More than 341 ECC degrees awarded at Saturday ceremonies
Elgin Community College presented degrees to 341 graduates at two commencement ceremonies held Saturday, Dec. 14, according to ECC spokeswoman Andrea Watson.
The college had a total of 724 candidates for graduation, of which 180 attended the morning ceremony for students transferring to other schools and 161 in the afternoon for those who completed career and technical programs.
The morning ceremony featured student speaker Marco Adrianzen Ruiz, who received an associate degree in science. Ruiz is an international student from Lima, Peru, who currently lives in Bartlett. The afternoon student speaker was Fay Smith, of Elgin, who received an associate degree in applied science-human services.
ECC Interim President Peggy Heinrich delivered the commencement address at both ceremonies. Donna Redmer, chair of the ECC Board of Trustees, and Deyana Matt, education adjunct faculty member and 2023 Outstanding Part-Time Faculty Member award winner, also spoke.
For more information, go to elgin.edu/student-services/student-records-transcripts/graduation/commencement and youtube.com/elginspartans.
A free gingerbread house decorating event will be held Wednesday night at Diamond Jim’s Tavern and Gas Grill in East Dundee. (Chicago Tribune Media Services)
Free gingerbread house decorating event at Diamond Jim’s
Diamond Jim’s Tavern and Gas Grill in East Dundee will be hosting a free gingerbread house decorating event from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18.
The evening will include sweet treats, holiday cheer and Christmas drinks for purchase, according to a social media post for the event. Reservations are required.
Diamond Jim’s is at 325 Meier St. To make a reservation or for more information, call 224-484-8554.
Hanover Township to distribute meal boxes starting Thursday
Hanover Township’s holiday meal boxes will be distributed to those who have registered beginning Thursday, Dec. 19, at the Astor Avenue Community Center, 7431 Astor Ave., Hanover Park.
Meal boxes also will be distributed Friday, Dec. 20; Monday, Dec. 23; and Tuesday, Dec 24, according to a news release. Distribution hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day other than Dec. 24, when the hours will be 9 a.m. to noon.
Eligible township residents were asked to pre-register by visiting the community center and presenting a valid ID or utility bill. Each box contains a frozen turkey or ham, canned fruits and vegetables, coffee, dessert, gravy mix, potatoes and stuffing mix.
In December 2023, Hanover Township distributed 416 meal boxes. For more information, call Hanover Township Human Services, 630-540-9085.
Holiday Art Clash set for Friday at Side Street Studio
The Holiday Art Clash holiday-themed live painting competition will be held from 7 to 11 p.m Friday, Dec. 20, in the theater space at Side Street Studio Arts, 15½ Ziegler Court, Elgin.
Artists will compete in three rounds of live painting, with audience members voting on who will win the final cash prize, according to the studio’s website. All artwork created during the competition will be immediately auctioned, with proceeds benefiting the artists and nonprofit Side Street Studio Arts.
Admission is a $15 at the door or $13 online in advance. For tickets and information, go to www.sidestreetstudioarts.org/event-details/holiday-art-clash.
