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Happy Friday the 13th Antioch!
First, I want to thank everyone involved in our Veterans Day ceremonies at Antioch Community High School and the VFW. Both were wonderful events, and it was especially nice to see our students participating and recognizing those who have served our country.
This morning, I also had the opportunity to attend the Veterans Day event at the College of Lake County, hosted by Congressman Brad Schneider. This is always one of the larger gatherings of veterans in our area and a great opportunity to connect with our veteran community and other elected officials. Thank you to everyone who helped organize these events and, most importantly, thank you to all of our veterans for your service.
Here’s a look at some of the things happening around Antioch:
This Weekend’s Events
Friday, November 13 – Christmas Night Out: Rustic & Reclaimed Market, 931 Main Street, is celebrating its expansion and grand opening from 5–8 p.m. A great opportunity to get a head start on holiday shopping.
Saturday, November 14 – Polson’s 100th Anniversary: Polson’s Natural Foods continues its 100th anniversary celebration with storewide specials and giveaways. Congratulations on such an incredible milestone!
Saturday and Sunday, November 14–15 – Thanks & Giving: Inspired Home, 959 Main Street, is hosting its annual event benefiting Open Arms. Saturday from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Sunday, November 15 – Veterans Brunch: The Antioch VFW and Street Eatz are hosting a Veterans Brunch from 9 a.m. to noon at 75 North Avenue. Veterans eat free, and family and friends are welcome with a $10 donation. I’ve included the flyer with more information.
Throughout November – Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Trail: Take a walk through downtown Antioch and enjoy this free, family-friendly activity while visiting some of our local businesses.
The Season of Giving
As we approach Thanksgiving, it’s a good time to remember that not everyone is as fortunate as we may be. We have some wonderful organizations in Antioch doing a tremendous amount to help others, and I hope you’ll consider supporting them.
The Penny’s Purpose Blanket Drive: Now through December 15, collecting new, homemade, and gently used blankets for individuals and families throughout Lake and Kenosha Counties. There are several local donation locations, including the Antioch Public Library and VFW.
Antioch Traveling Closet Giveaway: Sunday, November 22, from 9:30–11:30 a.m. at the Depot Street Station Plaza. Clothing, haircuts, and limited toiletries will be available to eligible residents on a first-come, first-served basis.
I’ve included flyers for both events. Thank you to everyone who volunteers, donates, and helps make these programs possible.
A Few Other Updates from This Week
We joined the Antioch Chamber of Commerce yesterday for a ribbon-cutting at Elizabeth Stone Hair. Skin. Nails. on Victoria Street. It’s always exciting to welcome another business to our community. We also had the opportunity to celebrate Polson’s Natural Foods and its 100 years of serving Antioch. What an accomplishment! Thank you to the Chamber and everyone who continues to support our local businesses.
We’re also holding our follow-up Small Business Roundtable next Thursday, November 19, at 9 a.m. These meetings are an opportunity to hear directly from our business owners about what’s working, what challenges they’re facing, and how we can continue making Antioch a better place to do business.
Village Board Update
We had a productive Village Board meeting Thursday evening. We received our annual financial audit, which once again received a clean opinion from our independent auditors. Our Village finances remain on solid footing, and we continue working to make responsible decisions with the resources available to us.
We also held the public hearing for our proposed Downtown TIF District, which is another important step in identifying opportunities for redevelopment and reinvestment in our downtown.
Next Friday, November 20, we’ll be holding our quarterly planning meeting to begin discussing capital improvements and our budget priorities for the coming year. As I’ve said many times, I believe we can continue making meaningful improvements to our community while remaining fiscally responsible. We will continue looking at our revenue sources, controlling expenses, and finding opportunities to reduce the Village’s portion of the property tax burden on our residents wherever possible.
Congratulations, Sequoits!
I also want to congratulate our Antioch football team one more time on a tremendous season. It certainly didn’t end the way we wanted, but these young men gave us plenty to be proud of. Thank you to the players, coaches, families, and everyone who supported the team throughout the year.
And Finally, Don’t Forget to Shop Local!
I know Thanksgiving isn’t quite here yet, but it’s never too early to start thinking about holiday shopping. We have some great businesses in Antioch, and I encourage everyone to visit them before heading out of town or ordering everything online.
Our Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting are coming up on Friday, November 27, followed by Small Business Saturday on November 28. It’s a great time of year to get out, support our businesses, and enjoy everything our community has to offer.
There’s plenty happening around Antioch and certainly plenty to be thankful for.
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Scott J. Gartner
Mayor, Village of Antioch
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