BRAVO 5.1

5.1

magazine

A Town With No Main

pp. 2-5

Poet in Her Place pp. 36-38

with the

JANUARY 2019

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On the Cover: “Cool Color Remix”

by David Bremer David Bremer is an artist from Des Plaines, Illinois. After being introduced to art at Maine West High School, he decided to attend Columbia College Chicago from 2010-2014, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art & Design in May 2014. Since graduation, his artwork has been at two galleries in the Chicagoland area. He has also participated in many art shows and craft shows.

He also has competed in many art competitions and Fringe Festivals. His next show is the First Thursday Art Solo Show at the Frisbie Senior Center in Des Plaines on January 3, 2019.

“As a sculptor I design glass bottles and I design snow globes by using glass jars; I make sculptures out of clay such as animals, I make sculptures you can hang on the wall, and I make jewelry. I also make sculptures out of cardboard. I make my art sculptures by using clay, wood, metal, cardboard, bottles, jars, tools, glues, beads, and string.

As a painter I paint nature, animals, and shapes. I use acrylic paints when I make my paintings on canvas, wood, and cardboard.

As an illustrator I like to draw my own cartoons, especially draw buildings, portraits, and nature. I use pencils, color pencils, crayons, and markers whenever I draw on different kinds of paper.”

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Shared Values: The Imaginary Mile

A Town With No Main According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Geography Division, Main is the seventh most common street name in the United States. Its incidence is exceeded only by First through Fifth Streets, and Park Street (or Avenue as the case may be).

Though our neighbors to the north and south have a street named Main, Elgin does not. We have only the concept of a Main Street, where storefront businesses occupy both sides, and automobile, bicycle and pedestrian traffic are closer to equal proportions than anywhere else in the city.

In a parallel universe, Elgin could have been laid out with more primary streets that followed the angle of the Fox River, like State and Grove. The transportation corridor that started as the Galena & Chicago Union railroad (later the Chicago & Northwestern) might have become Elgin’s Main Street. A 2019 Elgin Visitor’s Guide might have read like this.

The Upper East Side

Where Slade Avenue meets the Fox River, you’ll find the Grove Resort, with its balconies overlooking beautiful formal gardens and the riviera. This marks the north end of Main Street, which follows the riverside through a neighborhood of stately homes, once the preferred addresses for barons of Elgin’s watchmaking industry.

As you approach downtown Elgin, Main Street passes popular McBride Park, whose walking paths lead to the Gail Borden Library and the southern landing of the Foxy Lady electric water taxi. Once a bustling warehouse and industrial district, the intersection of Main

and Kimball is now served by commuters’ conveniences.

The Civic Center

A cluster of municipal buildings occupies two blocks of Main Street in downtown Elgin, anchored by the Heritage Arts Centre and the Heritage Athletics Centre, two modern architectural marvels connected by the picturesque skywalk that serves as the gateway to the heart of the city.

City Hall is situated just to the south, with the beautiful Police Department headquarters on the opposite side of Dexter Square.

The Center City Apartments with hotel-quality amenities share the corner of Division and Main with the offices of R.R. Donnelley, a Fortune 500 media company.

Commercial District

On weekdays in the bustling city’s center, downtown employees frequent the shops, restaurants and services that line the two blocks north and south of Advocate Square. Arabica Cafe and Blue Box Cafe are crowded and popular breakfast and lunch spots, while multiple styling salons cater to the image-conscious Elginites who live and work in this area.

Nicknamed “Gallery Row,” upper South Main Street is the home of Side Street Studio Arts Gallery and Studio, Elgin Artspace Lofts (including the Seigle Gallery, the Guge Institute, Ceramica, and Elements Preserved) and Imago Creative Studios. Still more boutique galleries are located just off Main, among outdoor public art installations where street festivals pop up throughout the warmer months.

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January 2019

Grand Victoria Casino

The three block section between South Main and the Fox River, once home to automobile dealerships of every brand, is now the glittering campus of the Grand Victoria Casino, complete with a 19th century reproduction paddleboat that houses Las Vegas-style gaming activities and one of several stages for live entertainment.

With its heliport, two rail depots, multiple bus lines and ample free parking, the area is a hub for transportation, bringing people from throughout the region to experience dining at Grand Victoria’s star-rated restaurants, and to see top notch national touring acts at the outdoor amphitheater.

Just south of the casino is another row of lively businesses offering international food, fashion, beauty services and upscale accessories.

The 300 block of South Main marks the border of the historic Elgin National Watch Company site. A sleek commercial complex now stands on the site where the world’s finest pocket watches were once made. Before or after your shopping trip you can pause at one of the historic markers and artifacts that are preserved in the area.

Lower East Side

Leaving downtown Elgin on South Main you pass rows of elegant townhomes and apartments where the street turns into Wellington Boulevard and continues south through a neighborhood of turnof-the-century homes, parks, museums and the area’s only planetarium, housed in a historic observatory. A few impressive estate homes still overlook the riverside here, but as Wellington approaches the Fox River bridge, the riparian landscape consists of grassy and wooded green space, enjoyed by cyclists, joggers and scenic painters.

Unmained Streets Since the primary direction of travel in 1840’s Elgin was from East to West and vice-versa, the earliest arterial street was Chicago Street, which had bridged the river by 1838. Elgin was connected to points east by an early road that followed what is now the path of Route 20, and

entered the city along what is now Villa Street.

When James Gifford laid out a plat of streets on his East Side property in 1842, he designed Center Street to be fifty percent wider — 99 feet to be exact — with the expectation that it would become the commercial center of the town, connecting Villa Street with Dundee Avenue. It could have been Main Street.

The next most important thoroughfare into Elgin was the railroad, which arrived at the corner of Spring and Chicago Streets in January, 1850. The remnant of that railroad line is what slices through downtown Elgin creating the angled walls and alleys that characterize the neighborhood today. It too could have been Main Street.

Though entirely unintended — and until now, uninterpreted — this forgotten byway exposes an interesting cross-section of what downtown Elgin has become as of 2019: a City of Boutiques, Barbers, Galleries and Light Fare.

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In your backyard.

That’s where you’ll find a locally-owned independent, full line insurance agency.

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19 S. Spring St. (847) 741-9393 www.kjhins.com se habla espanol

“Your Vintage Home Specialist” Vintage Home Realty 162 S. State Street Elgin, IL 60123

Paul Bednar

Broker Associate

(847) 987-7526

paul@paulbednar.com

Up In Commerce If you sort and count the number of businesses on our hypothetical Main Street by type, cafes and fast service restaurants top the list. Coffee, gorditas, sandwiches and chop suey are on the “Main” menu. Nearby, bars and serious restaurants expand the options to include a $19.99 breakfast buffet and award-winning cocktails. Bakery competes with bacon as the characteristic aroma that wafts through the streets.

Bounded by the studios and galleries of Elgin Artspace Lofts to the south, and a trio of City-operated venues to the north, downtown is a stronghold of the Arts. More than just art galleries and stages, the network of arts facilities includes working studios and extensive learning opportunities in the visual arts, theatre and dance. In Elgin, tattoos, needlework and handmade jewelry are as culturally refined as any painting.

The retail mix on Main Street consists of electric guitars and motorcycles toward one end, and smart phones and fashion toward the other. Books, records, jewelry and antiques balance out the

sharedharvest.coop

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3. McBride Park 400 N. Main

29. Elements Preserved 52-A S. Main Street

4. Seigle’s (closed) 315 N. Main Street

30. The Guge Institute 52-B S. Main Street

5. Bill’s Tap (Closed) 255 N. Main Street

31. Ceramica 52-C S. Main Street

6. Marathon Gas 220 N. Main Street

32. Elgin Artspace Lofts 54 S. Main Street

7. Heritage Arts Centre 214 N. Main Street

33. BBK Motorsport 63 S. Main Street

8. Heritage Athletics Centre 215 N. Main Street

34. Imago Creative Studios 120 S. Main Street

9. Elgin City Hall 150 N. Main Street

35. Tom’s Auto Clinic 145 S. Main Street

10. Center City Apartments 75 N. Main Street

36. Elgin Courier-News (closed) 191 S. Main

11. Arabica Cafe 58 N. Main Street

37. Grand Victoria Casino 250 S. Main Street

12. Fat Cat Custom Guitars and Repair 56 N. Main Street

38. Joe’s Barbeque & Fish 302 S. Main Street

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25. KJH Insurance Agency 20 S. Main Street 26. Bighead Tattoo 23 S. Main Street

39. Laundry 312-A S. Main Street 40. Subway 312-B S. Main Street 41. Boost Mobile 312-C S. Main Street 42. Spanky’s Gyros 312-D S. Main Street 43. Familia Dental 322 S. Main Street 44. Pasteleria El Chicanito 330 S. Main Street 45. Joyeria Eclipse 332 S. Main Street 46. Salon de Belleza Mayra 334 S. 47. Phone Fix 336 S. Main Street 48. Metro PCS 338 S. Main Street 49. Q Nails 340 S. Main Street 50. Wing Ho Chop Suey 342 S. Main Street 51. Oportun Financial Services 344 S. Main Street 52. Fresh Look Fashions 350 S. Main Street 53. Lynn Beauty Supply 352 S. Main Street 54. Doctores y Mas 354-A S. Main Street

January 2019

offerings available within a block or so off the Imaginary Mile.

Where shopping once filled the street-level commercial spaces, service business have taken over: legal, financial, automotive, medical, and technical. But no category is as well-served as that of salons, barbers and beauty accessories. At least six grooming businesses have Main Street addresses, and several more are only steps away. Considering the wellness industry as a whole, downtown Elgin is defined as much by looking and feeling good as it is by food & drink and the arts.

Down on RNDL1L2 Road In 300 Lake Street, author Mike Bailey shares this snapshot from 1972.

On my first day as police and fire reporter for the Elgin Daily Courier News, Elgin Fire Chief George Van De Voorde took me around the city, stopping on McLean Boulevard, which was then the far west portion of Elgin. “Someday, this will be the center of Elgin,” he said.

“He’s inhaled too much smoke,” I thought.

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Geographic center, perhaps. In 2019, McLean Boulevard holds its own as an important northsouth arterial in a part of town where plenty of potential customers live, but it didn’t quite become the suburban-style Main Street Van De Voorde imagined.

Just like in 1840’s Elgin, the opportunities were always found just a little further west.

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the

gas station

oxygen bar

fresh, restorative oxygen-enriched air is perfect for after a workout • after a bender • conference calls • bachelor parties •

Measured in terms of traffic volume, dollar volume, and square footage, Randall Road is our de facto commercial Main Street, a fact that haunts the conscience of every contrarian downtown merchant who feels that Main Street ought to capture the character of a place and its people.

But a city is more than its Main Street, however. (And for Elgin, it’s everything except a Main Street.) It’s an East Side, a West Side, Historic Districts and new subdivisions. It’s four ZIP codes.

It isn’t necessarily a mall, a stadium, an airport or a Walk of Fame. Ultimately it’s what the people make of its natural resources, legacy and most of all, its potential. —JP

O2 joy happy hour weekdays 4-7 247 s. main street • elgin across from grand victoria gas-station-elgin.com 224-555-0202

February 10, 2018 11:00 AM- 3:00 PM

RING AROUND ELGIN RIN

WEDDING VENUE & CELEBRATION SHOWCASE Look before you Book! Find the perfect location for your reception, rehearsal dinner, shower or special celebration in 2019.

This is a self guided tour so you can choose to visit a few or see them all!

Tickets are not required but only registered guests will be able to win prizes.

Register for FREE admission at: www.exploreelginarea.com/ring-around-elgin/ Presented by The Elgin Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

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Billings Summary for January

Serious Culture which also feature ESO Concertmaster Isabella Lippi performing Bruch’s fiery and passionate Violin Concerto No. 1, considered one of the greatest of all time.

The program also includes Kodaly’s Peacock Variations, which use a melody that has Hungarian and possibly Mari roots dating back over 1,500 years.

The Downtown Elgin Winter Market returns to Elgin Artspace Lofts!

Winter Market 2019 Dates

SATURDAY

January 12 March 9

February9 April 13

10:00am - 3:00pm On the second Saturday of the month, join us inside the warm and inviting Elgin ArtSpace Lofts to shop a variety of local vendors offering specialties such as, honey, soaps, bread, baked goods, fish, pet treats, art and much more!

Vendors will vary by date.

Check our FaceBook page for updates:

www.Facebook.com/DowntownElginFarmersMarket

FOR DETAILS VISIT

www.DowntownElgin.com/Winter-Market

www.DowntownElgin.com

#GetLit The fifth annual Elgin Literary Festival (ELF) returns to the Hemmens Cultural Center on Friday and Saturday, January 25-26th for a series of free presentations, workshops, panel discussions, book sales, and performances.

More than twenty book authors and over twenty poets, actors and musicians will participate in the festival, billed as “a free celebration of the written word in Downtown Elgin that provides both wordsmiths and readers a place to create and appreciate the art of writing.”

Later this month, join Music Director Andrew Grams as he conducts some of his favorite waltzes and polkas. Let the music take you away to Vienna, Austria, where the music of Strauss and other like composers is presented in an annual New Year’s Day concert. Performances are Saturday, January 26th at 7:30pm and Sunday, January 27th at 2:30pm at the Hemmens Cultural Center.

The ESO’s season sponsors are Otto Engineering and John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. Tickets start at $30. For more information, visit ElginSymphony.Org or call 847-888-4000.

A complete ELF program is included in selected copies of this month’s BRAVO Magazine.

Connect with ELF at facebook. com/elginliteraryfesvital.

Bruch’s Violin Concerto The nationally-renowned Elgin Symphony Orchestra will perform Haydn’s famous Symphony No. 94, or “Surprise” Symphony on Friday, January 11th, 7:30 pm at Prairie Center for the Arts and on Saturday, January 12th, 2:30 pm and Sunday, January 13th at 2:30 pm at the Hemmens Cultural Center.

Resident Conductor Stephen Squires will lead the concerts,

Isabella Lippi.

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January 2019

2018-2019 SEASON CENTERSTAGE

THE EVERLY SET Friday, February 15 | 7:30 p.m.

This sparkling salute to the Everly Brothers contains a range of hits (“Bye Bye Love,” “Wake Up Little Susie, and “Let It Be Me”), rarities and Everly-influenced classics— all sung with the iconic pristine Everly harmonies.

Add dinner!

LEWIS BLACK The Joke’s on US Tour Thursday, March 21 | 8 p.m.

Turn off the TV—see him in person! Lewis Black uses his trademark style of comedic yelling and animated finger-pointing to skewer anything and anyone that gets under his skin.

Note: This performance contains adult content and language.

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

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American Grands XXIV American Grands returns for its 24th season! This celebration of the piano and those who love to play it features 12 grand pianos generously provided by Cordogan’s Pianoland, a consistently innovative repertoire and close to 500 local performers of all ages. Under the direction of Conductor Colin Holman and Musical Director Larry Dieffenbach, American Grands has become a beloved local music tradition for performers and audiences alike.

This one-of-a-kind piano ensemble fills the Blizzard Theatre stage at the ECC Arts Center on one day only, Saturday, January 26th with performaces 1pm, 4pm and 7pm. Tickets are $24 (adults) and $15 (children 12 and under), available at tickets. elgin.edu, by phone at (847) 6220300 or at the ECC Arts Center box office, 1700 Spartan Drive, Building H. Box office hours are Mon-Thu 12-6pm, Saturday 125pm, and 90 minutes before each performance.

Smoking Popes A great night of punk rock is in store at Legit Dogs & Ice in the lower level at Dream Hall, 51 S. Grove Avenue in downtown

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Elgin, Saturday night, January 26th. Doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 8:30 with Death and Memphis, followed by Elgins very own The Turdles at 9:30 and ends with Smoking Popes going on at 10:30. This is an all ages show! Admission is $15.

MLK Jr. Celebrations Each year, the City of Elgin Human Relations Commission takes great pride in presenting a weekend of activities celebrating the life of one of our country’s greatest civil rights leaders, the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The 34th annual celebration is highlighted by the annual Prayer Breakfast, set for Saturday, January 19th at 8:30am at the Elgin Community College University and Business Center.

Tickets are $15, available at the City of Elgin Finance Department counter at City Hall.

This year, Dr. Wes Scott will be the Keynote Speaker. Dr. Scott is a retired military officer with over 35 years of distinguished federal service for many agencies. He is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Howard and Harvard Universities with advanced degrees in Engineering, Medicine, Theology and

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January 2019

Dr. Wesley E. Scott History. He has been recognized in the Who’s Who of Medical Professionals and has published several books and technical articles. Dr. Scott has also been recognized by the NAACP, the recipient of the ECC Community Impact Award and received the President’s Award for Volunteer Service and the President’s Medal for Heroism for saving the life of a policeman in a foreign country.

He is currently the President and CEO of Global EHSS Leadership Solutions, and the Board Chairman of the Youth Leadership Academy in Elgin, IL, an organization that builds leadership competencies and College access for economically at-risk students.

The 2019 City of Elgin Dr. King Youth Leadership Conference will take place on Monday, January 21, 2019 at the Ed Schock Centre of Elgin noon to 4:00 PM. This event is free and lunch will be provided.

The program will include inspirational keynote speaker, Jeron Shelton, a speech contest featuring area youth, dance performances and spoken word performances.

Recognition will be given to the 2019 Dr. King scholarship recipients who will tell their stories to everyone. For more information, please contact Jim Cook at jcook@midwestsportsacademy.org.

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Get to Know YOUR ESO Transforming the Symphony Experience

Haydn’s “Surprise” Symphony Stephen Squires Conductor Isabella Lippi Violin

January 11-13

A Night in

At the Rochaus January leads off with Kerry Devine’s second annual Birthday Jam, featuring Lava Rock, plus members of Semple Band/Cyberium, Nick Bell Band, Friction, Lounge Puppets, My Metal Heart, Jagged Little Pill, Hey Jimmy!, Mr. Capone’s Bootlegger Band, Cinful, Super-Unknown and Nomadic. Doors open at 6:30pm and the party starts at 7pm. No cover!

Old Vienna

Andrew Grams, conductor

Andrew Grams’ favorite

Strauss waltzes & polkas

January 26 & 27

Natasha and The Romantics Andrew Grams Conductor Natasha Paremski Piano

When The Sun Sets headlines an alternative rock lineup set for January 19th, featuring The Liar’s Club, Misstep Forward and Adam Linder with Chris Smith.

Doors to this all ages show open at 6pm with the music starting at 7pm. Tickets are $10 in advance.

February 9 & 10 Guitar Serenade Teddy Abrams Conductor Jason Vieaux Guitar

The Rochaus is located at 96 W. Main Street in West Dundee, with tickets available on their website rochaus.com, powered by ticketfly.

March 2 & 3 Inside the Music

w/Andrew Grams & the ESO

Mozart’s Jupiter Symphony, No. 41

Musical Masterpieces Demystified

March 22

Tickets start at $30 Valet or Free Parking Come as you areLeave transformed!

Use code 18-Bravo for 15% savings

ElginSymphony.Org 847.888.4000

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Sponsored Content

Elgin Cultural Arts Commission

Daydream Analysis

by Adrian Mesino With the generous grant from the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission, my collaboration with Kira fox titled “Daydream” successfully displayed from November 30th through December 16th in Elgin’s Side Street Studio Arts Gallery.

“Daydream” closed the spaces exhibition season for 2018 and gave a sneak peek into the new and exciting energy the space will showcase in 2019.

As FM Design, we decided to mix illustrative 2D visual art and interactive 3D installation in an attempt to lead the viewer into the quirky and offbeat minds of FM Design. Exploring the positive and negative ideas that come with daydreaming, our vision reflected the growing pains when pursuing a career in the arts. Our successful opening reception also featured the music of Dian Amar with Dan Bradley and Matt Vaughn-Braun from the band Foresight which perfectly complemented the atmosphere that night, adding another dimension of immersion to our show.

The work Kira Fox and I premiered at Side Street Studio Arts was only possible by removing the restriction of budget through the $1000 individual artist grant awarded to us in late September. We used the grant money for the purchase of fine art and promotional material, as well as paying our music collaborators for their wonderful performances.

Artists Adrian Mesino and Kira Fox.

“Daydream” was able to go far beyond what we thought our individual budgets at the time would have allowed. With that we were able to explore our concept to its fullest potential. FM Design is dedicated to

collaboration and interactive design for the Elgin area and we believe we successfully displayed that in the space.

We hoped the application we submitted showcased the passion and dedication Kira and I have for the arts and for the city of Elgin.

Thank you to the City of Elgin and the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission for investing in its young artists through grants like this one.

Apply for an Individual Artist Grant by visiting the ECAC’s website: http://cityofelgin. org/60/Cultural-Arts

Cultural Arts Commission Calendar Elgin Literary Festival, Cultural Arts Commission Sponsored Event Save the date for the fourth-annual Elgin Literary Festival (ELF) on January 25 & 26, 2019 at the Hemmens Cultural Center. This event is for both readers and writers and features guest speakers, panels, and presentations. This event is free and open to the public. #ELF #forereadersandwriters #GetLit

January 2019

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First Congregational United Church of Christ in Elgin will host a monthly educational opportunity regarding different aspects of the Opioid Crisis.

We will be focusing on opportunities to collaborate with local substance abuse programs; the local police department; individuals sharing their personal stories of recovery; Kane County and the Illinois Task Forces on Opioid Crisis and nationally recognized speaker, Stephen Kovalkovich, host of Rescue the Rescuer and CEO of Rescue Consulting.

First Congregational Church of Elgin 256 East Chicago Street 847-741-4045 | fcc-elgin.org

Jan – Jun 2019 Speaker Series

JANUARY 20, 2019

7:00pm

Rev. Kirsten Peachey, MSW., MDiv., DMin. Will discuss How to be HELPful? How being Healing Engaged, Loving People can transform your Community. How traumatic events in a person’s life increase the possibility of developing an active opioid addiction. Rev. Peachey is the Director of Faith and Health Partnerships for Advocate Aurora Health and helps faith communities support their role as promoters of health and healing.

FEBRUARY 24, 2019

4:00pm

National speaker Stephen Kovalkovich, host of Rescue the Rescuer and CEO of Rescue Consulting, will discuss Identity- Who We Are Beneath the Surface. Stephen is trained as a paramedic and a first responder. His most memorable work was at the World Trade Center on 9-11-01. After 15 years as a paramedic he himself fell into drug addiction. As a result he lost his certification, career, marriage and children. He says, “Eventually, he was able to overcome his addiction, stopped walking toward his grave, and started working towards healing in a recovery program.” He speaks passionately about his own addiction and recovery in the belief that sharing his story might give others hope that they can also recover.

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Sponsored Content

Elgin Area Convention and Visitors Bureau

Planning Your Wedding In Elgin Just Got Easier

by Krisilee Murphy Elgin is Wedding Friendly The winter holidays are one of the most popular times for couples to get engaged. Lucky for them the Elgin Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (EACVB) is here to help make planning their big day in the Elgin Area easier.

EACVB has a team of professionals that work directly with area vendors to create every aspect of your wedding.

Couples are choosing to “Say Yes” to Elgin because of the unique inventory of venues for any celebration. Families and friends can plan the bridal shower or rehearsal dinner at the area’s farm-to-table favorite, Bleuroot in West Dundee or at the Grumpy Goat with views of one of Elgin’s award-winning golf courses or have an active shower where the party learns how to make the perfect latte at Café Revive in Dream Hall at 51. Say “I do” on Walton Island located right in the middle of the Fox River in downtown Elgin

or at Lord’s Park Pavilion with the perfect view of Lord’s Park.

Host your reception at IMAGO Creative Studios for an intimate setting with brick walls to set off all of your photos or maybe the Heritage Ballroom at the Centre of Elgin with floor to ceiling windows showcasing the Fox River. Whatever feel you are going for, the professional team at the Elgin Area Convention & Visitors Bureau can help you plan the wedding you are picturing in your head. Whatever you envision for your perfect day, the Elgin Area Convention & Visitors Bureau can assist you in planning the wedding of your dreams.

Ring Around Elgin Ring Around Elgin is a promotional event where the Elgin Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is partnering with area venues to showcase all the unique spaces where couples can host their ceremony, reception and even the showers before

the wedding. This event gives newly engaged couples and their families the opportunity to “look before they book.”

At traditional wedding expos you talk to employees of venues at one location. During “Ring Around Elgin,” attendees will actually visit venues located in the heart of downtown Elgin, and the surrounding communities which are all located within a short distance.

If you are a local venue interested in participating please contact Wendi Howard, Wendi@ ExploreElginArea.com.

EACVB Calendar Ring Around Elgin Save the Date: Sunday, February 10th Look before you Book! Find the perfect location for your reception, rehearsal dinner, shower or special celebration in 2019.

Over a dozen unique venues in and around the Elgin area will be open for viewing.

Meet their staff and other vendors such as florists, photographers and catering during your visit!

This is a self-guided tour so you can choose to visit a few or see them all! If you would like to register for your complimentary tickets please visit www.exploreelginarea. com/ring-around-elgin/.

If you are a venue that wants to participate please contact Wendi Howard at Wendi@ExploreElginArea. com

Concierge Services The Elgin Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is excited to welcome you to the Elgin area for your big day. We offer complimentary services to make planning a wedding easier on everyone involved.

Here are some of the FREE services offered by the Elgin Area Tourism Bureau’s team: • Research all area hotels for availability and pricing. This saves you time and money.

Whether you need 5 rooms or 50 for your out of town guests we can help you create a room block at our local hotels.

• Welcome bags for your hotel guests (When the CVB handles your room block) • Assistance finding venues for all celebrations: Rehearsal Dinner, Ceremony, Reception, Brunch the next nay • List of area locations for photo opportunities • Assistance finding transportation We can also provide a list of area wedding vendors for the following services: • Local Caterers and Bakeries • Florists • Photographers • Hair Salon • Bridal Boutiques • Tuxedo Rentals • Local Specialties for Wedding Favors If you would like more information on working with the Elgin Area Convention & Visitors Bureau or want to start planning your big day please contact Wendi Howard, Sales Manager, Wendi@ExploreElginArea.com or 847-695-7540.

BRAVO

January 2019

Sat.Dec.29 Bison Feeding in Lords Park Join us for an up close and personal look at the bison, deer and elk at the Lords Park Zoo. Meet at the Museum for a short introduction after which we head for the zoo to assist the zookeeper in feeding these magnificent creatures. Space is limited to 12 people, so please register early! Sponsored by the Friends of Lords Park Zoo. Members free. 7a-8.30a, Elgin Public Museum, 225 Grand Boulevard 847.741.6655 elginpublicmuseum.org. $1-2 Week of Play Get out of the house and visit our wonderland of play with games and many other activities in our youth areas. 9a-6p, GBPL Youth Center - West, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Happy Noon Year Party Can’t stay up until midnight this year? Come ring in the New Year early with fun stories, games, holiday food, and even a little dancing! Don your fancy outfits if you’d like!

Preschoolers and their caregivers. 11a-12p, GBPL Rakow Branch Rakow - Living Room, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info Happy Noon Year Party See above. 11.30a-12.30p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B-C, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Live Painting Show with John French featuring Geronimo Stilton Series Come see local artist John French paint some of your favorite Geronimo Stilton characters and dragons. Followed by cookies, meet & greet and photo op with artist. 2p-4p, GBPL Rakow Branch Living Room, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info

Happy Pets, Happy People.

Adopt.

Donate.

Foster.

Volunteer.

13 Twelve Beers of Christmas 12 Beers of Christmas is back!!! With an all new prize! A brand new EPH winter hat. We will be featuring: Anchor Christmas Ale; Bell’s Christmas Ale; Breckenridge Christmas Ale; Southern Tier 2XMas; Anderson Valley Winter Solstice; Great Lakes Christmas Ale; Revolution Fistmas; Stone Xocoveza; Smithwick’s Holiday in a Glass; Schlafly Merry Berry; Vander Mill Totally Roasted Cider; and Rotating Holiday Tap Beers.

Continues through 12/30. 5p, Elgin Public House, 219 E. Chicago Street 847.468.8810 elginpublichouse.com Andrew Sedlak Live music in our lounge every Friday and Saturday from 7-10p. Andrew Sedlak is playing 12/29. 7p, Jimmy’s Charhouse, 2290 Point Boulevard 847.783.0200 jimmyscharhouseelgin. com. No Cover Chicks with Picks Playing Classic to Current hits covering several styles! Sets include: Mash ups with Dance Mix, Reggae Mix, Country mix, Rock mix, Retro Mix, Rock Ballad Mix, Mash-ups by Journey, Bon Jovi, Violent Femmes, and more! 7p, Gifford’s Kitchen, 2300 Bushwood Drive 847.649.3900 giffordskitchen.com. No Cover The Mix 8p-11p, Porter’s Pub Elgin, 1250 Bowes Creek Boulevard 847.214.5877 porterspubelgin. com. No cover

Sun.Dec.30 Happy Noon Year’s Eve See 12/29. 11.30a-12.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Week of Play See 12/29. 12p-5p, GBPL Youth Center - West, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Girl Up Girl Up engages girls to stand up for girls, empowering each other and changing our world.

1p-3p, GBPL Conference Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Mon.Dec.31 New Year’s Eve at Plank Road Tap Room Oh, hello, last day of 2018. On New Years Eve, we’re tapping some Goose Island beers to close out 2018.

The beers include: Bramble Rye; Midnight Orange; Coffee Barleywine; Reserve; Vanilla; Wheatwine; 2018 Bourbon County Stout. Food Truck: Chuck’s Wood Fired Pizza. NOTE: Plan to take an Uber and dress warm! 3p, Plank Road Tap Room, 39W149 Plank Road plankroadtaproom.com. No cover Candlelight Meditation Candlelight Meditation Monday nights from 6:00-6:30p. Come join us for 30 minutes of calm, peace, serenity. Guaranteed to help you feel less stressed and more centered.

6p-6.30p, First Congregational Church of Elgin, 256 E. Chicago Street 630.886.8823 fcc-elgin.org.

Donation

Our adoptable pet availablity changes daily so please check out our website frequently. www.andersonanimalshelter.org.

Three Adoption Locations: Bloomingdale (inside petco) 412 W Army Trail Road Bloomingdale, IL 60108 (847) 697-2880 ext 90

South Elgin (Main Shelter) 1000 S La Fox Street South Elgin, IL 60177 (847) 697-2880

N. Aurora (next to Pet Supplies Plus) 180 N Randall Road North Aurora, IL 60542 (847) 697-2880 ext 80

Murder Mystery Masquerade Dinner Join us on New Year’s Eve for a night of murder, mystery, food and drinks. This year’s theme: masquerade.

Dress up in your favorite Mardi Gras outfit and join the fun. Reservations and deposit are required.

6p, Elgin Public House, 219 E. Chicago Street 847.468.8810 elginpublichouse.com New Years Eve Party! Free food. Free party favors.

Free champagne toast. Live Band at 8pm. 6p, Olde Towne Inn, 412 Bluff City Boulevard 847.608.1703.

No Cover Mike & Kathy 7p, Jimmy’s Charhouse, 2290 Point

Boulevard 847.783.0200 jimmyscharhouseelgin. com. No Cover New Year’s Eve with Smokin Gunz! Come celebrate the end of 2018 with us! Tickets can be purchased in advance. All you can eat Pizza and Soda Buffet. Champagne Toast at midnight. 8p, Danny’s on Douglas, 231 Douglas Avenue 847.742.5400 dannyspizzelgin.com. $25 New Year’s Eve at Gifford’s RING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH US! WE’RE THROWING AN AMAZING NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY @ GIFFORD’S KITCHEN & SOCIAL! 9PM ‘TILL THE COPS SHUT US DOWN 9p, Gifford’s Kitchen, 2300 Bushwood Drive 847.649.3900 giffordskitchen.com. $57.59 New Year’s Eve at Medusa’s GET READY TO RING IN THE NEW YEAR AT MEDUSA’S! Details below on the flyer! RSVP below and receive: $10 off admission before 11pm! COME EARLY! (Instead of $20, it’s only $10 with RSVP). MUST ARRIVE BEFORE 11pm! Doors open at 9pm! Come Party early with us!!! 17+ to enter, 21+ to consume. (Free parking in the garage directly across the street from Medusa’s) http://www.medusachicago.com 9p, Medusa Chicago, 209 E. Chicago Street medusachicago. com. $10-20

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Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the end of the event to ensure your pets receive vaccines, microchipping, or our other wellness services. We offer packages of core vaccinations for cats and dogs, like our 1-Year Dog Well Pack including vaccinations against Rabies, Bordetella, Canine Distemper, and a Heartworm test for $69. We also offer our 1-Year Cat Well Pack for $30 total. Pet microchips can be administered for only $25, which includes their lifetime registration in the Found Animals Microchip registry. We have even greater discounts for pet owners receiving LINK (Food Stamp) or SSDI benefits. Call (630) 961-8000 to learn more. Spay Illinois is a registered 501c3 non-profit organization.

Donations make our work possible and keep all pets safe and healthy. To learn more about our programs and services, visitwww.spayillinois.org 5p-8p, FYDOLAND, 1999 Larkin Avenue 630.961.8000

spayillinois.org Elgin Coin Club Monthly coin club meeting. Guest speakers, raffle, auctions, show & tell. Prospective members welcome. 6.30p, Elgin Moose Lodge #799, 925 S. McLean Boulevard Human Relations Commission 6.30p-7.30p, Elgin City Hall, 150 Dexter Court 311 cityofelgin.org Open Mic Night Host by Jason Kilgore One of the Northwest Suburbs longest running Open Mic! Grab your family, friends, and instruments and head down to Danny’s on Douglas! Four songs or 20 minutes per artist. 7-9p is acoustic only. Open Mic Etiquette: -Arrive early and introduce yourself to the host; Put down your (own) name on the list, and please only sign up for one slot; Be tuned up and ready to play; Time slots include your setup time,

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New Year’s Eve 90’s Throwback Party Time to party like it’s 1999 with the Ultimate 90s Party Band Run Forrest Run at the Grand Victoria Casino Show Bar! Live DJ 6-11p. Run Forrest Run 11p-2a. Ages 21+ 11p, Grand Victoria Casino, 250 S. Grove Avenue 847.468.7000 grandvictoriacasino.com. Free

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Tue.Jan.1 Fiesta De Fin De Ano Celebrando fin de semana bailando con su mejor música de nuestro DJ en el “AFTERSET” HASTA las 4am! Entrada Siempre Gratis!! Celebrating Every Friday & Saturday Night Weekend @The AFTERSET TIL 4am !! $5 drinks & $3-$6 bar top shots. music by DJ BRENES! Doors open @1045pm. *OPEN DEC. 31 “NEW YEARS EVE” 1230am-4am!! (Always No Cover charge) -4a, Afterset, 158 Symphony Way 847.608.7570. No Cover

Tiny Tutus Come dance and twirl and listen to a story as we make believe we are ballerinas!

10.15a-10.45a, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Tiny Tutus See above. 11a-11.30a, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Code my World The U of I Extension 4-H teen Science Ambassadors will be teaching us coding for this No School Day activity. Recommended for Grades 3-6. 1p-2p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Explore and Discover the Who Was Series Ben Franklin & Thomas Edison 1p-2p, GBPL Rakow Branch Living Room, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info Low Cost Pet Vaccine Clinic Pet owners are welcome to join us, with no appointments needed.

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City Skate Please contact the Parks and Recreation Information Line DAILY for updated ice conditions at City Skate, 847-931-6140 or visit our website at www.cityofelgin.org. Please note that no hockey playing is allowed at City Skate. This includes skating with a hockey stick. 9a-9p, City Hall Plaza, 150 Dexter Court 311 cityofelgin.org

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Wed.Jan.2

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Arabica Cafe

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

BRAVO

January 2019 so keep it quick and simple; Stay and support other performers; Support the venue and buy something; Most importantly...have fun! 7p-11.30p, Danny’s on Douglas, 231 Douglas Avenue 847.742.5400 dannyspizzaelgin.com Walking Book Club Join the Walking Book Club for a 45-minute walk, followed by a 45-minute book discussion. January: The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah. For details, please contact Andy at 847289-5844. 7p-8.30p, GBPL In The Community at Rec Center, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Thu.Jan.3 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. 9.30a-11.30a, GBPL Rakow Branch Computer Cafe, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden. info Read to me Scouts Sign-up for an individual storytime with a local Girl Scout! 10.30a-10.45a, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden. info Super-Size Play Day It’s a big day of even bigger fun! Play HUGE-sized versions of familiar games for a gigantic good time! All ages welcome. 10.30a-12p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B-C, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Read to me Scouts See above. 10.45a-11a, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean

He loved History...

15 Boulevard, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden. info Piano Performance: Steve Yoder 11a-12p, GBPL Lobby , 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Read to me Scouts See above. 11a-11.15a, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden. info Read to me Scouts See above. 11.15a-11.30a, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden. info New You, New Bullet Journal Get the year off to a great start with a new Bullet Journal. 2p-4p, GBPL Studio 270, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Piano Performance: Denise Williams 2p-3p, GBPL Lobby , 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Super-Size Play Day See above. 2.30p-4p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B-C, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Creativity Lab Art, tinkering activities and games will be available for creative play. 4p-5p, GBPL South Elgin Branch 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 Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

So we went back in time for his last ride.

We believe every funeral should be as special as the person it honors. We are a veteran and family-owned funeral home that thrives on helping you create a final, heartfelt experience that exceeds your expectations, regardless of budget.

Text BRAVOPREPLAN to 22828 to receive your free planning guide:

Five Reasons to Plan Ahead for Peace of Mind

305 Park Street | Elgin, IL 60120 | 847-741-1128 www.SymondsMadisonFuneralHome.com

Grupo de Conversacion para la Ciudadan/ Citizenship Conversation Group ?Necesitas practicar tu ingles para el examen de la ciudadania? Ven a este grupo gratis para repasar y practicar el ingles que vas a necesitar 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 necesita inscribirse.

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. 6.30p-7.30p, GBPL Conference Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Piano Performance: John LaBorn 7p-8p, GBPL Lobby , 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Fri.Jan.4 Kids in Action: Dance into Fitness Exercise your body with dance. Dawn Jones from The Centre of Elgin makes fitness fun! All ages. 10a-11a, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B-C, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info No Shushing Movie Fridays Come enjoy a movie in a family-friendly, casual setting. Chatting and snacks from home are welcome. This program welcomes people of all abilities. Please contact the library one week in advance if you need accommodations. No registration. January 4 Disney’s Christopher Robin (2018, PG) 10.15a-12.15p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden. info Ebony & Ivory Ebony & Ivory will start out the new year performing in Elgin for a short 2-hour show

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176 E. Chicago Street 847.697.2583 theblueboxcafe.com. Donation

Sat.Jan.5 Eastside Recreation Center Open House 9a-1a, Eastside Recreation Center, 1080 E Chicago Street 847.888.1989 cityofelgin.org

at Gifford’s Kitchen & Social! We’ll be playing your favorites and taking requests. 7p, Gifford’s Kitchen, 2300 Bushwood Drive 847.649.3900 giffordskitchen.com. No Cover First Fridays Improv with GreenRoom Productions Come on in out of the cold and sit back, relax and prepare to laugh! 100% clean. 99.27% hilarious. Imagine an hour and a half of complete improvisation, a la Whose Line is it Anyway? GreenRoom’s improvisers take audience suggestions and true-life audience stories and turn them into hilarious theatre pieces right before your eyes! GreenRoom Productions, a semi-professional ensemble-based theatre company that specializes in improvisation, produces a full season of shows each year including musicals, plays, improv, and original sketch comedy. With competing improv teams, improvised songs, audience members on stage, and tons of energy, these family-friendly shows are ones you won’t soon forget. Oh, and did we mention there’s live music and a cash bar? Don’t miss a fun and exciting evening out! Catch First Fridays Improv with GreenRoom Production shown in The Hemmens’ one of a kind 200-seat Cabaret Theater in the Round! 8p-9.45p, Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way 847.931.5900 greenroomimprov.com Improvised Dungeons & Dragons Out On A Whim brings classic table top RPGs to life in two 75 minute improvised shows each First Friday Night in Downtown Elgin at The Blue Box Cafe!! For each show, the audience selects a core cast of adventurers to embark on an epic quest guided by a guest Dungeon Master!

Watch as our heroes endure triumph and tragedy, romance and revenge, all while reckoning with the whims of the almighty D20! First show starts at 8 pm - doors open at 7:30 pm Second show starts at approx 9:30 pm - doors open at 9:15 pm All tickets are pay-what-you-can. Seating is First Come, First Served. The cafe will be open but service may be limited during the show. 8p, Blue Box Cafe, 176 E. Chicago Street 847.697.2583 theblueboxcafe.com. Donation Improvised Dungeons & Dragons See above. 9.30p, Blue Box Cafe,

Literacy Connection Volunteer Tutor Training Become a Literacy Connection Volunteer Tutor in this 12 hour training workshop. Help to make a change in someone’s life and become a Volunteer Literacy Tutor!

The Literacy Connection has over 40 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. Join us on Saturday, January 5, 2019 from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. for a brief overview to The Literacy Connection & Tutoring to learn more.

Part A of training will start after the intro and there is no obligation to stay if you feel our program is not for you. Training continues on Wednesday, January 9 from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm, Saturday, January 19 from 9:30 am - 12:30 pm and concludes on Wednesday, January 23 from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm. Part A must be completed in person. 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, 12-hour 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: 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. Registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Call 847-742-6565 or email info@elginliteracy.org for more information or to register. 9.30a-12.30p, GBPL Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Story Hour Saturday: Llamas Come visit the beautiful Elgin Public Museum for this children’s program, held every first Saturday of the month.

Kids will spend a fun and relaxing hour with our educators, listening

to fantastic, themed stories. There is no charge for this program, but donations are always welcome. We hope to see you there! 11a-2p, Elgin Public Museum, 255 Grand Blvd.

847.741.6655 elginpublicmuseum.org Celebracion de los Reyes Magos / Three Kings Celebration Celebracion de los Reyes Magos / Three Kings Celebration. Conoce a Gaspar, Melchor y Baltasar, los Reyes Magos, y tomate una foto con ellos. Quedate para una hora de cuentos y manualidades. Habra rosca de Reyes y chocolate caliente. En asociacion con la Organizacion de Mexico en Elgin (OME). Meet Gaspar, Melchor and Balthazar, the Three Kings, and take your pictures with them. Stay for stories and crafts too! In partnership with the Organization of Mexico in Elgin. 1p-3p, GBPL Meadows Comm.

Rms. A-B-C, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info The Wedding Card Create a wedding card using Calligraphy and embellishments cut out from a Cricut. There will be a Cricut demo. This is one of 4 programs, January though February, involving crafting for a wedding event. Please register only for the program(s) that interest you. 1p-3p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden. info Original Goat Yoga Experience t’s the New Year and what better thing to do than focus on your mental health! Do things that make you happy and gives you joy! That’s what we’re providing here at Reverse the Kerr’s Farm! Part Yoga, Part Animal Assisted Therapy. Goat Yoga is about disconnecting from day to day stress, illness or depression and focusing on happy vibes! If you’re traveling to Illinois, THIS is your bucket list experience! Our venue which is named Reverse the Kerrs Farm (Go CUBS!) is located just 30 miles NW of Chicago in Elgin. We believe in smaller class sizes and so that everyone gets the ultimate Goat Yoga experience! We also hold all our events inside a heated studio in the winter months. Remember to bring your own yoga mat! We’ll provide the warm and snugly goats! 3p, Reverse the Kerrs Farm, 11N435 Muirhead Road 888.992.4628 nwchicago.goatyoga. net. $35

5.1 singing great classic songs from the 60’s - 90’s! 7p, Gifford’s Kitchen, 2300 Bushwood Drive 847.649.3900 giffordskitchen.com. No cover Karaoke Night 1st Saturday night each month starting at 9 p.m. From October through May1st S 9p, Bowlway Lanes, 810 Villa Street 847.741.0155 bowlwaylanes.com. No Cover

Sun.Jan.6 Girl Up See 12/30. 1p-3p, GBPL Conference Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Eighth Annual Faculty Recital EYSO conductors, chamber music coaches and staff craft an hour of shared music making! Join us for this free concert! 2p, ECC Spartan Auditorium, 1700 Spartan Drive 847.697.1000 elgin.edu. Free Sunday Afternoon Concert: Metropolis Oboe Quartet The Metropolis Oboe Quartet (oboe, violin, viola, cello) invites you to join them on an exciting journey through the greatest chamber music of all eras.

Aficionados and newcomers alike will enjoy this memorable display of high-caliber music complemented by the ensemble’s energy and love for what they do. 2p-3p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B-C, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Mon.Jan.7 Countdown to Kindergarten 5, 4, 3, 2, 1...Kindergarten! This storytime series is filled with fun educational stories, songs, and activities specially designed to get kids ready to attend Kindergarten. Children should be entering Kindergarten in the Fall of 2019 to attend this program. For kids ages 4-5 years with an adult caregiver.

Registration required. You will be automatically registered for the entire 6-week series. 10.15a-10.45a, GBPL Story Room - North, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Cafe en Espanol / Spanish Cafe Participantes de nivel intermedio practicaran respondiendo o empezando conversaciones en espanol con flu-

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Kerry Devine’s 2nd Annual Birthday Jam Featuring Lava Rock, plus members of Semple Band/Cyberium, Nick Bell Band, Friction, Lounge Puppets, My Metal Heart, Jagged Little Pill, Hey Jimmy!, Mr. Capone’s Bootlegger Band, Cinful, Super-Unknown, Nomadic. Ages 21+. Show starts at 7p.

6.30p, Rochaus, 96 W. Main Street, West Dundee 815.492.2870 rochaus. com. No Cover

Bands & Music

Theater & Dance

Exhibits & Film

Causes & Community

Kids & Families

Steven Roth Steve’s back at Gifford’s

Other

Lectures & Learning Wellness & Nature Creativity

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January 2019

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Formerly SoirĂŠe Lyrique, NFP

presents

Voices from around the world Selections to include operatic excerpts and musical theater, standards, Italian songs, Viennese waltzes, popular music and Folk songs from around the world.

Tetyana Torzhevska Solange Sior

Simon Kyung Lee

Franco Martorana

Sunday, February 17, 2019 at 2:00 pm

Tickets on sale

First United Methodist Church 216 E. Highland Avenue, Elgin

On-line at www.foxvalleylyricalproductions.org Email at office@foxvalleylyricalproductions.org Box Office 847-622-9988 $20 in advance, $25 at the door, $15 students (age 6 – 16 years old) (No children under 6 years old)

Sunday, February 24, 2019 at 3:00 pm The Gallery of the Norris Cultural Arts Center 1040 Dunham Rd., St. Charles

Saturday, March 9, 2019 at 2:00 pm St Paul United Church of Christ 401 East Main Street, Barrington Fox Valley Lyrical Productions is a 501 (c)(3) tax exempt not-for-profit organization

sponsored by

S. E. Ainsworth Family Fund Barbara & Barre Seid Foundation

Dr. Chiayi Lee

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5.1 MS Excel: Basics Learn how Microsoft Excel’s features 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 Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Planning & Zoning Commission 7p8p, Elgin City Hall, 150 Dexter Court 311 cityofelgin.org

Willow Lake Estates

Tue.Jan.8

161 West River Road, Elgin Located on the Fox River, this age-qualified (55+) mobile home community is a beautifully landscaped neighborhood featuring mature trees in a quiet country setting. Residents enjoy a private stocked lake and boat dock, a heated community swimming pool, and a fully outfitted fitness center.

• On-site management • Pet friendly • Spacious clubhouse • Convenient location

Big Apple BAGELS 561 N. M CLE A N BLV D .

847-697-9730

BIGAPPLEBAGELS.COM

MUFFINS & BAGELS BREAKFAST SANDWICHES SPECIALTY SANDWICHES

Call for Your Private Tour:

(855) 681-1985 myMHcommunity.com

®

E LG I N

CUSTOM CATERING

Meditation

Every Monday evening 6:00 - 6:30 pm First Congregational Church of Elgin 256 E. Chicago St. Please join us for a free, non-denominational, candlelight meditation in our beautiful, historic stained-glass sanctuary.

A regular meditation practice has so many benefits: • Increase positivity, happiness, energy, calmness • • Reduce stress, anxiety, depression, anger, confusion • •Improve concentration, focus, self-awareness, clarity • • Decrease pain, inflammation, heart rate, blood pressure •

Questions? 630-886-8823 Donations welcome and encouraged.

idez y hablando con gente que habla espanol como primer idioma. Dirigido por Pita Betancourt. Intermediate-level participants will practice structured and spontaneous conversations in Spanish. Participants also will learn vocabulary. Led by Pita Betancourt.

12p-1p, GBPL Conference Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info STEAM for Grades K-2 Explore the wonders of the universe through Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math in a fun, hands-on way.

Check out our STEAM Blog for more ideas: http://gbplsteam.blogspot.com 4p-4.45p, GBPL Meadows Comm.

Rms. A-B, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Read It! Paint It! Paint your very own Wishtree by Katherine Applegate! 4.30p-5.30p, GBPL Rakow Branch Living Room, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info STEAM for grades 3-5 Explore the wonders of the universe through Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math in a fun, hands-on way.

Check out our STEAM Blog for more ideas: http://gbplsteam.blogspot. com 5p-6p, GBPL Meadows Comm.

Rms. A-B, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Candlelight Meditation See 12/31.

6p-6.30p, First Congregational Church of Elgin, 256 E. Chicago Street 630.886.8823 fcc-elgin.org.

Donation Drop By Game Design (High School) We’ll be using Bitsy and Twine 2 to make our own games. Come try it out or continue working on something you already started. Laptops will be provided, first come first serve. On the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month.

6.30p-7.30p, GBPL Rakow Branch Living Room, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info 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 Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Illinois Speaks! Current Issues Discussion Group Share your viewpoint, understand a different perspective, and engage in the fine art of conversation on timely topics. Co-sponsor: Illinois Humanities 10a-11.30a, GBPL Rakow Branch Living Room, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden. info Pediatric Therapeutic Playgroup An inclusive playgroup for children who currently receive therapy services or may benefit from therapeutic play, ages 0 - 5. This unique playgroup offers opportunities for children to focus on developmental play while families meet and find support.

11a-11.45a, GBPL Story Room - South, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Armchair Generals - Film Screening: Part 1 Ken Burns The Civil War: The Cause A Brown Bag Civil War and Lincoln Interest Group. Commemorate events, share insights, and talk about books or experiences. Film Screening: Part 1 of Ken Burns The Civil War: The Cause. This first installment covers the burning questions of Union and States Rights, John Brown’s actions at Harper’s Ferry, the election of 1860, and the headlong rush into armed conflict. Kanopy Streaming, 100 minutes. 11.45a-1.15p, GBPL Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Cocoa with a Cop This fun, exciting and unique event brings EPD officers and the community together over a delicious and complimentary cup of McDonald’s Hot Chocolate to build relationships and have fun. 1p-2p, McDonald’s Restaurant, 1480 Larkin Ave 311 cityofelgin.org Job Search and Resume Help Drop in for assistance with your resume, cover letter, online applications, and more. Presented in partnership with the Kane County Office of Community Reinvestment. For more information, call 630-844-8768. 1p-4p, GBPL Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info 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 puz-

BRAVO

January 2019 zles. 4.30p-5.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Elgin Property Maintenance Board of Appeals 5p-6p, Elgin City Hall, 150 Dexter Court 311 cityofelgin.org Pizza and Books Stop by the teen area for a slice of pizza and join in on the conversation. We will be talking about books that we are currently reading. For teens in grades 9-12.

5p-6p, GBPL Studio 270, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Sustainability Commission 6p-7p, Elgin City Hall, 150 Dexter Court 311 cityofelgin.org Grupo de Conversacion en ingles / English Conversation Group Practica conversar en ingles, mejora tu pronunciacion y adquiera confianza con un tutor de Literacy Connection. No necesita registrarse. Practice having everyday conversations in English, improve your pronunciation and gain confidence with a tutor from the Literacy Connection. No registration.

6.30p-7.30p, GBPL Conference Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Home Buyer Seminar Thinking of buying a home soon and have no idea where to start? Or maybe you’re in the early phases of buying a home and you have more questions than answers? Well don’t worry, we’re here to help! Stoll Real Estate is opening its doors on the first Tuesday of each month and inviting you to join us for a FREE home buying seminar! We will cover all the important topics and answer all your questions about the home buying process. If you want to find the perfect home, it’s important to be knowledgeable and prepared.

The Stoll Team will be joined by some of their industry counterparts to help with mortgage and legal questions as well. We will be serving refreshments and light snacks for your enjoyment.

Please RSVP to this event so we can prepare accordingly. This is a NO OBLIGATION event. There won’t be lengthy sales pitches or contracts to sign, just a fun and informative seminar to help our local home buyers be more prepared. We hope to see you there. Please message us on Facebook with any questions you may have, or contact the office. 6.30p, Stoll Real Estate, 201 E. Chicago Street 847.214.1619 stollrealestate. com Elgin Alive: You are in an Active Shooter Situation. Now What? A.L.I.C.E (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) is an options-based active shooter training program recommended by professional organizations, federal agencies, and the Elgin Police Department.

The instructor led class will provide preparation and a plan for individuals on how to more proactively handle

the threat of an aggressive intruder or active shooter event. Whether it is an attack by an individual person or by an international group of professionals intent on conveying a political message through violence, ALICE Training option-based tactics have become the accepted response, versus the traditional “lockdown only” approach. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

concert experience. Please register at www.elginsymphony.org, or call 847888-0404 ext. 238 to reserve your seat. 1p-3p, GBPL Meadows Comm.

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

Elgin Heritage Commission 7p-8p, Elgin City Hall, 150 Dexter Court 311 cityofelgin.org

STEAM Northern Lights Discover the science behind the Northern Lights, and paint your very own Northern Lights sky! 4.30p-5.30p, GBPL Rakow Branch Living Room, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info

Google Gmail Streamline electronic communication with an in-depth overview of Gmail and Google Contacts. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Kane County Sheriff Series January 8th: Human Trafficking - Making Waves, Homeland Security, & Kane County Sheriff’s Department. Ron Hain, Kane County Sheriff. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Library Board Meeting Monthly meeting of the Library Board which is generally held on the second Tuesday of the month. 7p-9p, GBPL Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Neighborhood Watch Block Captain Meeting On the first Tuesday of the odd numbered months at 7:00 p.m., the police department hosts a meeting for Block Captains. The meetings are held in the North Community Room, or the Training Room. 7p-8p, Elgin Police Department, 151 Douglas Ave. 311 cityofelgin.org Seinfeld Trivia We are hosting our first night of Trivia! Gather your friends and create a team. Show us how well you know Seinfeld and walk out with some prizes! 7p, Gifford’s Kitchen, 2300 Bushwood Drive 847.649.3900 giffordskitchen.com

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

Presented in partnership with the Kane County Office of Community Reinvestment. For more information, call 630-844-8768. 9.30a-11a, GBPL Conference Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.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

Studio 270 Volunteer Corps: Cards for Humanity Make unique greeting cards for those in our community that need it most. 4p-6p, GBPL Studio 270*, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Literacy Connection Volunteer Tutor Training See 1/5. 5.45p-8.45p, GBPL Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Grupo de Futuros Bilingues/Go Bilingual Conversation Group Estudiantes de todos los niveles practicaran con otras personas que hablan espanol o ingles como primer idioma.

Dirigido por la maestra Betty Martinez.Learners of all levels practice a new language with native English and Spanish speakers. Led by Betty Martinez. 6p-7p, GBPL Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Intro to Podcasting Learn basic tips for creating a podcast, including recording, editing, and promoting. For teens in grades 9-12. 6p-8p, GBPL Studio 270 Digital Media Lab, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Cuentos para la familia/Spanish Family Storytime !30 minutos de cuentos, musica, rimas, manualidades y mucho mas para el disfrute de toda la familia! No necesita registrarse.

Families who speak or are learning Spanish can enjoy stories, crafts, and songs together at our Spanish-language storytime. This is also a great opportunity for children in the Dual-Language Program to practice using Spanish outside the classroom. This program in conducted entirely in Spanish. 6.30p-7p, GBPL

19

35 Specialty Shops Gifts • Antiques

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2019

January 2-31

Winter Sales All Month

January 19-20, Sat & Sun

Join Us for Cocoa & Cookies

February 9-10, Sat & Sun

Sweet ♥ Sale 14% Off Storewide

March 23-24, Sat & Sun

37th Anniversary Celebration Refreshments & Door Prizes

April 13-14, Sat & Sun Meet the Easter Bunny Bring Your Camera

May 11-12, Sat & Sun

Mom’s Appreciation Days Refreshments & Gifts for Mom

June 8-9, Sat & Sun

“Strawberries & Lemonade” Tastings & Summer Sales

July 13-14, Sat & Sun Ice Cream Social

August 10-11, Sat & Sun Dog Daze Sale 15% Off Storewide

September 14-15, Sat & Sun Fall Fling, Cider & Donuts Door Prizes & Music

October 17, Thurs Eve 6-8pm Ladies’ Night Out “Witches, Wine & Wander”

November 9-10, Sat & Sun Holiday Open House Music & Refreshments

Regular Hours:

Tuesday-Saturday 10-5 Thursday 10-8 Sunday 11-5

Open Mondays 10-5 Starting November 11th Until Christmas

Extended Evening Hours: Beginning November 29th 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

List your events for FREE

StateStreetMarketShopsElgin.com

BRAVO

20

5.1

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 Al’s Cafe & Creamery 43 DuPage Court Arabica Cafe* 59 Douglas Ave Associated Bank 16 N. Spring Street Blue Box Cafe 176 E. Chicago Street 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 Assn* 31 S. Grove Avenue #100 Dream Hall at 51 51 S. Grove Avenue 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

Explore Elgin Area 60 S. Grove Avenue

Holiday Inn Express 495 Airport Road

Stanley’s Ale House 335 N. McLean Boulevard

Funky Rooster Tattoo and Gallery 73 S. Grove Avenue

Jewel-Osco 1660 Larkin Avenue

Starbucks 338 S. Randall Road

Hemmens Cultural Center 45 Symphony Way

Judson University 1151 N. State Street

Imago Creative Studios 216 Prairie Street

Metra Rail Big Timber Station 2025 Big Timber Road

Kellenberger Auto Service 217 Symphony Way

Paul’s Family Restaurant 1300 Lawrence Avenue

Law Offices of Shirley Sadjadi 169 E. Chicago St.

Presence St. Joseph Hospital 77 N. Airlite Street

Mama Lee’s Gourmet Popcorn 20 S. Spring St.

Sirin Dentistry 1 Crescent St.

Martini Room 161 E. Chicago St.

State Street Market Shops 701 N. State St.

Pastigel Bakery 154 E. Chicago St.

Walnut Speakeasy 214 Walnut Avenue

Razor Heads Barber Shop 18 S. Spring Street

RANDALL CORRIDOR

Rediscover Records 9 S. Spring Street

1600 Professional Building 1600 N. Randall Road

Senior Services Associates 205 Fulton Street

1710 Professional Building 1710 N. Randall Road

Side Street Studio Arts Gallery 15 Ziegler Court

Advocate Sherman Hospital 1425 N. Randall Road

Soulful Sparrow 10 Douglas Avenue

Candlewood Suites 1780 Capital Street

WEST SIDE

Comfort Suites 2480 Bushwood Drive

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 D Hangout Bar and Grill 550 S. McLean Boulevard Elgin Community College 1700 Spartan Drive Elgin Shopping Mall 308 S. McLean Boulevard Grumpy Goat Tavern 875 Sports Way Habitat for Humanity ReStore 800 N. State Street Hampton Inn 405 Airport Road Hawthorne Hill Nature Center 28 Brookside Dr. Herb’s Bakery 1020 Larkin Ave. Highland Ave Church of the Brethren 783 W. Highland Ave.

Elle Salon 2490 Bushwood Drive Jimmy’s Charhouse 2290 Point Boulevard

EAST/WEST DUNDEE Courtyard by Marriott 2175 Marriott Drive, West Dundee The Dundee Depot 319 N. River St., East Dundee East Dundee Village Hall 120 Barrington Ave., East Dundee Emmett’s Brewing Company 128 W. Main St., West Dundee The Manor Restaurant 425 E. Main St., East Dundee Midwest Retro 207 Barrington Ave., East Dundee 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!

Panera Bread 2484 North Randall Road

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

Physician’s Immediate Care 2490 Bushwood Drive

Contact us at: bravo@marqueemedia.net

Porter’s Pub 1250 Bowes Creek Road Rakow Branch, Gail Borden Library 2751 W. Bowes Road Rookie’s All-American Pub & Grill 2486 Bushwood Drive Starbucks 2480 North Randall Road Village Pizza and Pub 2496 N. Randall Road Woodman’s Market (C’Ville)* 2100 Randall Road

SOUTH ELGIN Booker’s Bar & Grill 420 N. McLean Boulevard Cleveland Veterinary Clinic 400 N. McLean Boulevard Jewel-Osco 375 Randall Road

BRAVO

January 2019

Microsoft 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 Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Open Mic Night Host by Jason Kilgore See 1/2. 7p-11.30p, Danny’s on Douglas, 231 Douglas Avenue 847.742.5400 dannyspizzaelgin.com Walking Book Club See 1/9.

7p-8.30p, GBPL In The Community at Rec Center, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Story Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Crew Meeting We are Venturing Crew 127, a fun bunch that are looking for adventure! We always welcome new members to join in! Bring a friend or two! 7p, Izaak Walton League, 899 Jay Street Mobile Music Basics Learn how to add and listen to music on your mobile devices with popular music apps like Google Play Music, Apple Music, Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio and more. 7p-8.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden.info MS Word: Basics Learn how to create text-based documents using

Trivia Night at EPH Free to play ... win $$ off your bill and other prizes.

Call to reserve a table for your team.

8p, Elgin Public House, 219 E. Chicago Street 847.468.8810 elginpublichouse.com. Free

Thu.Jan.10 Device Advice See 1/10. 9.30a-11.30a, GBPL 2nd Floor - Elevator Annex, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Building Credit/Purchasing a Home - Reparar el Credito/Comprar una Casa Talleres para ayudar a padres y guardianes a navegar la vida familiar.

En ingles y espanol. En asociacion con Two Rivers Head Start.Workshops to help parents and guardians navigate family life. In English and Span-

ish. In partnerships with Two Rivers Head Start. 10a-11a, GBPL Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Piano Performance: Steve Yoder 11a-12p, GBPL Lobby , 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Piano Performance: Denise Williams 2p-3p, GBPL Lobby , 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Creativity Lab Art, tinkering activities and games will be available for creative play. January10 Snow Globes. 4p-5p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Studio 270 Volunteer Corps: Creative Crew Help us create works of art for Studio 270. 4p-6p, GBPL Studio 270, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Piano Performance: Shirley Remes 4.30p-5.30p, GBPL Lobby , 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Noon Whistle Brewing Meet & Greet Come meet our super talented friends from NOON WHISTLE BREWING! Try samples of beer and check out the swag! 6p, Gifford’s Kitchen, 2300 Bushwood Drive 847.649.3900 giffordskitchen.com. No Cover Genealogy Writers Group Learn

21 from others with a similar interest in writing their families’ history. 6.30p8p, GBPL Conference Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Elgin 360 Photography Club: The Basics of 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 Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Live Jazz Conversation-friendly jazz

by Random Acts Jazz Quartet. 7p,

FEED.colorcode Bands & Music

Theater & Dance

Exhibits & Film

Causes & Community

Kids & Families Lectures & Learning Wellness & Nature Creativity Other

BRAVO

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QuickBooks file ready for year end by learning how to prepare 1099’s, journal entries, and year end reports in this special session. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Fri.Jan.11

Gifford’s Kitchen and Social, 2300 Bushwood Drive 847.649.3900 giffordskitchen.com. No Cover Piano Performance: John LaBorn 7p-8p, GBPL Lobby , 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info QuickBooks: Year End Avoid headaches this tax season! Get your

No Shushing Movie Fridays Come enjoy a movie in a family-friendly, casual setting. Chatting and snacks from home are welcome. This program welcomes people of all abilities.

Please contact the library one week in advance if you need accommodations. No registration. January 11 The Wild (2006, G) 10.15a-12.15p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Big Wonders! You’ve seen the kids in your life enjoy it for years. Now, it’s

Offer Never Expires: Town Liquor, Elgin Courier-News, 1985

your turn. You can have the messy, creative fun all to your adult self with BIG WONDERS! Modeled after our Small Wonders arts education programming for kids, BIG WONDERS will include visual and performance arts instruction, snack time, and so much more! Not for the young, just the young at heart! Featuring different artist educators and different activities each session. Registration includes all supplies and an adult snack.

Ages 21+ NEW - don’t know what to do with your Small Wonders-aged artists during Big Wonders? We’ve got you covered. For $10 more (per child), we’re offering on-site fun for children aged 4-12 - includes snack, movie time, and art making! 6p, Side Street Studio Arts, 15 Ziegler Court 847.429.2276 sidestreetstudioarts. org. $30 Alacranes Musical, Los Horoscopos De Durango, K Paz De La Sierra 9p, Estrellas Del Millennium, 850 N.

5.1 State Street 847.931.9067. $30

Sat.Jan.12 Coding Series Learn how to start coding with the programming languages HTML and CSS in this three-part series. January 12 - HTML Basics: Learn about the basic page structure and formatting of HTML, the programming language that powers the web. January 19 - 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. January 26 - CSS Intermediate: Learn about the box model, margins, padding, positioning, and layout concepts using CSS to style your web page. 10a-11.30a, GBPL Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info No-Shushing Film Series - Smallfoot (2018) Today’s film: Smallfoot (2018) Come enjoy a movie in a family-friendly, casual setting. Chatting and snacks from home are welcome.

This program welcomes people of all abilities. Please contact the library one week in advance if you need accommodations. No registration.

10a-12p, GBPL Meadows Comm.

Rms. A-B, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Read It! Paint It! Paint your very own Paddington Bear adventure.

10a-11a, GBPL Rakow Branch Living Room, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info Winter Market Come support local farmers, artists and more, every second Saturday from January through April 2019. Hosted by the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin IL. Confirmed Vendors: The Barking Spot Bakery and Boutique LLC; Bridge ‘N Sweets Gourmet Bakery; First Star Art; Green Goddess Creations; GW Watts Inc. - Watts Sauce; Leaf and

“Offer Never Expires” This is the latest 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 Sesquicentennial.

Vintage Elgin National Watch Company ads are from the collection of Jennifer Fukala.

BRAVO

January 2019 Loom; Red Flower Organics; Pizza King Slime Shop; Three Bees; Treasure Breads, Inc.; WildTree; Vibrant Hope Boutique. *Please note that all vendor space for this date has been filled* 10a-3p, Elgin Artspace Lofts, 40 DuPage Street 847.488.1456 downtownelgin.com SEEING THE UNSEEN:Human Trafficking /VIENDO LO INVISIBLE: El Trco Humano Come to learn about human trafficking; what it is; how it affects our community, and how to watch for signs to end trafficking. Will be presented in English and Spanish.

In partnership Centro de Informacion.

Informese sobre el trafico humano: que es; como afecta a nuestra comunidad, y como poder ver las senales para terminar el trafico humano. Se presentara en ingles y espanol. En asociacion con Centro de Informacion. 11a-1p, GBPL Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Taller para los padres / Parent Workshop Manualidades y pelicula para los ninos Crafts and movie for the kids. 11a-1p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rm. C, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info The Wedding Card See 1/5. 1p-3p, GBPL Rakow Branch Corridor West, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info Tiempo de Prica Salones abiertos con asistencia individual en espanol.

No tienes que registrate para pasar y recibir ayuda. 1p-1.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Teclado y Raton / Keyboard and Mouse Learn the basics of keyboard and mouse Aprenda los conceptos basicos sobre el teclado y raton 1.30p3p, GBPL Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 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, Gail Borden Public Library South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden.info

other activities to take part in. The price is $5 for entry at the door for a taste of each chili, with the opportunity to purchase a whole bowl of your favorite chili at the event. We look forward to seeing familiar and new faces and having some friendly competition! 5p, Calvary Baptist Church, 551 Arlington Avenue 847.695.5890 cbcelgin.net. $5 Walking Dead Night: Live at the Blue Box We’re talking Walking Dead tonight! We’ll have a round table and talk the TV shows, comics, video games, and the upcoming movies!

6p, Blue Box Cafe, 176 E. Chicago Street 847.697.2583 theblueboxcafe. com. Free Haydn’s Surprise Symphony and Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 Experience Musical Masterpieces with the ESO! Concerts feature the “Surprise” Symphony (#94) by Joseph Haydn, and Max Bruch’s passionate Violin Concerto No. 1, considered one of the greatest of all time, performed

by ESO Concertmaster Isabella Lippi.

Stephen Squires conducts. Program includes Kodaly’s Peacock Variations.

7.30p, Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way 847.888.4000. $30 and up 7th Heaven 7th heaven is a Pop Rock band from the Chicagoland area. 7th heaven started in 1985 and is one of the biggest and busiest indie bands in the world. Having released over 800 original songs, and charting numerous times on the Billboard charts, 7th heaven is a band you must check out! 8.30p, Gifford’s Kitchen, 2300 Bushwood Drive 847.649.3900 giffordskitchen.com. $10 cover Focal Point D-Hangout Anniversary Night, come join the party. Lot’s of give away’s and dance the night away. 9p, D Hangout Bar & Grill, 550 S. McLean Boulevard 847.717.0511 d-hangout.com. No Cover

D

NY’S PIZZ N A A

ON

Sun.Jan.13 Family Author Day Celebrate Fly Guy author Tedd Arnold! Stories, puppet craft and games 1p-2.45p, GBPL

DOUGLAS

Elgin’s Best Pizza!

847-742-5400 231 Douglas Ave.

Original Goat Yoga Experience See 1/5. 3p, Reverse the Kerrs Farm, 11N435 Muirhead Road 888.992.4628 nwchicago.goatyoga. net. $35 Chili Cook-Off FSEVI is taking our first trip to our site in San Jose, Costa Rica from February 2-10 to make improvements at the intergenerational day center to open in 2019. In an effort to meet our fundraising needs for materials and other resources for the renovations, and to get the word out for who we are, we are hosting a Chili cook-off including a prize for the top chili and a prize for the top vegan chili! There will be over 10 chilis to taste, along with raffle prizes and

23

MONDAYS:

ALL PIZZAS HALF OFF

Open 11AM to Midnight or 2AM

Dining Room Only

OPEN MIC

List your events for FREE

LIVE BANDS KARAOKE VIDEO GAMING

www.dannyspizzaelgin.com

Elgin Art Showcase

a versatile performance space and art gallery in downtown elgin, illinois 100 seat capacity fully tech-equipped dressing/green rooms bar/catering friendly reasonable rates 164 division street call 847.931.6019

BRAVO

Tile Art. Each month from January through September 2019, we will publish one of nine sections of a 32 x 26.25” piece of artwork titled “Cobblestoned,” by Elgin artist Barbara Broeske. Cut out each section and assemble in the correct order to see the finished piece. Attach the sections together using strips of tape on the back to make an impressive display for your home or office. In September, send a photo of your finished project to be entered in a drawing for a photographic print of this piece on shimmering metal, signed by the artist.

24 5.1

January 2019

BRAVO King Jr’s life and legacy means to you. Microsoft Store is offering their space, and will select artwork to mount and frame for a public showcase on January 21 from 6-8 pm. After the showcase, the artwork will be given to you/your group/non-profit/ school/etc. The art creation space is located within the Microsoft Store at Woodfield Mall. Open to all! Contact Paul Brkich. 10a, Microsoft Store, 5 Woodfield Mall Drive, Schaumburg pabrkich@microsoft.com. Free

South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Girl Up See 12/30. 1p-3p, GBPL Conference Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Haydn’s Surprise Symphony and Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 See 1/12. 2.30p, Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way 847.888.4000. $30 and up

Mon.Jan.14 MLK Free Art Event and Showcase: I Have a Dream Schedule a date and time between January 14 and 18 for your group to produce digital art works expressing what Martin Luther

Countdown to Kindergarten See 1/7. 10.15a-10.45a, GBPL Story Room - North, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Brown Bag Lunch Classic Films Shenandoah (1965, NR) Shenandoah (1965, NR) --- During the Civil War, a Virginia farmer and his family vow to remain neutral, but one of the sons is captured by Union soldiers, sending the farmer to his rescue.

Starring James Stewart, Rosemary Forsyth, Glenn Corbett, Philip Alford, Doug McClure. Directed by Andrew V. McLaglen. Running time: 1 hour 45 minutes. 11a-2p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B-C, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh! Gaming Event Pokemon trainers and Yu-GiOh! duelists, you’re invited to this drop-in gaming event! Bring your cards to play or trade. For grades

3-12. No registration required.

5p-6.30p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rm. B, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Candlelight Meditation See 12/31.

6p-6.30p, First Congregational Church of Elgin, 256 E. Chicago Street 630.886.8823 fcc-elgin.org.

Donation Drop By Game Design (Middle School) We’ll be using Bitsy and Twine 2 to make our own games.

Come try it out or continue working on something you already started.

Laptops will be provided, first come first serve. On the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month. 6p-7p, GBPL Rakow Branch Living Room, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden. info From AdWords to Analytics - How Can Google Help Small Businesses What can Google do for your business? How is the whole platform of Google products evolving to better meet the user’s needs? What is free, and what is paid? Understanding the benefits of using Google products undoubtedly helps business owners make better marketing decisions.

Discussion during this workshop will focus heavily on Google’s online advertising platform, called Google AdWords, Google Analytics and Google My Business. Other useful Google applications will also be presented

Cocoa & Cookies

Saturday & Sunday January 19-20th and Winter Sales all month long!

701 N. State St. (Rt. 31) (847) 695-3066

Tues-Sat 10-5 • Thu 10-8 • Sun 11-5 www.StateStreetMarketShopsElgin.com

25 and discussed. We will discuss the importance of online reviews and ratings, and how Google positions itself in this area. In this highly competitive environment, neglecting what a giant like Google has to offer is not an option. We may or may not use some of their products, but understanding what’s available and how it can be applied is key if we want to stay competitive.Please register.Presented in partnership with SCORE Fox Valley.

6.30p-8p, GBPL Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Grupo de Conversacion para la Ciudadana/ Citizenship Conversation Group See 1/3. 6.30p-7.30p, GBPL Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

FEED.colorcode Bands & Music

Theater & Dance

Exhibits & Film

Causes & Community

Kids & Families

Lectures & Learning Wellness & Nature Creativity Other

BRAVO

26 Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info

Job Search and Resume Help See 1/8. 1p-4p, GBPL Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info South Elgin Sentinels Chess Club See 1/8. 4.30p-5.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden.info

Great Books Discussion Group Meetings are held on the second Monday of the month at 6:55 pm.

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 Avenue 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 Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Tue.Jan.15 Panera Milk & Cookie Storytime The Gail Borden Public Library and Panera Bread are partnering to sponsor this program to be held at Panera Bread.

Your preschooler will enjoy stories read by a ReaderShip storyteller, followed by a milk and cookie snack compliments of Panera. Stay for a craft. 9.30a-10.30a, GBPL In The Community at Restaurant, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info AARP Smart Driver Course Join us for this (8) hour class meeting on two consecutive days) as we explore how senior adults (55+) can continue to enjoy their driving experiences safer, and more wisely. The cost will be $15 for AARP members & $20 for non-members (required first day of class). Participants will be eligible for a discount on auto insurance after completion on the class. Must attend both classes. Registration required.

To register, please call 847-429-4597.

10a-2p, GBPL Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Pediatric Therapeutic Playgroup See 1/8. 11a-11.45a, GBPL Story Room - South, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Tea and Paint Series Join our Tea and Paint Series. Come and paint a beautiful winter wonderland! Supplies included. 11a-12p, GBPL Rakow Branch Living Room, 2751 W. Bowes

Florals & Flurries Winter Open House Filled with live music, drinks, entertainment, and samples of food from some of our preferred caterers and dessert vendors, you’re sure to have a great time. TONS of raffles, giveaways, and prizes will be given out throughout the night. You don’t want to miss this! In lieu of admission fee, we ask that you please bring a donation for Anderson Animal Shelter . One donation per couple/ group is requested. Here is your chance to meet a variety of wedding professionals and vendors for your big day! We please ask that only brides, groom, and their friends and/ or family members attend this event.

Register on our Facebook event page.

6p, The Haight, 166 Symphony Way 224.801.4166 thehaightelgin.com.

Free Crochet Club Get hooked on crocheting! Bring a project to work on. All skill levels welcome. 6.30p-8p, GBPL Rakow Branch Living Room, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden. info Grupo de Conversacion en ingles / English Conversation Group See 1/8.

6.30p-7.30p, GBPL Conference Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Google Chrome Learn how to personalize Google Chrome with the Web Store and enhance your web browsing experience in this class. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Indoor Bags Tournament Are you the best at backyard bags? Miss being outside with a cold beer? Join us for our indoor Bags Tournament! There will be plenty of beer and laughs.

1st Place wins $100 in Free Play 2nd Place wins Dinner for 2! Sign up with Cari@giffordskitchen.com 7p, Gifford’s Kitchen, 2300 Bushwood Drive 847.649.3900 giffordskitchen.com Prosecutor’s Stand: Film & Conversation San Francisco Assistant District Attorney Victor Hwang as he brings hate crime charges against perpetrators who brutally attack a Mayan dishwasher, an African-American homeless man, and a transgender woman, Mia Tu Mutch. As prosecutors investigate the cases, the District Attorney’s office and local law enforcement uncover a skinhead network operating in the city. While hate crime charges are hard to prove, Hwang

raises awareness about the importance of reporting and prosecuting hate, and works with the community to seek justice for the victims. A panel of experts will be Moderated

by Elgin Police Chief Ana Lalley This program is presented in cooperation with Elgin Police Department, Elgin Community College MAGIC, Elgin Human Relations Commission, CERL, Gail Borden Public Library, Coalition of Elgin’s religious Leaders & Elgin City of Peace. Refreshments provided. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Wed.Jan.16 AARP Smart Driver Course See 1/15.

10a-2p, GBPL Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Sewing With Chris Come learn how to sew pillows and pillow covers with instructor Chris from Sewing4fun!

Registration is required, and you will receive a supply list emailed to you after registering. 10.30a-12.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden. info Teen Writers Club Join other teen writers to share what you’re writing and help you through the creative writing process. 4p-5p, GBPL Studio 270, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info STEAM Northern Lights See 1/9.

4.30p-5.30p, Gail Borden Public Library South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Grupo de Futuros Bilingues/Go Bilingual Conversation Group See 1/9. 6p-7p, GBPL Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Cuentos para la familia/Spanish Family Storytime See 1/9. 6.30p-7p, GBPL Story Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Digital Note Taking TBA 7p-8.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden. info

5.1 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Trivia Night at EPH See 1/9. 8p, Elgin Public House, 219 E. Chicago Street 847.468.8810 elginpublichouse.com. Free

Thu.Jan.17 Device Advice See 1/10. 9.30a-11.30a, GBPL Rakow Branch Computer Cafe, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info Piano Performance: Steve Yoder 11a-12p, GBPL Lobby , 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Piano Performance: Denise Williams 2p-3p, GBPL Lobby , 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Audio Lab: Mixing and Mastering Use Logic Pro to learn how to mix and master audio. 4p-5p, GBPL Studio 270 Digital Media Lab, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Creativity Lab Art, tinkering activities and games will be available for creative play. January 17 Snow Depth Measurer. 4p-5p, GBPL South Elgin Branch 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 Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Kids Explore: Star Wars Jedi Training Join us to make light sabers and space ships for an intergalactic adventure of your own making. 5p6p, GBPL Story Room - South, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Build a Better World Participate in a life-enrichment, interactive seminar with Tom Wendt, certified Dream Builder Coach. Look at what is ours to do to build a better world together and define the importance of making the world better. 6.30p-8p, GBPL Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Grupo de Conversacion para la Ciudadan/ Citizenship Conversation Group See 1/3. 6.30p-7.30p, GBPL

MS Word: Formatting Documents 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 Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Open Mic Night Host by Jason Kilgore See 1/2. 7p-11.30p, Danny’s on Douglas, 231 Douglas Avenue 847.742.5400 dannyspizzaelgin.com Walking Book Club See 1/9.

7p-8.30p, GBPL In The Community at Rec Center, 270 N. Grove Avenue

List your events for FREE

BRAVO

January 2019

10% off your purchase PLUS a reusable shopping bag (while supply lasts) for one Elgin Doller!

Bottled water and canned soft drinks are just one Elgin Doller each at our 2018-2019 performances (excluding Elgin Fringe Festival).

800 North State Street•Elgin

Up to five Elgin Dollers accepted toward your purchase of $20 or more.

207 E. C H I C A G O S T .

(847) 606-6284 O P E N D A I LY 11-5

360 Park Street • (847) 742-4248 Open Wednesday - Saturday, 11am - 4pm Adults $3, Students $1, Members free

Contact us for a free quote

441 Dundee Avenue, Suite B (847) 841-8400 • www.rmailroom.com Serving All of your Printing & Mailing needs

One Elgin Doller accepted toward the purchase of any service.

Limit one per customer, per day.

217 Symphony Way • (847) 741-5457

kellenbergerauto.com

2018

AUTO SERVICE

series B

Since 1939

discount coupon

Become an Elgin Historical Society Member! www.elginhistory.org

community

Elgin History Museum

T224-5131220

Souvenir pens and mini-LED flashlights are one Elgin Doller each in our Gift Shop.

ELGIN DOLLER

Up to five Elgin Dollers accepted toward the purchase of 500 business cards (printed one side), or other job priced $29 or more. Some restrictions apply.

1020 Larkin Ave. (847) 741-0249 herbsbakery.com

monetæ

59 Douglas Avenue • (224) 227-7192 Open Weekdays 7am - 4pm Weekends 8am - 3pm

Herb’s Bakery

ars

Arabica Cafe

Do not use the Elgin Doller for tips, taxes, payroll, charitable contributions or purchases at non-participating businesses. Please remember: it’s not money, it just looks like money. Have fun!

NOT LEGAL TENDER

Coffee • Espresso • Smoothies Pastries • Sandwiches • Salads

Because it’s a community coupon, there is no expiration date and the coupons can be circulated and reused. Not spending your allowance this month? Clip out the Doller and save it!

One Elgin Doller is accepted on your purchase of $5 or more.

ONE

We proudly accept the Elgin Doller!

www.independentplayers.org

There are no official rules for the Elgin Doller — each business decides on the terms of its use. Ask your favorite merchant if they accept the Elgin Doller.

Cut carefully on the dotted line with a sharp scissors or hobby knife.

C L O S E D W E D N E S D AY S

Here’s Your Allowance Each month, we’ll print one Elgin Doller in BRAVO Magazine. It’s not money — it’s a coupon you can redeem toward a purchase at any one of the participating merchants whose ad appears in this section.

Open Tuesday - Saturday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

restoreelgin.org•(847) 742-9905

27

BRAVO

28

Do You Accept The Elgin Doller?

5.1

4x4” window cling

If your business handles lots of small cash sales, you might benefit from the Elgin Doller promotion. There is no cost to participate.

One Elgin Doller accepted toward a purchase of $10 or more per guest at ...

Just tell us the terms of your offer, and we’ll supply you with a free window cling, a magnet for your point of purchase area, and a free ad in this section of BRAVO Magazine.

3x3” magnet

Train your staff on how to accept Elgin Dollers. Make sure there’s an easy way to process a transaction involving a discount.

The Dollers you collect aren’t worthless; they are still valid for use at any other participating merchant!

ONE ELGIN DOLLER

Our goal is to create interest in BRAVO, recognize Elgin’s unique culture, and stimulate local commerce in a fun, free, easy way.

For more information, read our FAQs at marqueemedia.net/elgindollerfaqs

Northern Northern Illinois Illinois Hospital Hospital and and Asylum Asylum for for the the Insane Insane

Cut carefully on the dotted line with a sharp scissors or hobby knife.

1

XI I III VII IV IX

Payable to the Bearer on Demand

1

#elginDoller

accepted for every $10 you spend.

ELGIN KNIT WORKS

161 E. CHICAGO STREET

martiniroomelgin.com

Selling your home?

Get a free expert market analysis for one Elgin Doller!

KEN

BRUDERLE

8 Douglas Avenue • Downtown Elgin elginknitworks.com • (847) 627-6700

847-697-SELL

847-697-7355

www.697sell.com

Elgin Doller is good for $1 OFF a minimum $5 purchase.

Limit 1 per customer per day.

Elgin Dollers accepted at our concession area during any show in our 2018-2019 season.

An Elgin Old Tyme Holiday Radio Show 2 Nov. 9-18, 2018

Over the River and Through the Woods Feb. 8-24, 2019

War of the Worlds April 26-18, 2019

Over the Tavern May 31-June 16, 2019

www.elgin-theatre.org • (847) 741-0532

One Elgin Doller accepted toward your purchase of $15 or more in preowned vinyl.

Limit one per customer per day.

New Releases Re-Releases Rare Vinyl Turntables Vintage Music

9 S. Spring St. Open Daily Mon 12-6 Tue-Sat 11-7 Sunday 11-4

www.rediscoverrecords.com

a unique boutique with a vintage soul

10 Douglas Ave. • Elgin, IL 60120 2 2 4 . 2 2 3 . 7 7 1 8 s ou lf u ls p ar row. com

Now in our

20th

Anniversary Season This Christmastide: Rejoice! • December 14-16, 2018 Annual Gala: The Bee’s Knees • March 8-9, 2018 Keep a Song in Your Heart • April 12-14, 2018 One Elgin Doller can be used toward the purchase of a general admission ticket during our 2018-2019 season.

www.heartlandvoices.org

BRAVO

January 2019 info

Conference Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info The Chicago Lighthouse This is a Parent networking group for families who have children ages 0-3 with visual impairments. 6.30p-8p, GBPL Story Room - North, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info The Wives of Henry VIII Queen, Lover, Mother, Outcast, Victim, Survivor; Meet the 6 wives of Henry VIII as presented by Martina Mathisen of Edu-tainment Living History in this one-of-a-kind program. Join us to discover compelling truths about these remarkable lives from an intriguing time in history. R 6.30p-7.30p, GBPL Rakow Branch Living Room, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.

Elgin Genealogical Society - Grandma Nellie’s Scrapbook This is the monthly meeting of the Elgin Genealogical Society where presenter Tina Beaird will be presenting “Grandma Nellie’s Scrapbook: Identifying & Interpreting History.” Many people become heirs to a box of unidentified family photos and have no clue what to do with them. Learn to identify these ‘lost’ family members using genealogy sources in conjunction with observational techniques. Tina Beaird, owner of Tamarack Genealogy, is a genealogy & local history librarian at a Chicagoland public library. She holds a Masters of Library and Information Science degree with a specialization in Archives/Preservation.. Tina has won multiple research and digitization grants over the last decade to preserve and digitize historic documents and photographs.

She lectures nationally on topics including genealogical methodology, military research, and photo and archival preservation. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Piano Performance: John LaBorn 7p-8p, GBPL Lobby , 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info QuickBooks Series Learn how QuickBooks accounting software allows us-

ers to manage their company finances in this five-part series. Learn how to set up a company, add items, work with customers & vendors, and run reports. January 17: Basics. January 24: Working with Items. January 31: All About Customers. February 7: All About Vendors. February 14: Wrap Up & Reports 7p-8.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Silverado Homebrew Club Monthly Meeting Come meet up with local Fox Valley homebrewers. Bring some of your own beer. We meet at 7:30 PM on the third Thursday of every month at Porter’s Pub in Elgin, IL. 7.30p, Porter’s Pub Elgin, 1250 Bowes Creek Boulevard 630.338.5101 www.facebook.com/Silverado.homebrew

Fri.Jan.18 No Shushing Movie Fridays Come enjoy a movie in a family-friendly, casual setting. Chatting and snacks from home are welcome. This program welcomes people of all abilities.

Please contact the library one week in advance if you need accommodations. No registration. January18 Kedi (2016, NR) 10.15a-12.15p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Unidos contra el Bullying/United

29 Against Bullying Un evento gratis para proveer a padres y estudiantes las herramientas y el conocimiento para hacerle frente al bullying. Aprende a identificar el bullying, como afecta el bienestar de los ninos, por que ninos acosan a otros, y como no ser un blanco. Presentado por Centro de Informacion.A free community event to empower families with the tools and knowledge to stand against bullying. Learn to identify bullying, how it affects well-being, why children engage in bullying, and how not to be a target. Presented by Centro de Informacion. 4.30p-5.30p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. B-C, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info What Remains: A Joint Exhibition

FEED.colorcode Bands & Music

Theater & Dance

Exhibits & Film

Causes & Community

Kids & Families

Lectures & Learning Wellness & Nature Creativity Other

BRAVO

30

into the technique or a number of them to give the student a general experience. This class is available for both the beginner and intermediate dancers. Dress comfortably and wear shoes that have smooth leather bottoms. You do not need prior dance experience or a partner. Singles and couples are welcome although this is a group class where students may dance with other students. 6.30p, ECC Room J102, 1700 Spartan Drive 847.608.5451 elgin.edu/ce. $79 Felix & Fingers: Dueling Pianos Gifford’s Kitchen & Social presents Dinner and a Show featuring Felix and Fingers dueling pianos. Felix and Fingers Dueling Pianos is a high energy, all request sing along show for all ages. This interactive act brings together music and comedy for a night you’ll be laughing about for weeks!

From John Lennon to John Legend, Beach Boys to Beastie Boys, Felix and Fingers will play anything. Come ready with your favorite requests and prepare to laugh, sing, and dance with this one of a kind dueling pianos show. Tickets will include a buffet dinner with a Garden Salad, Lemon Rosemary Chicken, Slow Braised Pot Roast and Cheesecake for Dessert.

You won’t want to miss this event!

7p, Gifford’s Kitchen, 2300 Bushwood Drive 847.649.3900 giffordskitchen. com. $30

Side Street Studio Arts kicks of 2019 in the gallery with WHAT REMAINS, a joint exhibition by SSSA Founders Tanner Melvin & Erin Rehberg. The exhibition will run January 18-February 3, with an opening reception to be held Friday, January 18 from 6 to 8pm. Join us. 6p-8p, Side Street Studio Arts Gallery, 15 Ziegler Court 847.429.2276 sidestreetstudioarts. org. Free Beginning Ballroom Dance Join former two-time USA National Ballroom and Latin Dance Champions Barbara and James Finn to learn the basics of ballroom dance during this fourweek, noncredit class. The Finns are experts in Rumba, Cha-Cha, Waltz, Foxtrot, and swing. This class might focus on one of these to get deep

Deja Vu Dance party! 8p, Porter’s Pub Elgin, 1250 Bowes Creek Boulevard 847.214.5877 porterspubelgin. com. No Cover The Puppet Show LIVE Small stature, huge laughter! Comedy and stunt show. 9p, Olde Towne Inn, 412 Bluff City Boulevard 847.608.1703. $20

Sat.Jan.19 Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Breakfast Each year, the City of Elgin Human Relations Commission takes great pride in presenting a weekend of activities celebrating the life of one of our country’s greatest civil rights leaders, the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Wesley E. Scott. Tickets are available at the City of Elgin Finance Department counter at City Hall. 8.30a, ECC University and Business Center, 1700 Spartan Drive 311 cityofelgin.org. $15 Literacy Connection Volunteer Tutor Training See 1/5. 9.30a-12.30p, GBPL Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Coding Series See 1/12. 10a-11.30a, GBPL Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Family Movie: Sing (PG, 2016) A koala impresario stages a gala sing-

Bach Around the Clock

Calling ALL Musicians...

The Concerts for a Cause ministry of the First United Methodist Church of Elgin welcomes ALL area musicians to participate in the 2nd Annual Bach Around the Clock concert.

Saturday March 9, 2019 9:00am to 9:00pm

5.1 ing competition in order to save his theater, and the contest attracts the attention of such musically inclined animals as a harried pig mom, a teenage gorilla, a shy elephant and a punk porcupine. 10a-12p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Preschool & Childcare Information Fair Representatives from area preschools, daycare centers and licensed homes will be available to talk about their childcare services and answer questions. 10a-12p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B-C, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Guaracha Dance Workshop Guaracha is more known nowadays as Cumbia Sonidera or Cumbia or Salsa Mexico City Style. Guaracha is a Cuban musical rhythm and during the 40’s to the 70’s made it’s way to several countries including México.

It was adopted in Mexico City and the Guaracha as a dance style was born, out of swing and Lindy Hop. The objective is to have a clear understanding of the transition from Cumbia and the development of this intricate foot pattern dance style on the dance floor. What you will learn; 1. Brief Guaracha history. 2. Guaracha Basic. 3. Transition from Cumbia basic step to Guaracha basic step. 4.

How to lead the turns in Guaracha.

5. Hand pattern during the basic Guaracha step. 6. 5 basic figures. 7.

Guaracha combo pattern. Register directly with the Centre of Elgin. 11a, Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way 847.531.7000 centreofelgin.org. $30 The Wedding Accessories Decorate wedding accessories such as favor boxes, table numbers and other signage for that special day using calligraphy and cut out embellishments. There will be a cricut demo.

1p-3p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden. info Tiempo de Prica See 1/12. 1p-1.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

See the church website for information and registration.

Proceeds benefit the Ecker Center for Mental Health First United Methodist Church 216 E. Highland Avenue Elgin IL 60120

fumcelgin.org

#fumcelgin

847.741.0038

List your events for FREE

January 2019 Word 1 Aprenda los basicos sobre Word Learn the basics about Word 1.30p-3p, GBPL Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Read to Rover Kids practice their reading skills by cuddling up with a good book and reading aloud to a fully trained and certified therapy dog. Please pay careful attention to your time slot when registering.

2p-2.30p, GBPL Story Room - South, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Read to Rover See above. 2.30p-3p, GBPL Story Room - South, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

BRAVO

From This River Town

What I Like About You, January (Hey, Kids!)

by Mary Ellen Goodwill

Original Goat Yoga Experience See 1/5. 3p, Reverse the Kerrs Farm, 11N435 Muirhead Road 888.992.4628 nwchicago.goatyoga.net. $35 Read to Rover See above. 3p-3.30p, GBPL Story Room - South, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info When The Sun Sets With The Liars’ Club, Misstep Forward, and Adam Linder with Chris Smith. Show starts at 7p. 6p, Rochaus, 96 W. Main Street, West Dundee 815.482.2870 rochaus.com. $10 Soda 7p, Gifford’s Kitchen, 2300 Bushwood Dr 847.649.3900 giffordskitchen.com. No Cover

Sun.Jan.20 Girl Up See 12/30. 1p-3p, GBPL Conference Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Steppin’ Out! Steppin’ Out! Jazz hits from the American songbook. 2p-3p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden.info

Mon.Jan.21 Family Style STEAM: Take Flight Learn about flight and aeronautical engineering as we make paper airplanes or rockets together. Then, explore exclusive pieces of our new exhibit, only available in our Take Flight programs! 10a-12.30p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Countdown to Kindergarten See 1/7. 10.15a-10.45a, GBPL Story Room - North, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Books and Badges Storytime Drop in to hear South Elgin Officer Creighton share police friendly stories and talk about being a neighborhood hero.

11.15a-11.45a, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Cafe en Espanol / Spanish Cafe Participantes de nivel intermedio practicaran respondiendo o empezando conversaciones en espanol con fluidez y hablando con gente que habla espanol como primer idioma. Dirigido por Pita Betancourt. Intermediate-level participants will practice structured and spontaneous conversations in Spanish. Participants also will learn vocabulary. Led by Pita Betancourt. 12p-1p, GBPL Conference Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info City of Elgin Dr. King Youth Leadership Conference Program will include our inspirational keynote speaker, Jeron Shelton, a speech contest featuring area youth, dance performances and spoken word performances. Recognition will be given to the 2019 Dr. King scholarship recipients who will tell their stories to everyone. For more information, please contact Jim Cook at jcook@midwestsportsacademy. org. 12p-4p, Heritage Ballroom, 100 Symphony Way

31

Blue skies, white snow and full sun.

Canadian air bursting the lungs and icicles dripping down the drainpipes.

Becoming part of the polar ice cap.

What I like about you, January.

Dazzling light bouncing off new snow when the day is crystal clear.

Evergreens strutting their stuff.

We’ve left winter solstice behind us.

Is May so terribly far away?

Maybe you are at Sherman Hospital bored and impatient while waiting for a family member to be discharged from the out-patient area. Maybe you are at Arabica Café with a glob of cinnamon roll in your mouth and a patch of glazed sugar on your cheek.

Maybe you are at Gail Borden Library upstairs in the quiet room sitting on the floor by the fireplace. You have gazed out the windows at the Fox River, the dam, and Walton Island with its magnificent American Flag sculpture. You have tracked cars climbing the Lawrence Avenue hill.

I ask you, what do you like about January?

Here is a shout out to kids who are sitting next to an elder who is reading this issue of BRAVO.

You can write and/or draw your answers here and you definitely do not have to stay within the frame.

BRAVO

32

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5.1

BANG! People near the fire buckets ducked their heads when Clem fired the first shot into the air.

BANG! A few started to scramble toward the house. They slipped and fell in the icy puddles and soaked their pants with the frigid water.

BANG! Anyone with a free hand reached up to cover an ear.

“New Year’s fireworks ...”

Clem bellowed, “... Prescott Lake.”

All but a few unaccompanied male guests shuffled off the slippery ice with their chairs, muttering expletives. Clem carefully stepped down from his perch atop Wayne’s cooler without losing his balance.

Watching from the edge of the lake, Wayne jested to Derek, “Was I supposed to bring a gun, too?”

“Okay that’s it, time to go,” Jessica sneered. “I’m going inside to the ladies’ room. You’re okay to drive, right hon?”

“I could use a cup of coffee,” Wayne said. “And I’m not leaving without my cooler. Do you know how much those things cost?” They looked out toward the fire buckets where Clem was stuffing his pistol back in his coat. “But I’m not sure I want to deal with that moron again.”

“I’ll grab it for you,” Derek assured him. “He knows me, don’t worry about it.” Jessica started walking toward the house and Wayne turned to follow her.

“There’s a K-cup machine on the kitchen counter,” Derek added.

“The mugs and coffee are in the cabinet above it.”

Clem had clumsily refilled an empty plastic cup with lantern fuel and started pouring it into each bucket to accelerate the fires. A lot spilled on the cuffs of his coat sleeves, and onto the melting ice, where it created a surface film that reflected swirls of iridescent light as each cupful of fuel raised a pillar of flame into the air over the fire buckets.

At one point, he lost his grip on the oily plastic and spilled more fuel on the ice as the cup fell.

“Good night, I’ll let you know if you win the money!” Derek said to a few guests as they left the party. Then he strode out onto the lake to retrieve Wayne’s gear. Clem took the pistol out of his coat again. Standing in the icy, oily, blazing center of the scene, he fired a shot into a bucket. BANG! The ice collapsed. Clem flailed his arms as he slid forward and downward into the cold water.

Two fire buckets toppled in with him and spilled their contents, igniting the pools of lantern fuel on the surface of the surrounding puddles. Sinking chest-deep, he managed to grasp an edge of the unbroken part of the ice sheet, gun still in his hand.

“Clem!” someone shouted. “Idiot,” another one huffed.

Derek hurried toward him while the other men on the ice backpedaled toward the house.

He grabbed the cooler by one handle and dragged it toward shore. A few of the guests on the patio came to the edge of the lake. “Somebody find a rope!” one yelled toward the house.

“Get a rope from Brett!”

Clem was grunting loudly as he clambered up a few inches onto the ice, then slid back

BRAVO

January 2019

into the water. Bare-handed, holding on with his elbows, he pushed and swung at the fire buckets still burning on the ice all around him, and managed to knock one over. Ashes and embers spilled out and flowed toward him as the large oil-covered puddles drained into the lake. Seen from shore, a rising cloud of smoke and steam marked the dark spot where Clem was stuck between the fire, the water and the ice.

“Should I call 911?” a woman yelled. After a few seconds, Derek said “Hold up, we can probably get him out.”

“Brett says he doesn’t have a rope,” someone shouted. “How about a twenty-five foot extension cord?”

“Isn’t there something from his boat?” another man retorted sharply. “Doesn’t he have a ring buoy?”

Brett rushed out of the garage and onto the lake carrying a long, orange, heavy-duty extension cord. He unwound a few feet of slack and handed the plug end to Derek. “Clem, grab this cord!”

From about fifteen away, Brett hurled the entire coil of cord out toward the section of collapsed ice. It landed in a tangle, partly on top of an upright fire bucket, just out of Clem’s reach. Brett cussed and starting hauling in the cord, which tipped over the bucket and spun it so its firy contents emptied onto the thin ice.

“His sleeves are burning!” the same woman yelled. “Look, his coat is on fire!”

Brett rewound the cord on his forearm between his thumb and elbow, then flung it out toward Clem another time. It landed closer, and Clem lunged toward it with his gun hand. His waterlogged coat was wet up to the armpits; his sleeves were soaked on the bottom and one had caught fire at the cuff. He couldn’t reach the cord.

“Let go of the gun,” Derek barked, “Toss it up here ...” Clem raised his hand and chucked the pistol toward shore. It landed in the snow beneath some tall grass.

Brett coiled the cord and threw it again. The socket end landed near Clem’s head, and he fumbled in the cold water to

get a grip on it. Derek and Brett pulled the cord taut. “Hold on now, we’re gonna pull!” Brett roared.

As soon as they crouched and leaned backward in tug-o-war fashion, Clem’s cold, oily hands lost their grip on the cord. Derek and Brett fell back on their bottoms, and Clem eased back into the water, quickly losing his energy.

“We need to throw him something that floats,” Brett surmised. “Something he can hold onto, or climb onto.”

They got up and shot glances toward the food tables, the house, the patio. “How about this cooler?”

Brett quickly knotted one end of the cord to a handle on Wayne’s cooler, and tugged on it. “Here ... gimme a hand,” he panted to Derek, and they lifted the cooler from opposite sides.

Brett put his boot on the free end of the cord. Wayne emerged from the house with a mug and trotted toward the lake. “On three,” Brett said as they swayed it backwards, then forwards.

33

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“One ...” Wayne stopped at the edge of the ice and began to stutter. “Two ...”

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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 “Race to the Bottom” will appear each month thru February 2019.

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BRAVO

34

5.1

Expression: Behaving Like Animals 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

Meetings on Saturdays from

Deer Reader

by George Rawlinson

5:30 to 8 pm There is NO COST, we are nondenominational, nonprofit group

Young Peacemakers Club Meetings January 12 & 26

All volunteers are registered youth workers

February 9 & 23

For more information please see our website at

www.ypcchicago.com Meetings are held at Community of Christ 1675 E Chicago Street, Elgin IL 60120 In the lower level next to the gym

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Children see magic everywhere. Seven wonders of the world? They see seven million, maybe more.

Good writing, in its many forms and functions, is itself imbued with an almost limitless type of magic. It has the power to transform readers at every level, giving them an epiphanal experience that can change their lives, open their hearts and diversify their thinking.

Stories play an important role in the growth and development of children.

The books they read and the characters they get to know can become fast friends. Even in a world of increasingly dominant digital technologies, books remain singularly obliging in helping children with their confidence levels, coping with feelings and language and learning.

An appreciation of those feelings is at the heart of Joanie Wallenberg’s lovely little children’s book, Hippopot-A-Bear: Do You Deer? The book, published last year, was illustrated

by Jack Foster. A small group of animal characters parade across the pages of the charmingly told story, which reminds us that gratitude alone unlocks the fullness of life. It is, ultimately, a lesson of acceptance. These intentionally endearing animals

learn that it isn’t right to criticize, reject, or judge. They, and we, are better served by offering a helping hand, practicing compassion and mercy. We are to do unto others as we hope that they would do unto us.

The message is unabashedly spiritual in tone.

Wallenberg, 52, is just as spiritual.

“One of the best things you can do is embrace your own humanity,” she says. “Connect with those around you.

Do it today.

Say, ‘I love you,’ ‘I appreciate you,’ ‘I’m proud of you’ … whatever you’re feeling. Send someone a random text, write a cute note, embrace your kindness and share it.”

Wallenberg, a first-time author, has herself embraced a lifetime of kindness and experience. Born and raised in the Chicago area, she was a nationally known volleyball player at Southern Illinois University.

She moved to Southern California, gave some serious thought to turning pro, but decided on modeling and acting. Her agent had high hopes for a lucrative career, but Joanie never reached star status in Hollywood.

“It’s an unbelievably competitive business,” Wallenberg said.

BRAVO

January 2019

35

“I was used to competition, of course, having played sports at a high level, but, in the end, the sacrifices of auditioning became a little much, especially when I went into coaching volleyball.”

She did have a small role in Plan B, which starred Jon Cryer and Lisa Darr of Ellen. And she fought the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers — the lovable live-action superheroes — on the 1990s television series that became a pop culture phenomenon.

Joanie Wallenberg. Source: Facebook

“I played Imposter Andromeda,” she says, laughingly. “It was a lot of fun. They put me in a cat suit and three-inch heels, then killed me off with a phaser gun.”

She did infomercials, too.

The 1990s turned into the 2000s. Joanie came home to teach high school in the Chicago suburbs. She’s a private tutor these days. And volleyball? She still plays and coaches, although a recent injury necessitated some time away from the court.

Her children’s book is the result of her lifelong love of the written word.

“Writing is an exploration,” she says. “You start from the beginning and learn as you go … I write for children because I like the endless possibilities of their stories. And the optimistic nature of them.”

Joanie Wallenberg will be making several local appearances in early 2019, including a February book signing in Elgin.

Details to be set soon.

Hippopot-A-Bear: Do You Deer? is available on amazon. com or by calling State Street Publishing at 847.902.3664.

Capturing the whimsy, innocence and imagination of children can be a difficult thing to do as an adult writer, unless you have the talent to think like them. Judging by the success of her first book, Joanie Wallenberg aced it — sort of like art imitating volleyball. —GR

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36

5.1

Expression: Verse of the People

Poet in Her Place An Interview with Elgin’s first Poet Laureate

by Heather Ann Martinez

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I recently had the opportunity to ask Chasity about how she began writing and some of the things she is going to do as Elgin’s first Poet Laureate. She told me that she began writing by creating her own versions of her favorite book series like The Babysitter Club, Nancy Drew and Sweet Valley Twins.

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A year ago, Elgin poet and author Reggie Kee approached Gail Borden Public Library’s Tish Calhamer about creating a Poet Laureate position that would celebrate the history and culture of Elgin’s community. It led to the creation of the Elgin Poet Laureate Project, which hopes to use poetry to foster a love for the art form, the spoken word and the city. The Poet Laureate Project seeks to oversee and support the Poet Laureate in creating an education component engaging residents of Elgin in the discovery and creation of the art of poetry. Calhamer and others involved in the arts and education accepted applications for the position, and in November 2018, chose Chasity Gunn as Elgin’s first Poet Laureate.

Chasity teaches writing at Judson University and holds a Master in Fine Arts Degree.

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BRAVO

January 2019

37

to help them by writing a book.

More on that later.

Pasadena Summer Momma is standing over the stove apronless clothed in work she slices green tomatoes bought, from a roadside farmer with folded dollar bills makes a well in flour in the middle of a paper plate with her fingertips covers naked tomatoes with grace and flour as if she is getting ready to baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.

— Chasity Gunn Originally from Alabama, she has also worked as a newspaper reporter. Her life experiences form the basis for a couple of the poems that Chasity submitted for the poet laureate application.

She is passionate about teaching and serving children in under resourced communities. Where she realized someone wasn’t already do-

If Chasity is not teaching or studying, she is cooking, sewing or biking. She moved to Elgin three and a half years ago on the introduction of a college roommate.

I asked her if there is something specific about Elgin that captured her eye when writing poetry as opposed to the greater Chicagoland area. Chasity said that while much of her poetry is visually driven, what attracts her to the subject is often what she hears. She said that she is fascinated by human speech — its cadence, tone, rhythm, and pauses. She said she often gets her ideas for poetry from snippets of conversations she overhears others having. This is evident in some of the poems that she read in her interview for the poet laureate committee.

For example, her Elgin-based poem, “Someone Else’s Music” was sparked by a dialogue.

Chasity was at a friend’s home sitting on the back porch with her friend and her friend’s son who was in kindergarten at the time. They could hear neighbors playing Mariachi music. Chasity said that she began dancing to the music and her friend’s son adamantly said, “That’s not our music.” That line led Chasity to write a poem about a woman who was in love with a man for several years who wasn’t in love with her, and she realizes that she has been dancing to someone else’s music.

One of the questions I asked Chasity is what she recommends

A free celebration of the written word in Downtown Elgin that provides both wordsmiths and readers a place to create and appreciate the art of writing.

Engage in panels and presentations, book sales by local authors, a night of live poetry, and a performance by Goodly Creatures.

Sponsored by: The Elgin Cultural arts Commission Hemmens Cultural Center Side Street Studio Arts BRAVO Magazine

The Elgin Poet Laureate Project Selection Committee, with Chasity Gunn. to aspiring poets and writers. She ing something improve children’s From left: Tishto Calhamer, Andrea Rico, Jeffrey Pierce, Gareth Mann Sitz, answered by saying that aspiring creativity, she took it upon herself Daniel Schlack, Simon Klein, Elizabeth Marston.

BRAVO

38

writers need to read and write often. She said, “We live in a society where many people want to be overnight successes and want to be self-taught via YouTube. However the value of apprenticeship still remains. To be skilled in writing, one must have the humility and discipline to study, to be trained and evaluated. Just because I cook dinner every night doesn’t mean I can call myself a chef.

The same is true in writing.”

Chasity has been writing poetry for twelve years. She said that her first poem wasn’t published in the traditional sense of a printed or online publication. Instead, she wrote a 10-minute one woman show that incorporated spoken word and monologues for a playwriting class in graduate school. She then applied to have her work featured in the Bedlam Theatre’s 10X10 Fest, and was one of the artists selected.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with the Bedlam Theatre, it is where Prince had his first show in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

5.1

University and Business Center. The event is open to the public, with tickets $15 each, available at the City of Elgin Finance Department counter at City Hall.

If you would like to book Chasity for a reading or a writing workshop, you are welcome to do so through her website, www. chasitywrites.com

The Elgin Literary Festival (ELF) includes a one hour presentation on the Elgin Poet Laureate Project, Saturday, January 26th at 12:00 pm at the Hemmens Cultural Center.

ELF is free and open to the public, and Chasity is tentatively scheduled to participate.

A complete program is included in selected copies of this issue of BRAVO Magazine.

Heather Ann Martinez is an ordained minister, aspiring poet and novelist. More of her work can be found on her blog in progress: Anacoana (https://anacoana.blogspot.com)

Elgin Literary Festival presents:

I asked Chasity if she had any words of wisdom for aspiring writers seeking publication. She said to submit to quality publications and to keep submitting until you are published.

She has a book that will be released in early 2019 called How to Create a World. It’s an instructional book that uses nursery rhymes as models to walk children through the process of writing poems. The book is geared for children in third grade or above, and is aligned with several Common Core standards.

How to Create a World can be used by both teachers and parents. The book has illustrations to build motor skills and students can write their poems in the book. Partially funded by a grant from the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission, the book was illustrated by a black female artist and a black female graphic designer. Chasity said that it is rare to find a children’s book that is written by a black woman and illustrated and designed by black women. Her book can be purchased from Chasity’s website, www.chasitywrites.com.

If you would like to meet Chasity in January, 2019, you will have a couple of opportunities to engage her poetry. Chasity will be speaking at the Kiwanis Club of Elgin meeting, January 8th at noon at the Grumpy Goat Tavern. Prospective members are welcome to attend.

She will be speaking at the City of Elgin’s Martin Luther King Prayer Breakfast on January 19th, 8:30 am at the Elgin Community College

the Question is the Answer the

a live poetry event

Friday, Jan. 25 8:30-10pm

he is t tion

er

Answ

Ques

ts emen te asur e r m c , n e ings d co t n h a g si ons ves lusi ers r li conc answ e: ou c n t e i w h d e evid er litt are ally enti or , pot s g l n i i s deta lly mean t u t u o n a ions with , eve olut e c e n t s a e v l e p l re com out give est he b sk t a e the nw rst test whe on, n, fi i t i s t p o nce m que u h w e ss and st a y h wor w ider cons ter win ngs this F L i r ti at E ur w ings o y a e le n cts shar ic g nspe t e o p ch i i r h u w yo rse r ve , all you life f s of rsel e o fl y u ri ls he t thin t i i a w l t al en ers ion answ cts uest the erfe ch q p a t e ub o d that y ever and

Hemmens Cultural Center, Downtown Elgin The most fundamental human experiences are questions: Who am I? Why am I here?

What happens next?

Are you my friend or my enemy?

Sign up to read before Jan. 18 goo.gl/hBwjHn

elfpoets@gmail.com

Wisdom comes from questioning the large and small details of our lives, where answers lie waiting for discovery, just in the asking.

Area poets will share their poems of observation and introspection in front of a live audience, accompanied by mood-enhancing music by Accidentally on Purpose. Free admission. Cash bar.

Find us: www.facebook.com/elginliteraryfestival

BRAVO

January 2019

39

ASSIGNMENT BOARD

ADVERTISE WITH US

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

2019 Advertising Rates

Elgin Bloggers

Full Page $229 • Half Page $149 Quarter Page $99 • Eighth Page $59 Standard rates include design & layout.

15% Discount for ready-to-print digital artwork.

12-month Contracts Available

BRAVO isn’t the only alternative media in town, it’s just the most improbable. There are independent journalists and pundits out there opining on Elgin in their blogs. We’ll introduce you to a couple of them. Then you write the story.

3-5 ads during contract term earns 5% discount 6-11 ads during contract term earns 10% discount 12+ ads during contract term earns 15% discount

Elgin Graphic Designers

Circulation Information

Elgin is home to many visual communications organizations (and some disorganizations). What would it look like to have them all listed in a Who’s Who of graphic designers?

Let’s print a directory, together with a few mini-interviews.

4,200 copies circulated at more than ninety locations in Elgin, South Elgin, Dundee and Carpentersville (see listings). Estimated readership of 8,000.

Elgin Graphic Designs

Ad Production

Submit a query or pitch letter for these or other topics:

Complete specifications are given on our website http://www.marqueemedia.net/Advertise For full details and personalized service, contact Sales Representative Dean Tripp.

(847) 702-2888 or dtripp@marqueemedia.net

bravo@marqueemedia.net

Next ad deadline: January 23rd, 5:00 p.m.

The word E-L-G-I-N has been rendered many times in many ways — on buildings, stationery and corporate logos.

No other magazine is interested in showing them all ...

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.

Our advertisers are responsible for the content of their advertisements, and BRAVO Magazine does not necessarily endorse any of the products, services, organizations or political candidates whose ads appear herein. Our advertising policy accommodates any and all commercial messaging that is decent and legal; it does not discriminate on the basis of religious or political affiliation or any other basis that is prohibited by law.

Events appearing in the FEED calendar have been aggregated from a variety of sources including websites, online calendars and user submissions. These event announcements are repeated herein as a benefit to readers and the event hosts or sponsors, and BRAVO Magazine does not necessarily prequalify, endorse or attend these events. We regret any contradictions that appear in the details we publish as relates to the actual event details.

BRAVO Magazine is a free publication available at select locations in and around Elgin, Illinois and is not to be sold at retail.

It is not available as a postal subscription. We reserve the right to temporarily or permanently discontinue publication at any time, at the publisher’s discretion, without any advance public notice.

B R A V O Magazine is published by

MARQUEE MEDIA P.O. Box 1551 Elgin, IL 60121-1551 (224) 513-1220 bravo@marqueemedia.net Publisher: Jeffrey R. Pierce Contributors: David Bremer, Adrian Mesino, Krisilee Murphy, George Rawlinson, Barbara Broeske, Mary Ellen Goodwill, Heather Ann Martinez, Mark Averill, Daniel Schlack.

Publish your events for free in The FEED http://www.marqueemedia.net/events

SAT, FEBRUARY 16 | 7P

Julianna Rubio Slager’s The Space in Between is set on a bus ride between heaven and hell, a story inspired by C. S. Lewis’ novel The Great Divorce.

Slager’s The Four Seasons of the Soul, a Ballet 5:8 audience favorite, is set to Vivaldi’s dramatic score and reflects on the seasons of life juxtaposed with the seasons of nature.

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