Trustees highlight veterans events, charity drives and holiday programs; Owen Lopez to light town tree

Multiple trustees used their reports to highlight recent veterans events and local charitable efforts and to promote upcoming holiday activities.

Trustee Guthrie described "Brittany's Trees," a longstanding fundraiser he said donates approximately $50,000 annually to the SADS Foundation and noted surplus trees are available; he asked residents to consider buying or donating a 'Secret Santa' tree for families who cannot afford one. Trustee Ensemble (reporting for community programs) reminded listeners the Adopt-a-Senior program at Colony Park was still accepting assignments and provided the contact email csadoptsenior@gmail.com.

Trustee Berger announced the Rotary Club of Carol Stream's holiday decorating contest (submissions open Nov. 27; deadline Dec. 15; judging Dec. 16–20). Trustees also described attending Veterans Day ceremonies at local schools, thanked the VFW and volunteers, and extended Thanksgiving wishes.

Mayor and staff described a recent community visit to Owen Lopez and said the board invited him and his family to be the special guests for the village tree-lighting on Dec. 5 at 6 p.m.; the mayor noted the family had recently traveled for a Make-A-Wish trip to Disney. Village Manager Homer reminded residents that village offices will be closed for Thanksgiving and promoted the Dec. 5 tree-lighting and the Dec. 10 Christmas sharing program organized by social services.

Trustees and staff thanked community members and local businesses for donations to school meal programs and other charitable efforts.