BRAVO 6.9

the elgin area’s free culture magazine

v6.9

Al Fresco Dining pp. 2-4

Postal Sisters pp. 29-30

SEPTEMBER 2020

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From the Schwartz Family recipe ...

Soft Bavarian-style

6.9

Taste: Drinking In the Sunshine and Fresh Air

German Pretzels Al Fresco Oktoberfest Dining in Elgin Enjoy

at home ...

COVID-19 Style!

words and pictures by That Elgin Lady We bake German Pretzel Buns for Burgers and Brats, too!

Herb’s

Bakery

1020 Larkin Avenue • (847) 741-0249 herbsbakery.com • Tue-Fri 6am-4pm • Sat 7am-12pm

On the Cover:

Seeds for a New World Mixed media on wood (painted leaf, petals, assorted stone, mica & glass mosaic, in mortar with colorants) NFS

Artist:

Laurie Peters Laurie Peters has worked in various creative disciplines for 3+ decades, including site-specific mosaics, landscape design, art education, and art therapy; all the while continuing to make images as a personal practice of inquiry & growth. She works in drawing, painting, and collage media, as well as clay and mosaic sculpture.

Summer is full of warm lazy days and, as things start to re-open, all I can think about is getting to eat outside. So, if you’re like me and live for warm weather, sipping an iced drink in the sun with delicious eats, here is my pick for a sunny Saturday in downtown Elgin, complete with al fresco dining.

First I head downtown. As someone who lives close enough to bike, I don’t need to bring my car, but on occasion I have needed to drive and one of the best things about Downtown Elgin is the free parking. Of course you have to follow the signs, but you can park just about anywhere.

For a day in town, I suggest one of the many free parking garages for longer term parking options than the main streets.

The summer sun gets up earlier than I do, but it’s relatively early for me to be out and about on a Saturday. At the beginning of the week I signed up for a class at Still Life Meditation, 25 S Grove Ave, 5th Flr, Elgin, IL 60120. This worked out well, as I needed the motivation to get started this morning. Still Life offers many choices, but I went

Drawing was Laurie’s first creative love, and the Plant Kingdom in particular her most constant source of inspiration. The cyclical aspect of Nature, time and presence, the ephemerality of living things and subtle energies are also recurring themes in her work. She is most curious about the crossing point where creative practice and daily life connect to inform and enrich one another; and sharing her creative curiosity with others. She lives on the outskirts of Elgin with her beloved human/animal/ plant/mineral family.

She is currently working on a hybrid visual art/ writing project; stay tuned! And is always available for creative consultation or commission inquiries.

Her work can be seen at: www.lauriepeters.net She can be reached at: lauriepeters@me.com

Still Life Meditation. Source: Facebook.

with the non-guided morning meditation. A great way to start the day. Breathe in peace, breathe out expectation.

I know they say, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day”, but I’m not a big fan of loading up so early. I much prefer to drink my breakfast in the form of coffee and lightly snack on a pastry.

Feeling very stress free but in need of that coffee, I head straight to Arabica Café, 59 Douglas Ave, Elgin, IL 60120.

Diane and the Arabica team are some of the nicest people you will ever meet. Chef Brian’s pastries are delicious and change every day. They are worth every calorie. My go to order is an iced coffee and croissant. However, the cinnamon popovers looked too delicious to resist, which I enjoyed while sitting outside in the dappled sunshine.

Looking for some morning adventures, I scroll through the Downtown Neighborhood Association’s website. Here, I am reminded that Elgin is full of an ever-expanding list of art experiences. After being redirected to

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September 2020

Arabica Café.

Al’s Café serves a delectable dinner, but I chose them for lunch today as they have lighter options which are perfect for dining in the sun. Also, did I mention they have ice cream?

I instantly open the special monthly menu and choose the Tandoori Salmon. For dessert you can’t beat a Classic Malt.

Sitting back, I’m feeling relaxed and well taken care of under the shade of this tent.

The Elgin History Museum’s 33rd Annual

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the City of Elgin website I found a handy interactive map which is helpful to make sure I don’t miss any installations and to learn more about the art itself. I figure you might want to do this too, so here is the link, https:// www.cityofelgin.org/1951/Public-Art.

virtual tour available at 9am Featuring five famous Elginites–plus learn about the Typhoid Epidemic of 1916.

Touring the art turned out better than expected. I got in some exercise while the weather was still cool and actually found some bonus art not on the list, like wrapped utility boxes. How cool is that?

WATCH HISTORY COME ALIVE! Al’s Café.

With summer in full swing, the midday sun was too intense for exploring and the perfect excuse for a break. Time for a stop at Al’s Café, 43 DuPage Ct, Ste 6421, Elgin, IL 60120. As I approach I notice Ceramica an Art Affair and make a mental note to check on their class times.

Digging in clay sounds like fun, even if it’s not on today’s agenda.

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Sipping on my shake, I’m directly between two of my favorite things, books and music.

I decide to head over to Elgin Books, 66 S Grove Avenue Elgin, IL. 60120, and sift through their endless shelves. Their book collection is impressive and I am hard pressed to ever leave empty handed. This day is no different and I leave with my bag full and a coffee in hand. Books are heavy but I am nothing but stubborn and head over to Rediscover Records, 9 S Spring St, Elgin, IL 60120. Today, Rich helps me pick out a gift for a friend who is a record aficionado.

There is still time to stop by the Elgin History Museum, 360

elginhistory.org/events

(847) 742-4248

ElginCemeteryWalk

COSTUME & MAGIC OUTLET

E-Z Magic “TRICK SHOP” Old-Fashioned

Craft Soda Pop & Candies Over 60 flavors of Soda!

COSTUME ACCESSORIES MASKS• WIGS•DECOR Theater Makeup

We are now a

U-HAUL Neighborhood Dealer Call for reservations!

847-401-5171

Located inside State Street Market Shops 701 N. State Street (Rt. 31) • Elgin, IL facebook.com/costumemagicoutlet/

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My stylist gives my hair an over-do cut and styles it in a way I could never replicate in a hundred years. Some prefer to see what their hair will look like every day, but I want them to make me feel like a million bucks, I have the rest of the month to look at it realistically. My hair is so soft I catch myself running my fingers through it constantly. At this rate, all her hard work will be gone before I join my friends this evening.

Elgin History Museum. Source: Facebook.

Park St, Elgin, IL 60120. Housed in the Old Main historical building, it’s worth it just for the architecture. Inside there are numerous artifacts including some from the old Elgin National Watch Company.

It’s not quite time for dinner so I check out Side Street Studio Arts, 15 Ziegler Court, Elgin, IL 60120. They might have been closed by now, but they happened to have some

After a gander, the coffee has fully kicked in so I make the trip to the other side of the river and visit State Street Market Shops, 701 N State St, Elgin, IL 60123. I don’t know if this is technically downtown, but with all the little shops and antiques in one place, I can’t resist and my bag is even heavier now.

Rushing back across the river, I make it just in time for my appointment at Salon Couture, 176 E Chicago St, Elgin, IL 60120.

local bands playing, so I grabbed a ticket and listened in until I received the text I had been waiting for. “We’re here!”

A long day is coming to an end.

After all that walking, an art tour, new hair, and buying too many cute things from the local artist shops, it’s time to unwind with some friends and watch the sunset.

There is no better place to do so than Bricks Wood Fired Pizza, 64 S Grove Ave, Elgin, IL 60120. The back patio overlooks the Riverside Drive Promenade and of course the Fox River making it the perfect place for winding down on a summer evening. For a starter we choose Roasted Artichoke & Spinach Dip. I grab Donna’s Italian Combo woodfired pizza and wash everything down with one of their seasonal draught beers. If there is still some room, I’ll grab a cookie skillet for picture perfection.

About the Author: That Elgin Lady loves eating and writing about food in Elgin, IL and the surrounding area. To see food photos and reviews, follow her on Instagram @that.elgin.lady

Bricks Wood Fired Pizza.

The Greens of Elgin

Welcome to The Greens of Elgin

The Greens of Elgin is located in Elgin, Illinois.

The complex is located in a beautiful, natural setting minutes from shopping, dining, and entertainment. It is a 3-story, 90-unit, elevator building with a 55+ age restriction and a Condominium Association.

847-289-8759 www.thegreensofelgin.net

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Amenities include: a library, sunroom, chapel, beauty/barber shop, fitness center, laundry room, dining room, activity room & storage units

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Billings Summary for September

Beyond the Fringe EFF it, 2020!

The Elgin Fringe Festival (EFF) is a visual and performing arts festival, featuring magic, dance, comedy, drama, music, and the undefined all in downtown Elgin, and it can’t be stopped! This is a first come, first served festival: uncurated, uncensored, and 100% of ticket sales goes back to the artists.

The 7th annual festival will hit the virtual space in 2020 so you can “fringe” from anywhere.

Performances will go live on www.elginfringefestival. com on Friday, September 4 at 6pm and be up for a whole month through Sunday, October 4.

A complete program with show descriptions appears in a special section inside selected copies of BRAVO 6.9.

Ticket prices for this very strange Fringe Fest (and that’s saying something) start at $5 for a single performance rental, good for 48 hours. A $50 Festival Pass includes one viewing of each of fourteen performances at some point during the festival, plus an exclusive EFF button.

The Forever Fringe Pass doubles your pleasure with two buttons, a poster and a thirty-day window for viewing each performance once — all for just $100.

Complete details, ticket and pass sales, and more EFF inFFo is online at www.elginfringefestival.com.

The Elgin Fringe Festival

Family Fringe is a FREE celebration of family and fun with performances, games, family resources, free Brown Bag Art Kits, and more on the grounds of the Elgin History Museum, which will be open for exploration during the event. Properly worn masks and social distancing is required of all who attend.

The Family Fringe, featuring a live movement performance by Perkulator is set for Saturday, September 5th, from 11am to 1pm in front of Old Main, 360 Park Street in downtown Elgin.

But wait, there’s more ...

While most of the performances and visual art are going to be available for virtual online consumption, the magic of in-person performance is the essence of EFF. Each weekend of this year’s month-long festival will feature a different in-person component to the downtown experience.

September 18th will be an evening of busking for the artists called Go-Go Fringe! Consult your local listings for specifics, or join the mailing list at sidestreetstudioarts.org to keep abreast of all EFF happenings.

2020 buttons, posters, and merch, designed by Artist Jess Rocha will be available online and at MADE at Side Street Studio Arts, 13 S. Spring Street in downtown Elgin. MADE is open Friday afternoons and other times posted at sidestreetstudioarts.org and on Facebook.

Presents

"BITS" from the "Bard" Adapted and Directed by

From the works of William Shakespeare ETC invites YOU, our LOYAL PATRONS, to enjoy a number of William Shakespeare's soul searching and entertaining monologues performed individually by some of our top actors. You can sit back in the comfort of your home and dial into this and other performances on the internet.

Thomas Neumann

All videos will be found on this website: elginfringefestival.com Once you are on that website, you can choose to purchase a ticket for a specific video, more than one video or a festival pass which entitles you to view or view again as many videos as you want for one price. When you have your ticket for our video you will then be taken from the website to VIMEO where all the videos are posted.

All videos will be running on VIMEO live between September 4th and October 4th of this year, which allows you to see one or more of the videos of your choice more than once! The beauty of this is you can have your entire family viewing our video for the price of one ticket. ENJOY! This program is funded in part by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

This production will be interpreted for the hearing impaired.

Dear friends, This time of uncertainty has presented great, great challenges for the arts. Many performing arts organizations have been forced to remain dark for the upcoming season.

However, the beauty of chamber music is in its intimate size and its remarkable flexibility. That’s why we’re so excited to announce that we’ll be bringing you a full season of world-class concerts yet again. We’ll be announcing those concerts in the coming month.

Our season will look a little different than usual. We are committed to bringing you a full season of the programming you love, but until this pandemic ends, our priority is keeping our artists and audiences safe. The season will begin completely virtually, and

though the rest of the season will also be streamed digitally, we are optimistically hopeful that, mid-season, you’ll be able to trade in your Zoom tickets for an in-person ticket, and we will remain flexible to swiftly take action as public safety precautions change.

So be on the lookout! Because although this season will be different, we look forward to rising to the challenge of bringing you live performance in new and innovative ways as safely as we possibly can.

Sincerely, Sara and Mark Co-Artistic Directors

www.ChamberMusicOnTheFox.org

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COME TOGETHER FOR OUR COMMUNITY DowntownElgin.com/Covid19Updates DOWNTOWNELGIN.COM/FARMERSMARKET

The Project 231 Exhibit — with new material from 2020’s Black Lives Matter events — is now on display at the Elgin Public Museum.

EVERY FRIDAY Shop 3pm - 7pm

Free Event in Downtown Elgin

NEW LOCATION

Safety First On Spring Street PLEASE SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES

Just South Of Chicago Street

Wear a Mask!

FRESH PRODUCE • MEAT • EGGS SWEETS • SAUCES • SOUPS HONEY • BREADS • NUTS

MUSHROOMS • MICROGREENS BODY CARE • PET TREATS

FOLLOW THE MARKET ON FACEBOOK Facebook.com/DowntownElginFarmersMarket

Bits from the Bard Elgin Theatre Company invites you to enjoy a number of William Shakespeare’s soul-searching and entertaining monologues performed individually by some of their top actors.

You can sit back in the comfort of your home and dial into this performance on the Internet, as part of the Elgin Fringe Festival. Only $5 per viewing ... er, screening, if you were to turn it into a family watch party! Get started at www.elginfringefestival.com (see above).

Project 231 On Saturdays & Sundays in September, the Elgin Public Museum of Natural History & Anthropology (EPM) in Lords Park features the highly-regarded Project 231 exhibit. More relevant than ever, the exhibit also includes two art panels from the recently boarded-up storefronts of Elgin.

EPM is open Saturdays and Sundays, 12-4. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for kids 3-12, and free to under 3 and museum members. Additional donations are welcomed.

Located at 225 Grand Boulelvard, inside Lords Park, where free parking is available. Note: Masks are required inside museum; free masks are available at desk. For more information, call (847) 741-6655.

The Evolving Elgin Symphony The Elgin Symphony Orchestra (ESO) is taking their

former slogan “Transforming the Symphony Experience” quite literally. Two September concerts will be performed in two very different venues.

On Friday, September 11th, the ESO presents “Symphony on the Farm,” featuring the music of George Walker, Jules Massenet, Pablo de Sarasate and Franz Joseph Haydn, with conductor and Music Director Andrew Grams and guest artist Philippe Quint. The concert will take place at 7:00pm at Goebbert’s Pumpkin Patch and Apple Orchard, 42W813 Reinking Road in Pingree Grove.

Tickets are $65 per person, available via phone or online only, with advance reservations required. Supplies are limited and only four tickets are allowed per household, who will be seated together.

On Saturday, September 12th, the concert moves to downtown Elgin as “Symphony in the City,” performed at the Haight, 166 Symphony Way. The same

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ticketing and seating policies apply. (No discounts or refunds available for a few seats that have obstructed views.)

For tickets or more information, go to www.elginsymphony.org or call (847) 8884000 and leave a message.

Green Room Improv Apparently the troupe at Green Room Improv are returning to the three-sided stage at the Hemmens Cultural Arts Center, 45 Symphony Way in downtown Elgin.

They have posted a performance set for Friday, September 4th at 8:00pm, leaving you time for some pre-show outdoor dining at an area restaurant (see related article on pp.

2-4 of this month’s issue).

They’ve performed their high energy improv shows for thousands of people both young and old alike. Imagine an hour and a half of complete improvisation, a la Whose Line is it Anyway? GreenRoom takes audience suggestions and true-life audience stories and turns them into hilarious theatre pieces right before your eyes! Their shows include lots of games, improvised songs, audience members onstage, tons of energy and an unforgettable evening.

Tickets are available online at greenroomimprov.com, or by phone at the Hemmens box office (847) 931-5900. For best results call ahead for safety protocol information.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 4:00-5:00PM

featured brewers Sew Hop'd • Riverlands Brewing Company D and G Brewing • Silverado Homebrew Club Obscurity Brewing and Craft Mead

Join us for a live, virtual tasting experience featuring craft beers from the best local breweries around.

Tickets are $30 and include a 6-pack of specially selected brews.

Cheers to beers for a great cause!

Purchase tickets at ILBrews2020.eventbrite.com

100% of proceeds will go to providing recreation programs for at-risk Elgin youth. our sponsors Blain's Farm & Fleet F.H. Paschen Five-Star Concrete Shales McNutt Construction Blue 22, LLC Elgin State Bank First Federal Savings Sikich LLP Trout Park Baseball Fox Valley Ophthalmology

Ecker Art Show Works of art created by Ecker clients will be on display at the 3rd Annual Ecker Art Show. Some pieces will be available for purchase as well. The Ecker Art Show and Reception will be held in the Ground Floor Lobby of Ecker Center at 1845 Grandstand Place in Elgin on Thursday, Sept. 10th from 5-7 p.m. Admission is free.

All Ecker clients interested in having artwork included in the show, please reach out to Kay Catlin at kcatlin@eckercenter. org or (847) 695-0484 ext. 1395 for additional information.

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Sponsored Content

Elgin Cultural Arts Commission

Shakespeare in the Park, Sort Of

by Elgin Cultural Arts Commission The Elgin Cultural Arts Commission has embarked on a new project this year: Shakespeare in the Park.

The plan was to bring a free event celebrating the Bard himself to downtown Elgin this summer — then COVID hit. Many arts events, organizations, and artists themselves have had to find a way to alter their programming and remain flexible as COVID cancelled what promised to be a great summer of live entertainment. Goodly Creatures Theatre, who was set to produce Shakespeare in the Park, did just that.

Written applications are due October 1st to City Hall by 4:00pm. No electronic copies are accepted. You can see the application for more specifics.

Artistic Director and Founder, Katrina Syrris, worked to create a digital version of Much Ado About Nothing.

This production was filmed by artists who were following the state’s stay at home order, then edited to create one large show.

The production will be available on the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission’s webpage as well as on public access. Visit cityofelgin. org/culturalarts for more information.

Hamilton Wings’ SCORE!’s Theme and Variations, a project created ations entirely by the students in the program and performed at the Blizzard Theater.

ISSION

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2021

red t are registe ds izations tha gram fun arts organ ity. This pro ois-based in commun ws for Illin Elg allo the m in. for c ing to Elg This progra ms specifi mm gra gra pro pro s to create t bring art 501(c)3s grams tha jects or pro specific pro

Are you part of a local not-for-profit arts organization? Do you apply for the annual Cultural Arts Commission Organizational Grants? Well, you should.

Each August the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission releases the annual Organizational Grant application for local arts NFPs to apply for project-specific funds.

Applications address the following criteria: Innovation Impact Feasibility, and Opportunity

The CAC has funded projects in every discipline for various local arts organizations over the past several years. Previously funded projects include the following:

G ATIONAL ORGANIZ ION / APPLICAT

2021 Organizational Grant Applications are now live

• • • •

So, what does the CAC look for in these grant applications? Something new; don’t apply with the same old same old. Are you working with other organizations or businesses? Collaboration is always good. Are you paying your artists? Why or why not? Is your budget balanced?

URAL ART

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Elgin Cultural Arts Commission Calendar and Sponsored Events

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Chamber Music on the Fox’s production of Charlie Chaplin’s The Tramp with live chamber music, coinciding with the annual Elgin Short Film Festival.

Side Street Studio Arts’ Going Dutch Festival. A celebration of the female voice in dance, music, theater, and the visual art at the Professional Building.

Elgin Symphony Orchestra’s Inside the Music, exploring Brahms’ Symphony No. 4, combining music, education, and social time.

Elgin Historical Society’s Dairies to Prairies, a documentary/traveling exhibit that tells the story of Elgin’s dairy heritage from the 1850s-1920s.

So, how can you apply? The application is live on the CAC’s webpage; you can find it at cityofelgin.org/cacgrants. Check it out, fill it out, turn it in, get funded.

Elgin Fringe Festival The Elgin Fringe Festival is a visual and performing arts festival, featuring magic, dance, comedy, drama, music, and the undefined all in downtown Elgin, and it can’t be stopped! The 8th annual festival will hit the virtual space in 2020 so you can fringe from anywhere! Visit elginfringefestival.com for more information and tickets. #EFFit #fringefromhome #befringe #iamfringe #fringelife

Shakespeare in the Park Running on public access TV (channel 17) and on the commission’s website, Goodly Creatures Theatre presents Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing.”

Visit cityofelgin.org/culturalarts to find more information.

2021 Organizational Grant Applications are live Arts non-profits hosting their arts programming in Elgin are encouraged to apply for a 2021 Organizational Grant.

Awards are up to $8,500 for projects taking place in Elgin. Applications are due October 1, 2020 @4pm. Applications can be found at cityofelgin.org/cacgrants.

Email culturalarts@cityofelgin.org for questions.

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September 2020

Elgin Fringe Festival’s Family Fringe celebration, to be held Saturday, September 5 from 11am to 1pm at the Elgin History Museum!

There will be 3, 30-minute time slots available between 11am and 1pm. We will be able to accommodate approximately 6 artists per time slot. Artists will have 30 minutes to paint.

Mpulse is our monthly review of artist development opportunities in the Elgin area, for anyone with a creative pursuit, whether it’s a passion or a pastime.

Kids Paint at Family Fringe We’re looking for young artists, aged 8-16, to participate in our Kids Live Paint during the 2020 Elgin Fringe Festival Family Fringe! Apply today!

We are looking for young artists, aged 8-16, to participate in our Kids Live Paint during the

Slots are available on a first come, first served basis. Once your application is submitted, you will receive an email with an assigned time slot and additional information.

Canvas, paint, easel, palette, and brushes (if needed) will be provided. Artists are welcome to bring their own supplies, if they like.

All paintings will go up for auction onsite, with a $30 starting bid. Art sales will be split 50/50.

With 50% going to the artist and 50% going to Side Street Studio Arts’ scholarship fund. Any works not purchased on site will be returned to the Elgin Fringe Festival Visual Art Gallery at Side Street Studio Arts.

Check out our FB page, website and newsletter for updated information.

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Participants will be required to wear masks, and distancing will be maintained.

This event will take place outside. In the case of inclement weather, the event will be cancelled, and those who have registered will be notified.

To get a link for applying online, email SSSA Founder & Executive Director Erin Rehberg at erin@sidestreetstudioarts.org.

Go-Go Fringe Want to do a live paint? Great!

How about some live music?

Sounds awesome! A poetry reading? Love it! All art forms that are appropriate for the general public outdoors are welcome.

The 2020 Elgin Fringe Festival is a month-long virtual arts experience! In addition to the videos and visual art, each weekend will bring a difference in-person component to the downtown — and September 18th will be an evening of busking for our artists called Go-Go Fringe!

Complete the online form and we will get back to you with a

location and time slot. Keep in mind the nature of busking is to bring your bits and set it up quickly and simply. There will be no power or staff support provided. Buskers are also encouraged to “pass the hat,” so bring a tip jar! The simpler the set up, the better.

All participants are required to maintain social distancing and masks per the State of Illinois phase 4 guidelines. All artistic expression must be appropriate for the general public. The City of Elgin guidelines on busking can be found at cityofelgin.org/ culturalarts.

We will be working with the Downtown Neighborhood Association to create a map of busking locations for the public to visit. The number of locations and time slots will be determined once we know how many participants we have. Get your application in by August 25th at 12:00pm to be included on the map and promotional materials!

Once applications have been received, we will contact you to let you know your assigned time slot and location.

State Street Market Shops

WE’VE GOT THIS!

Outdoor Market

Saturday, September 12th • 10am - 3pm

Now Open Daily:

Mon-Sat 10am - 5pm, Sunday 11am - 5pm Vintage, Farmhouse, Primitives, Pop Culture, Teas, Industrial, Rewpurposed Furniture, Jewelry, Clothing SHOPPING GUIDELINES: For the continued safety of our shoppers & staff, masks are required to cover nose & mouth, social distancing protocols will be followed & there will be a hand washing station as you enter the store.

www.Facebook.com/StateStreetMarket/

701 N. State Street (Rt. 31) • Elgin • 847-695-3066

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The application is online. To get a link, write to Amanda Harris, EFF Managing Director at acharris@elginfringefestival.com #EFFit #befringe #iamfringe #fringe2020 #fringefromhome

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This exhibit will open to the public October 9 - November 1, with an Opening Reception Friday, October 9 from 6-9pm.

Submissions for Something Wicked are due by Friday, September 11 at 11:59pm.

No late submissions will be accepted. Submissions will be limited to 3 works or less, including sets or triptychs.

Each submitted work requires a separate submission/ payment.

This exhibit will be juried. You

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will be notified of your acceptance by Friday, September 18. Artwork drop off is Sunday, October 4 from 11am to 3pm. Artwork must be dropped off at this time.

Apply online at https:// www.sidestreetstudioarts. org/something-wicked

​Come As You Are Submit your newly created experimental works, visual art, poetry, audio, music, filmmaking, performance, and more.

This is an open-ended submission,

Elgin Fringe Festival Color-Your-Own Poster Illustration by Jess Rocha Fuerza Latinx T-Shirt Design Contest To celebrate Hispanic/Latinx Heritage month, Side Street Studio Arts is launching Fuerza Latinx, a t-shirt design contest.

Submit artwork that expresses a celebration of your Latinx culture so that it can be worn with pride. All designs will be on displayed on our website.

1st place will win a $100 cash prize and an SSSA merch package. The winning t-shirts will be sold at MADE, the arts pop-up storeat 13 S. Spring Street in downtown Elgin.

Submission deadline is Saturday, August 29, 2020. The winner will be announced Tuesday September 1, 2020.

Write to sidestreetstudioarts@gmail.com for link to the online application form.

Para celebrar el mes de la herencia hispana y latina, Side Street Studio Arts está lanzando Fuerza Latinx, un concurso de diseño de camisetas. Envíe obras de arte que expresen una celebración de su cultura Latinx para que se pueda usar con orgullo.

Todos los diseños estarán en exhibición en nuestro sitio web.

El primer lugar ganará un premio en efectivo de $ 100 y un paquete de merchandising SSSA. Las camisetas ganadoras se venderán en MADE, 13 S. Spring Street, Elgin.

El ultimo día para aplicar es el Sábado 29 de agosto de 2020. El ganador será anunciado el Martes 1 de septiembre de 2020.

Escriba a sidestreetstudioarts@gmail. com para obtener un enlace al formulario de solicitud.

Something Wicked Side Street Studio Arts’ 8th Annual Something Wicked will showcase a variety of arts media whose subject matter is meant to instill a combined sense of wonder, awe and perhaps a little dread in the City of Elgin’s art scene.

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September 2020

and is open to all ages. All works will be on display in our virtual world during this strange time and for the rest of the year.

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Complete the form online at: sidestreetstudioarts.org/caya

The String

We ask that you submit no more than once per medium per week. SSSA reserves the right to deny any works deemed inappropriate. Artwork will be updated online every Monday.

Side Street Studio Arts presents The String, a free monthly publication showcasing work inspired by and in response to the world around us. The String aims to create a platform for the voices of those who are mar-

ginalized, silenced, and underrepresented in the world of literature and visual art.

Deadline for submissions is the last Friday of each month. We are now welcoming work of many kinds, including: essays, fiction and non-fiction stories, interviews, printmaking, drawings, poetry, and humor.we are now welcoming work of many kinds, including: essays, fiction and non-fiction stories, interviews, printmaking, drawings, poetry, and humor.

We ask that all work and submissions be recent, and made by those within the Fox Valley area. You may submit your info and works at sidestreetstudioarts.org/thestring.

You will be notified asap if you are to be included in the next issue of The String.

Family Law, Adoption & Guardianship Wills, Trusts & Probate Corporate & Business Bankruptcy & Foreclosure Real Estate, Land Use & Development

Also: Civil & Commercial Litigation Appeals & Collection

Representing Clients in Kane, DuPage, Kendall, DeKalb, Will & Surrounding Counties Member: Illinois, Kane & DuPage County Bar Associations, Kane & DuPage County Family Law Committees, Approved Guardian Ad Litem

630.406.5440

111 Flinn St. Batavia

630.897.5957

2000 W. Galena Blvd. Aurora

Solving Problems and Providing Solutions

www.batavialaw.com

The String will be released every First Friday of the month and will be available at many Elgin establishments, including downtown retail shops, restaurants, bars, and at our MADE retail art storefront located at 13 S. Spring Street. For questions please email us at thestring@sidestreetstudioarts.org.

Arts Writers Wanted BRAVO magazine welcomes contributions from skilled volunteer amateur writers on a variety of topics that pertain to culture in the Elgin area, including feature articles, interviews, satire and short fiction.

Contributors earn a free quarter page of display ad space for personal use. Pitch us a story idea and request a copy of our “Writers’ Guidelines” at bravo@marqueemedia.net.

We welcome your announcements of workshops, auditions, master classes, open studios, open rehearsals, critique groups, and any other artist development opportunies.

Preference will be given to events that are free or low cost, and open to the public. We’re sorry we can’t print complete schedules for fee-based classes in this space. Send your details to bravo@marqueemedia.net.

BRAVO

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arts.org Thunder Road Thunder Road, 9pm Friday, and Modern Day Romeos, 9pm Saturday 8/29. $10 WRISTBANDS Good for BOTH SHOWS!! Indoor & Outdoor Dining Available. Check out our *BRAND NEW* Patio, Outdoor Bar, and Skydeck Dining space! 9p, Old Republic Kitchen + Bar, 155 S. Randall Road 224.535.9544 oldrepublicbar.com. $10

Sat.Aug.29

Berkley Crowe MASONRY RESTORATIONS

Buildings Chimneys Porches Gateposts Monuments Foundations HISTORICALLY SENSITIVE MORTARS & METHODS

BerkleyCroweRestorations @gmail.com

Willow Lake Estates 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

Call for Your Private Tour:

(855) 681-1985 myMHcommunity.com

Fri.Aug.28 Downtown Elgin Farmers Market The Elgin Farmers Market will take place on Friday’s, 3:00pm to 7:00pm in Downtown Elgin, along SPRING STREET. The move to Spring Street will allow for adequate social distancing between vendors. FREE parking is available at either end of the market at the Chicago Street Parking Garage or the Fulton Street Parking Garage. Some things to remember this season: Masks are required upon entry. No dogs at the market at this time. Vendors will handle products until sale. Please note - no eating on site will be permitted. 3p, Downtown Elgin, South Spring Street 847.488.1456 downtownelgin.com.

Free Live Paint the Moment The call is now open for our summer-long LIVE PAINT THE MOMENT. As individuals and an organization, we know we can always do more to amplify the creative voices of the marginalized members of our community. To that end, Side Street Studio Arts brings back its live paint series in an effort to specifically highlight the voices of artists of color and the LGBTQ+ community. Each Friday, during the Downtown Elgin Farmers Market, from 5 to 7pm, June 19 until the end of the season, a minimum of two artists will be provided with the materials needed to create original works of art inspired by the moment. Works will be up for auction during the live paint, and 100% of the sales will go back to the artists. Slots are available on a first come, first served basis.

All ages and skill levels are welcome.

This call is open to artists of color and LGBTQ+ artists only. Most live paints will be outside. If work does not sell that day, it will be up for sale in our MADE shop and the artist will be contacted when it sells. Canvas, paint, easel, palette, and brushes (if needed) will be provided. After you apply, you will receive a confirmation email with additional information.

Questions? Email SSSA Founder & Executive Director Erin Rehberg at erin@sidestreetstudioarts.org 5p, Side Street Studio Arts, 15 Ziegler Court 847.429.2276 sidestreetstudio-

BeaUnique Latin Kitchen Pop-Up Beaunique Latin Kitchen is a long time Dream Kitchen Member owned

by Bea and Al. They serve authentic homemade Latin food. Their food as many people (fans) have mentioned makes you want to come for more!!

They will be Popping up at Dream Hall meanwhile they wait to open up their own location in Elgin! Their plates are served in to go containers, however everyone is welcomed to eat at Dream Hall’s indoor dining areas or patio! Menu varies by date. All plates come with Puerto Rican Rice & Salsa on the side 12p, Dream Hall at 51, 51 S. Grove Avenue 866.376.7409 dreamhallco.com Manga and Anime Meet-Up for Grades 6-12 Calling all fans of Attack on Titan, My Hero Academia, Sailor Moon, and more! Watch anime, share fan art, and enjoy hanging out (virtually) with friends. This event will be held live using an online meeting platform, Zoom. Please include your email when registering. Once you have registered, check your email one hour before the program for a link. 2p-3p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Queer Book Club We will be hosting book club meetings over Discord!

To get a link, send a quick email to elgbtq@gmail.com with the subject “Book Club” and we’ll provide the link closer to time. We meet on the last Saturday of every month to discuss a chosen piece of literature that relates to being LGBTQIA+. All are welcome to attend, but some material may not be appropriate for minors. Visit www. elginpride.com/queerbookclub or email elgbtq@gmail.com for our current reading list and more info. 4p, Online elgbtq@gmail.com elginpride. com Jim DiDomenico with Underwater People Join us Saturday Nights for Live Music under our tent! (inside if weather isn’t cooperating). Make your reservations today! 6p, Jimmy’s Charhouse, 2290 Point Boulevard 847.783.0200 jimmyscharhouseelgin. com. No Cover Modern Day Romeos See “Thunder Road,” 8/28. 9p, Old Republic Kitchen + Bar, 155 S. Randall Road 224.535.9544 oldrepublicbar.com. $10

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Sun.Aug.30 Back the Blue Northern Illinois Motorcycle Rally Registration 7:459:45, Kick Stands Up 10:00. Great door prizes! Every registered rider gets a ticket and chance to win a door prize after the ride. 50/50 raffle tix for purchase, drawing after the ride.

Doughnuts and Coffee for donation during registration. Bar will be open for pay as you go when we get back.

Please decorate bikes with flags and other patriotic signs to support #backtheblue 8a, American Legion Post 57, 820 N. Liberty Street . Free Sunday Cruise Nights We’re back!

Rookies - Elgin & Sunday Nights! Never a fee, discounts, tunes, good times, great people and some rocking rides.

Join us. Every Sunday Night except Labor Day weekend! 5p, Rookie’s All American Pub & Grill, 2486 Bushwood Drive 847.551.9006 rookiespub.com.

Free

Mon.Aug.31 Manpower Virtual Job Fair Job seekers are invited to join Illinois workNet on August 31st at 1:00pm for the Manpower Virtual Job Fair! Hiring Employer Information: • 50 Job Openings. • Industry: Manufacturing; Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services; Transportation and Warehousing. • Manpower is located in Elgin, Illinois. Employer Description: Manpower is a staffing and recruiting company working with companies in Kane, DuPage and McHenry county, specializing in light industrial, manufacturing, logistics, skilled trades and professional level positions. Manpower is committed to building long term relationships with our clients by building sustainable recruiting strategies and continually improving the quality of their workforce. Reservations required. 1p, Virtual illinoisworknet.com. Free

Tue.Sep.1 STEAM for K-2: Can You Fit Through an Index Card? Do you think you can fit through an index card? I bet you can! Join us for this Science experiment and exercise your fine motor skills. Grades K-2. This event is for grades K-2. All registered participants will receive an email with the zoom login prior to the program date. Do you think you can fit through an index card? I bet you can! Join us for this Science experiment and exercise your fine motor skills. Ages 5 - 7 may need some assistance from an older sibling or parent. Supplies needed from Home: Any size Index Cards (have a few extra for practice attempts)**, Scissors, Pencil. **Alternative for younger kids - an 8 1/2 X 11 sheet of paper with lines drawn on it telling you where to cut. We will send

BRAVO

September 2020 an email attachment you can download and print or you can pick one up at the Rakow branch beginning on August 17th. This may work better if your child would have trouble cutting very small, fine lines that are close to each other. It is still just as fun to climb through a sheet of paper.

4p-4.30p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info STEAM for 3-5: Can You Fit Through an Index Card? Do you think you can fit through an index card? I bet you can! Join us for this Science experiment and exercise your fine motor skills. Grade 3-5 - Online This online session is for grades 3-5.

All registered participants will receive an email with the zoom login prior to the program date. Do you think you can fit through an index card? I bet you can! Join us for this Science experiment and exercise your fine motor skills. Supplies needed from Home: Any size Index Cards (have a few extra for practice attempts), Scissors, pencil. 5p-5.30p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Max Bjork Acoustic Join Old Republic Kitchen + Bar every night for live music from our featured local musicians! Acoustic sessions every Sunday - Thursday! Max Bjork performs every Tuesday night. 6p, Old Republic Kitchen + Bar, 155 S. Randall Road 224.535.9544 oldrepublicbar. com. No Cover Grupo de Conversación en Inglés Online Practica conversar, mejora tu pronunciación y adquiere confianza con un tutor. Practice everyday conversations, improve your pronunciation and gain confidence. With Literacy Connection tutors. El grupo se reúne a través de la plataforma de reuniones virtuales Zoom. Puede participar en una computadora, tableta o teléfono celular. Al registrarse le contactaremos con el enlace y código para participar: O envíenos un correo electrónico a biblioteca@gailborden. info (incluya su nombre y teléfono) O envíenos un mensaje de texto al 224-407-2399 (incluya su nombre y teléfono) Para obtener ayuda técnica para acceder a Zoom: Envíenos un correo electrónico a biblioteca@ gailborden.info (incluya su nombre y teléfono) O envíenos un mensaje de texto al 224-407-2399 (incluya su nombre y teléfono) The group meets on the Zoom digital platform. You can participate on a computer, tablet or phone. After registering we will contact you with the link and code to participate: Or send us an email to biblioteca@gailborden.info (include your name and phone) Or send us a text message to 224-407-2399 (include your name and phone) For tech help accessing Zoom: Send us an email to biblioteca@gailborden. info (include your name and phone) Or send us a text message to 224407-2399 (include your name and

phone) 6.30p-7.45p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Human Relations Commission 6.30p-7.30p, Elgin City Hall, 150 Dexter Court 311 cityofelgin.org All Things Apple Looking for the ultimate user manual for all things Apple? Join this virtual Zoom meeting with your Apple device to learn, share and help each other in this group. The All Things Apple program will be hosted via Zoom conferencing software.

You can join the Zoom meeting on a computer, through the Zoom app on a tablet or smartphone, or you can call in using a cell phone or landline using the information provided. Join the Zoom Meeting: https://gailborden. zoom.us/j/94842108002 Meeting ID: 948 4210 8002 Password: wsMVJZ1u Find your local number: https:// gailborden.zoom.us/u/apegLw2J8 7p-8.30p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info DIY Mini Hanging Planters with Elda Tiny hanging planters are the hot new trend. Elda will demonstrate on Facebook Live how to create small—but beautiful—hanging planters that enhance indoor or outdoor spaces. Join Elda every Tuesday on Facebook Live for a fun DIY Craft!

This week, we’ll explore the hot, new trend of Tiny hanging planters. Follow along as Elda demonstrates how to create small—but beautiful—hanging planters that enhance indoor or outdoor spaces. To watch on Facebook Live, visit https://bit.ly/gbplFBLV at the time of the program to follow along. Can’t watch the Facebook Live program? No worries! Videos will remain available to watch on the Gail Borden Public Library Facebook page after the program has finished.

7p-7.30p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Heritage Commission Meeting 7p8p, Centre of Elgin, 150 Dexter Court 311 cityofelgin.org

Wed.Sep.2 Piano Performance: John LaBorn 3.30p-4.30p, GBPL Main Library, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Go Bilingual Online Estudiantes de todos los niveles practicarán con otras personas que hablan español o inglés como primer idioma. Learners of all levels practice a new language with native English and Spanish Speakers. Led by teacher Betty Martinez. Group meets Wednesdays.

Dirigido por la maestra Betty Martinez. El grupo se reúne los miércoles. El grupo se reúne a través de la plataforma de reuniones virtual Zoom. Puede participar en una computadora, tableta o teléfono celular.

Al registrarse le contactaremos con el enlace y código para participar: O envíenos un correo electrónico a

biblioteca@gailborden.info (incluya su nombre y teléfono) O envíenos un mensaje de texto al 224-407-2399 (incluya su nombre y teléfono) Para obtener ayuda técnica para acceder a Zoom: Envíenos un correo electrónico a biblioteca@gailborden.info (incluya su nombre y teléfono) O envíenos un mensaje de texto al 224-407-2399 (incluya su nombre y teléfono) Learners of all levels practice a new language with native English and Spanish speakers, led by teacher Betty Martinez. The group meets through the Zoom virtual meeting platform. You can participate on a computer, tablet or cell phone. After registering we will contact you with the link and code to participate: Or send us an email to biblioteca@gailborden.info (include your name and phone) Or send us a text message to 224-407-2399 (include your name and phone) For tech help accessing Zoom: Send us an email to biblioteca@gailborden.info (include your name and phone) Or send us a text message to 224-4072399 (include your name and phone) 5p-6p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Vinyl Record Sampling (Beat Production) Learn to clean, store and digitize vinyl records to ultimately sample songs into Logic Pro X for beat creation. We will touch on sample clearances and alternative sampling subscription websites like splice.com & sounds.com. Prerecorded video can be found at https://bit. ly/gbfbylah 5p-5.15p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Writing Club: Magic Academy Calling all witches, wizards, and superheroes! You’ll need your wands, your wits, and your writing skills if you’d like to survive this magic boot camp.

Grades 3-8. Registration required. All registered participants will receive an email with the zoom login. For questions, please contact Aron Ryan, KidSpace Library Associate, at aryan@gailborden.info 6p-6.30p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association Meeting 7p-8.30p, Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way 311 cityofelgin.org

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Welcome Back!

As our world starts to open up again, or as it has been said, “It’s safe to go back in the water,” we’re all going to see a new reality unlike preCOVID-19. None of us will be the same, perhaps that’s a good thing.

Whether we are getting through this with heartache, backache, or financial challenges, we will all adapt to a new, better and safer way of doing things.

The Real estate profession has implemented numerous new protocols, rules, and procedures when it comes to marketing, showing, and the buying process. They go far beyond virtual showings, hand sanitizers, masks and not touching anything during a showing. The pause in the day-to-day caused many of us to take time out to refine how we do things.

If you’re thinking of selling now or in the near future and wondering just how this new reality will affect the value and the marketing process of your home, call me and we’ll have a confidential discussion of all of the options that are available to you.

Thank you in advance for considering

Superior Homes Team to help you with your real estate needs, and ... Stay Safe!

Ken Bruderle (847) 697-SELL 697sell.com List your events for FREE

ADVANCE

BRAVO

14 Drive at S. Grove St. elginbikehub. com. Free

Thu.Sep.3 Adventure Storytime with Ms. Stephanie See 8/27. 10a-10.30a, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden. info Piano Performance: Steve Yoder 11a-12p, GBPL Main Library, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

The journey to Mollie’s War: WACS and WWII Cyndee Schaffer will share her mother’s personal account of her service in WWII. You can join this program on a computer, through the Zoom app, on a tablet or smartphone.

Please Register below. Cyndee Schaffer collaborated with her 91-year-old mother to write a book based on the letters that her mother sent home to her family while serving as a WAC (Women’s Army Corps) in Europe during World War II. This presentation will invite contemplation of the vital and varied roles that women have fulfilled in the American military. Please register and you will receive a link to the meeting. 7p-8p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Full Moon Ride for September It’s the Full Moon Ride! This will be a moderate pace ride for a few miles throughout the core neighborhoods of Elgin. Join us for this social night ride! Reminder: Illinois State law requires bike riders to have a clear light on the front and a red reflector or a red light on the back for night time riding. That would be the minimum attempt for safety, so let’s all be easy to see on the street. If you have not signed the 2020 annual ride waiver, please do so at: https://waiver.fr/pSDLTu We continue to follow the guidance from the State of IL concerning pandemic safety with this helpful interpretation from Ride Illinois, https://bit.ly/RideIllinoisPandemicGuidance 9p, Festival Park, Riverside

Kids Explore for Grades K-2: The Aztecs The Aztecs were a fascinating culture that built pyramids, created calendars & sundials, and had their own sports. Learn about the Aztecs and make a sundial you can use.

Registration required. This program has supplies to be picked up at the KidSpace Youth Reference Desk at the Main Library (270 N. Grove Ave, Elgin). Program supplies will be ready for pick-up between Monday, August 24th through Sunday, August 30th.

All registered participants will receive an email with the zoom login prior to the program date. If you would like to pick up the supplies at the Main Library Drive-Up Window instead of the inside the library at the youth desk, please call the youth desk at 847-429-4685 before you arrive at the library. Program Supplies in the bag: Thick paper plate with wide edge Straw (not bendable) Aztec calendar printed on cardstock Small ball of playdough Program Supplies to gather from home: Crayons/Markers Liquid Glue or glue stick New to Zoom? Click here for instructions.

4p-4.30p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Kids Explore for Grades 3-5: The Aztecs The Aztecs were a fascinating culture that built pyramids, created calendars & sundials, and had their own sports. Learn about the Aztecs and make a sundial you can use. Registration required. Online This program has supplies to be picked up at the KidSpace Youth Reference Desk at the Main Library (270 N. Grove Ave, Elgin). Program supplies will be

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ready for pick-up between Monday, August 24th through Sunday, August 30th. All registered participants will receive an email with the zoom login prior to the program date. If you would like to pick up the supplies at the Main Library Drive-Up Window instead of the inside the library at the youth desk, please call the youth desk at 847-429-4685 before you arrive at the library. Program Supplies in the bag: Thick paper plate with wide edge Straw (not bendable), Aztec calendar printed on cardstock Small ball of playdough. Program Supplies to gather from home: Crayons/Markers, Liquid Glue or glue stick. 5p-5.30p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden. info Mr. Hibachi Experience on the Patio Dream Kitchen member, Mr. Hibachi Catering, will be back with Hibachi Experience on the Patio! You will be able to sit down and enjoy watching your food being made right in front of you! It is perfect for date night, family night, or women/men’s night! There are 20 DINNER OPTIONS!!! Reservations are made by purchasing a ticket.

Reserve by 8/30. Limited seating for each date. Each Hibachi table will have 8 seats and distanced from each group that is not in the same group.

ALL Hibachi Dinners include shrimp appetizer, soup, salad, vegetables, and fried rice in the prepared meals.

Yakisoba Noodles (served with mix veggies) are an extra charge of $6.50 and charged at event. *ALL RED MEAT dinners are served with mushrooms 6p, Dream Hall at 51, 51 S. Grove Avenue 866.376.7409 dreamhallco.com. $31.25

Fri.Sep.4

Elgin, and it can’t be stopped! This is a first come, first served festival: uncurated, uncensored, and 100% of ticket sales goes back to the artists.

The 7th annual festival will hit the virtual space in 2020 so you can “fringe” from anywhere. Performances will go live on www.elginfringefestival.com on Friday, September 4 at 6pm and be up for a whole month through Sunday, October 4. A complete program with show descriptions appears in a special section inside selected copies of BRAVO 6.9. Ticket prices for this very strange Fringe Fest (and that’s saying something) start at $5 for a single performance rental, good for 48 hours. A $50 Festival Pass includes one viewing of each of fourteen performances at some point during the festival, plus an exclusive EFF button. The Forever Fringe Pass doubles your pleasure with two buttons, a poster and a thirty-day window for viewing each performance once — all for just $100.

Complete details, ticket and pass sales, and more EFF inFFo is online at www.elginfringefestival.com. 6p, Virtual, 15 Ziegler Court 847.429.2276 elginfringefestival.com. $5 and up Haley’s 80’s Birthday Party It’s Haley’s Birthday! She’s an 80’s baby so come dressed in your best 80’s gear!

DJ F5 will be spinnin’! $5.50 Titos! $5 Punch Bomb! 7p, Fatsoz, 959 Villa Street 847.742.5858 fatsoz.com. No Cover First Fridays Improv with Green-

FEED.colorcode Bands & Music

Theater & Dance

Downtown Elgin Farmers Market See 8/28. 3p, Downtown Elgin, South Spring Street 847.488.1456 downtownelgin.com. Free

Exhibits & Film

Causes & Community

Kids & Families

Elgin Fringe Festival The Elgin Fringe Festival (EFF) is a visual and performing arts festival, featuring magic, dance, comedy, drama, music, and the undefined all in downtown

Lectures & Learning Wellness & Nature Mpulse Other

“The true use of art is, first, to cultivate the artist’s own spiritual nature.”

George Inness: “A Painter on Painting” Harper’s New Monthly Magazine, February 1878

NURTURING

MICHAEL J MURSCHEL SPIRITUAL DIRECTION

ART

224-577-8338

YOUR SPIRITUAL NATURE THROUGH YOUR

michaeljmurschel.com 77 South Riverside Drive, Suite 2A Elgin, IL 60120

INDIVIDUAL & GROUP SESSIONS | SPIRITUAL DIRECTION | GUIDED MEDITATION | WORKSHOPS | RETREATS | PROGRAMS

ELGIN FRINGE FESTIVAL ~ Virtual Edition ~

September 4 - October 4, 2020 www.ElginFringeFestival.com

w w w.Elg inFringeFestiva l.com Welcome to the Fringe!

Virtual Edition Ticket Prices

The Elgin Fringe Festival is a visual and performing arts festival, featuring magic, dance, comedy, drama, music, and the undefined all in downtown Elgin, and it can’t be stopped! We are first come, first served; uncurated; uncensored; 100% back to the artists.

Single performance viewing: $5

The 7th annual festival will hit the virtual space in 2020 so you can fringe from anywhere!

Performances will go live on our website Friday, September 4 at 6pm and be up for a whole month through Sunday, October 4! Check out all the performing artists on the following pages!

Production Credits The Elgin Fringe Festival is produced by staff and volunteers at Side Street Studio Arts with support from the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission, Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals and the Palmer Foundation.

Festival Committee Erin Rehberg, Executive Director; Nick Mataragas, Artistic Director; Tanner Melvin, Technical Director; Amanda Harris, Managing Director; Ivette De Santiago, Sarah Manata.

2020 Featured Artist

A one performance rental, good for 48 hours.

Festival Pass: $50 View each performance once at some point during the festival, includes one EFF button.

Forever Fringe Pass: $100 View each performance once at some point during the festival, two EFF buttons, one EFF poster.

Follow us on Facebook and our website for more info on Go-Go Fringe, Family Fringe, Visual Art, and other fringe fun happening throughout September!

www.elginfringefestival.com The Elgin Fringe Festival is a proud member of the United States Association of Fringe Festivals and the Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals.

Jess Rocha A bipedal lump of fungus filled with half-baked ideas and covered in a rash. Jess Rocha, hailing from Bartlett, Illinois, graduated from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design with a Bachelor of Fine Art in 2018, where she majored in New Studio Practice. She also graduated with an Associate Degree in Science, and an Associate Degree in Fine Art from the local Elgin Community College in 2015.

A printmaker who’s recently discovered that non-2D art forms exist and has started playing with sculpture and installation. Hers is a process-based art practice that’s fueled by fantasy musing yet rooted in the biological and botanical. Weird, funny, and just a little gross.

2020 buttons, posters, and merch, designed by Artist Jess Rocha will be available online and at MADE at Side Street Studio Arts.

2020 Visual Artists Neil Klemz Illustration

Lance (DOC) Boucher Painting and Illustration

BaM! Collaborative Painting

Lance Long Photography

Chris Block Graphic Art and Photography

Sandra Farrell Digital and Traditional Media

Laurie Peters Mixed Media

Janelle O’Malley Sculpture, Painting, Fiber

Jamey Bouwmeester Photography

Amanda Davila Photography

w w w.Elg inFringeFestiva l.com 2020 Performing Artists

distancing to enjoy Elgin Theatre Company’s video performance.

This video will also be sign acted!

Hollow Chapels

Captain Ambivalent American Maniacs Unlimited

The 2020 End of Days Jamboree Do you feel punched in the throat by the year 2020? Of course you do. And according to not doctors, laughter is the best medicine. Join American Maniacs Unlimited as they present a wacky, madcap celebration of the hellscape that is our current year. This is The 2020 End of Days Jamboree.

Do you find sometimes real life’s too hard to face? Escape to the fantasy world of Captain Ambivalent as he shares his songs, his toys, his imaginary friends, and his privilege to ignore everything bad! With Americana artist Buford P. Wallaby, Young Dan, Creepy David Bowie, Guy Slimey, and more!

Elgin Theatre Company The Bad Taste Crimecast

The Bad Taste Crimecast Do you enjoy tales of serial killers, insane crimes, and the occasional conspiracy? Join Janelle and Vicky of The Bad Taste Crimecast for this very special episode as they talk over the bizarro world of body snatching. All in bad taste of course!

Music and Film

Captain Ambivalent Is In Denial

“Bits” from the “Bard” When a pandemic keeps us apart from those in our lives who help connect us, we often find our lives diminished. We invite you to enjoy many of William Shakespeare’s famous monologues performed by our band of actors.

Sit back and enjoy the likes of Richard III, Puck, Juliet, Helena, Henry V, and more. There will be no need for masks or social

Chastity Gunn

Sacred Branches In 1954, Billie Holiday sang about strange fruit hanging from poplar trees. Nearly 70 decades later, this strange fruit can be found lying on sidewalks and in streets.

Through a montage of spoken word, monologues and music, Sacred Branches examines the bitter, strange fruit that continues to blossom in America.

Hollow Chapels is a three-piece instrumental band from St. Charles, IL consisting of Nick Casali, CJ Weber, and Justin K. Heyde. Their sound ranges from slow and haunting to heavy and deafening. They will be providing a soundtrack to a film of original works which will be projected as they perform.

Judah Leblang La Groove Fatale

LGF Remixed It’s La Groove Fatale as you’ve never seen them before! Dancing together but apart, they present “LGF Remixed,” a show that blends favorite vintage choreographies and fresh new ones to create a visual feast that has been rehearsed and filmed remotely and edited into a single show through the magic of technology.

It’s Now or Never “It’s Now or Never” is a fast-paced show about looking for love, getting older, and adventures on the road. Through a series of interconnected stories, Judah Leblang navigates middle age and times when Man planned, and God laughed. A humorous and poignant look at living a creative life.

w w w.Elg inFringeFestiva l.com 2020 Family Fringe The Elgin Fringe Festival Family Fringe is a FREE celebration of family and fun with performances, games, family resources, free Brown Bag Art Kits, and more!

Jacob Mayfield

This Video Can Read Your Mind You don’t just watch this, you are part of it. This latest creation

by Mind Reader Jacob Mayfield answers the question: Is it possible for a video to read your mind?

If you follow along with a few simple materials, you can experience unexplainable phenomena virtually through your screen.

Krish Mohan

Stand Up Comedy Stand Up Comedian Krish Mohan is performing a brand new show via Zoom! The show will blend traditional Stand Up Comedy and Storytelling as well as some interactive segments and commentary on some news stories and segments.

MsPixy Productions

Family Fringe is free and open to the public. Properly worn masks and social distancing is required of all who attend.

MsPixy’s Big F*ckin’ Royalty Free Public Domain Fair Use Burlesque Show

We are thrilled to be returning to the grounds of the Elgin History Museum, which will be open for exploration during the event!

A diverse cast of striptease artists bump, grind, shimmy, and sparkle to an entirely royalty-free soundtrack! Gaze on as we twirl tassels to public domain tunes, gyrate wildly to our own original music, and disrobe to an inventive array of non-music sounds!

Ages 18+ only. May cause delight and revolution.

Come Out to Family Fringe

Saturday, September 5th 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Elgin History Museum 360 Park Street, Elgin

Memoriam Development

In Memoriam In Memoriam is the most unprepared show in the history of Virtual Fringe Theatre. Amanda, Nick, and Dave created(?) this half written, half made up show. This is not your typical comedy drama with good and bad singing, improv, and maybe completed scripts. Honestly, we’re not sure what this is.

Mike Speller

Perkulator

Worst Cruises Ever!!

Fringe veteran Mike Speller offers two theatrical tales of “life at sea”: the tragic and the comic.

One fateful day for The Flying Dutchman means centuries of punishment. The other Oddyssey is a kooky cookie-cutter version (literally) because Mr. O runs a food truck with the worst luck.

Nolan Webster

Virtual Magic & Mystery Be an active part of a show in which telepathy will be demonstrated, futures will be predicted, secrets will be told, and more.

BRAVO

September 2020

Space is limited to allow for distancing. Advance registration required ($18 per person) at the tickets link.

11a, Still Life Meditation, 25 S. Grove Avenue 224.407.2707 stilllifemeditation.net. $18 Teclado y Ratón - en la Biblioteca No hay costo ni hay que tener tarjeta de la biblioteca. Favor registrarse.

Puede registrarse para la serie completa o para una sola clase. 1p3p, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Room Productions Let Improv get Improv entertain you with some laughter and spontaneity!Come on in, sit back, relax and prepare to laugh! 100% clean. 99.27% hilarious. Imagine 90 min of complete improvisation, a la Whose Line is it Anyway? GreenRoom’s improvisers take audience suggestions & true-life audience stories & turn them into hilarious theatre pieces right before your eyes! GreenRoom Productions, a semi-professional ensemble-based theatre company that specializes in improvisation, and original sketch comedy. With competing improv teams, improvised songs, audience members on stage, & tons of energy, these family-friendly shows are ones you won’t soon forget. Oh, & did we mention there’s live music & a cash bar? Don’t miss a fun & exciting evening out! Catch First Fridays Improv with GreenRoom Production shown in The Hemmens’ one of a kind 200seat Cabaret Theater in the Round!

ATM in Lobby. 8p-9.45p, Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way 847.931.5900 greenroomimprov.com Sonido Condor Gran celebracion de las fiestas patrias con SONIDO CONDOR, Grupo Aline, Fever, Wizard y Sonido Civer. Primeros 100 boletos solo $25. Cubrebocas requerido para entrar. Informacion al 773.367.2900.

8p, Estrellas del Millenium, 850 N. State Street 847.931.9067. $25

Sat.Sep.5 Introduction to Mindfulness Whether you’ve tried meditation to no avail, have heard about the benefits but don’t know where to start, or could use some help in relaxation and stress management, this class is for you and for anyone curious about living more mindfully. No experience necessary. In this introductory workshop, you’ll get an overview of: • what exactly is meditation (no hand gestures, foreign languages, or chanting required) • how meditation affects our health, thoughts, and emotions • simple mindfulness techniques for everyday life PLEASE NOTE: Masks covering the nose and mouth must be worn at all times. Shoes must be removed before entering the studio.

Flying Buffaloes Nashville recording artists, FLYING BUFFALOES are coming to Old Republic! Join us for cold brews, good views, and awesome live music! Flying Buffaloes is a fivepiece Alt-Country/Rock band based out of East Nashville, TN. Performing regularly along Nashville’s neon strip, the group quickly earned the reputation of being one of the most hard-working, sonically-tight, and energetic bands in Music City. 9p, Old Republic Kitchen + Bar, 155 S. Randall Road 224.535.9544 oldrepublicbar. com. $10 Cover

Mon.Sep.7 Frank Liston Acoustic See 8/27. 6p, Old Republic Kitchen + Bar, 155 S. Randall Road 224.535.9544 oldrepublicbar.com Cuentos para la familia ¡30 minutos de cuentos, música, rimas, manualidades y mucho más para el disfrute de toda la familia! No necesita registrase. 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

Please verify that your event of interest will be held as listed here. During COVID-19, everything is subject to change.

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Celebrating 80 Years AUTO SERVICE Complete Car Care • Schedule Appointments Online Open Weekdays 7:30-5 • Open Saturdays 7:30-Noon

217 Symphony Way • (847) 741-5457 • autoelgin.com A New Lounge Experience in Downtown Elgin.

BEER SELECTION 12 Taps of Local Craft Beer 30+ Types of Local Craft Beer Available 4 Gluten Free Beer Options WINE SELECTION 20+ Wine Options Available SPIRITS/COCKTAILS Mixologist Curated Menu SERVICES Bottle Lockers Local Craft Beer Keg Service Wine & Beer Club

51 S Grove Ave Elgin, IL 60120 (224) 535-8075 www.LOUNGE51co.com

Take a long view.

Review your life insurance options with an independent agent.

KJH Insurance

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

FREE NEWSPRINT AVAILABLE Uncirculated BRAVO Magazines, in bundles of about 50

12 x 21” (unfolded) sheets are great for: • dropcloths for painting and art projects • bird cage liners and puppy training • lightweight packing material for shipping • starting fires in your fireplace or fire pit • keeping warm when sleeping outside List your events for FREE

Contact: bravo@marqueemedia.net

BRAVO

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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.

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 Downtown Neighborhood Assn* 31 S. Grove Avenue #100 Dream Hall at 51* 51 S. Grove Avenue Elgin Antiques & Uniques 207 E. Chicago Street Elgin Area Chamber 31 S. Grove Avenue 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

Hemmens Cultural Center 45 Symphony Way

Jewel-Osco 1660 Larkin Avenue

Jewel-Osco 375 Randall Road

Imago Creative Studios 216 Prairie Street

Judson University 1151 N. State Street

Stanley’s Ale House 335 N. McLean Boulevard

Kellenberger Auto Service 217 Symphony Way

Metra Rail Big Timber Station 2025 Big Timber Road

Starbucks 338 S. Randall Road

Law Offi ces of Shirley Sadjadi 169 E. Chicago St.

Paul’s Family Restaurant 1300 Lawrence Avenue

EAST/WEST DUNDEE

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

Presence St. Joseph Hospital 77 N. Airlite Street

Courtyard by Marriott 2175 Marriott Drive, West Dundee

Martini Room 161 E. Chicago St.

Sirin Dentistry 1 Crescent St.

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

Pastigel Bakery 154 E. Chicago St.

State Street Market Shops 701 N. State St.

East Dundee Village Hall 120 Barrington Ave., East Dundee

Radio Shopping Show Redemption Center 16 Douglas Avenue

Walnut Speakeasy 214 Walnut Avenue

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

Willow Lake Estates* 161 West River Road

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

RANDALL CORRIDOR

Midwest Retro 207 Barrington Ave., East Dundee

Razor Heads Barber Shop 18 S. Spring Street Red Poppy Bistro 109 E. Highland Avenue Rediscover Records 9 S. Spring Street Senior Services Associates 205 Fulton Street Side Street Studio Arts Gallery 15 Ziegler Court

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

Big Skillet Restaurant 90 Tyler Creek Plaza Big Apple Bagels* 561 N. McLean Boulevard Clean Vistas Laundromat Tyler Creek Plaza D Hangout Bar and Grill 550 S. McLean Boulevard Ecker Center 1845 Grandstand Place Elgin Community College 1700 Spartan Drive Elgin Shopping Mall 308 S. McLean Boulevard 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.

Explore Elgin Area 60 S. Grove Avenue

Highland Ave Church of the Brethren 783 W. Highland Ave.

Funky Rooster Tattoo & Gallery 73 S. Grove Avenue

Holiday Inn Express 495 Airport Road

1600 Professional Building 1600 N. Randall Road 1710 Professional Building 1710 N. Randall Road Advocate Sherman Hospital 1425 N. Randall Road Candlewood Suites 1780 Capital Street Comfort Suites 2480 Bushwood Drive Jimmy’s Charhouse 2290 Point Boulevard Johnny’s Supper Club 1250 Bowes Creek Road McDonald’s 255 S. Randall Road Panera Bread 2484 North Randall Road Physician’s Immediate Care 2490 Bushwood Drive 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 S. Elgin Branch, Gail Borden Library 127 S. McLean Boulevard

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

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

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

Contact us at: bravo@marqueemedia.net

September 2020

BRAVO niños. Este programa es para niños que ya saben español y les gustaría practicarlo fuera del salón de clases.

Excelente para los estudiantes que están en el programa de lenguaje dual. Para niños de segundo a cuarto grado. El grupo se reúne a través de la plataforma de reunión virtual Zoom. Puede participar en una computadora, tableta o teléfono celular.

Al registrarse le contactaremos con el enlace y código para participar.

3.30p-4p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

classroom. This program is conducted entirely in Spanish. 7p-7.30p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Poetry Writers Workshop 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 virtually via Zoom. Please register After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to the program via Zoom. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Tarot Night This is an evening for anyone who is already knowledgeable in the Tarot but would like to further explore and share different spreads and interpretations with others who practice the arts! There is NO fee/ charge for the gathering, BUT we do encourage all to bring a small snack to share and your favorite Tarot deck(s). So we can provide adequate seating we ask anyone interested who plans on attending to RSVP as soon as possible before each event. Looking forward to making new friends and comparing notes with others who share a passion for Tarot! 8p-9.30p, The Gypsy Haven, 143 W. River Road 815.566.6007 thegypsyhaven.com.

Free

Tue.Sep.8 Teen Book Hangout Join in and share what you are reading or learn about new books. Please visit https:// gailborden.zoom.us/meeting/register/ tJ0lf-GqqjMuHtPjbtdD823BqsVr7_ wAY0gr at the time of program.

3p-4p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Kids’ Spanish Conversation Group on Zoom This group is for kids entering 2nd-4th grades who already know Spanish and want to improve their Spanish-speaking skills outside the classroom. Great for dual language students! Registration required. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with a link for watching the program via Zoom. If you don’t receive a link at least 1 hour before the session, please call KidSpace at 847-429-4685. New to Zoom? click Here Mejora tus habilidades de habla en español practicando con otros

Creativity Corner: Ice Cream In a Bag In honor of National Milkshake month, we will shake things up by making ice cream in a bag. This program does not have a program kit to pickup. In honor of National Milkshake month, we will shake things up by making ice cream in a bag. Program supplies to gather at home: 2 sandwich sized ziplock bags 2 Gallon sized ziplock bags Ice cubes (enough to fill the gallon sized bag half way) 6 Tablespoons of table salt 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream or half and half 1 teaspoon of vanilla 2 1/2 teaspoons of sugar All registered participants will receive an email with the zoom login prior to the program date.

4p-4.30p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Max Bjork Acoustic See 9/1. 6p, Old Republic Kitchen + Bar, 155 S. Randall Road 224.535.9544 oldrepublicbar. com. No Cover Grupo de Conversación en Inglés Online See 9/1. 6.30p-7.45p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Sound Bath A gentle and meditative immersion in the sounds of singing bowls, drums, gongs, and other tools.

Participants “bathe” in the vibrations of ancient and modern instruments, allowing for deep rest. Please note: - Face masks covering the nose and mouth must be worn at all times. Guests are asked to lie down on the floor. Accommodations will be made for all. Space is limited to allow for distancing. Advance registration required ($25 per person, members save 10%) at the tickets link. 6.30p, Still Life Meditation, 25 S. Grove Avenue 224.407.2707 stilllifemeditation. net. $25 Air Dry Clay Trinket Dishes Join Elda’s Craft Corner on Facebook Live at https://bit.ly/gbplFBLV. Learn how to shape adorable trinket dishes with air dry clay or pre-made clay. Use your creativity to form trinket dishes to hold jewelry, keys, and whatnots. Grab some paint or stamps to personalize these attractive and useful dishes.

7p-7.30p, GBPL Virtual 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 Main Library Meadows Community

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Rooms ABC, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Meet the Makers! Jacob Mayfield Join Elgin Fringe Festival on Facebook as we have a dinnertime chat with Fringe producer, Jacob Mayfield from the show “This Video Can Read Your Mind.” You don’t just watch this, you are part of it. This latest creation by Mind Reader Jacob Mayfield answers the question: Is it possible for a video to read your mind? If you follow along with a few simple materials, you can experience unexplainable phenomena virtually through your screen.

7.30p-8.30p, Virtual facebook.com/ elginfringefestival

Toddler Time Especially for the little ones, this storytime will include songs, stories, and fingerplays for ages 1-2. This event will be held on Facebook Live. Please visit https://bit. ly/gbplFBLV at the time of program.

Storytime will be available on Facebook to watch at your leisure after live performance. 10a-10.30a, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Piano Performance: John LaBorn 3.30p-4.30p, GBPL Main Library, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Digital Distribution Learn how to prepare your audio for distribution and how to get your content hosted on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube, Soundcloud, and more. The video can be found at https://bit.ly/ gbfbylah *All Tutorials Are Suitable For Teens & Applicable For Adults 5p-5.15p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Go Bilingual Online See 9/2. 5p-6p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden. info Mike & Traci of Good Clean Fun

Please verify that your event of interest will be held as listed here. During COVID-19, everything is subject to change.

FEED.colorcode Bands & Music

Theater & Dance

Exhibits & Film

Causes & Community

Kids & Families

Wellness & Nature Mpulse Other

ON

NY’S PIZZ

A

DOUGLAS

Elgin’s Best Pizza!

847-742-5400 231 Douglas Ave.

Wed.Sep.9

Lectures & Learning

N DA

MONDAYS:

ALL PIZZAS HALF OFF

Open 11AM to Midnight or 2AM

Dining Room Only

OPEN MIC

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

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Every Wednesday in September! Mike and Traci have opened for national touring artists like The Righteous Brothers, Tommy James & The Shondells, Little Anthony & The Imperials, and more. Noted as one of Chicagoland’s favorite party duos, Mike and Traci play all the best party pop from every decade. 6p, Old Republic Kitchen + Bar, 155 S. Randall Road 224.535.9544 oldrepublicbar.com.

No Cover Family Financial Literacy Learn about household budgeting, goal planning, saving for college, retirement planning, life insurance, and investments. Presented by Faith Clark of Northwestern Mutual. Register for link to program 7p-8p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Thu.Sep.10 Adventure Storytime with Ms. Stephanie See 8/27. 10a-10.30a, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden. info Piano Performance: Steve Yoder 11a-12p, GBPL Main Library Lobby - Piano, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Kids Explore for Grades K-2: Cicadas You’ve seen them and heard them all summer, and you might have even seen their exoskeleton. Now let’s learn about the different types of cicadas and why they are so beneficial. This program has supplies to be

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picked up at the KidSpace Youth Reference Desk at the Main Library (270 N Grove Ave., Elgin). Program supplies will be ready for pick-up between August 31-September 6. All registered participants will receive an email with the zoom login prior to the program date. If you would like to pick-up the supplies at the Main Library Drive-up Window instead of inside the library at the youth desk, please call the youth desk at, 847-429-4685, before you arrive to the library. This program has supplies to be picked up at the Youth Desk at the Main Library (270 N. Grove Ave, Elgin). All registered participants will receive an email with the zoom login and instructions on picking up materials for the program.

Program Supplies in the bag: Cicada Worksheets (Families can also download the worksheets with this link and print them at home.) Origami paper. Program Supplies to gather from home: Scissors, Markers/Crayons, Pencil. 4p-4.30p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

between August 31-September 6. All registered participants will receive an email with the zoom login prior to the program date. If you would like to pick-up the supplies at the Main Library Drive-up Window instead of inside the library at the youth desk, please call the youth desk at, 847429-4685, before you arrive to the library. Program Supplies in the kit: Cicada Worksheets -- (Families can also download the worksheets with this link and print them at home.)

Origami paper. Program Supplies to gather from home: Scissors, Markers/ Crayons, Pencil. 5p-5.30p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

3rd Annual Ecker Client Art Show & Reception Works of art created

by Ecker clients will be on display at the 3rd Annual Ecker Art Show.

Some pieces will be available for purchase as well. The Ecker Art Show and Reception will be held in the Ground Floor Lobby of Ecker Center at 1845 Grandstand in Elgin on Sept.

10th from 5-7 p.m. All Ecker clients interested in having artwork included in the show, please reach out to Kay Catlin at kcatlin@eckercenter.org or (847) 695-0484 ext. 1395 for additional information. We hope to see you all there! 5p, Ecker Center, 1845 Grandstand Place 847.695.0484 x1898 eckercenter.org

Pictionary Play Pictionary online with other teens! Registration required, a link to the game will be emailed to you approximately 10 minutes before the game begins. 6p7p, GBPL Main Library, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Kids Explore for Grades 3-5: Cicadas You’ve seen them and heard them all summer, and you might have even seen their exoskeleton. Now let’s learn about the different types of cicadas and why they are so beneficial. This program has supplies to be picked up at the KidSpace Youth Reference Desk at the Main Library (270 N Grove Ave., Elgin). Program supplies will be ready for pick-up

Baby Rhyme Time Singing, clapping, simple stories and lapsit bounces at this virtual 1/2 hour program. Best for infants-11 months. Please register. This event will be held on the virtual platform, Zoom. Please register and you will receive a link to the program via email one hour before the program.

6p-6.30p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Rooftop Concert An intimate rooftop concert under the stars! 6.30p, The Haight, 166 Symphony Way 224.801.4166 thehaightelgin.com. $5 COMPOSTING 101 Jamie Viebach of the Conservation Foundation will provide information on composting and how you can compost on your own!

Join this program to also ask any questions you may have on composting. Please register. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to the program via Zoom.

7p-8p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Sonidos del Inglés Online Reconoce los sonidos del inglés, practica pronunciarlos, y aprende a diferenciarlos al escucharlos con la maestra Claudia Heinrich. Recomendado para nivel intermedio. El grupo se reúne

The Most Amazing Show on the Radio!

a través de la plataforma de reunión virtual Zoom. Puede participar en una computadora, tableta o teléfono celular. Al registrarse le contactaremos con el enlace y código para participar: O envíenos un correo electrónico a biblioteca@gailborden.info (incluya su nombre y teléfono) O envíenos un mensaje de texto al 224-407-2399 (incluya su nombre y email) Para obtener ayuda técnica para acceder a Zoom: Envíenos un correo electrónico a biblioteca@gailborden.info (incluya su nombre y teléfono) O envíenos un mensaje de texto al 224-407-2399 (incluya su nombre y email) Recognize the sounds of English, practice how to pronounce them, and learn to differentiate them by listening to them. With teacher Claudia Heinrich.

Recommended for intermediate level.

The group meets through the Zoom virtual meeting platform. You can participate on a computer, tablet or cell phone. After registering we will contact you with the link and code to participate: Or send us an email to biblioteca@gailborden.info (include your name and phone) Or send us a text message to 224-407-2399 (include your name and email) For tech help accessing Zoom: Send us an email to biblioteca@gailborden.info (include your name and phone) Or send us a text message to 224-4072399 (include your name and email) 7p-8p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Fri.Sep.11 Stomp, Clap, and Read! This energetic program is all about movement!

Sing and dance to kid-friendly music hits and listen to storytime favorites.

Best for ages 2-6. Please register.

This event will be held on the virtual platform, Zoom. Please register and you will receive a link to the program via email one hour before the program. 10a-10.30a, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Downtown Elgin Farmers Market See 8/28. 3p, Downtown Elgin, South Spring Street 847.488.1456 downtownelgin.com. Free

Save 40%, 50%, 60% or even more on travel destinations, dining, entertainment, home and auto services, supplies and thousands of other items!

Find out more at www.WRMN1410.com

AM Radio 1410 WRMN-AM 1410 news/talk radio has been providing news and informational programming to Chicago’s Northwest Suburbs for over sixty years. We are the “Conscience of the Community.”

Download the free WRMN Radio app and get all access All the Time

Radio Shopping Show (847) 741-7700 x112 16 Douglas Avenue • Downtown Elgin Business Office (847) 741-7700 Broadcast Studio (847) 931-1410 14 Douglas Avenue • Downtown Elgin

September 2020 ESO: Symphony on the Farm Join the ESO for a magical socially distanced evening of music at the Goebbert’s PUmpkin Patch and Apple Orchard, featuring Maestro Andrew Grams, Guest Artist Philippe Quint, and your Elgin Symphony Orchestra musicians. Concert Program: George Walker, Lyric for Strings; Jules Massenet, Meditation from Thaïs; Pablo de Sarasate, Zigeunerweisen, op. 20; Franz Joseph Haydn: Symphony No. 60 “Il Distratto”. *Limited capacity.

Orchestra will be visually obstructed by tall slatted deck railing. No discounts will be available for visually obstructed seats. No in-person or walk-up box office available. Tickets available via phone or online only.

Reservation required in advance.

Day-of sales not available. Limit four per household. It is recommended only persons in the same household sit together. 7p, Goebbert’s, 42W813 Reinking Road, Pingree Grove 847.888.4000 elginsymphony.org. $65

Sat.Sep.12 Dog Man Drawing Class Calling all Dog Man fans! We are coming together on Zoom to learn how to draw our favorite guy! Zoom link sent out within 24 hours of the event. E-mail required. 10a-10.30a, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Elgin Area Firefighter’s Memorial Service The 2020 Elgin Area Firefighter’s Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 12th, at 10:00 a.m. at the Fire Barn #5 Museum. Firefighters from Elgin and 15 surrounding communities will gather to honor Illinois firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty, as well as current and retired firefighters who have passed away the during last year. Everyone is invited to attend and refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the service.

The most current Covid-19 safety precautions and social distancing recommendations will be followed at the ceremony. 10a, Fire Barn No. 5 Museum, 533 St. Charles Street 311 elginfiremuseum.com El Mundo Virtual de Zoom - en la Biblioteca No hay costo ni hay que tener tarjeta de la biblioteca. Favor registrarse. Puede registrarse para la serie completa o para una sola clase. 1p-3p, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Celebración Día de la Independencia de Mexico-Facebook Live ¡Festeja el Aniversario de la Independencia de México! Con bailes folclóricos, la representación del Grito de Dolores y un concurso de trivia para la familia con premios. En asociación con OME. Tendremos un concurso de trivia para la familia con premios de tarjetas de $20 de Target. En asoci-

BRAVO ación con la Organización Mexicana de Elgin (OME). Para participar en la trivia visita: kahoot.it durante el evento. En español e inglés. Para participar conéctate el día del evento por Facebook Live de la Biblioteca Gail Borden https://www.bit.ly/gbplFBLV VISITA WWW.GAILBORDEN. INFO/MESHISPANIDAD PARA MAS INFORMACIÓN ¡La Fiesta la Hacemos Todos! Celebrate the Anniversary of the Independence of Mexico! With folkloric dance, the representation of the historic cry for Independence, and a family trivia contest with prizes.

In association with the Mexican Organization of Elgin (OME.) To participate in the trivia, visit: kahoot.it during the event. In English and Spanish. To participate, connect on the day of the event through Facebook Live: https:// www.bit.ly/gbplFBLV VISIT WWW. GAILBORDEN.INFO/MESHISPANIDAD FOR MORE INFORMATION 2p-3.30p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms ABC, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Harry Potter Digital Escape Room for Grades 6-12 Prepare for your Hogwarts studies by tackling the puzzles in this digital escape room! CLICK HERE to tackle a Harry Potter Escape Room created by the Peters Township Public Library. When you’ve successfully completed all of the escape room’s puzzles and challenges, take a screenshot of the escape room’s final page. Send your screenshot to zone@ gailborden.info along with your name, your grade in school, and a phone number Gail Borden can use to contact you. When we receive your information, you’ll be entered to win a $20 Target gift card! The winner’s name will be drawn on October 30. You may send in an entry for each digital escape room you complete, so check Gail Borden’s calendar of events to make sure you’ve conquered them all! Questions? Comments? Desperate requests for hints? Let us know your thoughts by emailing zone@ gailborden.info. Good luck! For more puzzle-solving fun, click these links: Wings of Fire Escape Room My Hero Academia Escape Room Stranger Things Escape Room Bendy and the Ink Machine Escape Room 2p-3p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden. info Illinois Brews Virtual Edition While we won’t be able to hold our traditional, face-to-face Brewfest at Porter’s Pub at Bowes Creek this year, we are excited to announce that we will be hosting a live, virtual tasting event! Each ticket will come with a six-pack of assorted craft beers from local breweries which we’ll drink together during our virtual event.

You will be hearing from the creative craftsman of the beer you are tasting, receive insight as to the type of beer it is, how it was brewed, and its best pairings. We invite all of you craft beer aficionados to share your

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opinion of each beer and join the online discussion. Kick back, relax, and open a cold one (or six!) from the comfort of your own home - no designated driver needed. Join us for this outstanding event for an even greater cause: Providing recreational opportunities for at-risk children in Elgin.

Every dollar raised from ticket sales and donations will go directly into our Elgin Recreation Youth Scholarship Fund. 4p, Virtual 311 ilbrews2020. eventbrite.com. $30 ESO: Symphony in the City See 9/11.

Orchestra will be visually obstructed by tall slatted deck railing. No discounts will be available for visually obstructed seats. 7p, The Haight, 166 Symphony Way 847.888.4000 elginsymphony.org. $65

Sun.Sep.13 LGBTQ+ Out in Nature Meetup Join fellow LGBTQ+ outdoors enthusiasts, CAS & The Poplar Creek Prairie Stewards to learn about & care for native Illinois prairie habitat! Volunteer steward Jenny Flexman will guide us through the beautiful Poplar Creek Prairie and teach us to collect native plant seed which will be used to spread important species that provide the structure needed for pollinators, birds, and other animals to call the prairies home. Then, we’ll close with an optional socially distant picnic lunch - BYOBlanket and lunch! Participants must wear a face covering or mask when within 6 feet of others. We recommend bringing a water bottle, hat, and sunscreen and wearing weather-appropriate outdoor clothing, including long pants, and sturdy, close-toed shoes. All participants must complete a liability waiver upon arrival to participate in the program. Limited the trip capacity to 25 people. Please RSVP using the Eventbrite platform to reserve a spot. Arthur Janura Forest Preserve, Route 59, south of Shoe Factory Road elgbtq@gmail.com elginpride.com.

Free

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BRAVO

24

The Faque News

Relax ...

6.9

Humor and/or Satire

New Festival to Raise Money for Homes Help has arrived

Elgin Print Media isn’t dead, it’s

UNDEAD

With CPM’s under $3 and incentives for using our response marketing tools, your ad dollars will make more impressions in BRAVO Magazine than in any other media.

Contact us!

Text “BRAVOMAG” to 224-704-1188 to try our response marketing solution

A new three-day music festival being planned for 2021 promises to raise money for victims of old homes. “Victorian Aid 21” will be held August 20-22nd, 2021 at Festival Park in downtown Elgin.

“House poverty is a huge problem in our area,” said Phil Johnston, chair of the Victorian Aid Committee. “Proud, hard-working people should not have to live on Hamburger Helper just because they live in a drafty old house that requires constant maintenance.”

While public grant funding is locally available for restoration and repair of historic homes, it isn’t enough to serve every broke homeowner with peeling paint and leaking pipes.

“We got the idea from Farm Aid,” said Johnston. “A few of us were at the first Farm Aid concert at U of I back in 1985. As we were sitting on a neighbor’s big front porch drinking wine this Spring, that’s when it hit us that we could have a music festival here to raise money for old homes.”

Plans came together quickly after a committee was formed by three couples living in the east side Historic District. Co-chair Bob Prentiss relied on his skills — and his contacts — as a conference coordinator for Agspand, an Illinois-based chemical company.

“We chose roots music and Americana for Victorian Aid,” said Prentiss. “You rarely get the chance to hear it performed live. We’re expecting a huge turnout.”

With an entertainment budget of $16,000, the festival hopes to

raise $100,000 in revenue from ticket sales and concessions to start the Victorian Aid Fund.

“Goals for the Victorian Aid Fund are to give out small project grants and low interest micro loans for things like tuckpointing, shake shingle roofs, window glazing and porch rail restoration.” They already have a waiting list of projects from the neighbors that ranges from sink replacements to woodwork stripping and dumb waiter repairs.

“House poor people are afraid to admit their predicament,” said Prentiss. “We’re trying to erase that stigma and bring some relief to the people who live in these huge, ornate homes.”

The festival kicks off Friday night with Cincinnati Slim, featuring the music of Stephen Foster, followed by the Barbershop Boys and the Lafayette Dixieland Quartet.

Saturday afternoon’s bluegrass lineup includes the McClendon Family and Belva and the Belltones. The festival headliner is Long Time Gone, a Crosby, Stills and Nash tribute.

The event will wrap up Sunday with a southern gospel choir showcase and the Elgin Mandolin Orchestra.

Tickets are $18 for Friday and Sunday, and $28 for Saturday. County fair-themed food and beverage concessions will be available inside the festival grounds. For more information or to sign up for the mailing list, go to victorianaid.org

BRAVO

September 2020

25

BRAVO Serial Fiction: “Your Opinion Counts”

Part Four:

Credibility

by Mark Averill 13 S. Spring Street • Elgin “We have as our guest today Dr. Helene Casper, President of Apex Research, to answer questions about the contract we’ve been considering,” announces Mayor Sheilds. “Dr. Casper, would you introduce yourself and your company?”

“Thank you, Mayor Sheilds.”

She begins slowly and deliberately. “Apex Research is an elite public opinion research company that has served a variety of public and private organizations for nearly forty years. We provide data and analysis on consumer preferences, brand recognition, public perceptions, things like that ... telephone surveys are our main methodology, but we also use written surveys, focus groups and other techniques to first gather empirical data and then interpret that data into actionable results. We have over a dozen analysts with advanced social science degrees, and a tech staff that creates and maintains our automated polling systems and our extensive data store.”

“Can you give us a few examples of research projects you’ve completed recently?”

“Certainly. We were hired by a national ad agency to measure the impact of their campaign for the American Cancer Society ... we surveyed the residents of Toledo, Ohio regarding an airport proposal ... and we just focus grouped a new life insurance product for Chase Bank.”

“Your offices are in Barstow?”

“Yes.” “Dr. Casper, I’m Councilor Kromberg. Your survey results have been appearing regularly in the Barstow Journal. What’s your relationship with the Journal?”

“None, really. A few months ago they ran a little article on us, a ‘get to know us’ kind of piece, and we pitched the idea of doing some pro bono surveys for Barstow and publishing the results in the paper. We just saw it as a way to give back to the community.”

“And who decides what questions to ask?”

“Apex managment and staff.

Most of our people live here in town, so they’re aware of the local issues.”

“Dr. Casper, I’m Valencia Price-Jenkins, it’s nice to meet you. What is your specific area of expertise?”

“It’s a branch of psychology called psychometrics, which looks at the theory and applications of surveys, questionnaires, educational assessments ... I did my graduate work on the effect of bias and connotation in standardized testing.”

“That’s very impressive.”

“Mayor, if I may?”

“Go ahead, Berto.”

“Dr. Casper, I’m Councilor Roberto Salazar.” He clears his throat. “Working with a City government is different than Chase Bank or an ad agency.

Are you certain that this project can be successful? Because these are public funds we are using.”

“Absolutely,” Casper replies.

“We have worked with — I would guess — thousands of public officials at all levels of government, especially in areas like public records and registries, the courts, revenue departments ... legislatures are one of the easier groups to partner with.”

Side Street Studio Arts’ MADE program hand picks local artists and makers to collaborate on a pop up retail experience, incorporating innovative new ideas on space usage, retail business modeling and display, marketing, and economic development.

Currently featuring the work of these artists and many more: Ivette De Santiago Karl Jahnke Jane Erlandson Melina Scotte

Natalie Pivoney BaM! Horror Floral Jess Rocha

Christine Goetz Conor Goetz Crighton Studios Erin Cramer

Open Fridays 3-7pm during the Downtown Elgin Farmers Market sidestreetstudioarts.org/made

BRAVO

26

YOUR

29%

OPINION COUNTS

37% 34%

“And you feel that Apex is the best firm to do this research?”

“No one else has as much access to data as we do, and frankly no other market research firm can match our level of scholarship, so yes, I think we are the best team to help you.”

After a few more questions, Casper leaves the Council chamber. Mayor Sheilds invites discussion.

“Well that exceeded all my expectations,” says Councilor Greeley. “Richard, what did you think? You’ve been unusually quiet.”

Councilor Andermayer shifts his weight and sighs. “She pre-

sented well, I’ll give you that,” he says. “But I’m not convinced ... It feels like she’s hiding something.”

“This is pretty ironic,” says a man in a barber shop without looking up from his copy of the Barstow Journal. “The City just hired that robocalling company to do public surveys.”

“You mean that ‘your opinion counts’ bulls*t?”

“Yeah, except none of our opinions counted. There was no phone survey, the Council just did what they wanted. It says here, ‘Apex Research has been retained on a contract to conduct twelve weekly surveys on public policy at a cost of $34,000.’”

“Well I hope they call and ask me what I think of junkie junction.”

“Is that the homeless camp under the railroad bridge?”

“Mm hmm. My daughter and her family live about a block from there. They gotta kick those bums out.”

6.9

At 7:05 pm, a telephone rings in a home that runs a private child daycare service. The caller ID says “APEX RSRCH.” “CCS, this is Carrie, can I help you?” a woman answers.

“Hello, Barstow resident,” says the recorded voice. “You have been selected to share your opinion on a matter of public policy with a short survey that takes less than two minutes. Press 1 to continue.”

Beep. The woman follows the prompts.

“Thank you. The City of Barstow is considering a plan to install closed circuit video cameras throughout the city to improve emergency response and to help prevent and prosecute crime.

The cost of the project will be funded by a municipal bond issue requiring no increase in taxes on residents. Press 1 if you support this plan; press 2 if you do not; press 3 if you are unsure, or wish not to answer. Press 4 if you would like to hear additional background information.”

Beep.

“Thank you for completing our survey. Your opinion counts.”

“Who was that?” a man asks.

“That opinion survey. They want to put up video cameras all over the city to stop crime.”

“What did you answer?”

“I said yes, of course.”

“Seriously? You said yes? I don’t want video surveillance in our neighborhood.”

Mark Averill is a computer analyst in the Elgin area, who writes performing arts reviews for The Elgin Review blog, and articles and fiction for BRAVO. More of his work can be found on TheElginReview.blogspot. com, marqueemedia.net/racetothebottom, and marqueemedia. net/victorylane BRAVO Serial Fiction presents a short story in a series of monthly installments of about 1000 words each.

To read previous chapters of “Your Opinion Counts,” go to our website, www.marqueemedia. net/youropinioncounts.

Everyone’s an Artist. Art is Powerful.

So make your art now.

Stay informed . . . Learn how you can . . .

SaveDCCook.com

Suggestions ~ Visit 850 N. Grove in Elgin’s Northeast Neighborhood ASAP. That gorgeous NeoClassical building is scheduled for demolition.

We invite artists to Document Elgin’s most famous Oak, or any aspect you want to feature.

Draw century-old archtectural details. Paint a broad landscape. Capture a photo image or a video. Write a poem or story, or Assemble a collage. Discover up close what we may soon lose.

All ages welcome. Children especially! All art accepted. A Community Exhibit is planned! Why not be part of it? SaveDCCook.com will supply details, and all Actions scheduled as they develop.

Things change quickly ... stay tuned for updates!

Contributing your art will bring a special heartfelt awareness to this threat to an irreplaceable element of our heritage. ART is a powerful and effective means to state what we VALUE. And if, in spite of our efforts, Cook is taken down, at least ART will remain to honor and respect the memory of what’s been lost.

September 2020

BRAVO

27

The Inner Craft

Know Where You Are Going

by Michael J. Murschel, SD

“You’ve got to be very careful if you don’t know where you are going, because you might not get there.” That’s a quotation attributed to New York Yankees legend, Yogi Berra.

Attributed. Because, as Yogi himself claimed, “I never said most of the things I said.”

Even if you do know where you are going, you still might arrive somewhere else.

Intriguing, as with the unexpected development of the synthetic dye “mauve,” the unintended result of the residue from synthesized quinine used to treat malaria.

Or disastrous, culminating in the famous quotation: “As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly.” If you are unfamiliar with this, YouTube that classic 1978 television sitcom, WKRP in Cincinnati’s “WKRP Thanksgiving Turkey Drop.”

You just never know.

How often do we set out to produce a painting, drawing, sculpture, composition of any sort, only to have it turn out differently than we had planned?

A Frankensteinian moment? Coming through the bitter cold mountains to arrive in Shangri-La? Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken”? Capra’s 1946 It’s a Wonderful Life scenario?

those she persecutes. The Gaelic poets die young, for she is restless, and will not let them remain long on earth.”

reading what books were available, in particular on the life of Jesus, and the lives of the Saints, learning about leading souls to Christ.

Similarly, 19th/20th-century French sculptor Auguste Rodin commented, “The artist must create a spark before he can make a fire and before art is born, the artist must be ready to be consumed by the fire of his own creation.”

Abandoning his earthly goals, and answering his call to religious life, he ultimately co-founded the Society of Jesus, the Jesuits; developed his Spiritual Exercises; and was so renowned for his Order’s founding of schools, colleges, and seminaries that to this day, countless institutions bear his name, “Loyola.”

What of writers who let their characters lead the story? After all, characters are living, breathing entities. Should they not have a say in their futures?

In her insightful book The Writing Life, American author, poet, and literary critic, Annie Dillard, says this about that.

“Fiction writers who toss up their arms helplessly because their characters ‘take over’ — powerful rascals, what is a god to do?

— refer, I think, to these structural mysteries that seize any serious work ... who wreak havoc from within.”

This goes beyond fiction writing into all arts, and deep-far into spiritual and sacred arts.

Not always good. Nor intrinsically bad.

Often blending free- and Divine-/Cosmic-will.

Do we let the project define itself? Merely nudge it along?

I think of the Spanish Basque Catholic priest, theologian, and Saint, Ignatius Loyola, who, in the 16th century, sought to live a courtly life, and to win renown, but who found his course in life severely altered by a ricocheting cannonball, resulting in extremely limited use of his legs.

At some point, art itself takes over life itself. Perhaps perilously.

During his painful and challenging recovery at his ancestral castle, he occupied his time

Perhaps something akin to renowned Irish poet and one of the founders of The Abbey Theatre, William Butler Yeats. In 1888, Yeats painted a vivid verbal portrait of the vampiric Irish-Scottish Muse, the Leanhaun Shee, or “Fairy Lover.”

Offering the artist unbridled, albeit shortlived inspiration in exchange for their love and devotion, she ultimately leads them into madness, and, “they are hers, and can only escape by finding another to take their place.

The fairy lives on their life, and they waste away. Death is no escape from her. She is the Gaelic muse, for she gives inspiration to

Was any of this in his plans? No. In the plans of something far larger than himself?

Yes. Just as for sculptor and writer. Call that God. Spirit. Power of the Universe.

Sometimes, acknowledging something far larger than yourself, giving yourself over to its guidance, even though you cannot see it, or where it is leading you, sometimes, that route leads to the best of all results: the completion of a work of art or a mission in life which truly transcends your greatest aspirations for it.

So, dare to not know everything. Alter your plans in the moment. Discover that which, perhaps even an hour ago, you could not even imagine as a possibility.

You never know what you might find.

After all, this article was to have been about ... well ... I truly have no idea what the original topic was for this. But, thanks to the mental leaps for which a Master’s degree in theology trains your thought patterns, I recalled that St. Ignatius of Loyola wrote extensively of finding God in everything.

And so, here we are.

Amen.

Michael J Murschel, SD, is a Spiritual Director whose private practice focuses on nurturing the conversation of people and groups with the workings of The Spirit, God, that Universal Power, in their lives in order to guide them to becoming all which they are created to be. His offices are located in downtown Elgin, Illinois, and he may be contacted at 224-577-8338, or by email to: michael@michaeljmurschel.com

BRAVO

28

6.9

Editor’s Note

The Next Chapter

by Jeffrey R. Pierce

Limited Edition 18 x 24” Poster Offset printed on heavy weight paper Packaged in 2” protective tube

40% of every sale supports the Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House Preservation Project managed by the Elgin History Museum.

Photography and design by James Zorn Photography Published by Marquee Media

$18.35 each (plus tax) Available exclusively at:

Elgin Antiques • 207 E. Chicago Street Elgin Books & Coffee • 66 S. Grove Avenue Elgin History Museum • 360 Park Street Soulful Sparrow • 10 Douglas Avenue State Street Market Shops • 701 N. State Street Whatnots & Whimsies • 211 E. Chicago Street

BRAVO 6.6 was our 60th issue, marking five successful years of publishing. What started out to be primarily an events calendar has evolved into a magazine with original feature articles, interviews, creative writing, visual art, satire, festival programs and more.

150,000 residents, a magazine like BRAVO should have more than 6,000 readers per month; there’s probably enough subject matter around us to fill three magazines; and it’s time to refresh the graphic design that looks like it was done by a middle-aged white guy.

We have met dozens of fascinating people and given many artists their first interview, and many writers their first chance to be published. It has been a rewarding journey.

For these reasons, we are looking for someone to write “the next chapter” for BRAVO. The job requires skills in print production, knowledge of basic business procedures, and talents for writing, design, and photography. So far it has worked well for one person to handle everything, but it is a demanding hobby even for someone with patience and passion.

But it has been a labor of love for almost everyone involved.

BRAVO has been successful because of volunteer effort. Every piece of cover art was lent or donated by an artist; every article was contributed by someone who loved to write; and most of the events in our lengthy and detailed calendar were keystroked into Facebook or a website by someone else.

Apart from the startup costs and a few small bailouts along the way, BRAVO has been paid for by the advertisers who had confidence in our audacious project to create a sense of place for the Elgin area with a print-only publication you could only find in a cafe, library, art gallery or store.

A lot has been accomplished, and there is still so much potential. For an area with about

Our Founder, Editor and Publisher Jeffrey R. Pierce will stay on through the end of 2020, and would like to turn over the BRAVO legacy to new ownership in early 2021. A lot could happen between now and then, and we hope it does.

We hope the right person or small team will pick up where we left off, and build something great on the humble platform we established.

If you or someone you know is interested in exploring this unique opportunity, write to us at bravo@marqueemedia.net. As always, thanks for reading! —JP

September 2020

Not quite sister cities or number neighbors, there are several places around the globe that share Elgin’s postal code 60120. These places in six very different countries have their own distinct identities, but they align surprisingly well with our own shared cultural values: the beauty of art and architecture, the inspiration of history, the restorative powers of Nature, and a consciousness of our neighbors’ and our quality of life.

BRAVO

Shared Values: Postal Service

29

seum of the Oise, whose current exhibit is “Curious Collections: the Art of Collecting.”

Go to m-a-o.org.

Postal Sisters Seinäjoki, South Ostrobothnia 60120 Finland

Bernove, Chernivtsi Oblast 60120 Ukraine This rural village in southern Ukraine is on the banks of the Dnister River, accessible by only one road; most streets in the village have no names.

Breteuil, Oise, Hauts-de-France 60120 France Also known as Breteuil-sur-Noye, this French commune (municipality) in northern France is home to the Archaeological Mu-

The Finnish architect Alvar Aalto designed the Lakeuden Risti Church here, including its interior fixtures and furnishings, even silverware and stained glass.

His holistic design approach included adjacent public buildings, creating a total site-specific work of art which dates to the late 1950’s.

Other than the local small farmers, the people here have traveled in for camping and fishing.

Guadalupe Victoria, Tlalpujahua, Michoacán De Ocampo 60120 Mexico Only about 600 people live in this rural town, where most have electricity (but no refrigeration), and only about half have running water.

According to public information, most residents have only a primary education, and

30

BRAVO

6.9

both sides of the Nan River, connected by a picturesque bridge. It’s also the site of one of

only 16 people have health care or insurance benefits. many monuments to King Taksin; this one in particular is frequently photographed for its thousands of animal figures that surround the statue. Find อนุสรณ์สมเด็จ พระเจ้าตากสินมหาราช King Taksin Monument on Google or Facebook.

São João do Tauapé, Fortaleza, Ceará 60120 Brasil

Chumsaeng, Nakhon Sawan 60120 Thailand This district in central Thailand occupies

This bairro (borough) less than three miles from the Atlantic Ocean in the city of Fortaleza shares its name with São João Bautista (St. John the Baptist) church, a center of activity for locals amidst neighborhoods struggling with traffic congestion, pollution and violence. Vacation rentals make it a popular destination for Europeans.

São João do Tauapé, Brasil 60120

BRAVO

September 2020

31

ASSIGNMENT BOARD

ADVERTISE WITH US

This is where we post article topics for volunteer writers 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 ...

2020 Advertising Rates

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Full Page $240 • Half Page $156 Quarter Page $104 • Eighth Page $62 Standard rates include design & layout.

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

12-month Contracts Available

We live in a multi-lingual community, and it’s not just English and Spanish. See what you can find out about all the languages used in the area, and opportunities to learn and teach new languages to each other. Not boring at all.

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

On the Marquee

Circulation Information

Are you interested in interviewing a local visual or performing artist for our monthly “On the Marquee” or “In the Studio” segment? If you ask hard questions, you’ll get amazing answers! We have several artists in mind.

4,000 copies circulated at more than ninety locations in Elgin, South Elgin, Dundee and Carpentersville (see listings). Estimated readership of 6,000.

Turkey Testicle Festival

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

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

The famous music festival and — ahem — culinary event at Parkside Pub in Huntley has continued annually since 1983. Care to investigate? Our first question would be ...

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.

B R A V O Magazine

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.

P.O. Box 1551 Elgin, IL 60121-1551 (224) 513-1220 (voice or text) bravo@marqueemedia.net

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.

is published by

MARQUEE MEDIA

Publisher: Jeffrey R. Pierce Contributors: Laurie Peters, That Elgin Lady, Elgin Cultural Arts Commission, Mark Averill, Michael J. Murschel, Jeffrey R. Pierce, Elgin Fringe Festival.

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