Mayor’s Message – October 20, 2023

Happy Friday, Antioch!

It’s been a little over a week since the train horns started along the Canadian National Rail Line. I have been hearing from residents nonstop about how much of a nuisance and disruption this is. It’s a very frustrating situation for many residents, including myself. To be honest, I’m pretty upset that we’re in this situation. I want to assure you that The Village of Antioch is working closely with all communities involved to get every crossing complaint, so the Quiet Zone can resume. This issue extends beyond Antioch and includes 9 other communities, along with township and unincorporated areas of Lake County. As a group, we have been working together to see the quiet zone restrictions resume as soon as possible. We understand your frustration. We are all frustrated, and we hope you know we are working diligently to get this resolved.

Starting on Monday, the Lcdot – Lake County, IL Division of Transportation will be making necessary rail crossing repairs to the North Avenue CN crossing. Part of this project will remedy needed repairs at this crossing that satisfies the CN Lake County Quiet Zone requirements.

More information about the Lake County Quiet Zone can be found here: https://www.antioch.il.gov/…/village-of-antioch-train…

The Antioch Area Healthcare Accessibility Alliance-AAHAA is selling tickets for its fall fundraising event. The Denny Diamond Fundraising Event will be held on Sunday, November 19th at Dockers North. This looks like a fun evening to benefit a worthwhile local cause. AAHAA works to improve the accessibility of healthcare for families of Antioch and Grant Townships. Tickets are $50 each, which includes a buffet dinner. For more information, or to buy tickets, visit: https://www.aahaa4health.org

Antioch Township Senior Services is hosting a Health & Wellness Fair next Thursday, October 26, 2023. The fair runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Antioch Township Building (1625 Deep Lake Road). The day will feature raffles and other giveaways, free flu and pneumonia vaccinations and blood pressure screening, plus an array of other activities and vendors. For more information, call Antioch Township at 847-395-3378 or visit: https://www.antiochtownshipil.gov/seniors

Tomorrow night is our second SOLD-OUT night of Downtown Antioch Ghost Tours. Last week’s tours were a big hit! It was great to have such a large crowd downtown enjoying the evening. It was even better to see our local restaurants full of people afterward. Our special events team put in a lot of work planning these tours and are already working to make next year’s tours an even bigger event!

I wanted to extend my condolences to the friends and family of former Village of Lake Villa Mayor Frank Loffredo. Mayor Loffredo was a great example of what it means to be a selfless public servant, first serving as a Lake Villa Plan Commissioner starting in 1978, becoming a Trustee in 1985, and Mayor in 1993. He served as Mayor until his retirement in 2017. That’s nearly 40 years of community service! His wife Carole and their family are in my prayers. Mayor Loffredo’s obituary: https://www.ringafuneralhome.com/obitu…/Frank-Loffredo/…

Finally, tomorrow is Sweetest Day! And guess what? You don’t have to go far to find the perfect gift. Whether you’re looking for a fun evening out or a thoughtful gift, the local Antioch business community has got you covered. Enjoy a show at PM&L Theatre or the Antioch Theater, or explore the charming boutiques and shops throughout town. The Antioch local business community features fantastic gift ideas, from chocolates and jewelry to fashionable clothing and massages. Plus, Antioch has a great selection of choices for dinner, drinks, and desserts, all perfect for a romantic Sweetest Day celebration. The Antioch local business community is the heart and soul of our community, and your support means the world to them. So, let’s make this Sweetest Day truly special by supporting our local business community and enjoying all that Antioch has to offer!

Have a fantastic weekend, Antioch!

Scott J. Gartner

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October 21, 2023, 7 p.m. – Downtown Antioch Ghost Tours

October 28, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. – Antioch Treat the Streets / Harvest Fest 2023

October 31st, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. – Halloween Trick or Treating

November 11, 2023, 11 a.m. – Antioch Veterans Day Ceremony – on Toft Avenue at the Tank.