U of I Master Gardeners now available to answer questions
Master gardeners with the University of Illinois Extension are now available to provide advice on trees, plants, lawns, gardens and other plant-related topics.
Among the topics they can address are questions related to weather, lawn care, spring blooms and starting vegetable seeds indoors, a news release said. Available throughout the growing season, the gardeners also can assist with guidance on such things as pruning, dividing, and disease control and prevention.
Kane County residents can contact volunteers from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday in March and Monday through Friday beginning in April. Residents can call 630-584-6166, email uiemg-kane@illinois.edu or go to 535 S. Randall Road, St. Charles.
Last year, master gardeners answered more than 1,000 requests for help and logged nearly 16,900 hours in service projects throughout DuPage, Kane and Kendall counties.
ECC students receive Coca-Cola academic scholarships
Elgin Community College students Elizabeth Barnes, of West Dundee, and Ely Thompson, of South Elgin, have been named 2023 Coca-Cola Academic Team Silver Scholars.
Each will receive a $1,250 scholarship and a commemorative medallion.
According to an ECC news release, the Coca-Cola Scholar program received more than 24,000 applications from which it selected 50 Gold, 50 Silver and 50 Bronze Scholars.
Selections were based on students’ All-USA Academic Team competition scores. This program is administered by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
Library district to show actor Danny Trejo presentation
The Fox River Valley Public Library District is offering a public online viewing of “Danny Trejo Talks Tacos, Hollywood and Redemption” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 4.
Trejo’s life journey has included imprisonment, helping troubled youth battle drug addictions, fatherhood, acting, producing and being involved in restaurant ventures, a library district news release said.
He is the author of “Trejo’s Tacos: Recipes and Stories from LA” and the memoir “Trejo: My Life of Crime, Redemption, and Hollywood.”
To register for the Zoom session, go to www.frvpld.info/danny-trejo-talks-tacos-hollywood-and-redemption.
Elgin library holding program on Laos culture, food, music
The Gail Borden Public Library is hosting a free program on the history, music, food and culture of Laos from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 5, in the Meadows Community Rooms of the main library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin.
The Global Neighbor Series explores the diverse cultures found in the Elgin area community, a news release said. The Lao program is offered in partnership with Chinese Mutual Aid, Xilin Association and Roll N Donut Cafe/Douangchay’s Kitchen.
To register, to to attend.gailborden.info/event/7836149.
U-46 Planetarium program to explore 2024 solar eclipse
The School District U-46 Planetarium in Elgin will present “The 2024 Solar Eclipse: 367 days and Counting” at 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m Thursday, April 6.
Admission is $2 per person and a maximum of $10 per family with five or more members. No reservations are required but seating is limited.
The planetarium is at 312 Watch St. For more information, go to www.u-46.org/Domain/2920, call 847-888-5019 or email debbieperryman@u-46.org or peggyhernandez@u-46.org.
Poetry writers workshop being held Monday at Elgin library
A free poetry writers workshop will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday, April 3, at the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin, which can also be viewed on Zoom.
The event is being organized by Elgin poet laureate Gareth Mann to celebrate April as National Poetry Month, a library news release said.
To register to attend, see gailborden.info/register, calling 847-429-4597 or visit the library.
Rakow Rangers program for kids starts Saturday
Rakow Rangers Starter Packs for children, which include hand-drawn trading cards and a booklet, will be available at the Rakow Branch of the Gail Borden Public Library starting Saturday.
Children and their parents or guardians are welcome to attend programs being run to collect more cards and enter to win a grand prize, a library news release said. Entries are due by Saturday, June 24.
The Rakow library is at 2751 W. Bowes Road, Elgin. For more information, call 847-531-7271 or go to gailborden.info/rakowrangers.
