Four ECC students receive scholarships
Three current Elgin Community College students and a recent graduate received scholarships totaling $4,000 last month from Elgin Hispanic Network during its 37th annual luncheon at Villa Olivia in Bartlett.
The network awarded the scholarships to Jonathan Aguina, Valeria Hernandez, Sirlene Machicado and Aolany Campuzano, according to a news release.
Aguina will graduate this month. A first-generation college student, he hopes to continue his studies at either Illinois State University or at the University of Illinois.
An aspiring second-grade teacher, Hernandez is studying elementary education at ECC. She is considering transferring to Eastern Illinois University to continue her studies.
Originally from Bolivia, Machicado is studying English as a second language and business communication at ECC. Her long-term goal is to pursue a career in accounting, as she hopes to support her mother’s small business.
A lifelong Elgin resident and an ECC graduate, Campuzano is majoring in Public Health with a minor in Latino Studies at the University of Illinois Chicago. At ECC, she served as president of the Organization of Latin American Students and was active in TRiO and student life.
For more information, go to www.elginhispanicnetwork.org/.
Elgin Fire Department Partners with Community Crisis Center adult winter outerwear drive
The Elgin Fire Department is collecting winter outerwear to support the Community Crisis Center’s effort to provide warm clothing for adults in need.
Donations are being accepted now through Dec. 31 at all Elgin fire stations, according to a news release.
The public is encouraged to donate gently used winter coats for men and women, as well as new gloves, mittens, hats and scarves. All items must be clean and have no missing buttons or broken zippers. Due to a surplus of children’s coats at the Community Crisis Center, children’s outerwear will not be collected this year.
Donation drop-off locations:
Station 1: 550 Summit St.
Station 2: 650 Big Timber Road.
Station 3: 2455 Royal Blvd.
Station 4: 599 S. McLean Blvd.
Station 5: 804 Villa St.
Station 6: 707 W. Chicago St.
Station 7: 3270 Longcommon Parkway
For more information, email robb.cagann@elginIL.gov or call 847-931-6180.
Tickets on sale for Elgin’s 40th annual MLK prayer breakfast taking place Jan. 18
The City of Elgin Human Relations Commission will be hosting the 40th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Prayer Breakfast from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18 in Building E at Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.
The theme of the breakfast will be a quote from King: “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope,” according to the web page for the event.
This morning will feature speakers, prayer, music and remembrance. Local students will be recognized and awarded Dr. King Scholarships. Local leaders and organizations will be recognized and honored as recipients of the Dr. King Humanitarian Award.
Tickets are $30. Tables of eight are available for $240. For information, call 847-754-8064 or email dhabun@msn.com. To purchase tickets, go to givebutter.com/F60wFV.
PADS of Elgin names Katie Shaw Thompson executive director
The PADS of Elgin board of directors recently named Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren pastor Katie Shaw Thompson as the organization’s new executive director.
Thompson has served as pastor at the Elgin church for almost 10 years, according to a news release. In that role she has overseen initiatives addressing social justice, affordable housing, community development and has served as a member of the PADS of Elgin Board.
“I am honored to step into this role at PADS, an organization that holds such a vital place in our community,” Thompson said in the release. “For decades, the staff, volunteers, and supporters of PADS have shown incredible dedication to those experiencing housing insecurity and by extension, the well-being of our entire community. I look forward to building on that foundation and working together to further strengthen our mission and impact.”
As executive director, Thompson said she plans to focus on strengthening operational systems, building relationships with community partners and donors and exploring opportunities to expand PADS’ capacity to serve the growing needs of the housing insecure in the region.
For information about PADS, go to padsofelgin.org/about/.
Tickets on sale for South Elgin Parks and Recreation’s Daddy Daughter Dance Party Feb. 8 and Mother Son Bowling and Pizza Night Feb. 28
TIckets are on sale now for the South Elgin Parks and Recreation Department’s Daddy Daughter Dance Party being held from 6 to 8 p.m Saturday, Feb. 8 at Corron Elementary School, 455 Thornwood Way, South Elgin and for Mother and Son Bowling and PIzza Night from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28 at St. Charles Bowl, 2520 W. Main, St. Charles.
The dance is designed for girls ages 3 to 12, according to a press release. The night will feature crafts, music from a DJ, snacks and beverages. Photos will be taken and printed onsite.
The cost is $55 for South Elgin residents and $65 for nonresidents per couple. Each additional child is $15. Registration deadline is Friday, Jan. 31. To register, use Section #43602.
For the mother/son event, pizza, soda and dessert are included with bowling. The cost is $52 for South Elgin residents and $60 for nonresidents per couple. Each additional child is $22. Registration deadline is Saturday, Feb. 15. To register, use Section #53601.
For information and registration, call 847-622-0003 or go to www.southelgin.com/programs.
