Algonquin Library to Host Coffee with a Cop
Algonquin’s Chief of Police, John Bucci, along with other members of the Algonquin Police Department, will come together with community members in an informal, neutral space to discuss the goals and vision for the police department and the community, build relationships, and drink coffee.
All community members are invited to attend from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Algonquin Area Public Library, Harnish Main Library, 2600 Harnish Drive in Algonquin.
Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for residents to ask questions and learn more about the department’s work in Algonquin’s neighborhoods. Coffee with a Cop breaks down barriers and allows for a relaxed, one-on-one interaction.
Contact Outreach Library Virginia Donahue with questions at virginia.donahue@aapld.org or 847-458-3144.
ESO names director of marketing
The Elgin Symphony Orchestra has named Diane K. Handler as director of marketing, officials said.
“We are very fortunate to find a person of Diane’s background and experience for this vital position,” said Dave Bearden, CEO of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra. “Her familiarity with the area as well as her deep connection to so many cultural organizations makes her the ideal candidate to create new marketing programs and campaigns that attract new patrons and new demographics. We look forward to her creativity and unique perspective to better serve our current and future patrons.”
Handler previously worked as the director of the University of Iowa arts outreach program, Arts Share, and as Media Relations Manager at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. She has a bachelor’s degree in international relations, a master’s degree in Journalism and a J.D. with distinction in public service. Handler studied voice at Milliken with Emily McKnight, at Boston University with Phyllis Curtain and with Lucille Halfverson and Neva Baily at the Merit School of Music.
The Elgin Symphony Orchestra, now in its 65th season, offers programming for an entertaining, informative and relaxing cultural experience. Known for their high-quality performances, ESO musicians represent some of the most talented musical artists in the region. In addition to magnificent music, patrons can also enjoy a drink, spend time with friends and shop in the lobby of the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin.
Take a winter escape with Billy Elton
Billy Elton will transport you to the excitement of Billy Joel and Elton John at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5, at Dundee Township Park District’s Rakow Center Senior Center for audience members 21 years of age or older. Tickets are $10. Cash bar will be available. Registration is available online at www.dtpd.org.
Downtown Elgin’s First Friday offers entertainment, fun
Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin’s First Friday will be Feb. 5 with things to do, from an art exhibit to an improve show.
“The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” is a visual art pop-up exhibition featuring a variety of works from artists from all over the region. The exhibition will be on display at from Wednesday, Feb. 3, to Sunday, Feb. 14, at Side Street Studio Arts, 15 Ziegler Court, Elgin. An artist reception will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5. This event is free and open to the public.
First Fridays Improv with GreenRoom Productions show is at 8 p.m. at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for children.
Wrap up the night with the Martini Room’s French Kiss martini. The flavor is the martini of the month at the downtown Elgin bar, 161 E. Chicago St. The martini is a mixture of Chambord Liqueur, Godiva Chocolate Liqueur and raspberries and is 25 percent off on First Friday.
Black History Family Festival at Gail Borden Library
The Black History Family Festival, continuing to celebrate diversity in its 11th year, will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 6, at Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin.
The festival is open and free for the community. This year’s theme is “Hallowed Grounds: Sites of African American Memories.”
The festival will host award-winning author and lecturer Glennette Tilly Turner, who will present her nationally recognized Underground Railroad research program. Among Turner’s published works are “Take a Walk in Their Shoes: Biographies of Fourteen Outstanding African Americans,” “The Underground Railroad in Illinois” and “An Apple for Harriet Tubman.”
The festival is for all ages and also will feature the Muntu Dance Theatre, a presentation of Future African American Leaders, Second Baptist’s Church Sankofa Wax Museum’s Exhibit to honor local African American historians, children’s crafts and stories and refreshments.
The Centre of Elgin hosts daddy, daughter dance
Bring your daughter out for an evening of Disney’s “Snow White”-themed dinner and dance. The evening includes a buffet-style dinner, dancing, a raffle drawing for an American Girl doll and prizes for Dad too. Two dates are available, 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19 and 6:30 to 9p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, at the Heritage Ballroom, Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way, Elgin. The cost is $35 for residents and $40 for nonresidents. Additional child is $10. Registration for one child is available online. Registration for more than one child must be done in person at the Centre.
