Memorial, time capsule dedication in Hoffman Estates

The village of Hoffman Estates will dedicate the site of its new Children's Memorial from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 14, and then also bury a 50th anniversary time capsule.

A special remembrance ceremony will be held at the memorial site outside the entrance to the Health and Human Services Department at the Village Hall, 1900 Hassell Road.

All families and friends who've experienced the death of a child, grandchild or sibling are welcome to attend.

The Children's Memorial is the culmination of five years of hard work by the Village's Children's Memorial Commission. It's a partnership between the village of Hoffman Estates and the Hoffman Estates Park District, as well as generous sponsors who donated money toward the completion of the memorial. These sponsors will also be recognized at the dedication.

The memorial is the brainchild of former Trustee Ed Frank, who supported the idea of the village creating a permanent site for grieving families and loved ones to remember their departed children. The memorial incorporates brick pavers that can be customized, along with statues of children. The goal of the memorial is to remember lost loved ones in a positive, healthy way.

To purchase a brick, cotanct Sue Lessen at (847) 781-2606, or suzanne.lessen@hoffmanestates.org. Bricks costs $75 and include two lines for the name and dates of birth and death. The purchase of a brick benefits the Hoffman Estates Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. All contributions are tax deductible. Bricks are for children up to 22 years old. Children must have attended school in Hoffman Estates, or lived in the village if under school age.

Another dedication ceremony for the Children of Hoffman Estates Time Capsule will be held immediately following the Children's Memorial dedication. The time capsule is sponsored by the Hoffman Estates Youth Commission and contains various items that commemorate the past 50 years of Hoffman Estates, as well as letters written by Hoffman Estates schoolchildren addressed to their "future classmates."

Designed to be reopened in 2034, the Children of Hoffman Estates Time Capsule honors the history, culture and community that make up Hoffman Estates.