Board approves Hawthorne Mall holiday event; staff updates veterans banner program

The Village Board voted Nov. 12 to approve an outdoor special event at Hawthorne Mall scheduled for Dec. 14 and received an update on the village’s military banner program.

Andrew (village staff) introduced Resolution 2024‑032, describing a holiday‑themed outdoor event with food vendors, family activities and a temporary ice‑skating surface. Tealyn Tom, marketing director at Hawthorne, said the event would feature an ice‑style skating surface (a synthetic rink), vendors, and an enclosed heated tent pending permits. "The event is going to feature an ice skating rink, also some food vendors and some holiday vendors, as well as live ice sculptures and a heated tent," Tom said. Trustees approved the resolution after a motion and roll call vote.

Separately, staff updated the board on the Vernon Hills Honors military banner program, run with the American Legion. The program has funded up to 20 banners annually (each banner produced at village expense, with display from Memorial Day to Veterans Day) and, as of the meeting date, had received six applications for the next display cycle compared with more than 20 applications at the same time last year. Commander Todd Renehan and former trustee Jim Schultz described recent outreach, partnerships with Hawthorne Mall for promotion, and suggestions to prioritize combat veterans and staff who served.

Staff noted the mall also serves as a designated warming shelter in winter and has partnered with the village on communications and promotional efforts. The board did not modify program eligibility at the meeting but thanked volunteers and partners and encouraged continued outreach to reach the program’s funded capacity.