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Judy Baar Topinka

Judy Baar Topinka Charitable Foundation

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Media

Some great, virtual gifts to bring a Judy Baar Topinka smile to all your faces

December 8, 2022

Eight years ago, we lost someone that was simply incredible. Here are some great, virtual gifts to bring a Judy Baar Topinka smile to all your faces and to provide inspiration to teachers all over who teach civics!

Accordion Recital

Judy Baar Topinka Home Tour and Accordion Video

This year, the Judy Baar Topinka Charitable Foundation is proud to show you the video taken in 2004 with Bob Sirott and his wife Mariann Murciano. It will make you laugh! The accordion recital is incredible!

Remodeling at the Illinois State Capitol

In addition, we are proud to present to you a copy of a guide that was produced years ago on the remodeling done at the Illinois State Capitol. This is a must for teachers all over Illinois and beyond for their students. Judy served two terms as a state representative and then two terms as a state senator. She loved both chambers in the capitol as they were full of stories, symbols, and history. 

Because of her love for the Illinois state capitol, Judy would take her son, Joseph, around the county and the world visiting state capitols and world seats of government. The visits were part of a never ending civics lesson for Judy and her son.

a guide to the renovated illinois house chamber and state capitol 2014
Download the Booklet

B.J. Ogata | Staunton High School in Staunton, Illinois

Finally, we want to highlight the efforts of B.J. Ogata who is a teacher at Staunton High School in Staunton, Illinois. B.J. has been teaching for twenty-two years at Staunton High School. He has coached several sports throughout this time at Staunton High School, including being the head track and field coach. B.J. has also taught a variety of social studies classes, mostly at the high school level but some at the junior high level as well. Currently, he is teaching World History, Geography, U.S. Government, and a dual-credit Political Science class through Lewis and Clark Community College. 

B.J. is currently using the book, Just Judy, A Citizen and Leader for Illinois, for his high school U.S Government course. This one semester course fulfills the State of Illinois Civics requirement, as well as the requirements to cover the U.S. Flag, Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Illinois State Constitution. B.J. uses Just Judy along with a handout in order to inspire his students to consider Judy’s life and Illinois civics. With B.J. permission, we are proud to present you with a copy of his handout that you can download. We hope that teachers around Illinois and beyond use B.J. example going forward.

The foundation is always willing to donate copies of Just Judy to interested teachers. Judy’s story is a positive story in an age of negatives that can inspire young people to do great things for their communities in the future. Judy Baar Topinka was a model for all of us demonstrating that anyone with passion, drive, and hard work can triumph in the face of great odds. 

B.J. Ogata
B.J. Ogata
Download B.J.’s Guide

Just like Judy, you can take on the establishment and make changes which are good. Like Judy, you may not always win, but you should never give up. During this holiday season, Judy would often wish you a pleasant and loving season: “FA LA LA LA LA LA!” (This is actually a Judy quote.) 

Filed Under: Just Judy, Media

Landmarks Illinois WWI Monuments of Illinois Database

November 12, 2021

Joe Topinka Commander American Legion Post 488

The new Landmarks Illinois WWI Monuments of Illinois Database has been published. It is an extensive online resource of historic World War I monuments and memorials throughout the state. Many thanks the Pritzker Military Foundation for its generous support that made the database possible!

Explore the database to learn about the historic doughboy statues, plaques, sculptures and public spaces dedicated to honoring those who served in the Great War. https://www.landmarks.org/wwi-monuments-of-illinois/

Watch the video on facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/landmarksill/videos/917554125857850

Filed Under: Media

WGN Radio Interview with Bob Sirott

October 5, 2021

late Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka
In this July 25, 2013, file photo, the late Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka speaks at a news conference in Chicago. (AP Photo/Scott Eisen, File)

Joseph Baar Topinka, son of former Illinois politician Judy Baar Topinka, is working to keep his mother’s legacy alive.

Listen to the Interview Here

Filed Under: Media

Master Your Healthcare Career Podcast Appearance

September 30, 2021

On this episode of the Master Your Healthcare Career Podcast – Dr. Stanowski welcomes special guest Joseph Topinka to discuss how to land top graduate residencies and internships – how to transition from a student to a practitioner – how to be involved health policy – the importance of advocacy – and how to apply for a CAHME/Judy Baar Topinka scholarship award. 

Joseph Topinka, son of Judy Baar Topinka, a history-making legislator from Illinois – is a retired military attorney and now Assistant Professor of Practice at Texas State University where he oversees the School of Health Administrations residency and internship programs and teaches employment law and health law for healthcare administrators. 

Listen to the Podcast

Filed Under: Media

Klas Restaurant building is at risk of being demolished

August 2, 2021

The Klas Restaurant building is at risk of being demolished.  If Judy Baar Topinka was alive, she would be fighting to save it. 

Judy announced her candidacy for Illinois Governor because of her love for her Czech and Slavic heritage. For her, the building represented her heritage as well as her community which included the Cicero area. Please watch the video about the Klas Restaurant building and the effort to save it. Also, enjoy the photos of Judy in Cicero, including near or in the Klas Building itself.

Donate to Help Save Klas Restaurant
  • Judy Baar Topinka 2005 Governor Race 01
  • Judy Baar Topinka Governor Race 02
  • Judy Baar Topinka in Czech Outfit
  • Judy Baar Topinka in 1981 w briefcase
  • Klas Restaurant with Judy Baar Topinka Sign

Filed Under: Media

Letter From Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot

April 5, 2021

We received a wonderful letter from Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s office recognizing Judy’s efforts for the LGBTQ community.

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR: CITY OF CHICAGO

Lori Lightfoot Letter

LORI E. LIGHTFOOT: MAYOR

March 17, 2021

Mr. Joseph Baar Topinka

Dear Mr. Topinka:

On behalf of the City of Chicago, I extend heartfelt gratitude to you for accepting this award on behalf of Judy Baar Topinka. It is an honor to welcome her into the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame.

Judy Baar Topinka was a true friend to the LGBT community. During her time in the Illinois House of Representatives, the Illinois Senate, and as Illinois State Treasurer she fought for gay rights, supported the Illinois Marriage Equality Bill, opened her office to the Equality Illinois’ delegation during the group’s lobby days, and much more. She broke down barriers for generations and her legacy will always live on.

I am proud to welcome Judy Baar Topinka into this year’s distinguished Hall of Fame class.

View the letter

Filed Under: Honors and Awards, Media

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