Happy Friday, Antioch! 
It’s Bears versus Packers weekend! As a diehard Bears fan, I’ll admit this is usually a losing proposition for us—but hey, there’s always hope.
Believe it or not, it’s already election season. I know we’re all just getting through election fatigue, but petitions for Village Trustees and Mayor are due to be filed no later than Monday, November 18 at 5 PM. Yesterday, I turned in my petition seeking a second term, and I hope I have the honor of earning your vote for four more years.
With Thanksgiving around the corner, it’s also a great time to think about supporting our local businesses. It’s never too early to get a head start on your Christmas shopping, and shopping local not only supports our economy but also helps keep Antioch thriving. Be sure to mark your calendars for Small Business Saturday on November 30 and visit our beautiful downtown shops. Every dollar spent locally makes a big difference in our community!
Hopefully, most of you have had the pleasure of meeting the Village of Antioch Police Department’s newest member, who’s already winning hearts across the village. Last night, our official comfort dog, Pawficer Flo, took her oath—a solemn promise to serve our community with loyalty, kindness, and a slobbery kiss or two. I want to thank the Antioch Lions Club, whose generous support made it possible for us to bring Flo into our department. The Lions Club has a long history of serving our community, and their support for this project is yet another example of their dedication to making Antioch a better place for everyone.
This week, I also had the pleasure of joining Library Director Jennifer Drinka and Township Supervisor Tom Shaughnessy at the Antioch Women’s Club to share community updates with its members. (Fun fact: The Antioch Women’s Club founded the library in 1921 as one of its first projects.) The Village of Antioch, the Antioch Public Library District, and Antioch Township serve the same residents, so I truly value the time spent with Jennifer and Tom. It gives us the opportunity to celebrate successes and collaborate on solutions for shared challenges.
Earlier this week, our Business Liaison Kim Biederman proudly represented the Village in accepting Main Street Illinois’ Lieutenant Governor Award for Excellence in Revitalization for the Sequoit Creek Park redevelopment project. These awards recognize outstanding revitalization efforts in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. Thank you to the The Lakota Group for nominating us!
Just down the street from our award-winning park and Main Street businesses is the Lakes Region Historical Society’s Schoolhouse Museum. The museum is open each Saturday through November 30, when it closes for the season. Take a break from the shopping fray and explore the fascinating artifacts that tell the story of life for early Antioch residents. For complete hours and information, visit antiochhistory.org.
Have a great weekend!
Mayor Scott Gartner
Village of Antioch
