The Christian Church of Villa Park and its Disciples Food Pantry have moved to 507 E. St. Charles Road, Unit C.

Neighbors are invited to a grand opening celebration and worship service Sunday, November 1, at 10:30 a.m.

The drive-up pantry continues Wednesday mornings from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., assisting an average of 263 households and approximately 801 individuals each month.

Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 1, 2026. Before bed on Halloween night, set your clocks back one hour and enjoy an extra hour of sleep. Check manual clocks and smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, too.

Aerial photographs offer a rare look inside Lombard’s new 1.5-million-gallon water tower under construction near Yorktown Center.

The open steel tank reveals its enormous scale, curved panels, central column and crews working high above Butterfield Road.

The Village of Lombard approved the South Lombard Elevated Storage Tank project in 2025, with work involving Boller Construction, CB&I and Baxter & Woodman.

The tower will help support reliable water pressure and emergency storage in southern Lombard.

Construction is expected to finish in fall 2027, with operations projected for early 2028.

These striking views will no longer be possible once the tower is enclosed.

College of DuPage Robotics will compete Oct. 26 through 29 in the 2026 NASA International Lunabotics Championship in Florida.

COD is one of two U.S. colleges invited and the only community college among seven teams from four countries.

Students earned the invitation after winning the Lunabotics Construction category at NASA’s May challenge.

Their robot must excavate simulated lunar soil, transport it and build a protective berm during two timed runs.

Local supporters can watch COD compete at 2 p.m. Central on Wednesday, Oct. 28, and Thursday, Oct. 29, through the Florida Space Institute’s YouTube channel.

The Lombard Junior Women's Club's Socktober donation drive runs through Monday, November 2. Neighbors can drop off brand-new youth and adult socks at Helen Plum Library, Madison Meadows Athletic Center or Sunset Knoll Recreation Center to help those in need stay warm this winter.

Lake Foxcroft Park is open again following its first major renovation since the 1970s.

The Glen Ellyn park now features a new playground, open-air shelter, waterless restroom, improved pathways, additional fishing stations and adult fitness equipment.

Final landscaping or finishing work may continue while visitors use the park.

Downtown Lombard will see overlapping underground infrastructure work beginning this week.

Nicor Gas is replacing a gas main along St. Charles Road between North Lincoln Avenue and Main Street, with completion expected by Nov. 21, weather permitting.

St. Charles Road and downtown businesses will remain accessible, but drivers may encounter partial lane closures and temporary parking or sidewalk restrictions.

Gas-service replacements are planned for Nov. 16–21, and affected property owners will be contacted directly.

A separate round of storm drain inspections begins Oct. 27 along East St. Charles Road, Western Avenue and St. Charles Place and is expected to last about two weeks.

District 45 will hold its final referendum town hall Wednesday, October 28, at Stevenson Elementary in Lombard.

The district will explain the ballot question, financial details and its estimated tax impact before the November 3 election.

Explore 25 decorated homes in Villa Park with a numbered Halloween house tour map and a complete address list.

The F.U.N. Commission’s 2026 Halloween Decoration Contest recognizes Scariest, BOO-tiful (best kid-friendly display) and the new Sensory Friendly category, with a $100 gift card for each of three winners.

The route sheet estimates 12.3 miles and 49 minutes of driving; leave extra time to enjoy the decorations and respect residential streets and private property.

District 44 is not accepting new rental or contract bookings at the Connect 44 Center because available capacity is full.

The update does not mean the building is closed, and existing users should follow their agreements and district communication.

No date has been announced for reopening community reservations.

Downers Grove nonprofit Synapse House has received a $10,000 Illinois Charitable Trust grant to expand job training for individuals returning to work after brain injury or stroke.

The award, announced October 20, will fund career-specific training modules for customer service, janitorial services and food service, helping participants gain workplace skills and pursue greater independence.

Villa Park VFW Post 2801 invites local students to enter youth scholarship competitions by October 31, 2026. Voice of Democracy is for grades 9–12, while Patriot’s Pen is for grades 6–8.

Lombard’s free leaf collection runs November 2–December 11. Set leaves out in biodegradable paper yard-waste bags on your regular WM day; no stickers are required for leaves.

A planned Cricket Creek Trail connection near Route 83 and North Avenue could make it easier for Villa Park and neighboring communities to explore DuPage County on foot or by bicycle.

The project aims to improve links among the Cricket Creek Trail, Salt Creek Greenway Trail, Great Western Trail and Illinois Prairie Path.

Residents should check Forest Preserve District trail updates for construction impacts and current access before heading out.

Glen Ellyn Park District Treasurer Kathy Cornell was recognized at the October 20, 2026, Board of Commissioners meeting for 15 years of dedicated service to the community.

Commissioners celebrated the milestone with a framed certificate and thanked Cornell for her longtime commitment to local parks, recreation, and community leadership.

Village meetings across Lombard, Glen Ellyn and Villa Park from October 27 to November 3 include zoning and tourism committee sessions, a recreation commission meeting and Villa Park commission gatherings. Villa Park's October 27 liquor commission meeting is canceled; a special meeting is listed for November 3. Check village calendars before attending.

The Glen Ellyn Village Board will consider zoning and appearance approvals related to the proposed Train Station project during its Monday, October 26, 2026, meeting at 7 p.m.

A separate special workshop on the Village's annual budget process begins at 6 p.m.

Residents can review official meeting materials through the Village Agendas & Minutes page before the meetings.

Glen Ellyn is moving forward with a zoning code update covering zoning districts, lot requirements and commercial building standards.

The Plan Commission was scheduled to discuss proposed changes on October 22, 2026.

A public review draft is anticipated in November, with an open house expected to follow.

Residents and business owners will be able to learn more about the proposed regulations as the public review process continues.

Villa Park Police Department Deputy Chiefs James Svara and Jose Pagan have completed Northwestern University’s Executive Management Program, the final component of its Executive Police Education Program.

Chief Kubish and Sergeant Hruby joined the graduates at a ceremony celebrating their commitment to professional growth.

The department says Kubish, Svara and Pagan are its only three personnel to have completed the program so far.

Villa Park police officials hope to provide similar educational opportunities to more supervisors, building leadership skills that support public service and the community.

Congratulations to both deputy chiefs on this milestone.

Lombard Police will increase traffic enforcement from October 23 through the morning of November 2 to help prevent impaired driving during Halloween celebrations.

Motorists are urged to arrange a sober driver, rideshare or overnight stay if their plans include alcohol or cannabis.

Drivers should also slow down in neighborhoods, stay alert near crosswalks and watch for children and families enjoying Halloween activities.

Villa Park is marking National Community Planning Month by highlighting developments and investments from 2024 through 2026.

The Union Villa Park is under construction with 238 apartments and ground-floor commercial space, while the $20 million Villa Park Recreation Center opened in 2025.

Recent improvements at Lufkin Park, Rose Paving's new headquarters and facade support for 302 Villa Park are also part of the story.

The Village reports 40 new businesses in 2025 and another 28 so far in 2026, alongside a long-term Comprehensive Plan that guides future growth.

Glen Ellyn Police Deputy Chief Kurt Vavra has retired after 25 years of service with the department.

The Glen Ellyn Police Department thanked Vavra for his dedication, his contributions throughout his career and his commitment to the community.

The Lombard Lilac Ledger joins neighbors in congratulating Deputy Chief Vavra and wishing him all the best in retirement.

Lombard Village Hall at 255 E. Wilson Ave. will not be an Election Day polling place for the Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, General Election.

Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Under DuPage County’s Vote Anywhere program, eligible county voters may cast a ballot at any open Election Day polling location in DuPage County.

Residents should verify an active location before leaving home.

Voters can also review early-voting sites, sample ballots, registration details and vote-by-mail information through county election services.

Village Hall should not be used as a voting destination on Nov. 3.

Lombard Fire Department offers a Heartsaver CPR class on November 14 at Fire Station 45.

DATE: Saturday, November 14, 2026

TIME: 9 a.m.

LOCATION: Fire Station 45, 50 E. St. Charles Road, Lombard

COST: $25 per person

Get carving, Glen Ellyn! The Glen Ellyn Park District invites all ages to submit jack-o’-lanterns for its Pumpkins on Main Halloween display.

Drop off your carved pumpkin at Main Street Recreation Center on October 27 or 28 between 8:30 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Pumpkins will be on display outside October 27–31, and participants could win prizes. Registration is required, but participation is free at gepark.org.

Join the Villa Park Women’s Club for a festive Halloween Bingo meeting on Tuesday, October 27 at 7 PM at the Villa Park Recreation Center.

Meet local women, learn about upcoming events and club plans, and enjoy a welcoming evening for both current and prospective members.

Earlier that day, stop by Saffron Coffee & Snacks for the club’s Dine & Donate fundraiser from 2 to 8 PM.

Villa Park will reveal the official name and sign for its designated natural park at Villa Avenue and Julia Drive on Thursday, October 29, at 4:00 p.m.

The ribbon cutting celebrates a nature-focused green space that could eventually include native plants, wildlife habitat and educational signs.

Residents are welcome to attend and send future park suggestions to the Garden Village Commission at gardenvillage@invillapark.com.

Rosemary and Jeans hosts Halloween Bingo Night on Thursday, October 29, from 5–6:30 p.m. Enjoy free bingo, a new costume contest and prizes at 116 S. Main Street, Lombard. Call 630-519-3747 to reserve a table.

Yorktown Center in Lombard invites local dog owners and their furry friends to its Howl-oween Bash on Thursday, October 29, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Bring your costumed pup for a cheerful seasonal outing and a chance to capture Halloween memories together.

Remember to keep dogs leashed and comfortable around other people and pets.

Pumpkin carving is sold out, but limited tickets remain for Reserve 22’s family Spooktacular Party on Friday, October 30, from 6–8 p.m. in Glen Ellyn.

Hosted by “Sally” and a HUNTRIX-inspired K-pop singer, the evening includes a DJ, dancing, crafts, coloring and kid-friendly bites.

Tickets are $35 per person for children and adults; suggested ages are 3–8, and costumes are encouraged.

Join VFW Post 2801 in Villa Park October 30, 7–10 p.m., for live music by Full Volume and costume contests. All ages welcome; kitchen open until 8 p.m.

Families planning Halloween night can mark a four-hour trick-or-treating window: the Downtown Glen Ellyn October Happenings calendar lists neighborhood trick-or-treating from 3 to 7 p.m.

Plan for Lombard’s recommended October 31 trick-or-treat hours of 3–7 p.m., plus downtown Spooktacular on October 18 from noon to 5 p.m.

Residents who are not handing out candy can also post the Village’s downloadable “No Trick-or-Treating” sign near their entrance; the Village does not supply printed copies.

Villa Park trick-or-treating runs Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 3–8 p.m., with Halloween safety guidance for families, drivers and homeowners.

Our three-town Park District Roundup covers Lombard's Halloween house-decorating contest; Glen Ellyn's Pumpkins on Main, Tween Hallow's Eve Silent Disco on October 30, a November 1 raptor show and Día de los Muertos on November 2; plus Villa Park's scarecrow judging and October 29 natural park ribbon cutting at 4 p.m. at Villa Avenue and Julia Drive.

The Wings and Talons Raptor Show visits the Glen Ellyn Park District's Spring Avenue Recreation Center 

DATE: Sunday, November 1, 2026

TIME: 2:00–3:00 PM

LOCATION: Spring Avenue Recreation Center, 185 Spring Avenue, Glen Ellyn

This all-ages program gives families a close-up introduction to live birds of prey while exploring the challenges raptors face in the wild and their role in local ecosystems.

Advance registration is required, and children must attend with a registered adult.

Glen Ellyn Park District's Winter 2027 Playbook is available online, featuring family programs, fitness activities, seasonal traditions, and new experiences.

Returning favorites include Whoville Holiday and Grandparent and Me Winter Tea, alongside new activities like Cardio Pickleball and Family Woodpecker Walk.

Residents can register November 7 at 8 a.m., while nonresidents may register November 14 at 8 a.m.

Winter recreation planning is underway in Lombard.

The Lombard Park District’s Winter 2027 Activity Guide is not yet posted online, but its published seasonal registration calendar lists December 1 for residents and December 8 for nonresidents.

Families can watch for the new guide, explore activities for all ages, and create an online account early because registration account approval may take up to 48 business hours.

Join DuPagePads for the 24th Annual Wake Up Your Spirit Breakfast on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, from 7 to 9 a.m. at Abbington Banquets in Glen Ellyn.

This year's program features powerful stories from DuPagePads clients, updates from President and CEO April Redzic, and recognition of community partners whose support helps local individuals and families find stable housing.

Tickets are available through DuPagePads.

The Lombard Junior Women’s Club hosts its November General Meeting on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at York Township, 1502 S. Meyers Road in Lombard.

Members can enjoy social time beginning at 6:30 p.m., with the meeting starting at 7 p.m.

The gathering offers longtime and newer members a chance to reconnect, hear club updates and celebrate the friendships behind their service to the community.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW - Choose November 5 or 12 for Ladies Night Out in Downtown Glen Ellyn, 5–9 p.m., with holiday shopping at more than 20 stores, wine, non-alcoholic drinks and bites.

Tickets are $22 per person, ages 21+, and must be purchased in advance.

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/allianceofdowntownglenellyn/2450479

Celebrate Halloween at O’Neill’s Pub on Saturday, October 31, from 8–11 p.m. at 236 E. St. Charles Road, Lombard. Costumes are encouraged but not required, with more details to come.

This week’s three-town library roundup includes Canva classes, storytimes, Halloween fun and crafts in Lombard; journaling, Together Time, book sorting, a Jack-O’-Lantern Jamboree, caregiver support and Hour of Code in Glen Ellyn; and book clubs, storytimes, Pokémon Club and computer classes in Villa Park.

The five-school sports roundup looks ahead to football playoffs and volleyball regionals while celebrating a dramatic Glenbard East overtime football victory, Montini's comeback over St. Francis, and Willowbrook's District 88 Bowl rivalry game.

Also featured: Montini boys win their Chicago Catholic League cross-country championship; the Broncos' volleyball team wins the O'Fallon Autumn Classic; Mina Kim qualifies for the girls tennis state meet; Willowbrook's boys and girls take second at conference; and Glenbard East celebrates cross-country, tennis and soccer highlights.

All five football programs covered by the Lombard Lilac Ledger are still alive in the 2026 IHSA playoffs heading into October 30–31.

Glenbard East beat Bartlett 42–14 and next faces Kenwood in Chicago.

Glenbard West earned a bye and will host Moline, which edged Benet 42–38.

Glenbard South advanced with a 40–7 win over Payton and travels to undefeated Antioch.

Willowbrook defeated Amundsen 42–6 and heads to Hononegah in Rockton.

Montini Catholic opens its postseason at home against Geneseo on Saturday, October 31, at 2 p.m.

Some additional kickoff times are not yet final, so fans should confirm school schedules before traveling.

Villa Park Historical Society begins its new fall hours on November 2, 2026.

Visitors can stop by Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; the society will be closed weekdays.

Location: 220 S. Villa Avenue, along the Prairie Path in Villa Park.

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ABR, CRS, CSC, GRI, FSS&R, SRES

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563 Pennsylvania Ave.
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137

630-330-5555

Email: kathy@kathyvolpe.com
kathyvolpe.com

Downtown Lombard has a new specialty healthcare business: Horizon OMS of Chicago, led by board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Ali Al-Qudsi.

The practice at 6 E. St. Charles Road provides dental implants, extractions, wisdom-tooth removal and other oral surgery services, and is now scheduling patients.

Meet Sophie, an affectionate eight-year-old brown-and-white tabby waiting for a second chance at Cat Guardians in Lombard.

After being surrendered through no fault of her own, this gentle senior cat is hoping to find a calm, caring home where she can feel secure and loved again.

Sophie enjoys attention and companionship, and her sweet personality has plenty to offer a future family.

Interested adopters can arrange an appointment with Cat Guardians at 932 E. St. Charles Road in Lombard to meet her.

Not ready to adopt? Sharing Sophie's story may help her reach the person who is.

Updated forecast for October 27–November 2: Lombard, Glen Ellyn and Villa Park can expect mild fall weather, with highs between 63 and 72 degrees.

Tuesday starts mostly cloudy at 68 degrees, Wednesday brings sunshine and a high of 72, and Thursday stays near 70 under cloudy skies.

Friday, October 30 turns cooler, with a high of 63 and a chance of showers.

Halloween on Saturday, October 31 looks mostly cloudy but mild, with a high of 65 and a low of 53, while Sunday is also mostly cloudy with a high of 67.

Rain is again possible Monday, November 2, when temperatures are forecast near 66 degrees.

The updated outlook shows shower symbols on Friday and Monday, rather than Sunday as the earlier forecast suggested.

Check the latest conditions before trick-or-treating, football games or other outdoor activities.