BRAVO 4.5

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magazine

A Cycle Logical Evaluation

The Tropics of Elgin pp. 3-6

pp. 48-50

with the

MAY 2018

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BRAVO

May 2018

Expression: A Band of Metal Heads

The Tropics of Elgin

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words and pictures by Michele Machowicz So you’ve been asking yourself, “Where could I ever go in the area to hear Steel Drums?

Maybe learn how to play them and even someday join a band?”

Here’s the story of steel pans from 19th century Trinidad to 21st century Elgin...

• •

A Bit of Pan History Africans transported to Trinidad as slaves in the 1800s brought with them their drumming tradition. Drumming used for communication among the slaves frightened colonists so much, according to researcher and pan enthusiast Angela P. Smith, that drumming was banned. These Trinidadians then turned to bamboo sticks and other materials at hand to pound out rhythms, create music, and play in bands. Tamboo bamboo bands were eventually outlawed as well, but by the late 1930s the tamboo bamboo musicians switched to anything metal, whether a paint can or a biscuit tin, and after World War II they scavenged the 55-gallon oil drums abandoned by U.S. forces stationed in Trinidad and Tobago. These metal instruments, tuned to different pitches, proved more versatile.

From these forgotten barrels new acoustic instruments were born. In 1949 the Trinidad and Tobago Steel Band Association was formed, and from that time on, steel pans have been recognized as legitimate percussion instruments.

Elgin Beginnings Ruth Marlin Cleveland heard the Northern Illinois University Steel Band at a St. Edward High School Jubilee, and from that time on, she was hooked.

The French horn and piano

Lucy Missele (left) and daughter Jeannine McCarron have been playing together for over 25 years. player shifted gears and joined the fledgling Elgin Community College Steel Band in the fall of 1987, playing in the first concert and in every concert since.

The band was the brainstorm of instructor Clark Chaffee, who received the generous support of Ziegler’s Ace Hardware and other local Elgin merchants to make the dream a reality. At that first December concert directed

by Paul Ross, two ECC groups played three tunes apiece – and then the whole program was repeated so two other groups would have a chance to play.

In 1990 Lucy Missele, who also heard the NIU Steel Band at that same Jubilee, decided she needed more music in her life. The piano playing Lucy was pleasantly surprised on day one of steel band class to bump into fellow St. Edward Alum Ruth and astronomy professor Don Tuttle. By the fall of 1991 she convinced her violin-playing 14year-old Jeannine to play with her mom, and they have been playing double tenor together ever since.

10-year-old Scott McConnell needed a new percussion teacher

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On the Cover: “Rainy Night — DuPage Court” Pastel, 12 x 16”

Artist: Jean Johnson Pechtel

My medium is pastel, which allows me to combine drawing with painting and work freely with brilliant color. I enjoy the immediacy of pastels. My focus is Midwestern landscapes and animal portraits, and I combine plein air painting with studio painting from photos I have taken. I’m also currently exploring other media such as Oil and Cold Wax, and Open Acrylics.

Prints and commissions available. www.jeanjohnsonart.com 847.977.4288

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and Paul Ross was suggested.

Paul not only encouraged Scott but also his parents, Bert and Denise, to play steel pans. Over Scott’s eight years with the band, he played under the direction of Paul Ross, an NIU grad and now director of Harper Steel Bands, Joe Sonnefeldt, a Chicago area steel drummer and jazz vibist, and finally with Steve Butters, the current director of ECC Steel Bands.

Trinidad/Tobago native and co-director of the NIU Steel Bands, and started playing in earnest. By 2003, Steve became the ECC Steel Band director and continued his NIU connection with Cliff who made all of ECC’s delicate instruments and periodically tunes them with a ball peen hammer. He has also brought back, now as a guest artist, NIU grad Scott McConnell, that 10-year-old who started playing pans at ECC and is now teaching pan for the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra.

Andrew Harmon’s day job title is Executive Sales Engineer,

Join us for Sunday Worship at 9:30 a.m.

Sunday School at 11:00 a.m.

different ranges of notes are literally pounded into the sunken ‘head,’ the drum sides cut down to a specific ‘skirt’ size, and the finished instrument mounted on stands. Andrew, Lu Lutek, and

Steve’s pan playing journey began in grad school at The University of Illinois. After moving to the Chicago area, he bought a tenor pan from Cliff Alexis,

The Five Types of Pans and Their People

783 W. Highland Ave. Elgin, IL 60123 847-741-5124 www.hacob.org

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but in his spare time his title is Musician. A trumpet and cornet player with the Kishwaukee Concert Band, Andrew branched out and started taking private lessons on the drum kit with Steve Butters, but once Steve knew Andrew could read music, Steve put on the full court press and convinced Andrew to join Wednesday Band. Andrew was drawn to the tenor pan since he could read treble clef, but more so because Steve’s specialty is tenor, the only pan that is a stand-alone instrument. All pans begin as 55 gallon drums, but

Val Swan on the bass pans.

mom-daughter duo Claudine and Josephine Myers play the lead in the majority of the songs on their 28 note tenor pans.

After all the steel band concerts, Steve invites people to “Come on stage, check out the instruments, talk to the players, and by gosh just think – every one of these folks at one time or another never played a steel pan. If they can do it, so can you.” At a 2010 spring concert Kim Freitag, a Curriculum Coordinator, took on the challenge.

She was inspired by Jeannine McCarron’s playing on double tenor and that pan became Kim’s ax in Wednesday Band.

Double tenor is a bit longer in the skirt than tenor with a range of 30 notes from A below treble clef to C# above, but the significant difference is that on it Kim, Jeannine, Lucy and Michele shine at harmony, rhythm, and sometimes lead on two pans.

Lora Abruscato is a consummate double seconds player.

Another pan recruit like Andrew, Lora plays drums for fun and pans for performance in the Wednesday Band and at gigs for Benjamin School District 25 where she is an accountant. Lora was drawn to the 28 note range of the double seconds because the two pans are so versatile. With a range from G below treble clef to A above, double seconds allows Lora, Denise McConnell, and Joyce Young to do double duty as the higher register rhythm and lower register harmony, but on some songs like David Bowie’s Let’s Dance they blossom on lead.

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Songs and Arrangements

Steve Butters (foreground) leads a Monday night rehearsal.

Cello and bass players use bass clef, play the rhythm, and set the groove for the tunes. Along with Ruth Cleveland, Sam DiCesare and Bert McConnell, Alex Lewandowski is an inspired cello (pan) player. Currently an ECC student, Alex will soon transfer to The University of Illinois at Springfield to pursue a degree in psychology with a minor in music.

She has played the stringed cello under the instruction of Dorothy Deen for 10 years, so the cello pan’s 21 notes spanning low B to G on the ledger line above was a perfect fit. By stretching across three cello pans, Alex expresses her musicality in a different way from her stringed instrument.

She has stretched herself even more by also playing bass in both Monday and Wednesday bands.

Playing six full size 55 gallon barrels is certainly a physical stretch and Valerie Swan is a master at it. Val enjoyed listening to steel drum music while on cruise ships docked in the Caribbean so when she received a mailing five years ago about an upcoming concert at the Blizzard Theatre, she was there. Just like Kim, she came on stage to talk with Steve and couldn’t wait until the fall semester started.

Spinning and reaching for the 18 notes of the bass pans give Val and fellow bass player Tom Becvar an aerobic workout. Val’s tap dancing talents add zest to any performance with her spinning, swaying, and swinging. The audience at concerts, comprised of many folks the band calls ‘her posse,’ delight in her dance drills.

Calypso, Reggae, and Ska are the typical music styles that come to mind when people think of the sound of steel pans, but any genre of music can be played. Steve Butters is a Phish aficionado so every concert is graced with at least one Phish tune. Most tunes are arranged

by Steve Butters or Paul Ross, but Steve always offers help to any budding arranger. Two people, Sam and Tom, have recently taken up the challenge. They use music notation software and send scores electronically back and forth to Steve, but the fun of working with a new arrangement is in rehearsal. Sight reading and playing while Steve and the player/arranger listen and change notes on the fly is living creativity.

Since the theme of the May 3rd Spring Concert is “Legends,” Sam arranged “Blueberry Hill,” popularized by Fats Domino, and the Elvis tune “Can’t Help Falling In Love.” Played without a drum kit, “Can’t Help Falling In Love” is melodic and lyrical.

Tom Becvar, in a tribute to David Bowie, arranged the 80’s classic “Let’s Dance.” Two other charts on the program show the breadth and versatility of Steve’s arrangements.

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Tickets $10 per person.

847-742-4248 elginhistory.org 360 Park Street Elgin, IL 60120

Berkley Crowe Sam DiCesare, playing the cello pans, also arranges music for the band.

Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” a song full of longing and regret, is hauntingly beautiful. At the other end of the spectrum is the Wednesday band favorite “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat.” Originally written by Charles Mingus as an elegy for saxophonist Lester Young, the Butters arrangement is no dirge – it’s a high powered workout.

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Next Steps Both bands play a combined concert each spring and fall.

The upcoming Legends concert is Thursday, May 3rd at 7:30 at The ECC Blizzard Theatre.

The fall concert will be held late November/early December.

The bands meet weekly during the spring and fall semesters at ECC. The aptly named Monday band meets on Mondays from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. They practice and play off campus gigs

with veteran drummer Mike Mousel, a member of Divinity Compromised. The beginner/ intermediate Wednesday band meets for 3 hours starting at 5:30 pm with Steve directing from the drums.

So come to the concert, step on stage when Steve says, “...just think – every one of these folks at one time or another never played a steel pan,” pick your pan, and go for it!

—MM

Photo courtesy ECC Arts Center.

FEED.steelpanfamily Tenor (or Soprano or Lead) Steelpan Highest voice in a steel band (plays D4 to D6), usually carries the melody.

Double Tenor (or Double Lead) Steelpan Supplies a voice in the alto range (plays F3 to B5), usually supports or harmonizes the melody.

Double Second (or Double Alto) Steelpan An alternative alto voice (plays F#3 to C#5), plays harmony or countermelodies.

Double Guitar (or Double Lead) Steelpan Has the narrowest range in the tenor vocal register (plays C#3 to G#4), typically plays chords.

Cello (or Triple Cello) Steelpan A slightly lower voice and wider range (plays C3 to Bb4), used for rhythmic chords or countermelodies.

Tenor Bass (or Four Bass) Steelpan Provides clear bass lines (range F2 to E4).

Bass (or Six Bass) Steelpan More commonly used bass instrument with a lower register (plays A1 to to E3).

BRAVO

May 2018

Try Bernstein and Mahler for Free

Billings Summary for May

The public is invited to attend a free open dress rehearsal of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra (ESO), led by Music Director Andrew Grams, on Friday, May 4 at 7:15 pm, at Hemmens Cultural Center. Attendees must register online at elginsymphony. org. Limit four (4) reservations.

Doors open at 6:30 pm. Grams and the Orchestra will be rehearsing the May 5 & 6 Beethoven and Mahler program.

Just Getting Warmed Up But Wait, There’s Moore Andrew Moore, who is a local artist, educator, and founding member of Elgin-based Hip Hop collective Watch City, announced the one year anniversary party for the “Shop Local” project this week. The party will take place on Saturday, May 12th at Side Street Studio Arts in downtown Elgin and will feature live music, multiple DJs, vendors, food trucks, live screen printing, raffles and more.

Andrew, better known as “Moore” to those who follow his music, released a communi-

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ty-made album and art project in May of 2017 with the help of over 20 Elgin-based artists and a dozen locally-owned businesses, in addition to a grant from the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission.

The “Shop Local” One Year Anniversary Party features performances from Elgin favorites Watch City and Accidentally On Purpose, as well as a few surprise guests along the way.

Doors open for the all ages show at 5:30pm, Saturday, May 12th at Side Street Studio Arts, 15 Ziegler Court. A $10 donation is suggested.

These season finale concerts hold the ESO premiere of Leonard Bernstein’s Candide Suite, part of a worldwide celebration of the 100th anniversary of his birth.(#BernsteinAt100) Candide is an operetta based on a novella by Voltaire. The work was not well-received by audience and critics at its 1959 premiere, but it is now a beloved standard of the theatrical repertoire. Mahler’s Symphony No. 5 was written after he suffered a life-threatening hemorrhage. It conveys a dazzling array of emotions. The fourth movement of this symphony, Adagietto, may

Delicious

ESO. Photo by David Bearden. be the most famous of all his works. It was written as a love song to his wife, Alma, whom he met and married during the composition of the piece. Leonard Bernstein conducted the Adagietto at the funeral mass of Robert F. Kennedy on June 8, 1968, and it was featured in the 1971 movie Death in Venice.

The exuberant finale is a fitting conclusion to the exciting 20172018 season.

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Enjoy shopping and dining along the Fox River in East & West Dundee!

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The ticketed performances are Saturday, May 5th at 7:30 pm and Sunday, May 6th at 2:30 pm at the Hemmens Cultural Center. For tickets to the May 5 & 6 concerts, visit ElginSymphony.

Org or call the box office at (847) 888.4000.

The Glass Menagerie Continuing its 40th Anniversary Season of timeless classics, Independent Players (IP) presents one of the most famous plays of the modern theatre, Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie, directed by IP veteran actor and director Mark Steensland.

Performed by IP favorites Angela Douglass, Gabor Mark, Diane McFarlin and Justin Schaller, The Glass Menagerie opens Friday, May 4th at the Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division Street. Shows continue Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30pm,

through May 19th. Tickets are $15 (seniors $12, students $10), available at independentplayers. org or by phone at (847) 6977374.

The Best of Second City Fresh, fast and always spectacularly funny, Chicago’s legendary sketch and improv comedy theater is headed to Elgin!

“The Best of The Second City” features sketches and songs from throughout The Second City’s history-including pieces and characters made famous by superstars like Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, Gilda Radner, Bill Murray, and more. This must-see show will also feature a set of Second City’s trademark improvisation.

Note: May contain adult or mature content.

“The Best of Second City” will appear in the Blizzard Theatre at Elgin Community College, Saturday night, May 12th at 7pm. Tickets are $28-33, at tickets.elgin.edu, by phone at (847) 622-0300, or at the ECC Arts Center box office, Building H, 1700 Spartan Drive.

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American English Celebrate all the Beatles’ No. 1 hits with American English! The fab four had 27 songs hit number one on the Billboard charts.

This concert will honor those hits with spot-on performances of “Please Me,” “Love Me Do,” “She Loves You,” “A Hard Day’s Night,” “I Feel Fine,” “Ticket To Ride,” “Paperback Writer,” “Penny Lane,” “All You Need Is Love,” “Hey Jude,” “Something,” “The Long & Winding Road,” and many, many more!

As always, American English will also include some additional surprises from the Beatles songbook.

The lads take the Blizzard Theatre stage at the ECC Arts Center Saturday night, April 28th at 7pm. Tickets are $35, at tickets.elgin.edu, by phone at (847) 622-0300, or at the ECC Arts Center box office, Building H, 1700 Spartan Drive.

Remembering Brewbaker In 2017, the musical world lost one of its most beautiful souls.

To honor the memory of Elgin composer Daniel Brewbaker,

Chamber Music on the Fox will present Brewbaker’s string quartet paired with the music that most inspired him: the lush, romantic music of Johannes Brahms. Experience the worldclass artistry of the Chamber Music on the Fox artists and remember one of Elgin’s great cultural icons.

The concert takes place in the intimate Imago Creative Studios on Monday night, May 21st at 7:30pm. General admission tickets are $20 (students $10), available via chambermusiconthefox.org

RocHaus May Lineup The old vaudeville theater turned hard rock cabaret now known as West Dundee’s RocHaus is stacking its lineup with regional and national touring

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Going Dutch Festival

Myles Kennedy. acts that are promoting recently released records. Topping the list in May is Myles Kennedy, frontman for Alter Bridge and leader of Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators, the backing band for legendary guitarist Slash.

Kennedy will perform material from his first, and very personal solo album “Year of the Tiger” on Friday, May 25th at the RocHaus, 96 W. Main Street in West Dundee. Tickets go for $2040 on Ticketfly, via the rochaus. com website.

Other acts booked for May include Kashmir: Chicago’s Led Zeppelin Show on May 5th, Big Story on May 11th, and Shaman’s Harvest on May 12th. All shows are 21+ and doors usually open at 7:00 pm with an 8:00 pm showtime. Visit rochaus.com for full details.

This annual celebration of the female voice in dance, music, theatre and the visual returns to downtown Elgin for its eighth year. Produced by Side Street Studio Arts and Core Project Chicago, the festival is a fourday event consisting of live performances in a variety of downtown venues, a visual art exhibit in the Side Street Studio Arts gallery, masterclasses and workshops addressing movement-related art forms, and talks by artists that are free and open to the public. Though the material is created by female-identifying artists, it is peformed by dozens of diverse individuals and companies and is intended for all audiences. Space on the program is given to young artists as well.

A festival pass includes admission for to up to twelve 90-minute performances throughout the weekend. Day passes are available for $10. Two separately-ticketed special events include a buffet in a “dinner show” format at Pub 217, upstairs at Elgin Public House. Other downtown venues include the Elgin Art Showcase, Eastern Groove Studio, Image Creative Studios and the Martini Room.

Elgin Master Chorale Children’s Chorus

Ages 8-17

July 30th to August 4th 9:00am to 12:00pm

~ Performance on August 4th at 11:00am ~

Sponsored by:

The events begin with an opening reception of the visual art exhibit at Side Street Studio Arts, 15 Ziegler Court, Friday May 4th, from 6-9pm. The exhibit continues through May 27th.

Live events begin Thursday night, May 24th and continue through Sunday, May 27th. Complete festival details are provided in the Going Dutch Festival program included in this copy of BRAVO Magazine, or find information online at sidestreetstudioarts. org or in Facebook. #thoseGDwomen

Cost: $100 Ages 8-17 Location: Elgin Community College Building H, 1700 Spartan Dr, Elgin, IL 60123

Take your singing to the next level!

Learn to play new instruments and make new friends!

Contact Barbara Lewis for more information:

Blewis@elgin.edu 847.214.7225 To sign up, please visit:

emcchildrenschorus.org

Sing

Perform

Friends

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Sponsored Content

Elgin Cultural Arts Commission

Elgin Arts Opportunities:

On Walls, in Parks and on the Silver Screen Call for Public Art: Deadline Extended The Elgin Cultural Arts Commission has extended its 2018 Call for Art! The Call for Art is for two new pieces of public art to be placed in Downtown Elgin this fall, one 2D piece and one 3D piece. Artists of all backgrounds and levels of accomplishment are eligible, worldwide.

Pieces will be selected based on blind scoring on the following categories:

• Artistic Excellence • Technical Competence • Narrative Support • Long-term Feasibility • Appropriate Relations to the Function of the Site

Helpful Tips

2D Locations

Be specific with your budget.

What specific materials will you use? This helps show you have the know-how to complete the project.

• The Centre of Elgin-First Floor Parking Deck • The Hemmens Cultural Center- South facing wall near Exhibition Hall

Be creative with your proposal. While artwork needs to be appropriate by community standards, it should also be purposeful and unique.

3D Locations

Be on time. Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application.

Artists may select one location from the following list:

• Riverwalk Pedestal • Newsome Park • Foundry Park Each of the locations has specific needs and opportunities, which can be found on the application.

Ask questions. Have something you aren’t sure about?

Reach out to the Staff Liaison ahead of time for clarification.

Winners will be announced in early summer and will be awarded a $6,000 honorarium. Pieces will be installed before or during the Art Harvest event held on October 27th. Applications can be found online at CityOfElgin. org/PublicArt. Artists should submit their application and proposal to City Hall no later than May 25, 2018 @4pm. For questions or concerns, please contact the ECAC Staff Liaison, Amanda Harris at 847-931-6019 or Harris_A@ CityOfElgin.org

New public art in Elgin. Left: Continuum by artist Nathan Pierce. Right: 1835 Expedition by artist Davis McCarty

Elgin Short Film Festival The Elgin Short Film Festival is entering its 10th year and the call for film entries is now LIVE! Know a short film maker?

Be sure to let them know that entries are being accepted now through Film Freeway. You can find more information and the link for submission online at https:// filmfreeway.com/ ElginShortFilmFestival.

ESFF features two categories: Live Action and Animation. The top two films in each category, as voted on by the selection committee, will make the finals. The next three selected films in each category will compete to make the finals during the Elgin Fringe Festival, September 7-16. Awards and monetary prizes will be presented to the top three films at the live event on Saturday, September 22nd at 7pm at the Hemmens Cultural Center.

Call for Art: Deadline Extended The ECAC’s Call for Art is live and applications for 2018 public art are being accepted through May 25, 2018. For the application, please visit CityOfElgin.org/ PublicArt. For questions or concerns contact Staff Liaison, Amanda Harris at Harris_A@CityOfElgin.org or 847-931-6019. #publicart #ExploreElgin #downtownElgin #goseeart

Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra, Cultural Arts Commission Organizational Grant Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra will conclude its 42nd season at 7:30 pm, Sunday, May 6, 2018 with Fire, last in a series of four concerts supporting this season’s theme of elemental: what nature tells us about the orchestra.

The performance will be in the Bizzard Theater at Elgin Community College Arts Center and tickets are available at www.tickets.elgin.edu

Side Street Studio Arts, Cultural Arts Commission Organizational Grant Recipient Side Street Studio Arts, located in the heart of downtown Elgin, will present monthly First Friday events through fall 2018. These events aim to draw positive attention and increased attendance to SSSA and the businesses and organizations of downtown Elgin, create reliable ongoing community events, and support area artists.

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Offer Never Expires: Elgin Nation Watch Company

The Value of Time

by Jennifer Fukala

COMING TO GROVE AVENUE! THE NEW 2018 ELGIN FARMERS MARKET Now on Friday’s with new hours from 3-7pm.

Look for special market happenings every First Friday!

N0W ACCEPTING VEND0R APPLICAT0NS

FOLLOW THE MARKET & DNA Facebook.com/ElginFarmersMarket Facebook.com/DowntownElgin

Visit www.DowntownElgin.com

A history of the Elgin brand, as seen through the watches we made here and the advertising that told the world about us.

“Two astronomers watch the heavens every night at the Elgin Observatory.”

In Elgin most of us today know that in the beginning there was a watch factory. Our parents or grandparents told us stories about it from their youth. Perhaps we read about it somewhere.

Or caught sight of an image floating around Facebook of the factory’s clock tower exploding when the building was demolished. Time has marched on and as we look back, at times we find ourselves trying to interpret the evolution of Elgin since that time.

“For half a century, Father Time has stood for the fi nest railroad timepieces that money, brains, and skill can produce. – Elgin’s!”

“Time and tide wait for no man …. Elgin Watches, the World’s Standard” — McClure Magazine, 1899

In the early days, 4 Elgin businessmen had a vison for the future, to bring a watch manufacturer to their town, and opening for business in 1865, the company was named after our city. So good was their plan that the Elgin National Watch Company would, in a few short decades not only lead the American-made watch industry but through embracing the talents of their artisan craftspeople and pursuit of the most innovative technology, the company would grow to become the largest manufacturer of fine jeweled timepieces worldwide.

“Nine million Elgin Watches – the greatest number ever made in one factory – regulate the business and pleasure of the greater part of the world.”

— Unknown Newspaper, 1901

— National Geographic, circa 1910

— Saturday Evening Post, May 13, 1922

“Your jeweler, an Elgineer, will endorse it.”

— National Geographic, circa 1910

Such was the craftmanship of the Elgin watch that the name Elgin came to be used as an adjective for Quality. Unrelated companies claimed their automobiles were “Built like a watch”, or came out with a luxury “Elgin” product line to showcase their very best.

In 1917 when the US entered WWI, Elgin did too.

“Elgin’s! ……. the offi cial chronometer of our destroyers and torpedo boats.”

— Saturday Evening Post, Sept 21st 1918

“Thousands of Elgin’s are used by the Government in our Navy – tens of thousands by our Signal Corps – and along that surging battle line in France hundreds of thousand of Elgin’s are in hourly use by the fi ghting men of America and her gallant Allies” — Literary Digest, Oct 19th 1918

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May 2018

“The Elgin Strap Watch, the Armistices releases them for civilian use.”

— Saturday Evening Post March 8th, 1919

Elgin had an early interest in the arts as well, hiring the finest French fashion designers of 1920’s art deco Paris to create their iconic Parisenne series of women’s watches.

A product line made nearly 100 years ago

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that has held its value, still highly collectible today.

“under the personal guidance of these internationally famous women…..Never before has such an exquisite watch, such a chic and stylish watch” been created.

“Elgin, sensing your demand for style in all your personal accessories, engaged the most illustrious of French modistes to design your watches.”

— Cosmopolitan, 1928

Such was their success that…..

— Ladies Home Journal, November 1928

“The first Elgin Parisenne’ s were introduced a mere year ago… and today over 150.000 women are timing their comings and goings with Parisienne flair and ELGIN Accuracy. “

Watches so artistically designed that ...

— Saturday Evening Post, 1929

The Elgin brand became interlaced with family tradition and the milestones of people lives.

“An Elgin watch should be part of the life-estate of every man and woman.”

— Unknown magazine , 1920’s

“Elgin is a gift that is a life-long expression of love and affection.”

— The Saturday Evening Post, January 1st, 1927

Two Important “Elgin events” …. Graduation for College and First Flight in a U.S. Bomber.

— Time Magazine, April 13th, 1942

“It was a memorable day when I received my Elgin.”

— Unknown magazine, 1940’s

This advertising was the message that Elgin was telling the world about itself. About the products they produced but also about the talents of the people who lived here.

About the values and vision of the city they were building, the City whose future we are entrusted with today. As we write the next chapters of our history here in Elgin let us use the gifts within each of us to contribute to the story.

“Reaffirming the ELGIN Tradition of Leadership….. Lord and Lady Elgin. ” — The National Weekly, 1937

“Offer Never Expires” This is the first in our series of reprints of old Elgin advertising, featuring the artwork, photographs, writing and business ideas of previous generations of Elginites.

In the coming months, we’ll feature ads particularly from 1935 and 1985, when every proud local business placed an ad in a special edition of the daily newspaper honoring Elgin’s Centennial and Sequicentennial.

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stone. Kids and families welcome! Support the Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House! 1p-3p, Nancy Kimball House, 302 W. Chicago Street 847.742.4248 elginhistory.org. Free

Mon.Apr.30 Miss Elgin Contest of 1925 Using photos of the time, historian Jerry Turnquist will tell the story of the first Miss Elgin contest – a popular event that attracted over 5000 people, but which was deemed “demoralizing” and “debasing” by others. Registration requested, by phone or in person at the Registration Desk. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rooms A-B-C, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.429.4680 gailborden.info/register. Free

Tue.May.1 Elgin Genealogical Society Show and Tell Join Elgin Genealogical Society Members for an informal show and tell! Participants are encouraged to bring a treasured object from home, or a photo of the item to share with the group. What family heirlooms have been passed down to you? Was it a family quilt, letter, dish, or memento.

If you would like to share an heirloom with the group, please prepare a short story to tell (less than 5 minutes) that illustrates what you know about the item and whose it may have been.

Or, you can enjoy listening to stories about favorite family heirlooms. No registration needed. 9.30a-11.30a, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rooms A-B-C, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.429.4680 gailborden.info/register Elgin’s 28th Annual Mayor’s Awards for Historic Preservation Elgin Heritage Commission honors outstanding contributors to Elgin’s heritage. Honorees have demonstrated their dedication to older architecture, neighborhoods and history. Sponsored by the Elgin Heritage Commission. Reception at 6:00 pm, Presentation at 7:00 pm.

Registration requested by April 27.

Enter through Gifford Park street entrance. Accessible entrance on Chicago Street. 6p-9p, Old Elgin High School Gymnasium, 355 E. Chicago Street 847.931.5920

Sun.May.6 Cobblestone Reflections Community Art Project Paint a kindness rock to plant around Elgin for FREE. Or watch an Elgin artist paint a larger garden

Near West Neighborhood Civil War Walk Walk the neighborhood where Civil War General Lynch and Lt. Col. John Wilcox lived. The Near West Neighbors will give you Elgin’s Civil War highlights as they walk the blocks near the 1846 Nancy Kimball Cobblestone home. Nancy Kimball (portrayed

by Linda Rock) will be on hand to greet guests and talk about her family history throughout the event. Tours start at 1pm and 2pm. 1p-3p, Nancy Kimball House, 302 W. Chicago Street 847.742.4248 elginhistory.org. $5 donation

Tue.May.8 Elgin Alive Program: Documenting the Preservation Movement in Elgin Join in viewing the documentary film, “25 Years of Preservation in Elgin.” The film chronicles the first twenty-five years of the preservation movement in Elgin. Then enjoy a slide presentation by Gifford Park Association representative, Dan Miller, showing preservation accomplishments in the following ten years. Dan and others involved in the movement will discuss what local preservationists are doing now and where the preservation movement is headed. Sponsors: ECN, Elgin Area Historical Society. No registration needed. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B-C, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.429.4680 gailborden.info/register. FRee

Wed.May.9 Planetarium Public Shows Come early and tour the building (upstairs telescope and displays downstairs) before a sky/star show with a focus on the building’s connection to Elgin National Watch Company. No reservations; first come, first served seating. Free parking at Raymond St. and National St. Doors open at 4pm, shows begin at 4:30pm and 6:30pm. 4p, Elgin National Watch Company Observatory, 312 Watch Street Peggy Hernandez, 847.888.5324. $3 individuals; $10 family (cash only)

Thu.May.10 Mid-Century Architecture: Modern + More in the Northeast Neighborhood, Part II: In the Woods – Bicycle Tour Grab your bikes and get ready to admire some of northeast Elgin’s mid-century architecture. We will see homes that are designed in the modern style of the era and more from the middle of the 20th Century. The tour is presented by the Northeast Neighborhood Association of Elgin (NENA) and is led by architectural historian and

local author, Rebecca Hunter. Parking is available for vehicular transportation of bicycles to the site. Tour will last approximately 90 minutes. No registration required. 6.30p, Trout Park, Sherwood Avenue at Trout Park Boulevard info@nenaofelgin.org

Fri.May.11 May Science Night Discover the science behind some of the most common tricks used by magicians for centuries! Unravel the mysteries of optical illusions, fire tricks, and other logic-defying “magic” as explained through science in experiments and demonstrations set up throughout the Elgin Public Museum. It’s all just a bunch of hocus pocus… or is it? This is a drop-in program, no registration necessary.

6p-8p, Elgin Public Museum, 225 Grand Boulevard 847.741.6655. $2

4.5 information available. Friends of the Lord’s Park Zoo accepts volunteers for Zoo Greeters. Free popcorn, cake, bottled water, balloons, and more! 1p, Lords Park Zoo, 100 Oakwood Boulevard Terry Gabel, 847.638.3458. Free

Mon.May.14 Mid-Century Modern Downtown Historic Tour Prolonged economic buoyancy derived from Elgin’s world famous watch factory, along with prosperous post-WWII America, allowed Elgin to step into the modern-era. Although many buildings were razed to pave the way for this new look, today’s downtown shows a layer of design elements paying homage to each bygone era.

This downtown walking tour, hosted by the Downtown Neighborhood Association – Design Committee, is a unique opportunity to explore the modern movement in Elgin’s civic, and commercial structures. Tour will be led by Bill Briska, President – Elgin Area Historical Society, and Christen Sundquist, Historic Preservation Planner- City of Elgin. 6p-7p, Meet in front of City Hall, 150 Dexter Court 847.488.1456 downtownelgin.com. $5 donation

Wed.May.16 Candlelight Museum Tour Visit the Elgin History Museum in candlelight and meet characters from the past as you go from room to room. Wine and cheese refreshments after your peculiar nighttime visit. Tickets available online. 7.30p-10p, Elgin History Museum, 360 Park Street 847.742.4248 elginhistory.org. $10

Sat.May.12 Annual Firefighter Memorial Service Fire Departments from Elgin and 17 surrounding communities will gather to honor and remember Illinois firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty as well as current and retired firefighters who passed away the previous year. The fire museum will be open for tours and visiting fire departments will bring fire equipment which will be on display. The event will be held rain or shine. 10a-11a, Fire Barn No. 5 Museum, 533 St. Charles Street 847.931.6175. Free Continuing the Tradition – Lords Park Zoo Celebration As part of the Elgin’s Heritage Month, join the Friends of the Lords Park Zoo in celebrating the zoo’s history and learn more about the events and programs planned throughout the summer. Volunteers from the Stillman Valley Nature Center featuring owls, hawks and other rescued raptors will join the festivities.

Local organizations such as Elgin Public museum, Elgin Historical Society, Izaak Walton League, Elgin Fire Barn Museum, the Gail Borden Library, and Hanover Township Services will have

Annual Police Memorial Service Memorial Service honoring police officers killed in the line of duty followed by viewing of Elgin Police Department’s historical displays (in lobby). Refreshments will be served. Sponsored by EPD. 2.30p-3p, Elgin Police Department, 151 Douglas Avenue Christy Schmidt, 847.289.2588 schmidt_c@ cityofelgin.org Elgin: An Outdoor Museum of Architecture Elgin has a treasure trove of residential architecture. This program explains how buildings can be used to interpret the history of Elgin, or almost any other city. Amaze your family and friends when you drive through a city and comment on its past having never even been there before! Presenter: Bill Briska, President – Elgin Area Historical Society. Registration required, online or by phone, or in person at the Registration Desk. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B-C, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.429.4680 gailborden.info/register. Free

Thu.May.17 Brown Bag Lunch: Abraham Lincoln Quiz Celebrate Illinois’ Bicentennial year by learning more about our favorite president and show off your Lincoln knowledge to win prizes. Past President Carl Flaks will host an Abraham Lincoln Quiz. Bring your lunch and play the game! FREE admission as part of International Museum Day! 12p, Elgin History Museum, 360 Park Street 847.742.4248 elginhistory.org

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What’s Old is New Again Discover your past, preserve your memories, and explore historic Elgin. Tour the Elgin Area Collection, discover genealogy search databases, and sample the Preservation Station. No registration needed. 6p-7p, GBPL Main Library, Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.429.4680 gailborden.info/register. Free Elgin Genealogical Society – DNA: A Power Tool in the Genealogist’s Tool Box The monthly meeting of the Elgin Genealogical Society at which speaker Karen Stanbary, will present “DNA: A Power Tool in the Genealogist’s Tool Box.” She will discuss the many different ways DNA test results can confirm and advance your traditional paper trail research through case examples. Karen will explore the types of DNA tests and the three major testing companies who offer them.

She will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each company for specific types of research problems.

Registration requested by phone, or in person at the Registration Desk in the lobby. 7p-8.45p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.429.4680 gailborden.info/ register. Free

Fri.May.18 13th Annual Bowl for Preservation

Event Join ABODE for retro fun to raise funds supporting historic preservation activities in Elgin. Admission includes dinner, shoe rental, two games, and door prize raffle ticket.

(Dinner only, $15) 6.30p-10p, Elgin Lanes, 401 Shepard Drive (enter from Fleetwood Drive) Jennifer Phillips, 224.488.7034 phillipsville500@yahoo.com. $25 adults, $20 ages 6-18

Sat.May.19 Walking Tour of Elgin Mental Health Center Cemetery The EMHC cemetery is more than a burial ground. It is an artifact of a by-gone era’s social safety net and healthcare policy. Tour this little location with Elgin Mental Health Center historian Bill Briska.

10a-11a, Meet at Highlands of Elgin Golf Course, East Parking Lot, 875 Sports Way Bill Briska, 847.421.4022. Free

Sun.May.20 A History of Lord’s Park Jerry Turnquist will be presenting, “A History of Lord’s Park” and Linda Rock will be portraying Mary Carpenter Lord. You also won’t want to miss the unveiling of oil portraits of Mary Carpenter Lord and George P. Lord to be hung inside the pavilion! Sponsored by Friends of the Lords Park Zoo, Elgin Area Historical Society and Parks and

Recreation. 2p-3p, Lord’s Park Pavilion, 100 Oakwood Boulevard Terry Gabel, 847.638.3458. Free

Tue.May.22 Elgin Downtown Historic District Tour Elgin historian Jerry Turnquist will lead a tour around the Downtown Elgin Historic District featuring architectural gems and stories of how Elgin’s downtown has changed and grown and changed again over the years. 7p-8.30p, Meet in public parking lot at Riverside Drive and Grove Avenue, 360 Park Street 847.742.4248 elginhistory.org

Thu.May.24 Research Your House in Kane County A house is historical in relation to its location, date of construction, architectural style, architect, and ownership. House research is a fascinating combination of legal, architectural, genealogical and cartographical studies. Seeking information about the history of a house is becoming faster and easier as governmental agencies make records available on the Internet. In this hands-on seminar, you can begin to look up information online about your house. Presenter Rebecca Hunter has been engaged in historical architectural research since

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1997. Registration required, online, by phone or in person at the Registration Desk in the lobby. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.429.4680 gailborden.info/register

Mon.May.28 Memorial Day at Bluff City Cemetery This year’s program will pay tribute to the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. The keynote speaker will be freelance reporter and historian, Dave Gathman, who will reflect on the war and Elgin’s involvement in the conflict. This ceremony will also include the Elgin Master Chorale and Larkin High School Band.

Local students will continue the long held tradition of reading Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and General John Logan’s Orders which established Memorial Day. The most solemn moment of the morning will be the laying of organizational wreaths at the Grand Army of the Republic memorial – an observance akin to the laying of wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Washington D.C. Activities will include a roll call of deceased veterans, a rifle salute, and the playing of Taps.

Co-Sponsored by the Elgin Patriotic Memorial Association and the City of Elgin. 11a, Bluff City Cemetery, 945 Bluff City Boulevard elginmemorialday.org

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Get to know your city and neighbors.

BIKE MONTH EVENTS Wed.May.9 Bike to School Day Ride or walk to school with your kids. Organize an event with your schoolprincipal and/ or parent teacher organization. For information and advice on organizing a Bike to School Day event, visit the website. 8a, In your neighborhood walkbiketoschool.org

Come ride with us!

Thu.May.10 Mid-Century Modern Architecture Bicycle Tour Enjoy part two of last year’s successful bike ride past mid-century modern homes in Elgin’s Northeast Neighborhood. This is organized as an Elgin “Preservation Month” event. 6.30p, Meet at the Trout Park parking lot, Corner of Trout Park Boulevard and Sherwood Avenue

www.elginbikehub.com 224•407•2124

Sun.May.13 For all children in grades K-8

All meetings include story time, discussions, games, crafts, open gym, and a nutritious meal

Some of our topics include selfacceptance, conflict resolution, mindfulness, empathy and compassion

We meet on Saturdays from 5:30 to 8 pm There is NO COST or obligations, we are a nondenominational, nonprofit group

Young Peacemakers Club Spring Meetings May 12, June 2,

All volunteers are registered youth workers

July 28

For more information please see our website at www.ypcchicago.com Meetings are held at Community of Christ Church in the lower level next to the gym 1675 E Chicago Street, Elgin IL 60120

Cyclofemme Ride Join the Bicycle and Pedestration Advisory Committee (BPAC) on a Mother’s Day bike ride on the Fox River Trail. Meet in the north parking lot at the Gail Borden Public Library at 4:00 p.m. A special treat for the first 50 ladies to show up!

Learn more about this international event at the website. 4p, Gail Borden Public Library North Parking Lot, 270 N. Grove Avenue cyclofemme.com

Wed.May.16 Ride of Silence On one night in cities around the world, cyclists gather to ride in silence to raise awareness of cyclists’ right to ride on the road and to honor the fallen cyclists no longer with us. We ride slowly and silently in hope to end the tragedy on our roads.

6.45p, Spin Doctor Cyclewerks, 140 S. Hickory Street, Bartlett

Fri.May.18 Bike to Work Day The Bicycle and Pedestration Advisory Committee (BPAC) invites you to bike to work!

Stop in for some refreshments and pick up some swag! 8a-9a, Arabica

Cafe, 59 Douglas Avenue Fox River Omnium Enjoy exciting criterium racing adjacent to Lord’s Park on day one of the FoxRiver Omnium.

Find out more about this Illinois Cup Series day of racing at the website Lord’s Park, 225 Grand Boulevard illinoiscycling.org/racing/illinois-cup

Sun.May.20 Blessing of the Bicycles Receive a blessing by local clergy for a safe cycling season. Then ride to East Dundee on the Fox River Trail for another blessing … a frozen treat from DQ or Van’s Frozen Custard. 2p, Riverside Drive Promenade

Sun.May.27 Elgin BIke Ride Join Elgin Bike Hub for a slow roll as they explore Elgin by bike. They’ll ride low stress routes for 3-6 miles. Get to know your city and your neighbors! The route is planned to befriendly for ages 8-80. It will be use a mix of off-street and on-street routes. Riders are responsible for their own behavior as a street user.

Elgin Bike Hub will provide helpful guidance and leadership as you roll.

The ride will start at Festival Park.

2.15p, Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Avenue elginbikehub.com

Tue.May.29 Full (Flower) Moon Ride It’s the May flower moon edition of the full moon ride. This will be a moderate pace ride for a few miles throughout the core neighborhoods of Elgin. Join Elgin Bike Hub for this social night ride!

9p, Advocate Park, Corner of Chicago and Spring Streets elginbikehub.com

May 2018

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As Steve Carell once said, “Nothing to me feels as good as laughing incredibly hard.”

The folks of the iconic comedy cabaret of The Second City would have to agree; they have over 60 years of success in making people laugh.

Elgin Community College welcomes Chicago’s legendary sketch and improv comedy to Elgin. The “Best of The Second City” brings the comedy stylings of Steve Carell, Tina Fey, Bill Murray, and many more right here to Elgin, IL.

Source: twitter.com

Of the cast members, 27-yearold Lilliana Winkworth shares some of the hilarity waiting to happen.

other is just being a comedian and making stuff up on the spot, but Second City is very fluid in that way.”

“What you’ll be seeing is a mostly sketch-review show,” Winkworth said. “Second City is a comedy theatre for [nearly] 60 years and we do both sketch and improv.”

“Every scene that you’ll see at this show was once improvised,” Winkworth said. “So, the way Second City works, the way their format works for creating comedy and creating new content, is you’ll come in and be like ‘hey guys, I have an idea for a scene; a mother and daughter, they’re just at dinner and they’re both a little kooky’. And so, you improvise that and then you re-improvise it over and over again and you find what you like about it, and you remember those, so you keep that going until it eventually becomes a scene that you remember and can just perform.”

“So, what that means is we’ll be doing a mix of scenes that this cast has written, as well as scenes that alums, like Steve Carell and Tina Fey and all of those big names, have written.

Probably, like, two or three times in the show, we’ll have some improv slots just to shake things up and get the audience involved … [we’ll ask the audience for] locations, relationships, any dialogue you’ve heard today, that kind of stuff,” Winkworth said.

In a world where comedy might be construed only as means of laughter, Winkworth breaks it down in an improv versus sketch comedy match-up.

“There is a difference, definitely,” Winkworth begins. “One is more comedic acting while the

Fortunately, the audience will get the best of both worlds at 7 p.m., on the night of Saturday, May 12 at the ECC Arts Center.

“Within every scene we do, there is always room for little moments of improvisation, especially when we’re going somewhere that’s outside of Chicago.

We try to bring in some local Elgin humor, like, I do a scene

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May 2018

where I have to make fun of a nearby town.

So, I usually ask whoever is on crew in the theatre like, ‘what’s a town you guys hate nearby?’ Because of the kind of improv-tosketch format that Second City has, there’s always that freedom to play, which is really fun.”

Winkworth finds it hard to choose a favorite of the two comedic stylings of The Second City, where she has dipped her toes into comedy waters plenty of times.

joined one of the sketch comedy groups there and just fell in love with it. Before that, I was a theatre major, and I assumed I wanted to be just a ‘normal actor’, and then I realized that improvising was much more fun for my brain than doing theatre was.”

Moving from one major city to the next, Winkworth set out on a comedic adventure of

Winkworth was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, where her comedy career began and then blossomed.

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“I moved to Chicago after school, which was in 2013,” Winkworth said. “I’ve been here for about five years and have been working for Second City professionally since September of 2017. I also perform at iO Chicago, which is a great theatre and I’ve been doing comedy for the past five years as my main job-slash-passion. It’s been fun!”

She continues, “She was one of the first Canadians to come down to Chicago. She was on SCTV back in the day, which is like Second City’s SNL … she’s in Orange County, she has a new show called Schitt’s Creek, and she’s been in all the Christopher Guest movies. She’s my favorite Second City Alum. She’s a goofy blonde and I am also a goofy blonde(-ish) and I really appreciate her because she does crazy characters but in a very real, grounded way. She always gives her characters a lot of heart, which I always admire,” Winkworth said.

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Training and performing among the halls where a plethora of famous alumni once roamed, Winkworth shares, “I am a huge fan of Katherine O’Hara!”

“I don’t [have a preference] because I’ve been on this company—we’re one of three touring companies—since January and just re-doing the same scenes over and over again, at first I was like ‘how is that gonna be fun?’ But, I found new moments to enjoy and get different laughs in it. Everything kind of feels fresh, in-the-moment. Then, where we do get to improvise is a blast because we get to let go and let loose for a little bit. There’s pros and cons to both,” Winkworth said.

“I started taking improv classes in high school, it was just one of the many things my mom signed me up for to get me out of the house,” Winkworth said. “Then I went to school in Boston at Emerson College and I

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During times of tragedy and anguish, as pain burrows into the wounds of society that have not yet mended, comedy is a form of escapism.

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Winkworth shares her opinions on the sensitivity comedians adhere to in times of worldly tragedies, and, mostly importantly, how doing their jobs well rewards not just themselves, but their audience, by eluding reality.

“We’ve just been growing up in a never-ending world of ‘breaking news’ and honestly, the best part of this job is going to a random city— like, I’ve never heard of Camden, Michigan before, I don’t know if they’re gonna like us—and having a sold-out house of 300 people that just want to escape for the night,” Winkworth said. “I have always believed that comedy, that laughter, is the best medicine, but we’re always sensitive to stuff going on in our world. We did have one scene that kind of makes fun of gun control and how easy it is to get a gun. The week of the Parkland shooting, we took that out for the two weeks that we had a show and replaced it, just because we all felt it was too soon … it’s not a scene where we’re making fun of [gun violence], we’re just making fun of the gun laws. It’s now back in the running order, which is what we call the whole show. So, we took stuff out, but after that happened, it’s always an ongoing conversation.”

Lady Killers It’s hard to deny that although society sees a fair share of darkness, the lightness of inspiration and monumental change begins to outweigh it—stemming from the power of women. Winkworth has her foot planted firmly within this era of women taking the world by storm. She has co-produced a show at another local Chicago comedy club, The iO Theatre, where women bask in their powerful glory: Girl Gang.

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second part of the show is any female-identifying audience member can come up and jam with me and my co-producer, Shelby Plummer, who is also the creative director of iO … We have a different monthly girl gang, so for the month of April we had eight women, and then for May we’ll have a different group of eight women. It’s just been a really great project to have and support, and I just host it and then do the jam; it’s nice to not be performing and just be completely supportive and giving something back to the community in a small way.”

The beauty of it all? According to Winkworth, it’s the “never ending plethora of so many wonderful women ... that we haven’t dried out the well yet, and we never will!”

A Comic’s Relief Its obvious comedy is used for plenty more than simply to elicit laughter, but can it be heroic enough to aid in something much more complex, such as anxiety? Winkworth seems eager to express her opinions, enthusiastic to discuss such a topic by sharing, “I love improv for that reason!”

of LA, and continues, in the character/relationship-driven humor of Chicago, to ride out the comedic waves of all her anxieties and clammy hands.

“I was definitely really nervous [when I first began], but I had been doing theatre for a long time ... like childhood theatre and high school musicals,” Winkworth said. “It was nerve-racking being myself and not having any lines onstage, but I have clammy hands, so I just let them get all sweaty and I just did it and it has definitely opened me up to being better at talking to people. I can just be myself. All I have to do is be myself! And if people don’t like me, that’s okay!” —VP Tickets for ECC Arts Center’s production of The Best of The Second City are $33 / $28.

Tickets for all performances at the ECC Arts Center are available online at tickets.elgin. edu or at the ECC Arts Center box office.

Box office hours are noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday. To purchase tickets by phone, call 847-622-0300.

“I personally suffer from a lot of social anxiety and every good comedian worth their weight in gold is probably pretty depressed and anxious,” Winkworth said.

“We’ve all found each other and created this thing and turned our awkwardness and our unique weirdness into comedy that can be relatable, which is something we couldn’t feel before ... we didn’t feel relatable before,” Winkworth said.

“Girl Gang is a show I co-produce [that’s been running] every Thursday night at iO for about a year and 2 months. It’s super successful because it’s a night completely devoted to female-identifying performers,” Winkworth said.

She shares that she knows of great opportunities offered by The Second City, which “has a lot of programs dedicated to teaching improv to people with anxiety, veterans, and seniors. I think everyone should be required to take an improv class, for at least eight weeks, because you become a better listener, a better human, and it’s just, overall, the best.”

Explaining the jam-packed fun shared on Thursday nights, Winkworth and fellow producers “always have either an independent improv team open, of all women, or some stand-ups, story tellers or musicians. The

Winkworth continues her comedic work outside of The Second City with her web series titled Kill Me, a series of five lessthan-ten-minute videos. She has started her career surrounded by the fast-paced humor

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May 2018

On the Marquee

WATCH CITY’S MOORE It was one year ago, May 2017, when we last talked to Elgin hip-hop artist Moore just as he released his third album entitled Shop Local. He sat down with us again at Danny’s on Douglas to bring us up to date on the project’s first anniversary and elaborated on his current priorities and plans for the future.

“First and foremost, it exists as art,” he said when asked about the commercial success of Shop Local. “Almost every day I

see more people from around the world are following the music. In fact, the numbers are increasing as fast, if not faster, than when I first put it out.”

With the enormous glut of content on the internet, it’s difficult to get noticed and often impossible to get paid. Most musicians can’t count on record sales to make a living because the market is so large and the product is virtually free.

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“We all used to pay twelve bucks for one album on CD, now you can pay ten bucks and stream every record on earth,” Moore observed, “and if you jump through a few hoops you can get it all for free.”

The value of the digital media — the music and the videos — is in creating a brand with a loyal following. That might translate into higher appearance fees, merchandise sales, and better opportunities if an artist really hustles to make it happen.

“When I make a video, I know I’m losing money from the get-go,” he admitted. “It’s a commercial; it’s a promotional tool that builds my brand, which adds to my value.

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You put out the music and the videos to keep yourself relevant.”

Anyone working in the vast space occupied by digital media knows that quality is not enough to survive — quantity is necessary.

For that reason, Moore’s music and videos can be found on Apple Music, Google Play, Spotify, YouTube and cross-linked on Facebook, Instagram and any other available platform.

And the internet is a beast that’s always hungry. It wants more content all the time.

“I’ve grown into other media,” Moore explained, “video editing, Photoshop — anything that creates content.”

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Technology has leveled the playing field in so many ways for communicators that anyone with something to express needs to learn how to use the tools, or be willing to pay someone who does. Emerging artists simply cannot limit themselves to a single medium, no matter how much talent they may have within that medium.

“If you’re not multifaceted, somebody else is, and they’re going to accomplish much more than you,” he reasoned. “I’d say I’m a do-it-yourselfer out of necessity, but I take no pride in having to make my own buttons and flyers.”

He’d much prefer to be making music.

“Over the past year I’ve spent the most time on music production — making beats.

Secondly, writing, and then playing drums.”

As a talented instrumentalist, he recognizes the importance of keeping the ax sharp.

He’s also been in the studio, recording a six-song EP with a respected Chicago producer. Tempted to micromanage every aspect of production, he admitted, “I’m working on getting over the control freak aspect of things. I’m learning to let go a little bit.”

It’s a modern-day dilemma for artists: having to handle everything themselves just to break through, then learning to trust someone else’s choices, once they can afford it.

“I want to make the best product possible, as many times as possible,” Moore insisted.

“I don’t want an eight out of ten, I want a ten out of ten every time, and I can’t do it alone.”

The question then becomes, what defines “the best product possible”? For an artist, it can be a purely subjective definition. For a producer or record company, there are business metrics that define what a great product has to sound like.

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Pride and Prejudic

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May 2018

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For another thing, it has sparked new musical collaborations that didn’t exist before, and that is precisely what the Shop Local movement was about.

Some of these musical kindred spirits will be joining Moore at the anniversary party May 12th at Side Street Studio Arts.

Watch City, the Elgin-based hip-hop collective that gave us Moore, Angrous, Kasz, DJ Amore, Dave Stone, Acclamation and many others will be joined by jazz/rock phenoms Accidentally on Purpose and/or the red hot Covington Groove.

“I make artistic decisions that are not smart at all from a financial standpoint,” Moore confessed. “And I’m privileged to be able to do that — I have a safety net. I can put my ass on the line to get the artistic product I want.”

In a business where serious dollars are hard to come by, creative satisfaction is often more important.

“The more I try something borderline outrageous and get a good response, the more I start to believe that nothing I thought up was a stupid idea.”

As it turns out, Shop Local was not a stupid idea. Combining his songs with beats and grooves by other area musicians, and packaging it in a collage of visual art created by Elgin artists was a recipe for success.

Supported by the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission and numerous local businesses, the project has become a durable example of place-based artistic collaboration.

“Yeah, I’m putting out more new music, but I’m not abandoning this great piece of art that still has wheels.”

In some ways, the Shop Local anniversary is bigger than the original launch. For one thing, it has built up a following by involving people from a variety of vocational and professional circles who may never have otherwise worked together.

“We all know each other, we hang out, we guest on each other’s music, and this is all happening now, here in Elgin,” Moore boasted.

He had dreamed of more than that, conceiving of an Elgin indie rock lineup on a second stage, with Mt. Pocono, Old Jaw, Phantoms & Pestilence and Copper Harbor, but that may have to wait for Shop Local’s second anniversary.

There was once a time when every city had its own “sound”: Memphis, Detroit, Seattle ... sadly those days are gone. In the Internet age, the massive exposure tends to make everyone sound the same.

“Right now, all hip-hop music sounds like it came out of Atlanta,” Moore surmised. By making the world smaller, technology has tended to dilute the unique creative identities of countless towns and cities around the world.

“But the Shop Local movement is still alive,” Moore said.

“I’d like to replicate it in Chicago, Nashville, Toronto ...” or anywhere that the artists of a specific place will work together to produce a uniquely great product.

“I firmly believe that the music that’s coming out of Elgin is absolutely worthy of national or worldwide exposure. I’m the most proud of what I think could be world-class art.” — JP

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Transforming

features works by

Bach, Beethoven, Brahms Chopin Copland Haydn Mozart Tchaikovsky and more!

Our 2018Ͳ19 Season New & Build Your Own Subscriptions are available now.

Music Director Andrew Grams

Photo: Ruben Ramos

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4.5

FEED.whereisbravo EAST SIDE Baker Hill Restaurant 1279 Dundee Ave. Beef Villa 1055 Dundee Avenue Blue Kangaroo Coin Laundry 464 Summit Street Elgin History Museum 360 Park Street Elgin Public Museum 225 Grand Ave Gail Borden Public Library 270 N. Grove Avenue Jewel-Osco 1040 Summit Street Olde Towne Inn 412 Bluff City Boulevard Superior Homes Team Realty 1173 Dundee Ave. Tri-City Animal Hospital 790 Summit St. Willow Lake Estates* 161 West River Road

DOWNTOWN Arabica Cafe* 59 Douglas Ave Associated Bank 16 N. Spring Street Blue Box Cafe 176 E. Chicago Street Central Barber Shop 172 E. Chicago St. Centre of Elgin 100 Symphony Way Danny’s on Douglas* 231 Douglas Avenue Domani Cafe 109 E. Highland Avenue Dog’s Paw Brewing Co. 74 S. Grove Avenue Downtown Neighborhood Association 10 N. Spring Street Elgin Antiques & Uniques 207 E. Chicago Street Elgin ArtSpace Lofts 51 S. Spring Street Elgin Art Showcase 164 Division Street Elgin Books & Coffee 66 S. Grove Ave. Elgin City Hall 150 Dexter Court Elgin Public House 219 E. Chicago Street Elgin Symphony Orchestra 20 Dupage Court

Funky Rooster Studios 73 S. Grove Avenue

Holiday Inn Express 495 Airport Road

Starbucks 338 S. Randall Road

Hemmens Cultural Center 45 Symphony Way

Judson University (Commons & Library) 1151 N. State Street

EAST/WEST DUNDEE

Metra Rail Big Timber Station 2025 Big Timber Road

Courtyard by Marriott 2175 Marriott Drive, West Dundee

Paul’s Family Restaurant 1300 Lawrence Avenue

The Dundee Depot 319 N. River St., East Dundee

Presence St. Joseph Hospital 77 N. Airlite Street

East Dundee Village Hall 120 Barrington Ave., East Dundee

Sirin Dentistry 1 Crescent St.

Emmett’s Brewing Company 128 W. Main St., West Dundee

State Street Market Shops 701 N. State St.

The Manor Restaurant 425 E. Main St., East Dundee

Walnut Speakeasy 214 Walnut Avenue

Midwest Retro 207 Barrington Ave., East Dundee

Imago Creative Studios 216 Prairie Street Kellenberger Auto Service 217 Symphony Way Law Offices of Shirley Sadjadi 169 E. Chicago St. Maiden Bedlam 166 E. Chicago St. Mama Lee’s Gourmet Popcorn 20 S. Spring St. Martini Room 161 E. Chicago St. Pastigel Bakery 154 E. Chicago St. Rediscover Records 9 S. Spring Street Side Street Studio Arts Gallery 15 Ziegler Court Soulful Sparrow 10 Douglas Avenue

WEST SIDE Alexander’s Cafe 1725 N. State Street Bender Dental Care 217 N. McLean Blvd.

Big Skillet Restaurant 90 Tyler Creek Plaza Big Apple Bagels* 561 N. McLean Boulevard Clean Vistas Laundromat Tyler Creek Plaza Colonial Cafe 600 S. McLean Boulevard D Hangout Bar and Grill 550 S. McLean Boulevard Dutch Inn West 36W610 Foothill Road

RANDALL CORRIDOR 1600 Professional Building 1600 N. Randall Road 1710 Professional Building 1710 N. Randall Road Advocate Sherman Hospital 1425 N. Randall Road Candlewood Suites 1780 Capital Street Comfort Suites 2480 Bushwood Drive Elle Salon 2490 Bushwood Drive Jimmy’s Charhouse 2290 Point Boulevard Panera Bread 2484 North Randall Road Physician’s Immediate Care 2490 Bushwood Drive Porter’s Pub 1250 Bowes Creek Road Rakow Branch, Gail Borden Library 2751 W. Bowes Road

Elgin Community College 1700 Spartan Drive

Rookie’s All American Pub & Grill 2486 Bushwood Drive

Elgin Shopping Mall 308 S. McLean Boulevard

Starbucks 2480 North Randall Road

Grumpy Goat Tavern 875 Sports Way

Village Pizza and Pub 2496 N. Randall Road

Habitat for Humanity ReStore 800 N. State Street

Woodman’s Market (C’Ville)* 2100 Randall Road

Hampton Inn 405 Airport Road

SOUTH ELGIN

Hawthorne Hill Nature Center 28 Brookside Dr. Herb’s Bakery 1020 Larkin Ave. Highland Ave Church of the Brethren 783 W. Highland Ave.

Booker’s Bar & Grill 420 N. McLean Boulevard Cleveland Veterinary Clinic 400 N. McLean Boulevard Stanley’s Ale House 335 N. McLean Boulevard

Pampered Pet Services 1050 Dundee Ave. The Uncommon Palate 316 N. River St., East Dundee *Preferred Pickup Location Supplies are limited at these locations and may run out early in the month. If you don’t see B RAVO Magazine on display, please let management know that you saw their location listed here, and came in for a free copy!

Would you like a supply of B RAVO Magazine at your high-traffic retail of public location? Let us know!

Special perks available for sites that allow placement of our B RAVO magazine rack!

Contact us at: bravo@marqueemedia.net

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May 2018

847.931.2090 gailborden.info

Thu.Apr.26 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. 9.30a-10a, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B-C, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Device Advice Need help figuring out how to use your tablet, smartphone, or eReader? Bring your questions and your device to the library for some 1:1 help.Asistencia individual con electronicos. Necesita ayuda entendiendo como usar su tableta, telefono movil o tableta para libros digitales? !Traiga sus preguntas y su aparato electronico a la biblioteca para reciobir asistencia individual en espanol o ingles! No necesita registrarse. 10a-12p, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard, South Elgin

Story Mix for Three to Six 30 minutes of stories, fingerplays, and songs. Parents must remain in the building but do not need to attend the class. This is the first on my own library experience for children.

Repeats throughout the month. 10.15a-10.45a, GBPL Story Room - North, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Piano Performance: Steve Yoder 11a-12p, GBPL Lobby, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden. info 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

25 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. Please join us as a guest! 12p-1p, GBPL Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Piano Performance: Ted Turner 1p-2p, GBPL Lobby, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Creativity Lab Art, tinkering activities and games will be available for creative play. This month: Build a Bird Decoy. 4p-5p, South Elgin Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Piano Performance: Shirley Remes 4.30p-5.30p, GBPL Lobby, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Elgin Community Carnival Rides, Games, and FOOD at the Elgin Community Carnival - located on Slade Ave & Liberty Street in Elgin! Visit our website for hours, ride specials, and a $5 discount coupon! Carnival continues Thursday-Sunday until May 6th. 5p, North End, Slade Avenue at Liberty Street www.WindyCityAmusements.com . $5-25

State Street

For My Family: Bullying Learn more about bullying, prevention and protecting your child. Led by the Kane County Juvenile Justice Council. 6p-7p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Market Shops

701 N. State St. (Rt. 31) • Elgin

Mom’s Appreciation Days Saturday & Sunday May 12th & 13th

Cake, Punch & a Gift for Mom! Need a Gift Idea for Mom? Give our State Street Market Shops

GIFT CERTFICATE • Available in Any Amount • We accept All Major Credit Cards • Gift Certificates Never Expire!

Big Timber Road Wing Street

❤ State Street Market Shops

Lawrence Avenue

Hours: Tues-Sat, 10-5 Thursday, 10-8 Sunday, 11-5 701 N. State St. Elgin, IL 60123 (847) 695-3066

Visit us on the web at: www.statestreetmarketshops.com

Baby Rhyme Time This storytime is for infants 0 - 11 months with an adult caregiver. Attendance is limited. Registration is required. For the first week of registration only customers living within the Gail Borden Public Library District may register. 6.30p7p, GBPL Story Room - South, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Piano Performance: John LaBorn 7p-8p, GBPL Lobby, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden. info Poetry: The Best Medicine To celebrate National Poetry Reading Month, a group of local actors will read humorous poems by famous poets. The program will be directed by Gareth Sitz and narrated by library board member Patricia Harkin. Please come to experience the healing power of laughter. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Roberto’s Art Salon: Crit Night This spring and summer, Side Street Studio Arts is providing monthly critique nights for artists to share their current works in progress or finalized pieces. All types of art are welcome; visual, performance, music, written, etc. No require registration, emerging to established artists are invited to bring 1-3 artworks to the crit.Each critique session will involve artist to viewer communication to form a better understanding toward their piece and to further their practice.

Please be punctual and respectful during the critiques. BE THERE ON TIME! 7p, Side Street Studio Arts, 15 Ziegler Court 847.429.2276 sidestreetstudioarts.org. $5 donation She Kills Monsters A comedic romp into the world of fantasy role-playing games! Following the death of her teenage sister, Tilly, Agnes finds Tilly’s Dungeons & Dragons notebook and stumbles into a journey of self-discovery and action-packed adventure in the imaginary world that was once Tilly’s refuge. This dramatic comedy offers a heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us all. Story

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by Qui Nguyen. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7.30p, Sundays a 3p through 4/29. 7.30p, ECC Arts Center SecondSpace Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive 847.622.0300 tickets.elgin.edu. $9-11

Fri.Apr.27 Baby Rhyme Time See 4/26.

9.15a-9.45a, GBPL Story Room South, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Community Crisis Center Come to the lobby of the library to find out what services are available from the Community Crisis Center. 10a-5p, GBPL Southeast Lobby, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Drop Dead Gorgeous -- ECC’s First Drag Show Come join ECC’s LGBTQIA+ student advocacy group, Students Who Are Not Silent (SWANS), as seven ECC students channel the seven deadly sins to perform in a three round competition for a chance to win a cash prize and be crowned Drag royalty! 5.30p, ECC Building E Dining Hall, 1700 Spartan Drive 847.697.1000 standwithswans@gmail.com. $5-10 Art Clash Art Clash is a brand new multimedia art competition! We are bringing a new type of artistic energy to downtown Elgin and we invite you to be a part of it. The purpose of art clash is to bring together a wide range of artists and art forms such as painting, dance, sculpture, theater etc. Participants will test their artistic skills and creative problem solving LIVE in front of an audience. Artist will work under a nightly theme to create a brand new piece of art in only one hour which will be presented at the end of the competition. Audience votes will decide the 2 nightly winners, who will receive a cash prize and move on to our final clash later this season! DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO CLASH? Paint, sculpt, dance, write, build, photograph, sing your way to victory. Cash prizes. All mediums welcome. APPLY NOW! 6.45p, Side Street Studio Arts, 15 Zliegler Court 847.429.2276 sidestreetstudioarts.org Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experi-

ence This cast of dogs and performers will delight audiences of all ages with high energy excitement from beginning to end! The Stunt Dog Experience’s astonishing tricks, comedy antics, and athletic feats have been featured on The Late Show with David Letterman, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and more. With a mission to promote animal rescue and pet adoption, the show’s cast of “stunt dogs” is made up of dogs rescued from pounds and shelters. 7.30p, ECC Arts Center Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive 847.622.0300 tickets. elgin.edu. $20-35

fun. Cheer on your favorite team and test your own knowledge! 9a, Grand Victoria Casino Fox River Room, 250 S. Grove Avenue 847.742.6565 elginliteracy.org. $7

She Kills Monsters See 4/26.

7.30p, ECC Arts Center SecondSpace Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive 847.622.0300 tickets.elgin.edu. $9-11

Dia del Niat Elgin High School Join us at the Elgin High School Auditorium for some live entertainment, crafts, stories and drawings for everyone! Free Admission with ticket tickets are available at all Gail Borden Library locations. 9a-12.30p, GBPL Library On The Go at High School, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

SNM Unplugged Live music at Elgin’s oldest bar and grill. 8p, Smitty’s Olde Towne Inn, 412 Bluff City Boulevard 847.608.1703. No Cover The Dog and Pony Show For more than 10 years Tony, Doug, and Dave have been making music together.

No Computers, No pre-recorded backing vocals. Just fantastic vocal harmonies layered over real acoustic instruments. Classic rock unplugged.

9p, Danny’s on Douglas, 231 Douglas Avenue 847.742.5400 dognponymusic.wix.com. No Covewr

Sat.Apr.28 SMB Micro-Con On Live at the Blue Box, we hold what we call micro-cons a few times a year. The way it works is we have a line up of guests that one might find at a comic con; artists, writers, video game designers, toy designers, podcasters, etc. We typically do a series of interviews over the course of a couple hours. This one is unique due to the fact that we are holding our own artist alley event during the day as well so you can meet the artists, buy art, and talk to them one-on-one. Blue Box Cafe, 176 E. Chicago Street 847.697.2583 theblueboxcafe.com. Free

ALICE Training Would you know what to do in an active shooter situation? The ALICE Training Institute is the #1 active shooter civilian response training for all organizations, providing options based strategic methods against an active shooter event. Ages 18 and over - registration and waiver required. 9a-12p, Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way 311 cityofelgin.org

Elgin Master Chorale Children’s Chorus Join us at the Gail Borden Library Rakow Branch.The Elgin Master Chorale Children’s Chorus will be singing selections on the power and beauty of music. In addition to diverse selections from around the world, hands-on, interactive musical fun will be part of the presentation.

11a-12p, Rakow Exhibit Area, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden. info Smitty’s Olde Towne Inn Turns 91! Celebrate with us as our little bar and grille turns 91! Free food, 91 cents Drafts, Karaoke, Giveaways and more. Join us as we continue making memories! 11a, Smitty’s Olde Towne Inn, 412 Bluff City Boulevard 847.608.1703 Tri-City Animal Hospital Open House Come meet the staff and tour the clinic. Snacks, Giveaways, Raffles, Stuffed Animal Clinic for the kids, And much more! 12p-4p, Tri-City Animal Hospital, 790 Summit Street 847.741.6770 tricityelgin.com. Free ALICE Training See above. 1p-4p, Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way 311 cityofelgin.org

4.5 127 S. McLean Boulevard, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Elgin’s Parks Golden Memories Join us at one of Elgin’s hidden gems, Hawthorne Hill Nature Center to hear the colorful history of this city park.

Carl Missele, neighbor and steward of this beautiful piece of property, will be sharing what the site was like back in 1938 when it opened as a Girl Scout camp and how it evolved through the years to become one of the city’s most unique parks. At the end of the presentation HHNC naturalist Maura Neuffer, will be conducting a walking tour of the park for any interested.

2p-4p, Hawthorne Hill Nature Center, 28 Brookside Drive 847.931.6127 Elgin City of Peace Community Story Time Community storytellers Bilingual Each Saturday April 14thJune 30th Peace and community books and crafts 4p-5p, GBPL Story Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info MOVE Talent Competition 4.30p9p, Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way Board Game Night Join us for Game Night at The BBC as the Elgin Area Tabletop Group will meet for games on Saturday nights!!! Bring a group or join a game!!! Games will be provided but feel free to bring one of your own!!! As always, The BBC will have great food and amazing coffee drinks for sale. Hosted by Sam Branscum and the Elgin Area Tabletop Group.

5p, Blue Box Cafe, 176 E. Chicago Street 847.697.2583 theblueboxcafe. com. Free Things We Don’t Say Join Hope For The Day, a new member of the Coalition for a Safe & Healthy Elgin (CSHElgin) for a evening celebrating community as we introduce Proactive Suicide Prevention to the Elgin community and surrounding areas with ‘Things We Don’t Say’ an educational presentation for the whole family that shows how we can take care of our mental health and be supportive to others. This event is presented by HFTD with the support of CSHElgin and the generous donation of space

by Grand Victoria Casino. Proactive

Create Birthday Cards and Cricut Demo Create distinctive birthday cards. There will be a demo on how unique cards can be made with the Cricut cutting machine. 1p-3p, Rakow Living Room, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info

21st Annual TRIVIA BEE Master of Ceremonies Stew Cohen (of Star 105.5FM and 103.9FM The Fox radio) welcomes you as a spectator to this annual event featuring head-to-head competition among local teams.

Entrance fee includes continental breakfast, raffle, cash bar, and tons of

Welcome Baby Welcome Baby! Bring baby and baby’s new library card to this class designed especially for Baby’s First Library Card holders. 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. Registration preferred.

1p-1.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch,

List your events for FREE

BRAVO

May 2018 suicide prevention is about starting the conversation on mental health before it adversely affects our lives.

Through Proactive environments, we can eliminate the highest risk factors for suicide and reverse the deleterious impact of unaddressed mental health care in our society. Itinerary: Doors: 5:30 PM- Light refreshments and community engagement. Education Presentation: 6:30-7:15. Open Forum Q & A: 7:15-8:00: Discussion on how we can take action directly in our community w/ informed panel.

5.30p-8p, Grand Victoria Casino, 250 S. Grove Avenue 847.697.1221 cshelgin.org. Free American English: Beatles’ No. 1’s!

Celebrate all the Beatles’ No. 1 hits with American English! The fab four had 27 songs hit number one on the Billboard charts. This concert will honor those hits with spot-on performances of “Please Me,” “Love Me Do,” “She Loves You,” “A Hard Day’s Night,” “I Feel Fine,” “Ticket To Ride,” “Paperback Writer,” “Penny Lane,” “All You Need Is Love,” “Hey Jude,” “Something,” “The Long & Winding Road,” and many, many more! As always, American English will also include some additional surprises from the Beatles songbook. 7p, ECC Arts Center Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive 847.622.0300 tickets. elgin.edu. $35

BYOB Paint and Sip: Starry Spring Night Eiffel Tower Reservations Required to register follow the link provided for tickets. All materials and step by step instruction are included in price. All ages, families and large groups welcome! Young people 16 years and younger must be accompanied by adult. Event Details: All events will begin promptly at the start time please arrive 10 min prior to get checked-in and seated. The information below pertains to your

FEED.colorcode Bands & Music

Theater & Dance

Exhibits & Film

Causes & Community

Kids & Families

Lectures & Learning Wellness & Nature Creativity Other

reservation. SEATING Arrangements: If you are attending with a group and HAVE PURCHASED separately, please include the first and last names of your entire party to ensure that you will be seated together. All materials and supplies for the event are included with a step by step detailed instruction of the featured painting. No artistic experience necessary! BYOB: Enjoy our BYOB venue, bring your own Wine or Beer/alcoholic beverage to the studio! Bottle opening service is required and provided for all bottles that are open in our studio, complimentary plastic cups and bottle open service is included in the price.

One Wine bottle per customer is allowed or 6 pack of Beer. 7p-9.30p, Brushed Chicago, 15 Douglas Avenue brushedchicago.com. $20 She Kills Monsters See 4/26.

7.30p, ECC Arts Center SecondSpace Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive 847.622.0300 tickets.elgin.edu. $9-11 PROM 2018 Design and don your best prom wear to win prizes, walk the red carpet, become prom royality, enjoy live music, dance and drink the night away and support local arts. We know you’ll have the time of your life!

Live performance from Elgin super group featuring: Genaro Acuna, Jonathan Alvarado, Alex Bartlett, Adrian Medriano, Julian Medriano, Kristine Medriano, Jinno Redovan, Mary Gale Tan, Lili Trifilio. Capture your prom night with a souvenir photo by Doug Hanson! 21 and older. 8p, Martini Room Elgin, 161 E. Chicago Street 847.741.0349 sidestreetstudioarts. org. $25 single, $40 couple Ladies Night: A Magic Mike Night Experience Featuring performances by internationally acclaimed Michael Jackson impersonator Jovan! 8.30p, D Hangout Bar & Grill, 550 S. McLean Boulevard 847.717.0511 themagicmikenightexperienceelgin.eventbrite. com. $20-25 Gallery Gallery is a Classic Rock Experience. We do things a little different. We play a “unique blend” of classic rock, which means your going to hear songs that no other local cover band is doing. At least, not the way we do! Although we play alot of the “big hits” that other bands are playing, we try to focus on some of the “deep cuts” that you dont hear as often. This allows us to have a very wide range of music. 9p, Danny’s on Douglas, 231 Douglas Avenue 847.742.5400 dannyspizzaelgin.com.

No Cover

Sun.Apr.29 Full Moon Ride for April It’s the monthly Elgin full moon ride. This will be a moderate pace ride for a few miles throughout the core neighborhoods of Elgin. Join us for this social night ride! Reminder: Illinois

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State law requires bike riders to have a clear light on the front and a red reflector or a red light on the back for night time riding. That would be the minimum attempt for safety, so let’s all be easy to see on the street.

Advocate Park, 179 E. Chicago Street elginbikehub.com. Free MOVE Talent Competition 7.30a-12p, Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way BYOB Paint and Sip: Dancing Flowers Reservations Required to register follow the link provided for tickets.

All materials and step by step instruction are included in price. All ages, families and large groups welcome!

Young people 16 years and younger must be accompanied by adult. Event Details: All events will begin promptly at the start time please arrive 10 min prior to get checked-in and seated.

The information below pertains to your reservation. SEATING Arrangements: If you are attending with a group and HAVE PURCHASED separately, please include the first and last names of your entire party to ensure that you will be seated together. All materials and supplies for the event are included with a step by step detailed instruction of the featured painting. No artistic experience necessary! BYOB: Enjoy our BYOB venue, bring your own Wine or Beer/alcoholic beverage to the studio!

Bottle opening service is required and provided for all bottles that are open in our studio, complimentary plastic cups and bottle open service is included in the price. One Wine bottle per customer is allowed or 6 pack of Beer. 1p, Brushed Chicago, 15 Douglas Avenue brushedchicago.com. $20 Soiree Lyrique presents Tosca This staged production of Puccini’s famous opera will be performed with a reduced orchestra provided by Chamber Music on the Fox, under the direction of Maestro Philip Morehead, a veteran of over thirty years as pianist and conductor at the renowned Lyric Opera of Chicago. This magnificent church will set the stage for an impressive production by an all-star cast. Ukrainian soprano Tetyana

WHERE

FRESH & FAST MEET

™

WE DELIVER! DOWNTOWN ELGIN ~ 50 S. GROVE AVE. ~ 847.888.2400

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Torzhevska will be in the leading role of Floria Tosca, tenor Simon Kyung Lee as Mario Cavaradossi, Metropolitan Opera baritone William Powers will be in the role of Scarpia and Aaron Wardell will perform the role of Angelotti. Soiree Lyrique’s Young Vocal Artist 2017 Competition winner, boy soprano Blake Buczkiewicz will be highlighted as The Shepherd Boy as a reward for winning this competition.

Soiree Lyrique’s Young Artists Chorus will complete the cast for this exciting production. FUMC Elgin provides an artistically flexible venue, free parking, and easy handicapped access.

This performance will be performed in the original Italian with projected English supertitles. 2p, First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland Ave. 847.622.9988 soireelyrique.org. $25-30

Sunday Afternoon Concert: Susan Merdinger, Piano Steinway Artist Susan Merdinger performs beloved piano repertoire from her newest Solo Piano CD: “Four Centuries II: From Back to Beck.” Her program will include Bach Partita No.4, Beethoven Piano Sonata No.30 in E, Op. 109, Brahms Op. 116, Bernstein’s Candide Overture and a World Premiere of American Composer Jeremy Beck’s Four Piano Preludes (2017), dedicated to Susan Merdinger. 2p-3p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B-C, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info She Kills Monsters See 4/26. 3p, ECC Arts Center SecondSpace Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive 847.622.0300 tickets.elgin.edu. $9-11 Elgin Cinco de Mayo Kick off Cinco De Mayo Weekend in Downtown Elgin!

Mark your calendars for Friday May 4th from 6:00pm until 10:00pm and

get ready to celebrate the Cinco De Mayo Weekend in the Downtown Elgin area! Featuring authentic Mexican performers and artists, from Side Street Studio Arts ‘First Friday’s Artist Program’, various local food trucks and vendors, as well as a lowrider car show and many other Mexican themed activities held at local businesses! In partnership with Side Street Studio Arts and Elgin Hispanic Network. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Jimmy John’s; Elgin Knit Works; The Literacy Connection; Fremont Street Theater Company; Ecker Center for Mental Health; Imago: Funky Rooster Tattoo and Art StudioWaste Management; Elgin Printing Solutions; T-Mobile;Natalee Dismuke Your Family Realtor; Berkshire Hathaway Home Services; Starck RE; Windy City Bulls. VENDORS:Frances Hernandez -artefact arts; Yolo Glow; Socks and Souls.ACTIVITY BOOTHS: Elgin Hispanic Network; Coalition for a Safe & Healthy Elgin; Gail Borden Public Library; Fun Funky Fab Art’s & Entertainment; NorthWest Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. FOOD TRUCKS: Mario’s Cart; BeaUnique Latin Kitchen; Toasty Taco; Elgin BBQ Pit. 6p, Downtown Elgin, DuPage Court

Mon.Apr.30 Homework Heroes Grades K-8.

Students who need help with homework assignments can drop by to meet one-on-one with a volunteer.

3.30p-5.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden. info Intermediate 3D Design Grades 4-8.

Ready to take the next step in 3D printing? This is your opportunity to design your own prints. Please have your login for Tinkercad.com ready before this class begins. Projects created will be printed for later pick up. *You must complete Intro to 3D printing in order to attend this class.

Registration required 4.30p-6p, GBPL Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info The Shape of Our Water with Mayor David Kaptain Learn about where your water comes from, what the threats are to the clean water supply and more. 6.30p-7.30p, GBPL Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Miss Elgin Contest of 1925 The first Miss Elgin Contest in 1925 attracted over 5000 people and included a local bathing suit competition that was deemed demoralizing and debasing by some. Using a variety of period photos, Elgin historian Jerry Turnquist will retell the history of the event which included a trip to national competition in Atlantic City for the winner. Please register. 7p-8.30p,

GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info MS Access Series: Queries Learn how to create queries to extract meaningful data from your database to meet your requirements in this class. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Tue.May.1 Elgin Genealogical Society Show and Tell Join Elgin Genealogical Society Members for an informal show and tell! Participants are encouraged to bring a treasured object from home, or a photo of the item to share with the group. What family heirlooms have been passed down to you? Was it a family quilt, letter, dish, or memento. If you would like to share an heirloom with the group, please prepare a short story to tell (less than 5 minutes) that illustrates what you know about the item and whose it may have been. Or, you can enjoy listening to stories about favorite family heirlooms. No registration needed. 9.30a-11.30a, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rooms A-B-C, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.429.4680 gailborden. info/register Job Search and 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. *Schedules occasionally change.

Please check www.gailborden.info/ events for specific locations and times. This program is in partnership with the Kane County Office of Community Reinvestment. For more information, call 630-844-8768. 1p4p, GBPL Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Mah Jongg for Beginners Mah Jongg is a rummy-like game played with tiles rather than cards. The game originated in China but its exact origins are shrouded in story and myth. Join us to learn how to play this fascinating game. Small group learning experience. You will be registering for all four days. 1p-2p, Rakow Living Room, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info

4.5 Elgin’s 28th Annual Mayor’s Awards for Historic Preservation Elgin Heritage Commission honors outstanding contributors to Elgin’s heritage. Honorees have demonstrated their dedication to older architecture, neighborhoods and history.

Sponsored by the Elgin Heritage Commission. Reception at 6:00 pm, Presentation at 7:00 pm. Registration requested by April 27. Enter through Gifford Park street entrance. Accessible entrance on Chicago Street. 6p9p, Old Elgin High School Gymnasium, 355 E. Chicago Street 847.931.5920 cityofelgin.org

Leonard Bernstein’s 100th Birthday Bash & Screening of “West Side Story” Join the world-wide festivities at this event honoring the 100th anniversary of the birth of Leonard Bernstein, one of America’s greatest composers and conductors. ESO Music Director Andrew Grams will kick-off the celebration with a few words about Bernstein, who was longtime music director of the New York Philharmonic, and composed music for the films Peter Pan, Candide, Wonderful Town, On the Town and On the Waterfront. He is most well known for his work on West Side Story, which will be screened at this event.Grab a bite to eat from the Library cafe while you enjoy the movie! Birthday cake will be served and guests will receive a special offer to ESO concerts May 5 & 6, led by Andrew Grams and featuring Bernstein’s Candide Suite.

Presented by the Elgin Symphony Orchestra and Gail Borden Public Library. Please register. 6p-8.30p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Wild Onion Keep the Pint Night Join

South Elgin Sentinels Chess Club Kids are invited to hone their chess skills. Beginners are welcome. Intermediate or Advanced players can play opponents or work on chess puzzles. For children in grades 3-8.

4.30p-5.30p, South Elgin Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden. info Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee 6p-7p, Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way 311 cityofelgin. org

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May 2018 EPH and the great people at Wild Onion Brewing for Keep The Pint Night. 6p, Elgin Public House, 219 E. Chicago Street 847.468.8810 elginpublichouse.com 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, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Human Relations Commission 6.30p-7.30p, Elgin City Hall, 150 Dexter Court 311 cityofelgin.org 3D printing intermediate for Adults For those interested in a 3D printer design challenge, this class

will teach you how to create a box with a secret compartment. It is strongly recommended that you had already taken the 3D printer basics course or have 3D design experience before taking this class.

7p-8.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Wed.May.2 MS Excel: Basics Learn how Excel’s cells, worksheets & workbooks easily allow users to manipulate, calculate, and format numbers and other types of data in this class. 10a-11.30a, South Elgin Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Piano Performance: Ted Turner 11.30a-12.30p, GBPL Lobby, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailbor-

Sometimes we start our day with coffee or espresso. Today it’s Sattwa Chai and a fresh-out-of-the oven Cinnamon Cyclone.

There’s always something special at Arabica Cafe.

29 den.info Elgin Symphony Orchestra Listeners Club This free, interactive lecture/discussion series, led by Jim Kendros, meets on the Wednesday 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. Please register by phone or online to reserve your seat. 1p-3p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B-C, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.888.0404 elginsymphony.org Homework Heroes See 4/30. 3.30p-5.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Grupo de Futuros Biling/Go Bilingual Conversation Group Aprendices de todos los niveles participaran con otras personas que hablan espanol e Ingles como primer idioma. Learners of all levels participate in the sharing and exchanging of learning a new language with a native speaker. In English and Spanish. 6p-7p, GBPL Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Essential Oils 101 Learn the basics of essential oils and how to incorporate them into everyday life.

6.30p-7.30p, Rakow Living Room, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info QuickBooks Series: Basics Learn how QuickBooks’ accounting software allows businesses to manage finances by setting up a company, adjusting preferences, and working with accounts in this class.

7p-8.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Walking Book Club A 45-minute walk, followed by a 45-minute book discussion. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Library On The Go at Rec Center, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Thu.May.3

Arabica Cafe

59 Douglas Avenue • Downtown Elgin • (224) 227-7192 Coffee • Espresso • Smoothies • Pastries • Lunch Open Weekdays 7am - 4pm • Weekends 8am - 3pm

Literacy Connection Tutor Training Become a Literacy Connection Volunteer Tutor in this 12hour training workshop. Help to make a change in someone’s life and become a Volunteer Literacy Tutor! The Literacy Connection has over 90 adult learners in our community waiting to be matched with a tutor like you! Would you like to help? Our Tutors help other adults with their English literacy skills, at a time and place convenient for both tutor and learner. NO PRIOR TEACHING OR TUTORING EXPERIENCE IS NEEDED! 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 Thursday, May 3, 2018 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 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. on Friday, May 4, Thursday, May 10, and concludes on Friday, May 11, 2018. Registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Call 847-742-6565 or email info@ elginliteracy.org for more information or to register.

Course Structure: This is an instructor-led, 12hour course, with some online and out of classroom assignments. Online options are available to complete missed material, if necessary. Tutor trainees participate in discussion, role playing and interactive activities as they learn strategies and background information necessary to tutor adults.

Course Materials and Cost: Tutor training is free, but there is a $35 fee to cover the textbook, LITSTART:

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this class. 1p-2.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Piano Performance: Ted Turner 1p-2p, GBPL Lobby, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Resume Help Work with a Librarian in the Computer Training Room to properly design and format your resume to help you get the job your want. 3.30p-6.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Strategies for Adult Literacy and ESL Tutors, and other handouts. Cash or a check made payable to The Literacy Connection is collected at the end of the first course meeting. 9a-12.30p, GBPL Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Device Advice See 4/26.

9.30a-11.30a, Rakow Computer Cafe, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info Piano Performance: Steve Yoder 11a-12p, GBPL Lobby, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Jobs Series: Finding Jobs Online Learn how to use popular search engines to create specialized job searches, filter options, and optimize your time searching online for jobs in

3D printer Showcase Come see the 3D printer in action, learn about how 3D printing works, and have all of your questions answered. 4p-6p, Rakow Computer Cafe, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info Piano Performance: Shirley Remes 4.30p-5.30p, GBPL Lobby, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden. info Danger Behind the Wheel: The facts about distracted driving In an effort to educate new drivers and keep their passengers and themselves safe, this seminar will be taught by Elgin Police traffic officers and offered to teenage drivers and their parents or guardians. New drivers may lack the experience that is needed in many driving scenarios and officers will cover topics such as teen driver risks, how to prepare for an emergency

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situation, the dangers of distracted driving, seatbelt use, and the differences between adult and teenage licenses.Online registration is available at ww.cityofelgin.org/safeteen; there is no fee for the class. A parent or guardian must accompany participants under the age of 18 and Elgin residents will be given registration priority. 6p-9p, Elgin Police Department, 151 Douglas Ave. 311 cityofelgin. org MS Access Series: Basics Learn the basics of using and creating an Access database in this class. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Piano Performance: John LaBorn 7p-8p, GBPL Lobby, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

ECC Steel Bands The ECC Steel Bands, under the direction of Steve Butters, always delight with an eclectic mix of calypso, reggae, rock, and more. Original arrangements at

past concerts have included works by Nirvana, Prince, and The Beatles. This year’s theme: “Legends.” 7.30p, ECC Arts Center Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive 847.622.0300 tickets. elgin.edu. $7-9 ECC Steel Bands Concert: Legends The ECC Steel Bands, under the direction of Steve Butters, always delight with an eclectic mix of calypso, reggae, rock, and more. Original arrangements at past concerts have included works by Nirvana, Prince, and The Beatles. 7.30p, ECC Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive 847.622.0300 tickets.elgin.edu. $7-9

Fri.May.4 Literacy Connection Tutor Training See 5/3. 9a-12.30p, GBPL Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Cardboard Challenge: Build Your Own Spaceship! Meet an intergalactic character, design and build your own cardboard spaceship, and watch Star Wars: The Force Awakes inside your new spaceship. Pictures, meet, and greet with a Star Wars Character starts at noon in KidSpace. Movie will start at 1:45pm. 1p-4p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B-C, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Extreme Deep Painting Grades K-2.

“Do you accept the Elgin Doller?”

To mark our third anniversary, BRAVO Magazine will introduce the Elgin Doller in our July 2018 edition. We’ll print one Elgin Doller in every issue.

This currency-like looking double-sided note is a beautifully designed tribute to the past, present and future of Elgin. Using a sharp scissors or hobby knife, you simply cut the Doller out of its page in BRAVO, and put it in your wallet, pocket or purse.

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It might be worth $1.00 the next time you buy something.

How It Works

After accepting one as part of a qualifying transaction, a merchant can redeem the Doller at another business as any consumer would.

The Elgin Doller is not legal tender. It’s simply a universal coupon that can be redeemed for $1.00 off your This might be qualifying purthe dumbest chase at a particiidea we’ve pating business.

❝

The Elgin Doller has no cash value, cannot be exchanged for cash, and should not be used for charitable donations, payroll or paying taxes.

There are no ever had. official rules. We If your business Or not. suggest that the would like to accept Elgin Doller be the Elgin Doller, good for $1.00 contact us. We’ll promote you off any cash purchase of $5.00 in BRAVO, and send you a set or more, up to one Doller per of removeable window clings transaction. Any business and stickers choosing to accept the Elgin that announce Doller can apply whatever limto your cusitations — or none at all — on tomers “Elgin its use.

Dollers are Elgin Dollers are intended to be circulated and used again.

welcome here.”

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May 2018

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Special Events

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Inspired by the Extreme Deep exhibit, come and paint the creatures and mysteries of the abyss on canvas as we journey to the bottom of the sea!

No experience necessary. Take home your creation after class. Registration required. 1p-2p, South Elgin Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden. info Extreme Deep Painting See above.

2.30p-3.30p, South Elgin Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden. info Elgin Area Taproom Soft Opening Come join us Fri May 4th Cinco De Mayo weekend for our soft opening.

Ribbon cutting ceremony with The Elgin Chamber starts @2pm doors open @3pm. Downtown Neighborhood Associations Cinco De Mayo fest starts @6pm Mariachis - Tacos - Craft Beer - Sangria - MargaritasKombucha - Tequila - Miches- Culture - Nitro Coffee. 3p, Elgin Area Taproom, 51 S. Grove Avenue 844.822.3826 Elgin Teen Life - Paint for Police Teens will be creating a painting for National Law Enforcement Week which will be displayed in the Elgin Police Department lobby for all to view after the Police Memorial Ceremony on May 16, 2018 at 2:30 p.m.

4p-6.30p, Elgin Artspace Lofts, 51 S. Spring St. 311

Drop-In Small Wonders Our amazing professional artist-educators will be leading a variety of creative visual and performing arts activities that evening.Interested young artists, aged 4-12, are welcome to attend for a $5 donation at the door.DROP OFF/PICK UP: You can start dropping children off at 4:10pm. Please try not to arrive any earlier, as we are putting final touches on the evening’s

BRAVO activities. When dropping off you will need to sign in your child at the door.

When dropping off, DO NOT park in the gravel lot in front of Side Street Studio Arts. This is not our lot. Also, do not park in the bank lot across the street. They will tow. When picking up, you will need to sign out your child at the door. Same parking rules apply for pick up. You are always welcome to come in and check out what we are working on at any time.DRESS FOR A MESS: While we don’t try to get messy, we will be using messy paints and other materials. Be sure to send your young artist in clothing they (or you) won’t be sad to get paint on.

Most of our supplies are washable, but…well, you know kids!AGES: We will separate young artists by age, based upon those attending. Often times, even if those young artists are friends or siblings. There is limited space available. First come, first served.And, as we expand our LAB in order to expand our arts education programming, starting February of 2018, we will be offering monthly Friday Friday Drop-In Small Wonders for make ups or just for fun! Mark those calendars. 4.15p, Side Street Studio Arts, 15 Ziegler Court 847.429.2276 sidestreetstudioarts.org. $5 donation Going Dutch: Visual Art Opening Reception Meet and mingle over refreshments with the GD Festival Committee and the festival’s visual artists: Jane Erlandson, Shaina Read, Barbara Bickel, Kera Ling, Jamie Neely, Carrie Gant, Amelia McCann, Janelle O’Malley, Amanda Cantrell Roche, Georgia Hiatt, Courtny Chatham, Yrlen Facio, Emma Vassallo, Chloe Topf and Lance Long, Saffron Klekamp, Bethany Nicoli, Natalie Pivoney, Sam Chase, Erin Cramer and More! The exhibit continues through May 27th during regular gallery hours: Thu-Fri 12-6pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-3pm. 6p, Side Street Studio Arts, 15 Ziegler Court 847.429.2276 sidestreetstudioarts.org. Free The Glass Menagerie Strongly autobiographical, this memory play, a drama of great tenderness, charm and beauty, premiered in 1944, catapulted Tennessee Williams from obscurity to fame and became one of the most famous plays of the modern American theatre. Directed by Mark Steensland, starring Angela Douglass, Diane McFarlin, Gabor Mark & Justin Schaller.

Fridays and Saturdays at 7.30p from May 4 through May 19. 7.30p, Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division Street 847.697.7374 independentplayers.org. $10-12-15 First Fridays Improv with GreenRoom Productions Join us for First Fridays Improv with GreenRoom Productions to kick-off a carefree evening out with friends, family or just yourself and some strangers. It’ll be a fun night either way! There’ll be laughter, crazy antics, competing

teams of improvisers, live music and a cash bar (no atm on site). It’ll be a fun night out that won’t break the bank!

100% clean. 99.27% hilarious. 90 minutes of complete improvisation a la Whose Line Is It Anyway. Great fun for all ages! General Admission. Snag your tickets at the door, or in advance by phone, or you can purchase online.

8p-12.15p, Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way 847.931.5900 greenroomimprov.com. $12-15

Sat.May.5 Spring Into Wellness Spring into Wellness - Mind, Body, and Spirit Health Fair in partnership with the Schaumburg-Hoffman Estates Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. There will be speakers, vendors, and businesses all there to assist in living your best life! 9a-12p, Second Baptist Church, 1280 Summit Street 847.695.7757 sbcelginil.org.

Free

6th Annual Elgin iFest iFest features music and entertainment, ethnic cuisine, children’s activities, a “world market” and cultural arts and crafts.

Admission to iFest is free and open to all ages. Food vendors and some regional exhibitors will have items for sale. WHAT’S NEW? This year, iFest has been moved to May 5th to be part of a weekend of cultural events in downtown Elgin. The Downtown Neighborhood Association’s Elgin Cinco De Mayo! event takes place on Friday, May 4 from 6-10 p.m. and the Gail Borden Public Library’s Asian Pacific American Heritage Celebration which takes place on Saturday, May 5 from 1-4 p.m. In addition to moving the iFest date, the event is being moved from Riverside Drive to the The Centre of Elgin and nearby locations. Country exhibitors will be located inside the Centre’s Heritage Ballroom so that precious artifacts and generational garments are not exposed to outside weather conditions. Entertainment will be held in the green space just west of the Centre. Food trucks, additional food vendors and activities (like the salsa challenge) will be located along Grove Avenue and in the parking adjacent to the green space (between Kimball and Symphony). 10a-2p, Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way 311 elginifest. org Coding Series: HTML Basics Learn about the basic page structure and formatting of HTML, the programming language that powers the web, in this class. 10a-11.30a, GBPL Com-

4.5 puter Training Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Story Hour: Sheep Come to the Elgin Public Museum for Story Hour. This weeks subject is sheep. Learn all about these furry, fuzzy creatures.

The story hour is held an hour before the museum opens and there is no charge. Donations are very welcome!

11a, Elgin Public Museum, 225 Grand Boulevard 847.741.6655 elginpublicmuseum.org. Free Derby Day Block Party Celebrating Cinco de Mayo and Derby Day 12p, Corner of Spring and Fulton Streets crossfoot@rocketmail.com. Free Featured Author Family Movie We will be watching the movie Chicken Little (2005) Come join us! Rated G. 12p-2p, South Elgin Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Brownie Day May 5 is Brownie Day at the Elgin Public Museum! Girls between the ages of 7-10, Scouts or not, are invited to participate in any or all of these educational girl scout programs designed for badge requirements. Our educator will provide a lesson for the first half of each program, which will be followed by fun, hands-on activities. Each program is $5 per participant. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. 12:30 - 1:30 Potter. (participants are encouraged to bring their own smock). 2:00 - 3:00 Home Scientist. Make ice cream, play with electricity and test the power of chemical reactions. 3:30 - 4:30 Bugs.

Explore the world of bugs and learn more about what they do through the Museum’s collection of insects. Get your hands dirty by going on a bug hunt in the gardens. 12.30p, Elgin Public Museum, 225 Grand Boulevard 847.741.6655 elginpublicmuseum. org. $5 Asian-Pacifi c Heritage Celebration & iFest: Tour of Asia Tour Asian culture with sounds, dance, desserts and art. Cross the street from iFest to an Asian exploration of fun for the whole family. 1p-4p, GBPL Meadows Comm.

Rms. A-B-C, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Mother’s Day Cards and Cricut

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May 2018 Demo Create lovely cards for Mother’s Day. There will be a Cricut cutting machine demo. All supplies provided. R 1p-3p, Rakow Living Room, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info

14th-June 30th Peace and community books and crafts 4p-5p, GBPL Story Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Board Game Night See 4/28. 5p, Blue Box Cafe, 176 E. Chicago Street 847.697.2583 theblueboxcafe.com. Free

Welcome Baby! Baby’s First Library Visit See 4/28. 1p-2p, Rakow Children’s Area, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info Cinco de Mayo TRUCK MEET Having a small Truck Meet at Lords Park in Elgin IL. Bring those nice trucks out and just chill and have a good time! Its a public park so if y’all wanna bring grills you are welcome too. But be responsible and pick up after yourself! INVITE PEOPLE. No drama!! No burn outs!!

3p, Lords Park Zoo, 225 Grand Boulevard Elgin City of Peace Community Story Time Community storytellers Bilingual Each Saturday April

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Kashmir: Chicago’s Led Zeppelin Show 7p, RocHaus, 96 W. Main Street 815.482.2870 rochaus. com. $18-35 Elgin Symphony Orchestra’s Season Finale: Bernstein and Mahler 5 Season Finale: Bernstein and Mahler 5. These season finale concerts hold the ESO premiere of Leonard Bernstein’s Candide Suite, part of a worldwide celebration of the 100th anniversary of his birth. (#BernsteinAt100) Candide is an operetta based on a novella by Voltaire. The

work was not well-received by audience and critics at its 1959 premiere, but it is now a beloved standard of the theatrical repertoire. Mahler’s Symphony No. 5 was written after he suffered a life-threatening hemorrhage. It conveys a dazzling array of emotions. The fourth movement of this symphony, Adagietto, may be the most famous of all his works.

It was written as a love song to his wife, Alma, whom he met and married during the composition of the piece. Leonard Bernstein conducted the Adagietto at the funeral mass of Robert F. Kennedy on June 8, 1968, and it was featured in the 1971 movie Death in Venice. The exuberant finale is a fitting conclusion to the exciting 2017-2018 season.

A cash bar will be available for this and every ESO concert. No ATM on site, so please plan accordingly.

7.30p-12p, Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way 847.888.4000 elginsymphony.org

The Glass Menagerie See 5/4. 7.30p, Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division Street 847.697.7374 independentplayers.org. $10-12-15 Bossydog Music from the 80s, 90s and top 40.

9p, D-Hangout Bar & Grill, 550 S. McLean Blvd.

847.717.0511 d-hangout.com. No Cover

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Near West Neighborhood Civil War Walk Walk the neighborhood where Civil War General Lynch and Lt. Col. John Wilcox lived. The Near West Neighbors will give you Elgin’s Civil War highlights as they walk the blocks near the 1846 Nancy Kimball Cobblestone home. Nancy Kimball (portrayed by Linda Rock) will be on hand to greet guests and talk about her family history throughout the event. Tours start at 1pm and 2pm. 1p-3p, Nancy Kimball House, 302 W. Chicago Street 847.742.4248 elginhistory.org. $5 donation

Northern Will County Special Recreation Association This program is open to persons with disabilities from NWCSRA, returning adaptive divers, and individuals interested in trying scuba.

WWW.DIVEHEART.ORG/DONATE

Cobblestone Refl ections Community Art Project Paint a kindness rock to plant around Elgin for FREE. Or watch an Elgin artist paint a larger garden stone. Kids and families welcome! Support the Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House! 1p-3p, Nancy Kimball House, 302 W. Chicago Street 847.742.4248 elginhistory.org. Free

630.964.1983

Pearls and Lace Afternoon Tea In honor of the royal wedding! Scones with Devonshire Cream, Lemon Curd and variety of hot tea selections. Finger sandwiches and desserts. Music provided by flautist Pamela Schuett. Come dressed in your finest pearls and lace! Hats will be available for that special touch. Take pictures with the “Queen” herself. 1p3p, State Street Market Shops, 701 N. State Street 224.558.9139 kaysteashop@gmail.com. $30 Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra Concerts: FIRE FInal concerts of the season by the EYSO’s mutliple ensembles. Concerts a 2p, 4.30p and 7.30p. 2p,

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ersaciones en espanol con fluidez y hablando con gente que hablan espanol como primer idioma. 12p-1p, GBPL Conference Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

AT E ST R EET T S MARKET SHOPS

Homework Heroes See 4/30.

3.30p-5.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden. info

35 Specialty Shops Gifts • Antiques

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2018

January 2-31 Winter Sales All Month January 20-21, Sat & Sun Join Us for Cocoa & Cookies February 8, Thurs Eve 6-8pm Valentine Ladies’ Night Out March 10-11, Sat & Sun 36th Anniversary Celebration Refreshments & Prizes March 24-25, Sat & Sun Meet the Easter Bunny Bring Your Camera April 14-15, Sat & Sun April Showers & Flowers Savings May 12-13, Sat & Sun Mom’s Appreciation Days Refreshments & Gifts For Mom June 9-10, Sat & Sun Strawberries & Lemonade Tastings & Summer Sales July 14-15, Sat & Sun Ice Cream Social August 4 thru 12 Dog Daze Sale September 15-16, Sat & Sun Fall Fling Music, Prizes & Refreshments October 18, Thurs Eve 6-8pm Ladies’ Night Out “Witches, Wine & Wander” November 10-11, Sat & Sun Holiday Open House Music & Refreshments

Regular Hours:

Tuesday-Saturday 10-5 Thursday 10-8 • Sunday 11-5 Open Mondays 10-5 Beginning November 12th

Extended Evening Hours: Beginning November 23rd Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri 10-6 Thurs 10-8, Sat 10-5, Sun 11-5 Until Christmas

701 N. State Street Elgin, Illinois Tel: 847-695-3066

statestreetmarketshops.com

ECC Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Drive tickets.elgin.edu. $14-25 Elgin Symphony Orchestra’s Season Finale: Bernstein and Mahler 5 See 5/5. 2.30p-5p, Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way 847.888.4000 elginsymphony.org

Mon.May.7 Mobile Hearing Screening provided by the Elgin Lions Club The Lions Clubs of Illinois sponsor free hearing screenings for persons 18 and older and 10-17 years of age with a written consent, in communities all over the state. The Mobile Hearing Screening activity is conducted through the cooperation of the Lions of Illinois Foundation, the charitable arm of the state’s more than 700 Lions Club and is funded primarily from Candy Day. 9a-5p, GBPL Parking Lot, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden. info Toma control de tu Diabetes Personas con diabetes o prediabetes, podran hablar con doctores y expertos para obtener informacion util acerca del manejo del dolor o la fatiga. Por favor registrese con: Paola Velazquez al 224-783-2398. Presentado por el Hospital Advocate Sherman en espanol. 9a-12p, GBPL Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Spanish Cafe / Cafe en Espanol Intermediate-level participants will practice structured and spontaneous conversations in Spanish. Participants also will learn vocabulary. Participantes de nivel intermedio practican respondiendo o empezando conv-

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, poet and songwriter, will facilitate.

No registration. 6.30p-8.30p, GBPL Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info The Art and Science of Pricing The Art and Science of Pricing explores the key components of a pricing strategy: profitability and “perception” in the customers mind. Larry Bussow, Certified Mentor from Fox Valley SCORE, will discuss how analyzing competition, target customers, and the importance of the brand will help define a pricing strategy. Presented in partnership with Fox Valley SCORE. Registration required. 6.30p-8p, GBPL Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info MS Access Series: Forms & Reports Learn how to use forms to make data entry easier and create printable reports and mailing labels from your database in this class. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Planning and Zoning Commission ELGIN COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE: The City of Elgin is in the process of adopting a new comprehensive plan. The comprehensive plan is the City’s official policy document regarding growth, development, and physical improvements in the community over the next 15-20 years.

The last plan was adopted in 2005.

The public is invited and encouraged to provide feedback at a public hearing scheduled during the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting in the Council Chambers of City Hall.The complete draft comprehensive plan can be found at cityofelgin.org/draftcompplan. A summary of the draft comprehensive plan can be found at cityofelgin.org/compplansummary.

7p-8p, Elgin City Hall Council Chambers, 150 Dexter Court 311 cityofelgin.org ECC Concert Choir: Songs of Spring Under the direction of Chris Cherry, the ECC Concert Choir will perform a wide-breath of choral music from many eras. 7.30p, ECC Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive 847.622.0300 tickets.elgin.edu. $7-9 Women Build 2018 Women Build 2018 is an all-women building event spanning several days as Women come together to help build a home

4.5 for a deserving family. Join Mrs. Illinois-America, Nicole Cook, and other women as they fundraise and volunteer for this worthy cause! Go online to donate or join her team today! The money raised through Women Build helps expand our mission of preserving affordable housing, by helping homeowners in need rejuvenate the exterior and interior of their existing home through our A Brush with Kindness & Critical Home Repair programs Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley, 56 S. Grove Avenue nfvwomenbuild.org. Donation

Tue.May.8 Armchair Generals - Film Screening of The American Experience Part 2 A Brown Bag Civil War and Lincoln Interest Group. Commemorate events, share insights, and talk about books or experiences. Film Screening of The American Experience: Reconstruction, Part 2 - Retreat (86 minutes).

11.45a-1.15p, GBPL Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden. info Job Search and Resume Help See 5/1. 1p-4p, GBPL Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Mah Jongg for Beginners See 5/1.

1p-2p, Rakow Living Room, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden. info South Elgin Sentinels Chess Club See 5/1. 4.30p-5.30p, South Elgin Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Mom & Me 3D Printing Looking for that perfect present for Mother’s or Father’s Day? Create one together using the 3D printer! Open to ages 8 and up. 5p-6.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Spring Trunk Show Find the best prices of the season at our Spring Trunk Show Tuesday, May 8th from 5:30-8:30pm. We will be featuring our best discounts on our best brands. Appetizers will be provided by Porter’s Pub and we will be featuring drink specials all night long!

FEED.colorcode Bands & Music

Theater & Dance

Exhibits & Film

Causes & Community

Kids & Families

Lectures & Learning Wellness & Nature Creativity Other

May 2018

BRAVO

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J.W. Ranstead Building, 43 DuPage Court

COLOR MY CITY

Illustrations by Madeline Richmond

IDEA BOX

How many different colors of brick are on this building?

Draw in the signs and neon lights that identify the business located here today.

Who’s name is displayed above the upper bay window?

Designed by Smith Hoag in the commercial Queen Anne style, this building was erected in 1892 for prominent Elgin attorney John W. Ranstead, whose offices were on the second floor. The first floor housed a savings and loan, whose vault and safe are still located inside. Over the years this address was home to several small businesses including a natural gas company and a millinery store. It’s been known as Al’s Cafe since Al Berg opened the restaurant in 1981.

See also: historicelgin.com © M.E. Richmond Art. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

36

Please RSVP. 5.30p, Bowes Creek Country Club 847.214.5880 Wellness Tips for Healthy Kicks Join Joyce Lande, Lively Kitchens, and discover how to fuel yourself before or after workouts or sporting activities to stay energized. 6p7p, South Elgin Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Sustainabilty Commission 6.15p-7.15p, Elgin City Hall, 150 Dexter Court 311 cityofelgin.org

BRAVO or parent teacher organization. For information and advice on organizing a Bike to School Day event, visit the website. 8a, In your neighborhood walkbiketoschool.org

55-70 who hasn’t yet elected Social Security. Please register. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

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 a partnership with the Kane County/department of Community Reinvestment. For more information, call 630-966-1435, ext.

40078. 9.30a-11a, GBPL Conference Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Walking Book Club See 5/2.

7p-8.30p, GBPL Library On The Go at Rec Center, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

MS Excel: Charts & Graphs Learn how to add visual interest and tell stories by displaying numbers and data sets in chart or graph format in this class. 10a-11.30a, South Elgin Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Homework Heroes See 4/30.

3.30p-5.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden. info

Grupo de Conversacion en Ingles / English Conversation Group See 5/1. 6.30p-7.30p, GBPL Conference Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Elgin Alive Program: Documenting the Preservation Movement in Elgin Join in viewing the documentary film, “25 Years of Preservation in Elgin.” The film chronicles the first twenty-five years of the preservation movement in Elgin. Then enjoy a slide presentation by Gifford Park Association representative, Dan Miller, showing preservation accomplishments in the following ten years. Dan and others involved in the movement will discuss what local preservationists are doing now and where the preservation movement is headed. Sponsors: ECN, Elgin Area Historical Society. No registration needed. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B-C, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.429.4680 gailborden.info/register. FRee Kane County Sheriff Series Lecture 7p-8.30p, GBPL Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden. info MS Word: Basics Learn how to create text-based documents using Word, as well as how to complete simple actions like saving, opening, and printing documents in this class.

7p-8.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Wed.May.9 Bike to School Day Ride or walk to school with your kids. Organize an event with your school principal and/

4.5

Planetarium Public Shows Come early and tour the building (upstairs telescope and displays downstairs) before a sky/star show with a focus on the building’s connection to Elgin National Watch Company. No reservations; first come, first served seating. Free parking at Raymond St. and National St. Doors open at 4pm, shows begin at 4:30pm and 6:30pm.

4p, Elgin National Watch Company Observatory, 312 Watch Street Peggy Hernandez, 847.888.5324. $3 individuals; $10 family (cash only) STEAM for Grades 1-5 Save the Salad. Science Technology Engineering Arts and Math! We will be exploring, experimenting and creating. 4p-5p, Rakow Corridor West, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info Grupo de Futuros Biling/Go Bilingual Conversation Group See 5/2.

6p-7p, GBPL Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden. info Photoshop 101: Cd Cover Art Learn how to use Photoshop to make your own cover art. 6p-8p, GBPL Studio 270 Digital Media Lab, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Billow, Snailmate and Security Culture Very happy to have Snailmate from AZ return to Side Street with Security Culture and local support

by Bilow!!!!! As a non-profit organization, Side Street Studio Arts does not charge a required admission fee to attend our events. We simply request that you consider a suggested donation. This means that you do not have to pay to enjoy the art, artists, and atmosphere of Side Street Studio Arts. However, over half of our small budget comes from your suggested donations, which cover our rent, utilities, marketing, space maintenance, and so on. Just as importantly, a portion of your suggested donation goes directly to the artists you are here to enjoy. #supportlocalart Mountain King Music Collective is a multi-faceted group of young individuals looking to create a better, more inclusive music scene in Elgin. We are working hard to create in order to help the scene thrive and live vicariously through teens and 20-Somethings alike. Our goal as a collective is to get more people, such as you, the reader, involved with the scene as a whole. That could be by way of writing, making art, taking pictures, printing merchandise, volunteering at shows as well as many other things that come with being a fully equipped DIY. Mountain King Music Collective strives to create a scene for artists of all kinds, run by the very artists that live within. We hope you’ll join us on this endeavor. 7p, Side Street Studio Arts, 15 Ziegler Court 847.429.2276 sidestreetstudioarts.org. $5 donation QuickBooks Series: Working with Items Learn how to work with QuickBooks’ Items module as well as how to define, set up, edit and delete items in this class. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden. info Strategic Social Security If you want to find out how recent Social Security changes may impact your retirement, please join us for Strategic Social Security, an informational workshop presented by First American Bank and First American Investment Services. You’ll learn more about advanced filing strategies, when to start collecting benefits, and how working in retirement can potentially reduce your Social Security income. This workshop may be ideal for anyone between the ages of

ECC Concert Band: Musical Portrait of America The ECC Concert Band, under the direction of Jim Kull, thrills audiences with a broad range of music in heart-stirring arrangements. In May, the band celebrates the music of America. 7.30p, ECC Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive 847.622.0300 tickets.elgin.edu. $7-9 Health and Wellness Virtual Online Class Looking for ways to lose weight? Gain energy? Improve your allergies? Learn how to successfully address these issues, and much much more. Join our online event on Natural approaches to improve your overall health and wellness. The medical field is interested in treating disease...we’re interested in building health! 7.30p, Facebook Kimeg290@ gmail.com www.facebook.com. Free

Thu.May.10 Literacy Connection Tutor Training See 5/3. 9a-11.30a, GBPL Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Device Advice / Asistencia individual con electrcos See 4/26.

9.30a-11.30a, GBPL Studio 270, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden. info Piano Performance: Steve Yoder 11a-12p, GBPL Lobby, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Listen, Learn and Lead Toastmasters Club #6974 See 4/26. 12p-1p, GBPL Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Jobs Series: Applying for Jobs Online Learn how to streamline the process of applying for jobs online by organizing information, saving positions, and more in this class.

List your events for FREE

BRAVO

May 2018 1p-2.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Laurence Catholic School, 572 Standish Street 847.468.6100 wkelly@stlaurenceschool.com

Piano Performance: Ted Turner 1p-2p, GBPL Lobby, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

For My Family: How much screen time is okay for my child? For my family: workshops to help parents and caregivers navigate family life.RESCHEDULED!Join us for discussion on children, screens, and learning. Dr. Navsaria, MPH, MSLIS, MD, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health, will highlight research on electronic screen usage and give recommendations for families as they navigate this topic.Registration Preferred. 6.30p-7.30p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B-C, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Resume Help See 5/3. 3.30p-6.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Piano Performance: Shirley Remes 4.30p-5.30p, GBPL Lobby, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Yoga + Wine Event Join us for a one hour yoga session followed by 30 minutes of relaxing with a glass of wine! Open to all levels, but you can expect a blend of yoga with a high intensity workout.

Please bring your yoga mat and water! Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot today. 6p, St.

Genealogy Writers’ Group Learn from others with a similar interest in writing their families’ history.

6.30p-8p, GBPL Conference Room, 270 N. Grove

37 Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Mid-Century Architecture: Modern + More in the Northeast Neighborhood, Part II: In the Woods – Bicycle Tour Grab your bikes and get ready to admire some of northeast Elgin’s mid-century architecture. We will see homes that are designed in the modern style of the era and more from the middle of the 20th Century. The tour is presented by the Northeast Neighborhood Association of Elgin (NENA) and is led by architectural historian and local author, Rebecca Hunter. Parking is available for vehicular transportation of bicycles to the site. Tour will last approximately 90 minutes. No registration required. 6.30p, Trout Park, Sherwood Avenue at Trout Park Boulevard info@nenaofelgin.org Elgin 360 Photography Club - Manual Exposure Photography enthusiasts of all skill levels are invited to learn, share, teach and photograph life in all of its 360-degree glory. Join us for a free presentation and discussion on a variety of photography topics.

No experience necessary. Bring your camera if you have specific questions about your gear. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Love, Loss and What I Wore A series of monologues where the subject matter includes women’s relationships and wardrobes and at times the interaction of the two, using the female wardrobe as a time capsule of a woman’s life. In observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Repeats 5/12 at 3p. 7p, ECC Building G, Room G100, 1700 Spartan Drive elgin.edu. Free MS Access Series: Tables Learn how to sort and filter data in an Access table, modify a table design, import data, and link tables together in a relationship in this class. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Piano Performance: John LaBorn 7p-8p, GBPL Lobby, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden. info

FRE E! 6-10 PM DUPAGE COU RT, ELG IN

AU TH EN TIC ME XICAN MU SIC & ARTIS TS ND OR S LO CA L FO OD TR UC KS & VE LOW RI DE R CA R SH OW & M OR E!

elgincincodemayo.com

ECC Jazz Combo: Get Hip to Some Jazz The smooth sounds of jazz performed by the talented ECC Jazz Combo, under the direction of Shawn Maxwell, is an evening that you don’t want to miss!

7.30p, ECC Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive 847.622.0300 tickets.elgin.edu. $7-9

Fri.May.11 Mental Health Clinician CE Workshop Willow Creek Community Church, Judson University, and Amita/Alexian are partnering together to feed the souls and minds of mental health clinicians with a unique Continuing Education Event providing counselors, social workers, marriage and family therapists, psychologists, and nurses with 4.0 CEUs in Mental Health Law/Ethics and Soul Care. Special Rate includes 4.0 CEUs, buffet breakfast, buffet lunch, Soul Care/Worship, Workshop, Q and A, fellowship, and encouragement. 8.30a, Creekside South, Judson University, 1151 N. State Street 847

BRAVO

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Elgin History Museum in candlelight and meet characters from the past as you go from room to room. Wine and cheese refreshments after your peculiar nighttime visit. Tickets available online. 7.30p-10p, Elgin History Museum, 360 Park Street 847.742.4248 elginhistory.org. $10 The Glass Menagerie See 5/4. 7.30p, Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division Street 847.697.7374 independentplayers.org. $10-12-15

Sat.May.12 628-2500 judsonu.edu. $49 Literacy Connection Tutor Training See 5/3. 9a-11.30a, GBPL Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Computers 101 Series: Mouse & Keyboard Learn how to left-click, right-click, double click, use basic command keys, and navigate various areas of the keyboard in this class.

10a-11.30a, GBPL Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info No-Shushing Movie Fridays We’ll be screening three Charlie Chaplin Favorites (NR) 10a-12.30p, South Elgin Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden.info May Science Night Discover the science behind some of the most common tricks used by magicians for centuries! Unravel the mysteries of optical illusions, fire tricks, and other logic-defying “magic” as explained through science in experiments and demonstrations set up throughout the Elgin Public Museum. It’s all just a bunch of hocus pocus… or is it?

This is a drop-in program, no registration necessary. 6p-8p, Elgin Public Museum, 225 Grand Boulevard 847.741.6655 elginpublicmuseum. org. $2

Love Our River Day Join us for a Fox River cleanup, including a data collection project, followed by a community celebration with live bluegrass music by local band Red Horse, exhibits, demos, awards and prizes.

To volunteer for the cleanup and data collection from 9 am to noon, please register at friendsofthefoxriver.org.

The event will be co-hosted and sponsored by State Rep. Anna Moeller and Friends of the Fox River. 9a-2p, GBPL Outdoor Stage, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info No Limits 9a, D Hangout Bar and Grill, 550 S. McLean Boulevard 847.717.0511 d-hangout.com. No Cover Annual Firefighter Memorial Service Fire Departments from Elgin and 17 surrounding communities will gather to honor and remember Illinois firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty as well as current and retired firefighters who passed away the previous year. The fire museum will be open for tours and visiting fire departments will bring fire equipment which will be on display. The event will be held rain or shine. 10a-11a, Fire Barn No. 5 Museum, 533 St. Charles Street 847.931.6175. Free Coding Series: CSS Basics Learn how to link pages and create menus using a pre-structured set of HTML pages and start styling page elements with CSS in this class. 10a-11.30a, GBPL Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info English for the Workplace Improve your English language skills so you can get a job in this free 6-week course. Practice dialog, interviews, vocabulary, and use laptops for internet searches, emailing and creating a resume. You will also find out about local educational and employment resources. 10a-1p, South Elgin Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden. info

Big Story 7p, RocHaus, 96 W. Main Street 815.482.2870 rochaus.com. $10-15 Candlelight Museum Tour Visit the

Jigglejam! with Jodi Koplin Ages 3-6 with adult caregiver. Main Library, Meadows Community RoomsSaturday, May 12 10-10:45amPut on your dancin’ shoes & get ready for some funtastic sing-a-longs. Join us for a

willing and jiggling musical extravaganza featuring puppets, instruments, and bubbles! 10a-10.45a, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B-C, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Joyercon Flor: Pulseras con Colores/Jewelry with Flor:Colorful Bracelets Joyeria con Flor: Pulseras con Colores/Jewelry with Flor: Colorful Bracelets! Clase de joyeria para padres e hijos! Haremos pulseras de muchos colores y figuras. Se proveeren los materiales y herramientas. Para ninos de 8 anos en adelante. Limite de 4 personas por familia. 12.30p-3.30p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rm. C, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Continuing the Tradition – Lords Park Zoo Celebration As part of the Elgin’s Heritage Month, join the Friends of the Lords Park Zoo in celebrating the zoo’s history and learn more about the events and programs planned throughout the summer. Volunteers from the Stillman Valley Nature Center featuring owls, hawks and other rescued raptors will join the festivities. Local organizations such as Elgin Public museum, Elgin Historical Society, Izaak Walton League, Elgin Fire Barn Museum, the Gail Borden Library, and Hanover Township Services will have information available. Friends of the Lord’s Park Zoo accepts volunteers for Zoo Greeters. Free popcorn, cake, bottled water, balloons, and more! 1p, Lords Park Zoo, 100 Oakwood Boulevard Terry Gabel, 847.638.3458. Free

4.5 1700 Spartan Drive elgin.edu. Free Seguridad en la: consejos para navegar y hacer compras de forma segura. Nivel 2: Intremedio 3.30p-5p, GBPL Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Elgin City of Peace Community Story Time Community storytellers Bilingual Each Saturday April 14thJune 30th Peace and community books and crafts 4p-5p, GBPL Story Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Young Peacemakers Club Young Peacemaker’s Club for all children ages Kindergarten thru 8th grade! We usually have 15-20 kids, and parents are welcome to stay, or drop kids off.

All of our volunteers are registered youth workers. At each meeting there will be dinner, activities and open gym at NO COST! 5.30p-8p, Elgin Community of Christ, 1675 E. Chicago Street 847.749.4055 ypcchicago. com. Free Shaman’s Harvest 6.30p, RocHaus, 96 W. Main Street 815.482.2870 rochaus.com. $20-38 The Best of The Second City Fresh, fast and always spectacularly funny, Chicago’s legendary sketch and improv comedy theater is headed to Elgin! The Best of The Second City features sketches and songs from throughout The Second City’s history-including pieces and characters made famous by superstars like Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, Gilda Radner, Bill Murray, and more.

This must-see show will also feature a set of Second City’s trademark improvisation. (May contain mature content.) 7p, ECC Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive 847.622.0300 tickets.elgin.edu. $28-33 The Glass Menagerie See 5/4. 7.30p, Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division Street 847.697.7374 independentplayers.org. $10-12-15

Sun.May.13 Kumihimo: The Art of Japanese Braiding Make a braided bracelet using cording and a kumihimo tool.

Supplies provided. 1p-3p, Rakow Living Room, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info Basico Comptaci maneja el teclado y el raton (ML) Nivel 1: Basico 1.30p-3p, GBPL Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Puzzle Club Drop in and join us for word puzzles, Sudoku, kid’s floor puzzles and adult jigsaw puzzles.

2p-4p, South Elgin Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Love, Loss and What I Wore See 5/10. 3p, ECC Building G, Room G100,

Mother’s Day Brunch at Emmett’s Treat Mom to a delicious brunch at Emmett’s on Sunday, May 13th from 9AM-2PM. Adults $35, Children 12-5

FEED.colorcode Bands & Music

Theater & Dance

Exhibits & Film

Causes & Community

Kids & Families

Lectures & Learning Wellness & Nature Creativity Other

BRAVO

May 2018 $18 and Children under 5 eat free.

Make it a Champagne Brunch for only $5 more. Reservations Recommended. Emmett’s will also be taking reservation for dinner. 9a, Emmett’s Brewing Co, 128 W. Main Street, West Dundee 847-428-4500 emmetsbrewingco.com. $35 Love Mother Earth Workday Help clear garden beds and spread mulch at Schweitzer Environmental Center 12.30p, Schweitzer Environmental Center 16N690 Sleepy Hollow Rd, West Dundee, IL, 16N900 Sleepy Hollow Road, West Dundee 815.356.6605 friendsofthefoxriver. org. Free Cyclofemme Ride Join the Bicycle and Pedestration Advisory Committee (BPAC) on a Mother’s Day bike ride on the Fox River Trail. Meet in the north parking lot at the Gail Borden Public Library at 4:00 p.m. A special treat for the first 50 ladies to show up!

Learn more about this international event at the website. 4p, Gail Borden Public Library North Parking Lot, 270 N. Grove Avenue cyclofemme.com

Mon.May.14 Toma control de tu Diabetes See 5/7. 9a-12p, GBPL Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden. info

Brown Bag Lunch Classic Films My Man Godfrey (1936, NR) My Man Godfrey (1936, NR)A scatterbrained socialite hires a vagrant as a family butler...but there’s more to Godfrey than meets the eye.Director: Gregory La CavaWriters: Morrie Ryskind (screen play), Eric Hatch (screen play and based on the novel by Eric)Starring: William Powell, Carole Lombard, Alice Brady, Jane Wyman.Time: 1 hour 34 minutesType: Comedy, Drama, Romance 11a-2p, GBPL Meadows Comm.

Rms. A-B-C, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden. info Me Too: Let’s Talk The Community Crisis Center presents a series of ongoing discussions about domestic issues with a panel of staff experts.

6p-7.30p, GBPL Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden. info

Finals Feeding Frenzy Drop by Studio 270 to enjoy some snacks and study for finals. 3p-9p, GBPL Studio 270, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Mid-Century Modern Downtown Historic Tour Prolonged economic buoyancy derived from Elgin’s world famous watch factory, along with prosperous post-WWII America, allowed Elgin to step into the modern-era. Although many buildings were razed to pave the way for this new look, today’s downtown shows a layer of design elements paying homage to each bygone era. This downtown walking tour, hosted by the Downtown Neighborhood Association – Design Committee, is a unique opportunity to explore the modern movement in Elgin’s civic, and commercial structures. Tour will be led by Bill Briska, President – Elgin Area Historical Society, and Christen Sundquist, Historic Preservation Planner- City of Elgin. 6p-7p, Meet in front of City Hall, 150 Dexter Court 847.488.1456 downtownelgin.com. $5 donation

Homework Heroes See 4/30.

3.30p-5.30p, South Elgin Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard,

Simple Game Design using Bitsy Learn the basics of how to make small, minimally interactive games

39 using Bitsy. No coding knowledge required. Computers provided. Saving your work will require a USB drive or access to an email address. This is a two day program. 6.30p-7.30p, Rakow Living Room, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info 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, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info MS Excel: Basics Learn how Excel’s cells, worksheets & workbooks easily allow users to manipulate, calculate, and format numbers and other types of data in this class. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden. info

Tue.May.15 On The Table: Community Meal & Discussion What’s on the table?

Bringing people together, building up our community, getting to know our neighbors, and expressing our hopes and dreamsowhile sharing a meal and conversation together! Free pizza provided by Elgin Human Relations

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be used to interpret the history of Elgin, or almost any other city. Amaze your family and friends when you drive through a city and comment on its past having never even been there before! Presenter: Bill Briska, President – Elgin Area Historical Society.

Registration required, online or by phone, or in person at the Registration Desk. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B-C, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.429.4680 gailborden. info/register. Free

4.30p-5.30p, GBPL Lobby, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden. info

Commission. Space is limited to 40 seats, so please register. 12p-2p, GBPL Library On The Go at Restaurant, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

QuickBooks Series: All About Customers Learn how to add, edit, delete, and credit customers as well as how to work with invoices and receive payments in this class.

7p-8.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Chicago Lighthouse Group This is a parent networking group for families who have children ages 0-3 with visual impairments. 6.30p-8p, GBPL Story Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Job Search and Resume Help See 5/1. 1p-4p, GBPL Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Walking Book Club See 5/2.

7p-8.30p, GBPL Library On The Go at Rec Center, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

MS Excel: Formulas and Functions Learn to use formulas to automatically calculate and manipulate totals, percentages, averages, and ranges in this class. 10a-11.30a, South Elgin Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden.info

Mah Jongg for Beginners See 5/1.

1p-2p, Rakow Living Room, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden. info Finals Feeding Frenzy See 5/14. 3p9p, GBPL Studio 270, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info South Elgin Sentinels Chess Club See 5/1. 4.30p-5.30p, South Elgin Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Grupo de Conversacien InglEnglish Conversation Group See 5/1.

6.30p-7.30p, GBPL Conference Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Integrity School of Dance: Performance Showcase Featuring our most dedicated company dancers, one night only! Purchase your tickets at Integrity School of Dance, online, or at the door. 7p, Larkin High School, 1475 Larkin Avenue 847.742.6666 integrityschoolofdance.com. $7-10 Medicare 101 Join us for an overview of Medicare and how it works. David Wylly of the Medicare Solutions Network will detail what Medicare covers and what it doesn’t, and options for additional coverage. We will review Medicare Supplements, Part D Drug Prescription coverage, and Advantage Plans, as well as cost saving strategies. Please register. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info MS Word: Formatting Docs Learn how to format and align text, apply bullets or numbers, and adjust spacing within your Word documents in this class. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Wed.May.16

Annual Police Memorial Service Memorial Service honoring police officers killed in the line of duty followed by viewing of Elgin Police Department’s historical displays (in lobby). Refreshments will be served.

Sponsored by EPD. 2.30p-3p, Elgin Police Department, 151 Douglas Avenue Christy Schmidt, 847.289.2588 schmidt_c@cityofelgin.org Finals Feeding Frenzy See 5/14. 3p9p, GBPL Studio 270, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Homework Heroes See 4/30.

3.30p-5.30p, South Elgin Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden. info STEAMology - Save the Salad Science Technology Engineering Arts and Math! We will be exploring, experimenting and creating. 4p-5p, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Grupo de Futuros Biling/Go Bilingual Conversation Group See 5/2.

6p-7p, GBPL Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden. info Ride of Silence On one night in cities around the world, cyclists gather to ride in silence to raise awareness of cyclists’ right to ride on the road and to honor the fallen cyclists no longer with us. We ride slowly and silently in hope to end the tragedy on our roads. 6.45p, Spin Doctor Cyclewerks, 140 S. Hickory Street, Bartlett 630.289.7360 Contemporary Fiction Book Group Enrich your reading of contemporary novels by sharing insights with fellow readers. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Elgin: An Outdoor Museum of Architecture Elgin has a treasure trove of residential architecture. This program explains how buildings can

Thu.May.17 3D printing Basics for Adults Are you curious about the new wave of 3D printing? Join us to learn about the basics of this exciting technology and get some hands on experience by creating your own object for printing!

9.30a-11a, Rakow Living Room, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info Device Advice See 4/26.

9.30a-11.30a, Rakow Computer Cafe, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info Icky, Gooey, Bubbly!: Mad Science for Preschoolers Icky, Gooey, Bubbly!: Mad Science for Preschoolers.

Ages 3-6 with adult caregiverJoin us for a morning of fun with dry ice, slime and much more! 10a-10.45a, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B-C, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Piano Performance: Steve Yoder 11a-12p, GBPL Lobby, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Brown Bag Lunch: Abraham Lincoln Quiz Celebrate Illinois’ Bicentennial year by learning more about our favorite president and show off your Lincoln knowledge to win prizes. Past President Carl Flaks will host an Abraham Lincoln Quiz. Bring your lunch and play the game! FREE admission as part of International Museum Day! 12p, Elgin History Museum, 360 Park Street 847.742.4248 elginhistory.org

What’s Old is New Again Discover your past, preserve your memories, and explore historic Elgin. Tour the Elgin Area Collection, discover genealogy search databases, and sample the Preservation Station. No registration needed. 6p-7p, GBPL Main Library, Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.429.4680 gailborden.info/register. Free

Citizenship Conversation Group/ Grupo de Conversacipara la Ciudadan Do you need to practice English for your naturalization/ citizenship test? Come to this free group to review 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.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 para la entrevista y las 100 preguntas del examen de historia y civica. El grupo es liderado por un tutor del Literacy Connection y cualquiera puede asistir. No hace falta inscribirse. 6.30p-7.30p, GBPL Conference Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Elgin Genealogical Society - DNA: A Power Tool in the Genealogist’s Tool Box The monthly meeting of the Elgin Genealogical Society at which speaker Karen Stanbary, will present “DNA: A Power Tool in the Genealogist’s Tool Box.” She will discuss the many different ways DNA

Piano Performance: Ted Turner 1p-2p, GBPL Lobby, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Resume Help See 5/3. 3.30p-6p, GBPL Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Piano Performance: Shirley Remes

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May 2018 test results can confirm and advance your traditional paper trail research through case examples. Karen will explore the types of DNA tests and the three major testing companies who offer them. She will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each company for specific types of research problems.Karen Stanbary, CG holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work for the University of Chicago. She is a regular instructor for the Newberry Library Adult Education program. Karen lectures on topics including Genetic Genealogy, Advanced Genetic Genealogy and the Genealogical Proof Standard. She holds the credential Certified Genealogist from the Board for Certification of Genealogists where she serves on the Genetic Genealogy Standards committee. 7p-8.45p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info MS Access Series: Queries Learn how to create queries to extract meaningful data from your database to meet your requirements in this class. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info National Theatre Live: Macbeth Fathom Events, BY Experience and National Theatre Live showcase Rory Kinnear’s return to the National Theatre stage as the title role in “Mac-

beth” on the big screen for one night, Thursday, May 17, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. local time. In the ruined aftermath of a bloody civil war and ruthlessly fighting to survive, the Macbeths are propelled toward the crown by forces of elemental darkness. Shakespeare’s intense and terrifying tragedy will see Rory Kinnear and Anne-Marie Duff return to the National Theatre to play Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Directed

by Rufus Norris, this production of Macbeth will be captured live one week before its cinema debut. 7p, Elgin Cinema, 111 S. Randall Road 847.622.3023 marcustheatres.com. $18 Piano Performance: John LaBorn 7p-8p, GBPL Lobby, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info The Natural & Cultural History of the Fox River Friends of the Fox River’s Gary Swick shares how the Fox River has influenced this area’s history and explains the river’s current condition. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Fri.May.18 Bike to Work Day The Bicycle and Pedestration Advisory Committee (BPAC) invites you to bike to work!

Stop in for some refreshments and pick up some swag! 8a, Arabica Cafe,

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59 Douglas Avenue 224.227.7192 www.facebook.com/arabicacafeelgin

Street 847.697.7374 independentplayers.org. $10-12-15

Computers 101 Series: Managing Your PC Learn basics like how to start your computer, create, save and modify files or folders, and keep your documents organized in this class.

10a-11.30a, GBPL Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Fox River Omnium Enjoy exciting criterium racing adjacent to Lord’s Park on day one of the Fox River Omnium.

Find out more about this Illinois Cup Series day of racing at the website Lord’s Park, 225 Grand Boulevard illinoiscycling.org/racing/illinois-cup

Welcome Baby! Baby’s First Library Visit See 4/28. 1p-1.30p, GBPL Story Room - South, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Sat.May.19

Finals Feeding Frenzy See 5/14. 3p9p, GBPL Studio 270, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Welcome Baby! Baby’s First Library Visit See 4/28. 3p-3.30p, GBPL Story Room - South, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info 13th Annual Bowl for Preservation Event Join ABODE for retro fun to raise funds supporting historic preservation activities in Elgin. Admission includes dinner, shoe rental, two games, and door prize raffle ticket.

(Dinner only, $15) 6.30p-10p, Elgin Lanes, 401 Shepard Drive (enter from Fleetwood Drive) Jennifer Phillips, 224.488.7034 phillipsville500@yahoo.com. $25 adults, $20 ages 6-18 The Glass Menagerie See 5/4. 7.30p, Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division

Alpha Omega Funk Brotherz 9a, D Hangout Bar and Grill, 550 S. McLean Boulevard 847.717.0511 d-hangout. com. No Cover Welcome Baby! Baby’s First Library Visit See 4/28. 9.30a-10a, GBPL Story Room - South, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Coding Series:CSS Beyond Basics Learn about the box model, margins, padding, positioning, and layout concepts using CSS to style your web

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BRAVO preferidos. Presentado en espanol.

Welcome Baby! Bring baby and baby’s new library card to this class designed especially for Baby’s First Library Card holders. 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. Registration preferred. Presented in Spanish. 10.30a-11a, GBPL Story Room - South, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

page in this class. 10a-11.30a, GBPL Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden. info

Computaci el sistema operativo Nivel 1 : Basico 1.30p-3p, GBPL Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

English for the Workplace See 5/12.

10a-1p, South Elgin Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Government 101 How does our government--local, state, and national--work? Find out each month on Civic Saturday how different elected offices function, and what they can do for you. Elgin Township Supervisor Franklin Ramirez is your guide for this non-partisan, educational, and funfilled series. 10a-11.30a, GBPL Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Elgin Area Tabletop Group’s Game Day Join us for this new group at the library! Bring your favorite tabletop game or come learn a new one, and spend your afternoon with us playing games. All skill levels and ages are welcome! No registration. 1.30p-5.30p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rm. C, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Let’s Get This Garden Started! Join us for a story then get your hands dirty planting the Rakow Gardens.

10a-11a, Rakow Children’s Area, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info

Kumihimo: The Art of Japanese Braiding Make a braided bracelet using cording and a kumihimo tool.

Supplies provided. 1.30p-3.30p, South Elgin Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden.info

Public Works Open House Kicking off National Public Works Week, this free, family-friendly annual event offers facility tours, touch-a-truck, equipment rides and demos, free food and more. Sponsored by the City of Elgin. 10a-1p, Elgin Public Works Department, 1900 Holmes Road 311 cityofelgin.org Walking Tour of Elgin Mental Health Center Cemetery The EMHC cemetery is more than a burial ground. It is an artifact of a by-gone era’s social safety net and healthcare policy. Tour this little location with Elgin Mental Health Center historian Bill Briska.

10a-11a, Meet at Highlands of Elgin Golf Course, East Parking Lot, 875 Sports Way Bill Briska, 847.421.4022.

Free Bienvenido BebWelcome Baby!

BabyFirst Library Visit Bienvenido Bebe! Llevan a su bebe y bebes nueva tarjeta de la biblioteca a esta clase es disenado especialmente para bebes primer titular de la tarjeta de la biblioteca. aprenda acerca de los programas y recursos para apoyar el desarrollo de alfabetismo temprano de su bebe y recibir un regalo especial! Para los bebes sies meses y abrriba con sus padres. Registrados

Manga and Anime Club for Grades 6-12 Calling all fans of Attack on Titan, Naruto, My Neighbor Totoro and more! Watch anime, share fan art, and enjoy Japanese snacks while socializing with other otaku. Students entering grades 6-12 are welcome bring a friend! 2p-3.30p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Retirement: plan, change, plan, change... Sharing ideas about how YOUR retirement makes YOU happy, energized, satisfied, and content in this next phase of your life. 2p-3.30p, Rakow Living Room, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info La Nube: programas y servicios para guardar y compartir datos Nivel 2 - Intremedio 3.30p-5p, GBPL Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden. info Elgin City of Peace Community Story Time Community storytellers Bilingual Each Saturday April 14thJune 30th Peace and community books and crafts 4p-5p, GBPL Story Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

The Glass Menagerie See 5/4. 7.30p, Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division Street 847.697.7374 independentplayers.org. $10-12-15

Sun.May.20 Beer Choir Join us for the first of several social signing events this summer at Plank Road Tap Room.

Make sure you download the new hymnal from beerchoir.com and we will be outside on the patio! Plank Road Tap Room is a 21-and-over venue, no children under 21. Parking may be limited so please carpool or uber!

1p-4p, Plank Road Tap Room, 39W149 Plank Road plankroadtaproom.com.

No Cover Featured Author Family Day Stop by for storytime fun featuring books by favorite children’s author Kathryn Otoshi (May) followed by tolerance and diversity project, and Non-fiction day Eyewitness Experiments- Design a Submarine (June) and a buoyancy experiment. 1p-2.45p, South Elgin Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden.info

A History of Lord’s Park Jerry Turnquist will be presenting, “A History of Lord’s Park” and Linda Rock will be portraying Mary Carpenter Lord. You also won’t want to miss the unveiling of oil portraits of Mary Carpenter Lord and George P. Lord to be hung inside the pavilion! Sponsored by Friends of the Lords Park Zoo, Elgin Area Historical Society and Parks and Recreation. 2p-3p, Lord’s Park Pavilion, 100 Oakwood Boulevard Terry Gabel, 847.638.3458. Free Blessing of the Bicycles Receive a blessing by local clergy for a safe cycling season. Then ride to East Dundee on the Fox River Trail for another blessing … a frozen treat from DQ or Van’s Frozen Custard. 2p, Riverside Drive Promenade, Riverside Drive elginbikehub.org Pallet to Palate Tickets are now available for Food For Greater Elgin’s Annual Tasting and Benefit Event.

Buy yours today! Visit www.foodforgreaterelgin.org/pallet-to-palate to find more event details and sponsorship information. Email with any questions. See you there! Grand Victoria Casino edaubert@foodforgreaterelgin.org http://bit.ly/P2PTix2018. $60 and up

Mon.May.21

4.5 Toma control de tu Diabetes See 5/7. 9a-12p, GBPL Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden. info Spanish Cafe / Cafe en Espanol See 5/7. 12p-1p, GBPL Conference Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Rakow Readers The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes 1.30p-2.30p, Rakow Living Room, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info Homework Heroes See 4/30.

3.30p-5.30p, South Elgin Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden. info Cafatino: Libros y Conversacion (ML) !Explora Latinoamerica a traves de libros, nuevos amigos y un buen rato! En Esta reunion hablaremos del libro de mes. En asociacion con el Centro de Informacion. Come talk about self-esteem and other topics in the book of the month. Light refreshments. In partnership with Centro de Informacion. 6p-7.30p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rm. B, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info La Licencia Temporal de Conducir/ Temporary Visitors Driver’s License Este programa sera en el Centro de Informacion Mayo 21: Parte 1. Cual es una Licencia Temporal de Conducir para Visitantes (TVDL)? Quien puede obtener un TVDL? Cuales son los examenes que se deben pasar? Que documentos son necesarios para obtener una TVDL? Cual es el costo?

Mayo 22: Parte 2. (Se necesita tomar parte 1 para tomar esta clase) Todo lo que necesita saber para obtener su TVDL: leyes de transito, infracciones de transito/ accidentes, senalizacion en la carreteras (forma, color,etc) senales de transito y marcas en el pavimento, sugerencias para conducer con seguridad y una prueba de practica en linea. 6p-7.30p, GBPL Main Library, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info French Conversation Group Do you enjoy the French language and Francophone culture? Come join our monthly French conversation group!

In a relaxed and friendly atmosphere with fellow francophones of all ability levels, you will enjoy presentations,

FEED.colorcode Bands & Music

Theater & Dance

Exhibits & Film

Causes & Community

Kids & Families

Lectures & Learning Wellness & Nature Creativity Other

May 2018 songs, videos and conversation en français. No registration required. 6.30p-8.30p, GBPL Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden. info Simple Game Design using Bitsy See 5/14.

6.30p-7.30p, Rakow Living Room, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info How to Create an Attractive Bird-friendly Garden that is good for You Too! Most people think berries, fruits and seeds when planning a bird-friendly garden, but just like many things in this world, you have to think beyond the endgame and plan for all parts of the life cycle of these joyous creatures!

Trish Beckjord, a landscape architect and Program Manager of The Conservation Foundation’s Fox River Initiative, will share how to create an attractive, multi-functional garden that will provide year-round

BRAVO support and make your garden a haven for you as well as the birds and butterflies. Presented in partnership with The Conservation Foundation. Please register. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info MS Excel: Charts & Graphs Learn how to add visual interest and tell stories by displaying numbers and data sets in chart or graph format in this class.

7p-8.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Writers on the Fox This writer’s peer group will inspire and motivate you using prompts and exercises for creative writing. Writers of all genres are welcome to participate. No registration. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rm. C, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

43 Brewbaker and Brahms In 2017, the musical world lost one of its most beautiful souls. To honor the memory of Elgin composer Daniel Brewbaker, we present his string quartet paired with the music that most inspired Daniel: the lush, romantic music of Johannes Brahms. Experience the world-class artistry of our Chamber Music on the Fox artists and join us in remembering one of Elgin’s great cultural icons. 7.30p, Imago Creative Studios, 216 Prairie Street chambermusiconthefox.org. $20

Tue.May.22 Job Search and Resume Help See 5/1. 1p-4p, GBPL Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Ave 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Mah Jongg for Beginners See 5/1. 1p-2p, Rakow Living Room, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info South Elgin Sentinels Chess Club See 5/1.

4.30p-5.30p, South Elgin Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden.info

Reel Women for Real Women - Served Like a Girl (2017,NR) Director Lysa Heslov’s documentary, Served Like a Girl (2017, NR). 6p-8.30p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info.

Belgian Beer Dinner It’s back again, all new and improved! We are proud to bring you our annual Belgian beer pairing dinner. Make your reservations soon. Tax and tip extra. 6.30p, Elgin Public House, 219 E. Chicago Street 847.468.8810 elginpublichouse.com. $60 Elgin Downtown Historic District Tour Elgin historian Jerry Turnquist will lead a tour around the Downtown Elgin Historic District featuring architectural gems and stories of how Elgin’s downtown has changed and grown and changed again over the years. 7p-8.30p, Meet in public parking lot at Riverside Drive and Grove Avenue, 360 Park Street 847.742.4248 elginhistory.org

Wed.May.23 Put the Power of Email and Social Media to Work for your Business Our FREE popular Social Media Meetup series continues with our business partner, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) of Harper College. We’re meeting monthly in handson, interactive sessions that will help you engage your customers in social media. Many small businesses and organizations find themselves seeking the right strategies, tools and tactics to make their marketing efforts as effective as possible. But between Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Email, Mobile and whatever new social network is rolling out that month—there’s a lot to keep up with. And there are only so many hours in each day. The number of possibilities can feel overwhelming. This session will help make sense of the noise. Vanessa will show you how to make the most of the combination of email and social media for your business. By the time you leave, you’ll have a greater understanding of marketing basics like goals and objectives. You’ll learn what a “cam-

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Thu.May.24 Going Dutch Festival Masterclasses with Julie Leir-VanSickle and Kristi Faulkner. See Going Dutch program in this issue of BRAVO magazine for complete details. Festival pass required. 5.30p-8.30p, Eastern Groove Studio, 221 E. Chicago Street 847.429.2276 sidestreetstudioarts. com. $10-30

paign” is and what to write about and offer in that campaign. You’ll be given some simple but powerful tips for how to get your messages opened and read, shared and socially visible. And you’ll see that there are some great tools you can use to help engage with your existing customers as well as expand your reach to new prospects. Throughout the session you’ll be given opportunities to capture your own ideas and build out the framework of your own “next great campaign.” So, join us and start to build a plan that will help you grow your business by eliciting the responses you want from your customers! Register online. 8.30a-9.30a, Elgin Area Chamber, 31 S. Grove Avenue 847.741.5660 elginchamber.com. Free

Going Dutch: World Premier “The Good Christian” Join us as we present and celebrate the world premiere of the 2018 Going Dutch Festival Illinois-based Artist Commission “The Good Christian,” created by Talia Koylass and performed by Motion/Pictures Dance Project. Reception with drinks and appetizers will precede the

program. 6p, Imago Creative Studios, 216 Prairie Street 847.429.2276 sidestreetstudioarts.org. Free Research Your House in Kane County A house is historical in relation to its location, date of construction, architectural style, architect, and ownership. House research is a fascinating combination of legal, architectural, genealogical and cartographical studies. Seeking information about the history of a house is becoming faster and easier as governmental agencies make records available on the Internet. In this hands-on seminar, you can begin to look up information online about your house. Presenter Rebecca Hunter has been engaged in historical architectural research since 1997. Registration required, online, by phone or in person at the Registration Desk in the lobby. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.429.4680 gailborden.info/register

Fri.May.25 Going Dutch Festival Masterclass with The Movement Kitchen; Buffet Cabaret; Dance performance. See Going Dutch program in this issue of BRAVO magazine for complete details. Festival pass required. 4p, Various Venues, Downtown Elgin 847.429.2276 sidestreetstudioarts.

4.5 com. $10-30 Going Dutch: Buffet Cabaret The Going Dutch Festival and Pub 217 at Elgin Public House present: BUFFET CABARET - a tasty EPH meal and an intimate Going Dutch performance, featuring a smorgasbord of GD artists! Your BUFFET CABARET ticket includes a delicious buffet meal and an appetizing GD performance. Alcoholic drinks are not included. Reserve your GD Festival Pass now for only $25 and get a discounted BUFFET CABARET ticket for only $25 more. Your festival pass gets you into over 10 performances and as many classes, talks, and GD activities as you like. Single BUFFET CABARET tickets on now on sale for $28. More details to come!

Stay tuned. Featuring performances

by Creative Moves Performance, Christine Hands, Rosie May, and Gina T’ai. Pub 217 at EPH is not wheelchair accessible. 6p, Pub 217 at Elgin Public House, 217 E. Chicago Street 847.468.8810 https://www.sidestreetstudioarts.org/going-dutch-festival. $25-28 Must Hear TV: A Parody Staged Reading That’s right, Southgate Media Group is holding a fundraiser to help offset the costs of all the cool events they are presenting in 2018.

The show will feature live parody stage readings of classic TV shows with professional (and not so profes-

In 2017, the musical world lost one of its most beautiful souls.

To honor the memory of Elgin composer Daniel Brewbaker, we present his string quartet paired with the music that most inspired Daniel: the lush, romantic music of Johannes Brahms.

Experience the world-class artistry of our Chamber Music on the Fox artists and join us in remembering one of Elgin’s great cultural icons.

In Memoriam: Brewbaker and Brahms

Monday, May 21st • 7:30 pm Imago Creative Studios • 216 Prairie Street $20 / $10 students • chambermusiconthefox.org

sponsored in part by:

S.E. Ainsworth

BRAVO

May 2018

45

BRAVO Serial Fiction: “Victory Lane” After a month, most of the people on Front Street didn’t notice much difference around the house where the Rosens used to live, except for the daily routine of the family who had just moved in. Either Jax or Toni walked their dog twice each day, and their kids were spending a little more time outside as May brought warmer weather.

Paco and Teresa walked down Front Street almost every day, too, and their observations were keener. The turf looked different along Jax’s side of the hedge.

The tall grass was trampled in a few places and a small pile of brush had accumulated along his back fence.

One Saturday morning, Paco heard the sound of a lawnmower on the other side of the hedge and walked over to investigate.

Jax was mowing down another six inch swath of growth.

“I see your yard is getting wider,” Paco shouted from the sidewalk, feigning a smile.

Jax stopped the mower and slowly walked half the distance to the sidewalk, preoccupied by what he would have to say.

“Hey, Paco,” he exhaled. “Yeah it’s not so much me widening the yard as ... I think the hedge has to go.”

“What do you mean exactly, ‘it has to go’ ...?”

Jax avoided eye contact as he explained, “Mainly we feel it’s a safety hazard.”

“A safety hazard?” Paco glowered. “In what way is it a safety hazard?”

“My kids are afraid of it now because Toni warned them about strangers, you know, child molesters or whatever ... and once they get over that fear, they’ll want to go into that thicket, and we don’t know — or trust, to be honest — what they might find.”

Paco scowled without saying anything.

“And ... you know there are coyotes around here that would love to take out my dog. This is a perfect hiding place for them.”

“So you’re saying the hedge is dangerous,” Paco countered.

“Jax, the only way danger can

up. “This was supposed to be a road,” he said. “I never thought much about that before.”

Part Two:

Twenty Feet of Difference

by Mark Averill get into the hedge is if it comes from my side, or from your side.

And no danger is coming from my side.”

“I appreciate that, Paco, but we’re talking about nature here.

Stray cats, skunks, snakes, rabid racc— ... it’s actually a public nuisance. It should have been cleared a long time ago.

You know, the reason we got this house is because the buyers ahead of us decided this overgrowth was an eyesore, and they pulled their offer.”

“Jax,” Paco tensed, “all those critters you named need some place to live, too. They’re not bothering anybody. I think this is beautiful here, just like it is. I wish you could see it that way.”

“Look, once I have all this grass and brush taken out, we’ll set up a nice big garden.

Toni and I will take care of it.

Teresa can grow her own vegetables, whatever she wants ... I know how she likes to cook.”

Paco gestured toward the hedge and then dropped his arms, deflated.

“I’m not with you in this, Jax. I’m not going to help you,” he sighed. “But I also can’t stop you because it’s not my land.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Jax pleaded, “I’ll do a super nice job out here, and you’ll be real happy once it’s done.”

Paco shuffled away.

Every weekend in May, Jax

could be found along his side of the hedge with his mower, or a heavy duty trimmer, or a saw or pruning tools. Every Monday morning, several brown paper bags filled with grass and leaves and stems were lined up on the sidewalk to be taken away by a sanitation truck. The brush pile rose a little higher every week, stacked with sections of old grapevine up to three inches thick.

Robins and grackles discovered the ever-widening strip of ground that had never been exposed to direct sunlight before, where a variety of bugs and worms were plentiful.

Just before dusk on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, Jax unwound a garden hose and soaked the ground around his pile of grapevine logs. Paco and Teresa strolled along Front Street, passing in front of Jax’s house, and stopped near the hedge. Teresa waited on the sidewalk as Paco walked along the abrupt border of tall grass, examining the newly exposed ground. Jax saw him coming.

“That soil will be great for growing flowers and vegetables,” Jax offered.

Paco stopped and scanned the ground without looking

“It’s going to be something so much better,” Jax said. “It’ll be the envy of the neighborhood, and I’m absolutely going to share it with you.”

“We were already sharing it.”

Paco looked at Jax. “We were sharing it before. We still are, we still can.”

“I know you don’t agree with me right now, but trust me, getting rid of this will be good for your property value.”

Jax went to his garage and returned with a red plastic gasoline container. Paco looked back at Teresa and frowned, and then looked down again at the raw stubble of prairie grass.

“It breaks my heart to see the hedge going away,” Paco sighed, and turned to face his neighbor. “You’re a hard worker, Jax. You’re concerned for your family. Those are good things, but you don’t have to do this.” he stressed. “These weeds? These weeds are not your enemy.”

Jax kicked at some logs, picked up a few smaller sticks from around the sides of his burn pile and placed them on the top. Paco walked back to Front Street, then continued with Teresa past the foot of the hedge to his driveway.

“Do we need to get the City involved?” she whispered, as they approached the house.

“Not yet.”

Once inside, they watched from the window of their darkened kitchen as the first flames shot up from Jax’s yard on the other side of the hedge.

BRAVO serial fiction presents an original short story by a local writer in a series of short sections of approximately 1000 words each. A new chapter of “Victory Lane” will appear each month from April to August 2018.

Mark Averill is a computer analyst and amateur writer whose articles be read on the performing arts blog, The Elgin Review (theelginreview.blogspot.com).

BRAVO

46

ity exercise, cheer on friends and family, and/or raise money for local non-profits, while enjoying the scenic course which winds through Elgin’s downtown, parks and historic neighborhoods.Online registration opens March 1! 7.30a, Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way elginvalleyfoxtrot. com. $35-55

sional actors) from the Chicagoland area. We’ll be preforming classic episodes from Doctor Who, Golden Girls and Parks and Rec! The Blue Box’s kitchen will be open for food and drink so come hungry! 7p-9p, Blue Box Cafe, 176 E. Chicago Street 847.697.2583 theblueboxcafe.com. $10 donation Myles Kennedy: Year of the Tiger Tour 7p, RocHaus, 96 W. Main Street 815.482.2870 rochaus.com

Sat.May.26 Elgin Valley Fox Trot 2018 The Elgin Valley Fox Trot is a spring tradition for runners and walkers, providing the opportunity to get some qual-

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Going Dutch Festival Masterclasses; dance and mutlidisciplinary performances; Buffet Cabaret; workshops.

See Going Dutch program in this issue of BRAVO magazine for complete details. Festival pass required.

10a, Various Venues, Downtown Elgin 847.429.2276 sidestreetstudioarts. com. $10-30 Mom & Mimi Day Out Spending time with your daughters doesn’t always have to be at the playground! We admire moms for their hard work, and we want to celebrate moms and their daughters at our Mom & Mini Day Out Event! This event, held in the beautiful, newly renovated Grand Ball Room (you will NOT walk into the casino at all!) is styled like an expo, but to make things easier for moms and their little ones, we’ve separated it into 4 different “corners”: a snack corner, a shopping corner, a craft corner and a pampering corner. We hand selected a small group of vendors for you and your mini to shop from with products for moms and daughters!

Our pampering corner will feature makeup and nails services. And for an additional fee, colored, braided extensions! Get crafty with your little one as you do one or all of the crafts we have lined up for you. And we’ll have yummy treats! This event is best suited for girls 5-11. What’s included with my ticket: Mini manicure; Mini makeup makeover; Crafts; Sweet Treats; Raffle tickets; Hand selected vendors to shop from; Free Parking. 10a, Grand Victoria Casino Grand Ballroom, 250 S. Grove Avenue 847.468.7000 induoevents.com. $34 mom and daughter Mother & Son FUN! You asked and we answered! A Mother & Son FUN event is here for you! After starting our super popular Mom & Mini Day Out events for moms and daughters, we wanted to plan something fun for

4.5

moms and sons! Join us on Saturday, May 26th to dance the night away with your son(s)! Enjoy snacks and take a photo in our photo section to remember the time! AND if you want to turn your inner Tina Turner on, you and your son can do karaoke! Homecoming attire is suggested (semiformal to formal attire). This event is held in the beautiful, newly renovated Grand Ball Room (you will NOT walk into the casino at all!). Parking is FREE. Disclaimer: By attending this event, you are agreeing to allow yourself to be photographed and/or filmed for the use in our marketing materials. 5p, Grand Victoria Casino, 250 S. Grove Avenue 847.468.7000 induoevents.com. $34 mom and son

Gettysburg Address and General John Logan’s Orders which established Memorial Day. The most solemn moment of the morning will be the laying of organizational wreaths at the Grand Army of the Republic memorial – an observance akin to the laying of wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Washington D.C. Activities will include a roll call of deceased veterans, a rifle salute, and the playing of Taps.

Co-Sponsored by the Elgin Patriotic Memorial Association and the City of Elgin. 11a, Bluff City Cemetery, 945 Bluff City Boulevard elginmemorialday.org

Noche de Tex-Mex Conjunto Prestigio, DJ Tornado, MC Eddie Rios from Dallas, TX. 8p-2a, D Hangout Bar and Grill, 550 S. McLean Boulevard 847.717.0511 d-hangout.com. $25-30

Full (Flower) Moon Ride It’s the May flower moon edition of the full moon ride. This will be a moderate pace ride for a few miles throughout the core neighborhoods of Elgin. Join Elgin Bike Hub for this social night ride!

9p, Advocate Park, Corner of Chicago and Spring Streets elginbikehub.com

Sun.May.27 Going Dutch Festival Masterclasses; dance and mutlidisciplinary performances; workshops. See Going Dutch program in this issue of BRAVO magazine for complete details. Festival pass required. 10a, Various Venues, Downtown Elgin 847.429.2276 sidestreetstudioarts.com. $10-30 Elgin BIke Ride Join Elgin Bike Hub for a slow roll as they explore Elgin by bike. They’ll ride low stress routes for 3-6 miles. Get to know your city and your neighbors! The route is planned to be friendly for ages 8-80. It will be use a mix of off-street and on-street routes. Riders are responsible for their own behavior as a street user.

Elgin Bike Hub will provide helpful guidance and leadership as you roll.

The ride will start at Festival Park.

2.15p, Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Avenue elginbikehub.com

Mon.May.28

Tue.May.29

Wed.May.30

Fideliters Exhibition Reception Fideliter ball gowns on exhibit and Jerry Turnquist will host a program on the 130 year past of the Fideliter’s Club of Elgin (1888-2018).

6.30p-8.30p, Elgin HIstory Museum, 360 Park Street 847.742.4248 elginhistorymuseum.org. Free

Thu.May.31 Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra Auditions Want to become a member of EYSO? Auditions are required and are scheduled between 5/31-6/3.

Choose from available time slots.

Please call, email or visit us online!

4p, ECC Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Drive 847.841.7700 www.eyso.org

Memorial Day at Bluff City Cemetery This year’s program will pay tribute to the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. The keynote speaker will be freelance reporter and historian, Dave Gathman, who will reflect on the war and Elgin’s involvement in the conflict. This ceremony will also include the Elgin Master Chorale and Larkin High School Band.

Local students will continue the long held tradition of reading Lincoln’s

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!

BRAVO

May 2018

From This River Town

Stating the Obvious

47

Ken Bruderle Stays on TOP of the Real Estate Market

for YOU!

by Mary Ellen Goodwill I’m recalling one of my students, a senior boy, a big, gangling, lovable, affable, smart, talented boy, a natural baritone.

This boy was goofy in love. He was so in love that other kids laughed just looking at him.

They weren’t laughing derisively; they were laughing because he was so happy and walking into doorways and forgetting his books in his last class and sitting dazed with a silly smile even after Macbeth’s men slaughtered Macduff’s wife and children.

This kid was a goner. He stood six four, easily, and had plenty of heft. His girl was a foot shorter, lively and whip smart.

One day this boy visited after my last class, hung himself over the library table at the front of the room and moaned a most earnest moan, “Miss G., how do you know if you’re in love?”

Now, the whole school knew he was in love. The lunch ladies knew, the deans’ assistants knew, the principal knew, every member of the jazz band knew, I knew. Yet here he was asking this question. Like I say, he was a goner.

I gave him the best and truest answer I had at the time. It began with my asking if he read Calvin and Hobbes. He said, of course he did, and we both smiled in the thinking of it. I said that Hobbes probably had it best. Then I asked him if he had ever had a big bowl of perfectly warm, freshly cooked oatmeal with maybe some honey drizzled on top and cream puddled around the edges.

He said with enthusiasm and newly awakened hunger that “Yes!” he had and it was soooo good. And I said, “That’s it.

That’s love. Hobbes had it right.

Being in love is warm oatmeal.”

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“Do you feel like warm oatmeal?” I asked this senior boy.

In a rush of great awakening, suddenly sitting up straight he said, “Yes! Yes I do. I feel like warm oatmeal!” and he looked at me with a mixture of gratitude, recognition and terror.

Miss Goodwill’s novels can be found at Town House Books in St. Charles, on Amazon, and at Gail Borden and ECC libraries.

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BRAVO

48

4.5

Shared Values: Bicycle Messengers

Biking in Elgin:

A Cycle Logical Evaluation

May 9 | 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.

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In September 2016, my family sold one of our two cars and used the profit to buy the mini-van of bicycles: a green, long-tailed, Yuba Mundo cargo bike. Our parents thought we had lost our minds, and I wasn’t sure if they weren’t right. In places like Copenhagen, Bogotá, and even Chicago, it’s not uncommon to see entire families rolling by bicycle to the grocery store. For two Elginites from rural Pennsylvania however, it’s a unique choice of transportation. Over the past eighteen months though, we have only grown more committed to bicycles as a means of moving around town, and I have grown more convinced that what we’re doing makes a lot of sense.

majority of groceries in the front basket. Since then we have used it to securely and conveniently move any number of odd items including multiple children, adults, a dog, bags of groceries, bulk toilet paper packages, tables of various sizes, and even a Christmas tree (two years running). A lot of this hauling has been done by my husband, Parker, who has the advantage of height, testosterone, and daily-muscle-building repetition on his side. But even as a relatively small-framed woman, I have been impressed by how the design of this bicycle allows me to pedal more than 100 lbs to the library and back without needing a shower and a change of clothes.

When we bought this long, green machine we wanted the ability to go faster and farther by bike than lugging our two preschoolers in the tow-behind buggy would get us. Also, we had reached the limit on the pounds of groceries and kids we were able to haul in that trailer. The cargo bike put the small fries up on top of the back wheel and the

What we didn’t realize when we bought this bicycle was that we were becoming obligatory cargo bike ambassadors. The first time we left the house with that green bike a car pulled up beside us at a traffic light and rolled down the passenger window. As an experienced recipient of street harassment, I braced for whatever was about to spill out at us. I

on acid-free 67# bristol

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May 2018

was unprepared for the barrage of affirmation and curious questions that came forth instead. I don’t remember exactly what was said but it was some combination of responses I have heard almost every day on that bike since. People want to know if we made the bike or if it came that way (Thank the Manufacturer! Yuba that is.). People want to know how to get one themselves or if it’s heavy (Yes and no.). People want to know how the boys like it (They love it.). By now, more people on our regular routes to the east side Aldi, Gail Borden Public Library, and Arabica Café have grown to recognize us, expect us, and even wave. Still, on almost every trip, I encounter someone curious about this twowheeled cargo-toting contraption, and I have come to welcome the questions and conversations.

In fact, when we moved to Elgin we dreamed of becoming biking, walking, bus-riding city travelers because we knew it was better for our physical health, mental health, and the environment, but also because we had started to read about how it helped to soften the isolation so many of us can experience in the U.S. today.

Because I ride my bike, I’ve met the neighbor with the toy dog on the corner of Chicago and Gifford.

Because I ride my bike, I have brief conversations with the man who works on his car in his driveway on Channing. Because I walk through town, I’ve gotten into a conversation about xeriscaping her lawn with a west side neighbor. Because they ride the bus, my husband and children were once gifted a jigsaw puzzle by a friendly stranger. To be sure, there are other reasons I’ve had so many positive experiences on the street in Elgin, but I’m certain the opportunity to have these interactions with other people is increased when I step out of my private, traveling cone of fast-moving steel.

Plus, I’m pretty sure being the rare family with a cargo bike in town multiplies that social opportunity bump exponentially.

People’s bike riding stories seem to come pouring out of them when given half a chance around this bike. I’ve heard tales of childhood adventures, long recreational rides, young adult pilgrimages, trips to far off bike-friendly lands, and even unfortunate crashes. If my random cross section of conversations

BRAVO

bears any statistical significance, I would say, in Elgin we have a large number of folks who have a great love for bicycles and would even be interested in using them for transportation if they felt they could safely, comfortably, and conveniently get where they wanted to go on two wheels.

I’ve grown into a confident bike-on-the-street commuter over the course of ten years living in multiple cities with varying degrees of bike-friendliness.

So, I can understand why folks would hesitate to mix it up with car traffic because it took me so long to get used to it myself.

We have a lot of things going for us as bike users in Elgin.

We’re a city nearly as old as Chicago, so unlike our suburban neighbors, our downtown and historic neighborhoods have relatively small blocks with relatively slow, light traffic. I stress relatively because for the new rider, using Division Street is as intimidating as a busier street for an experienced rider.

In Elgin, bicycles are permitted street users, and in Illinois, bicycles have the same claim to the right of way as does a car, thanks to the State Rep. Anna Moeller-sponsored legislation known as Dennis’ law in memory of avid local cyclist Dennis Jurs.

While traveling by bike is actually statistically quite safe, the truth is it could be safer in Elgin and other U.S. cities, especially for those of us who are younger, older, or physically weaker than a superstar athlete, or who just plain don’t fancy the morning adrenaline rush of being honked at by a two ton fire-breathing dragon on our way to work (hypothetically speaking).

I love the stories of places from Europe to South America where they can’t keep people off the emerging bike paths while they’re being completed. For example, in Seville, Spain, riders were seen jumping barricades and cutting through plastic fencing in order to get to freshly paved, protected and separated bike lanes. In places with high quality infrastructure, education, and support, bicycle ridership flourishes and diversifies. Though city planners were first laughed at in Seville, after the new bike paths were finally complete it turned out there were hordes

49

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BRAVO

50

Elgin Vision Center The Source for Complete Vision Care

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of people who were thrilled to become every day commuting and errand-running bike riders given the appropriate infrastructure.

Although most of Elgin’s growth for the past 70 years has been centered around the personal car, we have other options for our future. I believe the more pedals and feet we have on the streets and sidewalks of Elgin, the more we will be able to mobilize our city’s resources to support all street users. While my family can make the choice to use a bike or a car, many folks traveling by bike, foot, or bus don’t have the same options. When car travel is prioritized over other street uses, folks who need equitable access to transportation for work, school, or play the most are only further disadvantaged. In our “community that cares,” I don’t believe I would be alone in concluding that the personal car should not be the only ticket to the resources and opportunities of our beautiful city.

Traveling this city by bike, my family has fallen in love with the places, people, and rhythm of this place. We appreciate being on frenetic waving terms with the downtown mail carriers. We celebrate our front row seat to the spring blooms slowly erupting across town and the flight patterns of migratory birds crossing the Fox River overhead. We soak up the smell of wood-burning stoves in the cold months and look forward to catching a whiff of outdoor barbeque season soon.

Traveling by bike gives us the opportunity to tour this town by the inch, which has made it ever more an expansive treasure trove of beautiful community, nature,

4.5

and possibility.

Bicycles may seem old and outdated, like a fad Elgin went through with so much of the rest of the world in the 1890s and 1970s, and it’s true that the basic design has not changed much in 150 years. Stroll through the “Days Gone By” archive at the Elgin History Museum, and you will be treated to former mayor and Elgin enthusiast Mike Alft’s coverage of when “bicycles were king.”

Quoting the weekly Advocate, Alft writes that in 1895, Elgin was “largely on wheels” and that “whole families from grandfather to granddaughter have learned to bicycle and enjoy a spin together.”

The archives also hold a picture of men in three-piece suits who allegedly work at a bike shop. It was a different era. In those days, Elginites made watches, watch cases, and also bikes. Times have changed though. Most folks no longer mark the hours by timepieces made here, and the bicycle is no longer the height of technology.

Yet, I believe our world still has need for simple, quality tools.

Steve Jobs liked to say that he wanted to do for the human mind what a bicycle does for the human body, referring to the way the bicycle makes human movement more efficient than a condor in flight. I know this simple tool has brought my family so much joy, connection, and efficiency of movement. As I pedal these streets, I can’t help but wonder, what if our city could harness the efficiency of the bicycle to take us to soaring new heights of connection, health, happiness, and equity? I’m willing to travel a few more miles to find out. —KST

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Photo courtesy of the author.

BRAVO

May 2018

51

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Jazz: Our Cultural Missing Link

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This amazing and original American art form is still a crossroads of people of every color, culture, language and ethnicity with a common love. The jazz scene is showing signs of new life in Elgin. Plug us into what’s happening!

4,000 copies circulated at more than eighty locations in Elgin, South Elgin, Dundee and Carpentersville (see listings). Estimated readership of 7,000.

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THE FINEST IN PRINT BRAVO Magazine strives to publish error-free material, but mistakes and omissions may arise from our sources or may occur during the production process. With the exception of spurious ads, we will not publish anything we know to be false, defamatory or an infringement on copyright. All brand names, logos and trademarks are assumed to belong to the entities to which they refer, whether marked as such or not. Facts asserted and opinions expressed in articles are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.

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SPRING 2018 EVENTS CENTERSTAGE THE BEST OF THE SECOND CITY

Saturday, May 12 | 7:00 p.m.

Fresh, fast and always spectacularly funny, Chicago’s legendary sketch and improv comedy theater is headed to Elgin! The Best of The Second City, celebrating nearly sixty years of cutting-edge satirical revues, is a must-see show featuring sketches and songs from throughout The Second City’s history—including pieces and characters made famous by superstars like Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, Gilda Radner, Bill Murray, and more.

The Second City proudly celebrates launching generation after generation of comedy’s best and brightest careers.

Note: This performance contains adult content and adult language.

This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

SPRING AWAKENING Friday, July 27 through Sunday, August 5 Fridays and Saturdays | 7:30 p.m.

Sundays | 3:00 p.m.

Winner of eight Tony Awards and featuring music by Duncan Sheik, Spring Awakening is an electrifying celebration of youth, rebellion, and rock ‘n roll. Based on the play by Frank Wedekind, the musical follows a group of late nineteenth century German students as they navigate teenage self-discovery and the anxiety of coming of age.

Note: This production contains strong adult content and language.

Elgin Community College Arts Center • 1700 Spartan Drive • Elgin, IL 60123