North Cook News

Marilyn Smolenski said the Christmas season is solely about focusing on what matters most – family.

The Park Ridge Republican vying for the seat held by Rep. Marty Moylan (D-Des Plaines) in the 55th District, which covers of Park Ridge, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Arlington Heights and the Northwest Side of Chicago, told the North Cook News she plans to spend a lot of uninterrupted time with her husband and children while they are all off from work and school.

“Also, I want to respect constituents’ time with their loved ones who may have traveled a great distance to be together for the holidays,” Smolenski said.

The owner of Nickel and Lace, a women’s concealed bodywear holster brand and board member of the Republican Women of Park Ridge, Smolenski has strong family traditions.

“My in-laws host a traditional Polish vegetarian Christmas Eve dinner every year followed by midnight mass at St. Mary of the Woods,” Smolenski said. “After presents on Christmas Day, my children and I take in the biggest movie release.”

True to her Christian beliefs, Smolenski said it is better to give than receive.

“Every year, our family ‘adopts’ a wish list, and this year, we adopted a woman who is spending the holidays in a rehab facility,” Smolenski said. “No one should spend the holidays alone or without a gesture of kindness.”

The mother noted that the season is also a teaching time.

“My children are always involved with purchasing and delivering the items so that they can learn the importance of giving back,” Smolenski said. “I feel that this helps take the focus off tangible items and back where it needs to be.”

And it’s not just about the holidays, she added.

“The greatest way I have found to give back to others is by doing it all year long,” Smolenski said. “I am a volunteer by nature but do not disclose all of my contributions because I don’t feel the need for recognition. If I can put a smile on someone’s face or help better their day, makes me happy and fulfilled.”