Twelve ways to celebrate the season
If you're in the holiday spirit but have no place to go, look no further than your own village.
Here are 12 (seems like a Christmas-y number) ways to spread, receive and experience all that the season has to offer right here in Carpentersville.
1. Walk in a Winter Wonderland: Start your stroll on the Main Street bridge where Carpentersville's economic development/special project coordinator Janice Murphy says the public works department has hung new wreaths. Continue on to the corner of Cleveland Avenue and Carpenter Boulevard in Carpenter Park to admire the lights on the Christmas tree. "Next year it will be even more, we hope," Murphy said.
2. Keep your fire so delightful, but safe: Cruise past any of our three fire stations, and spy the wreath hanging outside with, hopefully, all red lights. Fire Chief John Schuldt reported that the department is once again participating in the "Keep the Wreath Red" program. If there is a fire, one of the red lights is changed to green. He also hopes residents will keep safety in mind throughout the season by keeping live trees well watered and using extreme caution with the use of extension cords and other holiday decorations.
3. Celebrate Christ-moose: Ron Serio at the Moose Family Center Lodge 1958 said their annual kids Christmas party is coming up Saturday. Special guests include, of course, Santa Claus, plus Bears mascot Staley and Wolves mascot Skates. But the most special guests of all will be a group of kids from Mooseheart, which is a home for children in need located south of Batavia. (Sorry, this party is for members only.)
4. Settle in for some sounds of the season: Head over to Dundee-Crown High School's auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Thursday for a holiday concert presented by their Concert Band, Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band. Band director John Gorman said traditional band music and holiday classics will be followed by an audience participation sing-along. Admission is free.
5. Find the ultimate gift: What is more exciting than a shiny new bike under the tree Christmas morning? Jeff Provisor, owner of Main Street Bicycles, says all of their '07 bikes are on sale.
6. See that the season is also for the young at heart: Folks at the senior center will be rocking around their Christmas tree as they welcome the Sleepy Hollow Choir and Chime group this Tuesday and the Carpentersville Middle School Choir at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday. Center director Mary Stallings said all are welcome to the programs, which are free.
7. Treat yourself to something frosty: Culver's owners Don and Julie Michels invite residents to stop by for an Egg Nog or Pumpkin shake, or to pick up a delicious Peppermint Custard Cake on their way to a holiday party. They are also ready to take your catering order if you are the one hosting the party.
8. Sing some carols: Gone are the days of caroling door to door, but those wanting to belt out some cheer can stop by Booker's Next Round (formerly Instant Replay) where, according to general manager Caryn Morrison, they have karaoke on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights. They do have Christmas carols. I checked.
9. Find a Christmas tree nearby: No need to travel miles to a forest. Wander through Platt Hill nursery where general manager Shirlee Stanchina said you will have your pick of balsam fir, concolor fir, Fraser fir, Scotch pine, white pine, Colorado blue spruce and Douglas fir.
10. Provide some warm, woolen mittens: The Dundee Township Public Library's Children's Department has put up its annual Mitten Tree. Bring your donation of new mittens and gloves for infants, children and adults to decorate this special tree until Friday. They will be donated to the Elgin Community Crisis Center. Hats and scarves are also appreciated.
11. Have a Feliz Navidad: Join Larissa DeSmet at the Dundee Township Public Library for "Cuentos en Espanol" at 7 p.m. Dec. 27. Holiday-themed stories, fingerplays and songs will keep preschool children and their families entertained at this free event.
12. Honor the reason for the season: Attend services at one of our town's many churches and places of worship.
kirstinfinneran@comcast.net