Marianne Sammauro of the River Grove Seniors Club brought her grandchildren to the River Grove tree-lighting event on Nov. 26. The trees and atmosphere brought holiday cheer to her young grandson, John Romanelli.
“I think the trees look pretty,” he said.
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The River Grove Tree Lighting brought organizations from around the area together from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Located at River Front Park, different River Grove companies and schools decorated various small trees.
River Grove communications director Shawn Campbell said around 20 trees for 20 different organizations were represented.
Students, community members and civic leaders from Quasthoff’s Flowers, First Midwest Bank, River Grove Historical Society, Triton College, Chamber by O’Hare and the Boy Scouts, among others, were in attendance.
“This is our third annual event,” Campbell said. “We offer the opportunity to decorate a tree to schools and any other local businesses.”
A heated tent was available for kids and adults, with coffee, hot chocolate and cookies, donated by A-Theme Events.
The River Grove Senior Club decorated its tree with candy canes, tinsel and ornaments.
Sammauro said the club does a lot of in-house luncheons and members like to play bingo.
“We like to pay back the village for all the good things it does for seniors,” she said.
Krista Wroblewski said she’s a lifelong River Grove resident, and she wanted to come out to socialize with others in the town. She brought her kids and 7-year-old Connor O’Neill, who is a student at St. Maria Goretti School.
“I like the red, white and blue decorated trees,” he said. “I like Christmas because you get presents.”
Patricia Moran, of VFW Post 5979, decorated her tree with American flags and poppy flowers, in honor of veterans. Her family also helped her decorate.
She explained the organization visits Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital several times a year to help the veterans. Those in the group raise money for the hospital. A cookie exchange is planned in December.
Going along with the patriotic theme was Mike Warchol, commander of American Legion Post 335. That organization’s tree was also decorated with American flags and poppies.
“Being American is one of the most important things in my life,” he said.
Tracy Aller, recording secretary of the River Grove Lions Club, decorated a tree with blue and gold, which are the Lions colors. It also featured laminated pictures of lions.
The Lions Club does a lot to bring holiday spirit, according to Aller.
“We do a lot of things throughout the year for people who need glasses and hearing aides,” she said. “We’ve contributed to all sorts of organizations.”
When it comes to the holidays, Aller feels the club is especially merry.
“The club motto is ‘we serve,’ ” she said. “We definitely have that spirit at Christmas.”
Maryann Pisano is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.