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Archive for November, 2025

Thanksgiving Holiday Village snow total reported to be 11.1″

Posted in Aunt Blabby, Roads & Bridges Committee, Topics Of Interest on November 30, 2025| Leave a Comment »

“Widespread snowfall totals of 6-12″ were common across much of Northern and Central Illinois!”

Source

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Illinois rejects federal ‘no tax on tips’ rule, keeps state tax on tipped income

Posted in Entertainment, Fat Bastard, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Springfield, The Center Square on November 30, 2025| 2 Comments »

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributor

Illinois is not adopting the new federal “no tax on tips” provision, meaning tipped workers in the state will still owe Illinois income tax on tips, even when those tips are exempt at the federal level.

Manish Bhatt, senior policy analyst with the Tax Foundation, said Illinois’ tax structure makes it possible for the state to decline the new tip exemption.

“Only those states that begin state-level income tax calculations using the federal definition of taxable income have it automatically incorporated into the tax code,” Bhatt explained. “I don’t believe Illinois does that. So I think the states are certainly able to not incorporate that individual sort of exemption on tips and overtime wages.”

Even for states that do automatically conform to federal tax changes, Bhatt said it may be wiser to “decouple” from the federal rule.

“It’s much more sound tax policy to not create carve-outs for certain taxpayers at the expense of others,” he said. “More general reform certainly needs to happen to bring the tax burden down for everybody.”

Bhatt said taxpayers who are seeing and hearing about the no tax on tips at the federal level might not think about having to actually add those back into their state return.

“It’s not that those individuals are trying to avoid taxation. They just don’t know to add that back into their state income tax,” Bhatt told The Center Square.

Bhatt warned that confusion could lead to filing mistakes or the need for paid tax preparation services.

Read more here.

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Editorial: Support the shops that support Illinois

Posted in Chicago Tribune, Economy, OP/Ed, Topics Of Interest on November 30, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Katie Anderson-Tedder and her three children, Arthur Tedder, 5, Georgia Tedder, 7, and Grand Tedder, 3, leave Anderson’s Candy Shop in Barrington on Nov. 26, 2025. Anderson-Tedder is co-owner of the candy shop, which has been in her family for four generations. | Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune

By The Editorial Board | Chicago Tribune

Nestled in the back of a cottage in the hamlet of Richmond, Illinois, just minutes from the Wisconsin border, is a room dedicated solely to chocolate.

In this special place, on stone slabs, generations of skilled artisans hand-dip the good stuff, creating confections that rival the finest gourmet candies just about anywhere. Customers come back year after year not just for sweets, but for the feeling that some things still run on care and quality rather than volume.

Anderson’s Candy Shop has been around for more than 100 years. The business, first located on Armitage Avenue in Chicago, moved roughly 60 miles north to a popular tourist route on the way to Lake Geneva and other cheesehead holiday spots.

Katie Anderson-Tedder is the fourth generation to run the shop, which also has a smaller location in suburban Barrington. She juggles life with three kids alongside running the business and makes it look easy.

These days, it’s anything but simple.

Anderson told us this holiday season feels unusual. On the one hand, prices are high everywhere and consumers are feeling the pinch. Sure, folks are still shopping, but the average spend per customer is expected to drop 10% year over year this holiday season, according to Deloitte’s 2025 Holiday Retail Survey. Shoppers are seeking deals and discounts in the expectation that the economy is going to weaken, and even Black Friday and Cyber Monday spending is projected to decline after four years of growth, according to Deloitte.

Arthur Tedder, 5, hands a package to Xander Novak, left, as Tedder and his mom, Katie Anderson-Tedder, and his siblings arrive at the family’s candy shop, Anderson’s Candy Shop in Barrington on Nov. 26, 2025. Anderson-Tedder is co-owner of the candy shop, which has been in her family for four generations. | Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune

Yet while Anderson knows shoppers are being more frugal, she hopes there might be a silver lining for smaller shops.

Read more here.

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Welcome the Beauty of Winter in Community with Friends of the Forest Preserves

Posted in Entertainment, FPDCC, Friends of Forest Preserves, Topics Of Interest on November 29, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Open House at Beverly Lake Trailhead in Hoffman Estates on Sunday, December 7th

CHICAGO – Celebrate the winter season with Friends of the Forest Preserves (FOTFP) and Grounding with the Season, a wellness workshop led by V4ME Wellness. Cook County residents are invited to attend a free Open House at Beverly Lake Trailhead in Hoffman Estates on Sunday, December 7th from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
Activities include:
  • Mindful nature walk to connect with the landscape and embrace the season
  • Cozy bonfire to gather, reflect, and warm up together
  • Art-making and creative expression inspired by nature
  • Hands-on stewardship through invasive brush clearing and burning
  • Seasonal refreshments including roasted sweet potatoes, herbal tea, and chocolate
This event is free and open to participants ages 13 and up. Minors must be accompanied by a chaperone.
Event Details: Sunday, December 7th | 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
  • 10:00–10:45AM | Wellness Workshop with Ana Way
  • 10:45 AM–12:15 PM | Hands-on Stewardship Activity
  • 12:15–1:00 PM | Food, Fire and Reflections

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Elgin Symphony Orchestra celebrates the holidays with six concerts

Posted in Elgin Symphony Orchestra, Entertainment, Topics Of Interest on November 28, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Submitted by Donna Lake

The Elgin Symphony Orchestra is ushering in the holiday season with six holiday themed concerts. Tickets for all performances are available at ElginSymphony.org or by calling the ESO’s box office at (847) 888-4000. The box office is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Brass & Percussion

The ESO’s Brass and Percussion sections will present concerts in St. Charles, Schaumburg, and Barrington that feature favorite holiday melodies, including arrangements of “The Nutcracker,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Silent Night,” and more.

Nicholas Koos will conduct the concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at the Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1040 Dunham Road in St. Charles. Tickets are $25 or $5 for students.

ESO Music Director Chad Goodman will conduct the concert at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Worship Center, 930 W. Higgins Road in Schaumburg. Tickets are $25 or $5 for students.

A free Brass & Percussion concert led by ESO Music Director Chad Goodman will take place at St. Anne Catholic Church, 120 Ela Street, Barrington, at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7. RSVPs are requested at ElginSymphony.org.

Holiday Spectacular

A treasured tradition, the Elgin Symphony Orchestra’s festive “Holiday Spectacular” concerts will feature favorite carols with the voices of the Elgin Master Chorale, selections from “The Nutcracker” with performances by students from Integrity School of Dance, and an appearance by Santa Claus.

ESO Music Director Chad Goodman conducts the concerts, which will take place at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way in downtown Elgin. Tickets start at $20 and are available at ElginSymphony.org.

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Blacker Friday: Illinois shoppers face sales tax hit

Posted in Cost of Living, Illinois Policy Institute, Preckwinkle's Rules of Order, Springfield, Taxes on November 28, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Holiday shoppers are eager to spend this year. Illinois is overly eager to tax them.

By Jerry Barmore | Illinois Policy Institute

The 2025 holiday shopping season is expected to be strong, with 186.9 million people – 3 million more than last year’s record – planning to make purchases from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday.

While this is great news for retailers and a good sign for the economy, Illinois shoppers will see their bills padded by the nation’s seventh-highest combined state and local sales tax averaging 8.92%. Some local governments hike the sales tax well above that rate.

Chicago shoppers see a 10.25% sales tax bumping up the checkout totals on all their purchases. Chicago’s sales tax is the second highest of any major city in the nation, but it will go even higher in the New Year: 10.5%, becoming  the No. 1 sales tax in the nation as part of a transit bailout.

Illinois’ tax policies aren’t much better. They’re a drag on the state’s economy, as is shown by the state’s worsening tax competitiveness rating compared with other states. Illinois recently dropped six spots in the national rankings, losing out to 37 other states and putting in the worst performance of any state in the Midwest.

This kind of trajectory only discourages business formation and prompts families and businesses that are already here to consider leaving the state, maybe for shopping or maybe for good. Polls show voters are fed up and see high taxes as the top issue facing Illinois.

Read more here.

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Forest Preserves of Cook County November 2025 Newsletter

Posted in Crabtree Nature Center, FPDCC, Horizon Farm on November 27, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Resembling tiny gray umbrellas, pleated inkcap mushrooms can be found in grassy areas alone or in small groupings. | Pleated Inkcap Mushrooms (Parasola plicatilis), Photo by: Katy Schafer

In this Issue:

  • Forest Preserves, Partners Celebrate New Recreational Amenities at Beaubien Woods
  • Wood Ducks and the Science of Health: 40-Year Study Enters New Era
  • 2025 Photo Contest Winners Announced
  • Sharing the Grove: What to Know About Barn Swallows at Picnic Shelters
  • Discover Your Camping Adventure in the Forest Preserves; New Partnership Helps Forest Preserves, Residents Safely Dispose of Hazardous Waste; The Secret Lives of Squirrels; Illuminate Your Holidays with Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden; Learn About the Forest Preserve Foundation
  • Upcoming Events & Programs
  • Volunteer Opportunities: Calumet Seed Processing Workdays

Read more here.

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Things to do Nov. 28 to Dec. 4: Tree lightings, ‘Nutcrackers’ and more

Posted in Entertainment, Topics Of Interest on November 27, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Woodstock Lighting of the Square | Courtesy Woodstock Chamber of Commerce

By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald

Friday, Nov. 28

“A Christmas Carol”: 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 28, and continuing at 10 a.m. and noon Saturdays, Nov. 29-Dec. 27; 10 a.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, Dec. 3-18; 10 a.m. and noon Fridays, Dec. 5-26; 10 a.m. Tuesdays, Dec. 9-23; 7 p.m. Wednesdays, Dec. 10 and 17; and 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 22, at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. Set in Victorian-era London, see Charles Dickens’ classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and the spirited ghosts that visit him one fateful Christmas Eve. Presented by Drury Lane Theatre for Young Audiences. $42-$62. drurylanetheatre.com.

Happy Holiday Railway: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28; Saturdays, Nov. 29 through Dec. 20; Sundays, Nov. 30 through Dec. 21; and Monday, Dec. 22, at Illinois Railway Museum, 7000 Olson Road, Union. Take a 40-minute train ride through the winter countryside with Santa Claus and enjoy an animated light show and holiday songs. Treats and hot chocolate will be served. Quiet car #7658 will feature traditional lights and decorations. Also, see the holiday lights throughout the campus, including the animated snowplow display and holiday light tour in Barn 6, available for viewing day or night. Rides on historic Chicago streetcars included with ticket. Trips at 11:30 a.m., 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 4, 5 and 6 p.m.; arrive 30 minutes early. Opening weekend includes a fireworks display at 5:45 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Nov. 28-30, weather dependent. $25. Tickets: irm.org/event/happy-holiday-railway/.

See 3.5 million twinkling LED lights at Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s Holiday Magic. | Courtesy of Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s Holiday Magic: 3-9 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Nov. 28-30, and Dec. 4-7, 11-14, 18-21 and 26-31 and Jan. 1-4, at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. Lights festival featuring 3.5 million twinkling LED lights, a giant light-up maze, interactive light displays, light tunnels, a twinkling star walk-through experience, a Holiday Dolphin Show, Santa visits on select nights, and a holiday market. Sensory-friendly Dec. 4. $20.95-$34.95. brookfieldzoo.org/HolidayMagic.

Woodstock Lighting of the Square: 4-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, in historic Woodstock Square. Holiday carolers, kids’ activities and more. At 7 p.m., see the lighting of tens of thousands of twinkling lights illuminating park trees and Square buildings. Plus, the annual Opera House Christmas Tree Walk opens featuring dozens of trees decorated by area organizations. Santa arrives before the lighting ceremony to greet children and take photos. Free. woodstockil.gov.

Arlington Heights Tree Lighting: 4:30-6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, at North School Park, Arlington Heights Road and Eastman Street, Arlington Heights. Holiday-inspired music, dance performances, hot cocoa and treats. Join the countdown to flip the switch to turn on over 80,000 lights. There will be a countdown at Harmony Park with live reindeer, ice carving and more. Trolleys with Dickensian characters will loop between the two parks. Free. ahpd.org

Schaumburg Tree Lighting Ceremony: 6-8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. Visit with Santa, caroling, entertainment and refreshments. Free. prairiecenter.org.

Libertyville’s annual tree-lighting ceremony takes place Friday, Nov. 28, in Cook Memorial Park. | Daily Herald file photo, 2023

Libertyville Tree Lighting: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, in Cook Memorial Park, 413 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. Festivities begin at 6:30 p.m., with the tree lighting at 7 p.m. Free. mainstreetlibertyville.org

Festival of Lights Parade: 7-9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, in downtown Crystal Lake. The parade theme, “Twinkling Lights & Candy Delights,” kicks off the season with Christmas Tree Lane transforming Brink and Grant streets into a winter wonderland with trees decorated by local clubs and organizations. On Luminary Nights from 5-8 p.m. Thursdays, Dec. 5-19, meet Santa, sip cocoa and walk the downtown streets lit by luminary candles. downtowncl.org.

“It’s A Wonderful Christmas Carol”: 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29; and 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30, at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock. Theatre 121’s world premiere of this new holiday play, written by local playwrights Joel Bennett and Jeff Cook, blends the charm of “It’s a Wonderful Life” with the spirit of “A Christmas Carol.” $17-$35. theatre121.org.

Saturday, Nov. 29

Run Fox Run 5K: 8-10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, at Fox Run, 333 Plum Grove Road, Elk Grove Village. Run or walk. Registration required. $25. elkgroveparks.org.

“Elf — The Musical”: 1:30 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, and 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30, at Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine. Musical based on the hit movie. $13-$30. cuttinghall.org

The Vienna Boys Choir performs “Christmas in Vienna” at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, at the Chicago Symphony Center. | Courtesy of Lukas Beck

Vienna Boys Choir’s “Christmas in Vienna”: 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, at the Chicago Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. The Vienna Boys Choir performs Austrian folk songs, classical masterpieces, popular songs and holiday favorites. Tickets start at $39. cso.org.

Vernon Hills’ Holiday Light Celebration: 4:30-5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, at Century Park, 1001 Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills. See the lighting of the Village Tree, Menorah and Kwanzaa displays. Free. vernonhills.org.

Light Up The Garden: 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, at Bridges Beer Garden, 1400 Poplar Creek Drive, Hoffman Estates. Carolers, hot cocoa and more. Free. heparks.org

Guitarra Azul: 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, at Bethel United Church of Christ, 315 E. St. Charles Road, Elmhurst. Rumba flamenca and Latin jazz with percussion and fiery Spanish guitars. $28.52-$39.19. Tickets: musicatbethel.com/.

Heartache Tonight: 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Eagles tribute. Tickets start at $44. rauecenter.org.

Mayor David Kaptain, left, and Santa Claus get the festivities started during last year’s Tree Lighting Ceremony in Elgin. This year’s event is Saturday, Nov. 29. | Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com

Elgin Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, at DuPage Court, Elgin. Holiday Cheers Beverage Crawl from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., photos with Santa from 10-11:30 a.m., Holiday Trolley from noon to 5 p.m., Santa’s Workshop from 1-3 p.m., Storytime with Susie Claus from 2-4 p.m., and carolers from 3-5 p.m. Tree lighting at 5 p.m., when Mayor David Kaptain and Santa Claus will switch on the holiday lights. The tree will remain lit through Jan. 12. elginil.gov/2499/Winter-Holiday-Events.

Sunday, Nov. 30

Bloomingdale Maker’s Market: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30, in the parking lot of Old Town, Third and Franklin streets, Bloomingdale. Rain or shine. Features local vendors (home decor, jewelry, blankets, clothes and more), entertainment, food trucks and more. facebook.com/thebloomingdalemakersmarket.

Nurtured by Nature: 10-11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 30, at Raceway Woods Forest Preserve, 17N702 Western Ave., Carpentersville. Incorporates gentle stretching, deep breathing and a focus on awareness during gentle hikes designed to nurture the mind and body. For ages 18 and older. Free. Registration is required. kaneforest.com

Itasca Winter Wonderland Holiday Lighting and Market: 2-6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30, along South Walnut Street, between West Grove Street and West Bloomingdale Road, Itasca. From 2-6 p.m., the Holiday Market will be offering handcrafted gifts and seasonal treats. From 4-6 p.m., watch performances by the Holiday Dickens Carolers and the Inner Prestige Dance Team as Santa, Mrs. Claus and their Holiday Friends arrive. Plus, hot chocolate and cookies and photos with Santa. Thousands of twinkling lights and displays will illuminate the park nightly through Jan. 15. Free admission; donate a new, unwrapped toy for Toys For Tots or a nonperishable food item for Itasca Food Pantry. itascaparkdistrict.com.

Tuesday, Dec. 2

Flute Choir Christmas Mini-Concert: 10:30-11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, at the Armerding Center for Music and the Arts lobby, 520 E. Kenilworth Ave., Wheaton. Hosted by Wheaton College Conservatory of Music. Free. wheaton.edu/calendar-of-events/.

“Elf The Musical”: 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, and 1 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 2-14; plus 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, and 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, at The Auditorium, 50 E. Congress Pkwy., Chicago. Tickets start at $55.35. auditoriumtheatre.org.

MCC Guitar Ensemble and String Ensembles Concert: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, at McHenry County College, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake. Free. mchenry.edu/events/.

“Home for the Holidays: An Evening With Levi Kreis”: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, and 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. Tony Award-winner Levi Kreis blends jazz, soul and rockabilly Christmas classics and holiday favorites. $40. metropolisarts.com

Pentatonix will bring their “Christmas in the City Tour” to the Allstate Arena in Rosemont Tuesday, | Dec. 2. AP, 2024

Pentatonix: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, at the Allstate Arena, 6920 Mannheim Road, Rosemont. “Christmas in the City Tour.” Tickets start at $52.50. rosemont.com/allstate

Wednesday, Dec. 3

Luminaria Walk: 4:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, Dec. 3-6, at Veteran Acres, 431 N. Walkup, Crystal Lake. Stroll the lit trail through Veteran Acres. On Saturday, Dec. 6, there will be campfires, hot cocoa, cookies, Candy Cane Forest and Mrs. Claus. $1 per person or $5 per family donation appreciated, which go to future Nature Center education programs. crystallakeparks.org/special-events.

Stargazing Party: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, at Peck Farm Park Orientation Barn, 4038 Kaneville Road, Geneva. Fox Valley Astronomical Society hosts a short discussion, then heads outside to discover the stars, sky and planets through their giant telescope. If there’s heavy cloud cover, the stargazing will be canceled, but the lecture will be held. Dress for the weather. No registration required. Free. genevaparks.org.

“Christmas Together”: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, at the Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. With Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and CeCe Winans. Tickets start at $64.45. rosemont.com/theatre

ECC Concert Band: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, at ECC Blizzard Theater, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Under the direction of Greg Matushek, the band celebrates tradition with a modern twist. $10-$12. eccartscenter.org

Thursday, Dec. 4

See community-decorated trees in Elmhurst’s Wilder Park during the village’s tree lighting, which takes place Thursday, Dec. 4. | Daily Herald file photo, 2019

Elmhurst Tree Lighting in Wilder Park: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, at Wilder Park, 175 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. Elmhurst Park District kicks off the holiday season with the lighting of the community trees surrounding the park. Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, meet-and-greet with Mickey and Minnie Mouse, holiday carnival games, live reindeer and festive onstage performances. Inside the mansion, cookies, ornament craft and story time. Food trucks include Sugar Mama’s Mini Donuts and Travelin’ Toms Mobile Coffee Truck. Wilder Park’s south parking lot and the Alexander lot at Elmhurst University will be open for parking. epd.org/news/tree-lighting-wilder-park

Rolling Meadows Holiday Celebration: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, at the city hall lobby and parking lot, 3600 Kirchoff Road, Rolling Meadows. Tree lighting, Santa visit, Plum Grove Middle School choir and DJ Jules, free goodies and hot cocoa for kids, while supplies last. Free. cityrm.org.

“A Cripple Creek Christmas Carol”: 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4; 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. A fresh take on Dickens’ classic by Raue Center School for the Arts students and adults. $10.50-$40. rauecenter.org.

Elgin Sing-Along Messiah: 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, at Second Baptist Church, 1280 Summit St., Elgin. Annual community sing-along of selections from Handel’s “Messiah.” Showcasing Elgin-area musicians and vocalists from Elgin Symphony Orchestra, Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra, Midwest Opera Theatre and Elgin Master Chorale. Proceeds benefit Well Child Center. No experience necessary; chorus scores available at the door. $7, free for kids 12 and younger. elginsing-alongmessiah.org

MCC Concert Choir and Chamber Ensembles Concert: 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, at McHenry County College, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake. Free. mchenry.edu/events.

Schaumburg Dance Ensemble will perform “The Nutcracker” Thursdays through Sundays, Dec. 4-14, at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts in Schaumburg. | Daily Herald file photo, 2021

“The Nutcracker”: 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and 1 and 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 4-14, at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. The Schaumburg Dance Ensemble’s 30th production of the holiday classic. Tickets: $35-$50. prairiecenter.org.

ECC Steel Bands: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, at ECC Blizzard Theater, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Under the direction of Scott McConnell, the band performs an eclectic mix of calypso, reggae, rock and more. $10-$12. eccartscenter.org

Kenny G in “The Miracles Holiday & Hits Tour”: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Holiday hits and fan favorites. $88.75-$138.75. arcadalive.com

Ongoing

Long Grove Vintage Holidays: Through Wednesday, Dec. 24, in downtown Long Grove. Horse-drawn carriage rides on weekends, Santa in the village, caroling around town and more. Most events are free; reservations for carriage rides are $15 per seat. longgrove.org/festival/holiday-season

Dinovember: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily through Nov. 30 at Randall Oaks Zoo, 1180 N. Randall Road, West Dundee. Learn about dinosaurs at 1:30 p.m. daily during the Dino-keeper Chat. Plus, embark on the Dinosaur Scavenger Hunt; complete it and claim a prize at the gift shop. $6; free for kids 1 and younger or U.S. military with ID. dtpd.org/dinovember.

McHenry Festival of Trees: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 28 at McHenry City Hall, 333 S. Green St., McHenry, and 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 28 at McHenry Rec Center, 3716 Municipal Drive, McHenry. See decorated trees sponsored by local businesses and civic organizations. Vote for a favorite tree with a donation of canned nonperishable food or toiletries for Veteran’s Path to Hope. facebook.com/mchenryareachamber

Christmas Around the World & Holidays of Lights: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through Jan. 5 at The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. The museum’s annual celebration features a four-story, floor-to-dome Grand Tree surrounded by a forest of more than 50 trees and displays decorated to represent the holiday traditions from cultures around the globe. Museum admission: adults $25.95; kids 3-11 $14.95; free for members. griffinmsi.org

Illumination: Tree Lights: Time slots between 4:30 and 8 p.m. through Jan. 3 at The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Displays of lights and music that highlight the beauty of trees in winter. Roast marshmallows for s’mores and enjoy a hot seasonal beverage from the concession tents along the trail. Illumination Dog Admission Nights on Wednesdays, Dec. 3-17. Electric Illumination for 21 and older from 4:30-9:30 p.m. Dec. 5, 12 and 19. The exhibition is closed select Mondays and Tuesdays and on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Tickets start at $20. mortonarb.org.

Harry Potter — A Forbidden Forest Experience: Time slots start at 4:30 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays through Jan. 3 at the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago’s Camp Duncan, 32405 N. U.S. Hwy. 12, Ingleside. Lights transform the landscape into a magical outdoor trail featuring creatures from the “Harry Potter” and “Fantastic Beasts” films. A themed village at the end of the trail offers food and drink (Butterbeer) and a gift shop. Tickets start at $31 for kids 3-12 and $46 for adults. HPForbiddenForestExperience.com.

Lightscape: 4:30-9:15 p.m. select dates through Jan. 4 at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Take a nighttime stroll through illuminated displays. Adults: $26 for members, $29 for nonmembers; kids 3-12: $14 members, $16 nonmembers; free for kids 2 and younger. chicagobotanic.org/lightscape.

ZooLights: Time slots start at 4:30 p.m. select dates through Jan. 4 at Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St., Chicago. Features more than 3 million lights, including hundreds of luminous LED displays and festive experiences. $7-$12; free on select Mondays. lpzoo.org/event/zoolights

Santa’s Rock N Lights: Time slots vary by day but usually start at 4:45 or 5 p.m. and end at 9 or 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Nov. 28-30, and Tuesdays through Sundays, Dec. 3-31, plus Mondays, Dec. 22 and 29, at the Kane County Cougars Stadium, 34W002 Cherry Lane, Geneva, and 3900 N. Rockwell St., Chicago. Drive-through light show featuring a mile of lights that dance in sync with music in larger-than-life displays. $29.99-$49.99 per car. santasrocknlights.com.

“A Christmas Carol”: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 28 through Dec. 21, and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 23-24, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. Charles Dickens’ tale of redemption, generosity and hope. $20-$49. metropolisarts.com.

“A Christmas Carol”: Various times and days through Dec. 31 at the Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. Charles Dickens’ classic holiday story. Tickets start at $34. goodmantheatre.org.

“A Christmas Carol — A Live Radio Play”: Various times Fridays through Sundays, with select Wednesdays and Thursdays, through Dec. 28 at Oil Lamp Theater, 1723 Glenview Road, Glenview. Return to WBFR Studios on Christmas Eve in 1946 and follow Ebenezer Scrooge on his journey to find the true spirit of the holiday season, complete with live sound effects, radio jingles and more. $55. oillamptheater.org.

McHenry Holiday Scavenger Hunt: Through Dec. 12. Help Santa find his lost reindeer by looking for them at local stores in McHenry. Present your completed card at the McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce by Dec. 12 to pick a treat from the treasure chest and the chance to win a door prize. facebook.com/mchenryareachamber.

“Million Dollar Quartet Christmas”: Various times most Wednesdays through Sundays and some Tuesdays through Jan. 4 at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Christmas musical in which Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley come together to celebrate the holidays at Sun Records studio. Tickets start at $70. marriotttheatre.com.

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Family launches fundraiser for woman set on fire on CTA Blue Line

Posted in Chicago Sun*Times, Crime, Fundraisers on November 26, 2025| Leave a Comment »

The family of a 26-year-old woman attacked and set on fire on a CTA Blue Line train Nov. 17 has started a GoFundMe to help with her recovery. | GoFundMe

The 26-year-old woman suffered severe burns after the Nov. 17 attack near the CTA Clark and Lake station. The fundraiser had raised nearly $230,000 as of Wednesday afternoon.

By  Sun-Times Wire

The family of a 26-year-old woman attacked on a Blue Line train this month has launched a fundraiser as she faces “a long road ahead” toward her recovery.

Bethany MaGee is being treated at a hospital for severe burns she suffered when a man poured gasoline on her and set her on fire Nov. 17 near the CTA Clark and Lake station, according to the GoFundMe and prosecutors.

The fundraiser had collected nearly $230,000 as of Wednesday afternoon, more than halfway toward its $330,000 goal.

“Many of her immediate medical expenses are covered by insurance and a victims fund, but with such a long road ahead of her, the freedom from financial worries would be a tremendous blessing,” her family said in the fundraiser post. “No gifts are expected, but any that are given will go directly to Bethany.”

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Change.org Petition: “For the Resignation of Erin Chan Ding ~ D220 Resources are Not for Political Campaigns”

Posted in 220, Barrington Education Association, Deception, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Ethics, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Illinois State Board of Elections, Politics, Property Taxes, School Districts, Taxes, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on November 26, 2025| 1 Comment »

In the wake of all of the controversy surrounding Erin Chan Ding and the D220 Board of Education, a petition has been started calling for the resignation of Chan Ding from her school board position. A link to the petition is posted for any interested in signing or sharing it. The petition reads:

“As a resident of Barrington, IL, I am deeply concerned about the actions of one of our School Board members, Erin Chan Ding, who has admitted to violating School Board policy, using her position for personal gain and political leverage. Her recent activities have raised eyebrows in our community, as it seems she is prioritizing her run for the Democratic candidate for State Representative of the 52nd District over her duties and responsibilities to our children and community. The Board has already voted that she has flagrantly violated School Board policy.

School Board members should exemplify unbiased dedication to the educational needs and welfare of our students. However, it has come to light that this individual is leveraging her role for publicity to further her political career, diverting attention from our District’s educational priorities. Our students deserve leaders who are fully committed to their well-being, not those looking for personal advancement or caught in political machinations.

Evidence of this misuse includes multiple occasions where she solicited petition signatures during school events in violation of Board policies. She was warned by the Board President in July of the violations and her need to adhere to Board policies and she agreed to do so. Despite these admonitions and Chan Ding’s agreement to adhere to policy in July, she’s continued to repeatedly violate policy. The Board voted for remedial training as the consequence for her violations. This is not an acceptable response to her conscious decision to repeatedly violate the very policies she presided over as one of the 2 Board members on the Policy Committee; particularly where Chan Ding was warned by Board President Bradford publicly at the July Board meeting of the violations but continued violations despite the public admonitions.

Chan Ding’s interests align more with her political campaigning ambitions than with School Board responsibilities. Furthermore, decisions made on critical educational issues are now being scrutinized for potential conflicts of interest influenced by her political agenda. This is not the kind of behavior we can afford to permit, as it undermines the trust and integrity essential to governing bodies like our Board of Education.

Removing this member will not only help restore the Board’s focus on its core mission but also sends a clear message that our community will not stand for misconduct or exploitation of elected positions for ulterior motives. It’s crucial that our School Board reflects the best interests of our students and maintains an unwavering commitment to their education and growth.

Join me in calling for the removal of Chan Ding to ensure our Board remains a place for sincere, student-centered service. Let’s protect the integrity of Barrington’s educational system and hold our officials accountable. Sign this petition today to take a stand for our schools and community.”

View and sign the petition here.

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