The Illinois Department of Transportation is seeking input on the state's rest areas.

To enhance traveler safety and comfort, IDOT maintains a system of 30 rest areas and 11 welcome centers on highways throughout the state, which serve more than 36 million visitors annually. IDOT wants to make sure these service centers are kept clean, safe, and updated with travel-related amenities to enhance the travel experience for Illinois residents and visitors.

Illinois' rest areas and welcome centers are open 24 hours a day and feature restroom facilities, picnic areas, lighted walkways, maps, security cameras, parking for recreational vehicles, and commercial trucks, among other services.

Help shape the future planning of rest areas by completing IDOT's Illinois Rest Area Survey.

For a paper copy of the survey call 402-399-1405.

Rep. Patti Bellock (R-Hinsdale) was given the honor by the Knights of Columbus to do the traditional tapping of the keg that they do every year to officially start the Oktoberfest fundraiser for their charity work. The Elmhurst College Jazz Band played German and American songs for the large crowd. Rep. Bellock has worked closely with the Knights of Columbus and is being recognized for her efforts working on behalf of people with developmental disabilities and mental illness.

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In recognition, State Representative Patti Bellock (R-Hinsdale) introduced and passed legislation this year, HR 254, to support and commend the efforts of those people and organizations who work tirelessly to help victims break free of the devastating effects of domestic abuse.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month evolved from the "Day of Unity" held in October of 1981, and was conceived by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Since 1989, October has been designated as National Domestic Violence Month.

Organizations such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence have worked to educate, counsel, and help communities affected by domestic violence.

State Rep. Patti Bellock (R-Hinsdale) hosted a Senior Utility Savings Seminar at the Westmont Park District on Tuesday morning, featuring consumer experts from the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) who provided one-on-one consultations for local seniors on how to save money on their gas, electric and telephone bills.

State Representative Patti Bellock (R-Hinsdale) participated in the annual legislative forum hosted by Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove on Monday morning. State Representative David Olsen and State Senator John Curran also participated. Representative Bellock has enjoyed a strong relationship with the Hospital throughout her tenure in the Illinois General Assembly. 

State Rep. Patti Bellock (R-Hinsdale) poses for a selfie with the staff and board members of Easter Seals DuPage & Fox Valley at their annual luncheon in Oak Brook.

WESTMONT– State Representative Patti Bellock (R-Hinsdale) invites local residents to attend a Town Hall Meeting on the state budget at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, September 25 at Oak Brook Village Hall, located at 1200 Oak Brook Road; and a Senior Utility Savings seminar at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 26 at the Westmont Park District, located at 55 E. Richmond Street.

State Rep. Patti Bellock (R-Hinsdale)
hosts town hall meetings throughout
the 47th District each year.

Both events are free and open to the public from every community in Representative Bellock’s district, which includes portions of Elmhurst, Hinsdale, Westmont, Clarendon Hills, Darien, Downers Grove, Oak Brook, Oakbrook Terrace, Burr Ridge and Western Springs.  Light refreshments will also be provided.

The Town Hall Meeting in Oak Brook will review the recent state budget that was passed into law in July, followed by a question and answer session with constituents. 

For the Senior Utility Savings seminar, local seniors are encouraged to bring their telephone, natural gas and electric bills for a one-on-one consultation with a consumer expert from the Citizens Utility Board (CUB). An RSVP is required for the Senior Utility Savings seminar by calling Representative Bellock’s office at (630) 852-8633.

“Keeping local families informed and giving constituents an opportunity to make their voice heard has always been my top priority,” Representative Bellock said. “We are pleased to offer a town hall meeting to discuss the new state budget; as well as a seminar to help local seniors save money on their utility bills.”

Please call Representative Bellock’s office at (630) 852-8633 for questions or more information.

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