SPRINGFIELD – To spread holiday cheer, State Senator Doris Turner is hosting a holiday card drive for seniors across her district.

“We often lose track of what’s most important this season – and that’s spreading joy,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Everyone enjoys a small, yet meaningful, act of kindness during the holidays.”

Turner is collecting store bought and handmade cards for local seniors this holiday season. People are encouraged to write kind notes and drop them off or mail them to her Springfield office, 725 North Grand Ave. E., Springfield, Illinois 62702; or Decatur office, 1210 S. Jasper St., Decatur, Illinois 62321. She is collecting cards until Dec. 15 and then will deliver them to local long-term care facilities.

Turner encourages teachers and students to participate in the seasonal event.

“Students enjoy doing arts and crafts, and this can be a valuable learning experience that extends beyond the classroom,” Turner said. “The holiday season is about making a difference in people’s lives, even if you don’t know them personally. I hope teachers and residents will take advantage of this opportunity.”

People with questions can reach out to Turner’s office at 217-782-0228.

SPRINGFIELD – To give back to the community, State Senator Doris Turner is partnering with Meridian and HealthChoice Illinois to host a turkey and ham giveaway on Friday, Nov. 17 in Springfield.

“As a state senator and resident of Springfield, it’s important to me to continue giving back to our community during the holidays,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “I’m excited to join health organizations to provide a meal and resources for residents to enjoy ahead of the holiday season and take advantage of.”

Turner will be giving away turkey and ham at the Grace United Methodist Church located at 1612 E. Capitol Ave. in Springfield on Nov. 17 from noon to 2 p.m. or while supplies last.

Residents with questions can call Turner’s Springfield office at 217-782-0228.

SPRINGFIELD – In response to a Carlinville funeral home’s insufficient handling of human remains, State Senator Doris Turner introduced legislation that would put procedures and protocols in place to protect families who have lost a loved one.

“When we lose a loved one, we expect a funeral home to respect the remains of our friends and family,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We are talking about a person who has loved ones and a story of their own. It is vital that we ensure no family has to receive the dreaded call that the remains they received belong to someone else. This has become a nationwide issue that needs to be addressed.”

Senate Bill 2643 would require the death care industry in the state as well as state regulators to implement a mandatory unique identification tagging system for all human remains. It also would establish a chain of custody system that tracks the human remains of a deceased individual whose death occurred in the state from death to final disposition, if the final disposition is in Illinois.

SPRINGFIELD – With the ever-growing support for pickleball, State Senator Doris Turner has introduced legislation that would increase the number of pickleball courts in Springfield.

“We have seen a tremendous growth in the interest of pickleball over the past few years. To meet the needs of the sport, I’ve worked closely with the Springfield Pickleball Club to find the best way to accommodate players,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Adding additional courts to Centennial and Iles parks would bring an economic boost to Springfield. This would be instrumental for Springfield, pickleball players, businesses and our community.”

Pickleball has become the country’s fastest-growing sport. The Springfield Pickleball Club has 435 members and has averaged about 24% more new members each of the last three years. Currently, there are 15 pickleball courts in Springfield. Turner’s measure would increase the number of courts in Springfield to meet the growing demand.

Senate Bill 2599 would provide funding to add 14 new pickleball courts at Centennial Park in an undeveloped space and would include a new concrete slab with a six-foot walkway separating the courts. The measure would also fund the replacement of a 60-year-old concrete slab at Iles Park, which currently has eight courts, and add four courts to allow for more participation in an annual summer tournament.

“The Springfield area has experienced, perhaps, the largest percentage increase in the number of pickleball players. It now has an estimated 1,200 players,” said Jack Handy, president of the Springfield Pickleball Club. “With only 15 pickleball courts available for play, it has been increasingly difficult to avoid long waits for a court. The addition of 18 courts, as outlined in this bill, will meet the current demand for play space.”

Senate Bill 2599 awaits committee assignment in the Illinois State Senate.