Nominations are being taken for the Montgomery Beautification Committee’s annual Holiday Decorations Contest, organizers said.
The program aims to recognize homes and businesses for outstanding holiday decorations in Montgomery.
Residents can nominate their home or someone else’s by submitting the property address online at montgomeryil.org, officials said. Nominations will be accepted through Dec. 8, the same night as the annual tree lighting and visit with Santa planned for Montgomery Village Hall beginning at 5 p.m.
“The village Holiday Decorations Contest is one of the Beautification Committee’s favorite times of the year,” said Ben Brzoska, village trustee and chair of the Beautification Committee, in a press release. “The entries are amazing and we enjoy driving around and seeing the incredible effort put into the displays.”
Committee members will visit all the nominated addresses on Dec. 11 to recognize participants who meet and exceed the requirements, according to the release. In addition, the committee will place a sign recognizing participants in front of the property.
Addresses of the homes will be available online after judging is complete for the community to drive around and see the winning locations.
Tax tips to be offered
The St. Charles Public Library is offering a program for individuals and small business owners looking to maximize their deductions and avoid common pitfalls before filing their taxes, library officials said.
“End-of-Year Tax Tips: Harry Eng Shares Moves to Cut Your 2024 Bill” is scheduled from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, at the library, 1 S. Sixth Ave. in St. Charles.
Presenter Harry Eng, a CPA, has over 40 years of financial experience developed in a variety of executive positions in the federal government and corporate management, library officials said in a press release about the program.
For more information, or to register, go to scpld.org or call 630-584-0076.
Healing effects of nature to be explored
“Nurtured by Nature” is a monthly series to be offered by the Kane County Forest Preserve District where participants can experience the healing effects of nature, district officials said.
The series will incorporate gentle stretching, deep breathing and a focus on awareness during hikes designed to nurture the mind, body and spirit, according to a press release from the district.
All programs in the series will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Programs are planned on Sunday, Dec. 1, at Creek Bend Nature Center/LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve at 37W700 Dean St. in St. Charles; Sunday, Jan. 26, at Rutland Forest Preserve at 41W230 Big Timber Road in Hampshire; and Sunday, Feb. 23, at Burnidge Forest Preserve at 14N035 Coombs Road in Elgin.
The free programs are for those 18 years old and older, officials said. Advance registration is required. To register, go to www.kaneforest.com/register, call 630-444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com.
For more information, go to www.kaneforest.com or find the district on social media by searching @forestpreserve.
Will County waiving pet adoption fees for vets, military
Will County Animal Protection Services is waiving dog and cat adoption fees for veterans and active duty service members during November.
The “Pets for Vets” promotion is a way of showing gratitude to those who served in the military, a news release from the county said. Military identification or a Veterans Administration card must be shown to qualify.
Veterans and active duty personnel can make an appointment to meet the shelter’s dogs or cats by calling 815-462-5633 or emailing adopt@willcountyillinois.com. Adoption hours are noon to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the animal services’ office, 22452 Cherry Hill Road, Joliet.
Available animals can also be viewed in advance at https://il1035.petfinder.com.
For more information, go to www.willcounty.gov/animalservices.