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Community & Public Relations

 

Thornton Township Supervisor Tiffany A. Henyard and the Board of Trustees have advanced a public policy centered on transparency and open government. This commitment to openness is facilitated by the Community & Public Relations Department, which plays a pivotal role in developing positive interactions between the township government and the local community. The department excels at keeping residents well-informed about township government, including programs, services, public meetings, general assistance, property tax appeals, voter registration, and educational and social events.

The department promotes an array of events sponsored by Supervisor Tiffany A. Henyard and the Board of Trustees. Events like Township Talk with the Supervisor, Big Bingo, and Tech Savvy Senior are regularly scheduled each month along with weekly events like the Senior Hot Lunch Program and Exercise Classes. Among its primary responsibilities are: 

Media Relations. Maintaining relationships with local media outlets, like newspapers, radio stations, and television stations. The department issues press releases, addresses media inquiries, and provides interviews to ensure accurate and balanced coverage of township activities.

Information Dissemination. Issuing timely information concerning township programs, services, events, and initiatives. This is achieved through the township’s website, quarterly publication of Township Talk Magazine, social media platforms, creation of informative flyers and educational materials, coordination of special events, and publication efforts.

Community Engagement. Actively engaging with residents and community groups to provide platforms for their concerns, needs, and suggestions. This includes organizing town hall meetings, community forums, and events designed to encourage residents to voice their perspectives and engage directly with township officials.

 

Diverse Year-Round Program Offerings

The department promotes an array of events sponsored by Supervisor Tiffany A. Henyard and the Board of Trustees. Events like Township Talk with the Supervisor, Big Bingo, and Tech Savvy Senior are regularly scheduled each month along with weekly events like the Senior Hot Lunch Program and Exercise Classes.

Township annual events include:

  • Martin Luther King Celebration (January)
  • Black History Month Celebration (February)
  • Senior’s Love on the Ice (February)
  • Women’s Day Celebration (March)
  • Gas Giveaways (February – March)
  • Karaoke Night (March)
  • Cinco De Mayo (May)
  • Fine Dining Etiquette Class (May)
  • Mother’s Day Brunch (May)
  • Mental Health Tour (May)
  • Showtime at the Apollo (May)
  • Annual Be Kind to Your Mind Youth Summit (June)
  • Family Reunion Sundays (June)
  • The World’s Largest Steppers Set (July)
  • Ice Cream Social (July)
  • Days in the Park Picnic Series (May – August)
  • Scholarship Awards Ceremony (August)
  • Taste of Thornton Township (August)
  • Spirit of Chicago Senior Cruise (August)
  • Comedy Night (August)
  • House Head Music Fest (August)
  • Back to School Bash (August)
  • Friends of Tiffany A. Henyard Picnic (September)
  • Gospel Fest (September)
  • Senior Health Fair (September)
  • Bike Riding Night (September)
  • Ice Skating Party (September)
  • Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration (September)
  • Senior Sock Hop Halloween (October)
  • Halloween Dance for Kids (October)
  • Kicking Cancer to the Curb (November)
  • Supervisor’s Community End of the Year Bike Ride (November)
  • Thornton Township’s Veterans Day Fair (November)
  • Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway (November)
  • Spirit of Thornton Township & Christmas Tree Lighting (December)
  • Holiday Line Dancing Celebration (December)
  • Senior Services Christmas Party (December)
  • Toy & Food Basket Holiday Program (December)

For residents interested in upcoming events or volunteering call 708-596-6040 ext. 3168.

Township Talk Magazine

Collaboratively working with all township departments, the Community & Public Relations Department produces the Township Talk Magazine. This quarterly publication serves as an essential source of information for residents, offering insights into township government and detailing the many general assistance, educational, and social programs, and events accessible to township seniors, youth, and families.

Human Relations Commission

The department is integral to supporting the Thornton Township’s Human Relations Commission, a body composed of community volunteers representing diverse age groups and cultural backgrounds. This commission strives to foster inclusivity, equity, and social harmony across the township’s 17 municipalities and unincorporated areas. It addresses issues related to discrimination, bias, and prejudice with the aim of cultivating an environment characterized by fair and respectful treatment for all residents.

Through dialogues, advocacy, community activities, events, and educational programs, the commission actively promotes understanding and cooperation among diverse groups. Its overarching goal is to ensure that Thornton Township remains an inviting and diverse haven for every individual, regardless of their background, ethnicity, religion, or identity.

Rhonda Nunn, Director

Community & Public Relations Department

708-596-6040 Ext. 3168

rnunn@thorntontwp.com