Congressman
John Shimkus

Congressman Shimkus’ Electronic Newsletter
Friday, June 30, 2006

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Note: I'm excited to welcome you to the new look of my Weekly Newsletter.   There are dozens of new features available with the upgraded look.   For instance; any of the links on the right, left and top menus will lead you to my website where you will find more information and services that will be of use to you.   I encourage you to look over the new format and send us your feedback.   If you have suggestions or comments, please let us know by clicking the Send A Message button

I hope the new format will allow me to better serve you as your Representative.

The Annual Congressional Baseball Game

I am the pitcher for the Republican Baseball Team in the annual Congressional Baseball Game, which happened this past week. The game raises money for DC area charities. This year, we raised almost $100,000 for Washington Area Children. The Republicans defeated the Democrats 12-1 in the game played in the Washington Nationals home park, RFK Memorial Stadium. I was privileged to wear a uniform from Metro East Lutheran High School in Edwardsville, where I once taught.

D.C. and District Talk

National Portrait Gallery Reopens

On July 1st, the Smithsonian American Art Museum National Portrait Gallery will reopen for the first time since renovation began in 1999.   For those who may not have the chance to visit the Museum in person, please visit http://www.reynoldscenter.org/.

This state of the art museum offers a whole host of activities and access to some of our nation’s finest and most priceless treasures.

Looking For Summer Fun?

Please visit www.recreation.gov to get a run down on the many recreation sites all across the United States.

Constituent Corner

Celebrate the 4th of July

There will be numerous celebrations, festivals, fairs, and fireworks across our congressional district in honor of our Nation’s Independence Day.   One special way you can celebrate is being provided by PBS: Their annual CapitolFourth concert in Washington.  For more information, please visit http://www.pbs.org/capitolfourth/.

Contacting Individual Veterans

My office periodically receives requests from persons seeking to contact individual veterans (for example, to locate a wartime “buddy,” to distribute military unit reunion notices, or to gather facts regarding a particular wartime event).   The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers remailing services via a process known as Blind Mailing.   Persons seeking remailing services should contact the nearest VA regional office by calling, toll free, 1-800-827-1000.

New “Traveling Help Desk” Dates

On Wednesday, July 12, 2006, Deb Detmers of my Collinsville district office will be available to assist residents in Albion, Bellmont and Carmi.   She will be at the Edwards County Courthouse Board Room, located at 50 E Main Street in Albion, from 10:00 am. until 11:30 a.m.   In Bellmont, she will be at the Bellmont Village Hall, located at 214 N Main, from noon until 1:30 p.m.   In Carmi, she will be at the City Council Chamber, located at 225 E Main, from 2:30 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.

On Monday, July 17, 2006, Rodney Davis of my Springfield district office will be available to assist the residents in Litchfield and Rochester.   He will be at the Litchfield City Hall, located at 120 East Ryder Street, from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.   In Rochester, he will be at the Rochester Village Hall, located at 1 Community Drive, from 2:30 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.

On Wednesday, August 2, 2006, Ruth Buettner of my Collinsville district office will be available to assist the residents in Carrollton and Jerseyville.   She will be at the Carrollton City Hall, located at 621 South Main, from 10:30 a.m. until Noon.   In Jerseyville, he will be at the Jerseyville City Hall, located at 115 E Prairie, from 1:30 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Appointments are not necessary, so feel free to drop by at any time.   For more information, please visit my web page at www.house.gov/shimkus/helpdesk.   I hope you stop in to see us!

Legislative Week in Review

To keep up to date on legislation as it moves through the legislative process please visit www.thomas.loc.gov and type in the bill number.

Anticipated Action on the House Floor Next Week

Congress will not be in session during the week of July 3rd.   Have a safe and happy July 4th.

Want to know more? Keep an eye on the Office of the Clerk’s web site.   This site provides up-to-date information on House legislative schedules.

Do You Know...

Military Service Records or Prove Military Service Military personnel records can be used for proving military service, or as a valuable tool in genealogical research.   Most veterans and their next-of-kin can obtain free copies of their DD Form 214 (Report of Separation) and other military and medical records through the National Archives National Personnel Record Center »

Thank you for the interest in my newsletter! Remember to tell your friends about it as well--they can sign up on my web page at www.house.gov/shimkus/newsletter

Sincerely,

Congressman John Shimkus

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