City of Elgin plans MLK events
The City of Elgin presents a weekend of activities celebrating the life of civil rights leader Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
This year’s events begin with the Annual Prayer Breakfast at Elgin Community College at 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan.16, at the college, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Tickets are available at city hall or call 847-931-5607 to reserve tickets. All tickets are $15.
A public program will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 17, at The Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. A Youth Day of Service and Youth Leadership Conference will be held at 8:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 18, at the Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way. A Community Food Drive is underway and food will be organized and distributed on that day.
Elgin Image Award nominations being accepted
Elgin’s Image Advisory Commission is seeking nominations for its prestigious Image Awards, which recognizes individuals, businesses and organizations that have had a positive impact on Elgin.
Nomination forms are currently available at cityofelgin.org/imageawards, or can be picked up at The Robert Gilliam Municipal Complex, 150 Dexter Court. The deadline to submit nominations is Jan. 29.
Winners are selected by members of the Image Advisory Commission, and will be honored at the annual Image Awards event on March 17 at The Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way. Event details will be available as the event nears.
Awards are available to all ages in five categories: individual professional; individual volunteer; projects, such as special events, fundraising projects and neighborhood improvements; organizations or businesses; and citizenship.
For information or questions regarding the Image Awards, contact Barb Keselica, special events and community engagement manager at keselica_b@cityofelgin.org or 847-531-7056.
West Dundee Christmas tree disposal
West Dundee residents have an opportunity to dispose of their Christmas tree for free as part of the village’s refuse collection contract. Christmas tree curbside collection will be Friday, Jan. 15.
Residents should follow these guidelines: remove all decorations, place tree at the curb with the cut end facing the street, trees do not have to be cut up, bundled or placed in yard waste bags, trees in plastic bags or wrapped in plastic will not be accepted, trees or greenery covered with artificial snow cannot be accepted. Garlands and wreaths must be disassembled. The organic portion should be placed in a yard waste bag while the rest is discarded as refuse.
If you do not receive refuse collection through the Village’s contract, contact your building owner or refuse hauler regarding Christmas tree disposal, or recycle it at Dundee Township Highway Department Garage at 1900 Sleepy Hollow Rd. (Route 72) until January 15. Call Highway Commissioner Larry Braasch at 847-426-0898 for more information.
Identify trees in the winter at Forest Preserve program
Learn to identify trees in the winter at a Forest Preserve District of Kane County “Learn from the Experts” nature program at Creek Bend Nature Center, within LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, 37W700 Dean St., Saint Charles.
The program will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30. During “Winter Tree Identification,” you’ll learn the basics of tree identification (without leaves) and gain experience using a botanical key to identify native trees.
Forest Preserve District of Kane County Nature Programs Manager Valerie Blaine will share tips to help de-mystify winter tree identification and will emphasize observation of bark, branches, form, habit, habitat, twigs, leaf scars and buds.
The session will begin indoors with a presentation then head into the woods to practice tree-identification skills.
The registration fee is $10 per person and advance registration is required. To register, call 630-444-3190 or e-mail programs@kaneforest.com.
Learn from the Experts programs are for ages 18 and up. They’re taught by experts in the field and offer in-depth information and learning opportunities about local ecology. This program series is cosponsored by the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, the St. Charles Park District and the Geneva Park District.
