Gratitude – There's So Much To Go Around!

Village Manager’s Blog

Gratitude – There’s So Much To Go Around!

By Village Manager Phil Kiraly

After another complex and challenging year of dealing with new realities, continued COVID-19 protocols and various other challenges in our daily lives, I hope that each of you are able to safely enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday with families and friends. My hope for you, as for myself, is that we can all rest and relax during this most American of holidays and be grateful for so many things we enjoy here in Glencoe.

Personally, I am thankful for so much, with my continued health and that of my family being paramount. Adding to that, I’m grateful for this welcoming and inclusive community of neighbors that care for and look out for one another; for our schools and their diligent administrators and all those who work hard for our community at the Library, Park District and other units of government; and of course, for our vibrant downtown, faith communities, service organizations, beautiful neighborhoods, cultural institutions and open spaces.

As Village Manager, I am deeply grateful for (and proud of) our best-in-class Village staff who have worked so hard through the COVID pandemic and beyond to serve our entire community dutifully and reliably through difficult and uncertain times. They have done so with the same mission of service our staff team has practiced for generations. Whether their job is to provide clean water, ensure clear streets, patrol safe neighborhoods, provide customer service, generate accurate financials or safeguard proper construction of buildings and infrastructure, Glencoe’s team consists of some of the most dedicated and talented individuals anywhere – and I’m so happy to work with each of them.

I am also thankful for all the ways individuals and businesses in Glencoe work to make our community and the world a better place. Never has this been more evident than in the last 20 months.

We are a community of volunteers – from the Village President and Board of Trustees, to the over 50 residents that serve on various Village boards and commissions, to the countless volunteers throughout Glencoe that make this a better place to live – our residents care, give back and show up. Watching the work that they do on behalf of our community is a privilege, and we should all be grateful for their tireless efforts on behalf of this great town.

With so much to be thankful for, I hope you will join me in sharing your gratitude this year in whatever way you feel most appropriate. There are a myriad of ways to show gratitude and give back this season.

There are a few hyperlocal options you might consider. For instance, the Glencoe Community Holiday Drive officially kicks-off this week. They’ll collect donations and pass out themed holiday cookies. Established in 1990, the Glencoe Community Holiday Drive is a community service organization aiding in the happiness and well-being of our less privileged neighbors during the holiday season. Holiday Drive volunteers collect care packages, unwrapped toys, non-perishable foods, paper goods and monetary donations for area families, low-income seniors and adults with disabilities, especially those here in New Trier Township.

Also kicking off this week is the Public Safety Department’s efforts to collect holiday gifts for Toys for Tots. Help make the holiday season special for local children in need by bringing new, unwrapped gifts for any age group to the Village Hall through Friday, December 14.

Of course, I also hope that you take some time to celebrate over the Thanksgiving weekend! After taking last year off, Light the Lights returns for 2021! On Friday, November 26 from 5-7 p.m., come to downtown to enjoy a festive atmosphere with trackless train rides, hot chocolate stations, real reindeer on Wyman Green, live music, Santa and the illumination of hundreds of thousands of lights on every tree in downtown Glencoe! Join Village President Howard Roin and the Village Board, as well as the Chamber of Commerce in this great community event! Click here to view the event map.

In addition to Light the Lights, I would encourage the entire community to Shop Local this holiday season, and especially to do so on Saturday, November 27 as part of Small Business Saturday. Our one-of-a-kind Glencoe shops are offering deals and discounts offered by our downtown businesses Glencoe is a community of small businesses – particularly our retailers. This is a great opportunity to support and patronize our local businesses for the holidays! Remember, shop Glencoe first!

Thank you for keeping Village staff, local businesses and the work of our great community volunteers in mind this holiday season. From my family to yours, may you have a happy, peaceful and gratitude-filled Thanksgiving!