ECC event Tuesday to feature college, university reps
More than 145 colleges and universities will take part in Elgin Community College’s college night from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8, in the Building J gymnasium on the main campus, 1700 Spartan Drive.
“All current college, high school and prospective students are encouraged to attend to discover transfer opportunities,” a social media post said. “The Illinois Association for College Admission Counseling sponsors this free event in collaboration with ECC and other local schools.”
The StriveScan app will make it easy for colleges to scan barcodes to share information with students about their schools, the post said.
Registration is encouraged but not required. For more information, go to elgin.edu/admissions/visit-ecc/admissions-events/college-night.
Dundee library hosting ‘spook-tacular’ October events
The Dundee Library in East Dundee will be hosting a number of Halloween season events in the coming weeks, including:
- 3 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12: Prominent horror writers from northern Illinois will discuss the literary genre in a panel discussion.
- 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17: The 1988 movie “Beetlejuice” will be shown. Spooky snacks will be served.
- 6 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23: The 1931 movie “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” will be screened, followed by a discussion of the film.
- 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, Oct. 25: A Lego challenge will allow kids to build Halloween-themed creations. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.
- 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26: A family-friendly Halloween parade will be followed by seasonal activities.
- 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29: The 1925 silent movie “Phantom of the Opera” will be shown, with accompanying music provided by organist Jay Warren.
The library is at 555 Barrington Ave. For more information and to register to attend any of the events, go to www.frvpld.info.
More than $150k for ECC scholarships raised at gala
The Elgin Community College Foundation’s 2024 gala celebrated the school’s 75th anniversary and the foundation’s 40th anniversary Sept. 14 by recognizing student, faculty and staff achievements and raising more than $150,000 for student scholarships and mini-grants.
Nearly 300 guests attended the event at which ECC Interim President Peggy Heinrich shared a state of the college update. Student scholar Shynecka Manderson spoke about receiving a foundation scholarship and ECC alum and Sensational 75 award recipient Frank Catalano entertained guests with an impromptu saxophone performance.
Four people were presented with 2024 ECC Foundation Awards:
- ECC Friend of Education Award: Roger Smith;
- Exceptional Friend of the ECC Foundation Award: Rita Shaw;
- ECC President’s Lasting Impact Award: Danise Habun and Margaret Frisch.
Youth fair to be held Oct. 16 at Gail Borden library
A youth fair sponsored by state Rep. Anna Moeller, D-Elgin, will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16, at the Gail Borden Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin.
Local vendors and organizations that can help youth connect with resources and support will be in attendance, a news release said. Volunteer opportunities, after-school programs, health and wellness resources, career guidance and more will be available.
The free event is open to the public, and there will be refreshments, prize raffles and free swag, the release said.
For more information, call 847-841-7130 or email staterepmoeller@gmail.com.
Elgin organizations receive literacy program grants
Two Elgin nonprofits are among organizations across Illinois to be awarded literacy program grant money through the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office.
Literacy Connection is to receive two grants — one for $50,000 and the other for $85,485, according to a news release. YWCA Elgin was awarded two $50,000 grants.
The literacy grants are designed to promote basic reading, math, writing and English language skills. They were awarded using combined state funds and federal Library Services and Technology Act money from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the release said.
ESO, musicians union agree to new four-year contract
The Elgin Symphony Orchestra and its members, represented by the Chicago Federation of Musicians, have agreed to a new contract.
The four-year deal provides wage increases totaling 11% over the course of the pact, according to a news release.
In a prepared statement, ESO CEO Marc Thayer said the agreement represents an investment by the symphony and its musicians in the organization’s long-term growth. It also allows the ESO to continue to present live orchestra music through its diverse programming, educational opportunities and community performances, he said.
The ESO’s 75th season opened Sept. 28-29 with concerts at The Hemmens Cultural Center. For more information, go to www.elginsymphony.org.
