Hello again Ward 8 residents! First and foremost, let me take a moment to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you had a wonderful time celebrating with family and/or friends.

As I reflect on my life and this wonderful tradition in our great country, I want to share some thoughts around that. I will never stop celebrating Thanksgiving in my home and would never suggest you do the same. However, I want to shed light on the fact that this very same holiday doesn't mean the same thing to everyone in our country. There are people who may view this time of the year as a period of mourning, and others in our communities may struggle to navigate this period emotionally and financially. A recent statistic showed that over 50% of North American Children will see divorce before the age of 18. Imagine what a holiday feels like for those children. As you celebrate, all I ask is that you also consider your neighbors and remember all of the things we are blessed with.

Lastly, let me end this section by expressing my deepest gratitude for serving your community. I am thankful for the love and support you have given me thus far. 

Join us for the City of Des Plaines Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Metropolitan Square on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021. Festivities start at 4 p.m. with the Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Hand-decorated holiday trees and live entertainment.

Santa Claus will be in attendance, but will continue to be socially distant this year. We encourage children to bring their letters to Santa for our mailbox.

Our Mitten Tree will be ready for your donations of new hats, gloves, mittens, and scarves and the Des Plaines Self-Help Closet & Food Pantry will be accepting non-perishable food donations.

View the Tree Lighting Schedule for a complete line-up of events.