Ivy Hill tree lighting brings friends together

Neighbors and friends helped kick off the holiday season with the fourth annual Ivy Hill neighborhood tree lighting and festivities Nov. 25, at the home of Noreen and Brad Obuchowski. Their 20-foot tall evergreen on Douglas Ave., which is decorated with tiny white lights and ornaments, is a fixture in Ivy Hill.

Dozens of children gathered underneath the tree with Arlington Heights Mayor Arlene J. Mulder for this much anticipated tradition. The mayor returned for a second year to help countdown the lighting of the “official” Northside Christmas tree, her last time before retiring next year.

“This is such a wonderful neighborhood event,” said Mayor Mulder. “You think of summer block parties but this is a block party for the holidays this time of year.”

The street was blocked off for the evening as everyone enjoyed the football game projected on a large outdoor screen and children watched a holiday movie on another.

People also generously brought unwrapped toys for the Marine Corps annual Toy for Tots.