Elgin Short Film Festival winner produced by city manager’s son
“The Bullfighter,” a comedy about a former bullfighter who gets a job as a flag-waving parking attendant to stage his final bullfight, received the first-place trophy, a $1,000 prize and the People’s Choice Award Oct. 5 at the Elgin Short Film Festival.
The film was directed by Giselle Bonilla and produced by Colt Kozal, son of Elgin City Manager Rick Kozal. Colt Kozal is a graduate of Elgin Academy and studied at New York University and the American Film Institute.
“Little Pink House” by Chicago directors Rachel Dohner and Olivia Comai won $500 and the festival’s second-place trophy. Their animated film looks at how queer people transform their surroundings to build realities that are softer, safer and focused on radical joy, a news release said.
The third-place trophy and $300 went to director George Ellzey Jr. for “Cottage Grove,” which focused on a young man’s struggle to communicate with his stroke-afflicted father while staying true to himself, the release said.
For more information, go to elginil.gov/1828/Elgin-Short-Film-Festival.
Elgin police hosting Halloween Extravaganza Tuesday
The Elgin Police Department will hold a Halloween Extravaganza from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22, at police headquarters, 151 Douglas Ave.
The free event will feature family fun, community resources, music, characters, snacks and something “haunted,” according to a social media post. There will be trick-or-treat tours through the police department and a costume contest for children 12 and younger.
For more information, call 847-289-2588.
Anderson Humane holding Second City fundraiser Wednesday
Anderson Humane, based in South Elgin, is raising money by hosting a performance by a Second City improv troupe at the Arcada Theater in downtown St. Charles.
“Mo’ Funny, Less Problems” will be presented from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23, at the 105 E. Main St. theater.
Every ticket sold directly supports Anderson Humane, according to a news release. The animal shelter and rescue cares for more that 3,800 pets and 3,500 wildlife animals annually.
Tickets are $45. For tickets, go to e.givesmart.com/events/EkN/.
Elgin Symphony Orchestra to hold Día de los Muertos concert
The Elgin Symphony Orchestra will present a Dia de los Muertos/All Souls Day concert at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, at The Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin.
It is being held in partnership with the Gail Borden Public Library and the city of Elgin, according to a news release.
The program will feature José Carlos Díaz singing favorites like “Sabor a mi” and “La Llorona” and Latin American music, including “Sobre las olas” and “Huapango,” the release said. Elgin’s BFH dance ensemble, formerly known as Ballet Folklórico Huehuecoyotlalso, will perform with the symphony.
Tickets are $25 for the general public and $5 for students. Free tickets for children 17 and younger are available with every paid adult ticket. For tickets and more information, call the ESO box office at 847-888-4000 or go to elginsymphony.org.
A diaper drive sponsored by state Rep. Suzanne Ness starts Oct. 28. There are more than a half dozen drop-off locations in Carpentersville, Algonquin and Crystal Lake. (AP)
Ness holding annual diaper drive Oct. 28 through Nov. 4
State Rep. Suzanne Ness, D-Crystal Lake, is sponsoring her fourth annual diaper drive from Monday, Oct. 28, through Monday, Nov. 4.
In a news release, Ness said more than 6,000 diapers as well as wipes and other baby essentials were donated through the event last year.
This year’s drop-off locations include:
- Ness’ District 66 Office, 20 S. Grove St., Carpentersville;
- Baird & Warner, 1557 S. Randall Road, Algonquin;
- School District 300 Central Office, 2550 Harnish Drive, Algonquin;
- First Congregational Church, 461 Pierson St., Crystal Lake;
- Dundee Township Adult Activities Center, 665 Barrington Ave., Carpentersville;
- Algonquin Area Public Library, 2600 Harnish Drive, Algonquin;
- Hope Church, 451 Ackman Road, Crystal Lake.
All items collected will be given to local food pantries. For more information, call 224-484-8620 or email info@repsnessil66.com.
Applications available for township December holiday programs
Hanover Township families facing financial hardships can apply online for the annual December holiday sponsor-a-family and toy drive programs.
Applications for families seeking toys will be accepted online through Friday, Dec. 6, and in-person at the Astor Avenue Community Center, 7431 Astor Ave. Hanover Park, through Friday, Dec. 13, according to a news release.
Required documents include a valid ID, a utility bill or piece of mail dated within the last 30 days, a birth certificate for children ages infant to 15 or a medical card showing child’s name and birthdate, and proof of income for the last 30 days prior to the application date.
Anyone wishing to sponsor gifts for a family should call 630-540-9085 or email holidays@hanover-township.org. Donations of new, unwrapped toys also can be dropped off at any Hanover Township office.
For more information or an application form, go to www.hanover-township.org.
