Help MainStreet keep its work alive

Life Without MainStreet Libertyville-sponsored events?

For this Libertyville "lifer" and her family, it would be unimaginable.

I was recently chatting with a friend, who (like me) has lived in Libertyville for most of her life. She reads local papers. She's up on local events. Her family enjoys Out-to-Lunch, Street Dance, and Farmer's Market. But this intelligent, well-informed "local" had absolutely no idea that MainStreet Libertyville -- not the village of Libertyville -- sponsors, organizes, and runs all of those events. She had no idea that MainStreet's crucial funding dollars have been greatly reduced in recent years, or that the organization is in desperate need of new members, corporate sponsors, and community support. In fact, she had no real understanding of what MainStreet Libertyville is.

Once aware, my friend's eager "How do I help?" was heartwarming, but our conversation left me feeling alarmed. How many other residents don't realize that MainStreet is the force behind so many of our beloved downtown events? How many residents don't realize how hard the MainStreet organization works to preserve charming historic buildings downtown and to attract and support fabulous local businesses? And most importantly, how many residents don't realize that MainStreet is currently fighting for its life to secure sufficient funding to continue its mission?

My sons, ages 6 and 4, have been enjoying Trick-Or-Treat on MainStreet since they could toddle. I have six years worth of precious photos of warmly bundled boys chatting with Santa in the sleigh in Cook Park, and holiday sweater-clad boys on their best behavior at the Dickens Victorian Tea. Thanks to MainStreet's Pumpkin Fest, my sons believe all canned food donations are exchanged for Halloween pumpkins. Like true Libertyville natives, they know which vendors sell the best hot dogs at Out-to-Lunch, and the best time to get a perfect bag of kettle corn at Farmer's Market. They are so fortunate to lead lives filled with charming community traditions, and MainStreet Libertyville is the driving force behind most of them.

My family supports MainStreet Libertyville through our annual membership fees and volunteer time. Does yours? In light of its desperate financial situation, MainStreet now needs the support of every Libertyville resident. I urge you to consider becoming a MainStreet member by calling their office at 847.680.0336. If you're a MainStreet member already, please consider upgrading your membership or making a one-time donation. The bottom line is this: if we don't step up to the plate and support MainStreet Libertyville financially, the community events we love may cease to exist due to lack of funding. And I really don't want to tell my kids that.

Stephanie Herbek

Libertyville