Village of Homer Glen's First Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 9, 2007
In the spirit of the holiday season, the Village of Homer Glen worked together to ensure the success of the First Living Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Trustee Margaret Sabo, as chair of the Environment committee, recruited the hard working members of her committee to help pull the event off. Keeping in tune with the Village's theme of "Community and Nature..In Harmony", the 35' tall Colorado Spruce, donated by the Lieponis family, was dug up and replanted by Instant Shade at the northeast corner of 151st Street and Bell Road.
Donations poured in from everywhere with cash contributions from residents, Northwest Fire District and the Homer Glen Foundation. Homer Township Fire Department, besides a cash donation, came to the rescue by decorating the tree with the assistance of Mike DeVivo, Homer Township Highway Commissioner, who brought his bucket truck to reach the very top of the tree.
Area businesses, The Creamery, Sear's Essential and Trattoria Tazza, provided refreshments for the ceremony and the Homer Junior High Show Choir, directed by Diane Pullara, provided entertainment with their holiday son repertoire. However, with all the careful planning, Village staff was caught off guard when faced with the challenge to provide electricity for the tree lighting. Commonwealth Edison External Affairs Manager, Scott Bertrand and Al Arends, General Service Representative, quickly came to the rescue and with the creative genius of Homer Glen's EMA Director, John Robinson, (who owns his own electrical contracting company), a temporary service was installed in the nick of time.
The Ceremony started at the Village Hall, located at Founders Crossing, decked out with fresh balsam garland donated by Touch of Green, and replete with a visit from Santa, who let the excited residents onto a school bus donated by Lockport Township School District 205 to drive to the tree site. Singing around the tree and some inspirational comments from the Mayor preceded the countdown to the Mayor flipping the switch...and the lights were lit, the crowd cheered and the first Tree Lighting for the Village of Homer Glen became a reality! Despite the chill in the air, there was a certain warmth between those standing around this beautiful tree. This was truly a community event. One of many more to come as promised by Mayor Daley.
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Archives
Santa is Coming to Homer Glen!
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Music Provided by Homer 33C Choral Group
Donuts and Hot Chocolate Will Be Served
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Festivities Begin at the Village Council Chamber
14917 Founders Crossing
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Shuttle service to the corner of 151st Street and Bell Road will leave the Village Council Chamber at 6:30 pm for the Tree Lighting Ceremony
**NO PARKING IS AVAILABLE AT 151st STREET & BELL ROAD FOR THE TREE LIGHTING**
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Tree Lighting Ceremony
151st Street & Bell Road
7:00 pm
**NO PARKING IS AVAILABLE AT 151st STREET & BELL ROAD FOR THE TREE LIGHTING**
Shuttle service to the corner of 151st Street and Bell Road will leave the Village Council Chamber at 6:30 pm for the Tree Lighting Ceremony
The 20 foot Colorado Spruce was donated by the Lieponis family and planted by Rick Gomez of Instant Shade, a Homer Glen Business that moves and replants large trees.
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