Mayor’s Message November 7, 2025
- Posted by Makayla Terfehn
- On November 14, 2025
Dear Residents,
They did the Smash…The Pumpkin Smash! It caught on in a flash…
As the Halloween season wraps up and your carved creations begin to wilt, we’re excited to invite you to one of our most fun and environmentally friendly fall events – the Pumpkin Smash—happening on Saturday, November 8 from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM at the South Barrington Conservancy.
Each year, families across South Barrington purchase pumpkins for carving, decorating, and celebrating the season. But after the festivities are over, many of those pumpkins end up in landfills, where they contribute to harmful methane emissions. The Pumpkin Smash gives us a better alternative – turning old pumpkins into compost – and we make it fun, too!
Don’t trash that Jack-o’-Lantern – smash it instead!
Here are some guidelines for the event:
Bring your pumpkins & gourds!
➤ Remove any decorations first.
➤ Painted pumpkins are OK if the paint is non-toxic, water-based, or acrylic.
Not smashing? No problem!
➤ You can still bring your pumpkins and simply toss them into the dumpster with their fellow pumpkin friends to be composted.
Come anytime between 9:30 AM – 12 PM!
➤ Smashing runs the whole event.
➤ There might be a short line, but we’ll keep things moving fast!
Dress for fall weather!
➤ It’s looking like a classic autumn day.
➤ Goebbert’s Farm – South Barrington will have hot cider, and we’ll have coffee + small fire pits to keep you cozy!
Parking tip:
➤ Please use the Park District lot next to the Conservancy to avoid street parking.
If you don’t have any pumpkins to bring, no problem! Goebbert’s is generously donating leftover pumpkins from their Fall season, and we’ll have extras on hand while supplies last.
Check the newsletter next week for information on how many pounds of pumpkins were kept out of the landfill! We’re thrilled to track the impact our community is making together.
If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to Makayla at mterfehn@southbarrington.org, otherwise our Building Officer Damian will be ready and waiting for the Pumpkin Smashers with these custom mallets he crafted himself!!
Red Box Donation Drive
Christmas is a season of giving and once again the Village is thrilled to team up with Barrington Giving Day as a proud Red Box Donation Site.
From now until November 26th, you can drop off your generous donations at our red box located inside Village Hall. This is your chance to make a difference in the lives of local families in need during this special holiday season.
What can you contribute? We’re accepting a variety of items, including:
- Cozy coats to keep warm
- Snow pants for winter adventures
- Sturdy boots to brave the cold
- Hats and gloves for those chilly days
- Newl toys to spark smiles
- Captivating books for all ages
- Soft bedding for restful nights
- Diapers and wipes for little ones
- And so much more!
Every item you donate will directly support our community through Barrington Giving Day’s annual holiday event. Let’s come together to spread warmth, kindness, and joy this season!
Village Hall hours:
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Thank you for your generosity and for helping us bring a little extra magic to those in need. Together, we can make this holiday season truly unforgettable!
Yard Waste Program Reminder
As 2025 winds down, please remember the yard waste collection season is coming to an end. The final yard waste pickup will take place on Monday, November 25th.
Yard waste stickers are available for purchase at Village Hall during regular business hours at a cost of $3.25 per sticker. Stickers must be affixed to biodegradable landscape bags prior to collection.
Acceptable yard waste materials include: grass clippings, leaves, branches, brush, garden plants, flowers, weeds, vines, bark pieces, garden vegetables, and garden fruit.
We appreciate residents’ cooperation in helping to keep our community clean and well-maintained throughout the season. Regular yard waste collection will resume in the spring.
Veterans Day: November 11th
Next week we celebrate Veterans Day to honor and recognize the extraordinary sacrifices of our Veterans. Their courage, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our country inspire us all. Beyond defending our nation, Veterans exemplify selflessness, resilience, and the true spirit of service.
We extend our deepest gratitude to every Veteran, past and present, for the freedoms we enjoy and the safety of our communities.
We would like to become more engaged with the veterans in our community, which is why we have created a form for veterans to fill out to inform us of their veteran status. This is completely voluntarily. We thank those who have already taken the time to register their Veteran status, and I encourage those who have not yet done so to consider registering using the link below:
Thank you again veterans for your service!
Arboretum Annual Tree Lighting
Join us for a night of enchantment on Saturday, November 15th, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM as we usher in the holiday spirit with the Arboretums Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Parade!
What to Expect:
- Sparkling Parade: Watch as festive floats and cheerful participants light up the night!
- Live Performances: Enjoy captivating tunes from talented local artists that will fill the air with holiday cheer.
- Creative Fun: Let your imagination run wild with face painting and balloon artistry for the kids!
- Special Guest: Get ready for a magical visit from Santa Claus himself, don’t forget your wish list!
- Grand Finale: Witness the breathtaking tree lighting and join in a lively dance party to wrap up the evening in style!
Bring your family and friends for an unforgettable night filled with joy, laughter, and the warmth of community. Let’s make this holiday season truly special together!
Mark your calendars and spread the cheer!
Journey Through Time: Explore the Evolution of Chicago’s Waterways!
Step into the past and discover the remarkable story of early Chicago, where ingenuity led to the reversal of the Chicago River and the birth of wastewater treatment technology! Join us for a captivating virtual tour that takes you behind the scenes and even underwater to witness the magic of water transformation.
What’s in store:
- Descend 300 feet into the fascinating deep tunnel system!
- Meet our electrofishing crew as they sample fish along the iconic Chicago River!
This exciting experience is free and open to the public—a perfect opportunity for history buffs, nature lovers, and curious minds alike!
When: Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Time: 2 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Don’t miss out! Registration is required, so secure your spot today!
As always, I am here to listen to your thoughts and concerns. Feel free to email me at pmccombie@southbarrington.org, or use the anonymous comment boxes located in the lobbies of Village Hall and the Police Department. I review these messages privately and value your input.
Have an enjoyable weekend!
Paula McCombie
Mayor