Holiday in the Hollow lights up season's start
Holidays are a wonderful time to share with other people. This sharing might be enjoying a common experience or it could be the opportunity to give a little of your surplus with others. The Sleepy Hollow Service Club will be kicking off this festive season with its annual "Holiday in the Hollow" from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 at Sabatino Park.
Don't be a Scrooge or a Grinch and come and enjoy some hot cocoa and neighborly fun. You can sing carols and check out the decorations on the Circle-of-Cheer Christmas trees. The children from Sleepy Hollow Elementary School have worked hard making sure that each evergreen has its own distinct personality and theme. Each grade will have its own tree.
There will even be that magical moment, when thanks to the power of electric lights stretched just right, the village flagpole by Lake Sharon will be transformed into a Christmas tree. There will be a drawing to see what one lucky person will get to flip the power switch to light the trees.
It seems appropriate that this event is being held on the feast of Saint Nicholas when the spirit of giving had some of its origins. Santa, himself, will take a break from his busy schedule to visit with us. The jolly old soul has told us that he would appreciate any nonperishable food items for FISH Food Pantry in Carpentersville. Wayne Eischen of the Service Club suggests that everyone arrive early so that no one misses the opportunity to be with Santa.
Santa Run starts this week: The Rutland-Dundee Volunteer Fireman's Association is announcing its annual special events that will be occurring within the fire district. These traditional events have been held annually since the mid-1970s and provide a chance for the residents to meet and support their fire department and the community. These events include a raffle and a Santa Run.
The raffle presents a chance for residents to win cash prizes. The drawing will take place on Jan. 15 and the grand prize is $300. The proceeds from last year's raffle were used to purchase new bags which store emergency medical equipment, allowing the fire district to be more efficient when treating patients.
The other exciting event that will take place is Santa making his rounds through your neighborhood. The Rutland-Dundee firefighters, Rutland-Dundee Support Team, officials from the villages of Gilberts and Sleepy Hollow, and teachers and staff from the two local elementary schools will accompany Santa. Young or old, Santa will be able to greet everybody and wish a happy holiday to all. You will certainly hear him coming as his arrival is announced by the sirens of the fire engine and emergency equipment.
During Santa's travels, the association will be collecting nonperishable food items, new toys and clothing to be donated to the local food pantries and other local charities. These items are then to be distributed to needy families in the area.
Santa starts his rounds this weekend beginning at 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5 at Country View Highlands, Lake Tara, Pine Cone Lane, Frontenac and Little Acres Binnie Road subdivisions. On Saturday, Dec. 6, he starts his busy day at noon at Timber Glen and Timber Trails and on Sunday, Dec. 7 beginning at 4 p.m. he will be riding through Indian Trails, Dunhill Estates, Gilberts Glen and Woodlawn Meadows.
The following weekend at 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12, Santa will be in Old Town Gilberts, Gilberts Town Center and Windmill Meadows. Then he will complete his circuit of our community with a visit to all the Sleepy Hollow homes west of Sleepy Hollow Road on Saturday, Dec. 13, and all the Sleepy Hollow homes east of Sleepy Hollow Road on Sunday, Dec. 14. These final rounds will begin at 3 p.m.
Please show your support to the firefighters and volunteers to show how much we appreciate all that they do for us and our community.