BRAVO 2.3

an elgin culture magazine

2.3

Cats of Elgin:

Here and Meow pp. 28-30 with the

Stages of Progress

pp. 2-7

MARCH 2016

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Expression: The Players in Elgin’s Theatre Scene

Stages of Progress People tell me I am a fixture in Elgin’s theatrical life. Perhaps it’s because I’ve been here a long time; not many Elgin residents have been active in the local theatre scene for 47 years. One person even referred to me as one of the “grand old dames” of Elgin theatre after watching my portrayal of an Irish battle axe in Waiting in the Wings. The operative word was “old.”

When I moved to Elgin in 1968 as a young bride, soon to be starting in the Master of Arts in Theatre program at Northern Illinois University, I had no expectations of theatrical life in this town. I never envisioned staying here the rest of my life.

After all, I grew up in New York City, the theatre capital of the United States. How could I do “my work” in a town this size?

Elgin Theatre Company Indeed there was one formal theatre group at the time, Elgin Community Theatre. According to Elgin historian E. C. Alft, there had been an “Elgin The-

by Gareth Sitz

ater League” in the early 1940’s, which was disbanded when most of the male actors enlisted in the service during WWII. Among these former Theater League members was Trygve Rovelstadt, the Elgin sculptor.

Under the G.I. Bill, some of these returning soldiers went to ECC and enrolled in a drama class. The students in this class, including Rovelstadt, formed a new theater group, the Elgin Community Theatre, to enlarge their experience. Although there were strong ties to ECC, and the name and logo was made similar, the organization had its own Board of Directors and was financially independent. Their first production, in early 1952, was The Male Animal.

Elgin Community Theatre remains the longest running company, though it changed its name to Elgin Theatre Company (ETC)in 2005, perhaps to sound more professional in light of all the new theatre companies on the Elgin scene. I like to think that their former name

Cover artist: Jeff Ward Jeff Ward was born in Chicago and resides in Elgin. He has been a tattooer for the last 18 years, working in studios around the country, including a seven-year gig at High Voltage Tattoo of West Hollywood, CA. Ward can currently be found at Topnotch Tattoos, 216 E. Chicago St. in downtown Elgin. Follow him on Instagram: @jeffdraw

Elgin Theatre Company performs M*A*S*H at the Kimball Street Theatre at Elgin Academy.

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such a fine space for its productions, and they are proudly in residence in this permanent home.

Prologue I believe the roots of Elgin’s love for theatre lies in the richness of speech and theatre instruction in Elgin’s public schools. All the junior highs (now middle schools) held a yearly speech festival as well as a one act play festival. These Saturday events brought students and judges together from all over the district, rotating the host school each year.

Gareth Mann Sitz. was more suitable, and I was sad because its name had historical significance to the town.

ETC remains a theatre of the people. By and large, their choice of plays appeals to a popular audience, staying away from the avant garde and concentrating on shows with mass appeal and name recognition. ETC has always been a place where newcomers to the stage are welcome.

They have always had open auditions, and their productions rely on the contributions of many people. The objective has always been to serve the community, providing entertainment and an outlet for area talent, both on and offstage.

Over the years, I directed many productions for ETC, with its ever shifting theatrical home.

Shows were produced at area junior high schools, usually Kimball, because ETC board member Don Swenson was Kimball’s drama director, facilitating the technical aspects of the show.

Later, when the new Elgin High School was built, ETC performed in the old Elgin High School auditorium on Chicago Street. Other venues included Sears Hall at Elgin Academy, the Hemmens exhibition hall and occasionally the mainstage, especially for a large musical like Fiddler on the Roof, in which I fondly remember playing the part of Yente in 1992.

Now Elgin Theatre Company produces all its shows at the black box-style Kimball Street Theatre in Elgin Academy’s newest building, the Ryder Center.

The group is fortunate to have

Back then, there was sufficient money in the U-46 budget to provide a stipend to all the judges. Serving many times as a judge for both these events, I was impressed with the enthusiasm and energy of the students, as well as the commitment of the junior high teachers. This rich training prepared students for the excellent high school drama programs.

When I began teaching at Elgin High in 1973, the English curriculum was an elective system, with Acting, Speech, Oral Interpretation of Literature, Debate, and even Stagecraft as choices for English credit. There were two major productions each year as well as preparation of a one act play designed to compete with high schools all over the state. In addition, each Spring, the drama and music departments collaborated to produce a large musical. There was a tight relationship between the junior high and high school drama teachers, and we would have in-service days when we would meet together as a group, enhancing our connection with one another.

Many of the public school teachers were active in Elgin Community Theatre, either directing or assuming major roles in plays. I served on its board for several years.

In addition, Elgin Academy, under the direction of Alan “Oz” Osborne, routinely had high quality productions. Oz started the first summer theatre program in Elgin, with plays produced at Sears Hall on the Elgin Academy campus. Don Haefliger, later the founder of Independent Players, began his career as drama director at St.

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Enter Independent Players In 1978, Independent Players (IP) produced its first show.

From its inception, its goal was to produce shows that were less likely to be produced by Elgin Theatre Company. The emphasis was on shows that were a bit more avant garde. Over the years, the group has produced a wide variety of plays, including many classics as well as contemporary plays. The philosophy was to aim for excellence and professionalism, to become Elgin’s premier theatre company.

Independent Players perform The Bald Soprano at Imago Studios during the 2015 Elgin Fringe Festival.

Edward High School, honing his directorial skills with his excellent high school productions. He worked with Oz in EA’s summer theatre program.

Elgin Community College offered non-credit classes for children in a variety of areas.

In the early seventies, I was recruited to teach children’s theatre classes, something I did for about twenty years. I would design each session around the students in my class. The kids would select a theme, and in the course of the 6-10 week program during the school year or two week summer intensive, a show would be developed from improvisation. The final class would be a performance for friends and family.

Many students repeated my class over and over because it was different every time, meeting the interests and needs of each specific group. I believed that memorization and the production of more formal theatre pieces was not appropriate for the students in grades 3-6. The emphasis was on developing self confidence and teaching kids the basics of good elocution, projection, and using their bodies effectively.

Enter City of Elgin Elgin Summer Youth Theatre had its first production in 1972.

Sponsored by the City of Elgin, the program served young people ages 16-26, bringing a popular Broadway musical to the main stage of the Hemmens Auditorium. The aim was to cast as many people as possible, using a

large chorus. For several years, I designed the costumes, and my husband designed the sets.

The City was so very supportive of theatre activities! That summer of 1972, I was hired to run a street theatre program for students in grades 4-8 to create short productions which were performed at Wing and Lord’s Parks.

During these productions, I met performers who would grace the Elgin stage for many years to come. Diane McFarlin (then Diane Weidner) was Daisy Mae in L’il Abner, and I remember her perky personality as I fit her for her costume. We became close friends and theatre colleagues, and I directed her in many productions.

From the beginning, IP did not always hold auditions, often relying on personal invitations to area performers to be part of a production. The aim was to cultivate a core of regulars, people who worked together and encouraged one another’s creative development. Over the years, the pattern of casting without auditions has continued, but this does not mean IP is closed to newcomers.

Like ETC, Independent Players did not have a permanent home for its productions. Early shows were staged at the Elks Club and in the basement of the Hemmens building. When the Visual and Performing Arts Center opened at Elgin Community College, Independent Players was the first group to perform in SecondSpace theatre with the premiere of my full-length play, SHRINK. The VPAC remained IP’s home for several years.

She also was When the City a member of of Elgin convertNew Group ed the ballroom Theatre, the on the 8th floor improv group of the ProfesI formed in sional Building 1980. We were at 164 Division commissioned Street into a to create a play performance for the 25th space, IP was anniversary of thrilled to have the Fox Valley a place that David Schuringa and Amanda Mental Health suited its needs Flahive in a scene from Next to Center, now so well. Elgin Normal, produced by Elgin Ecker Center.

Art Showcase Summer Theatre.

Co-sponsored was born, the by the Human city’s fees were manageable, Services Department at ECC, and the space itself was warm we were able to use the ATC and welcoming. We have been auditorium free of charge for performing there ever since. our production. As our time was Enter Children’s Theatre donated, we were able to make a substantial contribution to Fox of Elgin Valley Mental Health Center.

The Children’s Theatre of

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Elgin was originally formed in 1988 by a group of parents seeking performance opportunities for their children in grades 2-8.

The success of the group was due to the tireless commitment of parents wanting the best for their children. Every aspect of production was delegated to parents.

When their children grew too old for the group, Fox Valley Theatre was formed, and the young performers continued to grow and learn their craft. Over time, these two groups, who share the same board of directors, continued to expand and develop a fine reputation in the community. At the present time, the groups are in partnership with Elgin Community College, where they offer workshops and classes and stage many of their productions. The group continues to use the Hemmens auditorium as well, and school groups attend their daytime performances during regular school hours.

Enter Janus Theatre Janus Theatre Company, under the direction of Sean Hargadon, is yet another acting company brightening the Elgin theatre landscape. Since its beginnings in 1998, the company has become more and more professional in its approach, having open auditions that attract performers from all over the Chicagoland area. The company concentrates on innovative versions of classic plays. It also produces original plays by Chicago area playwrights. Anyone who has witnessed a Janus production can attest to its excellence. No need to go to Chicago to see high quality productions with excellent actors.

Progress of Stages Since 1968, Elgin’s population has grown from about 60,000 to over 100,000, and somehow our town has become a mecca for the arts. We boast a phenomenal library, an amazing symphony orchestra, Visual and Performing Arts programs at Larkin High and ECC; a multitude of theatre groups, each with its own vision and personality; and we were selected as a site for ArtSpace, affordable housing for artists of all types to live and work together in downtown Elgin.

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Brahms & Ives Andrew Grams, conductor Alexander Schimpf, piano

Fox Valley Theatre Company presents Mary Poppins in the Blizzard Theatre at Elgin Community College.

The number of performance venues has increased markedly over the years, too. When I came to Elgin, there was the Hemmens building, a small theatre at ECC, the upstairs at the Elks Club, Sears Hall at Elgin Academy, church halls, and auditoriums in the public schools.

Since then we have added two beautiful theatres at ECC’s Visual and Performing Arts Center, the Kimball Street Theatre at Elgin Academy, Elgin Art Showcase, and two small but sweet performance spaces at Side Street Studio Arts on Ziegler Court. When our town hosted the Elgin Fringe Festival, additional performance spaces were provided by Imago on Prairie Street, upstairs at the

Elgin Public House on Chicago Street, and the Blue Box Café.

As a theatre practitioner, I have performed or directed in most of these venues over the years, and memories flood my brain as I visualize each production. I’ve acted and directed in several theatre groups in town, taught innumerable students of all ages, had several of my original plays produced, and formed Femmeprov, an all-female acting/improvisation company. I could not have done all this without a receptive environment, and I am grateful to be here. I relish contributing my time and talents where my efforts are appreciated. — GS

March 12, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.

March 13, 2016 at 2:30 p.m.

Hemmens Cultural Center Brahms – Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat Major Ives – Symphony No. 2

Rachel Barton Pine Plays Dvořák

David Danzmayr, conductor Rachel Barton Pine, violin A Tribute to Maud Powell

April 1, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.

Schaumburg Prairie Center for the Arts April 2, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.

April 3, 2016 at 2:30 p.m.

Hemmens Cultural Center Dvořák – Carnival Overture Dvořák – Violin Concerto Dvořák – Symphony No. 9 in E minor “From the New World” See ElginSymphony.Org for a description of week-long activities dedicated to Aurora native Maud Powell, who blazed a trail for women musicians.

847-888-4000 ElginSymphony.Org The cast of King of Shadows, produced by Janus Theatre Company at the Elgin Art Showcase.

Tickets start at $30.

Taxes and fees will be applied at checkout.

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Expression: Elgin Theatre Companies and Educational Programs

Elgin Theatre Company www.elgin-theatre.org

Elgin Theatre Company (ETC), known until July 1, 2005, as the Elgin Community Theatre, was founded in the spring of 1952 as an evening adult education class at Elgin Community College (ECC). For over 50 seasons, ETC has continuously produced high quality adult entertainment for Elgin and the northwest suburbs of Chicago.

From its founding until the late 1960’s, ETC was supported by and closely associated with ECC, but with its own governing body. Later it became a fully independent group. ETC was incorporated as a tax exempt, not for profit corporation, in 1970. Since its first production, ETC has been financially self supporting.

The group draws actors, singers, dancers, carpenters, and a host of others from Elgin, nearby communities, and from as far away as Chicago.

It draws its audience from the same area with most of the people living in and around Elgin.

Our artistic direction has emphasized a mixture of popular musicals, comedies, dramas, and mysteries. ETC has attempted to meet a wide range of theatre interests with such offerings as Bus Stop, The Man Who Came to Dinner, South Pacific, Dracula, The Last of the Red Hot Lovers, Cinderella, and On Golden Pond.

Next show at the Kimball Street Theatre: The Cemetery Club Weekends, June 17-26, 2016

Independent Players www.independentplayers.org Independent Players was founded in the summer of 1978 by two young Elginites, Tom Kanies and Nancy Potter, and their high school drama teacher, Don Haefliger. Its primary goal was to bring to the Fox Valley Area a brand of theatre that was completely different from anything produced by other local companies. It would produce new and classic plays and musicals, many of which were only being produced by larger regional theatre companies.

The first three shows — Jacques Bret is Alive and Well and Living in Paris (a musical), David Mamet’s A Life in the Theatre and Jim Zelewski’s A Bill of Affairs, (a world premiere musical) — set the stage for the presentation of many plays which had never been seen locally before.

Over the years, IP has changed venues, ticket prices and the number of plays it produces per season. One thing that has remained constant, however, is the fact that it consistently brings seasoned veterans together with new talented actors, directors and technicians to produce great performances of many exceptional plays and musicals.

Upcoming shows at the Elgin Art Showcase: The Octette Bridge Club (Fridays & Saturdays, March 4-19, 2016) Third by Wendy Wasserstein (Fridays and Saturdays, May 13-28, 2016)

Children’s Theatre of Elgin and Fox Valley Theatre Company www.cteelgin.com

In 1988, Children’s Theatre of Elgin (CTE) was founded by a group of parents responding to a lack of local performing arts opportunities for their children and others in Grades 2 through 9. The goal was and is to include all who audition, and provide meaningful live-theatre instruction and experiences by and for children and youth, with the support and participation of families.

The troupe quickly grew, and following appeals from participants who had graduated, Fox Valley Theatre Company (FVTC) was created in 1993 as a more advanced option for older youth in Grade 9 through age 20 years. CTE/FVTC annually produces four outstanding, full-scale musicals with ticket prices affordable for families.

Today, CTE is one of the oldest, largest and most exciting children’s theatre companies in the state. Many of CTE’s first generation performers have returned to give back as artists and producers, anxious to help provide the kinds of experiences and lasting relationships they enjoyed as part of their participation with CTE.

The Little Mermaid (June 17-26, 2016, Blizzard Theatre)

GreenRoom Improv

www.greenroomimprov.com

Janus Theatre Company www.janusplays.com

Janus Theatre was formed in Elgin in 1998 and began producing theatre in the winter of 1999. Since that time this versatile company has produced more than 60 classic and contemporary works in cafes, exhibition halls, storefronts, lofts and theaters. Janus Theatre has traveled locally, across the country, and internationally to present its work. In addition, a founding principle of the company has been the ongoing education of artists and audiences.

In its 18 years of existence, Janus Theatre’s varied repertoire has included works from the 1960’s off-off Broadway movement, rare classical plays from Marivaux to Feydeau, and newer work from David Sedaris and Eve Ensler. Due to the lack of a permanent home, the plays changed to fit the available space. The company performed four seasons in Chicago at the Athenaeum Theatre and Stage Left Theatre.

The company was also invited to perform at the London Fringe Theatre Festival in the summer of 2004, where it won the Impresario Award for most popular show. In recent years, Janus Theatre presented a walkabout version of Oedipus Rex, a hyper intimate production of Miss Julie, and an all-female presentation of Romeo & Juliet.

The company produced the first Elgin Short Play Festival, featuring the work of Theresa Rebeck, and presented its second classical repertory series to critical and public acclaim, featuring the works of Jane Austen, William Shakespeare and Oscar Wilde.

In recent years, Elgin Summer Shakes has expanded to include student performances and acting workshops.

Janus also was also a lead sponsor and organizer for the Elgin Fringe Festival and provides acting and Shakespeare workshops in the U-46 School District.

Upcoming shows at the Elgin Art Showcase: Wittenberg by David Davalos (April 22 to May 8, 2016)

Upcoming shows:

Hamlet (April 22 - May 8, 2016)

The Jungle Book (April 7-10, 2016, Hemmens Cultural Center)

(Wittenberg and Hamlet will be performing on alternating days.)

GreenRoom Improv is an ensemble-based theatre company that specializes in improvisation. GreenRoom was founded by a group of Judson University students in 1999 as a result of the cancellation of the school’s Theatre program. Since then GreenRoom has performed nationally for a wide range of audiences and events.

They currently have residencies in two theaters: The Hemmens Cultural Center in Elgin, IL and The Cosman Theater in Huntley, IL where they perform monthly. In addition to these residencies, GreenRoom plays multiple performance and workshop bookings throughout the year with their unique blend of clean, high-energy, multi-faceted improv comedy.

For years GreenRoom has performed plays and musicals, and now focus on their unique improv show, seen by thousands of people both old and young alike. Imagine an hour and a half of complete improvisation, a la Whose Line is it Anyway? GreenRoom takes audience suggestions and truelife audience stories and turns them into hilarious theatre pieces right before your eyes!

Their shows include competing improv teams, improvised songs with live accompaniment, audience members onstage, tons of energy and an unforgettable evening.

Upcoming shows at the Hemmens Cultural Center: Friday, March 4 at 8pm Friday, April 1 at 8pm Friday, May 13 at 8pm

Elgin Summer Theatre www.facebook.com/ elginsummertheatre

Elgin Summer Theatre began life as the Summer Youth Musical in 1973 with a production of L’il Abner and for many years the program presented up to three productions each summer on The Hemmens’ stage.

After its 1995 production of Anything Goes, the program was canceled as management goals shifted and much needed facility improvements required use of the summer months for construction. Following another management change in 2005, discussions

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of bringing back summer theatre began in earnest amongst Hemmens’ staff, many of whom began their careers with EST, and in 2008 those talks became reality with HAiR, EST’s first production in 13 years.

Since its resurrection, EST is once again building a reputation for the quality of its productions as well as the positive experience it offers its participants. In fact, in each of the four productions presented since 2008, there have been young actors performing with a parent who was involved in EST before the hiatus.

2016 Production to be announced

Femmeprov

www.facebook.com/ Femmeprov-147859515230648 Founded in 2008, Femmeprov is an acting company and workshop provider specializing in musical sketch comedy that addresses issues that are crucial to women. This traveling feminist improvisation troupe performs at festivals and private bookings with scripted premises that are humorous and entertaining as well as educational.

Workshops for women and girls aim to enhance self-esteem and strengthen women’s identities. The company welcomes talented women who can sing, act and have a flair for improvisational theatre, and are committed to the mission of the company.

ECC Theatre and Musical Theatre Program www.elgin.edu/vpac.aspx

Elgin Community College offers more than thirty full credit courses in the theatrical arts including acting, improvisation, set design, technical production, and makeup. Traditional students produce plays and musicals each semester, alongside actors who have passed open auditions.

Upcoming shows: Harvey (April 22-May 1, SecondSpace Theatre) Big Fish (Weekends, July 19 - August 7, 2016, Blizzard Theatre)

Judson University Theater Program

www.judsonu.edu/theater Judson University’s Theater Program produces a full season of shows each year including plays, musicals, improv, and student-directed projects.

Directors include Judson Professors, Judson Theater Alumni, and guest artists with professional theater experience.

Judson Theater Scholarships are available to incoming students wishing to participate in Judson’s Theater Program. Students do not have to be

Theater majors to receive a scholarship.

Upcoming show: Light of the World Featuring “John, His Story” (March 17-20, Thulin Performance Hall)

Hamilton Wings

www.hamiltonwings.org Founded in 1995 by (the late) Ann Jones, then principal of Garfield Elementary School, and Dr. Risé Jones, Hamilton Wings is an enrichment program that uses arts-immersion activities to promote leadership, self-development, and academic readiness among youth in the Elgin community.

SCORE provides students ages 10-13 with the opportunity to create an original opera production. SCORE empowers young people and their families with tangible orientations of success through the development of a public production.

To continue their leadership development, we offer students the opportunity to create their own art-based service project through participation in SCORE II.

Visual and Performing Arts Academy, Larkin H.S. www.edline.net/pages/ Larkin_High_School

The Fine Arts Department at Larkin High School provides students an opportunity to create through exploring various disciplines within the fine arts world. Students have opportunities to take classes, taught by highly qualified educators, in art, choir, instrumental music and drama. These classes range from semester long to year long courses. Most classes offer advanced levels to provide the student additional rigor and opportunities to grow within that art.

The VPAA Drama Focus Curriculum is centered on the production process, including the knowledge, skills, and preparation necessary to a successful performance. Rehearsal and performance experience interwoven with research and method study provides students with an engaging and challenging study of Dramatic Arts.

Upcoming show at Larkin High School auditorium: Bye, Bye Birdie (April 15-16, 2016)

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8 teens in grades 9-12. 5p-7p, GBPL Studio 270 gailborden.info. Free City Council Meeting Hall cityofelgin.org

Wed.Feb.24 SSSA’s Artist Member Exhibition The A-M Visual Art exhibition at Side Street Studio Arts features the work of Bruce Bachelder, Jane Erlandson, Doug Hanson, Detlef Körtge, Lance Long, Janelle O’Malley, and Mike and Holly Rende with gallery hours Wednesday - Friday noon to 6pm, Saturday 10am to 6pm, and Sunday 11am to 3pm. Continues through February 28. Side Street Studio Arts sidestreetstudioarts.org. Free City of Elgin’s City Skate is Open Located behind City Hall enjoy ice skating all winter long. Go to the website for warming shelter/skate rental hours plus skating lesson dates/times.

9a-9p, City Hall cityofelgin.org. Free Job Training Information Session Training grants are available to help you get a job! Learn about WIOA services and the application process.

This program is in partnership with the Kane County Department of Community Reinvestment. For more information, call 630-966-1435, ext.

40078. 9.30a-11a, GBPL Computer Training Room gailborden.info. Free 1, 2, 3 Go! Families with 1, 2, and 3 year olds are invited to enjoy stories, rhymes and musical activities together. No registration required. Repeats 3/16 at 10a. 10a-10.30a, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B-C gailborden. info. Free Drop-In Winter Story Time Join Ms. Angela for 30 minutes of stories, songs and finger puppets. 10.30a-11a, Rakow Children’s Area gailborden. info. Free Food for Greater Elgin Gail Borden Library will bring interactive stories, songs and more for parents and children to enjoy together. Hear about library events and programs. Available to families will be library card registration. 11a-1p, GBPL Community Center gailborden.info. Free Elgin Knit Works Open Knit 5p-8p, Elgin Knit Works elginknitworks.com.

Free Video Game Tournaments - Madden 16 Think you’re the best? Come show off your skills and have fun in one of our video game tournaments. For

6p-8p, City

Clase Futuros Bilingues / Go Bilingual Class Come and experience the warmth and cultural interaction of learning a new language alongside a native speaker. The class is taught by Betty Martinez. No registration. Ven y disfruta un ambiente acogedor al aprender el ingles y espanol con otras personas que lo hablan como primer idioma. La maestra Betty Martinez conduce las clases. No hace falta inscribirse. 6p-7p, GBPL Elgin Room gailborden.info. Free Cuentos para la familia/Spanish Family Storytime 30 minutes of interactive stories, songs and fun for parents and children to enjoy together. 30 minutos de cuentos musica, rimas, manualidades y mucho mas para el disfrute de toda la familia! No necestia registrarse. Para todas las edades. 6.30p-7p, GBPL Story Room gailborden.info. Free Microsoft Excel 2013: Pivot Tables This session for more experienced Excel users covers creating and using pivot tables, sorting and filtering data, working with large spreadsheets, and more. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room gailborden. info. Free Walking Book Club A 45 minute walk followed by a 45 minute book discussion 7p-8.30p, GBPL Rec Center gailborden.info. Free

borden.info. Free Job Search & Resume Help Drop in for one-on-one assistance with your job search. Receive help with your resume, cover letter, completing online applications, and more. For more information contact the Kane County Department of Employment and Education at 630-966-1435. 9.30a1p, GBPL Computer Training Room gailborden.info. Free Wonderful Ones 15 minutes of short stories, fingerplays, rhymes, music and a movement activity followed by a 15 minute play period. For children 12-23 months with parent or adult caregiver. Registration is required.

Please complete the information below or call our Registration Desk at 847-429-4597. Please sign up for only one of the time slots offered so that as many of our customers as possible can enjoy our programming.

9.30a-10a, GBPL Story Room - South gailborden.info. Free Terrific Twos 10a-10.30a, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rm. C gailborden. info. Free Story Mix for Three to Six Drop in for 30 minutes of picture book stories, fingerplays and songs for children age 3 through Kindergarten.

No registration required. Attend any session. Parents must remain in building. 10.15a-10.45a, GBPL Story Room - North gailborden.info. Free Terrific Twos 10.45a-11.15a, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rm. C gailborden. info. Free

Karaoke 8p, Danny’s on Douglas dannyspizzaelgin.com. No Cover

2.3 confident when giving presentations, and you’ll improve your one-on-one dealings with others. Please join us as a guest! 12p-1p, GBPL South Elgin Room gailborden.info. Free Rakow Readers Mr. Owita’s Guide To Gardening 1.30p-2.30p, Rakow Living Room gailborden.info ChessMaster Junior Chess Club for Grades 2-12 Kids and teens are invited to hone their chess skills during our free-play sessions. Beginners are welcome - we will teach you how to play! Repeats 3/3, 3/10, 3/17, 3/24.

4p-5p, GBPL Youth Center - South gailborden.info. Free Baby Rhyme Time This storytime is for infants 0-11 months with an adult caregiver. Attendance is limited.

Registration is required. During the first week of registration only patrons within the Gail Borden Public Library District may register. Registration for persons outside of the library district begins the next Monday. Please complete the information below or call our Registration Desk at 847-4294597. 6.15p-6.45p, GBPL Story Room - South gailborden.info. Free Medieval Graffiti: Yourself in Symbols Medieval Educator, Crystal Hollis, will take us on a journey through a fascinating tour through medieval graffiti and help us create our own unique household, personal and legacy symbols for our lives and beyond.

This interactive, creative program is limited to 60 teen and adult participants. Please register. 6.30p-8.30p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B-C gailborden.info. Free

Thu.Feb.25 Terrific Twos Join us for 20 minutes of stories, interactive fingerplays and large muscle activities for 2 year olds and an adult caregiver. Attendance is limited. Registration is required.

During the first week of registration only patrons within the Gail Borden Public Library District may register.

Registration for persons outside of the library district begins the next Monday. Please complete the information below or call our Registration Desk at 847-429-4597. Repeats 10a, 10:45a. 9.15a-9.45a, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rm. C gailborden.info. Free Coffee, Conversation and More!

Shales Living Room Informal discussions on topics for people old enough to have a past. February 25 - Do you have a memorable first car? Tell us about your first set of wheels.

9.30a-11a, Rakow Living Room gailborden.info. Free Device Advice Questions about your smartphone, tablet, eReader or laptop? Stop in to Studio 270 with your device for 1:1 help and a cup of coffee or tea! Registration not required.

9.30a-11.30a, GBPL Studio 270 gail-

Chooch’s Pizzeria Fundraiser for Judson University Belize Mission Team Dine in @ Chooch’s Pizzeria on 2/25 and 10% of your bill will be donated to the Judson University Belize Mission Team. Mention the Belize Fundraiser when ordering. 11a, Chooch’s Pizzeria choochspizza.com Listen, Learn and Lead Toastmasters Club #6974 Become the speaker and leader you want to be. No registration. Toastmasters will give you the skills and confidence you need to effectively express yourself in any situation. Whether you are a professional, student, stay-at-home parent or retiree, Toastmasters is the most efficient, enjoyable and affordable way of gaining great communication skills. By learning to effectively formulate and express your ideas, you open an entirely new world of possibilities. You’ll be more persuasive and

Ola la Ijorere’s Cup O’Love Art Event The month of LOVE continues…Join us for our for the next Rhythms, Art & Wine Night. No

FEED.colorcode Bands & Music

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Lectures & Learning Exhibits & Film Creativity Causes & Community Other

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autobiographical 1861 novel of the same name. Exploring the themes of resilience and survival, this stage presentation tells Jacobs’ story of growing up in slavery, culminating with the seven years she spent hiding in her grandmother’s attic. 7p, Elgin Community College Arts Center / Blizzard Theatre (Bldg. H) elgin.edu/ arts. $25

Have a regular group going? Meet up at The BBC! Dress up, dress regularly, dress casually..but please be dressed :) 6p-8p, Blue Box Cafe theblueboxcafe.com. Free

Martini Room’s Joe Black Mid Night Spook Show Live DJ - Song Requests Taken!... 9.30p-2a, Martini Room martiniroomelgin.com. No Cover

Karaoke 8p, Danny’s on Douglas dannyspizzaelgin.com. No Cover

Fri.Feb.26 painting experience necessary, our fabulous paint artist will guide you step-by-step through this featured painting. 6.30p-9p, Ola la Ijorere. $28

Black Lives Matter? Or All Lives Matter? A Courageous Community Conversation The purpose of our community conversation is to discuss why Black Lives Matters is important, as well as foster an understanding and dispel the belief that by its title, it also means that All (or other) lives don’t matter. This will be an opportunity in a relaxed atmosphere to explain a complex issue that bears a simple, yet provocative name.

Moderator: Bob Whitt, Elgin Human Relations Commissioner; Panelists: Marcia Thompson, Phillip Reed, and Deb Perryman. Questions will be received from the audience. 7p-9p, Center of Elgin German Conversation Group Looking to refresh and even enhance that German you once knew? Join the German Conversation Group, led by John Schwartz, who has lived and traveled extensively in Germany and taught German and other languages.

John will present articles and videos about Germany and German-speaking Europe to be viewed and discussed auf Deutsch in a friendly atmosphere.

No registration. 7p-8.30p, GBPL South Elgin Room gailborden.info.

Free

Kids Artistic Review Talent Competition Kids Artistic Revue is dedicated to producing a high quality dance event that creates rewarding experiences for dancers, teachers, and parents. Our stages are shared by thousands of different ages, talents, and abilities. We seek to provide each of these performers with the opportunity to shine in a positive, rewarding, and exhilarating competition setting. We also pride ourselves on acknowledging the achievements and excellence of teachers, choreographers, and parents. It is our firm belief that the hard work and commitment of these individuals deserves equal attention and recognition. We are honored to be an artistic outlet where dedication and talent are celebrated. We look forward to an amazing competition and can’t wait to see all of your performances! 8a1p, Hemmens Main Stage dancekar. com. SOLD OUT! Baby Rhyme Time This storytime is for infants 0-11 months with an adult caregiver. Attendance is limited.

Registration is required. 9.15a-9.45a, GBPL Story Room - South gailborden. info. Free Wonderful Ones 15 minutes of short stories, fingerplays, rhymes, music and a movement activity followed by a 15 minute play period. For children 12-23 months with parent or adult caregiver. Registration is required.

Please complete the information below or call our Registration Desk at 847-429-4597. Please sign up for only one of the time slots offered so that as many of our customers as possible can enjoy our programming.

10a-10.30a, GBPL Story Room - South gailborden.info. Free New! Appy Hour No Registration.

Start the weekend off by stopping by to discover a new fun APP the family can enjoy. Bring your smartphone or tablet. FREE gift for each participating family. 4p-5p, Rakow Children’s Area gailborden.info. Free

Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl This powerful American Place Theatre Literature to Life® stage presentation is adapted from Jacobs’

Blue Box Cafe’s Geek’n Out We celebrate our Geekiness most Fridays!!!

We open up our cache of games, play a cool movie or three and have fun!!!! All are welcome!! Each week is a different theme. Play our games or bring your own, anything is cool.

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Sat.Feb.27 Brushed Chicago’s Starry Night BYOB Paint & Sip BYOB painting social. 6.30p-9p, BrushedChicago brushedchicago.com. $30

Monty Python’s Spamalot This Tony-winning musical is a “loving rip off” of Monty Python and The Holy Grail. Spamalot! retells (with much comedic license) the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, and features cows, killer rabbits, French people, and a bevy of beautiful show girls. Also 2/27, 7.30p and 2/28, 3p. 7.30p, Blizzard Theatre elgin.edu/arts. $18-20

Janus Theatre’s An Iliad The Janus Theatre Company continues its 18th season on February 19th when it presents An Iliad by Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare. An Iliad is a modern-day retelling of Homer’s classic. Filled with poetry, humor and pathos, this ancient tale of the Trojan War and the modern world collide in this captivating theatrical experience. Continues through 2/28. 8p, Elgin Art Showcase janusplays.com. $16 Neil Rose Blues rock. Walnut Speakeasy 9p. No Cover Southern Jack 9p, Danny’s on Douglas dannyspizzaelgin.com. No Cover The Moods 9p-11.59p, Grand Victoria Casino. No Cover

Bison Feeding in Lords Park Join us for an up close and personal look at the bison, deer and elk at the Lords Park Zoo. Meet at the Museum for a short introduction after which we head for the zoo to assist the zookeeper in feeding these magnificent creatures. Space is limited to 12 people, so please register early! Free for members. 7a-8.30a, Elgin Public Museum elginpublicmuseum.org. $1-2 2016 Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley’s WalkAThon Each year Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley hosts a Walk-aThon at Spring Hill Mall. This is the yearly event where all ages can come together to support the “Event of the Year”. And this year, we are excited to say it will help raise our 100th home. To register for the event, you or your group call Jenny at 847836-1432. Participants can make an impact by fundraising, get pledges for laps (each lap of a mile) or a donated amount. 8a-10a, Spring Hill Mall

Kids Artistic Review Talent Competition Kids Artistic Revue is dedicated to producing a high quality dance event that creates rewarding experiences for dancers, teachers, and parents. Our stages are shared by thousands of different ages, talents, and abilities. We seek to provide each of these performers with the opportunity to shine in a positive, rewarding, and exhilarating competi-

FEED.colorcode Bands & Music

Theater & Dance

Kids & Families

Lectures & Learning Exhibits & Film Creativity Causes & Community Other

BRAVO

March 2016 tion setting. We also pride ourselves on acknowledging the achievements and excellence of teachers, choreographers, and parents. It is our firm belief that the hard work and commitment of these individuals deserves equal attention and recognition. We are honored to be an artistic outlet where dedication and talent are celebrated. We look forward to an amazing competition and can’t wait to see all of your performances! 8a1p, Hemmens Main Stage dancekar. com. SOLD OUT!

ESO Master Class with Matthew Mantell, Viola Matthew Mantell, principal violist with the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, is also principal violist with the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra and is a member of the Chicago Sinfonietta. Mr. Mantell will work with members of the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra. No advance registration required. 10a-12p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B gailborden.info.

Free

Read to Rover Kids practice their reading skills by cuddling up with a good book and reading aloud to a fully trained and certified therapy dog. Repeats at 10.30a, 11a, 11.30a.

10a-10.30a, Rakow Living Room gailborden.info. Free Read to Rover 10.30a-11a, Rakow Living Room gailborden.info. Free Read to Rover 11a-11.30a, Rakow Living Room gailborden.info. Free Read to Rover 11.30a-12p, Rakow Living Room gailborden.info. Free

Anti Valentine Exhibition Please come and celebrate our first An-

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ti-Valentine art exhibit at the Elgin Artspace Lofts Gallery located at 51 South Spring Street in Elgin from February 20th through 29th. Saturday, February 27th, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. there will be a special Anti-Valentine party celebrating the wonders of this event and the artists who contributed. There will be live music and food. Please feel free to dress up in your best Anti-Valentine outfit for this event if you like. 2p-5p, Elgin Artspace Lofts & Gallery. Free Anti-Valentine Exhibit Party Join us for our first Anti-Valentine exhibition party! In celebrating the wonders of this event and its artists, with music, food, and other special activities. Feel free to dress up in your best anti-Valentine outfit. 2p-5p, Martini Room martiniroomelgin.com. No Cover

Downton’s Done Pity Party Celebration of Downton Abbey’s last season.

Absolutely devastated and distraught that Downton Abbey is ending? Join your fellow fans for an afternoon of sobbing into embroidered handkerchiefs, viewing favorite scenes,

11 answering trivia questions, posing for a photo with cast and castle, sharing your memorabilia at the show-andtell table, and comforting yourself with light refreshments. Costumes are strongly encouraged. Please register. 2p-4p, GBPL Meadows Comm.

Rms. A-B-C gailborden.info. Free Exhibit Opening: Elgin Under Ice The Elgin Public Museum welcomes you to the grand opening of our new exhibit: Elgin Under the Ice. Be the first to check out the massive mammoth jaw and mastodon rib on display, among other ancient artifacts from our collection, as you learn about what Elgin was like during the Ice Age. 2p . $1-2

Manga and Anime Club for Grades 6-12 Have you seen every episode of Attack on Titan? Do you wish more of your friends liked My Neighbor Totoro? Here’s your chance to watch anime, share fan art, and enjoy Japanese snacks while socializing with other fans. Students in grades 6-12 are welcome - bring a friend!

2p-3.30p, GBPL South Elgin Room

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12 d-hangout.com. No Cover

Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra Open House If you’re a student, parent, teacher, or friend who wants to learn more about the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra, join us for a behind-the-scenes look at our ensembles. Sit in on any of our ensembles‘ rehearsals, meet our conductors and staff, learn more about the audition process, and ask any questions that come to mind. 3.30p-8p, Elgin Community College Arts Center / Blizzard Theatre (Bldg. H) eyso.org. Free

The Moods 9p, Danny’s on Douglas dannyspizzaelgin.com. No Cover

Sun.Feb.28

gailborden.info. Free Blue Box Cafe’s Live at the Blue Box Join Rob, Martha and Molly and other hosts from Southgate Media Group as they record live podcasts, do awesome interviews, play great games, chat with special guests and talk about current TV shows, movies and Geek topics. Audience participation is appreciated, who knows,you may end up on one of the Podcasts!!!

Check out our Facebook pages for this weeks topics! 6p-9p, Blue Box Cafe theblueboxcafe.com. Free

Elgin Knit Works Open Knit 1p-4p, Elgin Knit Works elginknitworks.com.

Free

Janus Theatre’s An Iliad The Janus Theatre Company continues its 18th season on February 19th when it presents An Iliad by Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare. An Iliad is a modern-day retelling of Homer’s classic. Filled with poetry, humor and pathos, this ancient tale of the Trojan War and the modern world collide in this captivating theatrical experience. 8p, Elgin Art Showcase janusplays.com. $16

Elgin Genealogical Society Elgin Genealogical Society monthly meeting 9.30a-11.45a, GBPL Meadows Comm.

Rms. A-B gailborden.info. Free Sam Baker: The Club Sam Baker is a man of few words-words beautifully chosen and fully wrought. After he almost died in a 1986 train bombing, Baker turned inward to relearn the use of his body and brain. The road back was arduous, but also lead to a need to express himself through art, poetry, and music. Baker’s music is lyrically exquisite, profound in message, and laced with a wry wit. His gorgeous, stark sound has echoes of musicians like John Prine and Leonard Cohen but remains uniquely his own. 6p, Secondspace Theatre elgin. edu/arts. $25

Generation Classic Rock and Soul of the 60s/70s 9p-11.59p, Grand Victoria Casino grandvictoriacasino.com.

No Cover John E. Danger 9p, D Hangout

Job Search & Resume Help Drop in for one-on-one assistance with your job search. Receive help with your resume, cover letter, completing online applications, and more. For more information contact the Kane County Department of Employment and Education at 630-966-1435.

1p-4p, GBPL Computer Training Room gailborden.info. Free Audio Lab Digital Media Lab Teens can learn how to create and edit a professional audio recording, direct and edit a professional video, learn MIDI, and become a Photoshop pro.

4p-6p, GBPL Studio 270 Digital Media Lab gailborden.info. Free Rakow Rooks Chess Club Kids are invited to hone their chess skills at Rakow Branch. Beginners are welcome.

Intermediate or Advanced players can play opponents or work on chess puzzles. Chess sets available or bring your own. 4.30p-5.30p, Rakow Children’s Area gailborden.info. Free

Verdi at its Best, presented by Soiree Lyrique Elgin Master Chorale teams with Elgin’s new musical organization, Soiree Lyrique, to bring you an afternoon of operatic delights from this iconic composer. Excerpts from Il Trovatore, La Forza del Destino, La Traviata, Nabucco, Rigoletto, and more! For reservations, write to office@soireelyrique.org 3p, First Congregational Church of Elgin elginmasterchorale.org. $15-30

QuickBooks: Wrap Up & Reports Learn to create, enter, and memorize journal entries, how to reconcile your bank accounts, and how to run and customize reports in this final class of the QuickBooks series. Repeats at 7p.

5p-6.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room gailborden.info. Free

Tue.Mar.1

Conceptos basicos de correo electronico (Email Basics) Aprenda como leer y mandar correo electronico. No hace falta tener la tarjeta de la biblioteca para tomar las clases pero se require inscripcion ya que el espacio es limitado. 2p-3.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room gailborden. info. Free

Monty Python’s Spamalot 3p, Blizzard Theatre elgin.edu/arts. $18-20

Monty Python’s Spamalot 7.30p, Blizzard Theatre elgin.edu/arts. $1820

jumping and LEAPING! All ages; children under the age of eight must be accompanied by an adult. If you have a Leap Day birthday, we’d love to know about it - please call the Youth Help Desk. 4p-6p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B-C gailborden.info.

Free

Quickbooks: Wrap Up & Reports 7p-8.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room gailborden.info. Free

Janus Theatre’s An Iliad The Janus Theatre Company continues its 18th season on February 19th when it presents An Iliad by Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare. An Iliad is a modern-day retelling of Homer’s classic. Filled with poetry, humor and pathos, this ancient tale of the Trojan War and the modern world collide in this captivating theatrical experience. 2p, Elgin Art Showcase janusplays.com. $16

2nd Biggest Party Ever Punk rock show featuring The Brokedowns, Elephant-Gun, Meat Wave, Friends Like These. 7p, Dutch Inn West. $15

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Martini Room’s & Vino Van Gogh Painting Event “Remnants of Light” All materials provided. The Martini Room’s Martini of the Month will be French Kiss Martini in February. The Martini Room will give all Vino Van Gogh Painters the French Kiss Martini for 25% off for this event!! 7p-9p, Martini Room martiniroomelgin.com. $38 Early Voting for General Primary Begins Early Voting for the General Primary begins February 29th. Open daily 9a-5p, Sundays 10a-4p. 9a-5p, GBPL 2nd Floor - Elevator Annex gailborden.info Leap Day Celebration Hop into the library for a celebration that happens only every four years. We will have games and activities that will get you

Activate Elgin March Into Health Kick-off Event Join Activate Elgin as we kick-off our March Into Health and Mayor’s Walking Challenge with interactive movement, great food and wonderful prize opportunities for all ages! 6p-8p, GBPL Meadows Comm.

FEED.colorcode Bands & Music

Theater & Dance

Kids & Families

Lectures & Learning Exhibits & Film Creativity Causes & Community Other

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March 2016

Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee 6p-7p, Centre of Elgin cityofelgin.org Make your Own Sushi Try your hand at rolling sushi! Chef Doug will be in Studio 270 showing teens how to make their own vegetarian sushi. (part of March into Health) 6p-7p, GBPL Studio 270 gailborden.info.

Free Developmental Screenings for Babies, Toddlers and Preschoolers Elgin Partnership for Early Learning partners will provide developmental screenings for babies (from one month of age), toddlers and children up to age 5. This is part of Activate Elgin’s Kick-Off to March into Health month. No appointment is necessary.

6.30p-8.30p, GBPL Story Room gailborden.info. Free Grupo de Conversacion en Ingles/ English Conversation Group Practice having everyday conversations in English, improve your pronunciation and gain confidence with a tutor from the Literacy Connection. No registration. Practica conversar en ingles, mejora tu pronunciacion y adquiere confianza con un tutor del Literacy Connection. No hace falta inscribirse.

6.30p-7.30p, GBPL Conference Room gailborden.info. Free Human Relations Commission 6.30p-7.30p, Elgin City Hall cityofelgin.org Visiting Chef Dinner A 1984 Graduate of ECC’s Culinary Arts and Hospitality Program, Chef Krivosik brings more than 29 years of experience to his position with Levy Restaurants.

Krivosik has overseen the premium dining and general concessions at some of the most exciting venues around the country including the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament and Barclays Center in New York; Wrigley Field and U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago; American Airlines Arena in Miami; and Churchill Downs in Louisville.

Menu: Pan Seared Jumbo Sea Scallop with braised spinach, chardonnay cream; Baby Kale and Quinoa, with lemon parsley dressing, toasted almonds, red onion, dried apricots and cherries; Braised Short Rib with parsnip puree, roasted brussels sprouts with bacon, polenta crisp; Raspberry Chocolate Molten Cake with raspberry sauce, vanilla gelato. Reservations required. 6.30p, ECC Spartan Terrace Restaurant tickets.elgin.edu. $60 Heritage Commission 7p-8p, Elgin City Hall cityofelgin.org Neighborhood Watch Group Meeting Elgin has 140 Neighborhood Watch Groups. Neighborhood Watch Groups are the eyes and the ears of the community. All groups have a Block Captain. Block Captains, along with neighbors, are encouraged to become actively involved in crime preven-

tion efforts, as well as the important process of information exchange between neighbors and the police department. Block Captains receive periodic newsletters providing crime tips and updates. 7p-8p, Elgin Police Department cityofelgin.org

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SSSA’s Rule of Threes Art Exhibit New exhibit by artists exploring the Rule of Three. Throughout history the “rule of three” has inundated mankind’s daily life. From poetry to storytelling, photography to filmmaking, the rule applies to the innate, if not cosmic, ability for the number three to generate a rhythm and a reason that only the universe can define. This month we’re getting ready for our third birthday! Stay tuned for info on visual art, performances, and more Side Street Studio Arts. Exhibit continues through March, during regular gallery hours. Side Street Studio Arts sidestreetstudioarts.org. Free

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Create, Innovate, Ignite Summit What can we do in the Elgin area to attract and keep innovators and creative forces? Join local, state & international experts to explore that question! Featuring Joan Parr, internationally renowned innovations consultant of Creative Scotland. Joan will inspire us with true tales of how Scotland has placed creativity at the top of the country’s agenda and the resulting gains and learning opportunities it has enjoyed. Try creativity-inducing exercises and brainstorming to come up with some pathways for your own community. Event includes light breakfast and lunch. Reservations: dcatesscore@aol.com 9a-3p, ECC Business Conference Center 847.697.0876. $40

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8. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Meadows Comm.

Rms. A-B gailborden.info. Free Microsoft Excel 2013: Advanced Topics This hands-on class teaches users how to quickly highlight important numbers using conditional formatting, work with multiple sheets in an Excel file, calculate percentages, and use the PMT and VLOOKUP functions. #microsoft 7p-8.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room gailborden. info. Free

Job Training Information Session Training grants are available to help you get a job! Learn about WIOA services and the application process.

This program is in partnership with the Kane County Department of Community Reinvestment. For more information, call 630-966-1435, ext.

40078. 9.30a-11a, GBPL Computer Training Room gailborden.info. Free Inklings Join other teen writers and staff to help you through the creative writing process. Learn how to develop ideas into finished stories, poetry, lyrics - or any other kind of writing that interests you. Feel free to bring any of your own writing with you. For teens in grades 9-12. 4p-6p, GBPL Studio 270 gailborden.info. Free

Walking Book Club - The Centre of Elgin A 45 minute walk followed by a 45 minute book discussion 7p-8.30p, At Centre of Elgin gailborden.info.

Free Karaoke 8p, Danny’s on Douglas dannyspizzaelgin.com. No Cover

Thu.Mar.3 Job Search & Resume Help Drop in for one-on-one assistance with your job search. Receive help with your resume, cover letter, completing online applications, and more. For more information contact the Kane County Department of Employment and Education at 630-966-1435. 9.30a1p, GBPL Computer Training Room gailborden.info. Free

The City Writes the Book: The Path from Elgin to Historian Author Kate Brown grew up in Elgin at a time when the industrial Midwestern economy was shrinking, and factories were moving elsewhere. As a young person, she became interested in old buildings and abandoned lots. Moving on to university and graduate school, Brown began to study communities in Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine and the American West that had also experienced hardship. The questions she first started asking as a young person in Elgin, helped her write prize-winning books on zones contaminated with nuclear waste or communities depopulated from war and genocide.

Please register. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Elgin Room gailborden.info. Free

Elgin Knit Works Open Knit 5p-8p, Elgin Knit Works elginknitworks.com.

Free Clase Futuros Bilingues / Go Bilingual Class Come and experience the warmth and cultural interaction of learning a new language alongside a native speaker. The class is taught

by Betty Martinez. No registration.

Ven y disfruta un ambiente acogedor al aprender el ingles y espanol con otras personas que lo hablan como primer idioma. La maestra Betty Martinez conduce las clases. No hace falta inscribirse. 6p-7p, GBPL Elgin Room gailborden.info. Free

Create a Comic Book Writers and Artists in grades 6-12 are invited to take part in this workshop to learn how to create a page for a comic book of your own. Writer Rich Perez, artist Ron Ong and inker Rage Ledbetter of Tango Comics will take you through the basics of comic book creation, and you will create an entire page for your own comic book. Writers and artists of any level of experience are welcome to participate. If you choose, your finished product will be published in the summer edition of Gail Borden’s Teen Writing and Art Showcase booklet. Please note: attendance at all four sessions of this workshop is mandatory. Please register beginning Monday, February

DNA’s Downtown Elgin Business Owner Meeting 2.30p-3.30p, Downtown Neighborhood Association downtownelgin.com. Free ChessMaster Junior Chess Club 4p-5p, GBPL Youth Center - South gailborden.info. Free Grupo de Conversacion para la Ciudadania/Citizenship Conversation Group Necesitas practicar tu ingles para el examen de la ciudadania? Ven a este grupo gratis para repasar y practicar el ingles que vas a necesitar pra la entrevista y las 100 preguntas del examen de historia y civica.

El grupo es liderado por un tutor y cualquiera puede asistir. Presentado por The Literacy Connection. No hace falta inscribirse. Do you need to practice English for your naturalization/citizenship test? Come to this free group and practice the spoken English you will need for the interview and the 100 questions from the history/civics test. This group will be led by a tutor and is open to all. Presented by The Literacy Connection.

No registration. 6.30p-7.30p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rm. C gailborden. info. Free

Get the Led Out From the bombastic and epic, to the folky and mystical, Get The Led Out (GTLO) captures with awe-inspiring precision the music of Led Zeppelin and brings it to the concert stage. The six veteran musicians of GTLO recreate Zeppelin’s songs in all their depth and glory, with the studio overdubs that Led Zeppelin itself never performed. No wigs or fake English accents, GTLO performs a high energy, authentic Zeppelin concert experience with heart thumping intensity. This thrilling concert is perfect for music fans of all ages. 7.30p, Blizzard Theatre elgin.edu/arts. $36 Karaoke 8p, Danny’s on Douglas dannyspizzaelgin.com. No Cover

Fri.Mar.4 Kane County Regional Office of Education Teacher and Librarian Institute Day(ML) Kathleen Baxter is a teacher,librarian and a children’s literature consultant who aims her book talk at public and school librarians, as well as elementary and middle school teachers. She discusses well-reviewed and kid-tested nonfiction titles for third through eighth grade readers all newly published titles on a

2.3 25 page bibliography of outstanding books to guide librarians and teachers to nonfiction books kids will want to read. Kathleen Baxter - Booktalker.

Nonfiction Rocks: Getting Kids and US Excited about True Books! Booktalker columnist Kathleen Baxter feels that nonfiction can be the key to getting kids to read. Participants will be motivated and energized as they acquire a practical repertoire of dozens of booktalks and books that appeal to kids in this laughter-filled, fast-moving PowerPoint presentation. Kathy also shares some useful tips for doing booktalks in PowerPoint and because of her wit, lively style and enthusiasm she has been asked to come back over and over again. Location is the Gail Borden Public Library, Meadows Community Rooms. There will be an area map provided for your one hour lunch outside of the library. Come early if you want to order a $9.00 box lunch from In the Neighborhood Deli.

(1 hour lunch)Teachers and Librarians will receive 6 CEUs/CPDUs 8a-3p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B-C gailborden.info. Free Quiet Computer Lab The Quiet Computer lab is a low volume zone where in-district adult patrons can utilize computers in a quiet volume without fear of distraction or noise interruption. 9a-5p, GBPL Computer Training Room gailborden.info. Free

Soulful Sparrow’s Vintage Shop Hop We have two full days of fun events and activities planned for the Vintage Shop Hop March 4-5 to draw you out of hibernation and into our shop! A gift and a discount drawing awaits you when you walk in the door. Sip a cup of complimentary Downton Abbey tea and refreshments, served English tea style as you shop. 10a-6p, Soulful Sparrow soulfulsparrow.com.

Free Downtown Elgin First Friday’s 5p, Various Downtown Elgin Locations Blue Box Cafe’s Geek’n Out We cel-

FEED.colorcode Bands & Music

Theater & Dance

Kids & Families

Lectures & Learning Exhibits & Film Creativity Causes & Community Other

BRAVO

March 2016 ebrate our Geekiness most Fridays!!!

We open up our cache of games, play a cool movie or three and have fun!!!! All are welcome!! Each week is a different theme. Play our games or bring your own, anything is cool.

Have a regular group going? Meet up at The BBC! Dress up, dress regularly, dress casually..but please be dressed :) 6p-8p, Blue Box Cafe theblueboxcafe.com. Free SSSA’s Rule of Threes Art Exhibit SSSA’s Third birthday celebration, featuring the music of Dirty Water.

6p-11p, Side Street Studio Arts sidestreetstudioarts.org. $5 donation Brushed Chicago’s BYOB Sip Happens BYOB painting social. 6.30p-9p, BrushedChicago brushedchicago. com. $30

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art area studio 51 +coffee and ...

First Fridays Improv with GreenRoom Productions 2016 St Patty’s Day is just a few short weeks away yippee! Well, get your green on early this year and come out to see GreenRoom Improv for a carefree night out that will leave you with an ache in your belly - too much laughing of course! 100% clean. 99.27% hilarious. 90 minutes of complete improvisation a la Whose Line Is It Anyway.

With competing teams, live music and a cash bar who knows what the night will hold. Great fun for all ages! General Admission. 8p-9.45p, Hemmens Main Stage greenroomimprov.com. $10-12

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Final Say 9p-11.59p, Grand Victoria Casino grandvictoriacasino.com. No Cover

gallery & beverages for all ...

Funktastic 9p, Danny’s on Douglas dannyspizzaelgin.com. No Cover Live Pete Show! 9p, Walnut Speakeasy thewalnutspeakeasy.com. No Cover

Sat.Mar.5 Soulful Sparrow’s Vintage Shop Hop We have two full days of fun events and activities planned for the Vintage Shop Hop March 4-5 to draw you out of hibernation and into our shop! A gift and a discount drawing awaits you when you walk in the door. Sip a cup of complimentary Downton Abbey tea and refreshments, served English tea style as you shop.... Soulful Sparrow soulfulsparrow.com. Free Applause Talent Competition - 2016 Dance Tour Applause Talent, is a 27 year old Ohio based organization.

Applause tours to over 30 U.S. cities, bringing with it the excitement and pageantry you have come to expect from a competition. Professional judges, staff, and top flight venues are just the tip of the iceberg. There’s something for everyone at Applause.

There are 3 levels of competition, easy online registration, and over $30,000 awarded at Nationals alone!

9a-10p, Hemmens Main Stage applausetalent.com. SOLD OUT! Area Toastmasters Contest Area Toastmasters Contest 9a-12p, GBPL

We got some blank space, baby ... and we want your art displayed!

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Independent Player’s The Octette Bridge Club The Octette Bridge Club (called by one critic “A Norman Rockwell illustration come to life”) is a sentimental group portrait that is sprinkled with pleasant touches, old memories and the charm of yesteryear. It concerns eight Irish-American sisters in Providence, Rhode Island, who meet every other Friday night for home baked pie, titillating gossip, banter and bridge. The real comedy and drama begin when they put down the cards and the viewers are privy to “the déjà vu of conversations they, as children, heard from the back seat of the car, around the dining room table, or in the kitchen where mothers and aunts cleaned up after dinner . . . [providing] the same comforting sensation as a kiss on a skinned knee, a warm towel after a bath, or a present under the Christmas tree.” (Fran Wood, New York Daily News) “You feel as if you know these women.

Honestly know them.” (Joel Siegel, ABC-TV) As a late night offering after this fantastic play, IP will host one its partners, Femmeprov, which will perform some late night improvisation for anyone who would like to enjoy a fun “nightcap.” Repeats Fridays and Saturdays through 3/19. 7.30p, Elgin Art Showcase independentplayers. org. $10-12-15

opening soon

An experienced, knowledgeable and engaged leader who will work for a better Kane County.

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BRAVO Youth Hallway gailborden.info. Free Welcome Baby! Baby’s First Library Visit Bring baby and baby’s new library card to this class to learn about programs and resources to support your baby’s early literacy development and receive a special gift! For babies up to six months old and their parents. 1p-3p, Rakow Children’s Area gailborden.info. Free

Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B gailborden.info. Free Literacy Connection Tutor Training Become a Literacy Connection Volunteer Tutor in this 12 hour training workshop. We’ll train and guide you through the tutoring process. Join us at one of our upcoming Tutor Orientations to learn more! Must be at least 18 years old. Not sure if tutoring is for you? Join us on Saturday, March 5 from 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. for “Introduction to The Literacy Connection & Tutoring” to learn more.

Training will start after the intro and there is no obligation to stay if you feel our program is not for you. Training continues on Saturday, March 12, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. There will be an hour lunch break each day.

Registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Call 847-7426565 or email info@elginliteracy.org for more information or to register.

9.30a-4.30p, GBPL South Elgin Room.

Elgin Chamber’s 12th Annual Hablamos Espanol Expo All are welcome! An Event for the Whole Family!

Exhibitors, Information, & Entertainment representing various Latino Cultures. Todos invitados! Un evento para toda la familia! Expositores, información y entretenimiento representando varias culturas Hispanas.

10a-2p, Centre of Elgin elginchamber. com. Free Movie Poster Display Stop by the Youth Services Gateway to look at movie posters from upcoming popular films and take a short quiz as a family to be entered to win a prize.

Posters for all ages will be on display, with separate quizzes for kids and adults. You won’t want to miss this exciting exhibition! 10a-4p, GBPL

Candidate Forums The League of Women Voters of the Elgin Area presents 2 exciting days of Candidate Forums for the 2016 Primary Election.

Become a better educated voter!

Bring your questions and join us.

Doors open at 1:00pm. The moderated Candidate Forum will include: the 8th Congressional District; State Senator-22nd District; Kane County Board Chairman; Kane County Auditor; Kane County Coroner; Kane County Board -District 20; Kane County Board-District 22; Co-Sponsored with the Gail Borden Public Library. For additional information follow us on Facebook at LWV of the Elgin Area or at www.lwvelginarea. org. 1.30p-4p, GBPL Meadows Comm.

Rms. A-B gailborden.info. Free Blue Box Cafe’s Live at the Blue Box Join Rob, Martha and Molly and other hosts from Southgate Media Group as they record live podcasts, do awesome interviews, play great games, chat with special guests and talk about current TV shows, movies and Geek topics. Audience participation is appreciated, who knows,you may end up on one of the Podcasts!!!

Check out our Facebook pages for this weeks topics! 6p-9p, Blue Box Cafe theblueboxcafe.com. Free

Rivers and Rust/Greyhounds Nashville-born duo Rivers and Rust’s sound is a raw mix of soul, rock, and Americana, personified by musicians Sheila Marshall and Kyle Cook.

Marshall is a bluesy Texas songstress with years of songwriting experience.

Cook rose to fame as the guitarist for Matchbox Twenty. Andrew Trube and keyboardist Anthony Farrell make up Austin-based band Greyhounds.

The duo have been making music and touring for 15 years, refining and developing a sound Trube calls “Hall and Oates meet ZZ Top.” 7p, Blizzard Theatre elgin.edu/arts. $28 Independent Player’s The Octette Bridge Club 7.30p, Elgin Art Showcase independentplayers.org. $1012-15

2.3 You’ll giggle, you’ll learn, you’ll say, “who knew a bass could do that?!”Instrument Petting Zoo before the Concert! 2p-3p, GBPL Meadows Comm.

Rms. A-B-C gailborden.info. Free

Los Mysterios Los Mysterios is a 1950’s rock ‘n’ roll cover band straight out of St. Charles, IL. Known for their high octane and wild performances, they are loved by all, whether young or just young at heart, and they’ll have the entire room up and dancing in no time flat. Delivering an inimitable brand of entertainment that features behind-the-back upright bass playing, behind-the-head guitar playing and an enormous amount of energy coming off the stage. 9p, D Hangout d-hangout.com. No Cover R Gang 9p-11.59p, Grand Victoria Casino grandvictoriacasino.com. No Cover

Street Corner Blue 9p, Danny’s on Douglas dannyspizzaelgin.com. No Cover

Sun.Mar.6 Applause Talent Competition - 2016 Dance Tour Applause Talent, is a 27 year old Ohio based organization.

Applause tours to over 30 U.S. cities, bringing with it the excitement and pageantry you have come to expect from a competition. Professional judges, staff, and top flight venues are just the tip of the iceberg. There’s something for everyone at Applause.

There are 3 levels of competition, easy online registration, and over $30,000 awarded at Nationals alone!

9a-10p, Hemmens Main Stage applausetalent.com. SOLD OUT! Elgin Knit Works Open Knit 1p-4p, Elgin Knit Works elginknitworks.com.

Free Instrument Petting Zoo Before the March 6th Concert! 1-1:45pmThe ESO instrument petting zoo will be set up for children to enjoy in the StoryRoom. With the help of a musically-knowledgeable volunteer, students will be given a “mini-lesson” to spark an interest. No registration. All are welcome! 1p-1.45p, GBPL Story Room gailborden.info. Free Sunday Afternoon ESO Family Concert: The Incredible Double Bass Duo ESO Family Concert: The Incredible Double Bass Duo. The lowest, the largest, and the most audacious of the string family, the double basses will entertain you with low sounds.

Martini Room’s & Vino Van Gogh Painting Event “Magnolia Blossom” All materials provided. Martini specials for all painters! 7p-9p, Martini Room martiniroomelgin.com. $38

Mon.Mar.7 Quiet Computer Lab The Quiet Computer lab is a low volume zone where in-district adult patrons can utilize computers in a quiet volume without fear of distraction or noise interruption. 9a-5p, GBPL Computer Training Room gailborden.info. Free City of Elgin - Heritage Commission Historic Rehabilitation Grants Workshop. The workshop is to walk homeowners, who are located in the historic districts, through the historic rehabilitation grant process and what to expect when participating in the program. Grants are due April 1, 2016. 6p-8p, GBPL Meadows Comm.

Rm. A gailborden.info. Free The Gaming Event Players in grades 3-up are welcome to come to this monthly drop-in event. Play Pokemon(TM), Yu-Gi-Oh(TM), and other role-playing games (Don’t know how to play? We will teach you and get you started). Bring your cards to play or trade. No registration required. 6p-8p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. B-C gailborden.info.

Free Poetry Writers Workshop Come share your love of poetry! This is a group for local poets to share what they have written. Gareth Mann Sitz,

FEED.colorcode Bands & Music

Theater & Dance

Kids & Families Lectures & Learning Exhibits & Film Creativity Causes & Community Other

March 2016 poet and songwriter, will facilitate. No registration. 6.30p-8.30p, GBPL Conference Room gailborden.info. Free ECC Music Faculty Showcase Join us for performances by ECC’s music faculty! This free event features a variety of instruments and musical styles performed by the exceptional professional musicians who teach within ECC’s private music lesson program. 7p, ECC Secondspace Theatre 847.622.0300. Free

BRAVO ways to jumpstart healthier lifestyles.

Children under the age of eight must be accompanied by an adult.

An Activate Elgin, March Into Health program. 5p-7p, GBPL Story Room South gailborden.info. Free

Tue.Mar.8 Flashpoint: Recognizing and Preventing Violence in the Workplace Violence is evolutionary with sign posts along the way. Identifying and addressing “Behaviors of Concern” early is the best way to prevent violence in the workplace. This lecture will discuss how to recognize aggressive behaviors and include practical scenario-based activities.

Reservations required. Register via accessECC. 9a-10a, ECC Room E201 847.214.7696. Free

Community Discussion with Voices Of Illinois Children and Women On The Brink(ML) Join Voices For Illinois Children--a statewide, non-partisan advocacy organization that is committed to building better lives for children--and Women On The Brink-a community organization focusing on empowering women to push back from the brink of poverty--in an informative and engaging public discussion of issues affecting children and families. 5.30p-9p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B-C gailborden.info.

Free

Rakow Rooks Chess Club Kids are invited to hone their chess skills at Rakow Branch. Beginners are welcome.

Intermediate or Advanced players can play opponents or work on chess puzzles. Chess sets available or bring your own. 4.30p-5.30p, Rakow Children’s Area gailborden.info. Free

Spanish Sign Language Program/ Clases del Lenguaje de Senas Americano Join us for a six-part American Sign Language class in spoken Spanish for Spanish speaking families with deaf or hard of hearing children in the area. This program is provided by CHOICES for Parents.

CHOICES for Parents is a statewide coalition of parents and professionals ensuring that children with identified hearing loss and their families receive the necessary resources, advocacy, information, services and support.

Families are welcomed. Classes are free of charge. Registration begins Thursday, February 25. Unase a esta serie de seis clases del Lenguaje de Senas Americano (ASL, por sus siglas en ingles), presentadas en espanol, para familias con ninos con discapacidades o dificultades auditivas.

Este programa sera presentado por CHOICES for Parents. CHOICES for Parents es una coalicion estatal de padres y profesionales quienes se aseguran que familias con discapacidades auditivas reciban los recursos, informacion, apoyo y servicios que necesitan. Las familias son bienvenidas. Estas clases son gratis.

Inscripcion comienza el jueves, 25 de febrero. 6p-8p, GBPL Elgin Room gailborden.info. Free

Fit For Kids - Rethink Your Drink Join the Kane County Health Department for this opportunity to learn about healthier drink options and

Grupo de Conversacion en Ingles/ English Conversation Group Practice having everyday conversations in English, improve your pronunciation

Job Search & Resume Help Drop in for one-on-one assistance with your job search. Receive help with your resume, cover letter, completing online applications, and more. For more information contact the Kane County Department of Employment and Education at 630-966-1435.

1p-4p, GBPL Computer Training Room gailborden.info. Free

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Pizza & Books Stop by Studio 270 for a slice of pizza and join in on the conversation. We will be talking about books that we are currently reading.

For teens in grades 9-12. 6p-7p, GBPL Studio 270 gailborden.info. Free Armchair Generals - The Great Locomotive Chase, presented

by Bill Lax A Brown Bag Civil War and Lincoln Interest Group. Follow Confederate conductor William Fuller as he chases Union spies who stole his locomotive, the General, in a bold attempt to cripple the southern railroad network. The spies, known as the Andrews Raiders, were the first to receive the nation’s highest honor, the Medal of Honor. Includes a short film. 11.45a-1.15p, GBPL South Elgin Room gailborden.info. Free

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BRAVO afternoon during the week of the ESO’s Classics Masterworks series and will broaden your understanding of the music to be performed that week. You will study the music from the inside out, make new friends, and enhance your concert experience.

1p-3p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B-C gailborden.info. Free

and gain confidence with a tutor from the Literacy Connection. No registration. Practica conversar en ingles, mejora tu pronunciacion y adquiere confianza con un tutor del Literacy Connection. No hace falta inscribirse.

6.30p-7.30p, GBPL Conference Room gailborden.info. Free

Guinness and Jameson Dinner Pairing A six course dinner of inventive gourmet fare paired with Irish spirits.

Reservations required. 6.30p, Elgin Public House elginpublichouse.com. $55 + tax/tip Postpone procrastination now! Join Tom Wendt, Certified DreamBuilder Coach, as he shares tools to help us enjoy the benefits of: Removing the causes of procrastination, acting on clear quality decisions, focusing on your most productive activities and engaging in activities you love guilt free. 6.30p-7.30p, Rakow Living Room gailborden.info. Free Open Mic Night 7p-11p, Danny’s on Douglas dannyspizzaelgin.com. No Cover

Elgin Symphony Orchestra Listeners Club This free, interactive lecture/discussion series, led by Jim Kendros, meets on the Wednesday

Please join us as a guest! 12p-1p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B gailborden.info. Free ChessMaster Junior Chess Club 4p-5p, GBPL Youth Center - South gailborden.info. Free MIDI Lab Digital Media Lab Teens can learn how to create and edit a professional audio recording, direct and edit a professional video, learn MIDI, and become a Photoshop pro.

4p-6p, GBPL Studio 270 Digital Media Lab gailborden.info. Free

Minecraft for Grades 3-5 All experience levels are welcome! Beginners can learn how to play; experts can show off their amazing skills by competing in a building challenge with friends. 4p-5p, GBPL Computer Training Room gailborden.info. Free Elgin Knit Works Open Knit 5p-8p, Elgin Knit Works elginknitworks.com.

Free Clase Futuros Bilingues / Go Bilingual Class Come and experience the warmth and cultural interaction of learning a new language alongside a native speaker. The class is taught by Betty Martinez. No registration. Ven y disfruta un ambiente acogedor al aprender el ingles y espanol con otras personas que lo hablan como primer idioma. La maestra Betty Martinez conduce las clases. No hace falta inscribirse. 6p-7p, GBPL Elgin Room gailborden.info. Free Create a Comic Book Writers and Artists in grades 6-12 are invited to take part in this workshop to learn how to create a page for a comic book of your own. Writer Rich Perez, artist Ron Ong and inker Rage Ledbetter of Tango Comics will take you through the basics of comic book creation, and you will create an entire page for your own comic book. Writers and artists of any level of experience are welcome to participate. If you choose, your finished product will be published in the summer edition of Gail Borden’s Teen Writing and Art Showcase booklet. Please note: attendance at all four sessions of this workshop is mandatory. Please register beginning Monday, February 8. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Meadows Comm.

Rms. A-B gailborden.info. Free Walking Book Club - The Centre of Elgin A 45 minute walk followed by a 45 minute book discussion 7p-8.30p, GBPL Rec Center gailborden.info.

Free

Wed.Mar.9 Job Training Information Session Training grants are available to help you get a job! Learn about WIOA services and the application process.

This program is in partnership with the Kane County Department of Community Reinvestment. For more information, call 630-966-1435, ext.

40078. 9.30a-11a, GBPL Computer Training Room gailborden.info. Free

2.3

Windows 10 Basics Trying to understand Windows 10? Come to this informative presentation to learn Windows 10 basics such as how to navigate, use the task manager and manage your files with Microsoft’s latest operating system. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room gailborden.info. Free

Belly Dancing Night at Martini Room Belly Dance Wednesdays brings sophisticated music and an amazing dance show. Join La Groove Fatale, the Eastern Groove Dance Collective and very special guests for a midweek break with great performances.

Earlier arrival recommended due to limited seating space. Enjoy the cozy, romantic atmosphere with artsy ambiance - only at Martini Room! 8p, Martini Room martiniroomelgin.com.

No Cover Karaoke 8p, Danny’s on Douglas dannyspizzaelgin.com. No Cover

Thu.Mar.10 Device Advice Questions about your smartphone, tablet, eReader or laptop? Stop in to Studio 270 with your device for 1:1 help and a cup of coffee or tea! Registration not required.

9.30a-11.30a, GBPL Studio 270 gailborden.info. Free Job Search & Resume Help Drop in for one-on-one assistance with your job search. Receive help with your resume, cover letter, completing online applications, and more. For more information contact the Kane County Department of Employment and Education at 630-966-1435. 9.30a1p, GBPL Computer Training Room gailborden.info. Free Listen, Learn and Lead Toastmasters Club #6974 Become the speaker and leader you want to be.

No registration. Toastmasters will give you the skills and confidence you need to effectively express yourself in any situation. Whether you are a professional, student, stay-at-home parent or retiree, Toastmasters is the most efficient, enjoyable and affordable way of gaining great communication skills. By learning to effectively formulate and express your ideas, you open an entirely new world of possibilities. You’ll be more persuasive and confident when giving presentations, and you’ll improve your one-on-one dealings with others.

Women in Management Happy Hour WIM Fox Valley is an organization which provides mentoring and support to our members, inspiring women to achieve their full potential through continuing education and development. 5.30p-8p, Martini Room martiniroomelgin.com. No Cover DACA, DACA Extension & DAPA workshop On November 20, 2014, President Barack Obama signed an expansion of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) for youth who came to the United States as children and would not deport certain undocumented parents of U.S. citizens and parents of lawful permanent residents (LPRs) DAPA. Program provided by Centro de Informacion.

6p-7.30p, GBPL Elgin Room gailborden.info. Free Tablet Apps Bring your tablet and learn about some of the best apps for enhancing your life and having fun with your device. Familiarity with your tablet and how to download apps are required. 6p-7.30p, Rakow Living Room gailborden.info. Free Genealogy Writers’ Group Learn tips and tricks from others with a similar interest in writing their family history. 6.30p-8p, GBPL Conference Room gailborden.info. Free

FEED.colorcode Bands & Music

Theater & Dance

Kids & Families

Lectures & Learning Exhibits & Film Creativity Causes & Community Other

Preschool & Kindergarten Educators Workshop Preschool & Kindergarten Educators Workshop: Creative Implementation of Math & Science in Early Childhood Settings - Learn the importance of math and science experiences in early childhood environments; how to implement the Illinois Early Learning Standards; and how to extend meaningful learning experiences. This workshop is designed for Early Childhood Professionals who work with children ages birth to five. Presented by U-46 Give Me Five! Community Liaisons Amber Peters, Alexandra Schaefer and Tiffany Trewartha. NOTE: This is Gateways approved. Professionals seeking Gateways credit, please bring your ID number. 6.30p-8.30p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B-C gailborden.info. Free Intro to Google Tools Google contains tons of tools for communication, collaboration, productivity and creativity. Come and see how tools like Hangouts, Forms, Drive, Calendar and Apps can help you simplify your life by allowing you to create, organize, share and store information.

7p-8.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room gailborden.info. Free

BRAVO creatures that ruled Earth 65 million years ago. Learn what it takes to be a paleontologist, and even make your own fossil! So dust off your hard hats and join us at the Elgin Public Museum, where kids and their families can get their hands dirty with excavations, activities and demonstrations.

No registration required. 6p-8p . $2

Kane County Board

Spurious Jam

Blue Box Cafe’s Geek’n Out We celebrate our Geekiness most Fridays!!!

We open up our cache of games, play a cool movie or three and have fun!!!! All are welcome!! Each week is a different theme. Play our games or bring your own, anything is cool.

Have a regular group going? Meet up at The BBC! Dress up, dress regularly, dress casually..but please be dressed :) 6p-8p, Blue Box Cafe theblueboxcafe.com. Free Jurassic Night Exploring the world of dinosaurs has never been so much fun! Discover Brachiosaurus, Tyrannosaurus Rex and more fascinating

ON

upcoming live shows

Friday - 3/4 King’s Stable

Fri.Mar.11

Coffee, Conversation, and More!

Informal discussions on topics for people old enough to have a past.

March 11 - Grandpa Q plays his guitar and tells the back story of some favorite folk tunes. March 24 - Knit one purl two - bring knitting needles and share your latest project. April 14 - Rumba, jitterbug or swing? Tell or demonstrate your favorite high school dances. April 28 - Favorite vacations. Yes, we want to see your photos! 9.30a-11.30a, Rakow Living Room gailborden.info. Free

N DA

Brushed Chicago’s Funky Feather Painting Paint & Sip BYOB BYOB painting social. 6.30p-9p, BrushedChicago brushedchicago.com. $30

Karaoke 8p, Danny’s on Douglas dannyspizzaelgin.com. No Cover

Quiet Computer Lab The Quiet Computer lab is a low volume zone where in-district adult patrons can utilize computers in a quiet volume without fear of distraction or noise interruption. 9a-5p, GBPL Computer Training Room gailborden.info. Free

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Ola la! Ijorere’s Painted Glass Glass is exquisite in its multifaceted forms.

Let your creative side shine as you learn how to paint designs onto wine glasses. Choice your own unique design, our artist will guide you step-bystep through this painting experience.

A pair of wineglasses and painting materials included. 7p-9p, Ola la Ijorere ijorere.com. $28 Independent Player’s The Octette Bridge Club 7.30p, Elgin Art Showcase independentplayers.org. $1012-15 Nick Pontarelli 9p-11.59p, Grand Victoria Casino grandvictoriacasino. com. No Cover

Saturday - 3/12 Duncan Pub Thursday - 3/17 O’Bannon’s Saturday - 3/26 Milwaukee **GOMERFEST** spurious-jam.net (not a real jam)

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Open 11AM to Midnight or 2AM

Dining Room Only

OPEN MIC

LIVE BANDS KARAOKE VIDEO GAMING

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FINE YARN SUPPLIES CLASSES Six String Crossing 9p, Danny’s on Douglas dannyspizzaelgin.com. No Cover

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BRAVO

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will unveil facts and expose myths about women’s “unmentionables” as well as relate women’s amusing and sometimes uncomfortable relationship with their foundations. Register in advance. 10a-12.30p, ECC Business Center (Bldg. E) ywcaelgin.org. $15 Read to Rover 10.30a-10.45a, GBPL Story Room South. Free Read to Rover 11a-11.15a, GBPL Story Room - South gailborden.info. Free Read to Rover 11.30a-11.45a, GBPL Story Room - South. Free

Sat.Mar.12 Literacy Connection Tutor Training Become a Literacy Connection Volunteer Tutor in this 12 hour training workshop. Help to make a change in someone’s life and become a Volunteer Literacy Tutor! Join us on Saturday, March 5 from 9:30 a.m.

- 10:30 a.m. for “Introduction to The Literacy Connection & Tutoring” to learn more. Training will start after the intro and there is no obligation to stay if you feel our program is not for you. Training continues on Saturday, March 12, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

There will be an hour lunch break each day. Registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Call 847-742-6565 or email info@elginliteracy.org for more information or to register 9.30a-4.30p, GBPL South Elgin Room gailborden.info.

Read to Rover School-aged kids may practice their reading skills by cuddling up with a good book and reading aloud to a fully trained and certified therapy dog. Repeats at 10.30a, 11a, 11.30a. 10a-10.15a, GBPL Story Room - South gailborden.info.

Free WordPress Series - WordPress Basics Discover how the popular application WordPress works and how you can use this tool to build a website or blog. Learn how to navigate the admin panel and toolbar, create pages, and write posts. 10a-11.30a, GBPL Computer Training Room gailborden. info. Free

Jewelry Wire Work Join us for an afternoon of making fine jewelry using wire work techniques. Bring your own beads and wire or use our supplies.

16+ and older 1p-3p, Rakow Corridor West gailborden.info. Free Blue Box Cafe’s Live at the Blue Box Join Rob, Martha and Molly and other hosts from Southgate Media Group as they record live podcasts, do awesome interviews, play great games, chat with special guests and talk about current TV shows, movies and Geek topics. 6p-9p, Blue Box Cafe theblueboxcafe.com. Free

Elgin Symphony’s Brahms & Ives: No Limits Alexander Schimpf’s incredible technique and emotional depth show no limit in Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 2. Charles Ives, who was known for breaking musical boundaries stays within the classical music limits in his Symphony No 2 … mostly.

Andrew Grams, conductor. Alexander Schimpf, piano. 7.30p, Hemmens Cultural Center elginsymphony.org. $30-65 Independent Player’s The Octette Bridge Club 7.30p, Elgin Art Showcase independentplayers.org. $1012-15 Acoustic Generation Midwest’s premier acoustic duo. 9p, Walnut Speakeasy thewalnutspeakeasy.com.

No Cover Jam for Cash 9p, Danny’s on Douglas dannyspizzaelgin.com. No Cover

YWCA Elgin’s Women’s History Month Brunch “Speaking of Unmentionables: The Rise and Fall of Women’s Underwear” The novel and sometimes naughty presentation by museum curator Elizabeth Carlson

No Limit Music from the 80’s, 90’s and top 40. 9p, D Hangout d-hangout.com. No Cover

Stereo Heart 9p-11.59p, Grand Victoria Casino grandvictoriacasino.com.

No Cover

Sun.Mar.13 Brushed Chicago’s Family Days: Owl Family Painting BYOB painting social. 10.30a-12p, BrushedChicago brushedchicago.com. $20 Elgin Knit Works Open Knit 1p-4p, Elgin Knit Works elginknitworks.com.

Free EYSO’s Timepieces Concert The award-winning Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra (EYSO) is one of the largest, oldest, and most esteemed youth orchestras in the nation. With five orchestras, a brass choir, and two percussion ensembles, the EYSO provides over 350 young musicians from 60 communities a rich musical experience while rewarding audiences with innovative concerts. The EYSO’s 40th season explores music as a “time art,” memory and nostalgia, the legacy of Maud Powell, and the Elgin Watch Factory Band. Concerts at 2p, 4.30p and 7.30p. 2p, Elgin Community College Arts Center Blizzard Theatre (Bldg. H) eyso.org. $13-19-24 Introduccion a Microsoft Word Aprenda como usar este programa para crear documentos. No hace falta tener la tarjeta de la biblioteca para tomar las clases pero se require inscripcion ya que el espacio es limitado. 2p-3.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room gailborden.info. Free

The Sinatra Centennial To celebrate the recent 100th anniversary of the birth of legendary singer Frank Sinatra, Christopher Popa, a Music Librarian from Chicago, has carefully chosen an hour’s worth of authentic Sinatra arrangements which he will perform with live vocals, against a backdrop of over 400 eye-catching images from Sinatra’s life and career. Please register. 2p-3p, GBPL Meadows Comm.

Rms. A-B-C gailborden.info. Free Elgin Symphony’s Brahms & Ives: No Limits Alexander Schimpf’s incredible technique and emotional depth show no limit in Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 2. Charles Ives, who was known for breaking musical boundaries stays within the classical music limits in his Symphony No 2 … mostly.

Andrew Grams, conductor. Alexander Schimpf, piano. 2.30p, Hemmens Cultural Center elginsymphony.org.

2.3 $30-65 EYSO’s Timepieces Concert 4.30p, Elgin Community College Arts Center Blizzard Theatre (Bldg. H) eyso.org. $13-19-24 EYSO’s Timepieces Concert 7.30p, Elgin Community College Arts Center Blizzard Theatre (Bldg. H) eyso.org. $13-19-24

Mon.Mar.14 Quiet Computer Lab The Quiet Computer lab is a low volume zone where in-district adult patrons can utilize computers in a quiet volume without fear of distraction or noise interruption. 9a-5p, GBPL Computer Training Room gailborden.info. Free Story Mix for Three to Six Drop in for 30 minutes of picture book stories, fingerplays, and songs for children age 3 through Kindergarten. No registration required. Parents must remain in building. Repeats 3.30p.

9.30a-10a, GBPL Story Room - North gailborden.info. Free Wonderful Ones Registration required for each session. Registration begins February 29.15 minutes of short stories, finger plays, rhymes and music followed by a 15-minute play period. Repeats 5:30p, 6:15p.

10a-10.15a, Rakow Living Room gailborden.info. Free

Brown Bag Lunch Classic Films 3:10 to Yuma (1957, NR) After outlaw leader Ben Wade (Glenn Ford)

FEED.colorcode Bands & Music

Theater & Dance

Kids & Families

Lectures & Learning Exhibits & Film Creativity Causes & Community Other

BRAVO

March 2016 is captured in a small town, rancher Dan Evans (Van Heflin) is persuaded to take Wade in secret to the nearest town with a railway station to await the train to the court at Yuma. Once the two are holed up in the hotel to wait, it becomes apparent the secret is out when Wade’s gang shows up, and a battle of wills starts between Evans and Wade. (Not rated, 92 minutes) 11a-1.30p, GBPL South Elgin Room gailborden.info. Free Spanish Cafe/Cafe en Espanol Looking for an opportunity to practice your Spanish conversation skills?

Then join this drop-in group that meets the second Monday of each month. Take part in a weekly topic of discussion, learn new vocabulary and put your listening skills to the test. No registration. 12p-1p, GBPL Conference Room gailborden.info. Free Story Mix for Three to Six 3.30p4p, GBPL Story Room - North gailborden.info. Free

Photoshop 101 Digital Media Lab Teens can learn how to create and

edit a professional audio recording, direct and edit a professional video, learn MIDI, and become a Photoshop pro. 4p-6p, GBPL Studio 270 Digital Media Lab gailborden.info. Free Wonderful Ones 5.30p-6p, GBPL Story Room - South gailborden.info.

Free STEAMologists Science Technology Engineering Arts and Math! Kids in first-fifth grade will be exploring, experimenting and creating. 6p-7p, GBPL Computer Training Room gailborden.info. Free Wonderful Ones 6.15p-6.45p, GBPL Story Room - South gailborden.info.

Free Family Jam Take a break as a family after your busy day with 30 minutes of active movement, stories and fun!

6.30p-7p, GBPL Youth Center - West gailborden.info. Free Great Books Discussion Group Meetings are held on the second Monday of the month at 6:55 pm in the Conference Room. For more information, call Jeanne Hebeisen at 847-741-6264. Co-sponsored by the American Association of University Women Elgin Branch. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Conference Room gailborden. info. Free QuickBooks Series - QuickBooks Basics QuickBooks is accounting

software for small-medium sized businesses. Come and learn the basics-like how to navigate and run simple reports--in this intro class. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room gailborden.info. Free

Tue.Mar.15 PRIMARY ELECTION DAY 6:00 am - 7:00 pm The Primary Election will take place from 6:00 am until 7:00 pm 6a-6.30p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B-C gailborden.info.

Free Wonderful Ones 15 minutes of short stories, fingerplays, rhymes, music and movement activity followed by 15 minutes play period - for children 1223 months with parent or caregiver.

Registration is required. 9.15a-9.45a, GBPL Story Room - South gailborden. info. Free Story Mix for Three to Six Drop in for 30 minutes of picture book stories, fingerplays, and songs for children age 3 through Kindergarten. No registration required. Attend any session. Parents must remain in building. Repeats 7p. 10a-10.30a, GBPL Story Room - North gailborden. info. Free Pediatric Therapeutic Playgroup

soulful sparrow

invites you to the 2016 annual

Vintage Shop Hop

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/VintageSh

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March 4-5 2016

An inclusive playgroup for children who currently receive therapy services or may benefit from therapeutic play, ages 0 - 5. This unique playgroup offers opportunities for children to focus on developmental play while families meet and find support.

11a-11.45a, GBPL Story Room - South gailborden.info. Free Job Search & Resume Help Drop in for one-on-one assistance with your job search. Receive help with your resume, cover letter, completing online applications, and more. For more information contact the Kane County Department of Employment and Education at 630-966-1435.

1p-4p, GBPL Computer Training Room gailborden.info. Free

St. Patrick’s Day Crafts Celebrate the luck of the Irish with fun Springtime crafts. 2p-3p, GBPL Story Room gailborden.info. Free Rakow Rooks Chess Club Kids are invited to hone their chess skills at Rakow Branch. Beginners are welcome.

Intermediate or Advanced players

Featuring a trunk show by Fox Valley jewelry artist

Nancy Neill

Vintage urban imagery by Elgin photo artist

Barbara Broeske

Plus two-day only deals, refreshments, a free gift and much more! opHopEve

nt

Friday, March 4th, 10am - 8pm Saturday, March 5th, 10am - 6pm

1 0 D o u g l a s Av e n u e • D o w n t o w n E l g i n 2 2 4 - 2 2 3 - 7 7 1 8 • s o u l f u l s p a r r o w. c o m

BRAVO

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During the first week of registration only patrons within the Gail Borden Public Library District may register.

Registration for persons outside the library district begins the following Monday. Please complete the information below or call the Registration Desk at 847-429-4597. 6.15p-6.45p, GBPL Story Room - South gailborden. info. Free

can play opponents or work on chess puzzles. Chess sets available or bring your own. 4.30p-5.30p, Rakow Children’s Area gailborden.info. Free

Grupo de Conversacion en Ingles/ English Conversation Group Practice having everyday conversations in English, improve your pronunciation and gain confidence with a tutor from the Literacy Connection. No registration. Practica conversar en ingles, mejora tu pronunciacion y adquiere confianza con un tutor del Literacy Connection. No hace falta inscribirse.

6.30p-7.30p, GBPL Conference Room gailborden.info. Free LinkedIn Basics LinkedIn is the premier social media sites for creating and promoting an online business presence and networking with other professionals. Learn about the site and its basic features in this informative demonstration. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room gailborden. info. Free

Moon Gazing A half-moon will be encircled by seven bright stars forming what’s called the Winter Circle. 6p7p, GBPL Rakow Branch gailborden. info. Free Spanish Sign Language Program/ Clases del Lenguaje de Senas Americano Join us for a six-part American Sign Language class in spoken Spanish for Spanish speaking families with deaf or hard of hearing children in the area. This program is provided by CHOICES for Parents.

CHOICES for Parents is a statewide coalition of parents and professionals ensuring that children with identified hearing loss and their families receive the necessary resources, advocacy, information, services and support.

Families are welcomed. Classes are free of charge. Registration begins Thursday, February 25. Unase a esta serie de seis clases del Lenguaje de Senas Americano (ASL, por sus siglas en ingles), presentadas en espanol, para familias con ninos con discapacidades o dificultades auditivas.

Este programa sera presentado por CHOICES for Parents. CHOICES for Parents es una coalicion estatal de padres y profesionales quienes se aseguran que familias con discapacidades auditivas reciban los recursos, informacion, apoyo y servicios que necesitan. Las familias son bienvenidas. Estas clases son gratis.

Inscripcion comienza el jueves, 25 de febrero. 6p-8p, GBPL Elgin Room gailborden.info. Free Terrific Twos Join us for 20 minutes of stories, interactive fingerplays and large muscle activities for 2 year olds and an adult caregiver. Attendance is limited. Registration is required.

Open Mic Night 7p-11p, Danny’s on Douglas dannyspizzaelgin.com. No Cover Story Mix for Three to Six 7p-7.30p, GBPL Story Room - North gailborden.info. Free

Wed.Mar.16 Job Training Information Session Training grants are available to help you get a job! Learn about WIOA services and the application process.

This program is in partnership with the Kane County Department of Community Reinvestment. For more information, call 630-966-1435, ext.

40078. 9.30a-11a, GBPL Computer Training Room gailborden.info. Free 1, 2, 3, Go! 10a-10.30a, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B-C gailborden. info. Free Drop-In Storytime Join Ms. Angela for 30 minutes of stories, songs and finger puppets. 10.30a-11a, Rakow

Children’s Area gailborden.info. Free Microsoft Word Basics Microsoft Word allows users to create text documents. Learn how to navigate, create and save new documents, open and print existing documents and change document views in this class.

11a-12.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room gailborden.info. Free

2.3 attendance at all four sessions of this workshop is mandatory. Please register beginning Monday, February 8. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Meadows Comm.

Rms. A-B gailborden.info. Free Walking Book Club - The Centre of Elgin A 45 minute walk followed by a 45 minute book discussion 7p-8.30p, GBPL Rec Center gailborden.info.

Free Karaoke 8p, Danny’s on Douglas dannyspizzaelgin.com. No Cover

Thu.Mar.17

Build It Up! with LEGOS Kids in Grades 1 & up; children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. LEGO building blocks will be provided for this fun-filled, creative building program. 4p-5p, GBPL Story Room South gailborden.info. Free Elgin Knit Works Open Knit 5p-8p, Elgin Knit Works elginknitworks.com.

Free Clase Futuros Bilingues / Go Bilingual Class Come and experience the warmth and cultural interaction of learning a new language alongside a native speaker. The class is taught

by Betty Martinez. No registration.

Ven y disfruta un ambiente acogedor al aprender el ingles y espanol con otras personas que lo hablan como primer idioma. La maestra Betty Martinez conduce las clases. No hace falta inscribirse. 6p-7p, GBPL Elgin Room gailborden.info. Free Cuentos para la familia/Spanish Family Storytime 30 minutes of interactive stories, songs and fun for parents and children to enjoy together. !30 minutos de cuentos musica, rimas, manualidades y mucho mas para el disfrute de toda la familia!No registration required. All ages welcome. No necesita registrarse. Para todas las edades 6.30p-7p, GBPL Story Room gailborden.info. Free Contemporary Fiction Book Group Book discussion 7p-8.30p, GBPL South Elgin Room gailborden.info.

Free Create a Comic Book Writers and Artists in grades 6-12 are invited to take part in this workshop to learn how to create a page for a comic book of your own. Writer Rich Perez, artist Ron Ong and inker Rage Ledbetter of Tango Comics will take you through the basics of comic book creation, and you will create an entire page for your own comic book. Writers and artists of any level of experience are welcome to participate. If you choose, your finished product will be published in the summer edition of Gail Borden’s Teen Writing and Art Showcase booklet. Please note:

Terrific Twos Join us for 20 minutes of stories, interactive fingerplays and large muscle activities for 2 year olds and an adult caregiver. Attendance is limited. Registration is required.

During the first week of registration only patrons within the Gail Borden Public Library District may register.

Registration for persons outside the library district begins the following Monday. Please complete the information below or call the Registration Desk at 847-429-4597. Repeats 10a, 10:45a. 9.15a-9.45a, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rm. C gailborden.info. Free Job Search & Resume Help Drop in for one-on-one assistance with your job search. Receive help with your resume, cover letter, completing online applications, and more. For more information contact the Kane County Department of Employment and Education at 630-966-1435. 9.30a1p, GBPL Computer Training Room gailborden.info. Free Wonderful Ones 15 minutes of short stories, fingerplays, rhymes, music and movement activity followed by 15 minutes play period - for children 1223 months with parent or caregiver.

Registration is required. 9.30a-10a, GBPL Story Room - South gailborden. info. Free Terrific Twos 10a-10.30a, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rm. C gailborden. info. Free Story Mix for Three to Six Drop in for 30 minutes of picture book stories, fingerplays, and songs for children age 3 through Kindergarten.

No registration required. Attend any session. Parents must remain in building. 10.15a-10.45a, GBPL Story Room

FEED.colorcode Bands & Music

Theater & Dance

Kids & Families

Lectures & Learning Exhibits & Film Creativity Causes & Community Other

BRAVO

March 2016 - North gailborden.info. Free Terrific Twos 10.45a-11.15a, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rm. C gailborden. info. Free

sented by The Literacy Connection.

No registration. 6.30p-7.30p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rm. C gailborden. info. Free

ChessMaster Junior Chess Club 4p-5p, GBPL Youth Center - South gailborden.info. Free

Novels at Night The Miniaturist 6.30p-7.30p, Rakow Living Room gailborden.info. Free ReaderShip Rakow ReaderShip preschool storytime in Spanish.

6.30p-7.30p, Rakow Children’s Area gailborden.info. Free Elgin Genealogical Society Elgin Genealogical Society monthly meeting 7p-8.30p, GBPL Meadows Comm.

Rms. A-B gailborden.info. Free

Blarney Brothers 6p-10p, Grand Victoria Casino grandvictoriacasino. com. No Cover

Google Tools for Communication Google has lots of free tools that make communicating with others both easy and fun! Come and learn how advanced Gmail features and applications like Google+ and Google Translate can help you streamline electronic communication with family, friends and colleagues. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room gailborden.info. Free

with other Veterans. Topics may include veterans benefits (medical, dental, compensation, pension, burial, etc.), and updates on these benefits, military experiences, PTSD, trauma, recording of discharges and others.

Coffee and tea will be served. No registration. 7p-8.30p, GBPL South Elgin Room gailborden.info. Free Karaoke 8p, Danny’s on Douglas dannyspizzaelgin.com. No Cover

Fri.Mar.18 Baby Rhyme Time This storytime is for infants 0-11 months with an adult caregiver. Registration is required.

9.15a-9.45a, GBPL Story Room South gailborden.info. Free Wonderful Ones 15 minutes of short stories, fingerplays, rhymes, music and movement activity followed by 15 minutes play period - for children 1223 months with parent or caregiver.

Registration is required. 10a-10.30a, GBPL Story Room - South gailborden. info. Free Quiet Computer Lab The Quiet Computer lab is a low volume zone where in-district adult patrons can utilize computers in a quiet volume without fear of distraction or noise interruption. 12.30p-5p, GBPL Computer Training Room gailborden.info. Free

Blue Box Cafe’s Live at the Blue Box Special C2E2 Edition Join Rob, Martha and Molly and other hosts from Southgate Media Group as they record live podcasts, do awesome interviews, play great games, chat with special guests and talk about current TV shows, movies and Geek topics.

Audience participation is appreciated, who knows,you may end up on one of the Podcasts!!! Check out our Facebook pages for this weeks topics!

6p-9p, Blue Box Cafe theblueboxcafe. com. Free Baby Rhyme Time This storytime is for infants 0-11 months with an adult caregiver. Registration is required. 6.15p-6.45p, GBPL Story Room - South gailborden.info. Free Grupo de Conversacion para la Ciudadania/Citizenship Conversation Group Necesitas practicar tu ingles para el examen de la ciudadania? Ven a este grupo gratis para repasar y practicar el ingles que vas a necesitar pra la entrevista y las 100 preguntas del examen de historia y civica.

El grupo es liderado por un tutor y cualquiera puede asistir. Presentado por The Literacy Connection. No hace falta inscribirse. Do you need to practice English for your naturalization/citizenship test? Come to this free group and practice the spoken English you will need for the interview and the 100 questions from the history/civics test. This group will be led by a tutor and is open to all. Pre-

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Side Street Studio Art’s Jurassic Park Live Read Hold on to your butts. For this installment of our Live Read Series, Side Street Studio Arts welcomes you to... Jurassic Park! Join us upstairs on Friday, March 18th as our Live Read Series flips the script, literally, with the live script-reading session of the modern American cinematic masterpiece Jurassic Park.

Seating is limited. Doors open at 6:30pm. 7p, Next Door Theater sidestreetstudioarts.org. $5 donation Independent Player’s The Octette Bridge Club 7.30p, Elgin Art Showcase independentplayers.org. $1012-15 New Age Renegades 9p, Danny’s on Douglas dannyspizzaelgin.com. No Cover

Appy Hour Start the weekend off by stopping by to discover a new fun APP the family can enjoy. Bring your smartphone or tablet. FREE gift for each participating family. 4p-5p, Rakow Living Room gailborden.info.

Free

Judson University’s Light of the World Featuring John, his story Judson University Theatre Department commences its spring season with another showing in the Ars Liturgica Series titled The Light of the World featuring “John, His Story” by Jeannette Clift George.

“John, His Story” is the seven great signs that Jesus did, seen through eyewitness accounts. The show will be directed by Naomi Rogers. Runs nightly through 3/20. 7p, Judson University Thulin Performance Hall 847.628.2625. $5-8-10 Peter Pan Bring the family out to another fabulous production by our talented Harvest Christian Academy students. HCA Fine Arts Department presents to you ... Peter Pan! Also 3/18 at 7p, 3/19 at 12p. 7p, ECC Blizzard Theatre harvestchristianacademy.org. $10 Veterans Information Networking - Physicians Orders-Life Saving Treatment Join us for monthly programs to provide information on a varying range of topics dealing with Veterans and to meet and discuss

Blue Box Cafe’s Geek’n Out We celebrate our Geekiness most Fridays!!!

We open up our cache of games, play a cool movie or three and have fun!!!! All are welcome!! Each week is a different theme. Play our games or bring your own, anything is cool.

Have a regular group going? Meet up at The BBC! Dress up, dress regularly, dress casually..but please be dressed :) 6p-8p, Blue Box Cafe theblueboxcafe.com. Free Brushed Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Kick Off Event: Blackhawks Skyline BYOB BYOB painting social.

6.30p-9.30p, BrushedChicago brushedchicago.com. $30 Judson University’s Light of the World Featuring John, his story 7p, Judson University Thulin Performance Hall 847.628.2625. $5-8-10

Peter Pan 7p, ECC Blizzard Theatre harvestchristianacademy.org. $10

Senn Alan Band 9p-11.59p, Grand Victoria Casino grandvictoriacasino. com. No Cover

Sat.Mar.19 Double Love Spring Resale Gently used clothing, toys and gear for sale, especially for twins! 8.30a-12p, St. John’s Lutheran Church & School doublelovetwinsclub.wordpress.com. $1 admission.

JourneyCare Hospice Volunteer Orientation Volunteer in your community and set your own schedule! JourneyCare’s Care Companion volunteers support hospice patients and families in their home, which may be a private residence or senior living community. 9a-2.30p, Elgin Township Office. Free YWCA’s Cinderella’s Closet Cinderella’s Closet is a prom boutique where high school girls can “shop” hundreds of gorgeous gowns for the prom dress of their dreams Dresses are current styles and in good condition.

Must provide valid high school ID or proof of enrollment. Shopping rules apply! 9a-2p, YWCA Elgin ywcaelgin.

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BRAVO the many benefits of active transportation (walking, jogging, cycling and riding transit). 1p-3p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B-C gailborden.info.

Free Games & Gadgets Drop-in for some family free play! An assortment of board games, chess, Legos, Wii video games, or iPads will be available 2p-3.30p, GBPL Story Room - South gailborden.info. Free

org. Free admission

Manga and Anime Club for Grades 6-12 Have you seen every episode of Attack on Titan? Do you wish more of your friends liked My Neighbor Totoro? Here’s your chance to watch anime, share fan art, and enjoy Japanese snacks while socializing with other fans. Students in grades 6-12 are welcome - bring a friend!

2p-3.30p, GBPL South Elgin Room gailborden.info. Free Judson University’s Light of the World Featuring John, his story 7p, Judson University Thulin Performance Hall 847.628.2625. $5-8-10 Independent Player’s The Octette Bridge Club 7.30p, Elgin Art Showcase independentplayers.org. $1012-15

Art for All’s Soar Into Spring Artisan Bazaar Featuring HUNDREDS of handcrafted items created by area artisans! This is not a fine art show nor a direct sale marketplace, but rather an event where you will find unique quality items created by the artisans themselves! “Leaps and bounds above a typical craft show!”

10a-4p, Elgin Artspace Lofts & Gallery artforallelgin.org. Free WordPress Series - Getting Started with WordPress Learn how to pick WordPress themes to match your intended web content and discover how to customize the style and layout of your website while managing posts and pages. 10a-11.30a, GBPL Computer Training Room gailborden.info.

Free Fruits and Veggies to the Rescue Families with children from 5 to 10 years of age Inspiring kids to make healthier eating choices, one edible adventure at a time! Nina Vanderwiel brings together her background including a career in marketing and sales along with a passion for good nutrition and teaching kids healthy eating habits. 11a-12p, Rakow Children’s Area gailborden.info. Free Mayor’s Community Walking Challenge Kickoff Mayor’s Community Walking Challenge Workshop Kickoff, Activate Elgin March into Health, Saturday, March 19th 1:00 PM- 3:00 PM. Join Activate Elgin for a Mayor’s Walking Challenge Workshop. We will provide tips to get started, show you how to register, and educate you on

Friday Jackson 9p, Danny’s on Douglas dannyspizzaelgin.com. No Cover

Sun.Mar.20 Elgin Knit Works Open Knit 1p-4p, Elgin Knit Works elginknitworks.com.

Free

Elgin History Museum’s The Hayloft Gang Stephen Perry, producer of the 2011 documentary The Hayloft Gang ,will bring to life the Chicago based National Barn Dance radio program with a not to miss presentation based on the documentary. The radio program, which was started on WLS in 1924, was a touchstone for many growing up till its end in 1960.

According to author Dick Bowden WLS “wanted a music program that “sounded like home.” The program used nostalgia even in 1924, reminding folks of “our farm communities of yesteryear.”…the show prided itself that millions were listening TOGETHER over 4 hours each Saturday night.

The cast became familiar friends nicknamed the Hayloft Gang.” Come learn more about this influential radio program that introduced audiences to Gene Autry, inspired Bill Monroe and created imitators like the Grand Ole Opry! The National Barn Dance program dealt in family friendly programming that had loyal listeners over the years. Were you one of them? Free for members. 2p-3p, Elgin History Museum elginhistory.org. $3 Intermedio de Microsoft Word Aprenda a utilizar los comandos basicos de MS Word para crear y editar documentos 2p-3.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room gailborden. info. Free

2.3 Williams, Jenny, in character, reveals the fascinating details of this story of “buried treasure” and one woman’s private passion and genius for photography. Maier’s story is reminiscent of Emily Dickinson’s; both women had remarkable gifts not revealed until after their deaths. This program is co-sponsored by AAUW, League of Women Voters, YWCA, and Gail Borden Public Library. Please register.

2p-3p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B-C gailborden.info. Free Where Nature Comes Home Dennis Paige, adjunct instructor with the Morton Arboretum and the Chicago Botanic Gardens, will present an inspirational and highly informative program to touch the hearts and minds of those who wish to apply native micro-habitats and other eco-friendly landscapes around their home to enhance biodiversity, beauty and environmental health. Registration required. 2p-3.30p, Rakow Living Room gailborden.info. Free Judson University’s Light of the World Featuring John, his story 7p, Judson University Thulin Performance Hall 847.628.2625. $5-8-10

Martini Room’s & Vino Van Gogh Painting Event “On the Fence” All materials provided. Martini specials for all painters! 7p-9p, Martini Room martiniroomelgin.com. $38

Mon.Mar.21 Story Mix for Three to Six Drop in for 30 minutes of picture book stories, fingerplays, and songs for children age 3 through Kindergarten. No registration required. Attend any session. Parents must remain in building. Repeats 3.30p. 9.30a-10a, GBPL Story Room - North gailborden.

Shindig 9p-11.59p, Grand Victoria Casino grandvictoriacasino.com. No Cover

FEED.colorcode

The Big Richards Alternative and contemporary rock, including everyone’s favorite tunes from the 90’s - 2K era. 9p, D Hangout d-hangout. com. No Cover

Vivian Maier: Out of the Shadows Book Review In this dramatic book review, Jenny Riddle portrays Chicago street photographer, Vivian Maier, the North Shore nanny whose remarkable gift for photography has, posthumously, taken the world by storm. Based on the extraordinary book, Vivian Maier: Out of the Shadows by Richard Cahan and Michael

Bands & Music

Theater & Dance

Kids & Families

Lectures & Learning Exhibits & Film Creativity Causes & Community Other

BRAVO

March 2016 info. Free

Thu.Mar.24

Wonderful Ones Registration required for each session. Registration begins February 29.15 minutes of short stories, finger plays, rhymes and music followed by a 15-minute play period. Repeats 5:30p, 6:15p.

10a-10.15a, Rakow Living Room gailborden.info. Free Quiet Computer Lab The Quiet Computer lab is a low volume zone where in-district adult patrons can utilize computers in a quiet volume without fear of distraction or noise interruption. 12.30p-5p, GBPL Computer Training Room gailborden.info. Free Illinois DHS Division of Rehabilitation Services Information Session Come learn about DRS Vocational Rehabilitation Services for persons with disabilities who want to work, and about DRS Home Services Program, for persons with disabilities who are in danger of going to a nursing home or institution, as well as the other programs and services offered by the Division of Rehabilitation Services.

1p-3p, GBPL South Elgin Room gailborden.info. Free

Novels at Night Mr. Owita’s Guide To Gardening 6.30p-7.15p, Rakow Living Room gailborden.info. Free QuickBooks Series - QuickBooks Basics Now that you’ve been introduced to QuickBooks, learn how to set up a company, adjust preferences, and work with accounts in class two of the series. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room gailborden. info. Free

Story Mix for Three to Six 3.30p4p, GBPL Story Room - North gailborden.info. Free

Support SSSA at Panera In honor of Side Street Studio Arts’ 3rd Birthday, we are raising funds and eating goodies at Panera Bread on Randall Rd. in Elgin. Stop by Panera on March 25, show them this paper flyer or image on your phone when you order, and 15-20% of qualifying sales will be donated to Side Street! 6a-9p, Panera Bread sidestreetstudioarts.org

Wonderful Ones 5.30p-6p, GBPL Story Room - South gailborden.info.

Free Wonderful Ones 6.15p-6.45p, GBPL Story Room - South gailborden.info.

Free Chamber Music on the Fox: Brilliance of the Violin Hear Elgin Symphony Orchestra Concertmistress Isabella Lippi in recital for a program of classical masterpieces for the violin. From virtuosic and brilliant to romantic and lush, Isabella will shine in a setting much more intimate and informal than the one in which Elgin audiences usually see her! 7.30p, Elgin Art Showcase chambermusiconthefox.org. $10-20

Tue.Mar.22 French Conversation Group Refresh and enhance your knowledge of French language and culture in a conversational setting with former college language professor Dennis Schwank. No registration.

6.30p-8.30p, GBPL South Elgin Room gailborden.info. Free Moon Gazing A nearly full moon will be visible and will be at its closest to Jupiter. 6.30p-7.30p, Rakow Outside South gailborden.info. Free

Karaoke 8p, Danny’s on Douglas dannyspizzaelgin.com. No Cover

Natural Egg Dyeing! We use many different natural dyes like onion skins, turmeric, berries and much more.

This technique comes from Native American and Pioneer days when chemical dyes and food coloring were not available. Use modern techniques such as crayons and rubber bands to create beautiful designs! Explore the Museum while the eggs are dyeing.

Recipes of the dyes are provided so you can try natural egg dyeing at home. Supplies are limited, so come early! No registration required. 12p2p . $2 Blue Box Cafe’s Live at the Blue Box Join Rob, Martha and Molly and other hosts from Southgate Media Group as they record live podcasts, do awesome interviews, play great games, chat with special guests and talk about current TV shows, movies and Geek topics. Audience participation is appreciated, who knows,you may end up on one of the Podcasts!!!

Check out our Facebook pages for this weeks topics! 6p-9p, Blue Box Cafe theblueboxcafe.com. Free

Fri.Mar.25

Sew Much Fun! Grades 3 & Up. New to sewing? We will help you get started by working on simple beginner projects. Already know how to sew?

Come polish your skills. All materials provided. 4p-5p, GBPL Story Room South gailborden.info. Free

Family Jam Take a break as a family after your busy day with 30 minutes of active movement, stories and fun!

6.30p-7p, GBPL Meadows Comm.

Rms. A-B gailborden.info. Free

YWCA Elgin Uncorked Gather your friends and come to the Elgin Artspace to wine a little and laugh a lot at the YW’s Uncorked Event. Wine tasting, silent auction, wine pull, hors d’oeuvres and delicious desserts are just some of the things you have to look forward to! Come and see what all the buzz is about!... 5.30p-8.30p, Elgin Artspace Lofts & Gallery ywcaelgin.org. $30-55

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Open Mic Night 7p-11p, Danny’s on Douglas dannyspizzaelgin.com. No Cover

Wed.Mar.23 Elgin Knit Works Open Knit 5p-8p, Elgin Knit Works elginknitworks.com.

Free Karaoke 8p, Danny’s on Douglas dannyspizzaelgin.com. No Cover

Blue Box Cafe’s Geek’n Out We celebrate our Geekiness most Fridays!!!

We open up our cache of games, play a cool movie or three and have fun!!!! All are welcome!! Each week is a different theme. Play our games or bring your own, anything is cool.

Have a regular group going? Meet up at The BBC! Dress up, dress regularly, dress casually..but please be dressed :) 6p-8p, Blue Box Cafe theblueboxcafe.com. Free

Ola la! Ijorere’s Indian White Blue Peacock Whether is a night out with friends, rendezvous with your beau or coming solo, escape for a couple of hours, away from the stresses of life and Un-Wine Creatively at Ola la!

IJORERE. At the end of our painting social, leave with a warm buzz, feeling accomplished with your very own creative masterpiece! 6.30p-9p, Ola la Ijorere ijorere.com. $28 BBI 9p-11.59p, Grand Victoria Casino grandvictoriacasino.com. No Cover

Charles & Company 9p-11.59p, Grand Victoria Casino grandvictoriacasino.com. No Cover

Sat.Mar.26 Bison Feeding in Lords Park Join us for an up close and personal look at the bison, deer and elk at the Lords Park Zoo. Meet at the Museum for a short introduction after which we head for the zoo to assist the zookeeper in feeding these magnificent creatures. Space is limited to 12 people, so please register early! Free for members. 7a-8.30a, Elgin Public Museum elginpublicmuseum.org. $1-2 Natural Egg Dyeing Come to Lords Park for a GREAT Easter experience:

TNT 9p, Danny’s on Douglas dannyspizzaelgin.com. No Cover

Sun.Mar.27 Elgin Knit Works Open Knit 1p-4p, Elgin Knit Works elginknitworks.com.

Free

Mon.Mar.28

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journey of human experience. We encourage films that experiment with the wonder and struggle of this journey. Based at Judson University, the founders of the festival want attendees to rethink the way they engage film as consumers, appreciators, and believers. And the hope for the festival is that it opens a dialogue about who and what we’re meant to be as ethical beings. Check schedule online. Festival continues through 4/2. Judson University imagofilmfestival.com. $6-20 Open Mic Night 7p-11p, Danny’s on Douglas dannyspizzaelgin.com

Tue.Mar.29

Wed.Mar.30 Elgin Knit Works Open Knit 5p-8p, Elgin Knit Works elginknitworks.com.

Free

Judson University Imago Festival The Imago Film Festival seeks to showcase independent film that deals with faith issues, emphasizing image and story. The festival selects films capture the full spectrum of human emotion, experience, and spirituality.

We encourage filmmakers from diverse backgrounds to provide image and story dealing with the spiritual

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ters this side of infinity (and beyond), including for the “Toy Story” movie franchise, “Monsters Inc.,” “Cars” and “Finding Nemo,” but what Matthew Luhn will share most with the Judson community as part of the Imago Film Festival is much bigger than that.

As part of his presentation entitled, “Creating Stories with Heart,” he will share the experience of his Christian faith and his incredible journey that led him to discover his talents as a master storyteller.

The 12th annual Imago Film Festival will be held Tuesday-Saturday, March 29-April 2, in the Thulin Performance Hall in the Thompson Center at Judson University. The Imago Film Festival showcases independent film that deals with faith issues, emphasizing image and story. There will also be music for entertainment nightly.

Luhn will be the guest speaker on Wednesday, March 30, 7p, Judson University Thulin Performance Hall. imagofilmfestival.com. $10

Thu.Mar.31 Judson University Imago Festival Judson University imagofilmfestival. com. $6-20 Karaoke 8p, Danny’s on Douglas dannyspizzaelgin.com. No Cover

FEED.disclaimer We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the event details listed in the FEED, but some of our sources may contain errors, and we make mistakes once in a while, too.

PLEASE verify the details of any of these events with the host and/or venue before making firm plans. Enjoy!

FEED.colorcode Bands & Music

Theater & Dance

Kids & Families

Lectures & Learning Exhibits & Film Creativity Judson University Imago Festival He has helped to create some of the most memorable animated charac-

Causes & Community Karaoke 8p, Danny’s on Douglas dannyspizzaelgin.com. No Cover

Other

Limited Edition BRAVO 2015 Poster is Not For Sale

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Just take our fast, easy online Reader Survey and we’ll give you this poster. Pick it up or we’ll mail it to you.

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Sorry, you can’t buy it anywhere.

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March 2016

What This Town Needs: Weather Bugs

Failure of Observation There’s really no shortage of weather information in Elgin.

We have weather.com, smart phone apps, and some of the cable companies have an Elgin weather report “on the 8’s” on the Weather Channel.

But we still do not see Elgin on almost every Chicagoland weather map shown on the network newscasts. The maps show weather conditions in other cities of similar size and stature, like Rockford, Aurora, and Joliet, and there are readings given for smaller cities in the area: Bartlett, St. Charles,

Hampshire, Woodstock, even Wonder Lake (really?).

The absence of Elgin from the maps is a little puzzling. Maybe viewers aren’t interested in Elgin weather. Maybe nobody needs to know the weather conditions here. Or maybe the meteorologists are deliberately ignoring us.

The more likely reason is that we have no reliable weather observers or reporters here, which is an interesting observation in itself.

Somebody, get on that. — JP

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BRAVO

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Taste: It’s a Cat, Cat, Cat, Cat World!

Cats of Elgin:

Here and Meow

by Amanda Carlson

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The birth of the lolcat internet meme has seemingly overtaken the Internet from the lovingly frowning “Grumpy Cat” to the ASPCA’s smirking star “Lil Bub.” This love of all things cat has found its way into the hearts of Elginites as well.

By no surprise to cat owners, lovers, and advocates, cats allow us to lead happier, less stressful lives: from offering us companionship to helping us cope and keeping us healthy. Not only are cat enthusiasts saying this, but a 2008 study of 4,500 participants from the University of Minnesota’s Stroke Institute found that cat-owners were less likely to die from heart attacks, and a 2009 follow-up study found that cat ownership is linked to a decreased risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Most cat-owners will not tell you that they have cats for health reasons, though — we have them because of the joy they bring to our lives. Mike Burns was thinking only of this joy when he started his “Cats of Elgin” Facebook page.

stories of their beloved cats has created quite a stir. According to a 2012 poll by the Humane Society of the United States, 36.1 million households own at least one cat, and 56.1% of those consider their cats to be family members. If this is true of Elgin, we could have tens of thousands of cat-enthusiasts in our midst.

Just one week after the page went live, Burns overheard a bartender at Elgin Public House showing photos from the Cats of Elgin page. At that point, he knew the community was embracing his vision.

Are You Kitten Me? We saw the start of the page with Burns’ photo of “Bartender Blue,” his Snowshoe Siamese and former Gifford Park Casanova, paw resting on the bar, awaiting his saucer of milk.

Within days, members had flooded the site with photos of their own beloved feline-companions (or “overlords” as the cats believe) and fond stories about how they had rescued a kitten

They Meowed, We Herd After reading an article about the popular Facebook page “The Humans of New York” which looks at the softer side of New York residents, Burns created the page as “kind of an art project to see people post pictures of their cats. . . [and] see if it would grow.”

Grow it has. In just six months since its conception, Cats of Elgin now has over 600 members, several of which post memes or photos of their cats daily; we even have two cats with their own memberships.

Burns’ logic of creating a space for Elginites to post photos and

Cats of Elgin: Art by Holly Mack.

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March 2016

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Dear Loving Pet Owner, A lolcat (internet meme) by Mike Burns. found in their bushes or picked out a new best friend through local rescues like Cinderella’s Hope and FurKeeps. We swapped endearing tales about the adventures only cat owners would know, like eating tuna in the middle of the kitchen to ward off cat paws, or waking up to a cat napping on one’s head, or the rustle of furry legs when the can opener is used.

Member Cassondra Archibald commented, “I love this page because whenever I’m having a bad day I can come to the page and see some pretty awesome kitties. Who can be sad when there’s pictures of cute cats all over? I like that we can come together as a community and share our awesome love of all things cats.”

Cats who like their pictures taken; cats with hearts on their noses; computer-keyboard-sitting cats; cats with mustaches; cats with short legs; cats who act like dogs; box-loving cats; piles of cat siblings cuddling on a radiator; cats investigating a new toy; cats snuggling with their humans; they have all found a home on Cats of Elgin.

Can I Has Cheezburger This then led to the posting of cat memes, the ones any non-cat aficionado thinks are representative of cats being irritating, but true cat-lovers fondly chuckle over. One recent meme depicts two dozen cats walking down a sidewalk with the words “I’m sure there’s a 40 year-old unmarried woman living over here.

She will treat us like gods.”

We embrace the term “crazy

cat lady” (or “gent”) as a term of endearment — not an insult. We cat people have found a subculture in Elgin where we can be ourselves and show those cat photos and memes that our dog-owning friends will never understand.

Member Cindy Lund commented, “[N]o matter how bad my day might be, I know there are always cute kitties doing silly things that put a smile on my face and allow me to relax.”

Cat Ciao Time The page started as a collection of Elgin cats: “helping” us get ready in the morning and “sharing” our dinners, but it quickly grew into something unexpected.

Within a few weeks, we saw members offering support to an Elginite whose indoor cat had escaped. She reached out to the Cats of Elgin community who rallied to offer her advice: “put out the dirty litterbox,” “place his food and water bowls outside,” “look through your neighbors’ bushes, most cats only stray five houses in any direction.”

Yes, she could have just “Googled” these same ideas, but she would not have seen the personalization that she found here.

Member Barbara Loescher finds the interactive element of people helping people one of the things she likes best about the page, declaring, “Cat lovers are really nice people!”

Thankfully, the beloved cat found his way home with nary a scratch. The owner posted a report about their reunion, crediting his safe return to our help.

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Elgin offers a seemingly sacred space where we can empathize.

Cats of Elgin: Art by Holly Mack.

Territorial Behavior Other cat social media pages exist, but the community we share allows us to swap stories about local inexpensive or highly recommended veterinarians and low cost shots and spay/neuter options. Looking at the poorly categorized information on Yelp does not offer the personal stories that we see here.

Sadly, not all lost cats stories have such happy endings. For those, members have found Elgin connections to rescuers and have even been willing to foster cats until their fur-ever home can be found. Elgin’s Animal Control does not help with lost, found, and injured cats, so we are providing a local space where the community can help itself. On the page the phrase “I volunteer with a rescue and may be able to help” seems to be posted weekly in relation to someone reaching out in need.

We also see a place to grieve a cat moving on to Rainbow Bridge. Our cats only grace our lives for as long as their little bodies hold out, so the Cats of

Lund is happy to have found her feline-loving friends: “The real plus is the support system that is here. Whether someone needs help grieving a loss, finding homes for kitties, or just sharing their kitties with us. It’s perfect!” Lund has passed on word of the page to other Facebook users.

The Cat Whiskerers Elgin already has several cat heroes. Holly Mack, a longtime cat advocate, cares for cats of the elderly in hospice. Until these elderly cats make their way toward Rainbow Bridge to see their owners in the afterlife, Mack and her partner ensure that “the cats live out their days in a garden filled with tulips, peonies, and flowers of all sorts.

Happiness all around.”

Feline protector Donna Leetz has rescued over 6,000 cats in or near Elgin over the past six years, including 200 cats from four hoarding sites. “Little Timmie,” one of Leetz’s rescues, was found living in an abandoned building near Prairie Rock in early December, an emaciated 2.5 pounds with such a severe case of mites that his ears now appear folded. Due to his loving nature, he must have been someone’s pet but was cast out to the

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streets for some unknown transgression or perhaps just the owner moved and was unable or unwilling to take his cat companion with him. Thankfully, Little Timmie is now a healthy six pounds and was adopted into a Cats of Elgin member’s home.

Thankfully, these ladies are not alone as over a dozen Cats of Elgin members have indicated that they are actively and/or passively involved in rescuing stray and feral cats from the streets of Elgin.

Cat: A List for Action While enjoying the happy photos, a few members are consolidating their efforts to create an active Cats of Elgin Rescue Center (name as yet to be determined). Elgin, sadly, has an unusually high population of stray and feral cats; despite the badly needed measures that Leetz and other rescuers are taking by offering medical assistance and spay/neuter to these oft left behind cats, we still see the need.

The Cat Rescue concept is in its infancy at this point but is looking toward the future of a cat spay/neuter and rescue shelter located in Elgin. Ideas such as a cat cafe, a vintage resale shop, and pairing with downtown businesses have been considered as potential fundraising efforts to support a shelter in the long term. The immediate goals are to educate the public about local low cost spay/neuter options, make connections with foster families, and look after the all too commonly neglected cats on Elgin’s streets.

This will be a long, uphill battle, but a battle worth fighting. For as many people as we see embracing the Internet cats, we see so many others who are neglecting their own. Longtime The Price Is Right host and animal activist Bob Barker’s sign-off still needs to be realized: “Help control the pet population. Have your pets spayed and neutered.”

Cats of Elgin: Henrietta Trinket.

Photo by Monica Prieto. passed. She encapsulates the joy that the page continues to bring us all: “I joined this group because I love cats, and the people that love them. I never tire of the pics, the funny memes, and stories about other members’ cats ... In a rough world, the good people and cats of Elgin make me happy.” — AC Amanda Carlson is a Composition professor by trade who gardens, rescues feral/stray cats, and advocates for Elgin in her spare time while being a new mother, wife, and environmentalist.

Holly Mack draws and paints what ever the universal vibes flowing from her imagination develop into. It’s all up to the wind, warmth of the sun, and the shine of the stars.

Feline Alright

Cats of Elgin: Wrangler and Cheetos. Photo by Amanda Carlson.

As the vision of Cats of Elgin evolves from daily photos to activism, our members will happily post. Member Jeri Vazquez Webb showed pictures of her current three cats and the two feline companions that have

Cats of Elgin: Blue was naughty.

Photo by Sarah Burns.

BRAVO

March 2016

31

ASSIGNMENT BOARD This is where we post assignments for volunteer writers, photographers, and artists. We can’t compensate you properly (yet), but we give credit where credit is due, and excellent contributors have a way of getting our attention. So when those paid assignments do come along, well, we know who to call ...

BRAVO 2.4: Recording Studios & Brunch Deadline: Weds., March 23, 5pm Cover Art: Photo illustration of recording gear, blue hue.

Roundup of local music and podcast recording studios, Story on local record production for CD, vinyl, streaming.

Brunch restaurants, menus & reviews; brunch porn.

BRAVO 2.5: Historic Preservation & The War on Skunks Deadline: Weds., April 20, 5pm Cover Art: Old house art, colorful Victorian preferred.

Stories or interviews about old house preservation, Directory of local preservationist services, suppliers.

First person account of skunk battle; scent removal tips; Plain English guide to Elgin skunk ecology.

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