capacity $20 OBO; Rare R-12 Freo $30 ea; Greenlee Slug Buster, Have Two Kits Model 7235 BB and 7237 BB $100. BOth OBO; Industrial Heat Gun HG301A $25 OBO; Copper Sulfate Root Killer for Sewer Lines have several bottles, $5 each; A&W Dog and Suds Root Beer Mugs, $5 each OBO; House Box Fans $10 ea. OBO. 708-837-9814
Nordic Track Pro, excellent like new condition $100 708-8914798
Radio Flyer Red Wagon for 2 Comes with Seatbelts and 4 Cup Holders. Hauling Capacity 200 lbs. Gently used $40. Twin Size Bed Sheets $1 each; Twin Size Duvet Covers $5 ea. Call 708-481-6907
Ethan Allen Wingback Chair - $70; Hardwood Kitchen Chairs (Windsor Type) $30; Heavy duty universal bed frame, $15. Stiffel brass table lamps, $25-$35 each. Assorted lamp shades, $5-$10ea; Occasional Squire 26” dark wood 2 tier table. $50; Assorted Luggage, $5-$10 each; Kitchen Cabinet 33.5”h x 16.5”w x 18”d with 1 door (3 shelves inside);$30 OBO; Stainless Steel, Almost new, Whirlpool Over the Stove Microwave, $50. 708-4816907
Ottoman (footstool) $25; Small Kitchen Appliances (Juicers, Toasters, Rice Cooker, 5 Speed Mixer, Coffee Grinder, etc) from $5-$10; “Johnson’s Bros.” White English Ironstone Set of Dishes (64 pc.) $40 or OBO; 708-481-6907
New Electric Coffee Maker w/2 Stainless Steel Travel Cups. Still in box
$20.00Call 708-474-9568
Estate Sale, Shark Navigator Vacuum, anti-allergen, pet plus, more suction/lighter, New, Boxed, $159.00,,cash, originally $259.00 708-645-4245
Queen mattress/box spring ..guest room.. like new ..$125.00 , West Bend electric stainless wok, w/ accessories, used once. $25.00 708-645-4245
Set of Rugs $20 - and a cargo liner $30 for Subaru. (708) 895-2647
New Power Air Fryer Pro all attachments and cook books 65.00 call 219 663 8544
Large heavy concrete bird bath, good condition. $60.00; Metal commercial clothing rack on wheels 64 in long x 61 in high$75.00; Senior bath/shower chair like new $45.00; Shop vac 5 HP includes manual and 2 attchmts$50.00; Stihl backpack blower - runs well, no manual. $325.00 private owner; Echo handheld leaf blower, runs good, includes user manual $150.00 219-218-6466
Toro snowblower model CCR2450. 5 H .P.Electric start. $75.00(402)6701694
Ladies winter coat, wool, boucle, camel shade, large mink collar, medium ... excellent condition..$75.00..official Chicago Bears glasses...8/$20.00 708645-4245
2 Broyhill end tables with drawer and lower cabinet 25” high x 26” wide x 28” deep. Good condition Pickup in St.John, IN 219-308-5442
Cabbage Patch Doll 1992 Tenth Anniversary Zora Mae numbered new in box ( box has some dents rips) never played with smoke free home. Can provide pics on request ! $75 312-720-0844
Size 10.5 Brown LaCoste Hiking Boots w/ Steeel Toe, New in Box, Paid $65, Asking $40 OBO. Call 312-203-41-67 ask for Tony!
Blaupunkt antique stereo and turntable with centerpiece. $125.00, email at Patc96259@gmail.com
4 chairs wrought iron all black and table wrought iron.$125.00 email to Patc96259@gmail.com
Leaf Blower-700 Rake O-Vac-like new $25, Miscelaneous movice cameras, projectors and tripod--Best Offer! Office Chair New--In BoxModway EEI-757 $95. Matching Buffet Lamps --New $20. Tomato Grinder Antique -$ 15. Sausage Grinder Antique-$15. Beleek China Plate--New in Box $20 708-448-5672
30 Gal Aquarium $35 Firm 219 670 2492
Small Shovel, 5” Steel Blade for kids or Adults, new, $6; 3 ft. Weed Wacker, double cutting blade, $10; Alum. Scoop shovel, USA Made, new, $39; Steel Scoop HD Shovel, very old, $15; Timex 7” Wall Thermometer, new $4. 708-460-8303
Sealy Queen, guest room mattress/ box spring. .$125.00..Baby changing table ,walnut frame, excellent condition, $25.00. 708-645-4245
Heat Surge electric fireplace, infrared heating , Amish crafted furniture, w/ remote. $75.00...Ensure plus, strawberry flavored. 24 / 8 oz, carton, unopened, $30.00 708645-4245
Full size bed with mattress, box spring and frame $100, 4 drawer dresser $25, Drive extra large size manual wheelchair with pad never been used $100. Please contact Vicki at 708 634-9464. Leave message on voicemail I will return you’re call..
Snow season!! MTD Pro snow blower. 21’ swath, electric start. Runs great! $75.00708-895-3767 Lansing
Full length mink coat, medium, older , good condition $150.00. Red wool blazer, size medium/ petite, Nordstroms, new, $29.00. 708-645-4245
Oster turkey roaster 50.00, inline skates 30.00, Steno Machine with paper 120.00, Steno Machine with case and stand 100.00 708-517-3788
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Mrvan Statement on the Start of the 119th Congress
Congressman Frank J. Mrvan released the following statement on the start of the 119th Congress.
“As we start the 119th Congress, I remain focused on the actions I can control to address the pressing issues facing Northwest Indiana communities. The oath of office is a sacred trust with the constituents of Indiana’s First Congressional District and I commit to faithfully performing my responsibilities to uphold the United States Constitution. I look forward to continuing to collaborate in a bipartisan fashion with all federal and regional stakeholders, including state and local officials, to generate more work and wealth for the Northwest Indiana economy. My priorities will remain to defend and support the domestic steel industry, incentivize and bring back federal investments in our manufacturing industry and critical infrastructure, and enhance and preserve our incredible shoreline and environmental wonders. I will also continue to be a vocal advocate for vulnerable populations, public safety and law enforcement personnel, and the rights of our invaluable members of organized labor.”
January is National Mental Wellness Month
January is a time to recharge and recover from the holidays. It is also National Mental Wellness Month to recognize the importance of mental health and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.
According to the National Institutes of Health, 57.8 million adults lived with some form of mental illness in 2023. The severity varies from person to person. Understanding mental health statistics in the U.S. can raise awareness and garner support for those in need. Anxiety disorders are the most common form of mental illness and women are more likely than men to experience depression. 17% of adolescents ages 12-17 experienced a major depressive episode. 33.5% of adults with a mental illness also have a substance use disorder.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) collects data on substance use and mental health. Their 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that multiracial people had the highest rate of mental illness at 36.7%, followed by Whites (24%), American Indian/Alaskan natives (23.5%), Hispanics (20.6%), Blacks (19.4%), and Asians (18.1%).
Mental illness affects people differently. Children ages 6-17 are three times more likely to repeat a grade if they have mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral problems. Those with severe mental illness have a life span of 10 to 25 years shorter than the general population. 64% of jail inmates have a mental illness compared to 21.6% of the general adult population.
National Mental Wellness Month involves individuals being able to cope with life’s difficulties, having healthy relationships, and taking care of their mental well-being before issues arise. Wellbeingtrust.org tells us that having a purpose in life offers many benefits, including being happier, living longer, sleeping better, and improved heart health. To find that purpose explore your interests, volunteer, consider what you love to do, talk to friends and family, and try new experiences.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that 46% of people who die by suicide had a known mental illness. The Jason Foundation is a valuable resource if you feel that a friend or loved one is struggling with a mental illness. JFI is dedicated to the awareness and prevention of suicide through educational programs that equip youth, parents, educators, and the community with the tools and resources to identify and assist those who may be struggling mentally. Visit www. jasonfoundation.com to learn how to make a difference and find the closest Jason Foundation Affiliate Office.
Now that the calendar has flipped, it’s time for some New Year’s resolutions. You could decide you’re going to exercise more, lose weight, learn a new skill, reconnect with old friends — the possibilities are almost limitless. This year, why not add a few financial resolutions to your list?
Here are a few to consider:
• Reduce your debts. It may be easier said than done, but if you can cut down on your debt load, you’ll increase your cash flow and have more money available to invest for your future. So, look for ways to lower your expenses and spending. You might find it helpful to use one of the budgeting apps available online.
• Boost your retirement savings. Try to put in as much as you can afford to your IRA and your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan. If your salary goes up this year, you’ve got a good opportunity to
Time for New Year’s financial resolutions
SUBMITTED BY PATRICK ZAMKIN
increase your contributions to these retirement accounts. And once you turn 50, you can make pre-tax catchup contributions for your 401(k) and traditional IRA. You might also want to review the investment mix within your 401(k) or similar plan to determine whether it’s still providing the growth potential you need, given your risk tolerance and time horizon.
• Build an emergency fund. It’s generally a good idea to maintain an emergency fund containing up to six months’ worth of living expenses, with the money kept in a liquid, low-risk account. Without such a fund, you might be forced to dip into your long-term investments to pay for short-term needs, such as an expensive auto or home repair.
• Keep funding your nonretirement goals. Your traditional IRA and 401(k) are good ways to save for retirement — but you likely
have other goals, too, and you’ll need to save and invest for them. So, for example, if you want your children to go to college or receive some other type of post-secondary training, you might want to invest in a taxadvantaged 529 education savings plan. And if you have short-term goals, such as saving for a wedding or taking an overseas vacation, you might want to put some money away in a liquid account. For a shortterm goal, you don’t necessarily need to invest aggressively for growth — you just want the money to be there for you when you need it.
• Review your estate plans. If you haven’t already created your estate plans, you may want to do so in 2025. Of course, if you’re relatively young, you might not think you need to have estate plans in place just yet, but life is unpredictable, and the future
is not ours to see. If you have already drawn up estate plans, you may want to review them, especially if you’ve recently experienced changes in your life and family situation, such as marriage, remarriage or the addition of a new child. Because estate planning can be complex, you’ll want to work with a qualified legal professional. You may not be able to tackle all these resolutions in 2025. But by addressing as many of them as you can, you may find that, by the end of the year, you have made progress toward your goals and set yourself on a positive course for all the years to come.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor, , Patrick Zamkin, located at 18735 Dixie Hwy, Homewood, IL 60430. Contact us at (708) 798-9066. Edward Jones. Member SIPC.
State could adopt ‘kin-first’ approach to foster care
Illinois lawmakers could soon make it easier for children in foster care to live with their relatives or other people close to them.
Child welfare experts have long touted the benefits of foster children staying with kin. Advocates say those arrangements offer children more stability, decrease the trauma they experience, improve their mental health and reduce the number of times the child is moved from home to home.
But both state and federal law often made those placements impractical. To get paid to support the children, relatives had to follow the same stringent rules that apply to other foster parents. They go through a rigid home inspection with bedroom size requirements, as well as restrictions on the number of people and gender of individuals who can sleep in the same bedroom. Prospective parents also go through lengthy classroom training.
In 2023, though, the federal government decided to allow states to use separate standards for relatives of children in foster care than for other foster parents, in an effort to pair more children with relatives. Now, Illinois lawmakers are moving forward with a plan to do just that, along with making other changes that will encourage the placement of children with relatives. The Illinois Senate unanimously approved the measure, known as the Kinship in Demand, or KIND Act, in the fall. But the House must sign off on the changes by the time it adjourns in early January, otherwise the bill must go through the entire legislative process again to reach the governor’s desk.
“I think it’s really important that we reckon with how unjust our systems have been in foster care,” said state Sen. Mike Simmons, D-Chicago, one of the bill’s 15 co-sponsors in the upper chamber. “It’s an excellent step forward in terms of respecting the integrity of the families these kids come from, that includes their immediate family but also their extended kin that love them.”
Illinois’ record
Close to 10,000 children – or more than half of the total number of kids in the care
of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services – live with family members.
But more than 60% of those families are not eligible for monthly foster care payments, annual clothing vouchers, or foster care support groups according to the ACLU of Illinois.
“Support for kin, for relatives who have not received the same kind of support that foster parents do, for example – I’m talking about monetary support – I think is a very important component of dealing with the amount of time a child spends in the custody of DCFS. We want to make sure they get back to a home environment as fast as they can, and this is a way to encourage that,” said Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, a Democrat, in a news conference on Dec. 11.
Casey Family Programs, the nation’s largest foundation focused on foster care, states that prioritizing relative caregivers decreases sibling separation, reduces the risk of abuse and gives a higher chance of achieving permanency.
Placing foster children with relatives could also help Illinois do a better job in finding permanent homes for children in its care. Illinois’ foster care system ranked in the bottom third of states in 2019 for children placed in permanent homes, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Between 2017 and 2021, the number of children who were placed in a permanent home decreased by 7.8%, according to the 2021 Child Welfare Outcomes Report to Congress.
KIND Act’s changes
The KIND Act would allow DCFS to pursue additional federal funding in order to apply a kin-first approach. DCFS would use the federal money to put more effort into finding families of foster children, notifying them and improving support services, as well as doing background and identity checks.
“By promoting kinship care and addressing systemic issues with a long length of time to permanency and insufficient support of foster care, the KIND Act aims to improve safety, stability and the wellbeing of children in DCFS care,” state Sen. Mattie Hunter, D-Chicago, a primary sponsor of the bill, said during a November Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.
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Payments for relatives particularly impact Black children, who are overrepresented in the foster care system.
In Illinois, as of October, more than 18,000 children were in the DCFS system; more than 8,000 of them
were Black. In terms of proportional representation, Black children have a 250% higher chance of being placed in DCFS care, according to the School of Social Work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
The poverty rate for Black Illinoisans is 27.7% compared to 8.5% for white Illinoisians. Preventing these families from accessing government subsidies for foster care adds on additional hardships and repeats the cycle of poverty they face, according to the University of Alabama Institute for Human Rights.
“We know that the vast majority of kids who are coming in are overrepresented, and the KIND Act is removing financial barriers for relatives being able to care for kids,” said Nora Collins-Mandeville, director of systems reform policy at the ACLU of Illinois, in an interview.
“Relatives who are coming forward have considerably less resources than a foster parent would. And so the fact that we’re not even, in our current system, paying those relatives the same amount that we pay a stranger to care for a child, it’s pretty frustrating,” she said.
Under the KIND Act, there would also be a different criminal background criteria for relatives and foster parents. The federal government allows DCFS to waive “non-safety-related licensing” for relative caregivers on a case-by-case basis. Relatives would be subject to a personal analysis assessing their criminal record and its potential impact on the child.
The bill would allow DCFS to consider, for example, the overrepresentation of minorities in the prison system, especially for minor drug felonies.
The foster care legislation would also require courts to oversee DCFS’ implementation of the kin-first approach. Courts would have a larger role in familyfinding efforts like monitoring whether DCFS complies with notifying relatives that a child has been removed from its parents’ custody within 30 days. Plus, courts would be able to expedite emergency placements of children with relatives who are waiting for a custody hearing.
Contentious history
The bill’s sponsors called the measure historic because of the collaboration between DCFS and the ACLU, which have long fought each other over the state’s care of foster children. In 1988, the ACLU sued DCFS in B.H. v. Johnson. Three years later, both parties entered a consent decree to reform DCFS to provide safer homes, reduce the caseload per employee, protect DCFS funding, allow more supervision and accountability, and improve caseworker training.
These efforts ran into severe obstacles through the years.
A two-year budget stalemate between Democrats in the General Assembly and Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner that ended in 2017 had a major impact on DCFS funding. It forced the agency to close many group homes throughout Illinois. This led to children under DCFS care being housed in places not designed to accommodate children in the long-term, including psychiatric hospitals, juvenile detention centers and shelters and even DCFS offices. Since then, DCFS struggled to recover from the loss of funds in 2017 and hasn’t implemented changes spelled out in the consent decree.
In light of those shortcomings, in 2018, the court appointed a special master to DCFS in order to ensure significant action was taken and to mitigate tensions between the ACLU and DCFS, Pritzker, who defeated Rauner in the 2018 election, campaigned on the promise to reform the system. Since 2019, the DCFS budget nearly doubled from $1.22 billion to $2.03 billion, mostly to hire more staff and caseworkers. Despite these improvements, a Cook County judge continuously held DCFS director Marc Smith in contempt of court in 2022 for failing to find adequate placements for foster care children, some of whom were still residing in psychiatric hospitals. An appellate court later vacated the contempt citations, and Smith stepped down at the end of 2023. He was the 13th DCFS director in 10 years.
“For a good period of time, there wasn’t stability in the agency’s leadership at all. We had turnover every year. It wasn’t up until the Pritzker administration that we had a director there for multiple years. And so that can be really challenging. You have different priorities for every leader who comes in,” Collins-Mandeville said.
Despite the turnover at the top and the agency’s ongoing court battles, DCFS reduced the number of youths in care from 50,000 in 1995 to 16,000 in 2023. The number, however, has risen in the past year to 18,000.
“Today marks a day that we had long hoped to see: the ACLU and DCFS are in alignment on a piece of landmark legislation that offers an essential opportunity to reform Illinois’ foster care system,” Collins-Mandeville said in her testimony to the Senate committee.
Amalia Huot-Marchand is a graduate student in journalism with Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications, and a Fellow in its Medill Illinois News Bureau working in partnership with Capitol News Illinois.
