VILLA PARK – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton and State Representative Diane Blair-Sherlock are inviting local residents to talk over a cup of coffee in a casual setting at their Coffee and Conversation event Aug. 16.

“Sometimes it can feel intimidating to speak with your elected officials, but we host these events to make it easier and more relaxed,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “If you’re out running errands Saturday morning, I encourage you to stop by for coffee and share your thoughts with us.”

The Coffee and Conversation event will be held Saturday, Aug. 16 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Funky Java Coffee House, located at 40 S. Villa Ave. in Villa Park. Along with complimentary coffee, attendees will have the opportunity to talk with Senator Glowiak Hilton and Representative Blair-Sherlock about any concerns or feedback they have on local and state issues.

Residents with questions can contact Glowiak Hilton’s office at 630-785-3177.

OAKBROOK TERRACE — State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton announced that eight school districts across the area will receive additional funding to help address the financial challenges of recent years.

“I am pleased to see that several local schools will be receiving additional financial assistance to ensure that students receive a high quality education that they are entitled to,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “When we invest in our students and teachers we are investing in the future and I am proud to be in a state that continuously prioritizes this critical funding.”

OAKBROOK TERRACE — State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton is encouraging community organizations, schools and industry groups to apply for grants through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program, which helps open doors for individuals pursuing careers in the construction and building trades.

“Through pre-apprenticeship programs, students build a strong foundation for a successful career and develop lifelong skills,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “This funding will help organizations expand interest in these high-demand fields and strengthen our state’s workforce in the long term.”

The latest round of funding includes $25 million to support pre-apprenticeship programs that aim to increase diversity and create pathways for underrepresented groups in the construction industry, including women, veterans and people of color. The program offers comprehensive, tuition-free training and certifications, along with supportive services to help individuals gain entry to apprenticeships and ultimately secure stable, well-paying careers.

Eligible applicants include nonprofits, chambers of commerce, community colleges, technical schools and school districts, among others. Grants will range from $150,000 to $550,000, with applications accepted until Aug. 31.

For more information, visit the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website.

ELMHURST — Elmhurst residents will have the opportunity to securely shred personal documents on July 19, thanks to an event sponsored by State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton.

“Unwanted documents can quickly pile up and leave your personal information at risk of being stolen,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “Instead of tossing these papers into the recycling, I encourage residents to take advantage of this free and secure event.”

Residents can safely discard documents on Saturday, July 19 at American Legion Post 187, 310 W. Butterfield Road, from 9 a.m. to noon, or until the truck is full. The event is a joint effort between Glowiak Hilton, State Representative Marti Deuter, Elmhurst Mayor Scott Levin, the Elmhurst City Council and American Legion Post 187.

Identity theft is one of the top categories of scams targeting Illinois residents. The Better Business Bureau recommends shredding unneeded sensitive documents, such as bank statements, medical bills and pay stubs, to prevent personal information from falling into the wrong hands.

For more information, contact Glowiak Hilton’s office at 630-785-3177.