St. James Farm Preview Review

I have not heard all of the stats for the weekend at St. James Farm, but I will hail it as a success. Saturday was the perfect day for the opening. Not too hot or cold with a slight breeze. And we had a wonderful turnout. Hundreds of people strolling the grass allies, enjoying a hayride around the farm, or just taking in the scene. Horses trotting in the paddocks. Taking a tour of the stables. Seeing the collection of carriages. And much more.

Several people have made a point of contacting me to say what a wonderful time they had at the Farm. The District will open it a couple of weekends each month this summer. Check out the District website to find out which days SJF will be open.

St. James Farm FP Preview

One week (and a day) from the St. James Farm Forest Preserve Preview weekend. The speechifying is on Saturday, May 24th at Noon. There is a nice article in The Sun that fills you in on the events, including horse drawn hay ride tours. There will be plenty of volunteers to help you get around. They will also explain various aspects of the history and future of the Preserve.

I have been fortunate to serve on the St. James Farm Committee and look forward to many of the wonderful things to come.

May I Put A Sign In Your Yard?

I just got word that the Republican Party has dropped the complaint to the Board of Elections, so I will have an opponent in the November Election.

Israel Warner

As an elected official I receive all sorts of invitations. Some from people whom I do not know. But I received one today that made me stop... and think. It was for the dedication of the grave of Israel Putnam Warner. He was born in 1768. He joined the Continental Line in 1777. At the age of 9! He served for the entire duration of the Revolutionary War. That was some kind of devotion to a cause. You and I enjoy freedoms, that prior to that were merely parlor debates. That changed in 1776 with the Declaration Of Independence. Our Founders committed all, as written in the Declaration "...And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor."


This has given me a renewed appreciation for all who have sacrificed for our freedoms. This Memorial Day I will remember with gratitude Israel Warner and all of the others. The many blessings we enjoy today are a gift given to us, in part, by a 9 year old boy.

As a memorial to Israel Warner, I am making a donation to Operation Support Our Troops Illinois.