In what ways can we influence and address important issues impacting our community?
This page is dedicated to what we do as well as a great place for cool resources!
Announcements
Save A Life!--Order Your 911 Address Sign Today!
Click Here to Order your Sign
Click Here to Order your Sign
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File of Life Magnetic Contact Forms Available from the Morris Fire Protection District. Get yours today!
The Morris Fire Protection & Ambulance District has this item available at outreach events they attend. They are free for you to pick up and use at home or in your car. This item provides critical information to first responders who come to the home or scene of an accident. Keeping this up-to-date and in a visual space (magnetic to refrigerator or in the glove box of your car) gives lifesaving information. Keeping your family informed on where this information is kept could be the difference between life and death.
Why You Should Sign up yourself and your loved ones for the State of Illinois Secretary of State emergency database.
If you are an Illinois resident and hold an Illinois driver's license, instruction permit and/or identification card, you are eligible to register your emergency contact information.
The Emergency Contact Database allows you to voluntarily enter one or two individuals to serve as your emergency contacts in the event you are involved in a traffic crash or have a medical emergency where you cannot communicate directly with law enforcement or emergency responders. The Emergency Contact Database also allows you to enter basic medical information such as disabilities, medical conditions or special needs (i.e., drug allergies or taking certain prescription medication).
Your emergency contacts do not have to be Illinois residents.
In the event of an emergency situation, only law enforcement will have access to this information and can reach out to your emergency contacts on your behalf.
The Emergency Contact Database also allows you to modify your contact information. You can change the name, address, phone numbers or delete contacts at your convenience.
Once you have submitted your emergency contact information, we encourage you to print a copy of the information and keep it in a safe location with your other important documents such as your passport and credit card information. You are also encouraged to share copies with the individual(s) you name as your emergency contacts so they will know you have listed them.
It is the user's responsibility to enter accurate data into the required fields, as well as to update contact data if necessary. The Secretary of State's office assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the data entered by the holder of a driver's license (including commercial driver's license), instruction permit, temporary visitor's driver's license and/or identification card and disclaims any liability for damages, costs, and/or expenses, including, without limitation, consequential damages, arising or resulting from any inaccurate data or failure to update contact data.
The Emergency Contact Database allows you to voluntarily enter one or two individuals to serve as your emergency contacts in the event you are involved in a traffic crash or have a medical emergency where you cannot communicate directly with law enforcement or emergency responders. The Emergency Contact Database also allows you to enter basic medical information such as disabilities, medical conditions or special needs (i.e., drug allergies or taking certain prescription medication).
Your emergency contacts do not have to be Illinois residents.
In the event of an emergency situation, only law enforcement will have access to this information and can reach out to your emergency contacts on your behalf.
The Emergency Contact Database also allows you to modify your contact information. You can change the name, address, phone numbers or delete contacts at your convenience.
Once you have submitted your emergency contact information, we encourage you to print a copy of the information and keep it in a safe location with your other important documents such as your passport and credit card information. You are also encouraged to share copies with the individual(s) you name as your emergency contacts so they will know you have listed them.
It is the user's responsibility to enter accurate data into the required fields, as well as to update contact data if necessary. The Secretary of State's office assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the data entered by the holder of a driver's license (including commercial driver's license), instruction permit, temporary visitor's driver's license and/or identification card and disclaims any liability for damages, costs, and/or expenses, including, without limitation, consequential damages, arising or resulting from any inaccurate data or failure to update contact data.
Helping Special Court Participants Engage in Pro-Social Opportunities
Purpose of the ProjectThere are several specialty courts in Grundy County that are designed to divert people from jail by providing programs that help to alleviate the core issues that might have caused people to break the law. The two courts are the drug court and mental health court. Staff of the mental health initiative came to a meeting in April to explain the program and discuss ways in which the club could help. One service the staff said that the club could provide was assistance with a pro-social event such as a picnic in June. These events are designed to teach and to model positive social outcomes for court participants. One MWC member and her friend volunteered to cater the event and provide activities as well. There were about 50 total people including participants and their families.
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A Picnic in the ParkMWC volunteers provided all the ingredients needed to have a fun pro-social picnic experience for participants and their families at Chapin Park in June: food, drinks and activities.
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Games Everyone Can EnjoyPart of the picnic was to provide games that the participants and their families could play together.
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REFLECTIVE 911 HOUSE NUMBER SIGNS AVAILABLE
Save A Life! 911 Responders Can Get to You Faster with Green Reflective Signs With White Numbers
MWC is once again offering the public safety service of selling green reflective house number signs (click here).
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Where an you pick up a form? Download one from here or email us at [email protected] or contact the Morris Fire Department or City Hall.
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The cost is $25 for a one-sided sign or $35 for a two-sided sign.
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HOUSING CRISIS IN AMERICA?
Is there a housing crisis in America? And what are the consequences?
First National DatabasePrinceton University is housing the first national database on evictions. Use it to find out about how your community is impacted by the housing crisis in America.
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Housing Crisis is HereAccording to the numbers, in 2016 there were four evictions every minute for a total of 2.3 million. Read this story to find out what that means.
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Outside the City LimitsHere's another side to the issue--the under crowded suburbs? What changes are afoot in communities?
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Thought for the decade.....
What ever happened to America's public intellectuals?
So there was a time in America when people followed and admired public thinkers, but during this divisive time in history, intellectualism seems to have gone by the wayside. This article by the "Smithsonian" discusses why that trend is alarming. It also provides "thinkers" to start following from every area of public life. However, where did all the philosophers go? Without the "ideas" driven by intellectuals there would literally be no democracy nor an America. It's not just enough to know, now take some time to identify a few intellectuals that you want to understand and really read a few essays. It's illuminating, it's compelling, and its your duty as a citizen.
Tolerance Is What Every Community NeedsDuring this turbulent time politically, it's important that people remain tolerant of each other's differences. It is also important to have robust civic debate on a variety of issues. We cannot compromise if we won't even listen. Check out this website for great ways to teach and be more tolerant.
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So how do we talk to our friends about each other's differing belief systems? Here is a podcast that explores the issues. |
National Women's History Project
Writing Women Back Into History!
Our History Is Our StrengthThe National Women’s History Project recognizes and celebrates the diverse and historic accomplishments of women by providing informational services and educational and promotional materials.
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Celebrate Women's
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Check Out Women's History
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Heroine of the FDA
Frances Oldham Kelsey single-handedly stopped children in America from having shortened limbs created from birth defects caused by a drug called thalidomide that was prescribed to women for nausea while pregnant. Back in the early 1960's, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), a federal agency that was put in to place with tremendous effort from Women's Clubs, used a three prong review system for decisions on whether drugs should be allowed on the market. Frances was a medical officer who worked with a chemist and a pharmacologist to review drug requests. A company wanted to bring this drug to the market in the U.S. (it was originally a German drug). All three reviewers had problems with the science behind the companies advocation for the drug to be released. Mrs. Kelsey made the request for more information, even under extreme political pressure. During this waiting period, information came out from Europe of children being born with shortened limbs. Over 10,000 children were born in other countries with this birth defect; only 17 children were born in the U.S. with this defect and it was from samples that doctors had given out.
It was her and her colleagues' efforts that led to reform so that only rigorous scientific studies could be used to prove a drug was safe enough for the population to take. In 1962 she was given the President's Award for Distinguished Federal Civilian Service from John F. Kennedy for her steadfast adherence to scientific principles. She worked at the FDA for another 43 years and was also appointed the Order of Canada medallion (as a Canadian citizen) at the age of 101; the next day she died. Mrs. Kelsey was a woman of integrity who had a great influence on making America safe.
There are many articles about Mrs. Kelsey. Here is a nice reflection.
It was her and her colleagues' efforts that led to reform so that only rigorous scientific studies could be used to prove a drug was safe enough for the population to take. In 1962 she was given the President's Award for Distinguished Federal Civilian Service from John F. Kennedy for her steadfast adherence to scientific principles. She worked at the FDA for another 43 years and was also appointed the Order of Canada medallion (as a Canadian citizen) at the age of 101; the next day she died. Mrs. Kelsey was a woman of integrity who had a great influence on making America safe.
There are many articles about Mrs. Kelsey. Here is a nice reflection.
Morris Cruise Nights CashThe 2017 Cruise Nights and beneficiaries are all set to rock and then roll through downtown.
June 10--Grundy County Volunteer Hospice
July 8--Community Three Rivers Habitat for Humanity Aug. 12--Morris Rotary Club Sept. 9--Morris Police Benevolent Society Oct. 14--Morris Shriners Club |
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The National Woman's Party
News from International GFWC is that the building owned by the National Woman's Party is now part of the National Park Service. BUT who is the National Woman's Party, and why should we care?
The party was formed in 1912 and was a major part of the women's suffrage movement. These women picketed the White House, but as WWI got under way, the government began to arrest them, imprison them and force-feed them as they went on hunger strikes. If not for these women and their passion for equal rights, a woman's right to vote would have taken much longer to materialize. Read more about these women in this article from the Library of Congress.
The party was formed in 1912 and was a major part of the women's suffrage movement. These women picketed the White House, but as WWI got under way, the government began to arrest them, imprison them and force-feed them as they went on hunger strikes. If not for these women and their passion for equal rights, a woman's right to vote would have taken much longer to materialize. Read more about these women in this article from the Library of Congress.
Public Issues Surround All Aspects of Our Community Life
End Childhood PovertyThe Red Nose Day is May 25. Help wear your red nose to end childhood poverty!
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April is Prevent Child Abuse MonthWe all play a role when it comes to the healthy development of our nation's children.
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Pew Charitable TrustSo this organization is a fantastic place to learn more about how average Americans feel about public affairs issue. Check it out!
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Females Come Learn Safety Tips Regardless if You Are 8 or 80 years Old
MORRIS, IL ‐ The Morris Woman’s Club (MWC) is hosting a Personal Safety Seminar for Women on Monday, October 24, 2016 from 6pm to 8pm at PMI, 3605 N. Route 47, (basement) in Morris, Illinois. “This is a free seminar for women of all ages whether you are 8 or 80 plus,” stated Julie Erickson, Vice President of MWC. “We are very excited to sponsor this event of practical tips and techniques to help keep women safe. It not a self‐defense course, so women should not feel intimated, physical activity is not required. We encourage all females to attend,” she further said.
Ms. Erickson, said that this event will be taught by experts in the field of Personal Safety. The guest speakers for the event will be Jeff Chudwin, a 30 plus year expert in the teaching of Personal Safety and Kim Heath, a 12‐year law enforcement officer and President of the Woman’s Tactical Association. A competitive shooter, Heath is the 2016 Patrol Rifle Champion, the first woman to
have won this award. Both Mr. Chudwin and Ms. Heath are regular guests on the TV show “Guns & Ammo." Also speaking will be MWC member and prosecutor Brooke Shupe. Ms.Shupe has prosecuted hundreds of serious and violent crimes against women. She has prosecuted cases involving secretly videotaping women in public places, an issue that has grabbed national attention involving victims of all ages. This seminar will be about all sorts of safety tips that are practical and can be implemented by anyone!
MWC believes women should “Live Confident. Live Prepared”, said Ms. Erickson, “and that is why we are sponsoring this very informative and practical event. By learning practical, everyday techniques for your personal safety, we believe you can minimize your chances of being a victim. We hope all women will take advantage of this opportunity and join us. Bring your mothers, grandmothers, daughters, nieces and any female you love."
Ms. Erickson, said that this event will be taught by experts in the field of Personal Safety. The guest speakers for the event will be Jeff Chudwin, a 30 plus year expert in the teaching of Personal Safety and Kim Heath, a 12‐year law enforcement officer and President of the Woman’s Tactical Association. A competitive shooter, Heath is the 2016 Patrol Rifle Champion, the first woman to
have won this award. Both Mr. Chudwin and Ms. Heath are regular guests on the TV show “Guns & Ammo." Also speaking will be MWC member and prosecutor Brooke Shupe. Ms.Shupe has prosecuted hundreds of serious and violent crimes against women. She has prosecuted cases involving secretly videotaping women in public places, an issue that has grabbed national attention involving victims of all ages. This seminar will be about all sorts of safety tips that are practical and can be implemented by anyone!
MWC believes women should “Live Confident. Live Prepared”, said Ms. Erickson, “and that is why we are sponsoring this very informative and practical event. By learning practical, everyday techniques for your personal safety, we believe you can minimize your chances of being a victim. We hope all women will take advantage of this opportunity and join us. Bring your mothers, grandmothers, daughters, nieces and any female you love."