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VOL. 22 • NO. 8
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THURSDAY, FEB. 6, 2025
Leaders engage their community at 18th annual ‘Shape of Addison’ meeting Board leadership from seven local government entities participated in the 18th annual “Shape of Addison” town hall meeting held at Addison Village Hall on Jan. 29. The event provides an opportunity for the agencies to present brief reports on their activities and accomplishments during the past year and initiatives for the upcoming year, as well as answer questions from the audience. The program is sponsored by Itasca Bank & Trust Co. and moderated by its Chairman of the Board, Jack Mensching. Presenters for the seven Addison taxing bodies included: Rich Veenstra, mayor of Addison; Joseph Savarino, board secretary, Addison Fire Protection District; Donna Craft Cain, board president, DuPage High School District 88; Dave Williams, board president, Addison School District 4; Michael Capizzano, board president, Addison Park District; Christopher Pudelek, board president, Addison Public Library; and Dennis Reboletti, supervisor of Addison Township. The village discussed development
projects in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, technological advancements, and the consolidation of wastewater treatment plants. They also addressed concerns about water rate adjustments and rodent control. Addison Public Library reported an increase in visitors, ongoing building renovations, the launch of a new website, and a partnership with District 88’s Transition Program. Addison Township highlighted its continued provision of Secretary of State services, food assistance, veteran and senior citizen support, and mental health services, as well as volunteer opportunities at the food pantry. The Addison Fire Protection District provided updates on demolitions, construction, leadership changes, grant acquisitions, and challenges with supply chain issues. The Addison Park District shared news of increased volunteer engagement, new executive leadership, successful events, and ongoing renovations at the pool and playgrounds, with more updates planned for the upcoming year. Addison School District 4 empha-
SUBMITTED PHOTO Addison Independent
Leaders from seven Addison taxing bodies made presentations at the 18th annual “Shape of Addison” town hall meeting held Jan. 29 at Addison Village Hall.
sized cost-cutting measures, improvements in state assessment scores, and enhanced safety protocols, and also addressed questions about recognition programs and after-school services. District 88 celebrated above-state-
level graduation rates, receiving the 2024 Community Change Maker Award, and shared insights on their Strategic Plan 2023 and new business partnerships. About 50 people were in atten-
dance. The two-hour meeting was carried live on Addison Community Television and is available online at www. AddisonAdvantage.org or at YouTube/Village Addison.
District 88 names Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry as Business Partner
District 88 is continuing its Business Partner program, which recognizes businesses and organizations for their support in building futures for District 88 students and helping to accomplish the district’s mission and vision. These collaborations are vital to ensure students are successful, and the district truly values and appreciates these partnerships. At District 88, the safety, health and well-being of students and staff is its No. 1 priority. The district knows building relationships precedes learning and continues to focus on connecting with all
students. For students to achieve academically, the district first meets their needs outside of the classroom—including providing mental health and social-emotional assistance. Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry is a prime example of an organization working with District 88 to achieve these goals, and the District 88 Board of Education named them as a Business Partner during its Jan. 13 board meeting. To view the presentation, click on the video above (or go to https://www.dupage88.net/site/ page/16625).
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Opinion....................4 Sports ��������������� 19-21 Speak out.................5 Classifieds..........29-30
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry is a national human-care ministry embracing the unique, calming nature and skills of purebred golden retrievers, which are trained to interact with people of all ages and circumstances in need. The dogs visit Addison Trail, Willowbrook and the District 88 Transition Program once a month to help support students and staff. By encouraging physical touch and verbal and non-verbal connection, the service provided by LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry is a tremendous tool and asset to assist students and staff who might be struggling. For more information about all of the mental health and social-emotional supports, programs and services provided at District 88, go to dupage88.net/Supports. District 88 thanks LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry for all they do for the district’s students and for helping to create a safe, welcoming and comforting environment. The district is always looking to develop more partnerships; those who are interested can find information at www.dupage88.net/BusinessPartnerships.
SUBMITTED PHOTO Addison Independent
District 88 Board of Education President Donna Craft Cain (center) congratulates Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry for being named as a Business Partner with the district. The organization was recognized during the Jan. 13 District 88 Board of Education meeting. Pictured with Craft Cain are Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry Ambassador Dona Martin (left) and Barb Granado (right), with comfort dogs Emma (left) and Hannah.
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