Community News
Former Benld resident may underwrite Civic Center renovation
The Benld Civic Center may be in line for a major facelift, members of the Benld City Council were told Monday night during the council’s regular monthly meeting.
Appearing before the council, retired Community Unit School District 7 administrator Ed Saracco said he recently was contacted by Rick DeStefane, who grew up in Benld and graduated from CUSD 7 in 1976, with an offer to pay for one or more civic projects in Benld. Saracco said his first suggestion to DeStephane was a landscaping project at the city library. Bids were secured and came in at $7,800.
“He said that sounded good to him and wrote a check for $7,800,” Saracco said. “Then he said, ‘What else can we do?’.”
The Civic Center is in need of renovation, Saracco said, and DeStefane has agreed to explore the option as a possibility for his investment in the community. DeStefane will have final approval on the scope of the project based upon the amount of money he is willing to donate.
To facilitate the planning process, the council voted unanimously to all photos and biographies of Benld military veterans to be “respectfully removed” to be housed at the city library, contingent upon the renovation projection going forward. Scores of 8-by-10-inch photos and biographies line the Civic Center walls. The project to collect and display photos of Benld veterans was spearheaded by the late Bill Frensko in connection with the 2004 Benld Centennial.
“I know a lot of people love the pictures but they’re not conducive to wedding receptions and such because you can’t put up decorations,” Saracco said. “If you can’t agree to removing the pictures, the project is dead. Rick said he’s not going to pay for it if the pictures are still on the walls.”
Saracco said he wanted to dispel the rumor that the photos would end up “in a box in a closet.”
“That’s not going to happen,” he said. “My dad is on that wall.” Saracco said the plan is to place the photos and biographies in protective plastic sleeves which will be collected into binders in alphabetical order. The binders would then be accessible to library patrons, along with veteran-related materials currently in storage at the library. Saracco said the arrangement, which the library board has agreed to, will make the materials more accessible to the public and will protect the photos from fading as a result of being exposed to light.
Apart from authorizing the removal of the photos, the council’s role in the project will be determining the scope of the project. Saracco said he would serve as a project manager on behalf of DeStefane, He said he would like to consult with the city’s engineers on developing the project specifications, and indicated Ald. John Balzraine, City Property Chair, will act as his liaison with the council.
Tentative plans for the project include patching and repainting the east and west walls once the veteran photos are removed. A paneled wall at the south end of the room would be replaced with a plastered wall to match the rest of the room. The bar, kitchen and both bathrooms would be completely gutted and remodeled. Bathrooms would be made ADA-compliant, as well as entry and exit doors. A “smoke-eater” that is no longer used would be removed from the ceiling and a new ceiling would be installed.
Once the scope of the project is established and bids are secured, DeStefane would have the final say on whether or not to proceed. City Attorney Rick Verticchio recommended asking DeStefane to write a check for the total project before proceeding, then holding that money in an escrow account from which to pay the bills as they accrue. Verticchio also said DeStefane will be exempt from the city’s prevailing wage ordinance since he is not using taxpayer money to pay for the work.
Mayor Jim Kelly said the city engineer has already provided a copy of building codes applicable to the project.
“I think this will make the Civic Center much more appealing for wedding receptions and maybe even baby showers,” Saracco said. He said the project should increase revenue for the city by increasing the frequency the facility is rented out for private parties, and he suggested the city may even want to increase the rental rate once the facility is improved.
“I really appreciate Rick’s offer to help the city out,” Ald. Lance Cooper commented, adding that the project has his “total support.”
ALD. FRENSKO RESIGNS
City aldermen voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Ald. Brian Frensko, effective immediately. In his letter of resignation, Frensko cited his work schedule and personal issues as reasons for leaving the council. He has been absent from regular meetings of the council for several months.
Persons interested in filling Frensko’s seat on the council should contact Mayor Jim Kelly, who will make the appointment, subject to council approval. Applicants must be residents of Ward 1. The appointee will finish the remainder of Frensko’s term which is due to expire in April 2023.
Frensko originally was appointed to fill a vacancy on the council and was elected to a two-year unexpired term in 2013. He was re-elected in 2015 and 2019.
BUILD BENLD MURAL PROJECT APPROVED
Council members also gave permission for the Build Benld organization to use one exterior wall at City Hall and one at the Post Office/Police Department for a pair of wall murals. Build Benld will contract with Sign Magic, Bethalto, to create and install the murals with the city to have final approval on wording. The estimated cost of $3,300 will be paid by Build Benld, and work on the project is expected to begin by mid-September.
The murals are intended to create a focus for future streetscape improvement projects planned for the downtown area.
GIMA PROPERTY SALE APPROVED
Following a 15-minute executive session to discuss legal issues and personnel, the council voted to accept an offer from Robert McLain to pay $500, plus delinquent property taxes, to acquire the so-called Gima Property at 207 South Seventh Street.
The council also voted to pay delinquent taxes on nuisance properties acquired by the city at 202 East Central Avenue and 303 South Seventh Street.
The council referred to the City Attorney resolution of employment status for former Benld Police Chief James Zirkelbach. Zirkelbach transferred to the Maintenance Department after the Police Department was dissolved but has been off the job for several months due to health issues. The City Attorney is expected to research and advise the city and Zirkelbach on whether he should resign or be given a leave of absence.
Council members tabled action on renewing the employee health insurance policy pending the outcome of negotiations between Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Springfield Clinic.
CITIZEN COMPLAINTS
Karen Dmytryk, Stephanie Skeldon and Anastasia Skeldon appeared before the council to demand that the council “do something” about groundhogs they say are damaging their property. Dmytryk said the rodents are burrowing on her property, causing damage to the foundation of her home. She claimed the animals are coming from a nearby ditch and may be using drainage lines to move from place to place.
“They’re on your property,” she insisted. “They’re your problem.”
Mayor Kelly suggested that the women contact a commercial wildlife removal professional, but all three said removing the pests were the city’s responsibility.
“If you had termites in your house, you wouldn’t expect the city to take care of them,” Kelly explained, to which the women responded that the groundhogs go back to city property when they aren’t on private land.
On Verticchio’s recommendation, Kelly agreed to contact Macoupin County Animal Control to see if they can remove the animals or determine who has responsibility for removing them.
The council also heard from Gerald and Ann Lotter who engaged in a sometimes heated discussion over an ordinance violation citation they allegedly received for owning a dog running at large. Ann Lotter said the officer who issued the citation cited Gillespie’s ordinance on the ticket instead of Benld. Gerald Lotter said he was served with the citation even though he is not the owner of record for the house.
Verticchio said the matter is set for court and that the Letters would have an opportunity to explain their concerns to a judge.
“Maybe I should sue you for wrongful arrest,” an agitated Gerald Lotter said.
“Go right ahead,” said Verticchio, “Your suit will be dismissed and some lawyer, who is a friend of mine, will make money from you.”
Tim DalPozzo appeared before the council to read an extensive complaint alleging the city’s building codes were improperly approved and are being selectively enforced by the city’s Ordinance Enforcement Officer. He said the officer lacks required credentials to act as a building inspector, but Verticchio noted the city has a licensed building inspector and the officer issues citations on the basis of building inspector reports.
DalPozzo alleged the city failed to do a background check on the current Ordinance Officer, claiming the office had six lawsuits filed against him in connection with his work for the Alton Police Department.
“Nobody looked at his background,” he said. “I guess you just gave him a list of people you don’t like.”
Verticchio said DalPozzo is a defendant in a nuisance property case but recently was ordered not to “set foot on the property because he doesn’t own it.”
DalPozzo said he has a canceled check for the property purchase and that his lawyer is working on resolving the recording of the deed. In the meantime, he said, the city should “do a complete overhaul” on how it approves property ordinances.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Accepted the resignation of Beverly Gibson from the Library Board of Trustees, and approved the Mayor’s appointment of Cathy Barylske to fill the vacancy.
- Voted to spend $1,798 for concrete pads at Veterans Park to secure picnic tables. Build Benld is contributing $500 toward the project.
- Approved expenditure $580 for new doors recently installed by Darrell Osborne at the Police Station.
- Approved an annually required prevailing wage ordinance which requires the city to hire only contractors who pay their employees prevailing wages as determined by the Department of Labor.
- Received notice that oiling and chipping of streets included in this year’s Motor Fuel Tax program will take place on Sept. 15, with a rain date of Sept. 16.
- Heard a report indicating that the water tower has been cleaned and inspected, and fire hydrant flushing will be scheduled after Gillespie flushes its water system.
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Ye Olde Christmas is the theme of the Macoupin County Historical Society’s annual Christmas Show, which will be held Friday through Sunday, December 5–7, at the John C. Anderson Home and Museum, 920 West Breckenridge in Carlinville.
“The Christmas Show is one of the most magical times to visit the Anderson Home,” said MCHS Board Member and House Manager Brandy England. “Some families make it an annual Christmas tradition to visit the Anderson Home when it is decorated for Christmas. It’s a great opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit and pick up some ideas for decorating your own home for the holidays.”
MCHS member Kendra Mize, of Bunker Hill, who has coordinated the decorating effort for more than two decades, has again marshalled a small army of volunteers to decorate all 13 rooms of the home. Each room features a themed Christmas tree, along with mantle pieces, centerpieces, tabletop decor, garlands and florals, and other special touches.
The home will be open for self-guided tours from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, December 5; from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, December 6; and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 7.
“We’re very excited to offer for the first time candlelight tours from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday,” said Shawna Ashby, who serves as a co-manager with England. “Viewing the decorated home by candlelight promises to be a magical experience.”
The final candlelight tours on Friday and Saturday start at 7:30 p.m. Admission to the home is five dollars for adults and one dollar for children ages five to 12, with four-year-olds and younger admitted free of charge.
The Anderson Home Gift Shop will be open during tour hours, offering one-of-a-kind gift items and stocking stuffers. Santa Claus will be on hand in the downstairs parlor to greet children and listen to their Christmas wishes from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 6.
While the decorated home is the centerpiece of the Christmas Show, several other features on the Historical Society’s grounds will be open. The Red Barn will be open and serving hearty beef stew, chili, homemade pies, and warming holiday beverages such as wassail and hot chocolate on Friday and Saturday.
The General Store and Print Shop will be decorated and open to the public, with the Print Shop offering its popular handmade Christmas cards and other items produced in the shop; kids can print their own blank “Santa List” to keep track of their Christmas wishes.
“The General Store offers unique gift items, including some small antiques, for shoppers to peruse,” England noted.
Local blacksmiths will demonstrate their craft in the MCHS Blacksmith Shop located on the north side of the Historical Society Grounds, with wrought iron gift items, including stocking hooks and decorative pieces, available for purchase.
The Macoupin County Historical Society’s Christmas Show runs concurrently with the Carlinville Christmas Market and Downtown Christmas events, and a free trolley and shuttle buses include the Anderson Home as a regular stop during the festivals, enabling visitors to ride from the square or the Macoupin County Fairgrounds to the Historical Society grounds.
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Members of the Community Unit School District 7 Board of Education on Monday night voted to approve a property tax levy request totaling $3,920,295 for 2025 property taxes payable in 2026. Because of tax caps and other factors, however, the district expects to collect only an estimated $3,786,607 of the requested amount.
In addition to acting on the tax levy, the board also held a lengthy discussion regarding annual district “report cards” issued by the Illinois State Board of Education to assess school performance from last year, approved a high school band/choir performance trip to Chicago in March, and agreed to apply for a school maintenance grant of up to $50,000 in matching funds.
The new proposed levy exceeds last year’s tax extension of $3,599,569 by more than $320,726—an increase of about nine percent if the levy were to be approved at the county level. The more realistic anticipation of $3,786,607 exceeds last year’s extension by $187,038, or an increase of about three percent. A Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL), approved by Macoupin County voters in 1995, restricts increases in the levy to five percent or the federal Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is less. This year’s CPI is estimated at 2.9 percent.
The approved levy seeks $1,650,000 for the Education Fund while expecting to realize $1,653,831; $450,229 for Operations & Maintenance, while anticipating $438,041; $200,000 for Transportation while expecting $180,434; $35,000 for Working Cash while expecting $42,602; $174,700 for the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund while anticipating $117,788; $154,101 for Social Security while expecting $105, 248; $247,264 for Tort while anticipating $240,570; and $33,501 for Special Education while expecting $32,593. For Bond and Interest, which is not subject to PTELL, the district is levying $975,500 while anticipating the same amount.
Local property tax revenue accounts for about 20 percent of the district’s overall annual budget.
Because the levy request exceeds 105 percent of the previous year’s extension, a public hearing is required. That hearing is scheduled at the start of the board’s regular December meeting at 6 p.m., Monday, Dec. 15. In the meantime, the proposed levy is available for public inspection on the district’s website and in the district office.
Using a PowerPoint presentation, Owsley emphasized the levy request is essentially a wish list for what the district would like to raise through property taxes.
“The levy is the ‘Christmas list’ I talk about every year,” Owsley said. “If you don’t put it on the list, you’re not going to get it.”
Projecting what the district can legally seek under tax caps can be challenging because the district’s total equalized assessed valuation will not be confirmed until after Jan. 1 while state law requires the district to file its levy request before the end of December. For that reason, local school districts routinely file requests that exceed what they actually expect to receive in property tax revenue, and rely on the County Clerk to adjust the request to the maximum amount the district can receive.
“Because of tax caps, we have one shot to capture increases in the EAV and new construction,” Owsley said. “If we don’t do that, we lose it in perpetuity.”
To calculate the new levy, Owsley projected a 15.12 percent increase in the EAV—nearly double the previous year’s rate of increase. By overestimating the EAV growth, the district expects to capture the entire increase in assessed valuation when that number is finally determined.
“Even though we know the EAV will likely be around the historical average, we base our levy on a much higher amount so as not to lose revenue from new growth,” Owsley told the board. “We can do this without running the risk of overtaxing taxpayers because the district will receive no more than what we are entitled to by law.”
Owsley said relatively stable increases in EAV have resulted in a steadily declining tax rate. Since 2014 when the rate was $4.24 per $100 in EAV, the rate has fallen to $3.20 for 2024. In other words, the county can use a lower rate to generate the extension to which the district is entitled because the value of taxable property has increased.
“As long as the EAV goes up by more than the Consumer Price Index, our tax rates are going to go down,” Owsley noted.
SCHOOL DISTRICT REPORT CARDS
The board spent several minutes discussing recently released school report cards issued by the Illinois State Board of Education. Interested persons can view local report cards by visiting https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/.
All three attendance centers received a “Commendable” designation, meaning there are no student groups that are underperforming academically, and the high school graduation rate exceeds 67 percent. Last year, BenGil Elementary School achieved an “Exemplary” designation—the top designation a school can achieve.
Elementary Principal Angela Sandretto said administrators knew the school would not earn an Exemplary rating, even though students are state average in English/language arts, math and science. The Report Card designations are based on growth rather than academic performance. With students already exceeding state standards last year, the opportunity for growth was limited.
Assistant Principal Tara Cooper agreed, noting BenGil Elementary’s student performance is in the upper half of schools statewide that are meeting academic standards. “So, while we are not ‘Exemplary,’ we’re very happy with where we are.”
Supt. Owsley told the board the State Board of Education is working on revamping the assessment system because of the growth vs. performance issue. “That’s why they’re redoing all of this because they are penalizing schools for meeting goals,” he said.
For Gillespie Middle School, the report card shows students meeting or exceeding state averages in math and science but significantly lagging in English/language arts.
“ELA is our most concerning area,” Principal Patrick McGinthy told the board, “along with absenteeism.” The report card shows a chronic absenteeism rate of 25 percent, but Owsley and other administrators said the rate is exacerbated by the State Board of Education including nearly all absences whether or not they are excused.
Rosentreter noted the State Board will allow a student to be absent five days for illness without a doctor’s excuse. On the sixth day, however, the absence is unexcused unless the parent or guardian provides a doctor’s slip. Many parents, however, are reluctant to pay for a doctor’s visit for a child that is suffering from a minor illness.
McGinthy said Middle School teachers are attempting to address the deficiency in English/language arts by increasing writing exercises and requiring students to write in conjunction with other curriculum areas.
Rosentreter noted that the assessment standards for high schools differ from the standards for elementary and middle schools in that the State Board emphasizes graduation rates. For Gillespie, the graduation rate is an impressive 86 percent, though chronic absenteeism checks in at 31 percent.
“Math is definitely our shining star,” Rosentreter said, noting the school scored 17.8 points compared with the state average of 18. The school performed less well in the areas of English/language arts and science, scoring 16 points on ELA compared with the state score of 18 and 17.2 points compared with the state average of 19.
The report cards are based on results for the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) test for elementary and middle school students, and ACT scores for high school students.
Administrators said it’s difficult to motivate students to do well on state-mandated tests since the tests do not affect the student’s grade point average. To incentivize testing, Rosentreter said the high school is offering to let students skip final exams if they hit state standards on the mandated tests.
Owsley noted that the district report card documents the continuing decline in school enrollment—dropping from 1,325 seven years ago to 1,082 for the 2024-25 academic year.
“We don’t see that turning around anytime soon,” Owsley said. “It’s not just a Gillespie thing; it’s a trend for schools throughout Macoupin County.
BAND/CHOIR TRIP TO CHICAGO
Following a presentation by band/choir instructor Brad Taulbee, the board approved a high school band and choir performance tour to Chicago set for March 19-21. Taulbee said the tour company retained for the trip places emphasis on security and safety for traveling students. The company supplements hotel security with its own security personnel to monitor student rooms during the trip.
The tour includes workshop sessions at Vandercook College in downtown Chicago, and performances by the choir at the John Hancock Center and by the band at one of the city’s museums.
Taulbee said he is attempting to keep the cost affordable for participating students. Depending upon the number of students who ultimately go on the trip, he said he expects the cost to be about $739 per person. Additionally, he is lining up sponsors who can help with expenses for students who could not otherwise afford to participate.
“Security is my main concern,” said Board President Mark Hayes. “We just came back from there and seven people were shot in the area we were in.”
Taulbee said he expects to recruit seven to 10 chaperones and will ensure that the ratio of students to chaperones does not exceed 1:10.
SCHOOL MAINTENANCE GRANT
The board concurred with Supt. Owsley’s recommendation to again apply for a state School Maintenance grant of up to $50,000. The grant is a “matching” grant requiring the district to match grant funds dollar for dollar. The district has successfully applied for the grant for the past several years.
If the application is successful, Owsley said the funds will likely be used to remove asbestos-containing floor tiles in the choir room and elsewhere in the Middle School.
PERSONNEL
Following an executive session of about 40 minutes to discuss personnel and other issues, the board voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Tim Wargo as an assistant high school baseball coach and post the position as vacant, and voted to appoint Wargo as the head high school baseball coach for the coming season.
In separate actions, the board approved maternity leaves for Alexis Lupkey, district paraprofessional, and Gear-Up Coordinator Jordan Bartok. Lupkey’s leave is tentatively scheduled from Dec. 8 through March 18. Bartok’s leave is expected from Dec. 12 through Jan.6.
Board members voted unanimously to hire Christopher Whaley as a substitute bus driver, pending a routine background check and documentation of certification.
The board also voted unanimously to terminate Makayla Huff as a three-hour cook and post the position as vacant.
On a motion by Bill Carter, seconded by Weye Schmidt, the board voted unanimously to rehire fall coaches as follows: Jordan Bartok as head high school girls volleyball coach with Shelsie Price, as an assistant coach; Cory Bonstead as head football coach with Nate Henrichs, Jarrod Herron, Korben Clark, Alex Jasper, J.O. Kelly, Billy Gill and Florian Seferi as assistant and volunteer assistant coaches; Jay Weber as head coach for the parent-funded high school cross-country program with Jack Burns as a volunteer assistant coach; Jake Kellebrew as head coach for the parent-funded high school golf program, with Michael Otten as a volunteer assistant coach; Tim Wargo as head middle school baseball coach with Trae Wargo as assistant coach; Michelle Smith as head middle school softball coach with Jim Matesa, Joe Kelly and Melissa Heigert as assistant coaches; and Liz Thackery as head coach for the parent-funded middle school cross-country program with Laura Peterson as a volunteer assistant coach.
DISTRICT FOCUS
During a District Focus segment, Supt. Owsley introduced newly hired School Resource Officer Jacob Linhart, and High School Principal provided a report with photos of a recent school-wide Veterans Day observance.
Linhart, who has served five years as a police officer on the Gillespie Police Department, replaces Wade Hendricks, who recently retired after serving three years as the CUSD 7 School Resource Officer.
Linhart said it is a “great privilege” to serve as a Resource Officer, protecting students and staff. “I’m honored that you guys are allowing me to do it,” he said.
High School Principal Rosentreter said the school served breakfast to about 200 veterans and their families Tuesday morning, Nov. 11. Later, the veterans were joined by nearly 700 high school and middle school students for a recognition ceremony in the high school gymnasium.
Since the event coincided with the 25th anniversary of CUSD 7’s Wall of Honor program, the annual event did double duty as an induction ceremony for five are individuals, all of whom happened to be U.S. Military veterans.
The inductees included the late Sergeant Major John Marion Malnar, Command Sergeant Major John “Jack” Burns, Colonel Mark Daley, Lieutenant Colonel William P. Falke and Captain Robert Leone. Rosentreter said Daley and Leone traveled with their families from Colorado and Texas, respectively, to attend the ceremonies.
Burns, a retired CUSD 7 teacher, later visited BenGil Elementary School to present a program and teach students how to properly fold an American flag.
Rosentreter recognized the City of Gillespie for a donation of $1,000 to help purchase food for the veterans.
Born in Benld and a resident of Sawyerville, “Big John” Malnar earned a Silver Star during the Korean Conflict and a Gold Star, awarded posthumously after he was killed in action in 1968 in Vietnam. A Marine training center at Camp Geiger in North Carolina is named in his honor.
Though not a Wall of Honor inductee, Jacob Miller, a 100-year-old World War II veteran and recipient of two Purple Hearts, was recognized with a standing ovation.
The annual Veterans Day breakfast and ceremony provides students with an opportunity to meet and recognize local veterans as potential role models for their own futures.
Owsley said the event is a major event on the district’s calendar which grew out of a simple flagpole ceremony initiated 25 years ago.
CEJA GRANT FUNDS
Board members briefly discussed plans for about $74,000 in anticipated Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) grant funds. The federal program is intended to compensate communities that have experienced revenue loss as a result of coal mine closures.
Owsley said the district committed about $86,000 in last year’s CEJA grant funds to the City of Gillespie to help pay for improvements to Plum Street, which is heavily used by district school buses. He has not transferred those funds, however, pending the start of the project.
Owsley said he was seeking the board’s input on how the money should be used.
“We could continue to partner with the city on Plum Street,” he said. “But there are plenty of project areas within the school.” The money could be used, for example, for continuing asbestos abatement. He identified other upcoming needs, including a new roof for the high school/middle school and an HVAC project.
President Hayes pointed out the school district paid for improvements to Kelly Street when BenGil Elementary was built and subsidized a project to reconfigure drainage on Broadway Street, in addition to the dollars committed for Plum Street.
“The school district is not in the business of building roads,” he said. “I think we’ve been more than generous with the city.”
Board member Peyton Bernot agreed the money should be committed for use by the school district.
TRIPLE I CONFERENCE
Several board members who attended a conference for board members and administrators Friday-Saturday, Nov. 21-23, in Chicago, commented briefly about their take-aways from conference sessions. Popularly known as the Triple I Conference, the convention is sponsored by the Illinois Association of School Boards, Illinois Association of School Administrators and the Illinois Association of School Business Officials.
Owsley said more than 700 Illinois school districts were represented, making the Triple I the largest gathering of education professionals in North America.
Bernot briefly reported on a session he attended regarding upcoming legislation and financial outlooks for school districts. He described the session as “much less optimistic” than sessions he’s attended in the past.
Owsley was among the convention presenters, discussing social-emotional learning. He commented that several districts attending reported efforts to involve students in school administrators. Some districts, he said, appointed a non-voting student representative to the school board to take part in discussions directly affecting students.
“When you think about it, we hear from faculty members and we hear from parents,” Hayes commented. “The people we don’t hear from are the most important part of what we do.”
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The Holiday Sparkle Committee of Gillespie is preparing for the 4th Annual Holiday Sparkle Lighted Parade and Community Tree Lighting, set for Sunday, November 30, at 6:00 p.m. in downtown Gillespie. This beloved community tradition invites residents and visitors to kick off the holiday season with lights, music, and festive cheer.
Food trucks will line the parade route starting at 4:00 p.m., offering a variety of tasty options for families to enjoy before and during the celebration. The event will culminate in the illuminated parade and the ceremonial lighting of the community tree, signaling the official start of the season’s celebrations.
A highlight of this year’s festivities will be a special performance by Gillespie area students in grades 3 through 5. The group will join together to sing Christmas carols, lending their voices to the town’s joyous welcome to the holidays.
Parade participants are invited to bring extra sparkle to the evening—whether by entering a parade float, walking in the parade, or simply attending to enjoy the atmosphere. Participation helps make the event truly magical for the entire community. The only requirement for the parade is all entries have to incorporate holiday lighting.
To join the parade lineup, interested participants can sign up at https://forms.gle/L7Q4tEkgjj8Lt5E47. The Holiday Sparkle Committee expresses gratitude for the ongoing support of residents, businesses, and volunteers who help bring this festive occasion to life each year.
The second part of the holiday festivities will take place on Saturday, December 13 when the Sparkle will sponsor the vendor fair and food trucks in downtown Gillespie including a visit from Santa. Vendors will be located in the Gillespie Civic Center, Zion Lutheran Church, and Emma G’s Upscale Boutique while local businesses and eateries will also be open. An egg nog jog benefitting Gillespie Cross Country will also be held on December 13 and interested participants can join here.
The Holiday Sparkle Committee invites everyone to mark their calendars and join in the celebration. For more information, please contact the committee by email at gillespieholidaysparkle@gmail.com or visit Gillespie Holiday Sparkle on Facebook.
