National Poetry Month, celebrated in April, turns a spotlight on the heartfelt art form.

Obviously, these mothers could connect over tragic circumstances. Without diminishing those emotions, they have caught my attention for their citizen advocacy.

If the idea of "Swedish death cleaning" sounds a bit too morbid, there's another strategy to tackle clutter: "Norwegian life cleaning." Either way, the idea is to take care of the junk in one's life while there's still time.

Election winners often vow to be representatives for all constituents, not just those who filled in the correct oval.

"Preventive health care is managing health with a goal of preventing disease processes before they occur," writes Mercyhealth nurse practitioner Elaine Lawrence.

"I previously worked with Bobbi and admire her independent approach to issues with the City of McHenry," retiring Ward 1 Alderman Vic Santi writes in a letter to the editor.

"I must clearly warn you this will be difficult, but well worth it," Daniel Malecki of Crystal Lake writes in a letter to the editor.

'If you really care about something and you want to be heard, there’s going to be someone who’ll listen to you.'

"I hope some of you out there aren’t in dire need of help with this office. I personally have called the office number 11 times," Terry Trobiani of Crystal Lake writes in a letter to the editor.

"The school board has control of the education of our youth and the majority of our property taxes. Learn about the candidates and choose wisely!" Kimberly Skaja of Union writes in a letter to the editor.

"If you live in Nunda, Mike Lesperance is the man you need for highway commissioner," Deb Naughton of McHenry writes in a letter to the editor.

"It is my sincere hope that Mark [Kownick] will continue his work for as long as he is willing," Jack Schaffer of Cary writes in a letter to the editor.

"The idea that those people who drive electric vehicles are not paying taxes like those who drive gas cars is simply wrong.”

"Frank McClatchey is a livelong friend as we both grew up in McHenry. I know through many conversations that he would be the best choice for alderman of the 3rd Ward," Kent Thomas of McHenry writes in a letter to the editor.

"I have known Frank McClatchey since we were kids growing up in McHenry," Lolly Meyer of McHenry writes in a letter to the editor.