Alex on Board

Young voters are adding a meaningful and exciting dimension to this campaign. Some I'm meeting for the first time; others I've known for quite a few years. Carl showed an interest last summer and volunteered to get signatures on my petitions. He worked the crowd at the Buffalo Grove Labor Day parade and came to the petition party at my house to get his sheets notarized. Laurie also went door-to-door to spread the word and get petition signatures. Jenny is an extremely capable spokesperson and has offered to make appearances on my behalf. Amy and Anthony have brainstormed with me and showed their support in so many important ways including coming to my fundraiser. And, Bill, my "Secretary of Awesomeness" upped my e-mail contacts by 30 percent. Amanda has done a great job of calling attention to my passion for education. My three daughters are lending their individual talents to the cause in addition to coming to town to march in two parades with me. Laramie and Dana are bringing the fun to my next fundraiser. And last night, my neighbor Alex stepped up to join me on the campaign trail. I am so grateful for their help, enthusiasm, and ideas. That's what I call NEW ENERGY!

Celebrate!

A Wedding Shower for Brian and Ilyssa at my friend's beautiful home; a Graduation Party for my friend Susi's son Jack; the Wedding of my husband's best friend's daughter Becca -- what a privilege to be part of the celebrations for these happy events. I am really lucky to have such great friends who have raised such outstanding young people! Congratulations to everyone!

Boogie at Bogies for Birnbaum

It takes money to run a campaign and that means fundraising. It is not so easy to ask people for $ especially in these uncertain times. BUT what if you could provide your supporters with a fun night out at a reasonable price?!? All the pieces came together today for an event that will guarantee a great time for everyone.

Boogie at Bogies on Sunday, July 11, 6-9 PM! All-you-can-eat pizza, pop, coffee, and tea PLUS salsa dance lessons with the LAD dancers accompanied by the incomparable Tommy Ricky on the bongos, all for $30/$20 for students!!! (Cash bar available.) Bogies is located at 303 East Kensington in Mount Prospect, across from Randhurst and Home Depot.

Wear your dancin' shoes and meet us upstairs; we're movin' toward Springfield!

Politics and Pear Trees

Walking the streets of Prospect Heights today, Andy and I learned some things about growing fruit trees. Patrick chatted with us about life and careers and kids from atop his tall ladder while picking cherries from his tree. The fruit was delicious. I remember his kids from the years when I organized and ran the District 23 Showcase at Prospect Heights Summerfest. It was good to hear about their successes and also get some tips for growing pear trees.

Rick's Send-off

Wonderful retirement party tonight for Rick Ewanio, Business Manager for School District 23 for 30 years!

Rick, you have been an excellent steward of taxpayer dollars and truly made the most of limited resources for the benefit of the students. Under your guidance, the District emerged from dire financial straits to become a model of efficiency and effectiveness -- one I wish our State would adopt. Great job, Rick! Thank you for all you've done for our community. You will be missed. Congratulations!

And, you better believe I know how fortunate I am, not only to have you as my friend, but also as my Campaign Treasurer. I look forward to collaborating with you!

TCB

This is my fish. Actually, it's my middle daughter's fish. She left it behind after her first semester of college. That was in 2003. I've taken care of it ever since. We've never named it but after greeting it every morning for the last seven some years with flakes from a small container, I've grown rather fond of it. I don't think this photo does it justice. It has a long translucent tail fin that constantly performs a fan dance in the water. I mention all this because I'm pretty sure if my fish could talk it would tell you that I'm someone you can count on to take care of business.