Rockford Sun

Illinois State Representative and House Republican leader Tony McCombie announced the launch of her annual reading club in a Facebook post published on Saturday.

"Summer is almost here and I am officially launching my 7th Annual Summer Reading Club for elementary school students who live or go to school in the 89th District. The “Reading BUZZ” program is offered to encourage students to start or continue positive reading habits. I hope this program motivates young students in the district to continue to read throughout the summer. This program is meant to challenge, inspire, and bring families together through the stories students read—and I am thrilled we have reached the 7th year of offering this opportunity. Reading BUZZ challenges elementary school students to read eight books before August 11th." 

Sign-up sheets are being electronically distributed to schools and libraries and are available online at RepMcCombie.com. "Participation in this program can overlap with any other summer reading program offered through area libraries, schools, or other organizations," she said. 

McCombie, a Savanna resident, was first elected to represent Illinois' 71st District in 2016. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Western Illinois University, owns and operates Blue Appraisals, and is a real estate broker for Mel Foster Co. Her prior political experience includes serving as the mayor of Savanna and as a Savanna City Councilwoman.

"Participants will also receive a treat to reward them for their reading and will receive a certificate from the Illinois House of Representatives. For children to participate, a parent or guardian must fill out and sign the appropriate form and return it to McCombie's office (9317B IL Rt. 84, Savanna) by August 11," the announcement at McCombie's website says.

On Sunday, McCombie published an additional Facebook post highlighting another aspect of her job that she enjoys.

"One of the things I enjoy about being the House Republican Leader is traveling around the state to visit my colleagues in their home counties," McCombie wrote. "I was honored to speak at the Vermilion County Republican Lincoln Day dinner last month. An extra special treat was me seeing my old friend, Retired Rep Chad Hays, as well as I got to meet Justice Rita Garman. Representative Mike Marron presented Justice Garman with a beautifully written resolution, recognizing her years of accomplishment."