Sherman Hospital offering maternal mental health support
Beyond Baby Blues, a free support program focused on maternal mental health, is being offered at Advocate Sherman Hospital and is open to all new mothers, including those who did not deliver at the Elgin hospital.
The program currently meets from 9:30 to 11 a.m. each Tuesday. Beginning March 4, the time will switch to noon to 1:30 p.m.
A peer-led support group, Beyond Baby Blues is a safe space for mothers to talk about the difficulties of motherhood, emotional changes and receive encouragement and validation, according to hospital information. Additional resources, including helpful websites and books, are also available to participants.
Free coffee and hot tea are offered. No registration is required. Anyone interested in participating can check in at the hospital’s main entrance desk.
The hospital is located at 1425 N. Randall Road. For more information, email ashley.koeppen@aah.org.
Former Courier-News writer Chris Bailey dies in Arizona
Former Courier-News writer Andrea Chris Bailey, 71, of Elgin, died suddenly Sunday, Jan. 5, in Scottsdale, Arizona, according to an online obituary.
Bailey was an award-winning journalist who worked as a reporter, columnist and editorial writer for The Courier-News and later for the Arlington Heights-based Daily Herald.
She was born in Herman, Minnesota, graduated from Herman High School and Northern Illinois University and served in the U.S. Air Force, prior to embarking on a career in journalism. Bailey had a passion for travel that took her around the world, according to the obituary.
Bailey is survived by her husband, former Courier-News managing editor Michael Bailey, son John Jeffrey and his wife Ashley; her grandson, Jack, of Crestwood, Missouri; brothers Dana of Red Feather Lakes, Colorado, and Doyle, of Marshall, Minnesota; several nieces and nephews, and her best friend, Sue Mattioli, of Streamwood.
Funeral services were private. Donations in Bailey’s name can be made to the Northern Illinois Food Bank.
Registration underway for PADS of Elgin 5K annual walk/run
PADS of Elgin will host its second annual Home Run 5K Walk or Run on Saturday, April 26, starting and ending in the parking lot of the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin.
Proceeds will assist PADS in fulfilling its mission to help people and families who are homeless and need shelter, services and professional guidance, according to the nonprofit’s website.
Registration is $50 for runners and walkers and $25 for anyone 12 or younger. There also will be a 100-yard dash for children ages 5 and younger, with a $5 entry fee.
To register, go to secure.qgiv.com/for/homerun5k/event/homerun5k2025.