Joliet Township Proclaims South Asian Heritage Month 2025

At the July 8, 2025, Board Meeting, the Joliet Township Government Board unanimously passed a proclamation recognizing South Asian Heritage Month, observed from July 18 through August 17, 2025. This proclamation affirms the Township’s ongoing commitment to honoring the rich cultural diversity of its residents and celebrating the significant contributions of South Asian Americans in our community and across the nation.

The full text of the proclamation is as follows:

“Proclamation: South Asian Heritage Month 2025

WHEREAS, the Township of Joliet recognizes the rich cultural diversity that exists within our community, and values the contributions of individuals from various backgrounds; and

WHEREAS, the Township of Joliet recognizes the vibrant and diverse South Asian community residing within our Township, whose members trace their roots to countries including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives; and

WHEREAS, according to the 2020 census, nearly 5.4 million people in the United States trace their heritage to South Asia, making South Asian Americans one of the fastest growing immigrant groups in the U.S.; and

WHEREAS, South Asian Americans have a long and rich history in the United States, with evidence of South Asian immigration dating back to the 1700s, and their larger presence beginning in the late 19th century; and

WHEREAS, South Asian Americans have faced challenges and discrimination throughout their history, including restrictive immigration acts and legal barriers to citizenship, but have persevered and contributed significantly to various fields, including business, arts, entertainment, politics, and community activism; and

WHEREAS, South Asian Americans have enriched our society through their cultural practices, including food, yoga, classical music, Bollywood, and more, which have gained followings among a wide range of Americans; and

WHEREAS, during South Asian Heritage Month, it is important for all community members to come together to promote mutual respect, understanding, and unity among the diverse communities in our Township.

NOW THEREFORE BE RESOLVED that the Board of Joliet Township Government, hereby proclaims July 18, 2025 through August 17, 2025 as South Asian Heritage Month in Joliet Township.

ADOPTED this 8th day of July 2025″

To view this and all other proclamations from Joliet Township Government, please visit the Proclamations and Ordinances page.


En la reunión del 8 de julio de 2025, la Junta del Gobierno del Municipio de Joliet aprobó por voto unánime una proclamación para reconocer el Mes de la Herencia del Sur de Asia, que se celebra del 18 de julio al 17 de agosto de 2025. Esta proclamación muestra el compromiso del Municipio de respetar la diversidad cultural de sus residentes y reconocer las contribuciones de las personas surasiáticas en nuestra comunidad y en todo el país.

A continuación se encuentra el texto completo de la proclamación:

“Proclamación: Mes de la Herencia del sur de Asia 2025

CONSIDERANDO que el municipio de Joliet reconoce la rica diversidad cultural que existe en nuestra comunidad y valora las contribuciones de personas de distintos orígenes; y

CONSIDERANDO que el municipio de Joliet reconoce la vibrante y diversa comunidad del sur de Asia que vive en nuestro municipio, cuyos miembros tienen sus raíces en países como India, Pakistán, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bután y las Maldivas; y

CONSIDERANDO que, según el censo de 2020, casi 5.4 millones de personas en los Estados Unidos tienen su origen en el sur de Asia, lo que hace que los estadounidenses del sur de Asia sean uno de los grupos de inmigrantes que más han crecido en los Estados Unidos; y

CONSIDERANDO que los americanos del sur de Asia tienen una historia larga y valiosa en Estados Unidos, con evidencias de inmigración del sur de Asia que se documentan desde el siglo XVIII, y su mayor presencia a partir de finales del siglo XIX; y

CONSIDERANDO que los estadounidenses del sur de Asia se han enfrentado a retos y discriminación a lo largo de su historia, como leyes restrictivas de inmigración y barreras legales a la ciudadanía; aún así, han seguido adelante y han contribuido notablemente en diversos campos, como los negocios, las artes, el entretenimiento, la política y el activismo comunitario; y

CONSIDERANDO que los estadounidenses del sur de Asia han enriquecido nuestra sociedad a través de sus prácticas culturales, como la comida, el yoga, la música clásica, Bollywood, etc., que han logrado atraer seguidores entre un diverso grupo de estadounidenses; y

CONSIDERANDO que, durante el Mes de la Herencia del sur de Asia, es importante que todos los miembros de la comunidad se unan para promover el respeto mutuo, la comprensión y la unidad entre las diversas comunidades de nuestro Municipio.

AHORA POR LO TANTO SE RESUELVE que la Junta del Municipio de Joliet, declara el 18 de julio de 2025 al 17 de agosto de 2025 como el Mes de la Herencia del Sur de Asia en el Municipio de Joliet.

ADOPTADA el 8 de julio de 2025.”

Para ver esta y otras proclamaciones del Gobierno del Municipio de Joliet, por favor visite la página de Proclamaciones y Ordenanzas.

Joliet Township Animal Control Hosted “Hogs & Dogs” Community Event 

On Saturday, May 17, 2025, Joliet Township Animal Control (JTAC) hosted its first-ever Hogs & Dogs event at 2807 McDonough Street in Joliet. From 12 PM to 3 PM, community members gathered for an unforgettable afternoon of food, entertainment, and support for local animals.

The event welcomed motorcycle enthusiasts, pet lovers, and families alike. Guests had the chance to meet adoptable pets and learn about responsible pet ownership while enjoying a vibrant motorcycle display by the Chicago Viclero Motorcycle Club. Live demonstrations were provided by Mallard Point Vet Clinic, Ty Ty the Reptile Guy, and Furiends of Manhattan Pet Pantry, offering fun and educational experiences for all ages.

Local vendors added to the excitement, including Scentsy, Intermode (pet-friendly plants), and Karen’s Pet Grooming, which offered $5 nail trims for pets. Food vendors Hectic Tacos Taco Truck and Brook Bakes satisfied cravings, with 10% of food proceeds generously donated to JTAC.

To promote pet safety, JTAC offered free microchips for the first 10 pets and $10 microchips throughout the day. Supporters also donated $10 or a bag of dog food in exchange for two hot dogs and a drink, helping to care for animals in need.

For more information about upcoming events or how to support JTAC, contact 815-725-0333 or animalcontrol@joliettownship.net. Follow JTAC on social media for updates and adoptable pet spotlights.

Condolences to loved ones of U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Jose Dueñez Jr.

Joliet Township Government extends our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Jose Dueñez Jr., a 2017 graduate of Joliet Central High School and a proud member of our community. SSG Dueñez tragically lost his life on March 25, 2025, during a training accident while deployed in Lithuania. He is remembered not only for his service, but also as a devoted husband, loving father, and cherished son. He is survived by his wife, Kai, and their one-year-old son. As he is laid to rest today, we honor his life, reflect on his dedication, and offer our deepest gratitude for the impact he made on those around him. For memorial details, please visit the City of Joliet’s announcement: https://www.joliet.gov/Home/Components/News/News/5216/41
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El Municipio de Joliet ofrece su más sentido pésame a la familia, amistades y seres queridos del Sargento del Ejército de los Estados Unidos, Jose Dueñez Jr., graduado de Joliet Central High School en 2017 y miembro muy querido de nuestra comunidad. El Sargento Dueñez falleció trágicamente el 25 de marzo de 2025, durante un entrenamiento militar mientras estaba en servicio en Lituania. Se le recuerda no solo por su servicio, sino también como un esposo dedicado, un padre amoroso y un hijo muy querido. Le sobreviven su esposa, Kai, y su hijo de un año. Mientras es despedido con honor hoy, celebramos su vida, recordamos su compromiso y agradecemos profundamente el impacto que dejó en quienes lo conocieron. Para más información sobre los servicios en su memoria, visite el anuncio de la Ciudad de Joliet: https://www.joliet.gov/Home/Components/News/News/5216/41

Office Closure – Severe Weather

Our offices will be closed due to severe weather on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. Regular hours resume Thursday, February 13. Please be safe
Estaremos cerrados debido al clima severo el miércoles, 12 de febrero de 2025. Abriremos de nuevo el jueves, 13 de febrero.

NOTICE OF A PUBLIC LOTTERY 

For the April 1st, 2025 Consolidated Election Per (10 ILCS 5/7-60.1) 

The Established Political Party Ballot Placement Lottery will be held on Tuesday, January 21st, 2025, at 9:30 A.M. at the Town Hall Meeting Room on the First Floor in the Joliet Township Government Offices at 175 West Jefferson Street in Joliet, IL 60432. 

Entrance to the meeting room is located at the north end of the building, accessible via the stairway adjacent to the parking lot. 

Handicap accessible parking is available at the north end of the parking lot. Access to the building is provided via a ramp in the same area. 

 For further information call 815-726-5239 or email clerk@joliettownship.net. 

Estefany Bonilla, BFA 

Joliet Township Clerk  

Hiring Now: Participant Services Supervisor

We’re Hiring! Join us to reimagine violence prevention in Illinois. Make a lasting impact as a Participant Services Supervisor with our Community Violence Intervention team. Help create positive change in our community! Learn more and apply: bit.ly/JTJobs

Joliet Township Government and City of Joliet Forge Historic Partnership for African American Context Study

Joliet, Illinois – February 29, 2024 – Joliet Township Government proudly announces the approval of an intergovernmental agreement between the Township government and the City of Joliet, marking a significant stride forward in the Joliet African American Context Study. This momentous decision was unanimously supported by the Joliet Township Government Board, comprised of Supervisor Angel Contreras and Trustees Tanya Arias, Cesar Escutia, Ray Slattery, and Antione Edwards, during their meeting on February 13, 2024. 

The City of Joliet has received a $21,000 grant for a historic context study focused on African American heritage. The grant will be administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) through an intergovernmental agreement between the Township government and City. 

Under the approved intergovernmental agreement, Joliet Township Government and the City of Joliet will each contribute an additional $20,000 to the project, complementing the grant funds. These funds will be exclusively dedicated to covering project expenses. 

The objectives of the project are comprehensive, aiming to accurately document Black history, confront past racial injustices through historical narratives, identify and preserve historically significant properties related to the Black community, dispel misinformation regarding the Black experience, and safeguard Black voices for future generations. 

A steering committee will be formed, with Joliet Township Government appointing a Township resident, to actively participate in the project’s decision-making processes. 

Additionally, the project will feature public education events, hosted at the Joliet Area Historical Museum, to disseminate findings derived from the context study.  

The grant agreement with IDNR is slated to expire upon the final project report and deliverables’ approval, or by January 31, 2026, unless otherwise extended. 

This collaborative endeavor underscores the commitment of both Joliet Township Government and the City of Joliet to preserve and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of African Americans in the region, paving the way for a more inclusive and enlightened community.  

LIHEAP

       

LIHEAP: Providing Financial Assistance for Utilities.

The Joliet Township Government Office will be partnering with Will County Center for Community Concerns to offer LIHEAP Assistance for clients at our location 175 W. Jefferson St. Joliet, Il 60432. The LIHEAP program helps pay the high cost of utilities (Water, Gas, Electricity).

The event will take place on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, 9:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m.

Anyone who is interested in applying for assistance will be required to submit the following documents.

  • Photo Identification
  • Proof of Gross Income for all households’ members for the past 30 days
  • Copy of current utility bill
  • Copy of SS Cards/ ITINS for all households ‘members in the home

Attached to this email is the flyer for the event. Please encourage anyone who may need assistance to attend.  We encourage to share details to other members who attend your designated programs. If anyone has any additional questions, I can be contacted at (815)726-4781 ext. 304.