Students Keith Jackson and Samuel Lewis had an interesting lesson in civics on April 25 when they met Congressman Dan Lipinski at his annual Senior Fair at the American Legion Post 18 in Lockport, Illinois.

They realized that a U.S. Representative does more than pass federal legislation.

“We do anything we can to help the constituents,” Congressman Lipinski told the two young men.

After discussing their studies at the Center with the Congressman, the students toured the fair. The event was organized for senior citizens, but the students learned a lot too.

They discovered that the Metra Electric District offered commuter rail service in their neighbor-hoods on the South Side of Chicago, and they found out that Illinois State Treasurer Mike Frerichs might be holding unclaimed money that could belong to them or their families. They also met Lockport Township Supervisor Ron Alberico and David Palya, president of the Lockport

Left to right: Student Sam Lewis, Congressman Dan Lipinski and student Keith Roberts.

Township Fire Protection District’s board.

“I didn’t know that government did so much,” Keith said, impressed by everything he saw.