Bartlett family touched by support
Well-wishers came out in droves this weekend to support the Simons, a Bartlett family twice-stricken with cancer.
Black Tie Affair Day Spa & Salon raised about $5,000 for the Simons over the course of the three-day fundraiser.
"It was very overwhelming to see so many people get together for a cause," says Trish, who has stage IV colon cancer. "We never anticipated such a large event."
Along with her grandma and kids, Trish stopped into the Bartlett salon with her husband, Jeff. He's been diagnosed with a rare sarcoma, or cancerous tumor, in his brain.
"It's kind of emotional when something like this is for you," she says. "We're not limelight people."
Owner Debra Tashjian said Black Tie donated a portion of sales from the 90 appointments booked over the weekend. More than 100 gifts were raffled off and a 2-year-old walked around using Trish's volunteer firefighter boot to collect money. One man came in and wrote a check for $500. Another promised the Simons a Christmas tree.
"This place lit up," Tashjian said. "It was so neat to see the people of Bartlett reaching out."
Trish wants everyone to know they plan to do something good with the money once she and Jeff are well.
"I hope this sparks others to reach out to help their neighbor or friend who's going through something," said Trish, Hanover Township's community health nurse.
Black Tie will again donate a portion of sales Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, as well as money from holiday-inspired efforts like gift wrapping.
A Hoosier Grove Holiday: With the arrival of November, the Hoosier Grove Museum, 700 W. Irving Park Road, Streamwood is beginning its preparations for the holidays.
Beginning today, the museum is hosting a holiday coloring contest for kids. To enter, visit the museum between 1 and 4 p.m. any Friday, Saturday or Sunday between now and Dec. 23.
Coloring of pictures will occur at the museum itself during those hours, and the finished pictures will be displayed in the schoolhouse for the entire season. Winners will be picked and contacted after the new year.
Prizes will be awarded to one winner in each of four age categories: preschool, kindergarten, first through third grades and fourth through sixth grades.
On Dec. 3, from 7 to 8 p.m., celebrate St. Nicholas Day at the museum and experience what a typical holiday program was like in country schools at the turn of the last century.
Enjoy the music of Patti Ecker, who specializes in interactive performances with a historical theme. The event will conclude with an appearance by a special visitor. The program is for audiences ranging from 4 years old to adult. This event is free, but registration is required by calling (630) 213-9706.
Youth of the Year: Are you Hanover Park's Youth of the Year? The village offers a $1,000 scholarship and a $500 runner-up scholarship to graduating high school seniors who excel in the areas of heroism, community service, service to school, personal achievement and family commitment.
Applications are due Dec. 14 and include an essay and letter of recommendation. It can be found on hanoverparkillinois.org.