Spilling the Village Tea

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Latest Episodes:

Meet Downers Grove Village Council Commissioner Chris Gilmartin Feb 07, 2025

Here we are again Spilling the Village Tea with Commissioner Chris Gilmartin in our unofficial series of Meet the Downers Grove Village Council. Listen to his experiences on the Village Council, projects that have been developed and his passion for music.

If you want to reach out to the Downers Grove Village Council, individually or collectively, use this link: https://www.downers.us/village-council

Here is the link to Commissioner Gilmartin’s playlist for Downers Grove:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4ImT7jmjBpJvofkikZIukY?si=R2ugPu3iQsqKl2f1R0XQHw

The original music from local artist for this episode is Chris Gilmartin himself! Please find links to his music below:

Chris Gilmartin Sunshine Delays

SPOTIFY https://open.spotify.com/album/4cXmqcWH52AwlQwDAAYyB

APPLE MUSIC https://music.apple.com/us/album/sunshine-delays/1596396112

AMAZON MUSIC https://music.amazon.com/albums/B09M7WS9MC

Thanks to the media lab at the Downers Grove Public Library.

Our logo was designed by Qwurk Communications.

Spilling the Village Tea is hosted and created by Robin Rutkowski and edited by Jay Wadhwa.

You can email us at SpillingTheVillageTea@gmail.com.

Meet Downers Grove Village Council Commissioner Leslie Sadowski Fugitt Jan 27, 2025

Here we are again Spilling the Village Tea with CommissionerLeslie Sadowski Fugitt in our unofficial series of Meet the Downers Grove Village Council. Listen to her experiences onthe Village Council as well as how she decided to pursue public service.

Here are the links to topics we discussed:

https://www.downers.us/index.php?section=upcoming-meetings&evtid=527

https://www.greenergrove.org/

https://mayorscaucus.org/initiatives/environment/rec/

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexualviolence, please consider these resources to help. RAINN and YWCA are two excellentorganizations who support women who have experienced domestic and sexualviolence.

https://rainn.org/

https://ywcachicago.org/

Thanks to Commissioner Sadowski Fugit for sharing.

FEATURED ARTIST: Brileyis a 15 year old Singer-Songwriter from Downers Grove that has just started torelease her songs on Spotify and streaming services. She also recently won the DuPage County FairTalent Show, the IL State Fair Talent Show, and was featured on WGN middaynews.

"Caroline (You've Done it This Time)" by Briley

Music Links

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/album/0NTu6pY6zCd6k0TQ5Kix1D

YouTube Music - https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=F-lmYChLlaI

Amazon.com - https://music.amazon.com/albums/B0DPPZHB82

iHeartRadio - https://www.iheart.com/artist/briley-337133/albums/caroline-youve-done-it-this-time-302599053/

Social Media Links

BrileyMusic.com: https://brileymusic.com/

YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BrileyMusicRocks

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/BrileyMusic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrileyMusicFacebook

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@brileymusic

Thanks to the media lab at the Downers Grove Public Library.

Our logo was designed by Qwurk Communications.

Spilling the Village Tea is hosted and created by RobinRutkowski and edited by Jay Wadhwa.

You can email us at SpillingTheVillageTea@gmail.com.

Meet District 99 School Board Member Kara Casten and learn how the board works! Jan 20, 2025

Welcome to the first episode of 2025! Please note the podcast now features new original music from local artists at the end of each episode!

We start 2025 off with Kara Casten, District 99 School Board member who explains what it is like to serve on the board and features many of the policies and projects pursued and achieved on behalf of our high schools! Learn about the Four Pillars and also how Kara Casten spends her free time, and much more!

Links for District 99 and Autismerica:

https://www.csd99.org/boe

https://www.csd99.org/boe/meeting-highlightsvideos

https://www.cod.edu/student-life/clubs-org/autismerica.html

https://sites.google.com/csd99.org/college-and-career-planning/home?authuser=0

Thanks to the media lab at the Downers Grove Public Library.

Our logo was designed by Qwurk Communications.

Spilling the Village Tea is hosted and created by Robin Rutkowski and edited by Jay Wadhwa.

You can email us at SpillingTheVillageTea@gmail.com.

Featured artist: Adam Kukielski, DGN Alum class 2019

https://open.spotify.com/artist/21S33KEUiE9hKgOj67snxX?si=MSgioBqoQb6w8-zck0sj6g

#ILschooldistrict99 #district99 #district99schoolboard #downersgrovehighschools #KaraCasten #AdamKukielski #localgovernment #DownersGrove

Meet Matthew Topic - President of the Downers Grove Public Library Board Dec 28, 2024

I spilled the Downers Grove Village tea with the President of the Downers Grove Public Library Board, Matthew Topic. As the issue of whether or not the library board should continue to be appointed by the Village Council or become a library district with elected board members is on the table, President Topic provides background information on how the board functions to educate us villagers. This is a great resource to prepare for the upcoming joint public meeting of the Downers Grove Village Council and the Library Board of Trustees to be held January 2, 2025 in the cafeteria of Herrick Middle School at 7:30pm.

Take a listen and get to know Matt Topic and how your public library board works!

For information on the joint meeting:

https://www.downers.us/index.php?section=events&evtid=882&fbclid=IwY2xjawHcNrxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHarcvGI5Hu-9WIzd8wmv35XmuACqKFTTECOUIE3y6rvkpZqwqE5XLADxWg_aem_Ahu_MHCMboitx6nNRb-FRg

To view President Topic's letter to the Village Council, click this link:

https://dglibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Library-Board-Letter-20241126.pdf

Thanks to the media lab at the Downers Grove Public Library.

Our logo was designed by Qwurk Communications.

Spilling the Village Tea is hosted and created by Robin Rutkowski and edited by Jay Wadhwa.

You can email us at SpillingTheVillageTea@gmail.com.

Downers Grove Village Council and the Library - What is the story? Dec 12, 2024

Hello Villagers! Controversy seemed to emerge when the Downers Grove Village Council proposed a nonbinding advisory referendum regarding if voters want the library trustees to continue to be appointed by the Village Council or elected directly by the voters. In this 40 minute episode, you will hear a transcription of Commissioner Mike Davenport's reasons for proposing this at the November 19th meeting and the letter in response by Downers Grove Public Library Board President Matthew Topic.

I have tried my best to let those involved speak for themselves but I did summarize the public comments on this issue, both at the November 19th and the December 4th meetings. Downers Grove has some amazing involved citizens!

I may go off on some wild tangents....sometimes that happens!

I noted times for some notable points to help you, my villagers, streamline should you want to watch the YouTube videos for yourselves with the links below for easy access.

Village council minutes are helpful but I find I prefer hearing it from the speaker themselves so I encourage you to do so and why I provided a transcription for those who prefer to listen.

Links:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDC8EB05BC3E9F928&si=ZSkV5czGiF2P1TSr

https://dglibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Library-Board-Letter-20241126.pdf

Thanks to the media lab at the Downers Grove Public Library.

Our logo was designed by Qwurk Communications.

Spilling the Village Tea is hosted and created by Robin Rutkowski and edited by Jay Wadhwa.

You can email us at SpillingTheVillageTea@gmail.com.

Meet Downers Grove Mayor Robert Barnett Dec 01, 2024

Downers Grove Mayor Robert Barnett joins Spilling the Village Tea and explains the how and the why of so many local topics and issues! Yes there is an Environmental Sustainability Plan but hear the behind the scenes on how and who negotiates contracts. Zoning and rezoning are discussed, property taxes and more packed into this episode! Plus the Mayor has a kickass playlist that I compiled so you can now find it on spotify! Link below!

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3o6T7ocLGsxU8Ybo3KzYI8?si=SLqL_blrQ02Q9RE9FstARg

#environmentalsustainabilityplan #greenestregioncouncil #howthevillageworks #negotiatingrecycling #whohandleswater #meadowbrookshoppingcenter #thegroveshoppingcenter #lakotaplan #mainstreetdevrogersandfranklin #rezoningdowntown #downtowntransitionzoningdistrict #princepond #zoning #howdowepayforvillagestuff #howpropertytaxeswork #downtownmanagementcorp #longrangeplanning #restomat #keithrichards #penskey #anthonybourdain #offthehighway #coolcovers

For more information, go to:

www.GuidingDG.org

www.downers.us

Thanks to the media lab at the Downers Grove Public Library.

Our logo was designed by Qwurk Communications.

Spilling the Village Tea is hosted and created by Robin Rutkowski and edited by Jay Wadhwa.

You can email us at SpillingTheVillageTea@gmail.com.

Meet Downers Grove Village Board Commissioner Greg Hosé Nov 25, 2024

Downers Grove Village Board Commissioner Greg Hosé joins Spilling the Village Tea to discuss his experience on the village board as well as experiences off the board....like meeting two Supreme Court Justices! Get to know the people shaping your village, listening to your ideas and concerns, and making things happen. Commissioner Hosé touches on many topics including the Pedestrian and Bike plan, stormwater issues and TIFs. He also talks us through how ideas or concerns become action!

For more information, go to:

www.GuidingDG.org

www.downers.us

https://www.downers.us/village-council to email all members of the Village Board

Thanks to the media lab at the Downers Grove Public Library.

Our logo was designed by Qwurk Communications.

Spilling the Village Tea is hosted and created by Robin Rutkowski and edited by Jay Wadhwa.

You can email us at SpillingTheVillageTea@gmail.com.

November 2024 Downers Grove Election Results and Path Forward for the Pod Nov 16, 2024

We are back after a break from squeezing in episodes before the election and some family health diversions!

Find out who won on the Downers Grove ballot, ponder some thoughts on more options and letting you all know the path forward is one episode per week unless things heat up!

Election results courtesy of the Dupage County Elections website.

Thanks to the media lab at the Downers Grove Public Library.

Our logo was designed by Qwurk Communications.

Spilling the Village Tea is hoste by and created by Robin Rutkowski and edited by Jay Wadhwa.

You can emal us at SpillingTheVillageTea@gmail.com.

Meet Mike Davenport of the Downers Grove Village Board Nov 02, 2024

Downers Grovers (Illinois), this episode is for you! Ever wonder what it is like to serve on the village board? Want to know a bit more about the many projects and initiatives the village board is working on in addition to video gambling advisory referendum on your ballot this November 5, 2024? Well then take a listen to Mike Davenport discuss these and also reflect on his term on the school board for District 99!

For more information, go to:

www.GuidingDG.org

www.downers.us

Thanks to the media lab at the Downers Grove Public Library.

Our logo was designed by Qwurk Communications.

Spilling the Village Tea is hosted by and created by Robin Rutkowski and edited by Jay Wadhwa.

You can email us at SpillingTheVillageTea@gmail.com.

Daniel Hebreard, President of Dupage Forest Preserve District and 2024 referendum Nov 02, 2024

Hey Dupage County Illinois residents!!! This one is for you! In addition to the details of the referendum on your ballot this November 5, 2024, you will hear Daniel Hebreard give you a phenomenal rundown on so many Dupage Forest Preserve District facts that you will be wanting to head out to their trails blasting "Everybody Dance Now"! (It'll make sense once you listen to the pod, I promise!)

For more information, go to www.dupageforest.org

The Cicada video: https://youtu.be/-SmnXlpWmLg?si=kAn3HS7biNV4g5XL

Thanks to the media lab at the Downers Grove Public Library.

Our logo was designed by Qwurk Communications.

Spilling the Village Tea is hosted by and created by Robin Rutkowski and edited by Jay Wadhwa.

You can email us at SpillingTheVillageTea@gmail.com.

Andrew Honig County Board District 2, current Lombard Trustee Oct 31, 2024

This is for Dupage County Board District 2 election and also Lombard info on your local Trustee. (Illinois)

You can read articles or websites about Andrew Honig, candidate for Dupage County Board District 2, but nothing is better than hearing the person for yourself! Whether you are making a decision for whom to vote or interested in learning about local government, there is a lot of information for you right here! Plus nowhere else you will hear what famous person Andrew Honig met! For additional information:

www.HonigForDupage.com

On Facebook: Andrew Honig for Dupage District 2

On Instagram: @andyhonig

Dupage District 2 includes: Clarendon Hills, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Hinsdale, Lisle, Lombard, Naperville, Oakbrook, Oakbrook Terrace, Villa Park, Westmont and Woodridge.

Thanks to the media lab at the Downers Grove Public Library.

Our logo was designed by Qwurk Communications.

Spilling the Village Tea is hosted by and created by Robin Rutkowski and edited by Jay Wadhwa.

You can email us at SpillingTheVillageTea@gmail.com.

Justice Linda Davenport - 3rd Judicial District Oct 25, 2024

Justice Linda Davenport, candidate for the appellate court of the 3rd Judicial District tells us all about the Illinois court system and herself! You will learn so much and get a glimpse of the person in addition to her role as judge. Many thanks to her as the first guest on our podcast.

www.JusticeLindaDavenport.com

3rd Judicial District of Illinois covers the following counties: Bureau, Dupage, Grundy, Iroquois, Kankakee, LaSalle, Will

I learned so much and Justice Davenport made me smile with her stories and answers to my whimsical questions.

Thanks to the Media Lab at the Downers Grove Public Library.

Our logo was designed by Qwurk Communications.

Spilling the Village Tea is created and hosted by Robin Rutkowski and edited by Jay Wadhwa

Spilling the Village Tea - Introduction Oct 21, 2024

This podcast is a platform for local candidates and office holders to provide a mini civics lesson and share their experiences, motivations and positions on policy followed by some entertaining “getting to know” the person questions outside the political/governmental realm.

“Local” refers to Illinois 6th Congressional district, 81st district of General Assembly, Dupage County, Dupage County District 2, 3rd Judicial District, and 18th Judicial Circuit/3rd Subcircuit.

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