Public Works hosting Open House and Pumpkin Smash Nov. 7

Join Hoffman Estates Public Works for their annual Open House on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hoffman Estates Public Works Center, 2305 Pembroke Ave.

This free, family-friendly event features snowplow rides, touch-a-truck displays, and hands-on exhibits showcasing Public Works vehicles and equipment—including loaders, excavators, and aerial lifts. Enjoy light refreshments, giveaways, and raffle prizes, while supplies last.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their old pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns (decorations and candles removed) to participate in the Pumpkin Smash composting event, a fun way to support the Village’s sustainability goals!

Can’t make the Pumpkin Smash event? Drop pumpkins off at Public Works anytime starting Nov. 2 through 1 p.m. on Nov. 7. Look for posted signs for directions on where to drop off pumpkins. For more information, contact Public Works at 847-490-6800 or email publicworks@vohe.org.

Arts Commission hosting photo preservation workshop

Preserving Your Old Photos in the Digital Age

Saturday, Nov. 7

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Village Hall

Don't let your family's precious memories fade away in a shoe box! The Hoffman Estates Arts Commission invites the community to join award-winning photographer James Hojnacki for a hands-on seminar detailing how to bring vintage prints, negatives, and slides into the modern era. 

Attend to learn expert tips on digitizing photos with cameras or scanners, choosing the right storage solutions, and future-proofing your family archive for generations to come.

Register today on the Hoffman Estates Arts Commission website.

Veterans Day ceremony scheduled for Nov. 11

The Hoffman Estates Veterans Memorial Commission invites the community to join them on Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 10:45 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial outside the Hoffman Estates Police Department, 411 W. Higgins Road, for the annual Veterans Day Ceremony. Light refreshments will be served at the Police Department following the ceremony.

Veterans Day is set aside to thank and honor all those who served honorably in the military, both in wartime and peacetime. In fact, Veterans Day is intended to thank living veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated and to underscore the fact that all those who served have sacrificed and done their duty.

Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce earns Dementia Friendly Business designation

Mayor McLeod and members of the Hoffman Estates Dementia Friendly Community Committee recently recognized the Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce for becoming a Dementia Friendly Community Business Partner. As part of this program, Dementia Friendly Business Partner employees participate in a special training program established through the Village's Health and Human Services Department.

Learn more about this program in the video below and on the Dementia Friendly Community section on the Village's website.

Police holding "Cram the Cruiser" food drive Nov. 13

The Hoffman Estates Police Department and the Hoffman Estates Police Charitable Foundation are holding the 6th Annual “Cram the Cruiser” Thanksgiving food drive on Friday, Nov. 13 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the front parking lot of the Police Department, 411 W. Higgins Rd.

The following items are requested:

• Turkey
• Boxed/bagged mashed potatoes
• Jars/packets of gravy
• Boxed/bagged stuffing
• Canned green beans, corn, cranberry, sweet potatoes, cream of mushroom soup
• French fried onions
• Boxed corn bread
• Marshmallows
• Canned pumpkin
• Pie crust
• Boxed desserts

Donations for “Cram the Cruiser” will also be collected in special drop boxes at the Police Department, all four Fire Stations, and at Village Hall starting tomorrow, Oct. 23 through Nov. 14. Monetary donations will also be accepted, please email hepcf@vohe.org for more information.

Donations from last year were used to provide full Thanksgiving meals to 83 families in our community. The HEPD and HEPCF hope to feed even more families this year with donations from the community!

Kick off the holiday season: Friendship Tree Lighting

The Village’s annual Friendship Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on Saturday, Nov. 21, at 5 p.m. in front of the main entrance of Village Hall, 1900 Hassell Rd.

Mayor McLeod will be joined by Cub Scout Troop 297 to light the tree and kick off a festive fireworks display. Following the fireworks, all are invited to gather inside Village Hall for visits with Santa, entertainment by the Choral-Aires and light refreshments.

The Village’s annual Friendship Tree Lighting Ceremony features a large, living pine tree outside of Village Hall adorned with lights and more than 700 red bows. The growing tree serves as a reminder of our community’s continuing commitment to friendship and the environment. Non-perishable food and personal care item donations will be accepted for local food pantries during this event.

This free, family-friendly event fills up quickly, so plan to arrive early for a good view. 

Seasonal electronics drop-off program ends Nov. 16

The electronics recycling drop-off program that runs Mondays from 10 a.m. to noon at Village Hall ends for the season on Monday, Nov. 16. This seasonal electronics recycling drop-off program, sponsored by the Solid West Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC), will resume in the spring. Visit the SWANCC website for a list of acceptable items.

After Nov. 16 and until next spring, large electronics can be recycled at the Glenview Transfer Station, 3 Providence Way, Des Plaines on Saturdays from 9 to 11:30 a.m., with holiday closings scheduled for Nov. 28, Dec. 26, and Jan. 2, 2027.

Small electronics are accepted for recycling through a drop-box in the Village Hall lobby year-round. Groot also offers a curbside pick-up option for recycling electronics. Residents can recycle up to two electronic items per week free of charge. Call Groot at 847-734-6400 to arrange for special electronics collection.

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