The Village Roundup Newsletter

Village Manager's Message

As I get older, there is little doubt I am getting more sentimental about many things in life. First and foremost, I submit this weekly blog as an honor to my cousin, Raina Rivas, and my two uncles, Charles Rivas and Peter Nechipor. Both of my uncles served overseas in the Vietnam War. I was always intrigued about joining the military but I never did pull the trigger and enlist. When I was going to college, I worked at a steel mill with another college kid who was going through “OCS” or Officers Candidate School. I thought long and hard about enlisting in OCS but was scared to do so. I have always watched a ton of movies that were military-based like the “Longest Day” and “The Green Berets”. I asked my Uncle Charles about the movie “Green Berets” if the action and depictions were factual. My Uncle was able to recount many of the details about his time spent in Vietnam. He was able to go into great detail about how dangerous and scary the experience truly was.

Having a career in law enforcement, I began working with military veterans. I observed they had very little fear and always seemed to be calm in the face of chaos. I found myself watching their actions and their words as they handled a myriad of serious calls with the same demeanor they would discuss the weather. When I came to Villa Park, I loved the fact the military vets were front and center in leading the department. I strongly felt their bravery and actions rubbed off on the rest of the officers in making the department a highly successful one. They did not back down from any tall task and long arduous hours.

Last Tuesday, Village staff and I attended the Veterans Day event hosted by the Villa Park VFW. The room was filled with many veterans who belonged to the post, their family members, and the general public. We had a bagpiper who played a great rendition of taps and played a song for each branch of the military. We had the Willowbrook choir sing several songs to the crowd. We had several speeches by elected officials and dignitaries.

After the ceremonies, food and drinks were served for all to enjoy. I have attended this event on several occasions and have always liked the togetherness and closeness everyone feels in the room. There are so many familiar faces. I have always liked to “work the room” and greet everyone I come in contact with. I did not like having to leave the event to get back to work. I spoke with one of the members of the VFW who I enjoy talking to. I extended the olive branch by asking when is a good time to stop by and have a drink with him and the other veterans. He said to please stop by after they have been shooting on the range. I look forward to that first time I am able to buy a drink for him and several veterans as a very small token of my appreciation for their sacrifice, their bravery and their honor. Without the actions of millions of military vets, we would not be able to enjoy our freedom. We are blessed and for that I say: “thank you for your service!”

View the full weekly report here . All weekly reports can be found in our Document Center under Village Manager.

Mike Rivas

Village Manager

Village Hall Elevator Modernization – Temporary Meeting Location Changes

Friendly reminder: the elevator at Village Hall will be out of service for approximately 4 to 6 weeks while important modernization improvements are completed. Residents can use the south side entrance (facing the Police Station) to use the stairs or the east entrance to use the temporary accessible ramp leading to the main level. Please note that upper-level access will not be available during this time. All Village Board of Trustees meetings, Commission meetings, Coffee with the Board, and Adjudication Court will be temporarily relocated to the Villa Park Recreation Center (320 E. Wildwood Ave.) multipurpose room until the project is complete. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to improve accessibility and service reliability at Village Hall. For updates after November 24, please check the Village website and calendar. See meetings at the VPRC here.

Villa Park Town Hall

Join us on December 12 for the first Villa Park Town Hall! Meet commissions, participate in a raffle, and enjoy a concert by Liquid Fun. Free concessions available while supplies last. The evening features a State of Villa Park Address by President Patrick, along with guest speakers and a Q&A session. Submit questions by December 1. Learn more!

Thanksgiving Food Drive

The Village is participating in the Villa Park Office Equipment and DuPage Pads Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive! Donations can be dropped off at Village Hall, Public Works, and the Villa Park Recreation Center until November 19. Click here to see a list of accepted items.

Joyful Traditions

Join us at the Ruggard Gazebo on December 6, from 4:00-8:00 pm for festive activities by the Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy decorated Christmas trees, photos with Santa, pony rides, a petting zoo, and food trucks! Ride the trolley to the Library and Historical Society for more holiday fun. This free event is for all ages; bring the family!

St. Nick's Mart

Discover unique gifts and festive finds at the annual St. Nick’s Holiday Mart, hosted by the Friends of the Villa Park Library on Saturday, December 6, from 4:00-7:00 pm. Shop from more than 25 local crafters offering handmade goods, seasonal decor, and one-of-a-kind holiday treasures! Visit their website to see their vendors.