Elgin Boys & Girls Club to improve clubhouse with $1M fed grant
The Boys & Girls Club of Elgin has received $1 million in federal community project funding to make improvements to its Elgin Clubhouse, including greater safety and security features.
U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Schaumburg, helped secure the money and was on hand Monday to present the organization with a ceremonial check as part of the announcement.
In addition to installing updated security cameras and more of them, the funding will help pay for security doors with buzzers and sensory rooms with features like suitable lighting, sound-dampening floors and ceiling tiles for those with special needs, a news release from Krishnamoorthi’s office said.
Also planned are general improvements, such as upgraded broadband technologies to help those who do not have access to high-quality internet at home, an enhanced Career and Workforce Development Center to provide greater opportunities for students and teens, and expanded programming in leadership and mental health areas, the release said.
High Haven cannabis dispensary receives forgivable state loan
High Haven Dispensary in Elgin has been selected to receive a $240,000 forgivable loan through the state of Illinois’ Cannabis Social Equity Loan Program.
According to a news release from Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, a total of $5.5 million in loan money will be distributed to 23 licensed social equity cannabis dispensaries.
High Haven doesn’t have opening date for its location at 15 Clock Tower Plaza, but the business — named The Record Store — is said to be “coming soon” on its website, highhavencannabis.com/elgin-il-dispensary-the-record-store.
The name reflects the store’s theme as a “music heads graffiti-themed cannabis dispensary,” according to the site.
“Step back in time and immerse yourself in a unique shopping experience where the beats are as fresh as our premium cannabis products,” the site said. “Whether you’re a flower fan, an edibles enthusiast, or a concentrate connoisseur, we’ve got the perfect products to enhance your experience.”
Loan recipients are social equity Conditional and Adult Use Dispensing Organizations licensed by the Illinois Department of Finance and Professional Regulation, according to the state news release. Applicants were chosen on several factors, including social equity status, financial need, financial resources and progress toward becoming operational.
Moeller selected to participate in government fellowship program
State Rep. Anna Moeller, D-Elgin, is one of 49 state leaders chosen to participate in the 2024 Council on State Governments Henry Toll Fellowship, a prestigious leadership development program for state government officials.
The program will be held Sept. 6-10 in Lexington, Kentucky, with a graduation ceremony to be held Dec. 4-7 in New Orleans, Louisian, at the council’s national conference, a news release from Moeller’s office said.
Those selection for the fellowship program this year come from 34 states and U.S. territories and the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of their state governments, the release said.
“Since 1986, CSG has convened the Henry Toll Fellows at its national headquarters for an intensive leadership boot camp,” the release said. “The program’s sessions encourage personal assessment and growth, help the participants collaborate and communicate more effectively, and offer non-partisan networking and relationship-building opportunities.”
According to program organizers, the organization looks for state officials “committed to improving the lives of people they serve, and they are nominated by their peers and picked by the group’s alumni.”
“I’m honored to have been selected to participate in the Toll Fellowship,” Moeller said in a statement, “and I look forward to engaging with peers from across the country to build on my skills and grow my capacity to effectively serve my district and the state of Illinois.”
