Randall Oaks Zoo groundhog doesn’t see his shadow
A small group of people gathered at Randall Oaks Zoo in West Dundee early Monday morning bore witness to Cedar the groundhog not seeing his shadow, predicting the early arrival of spring.
Staff uncovered Cedar’s blanketed cage under cloudy conditions, with the large rodent seeming disinterested in the proceedings. Those in attendance were given laminated signs that read “Spring is almost here” with Cedar’s photo on them. Photos and a video clip from the event are posted on the zoo’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/RandallOaksZoo.
Monday afternoon, zookeepers held a Groundhog Day party where they shared groundhog lore, facts about the animal and invited guests to sing to Cedar.
According to the National Weather Service website, Groundhog Day has its roots in European weather lore, where a badger or bear is the prognosticator, not a groundhog, and in Candlemas, a day for blessing candles. German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania in the 1700s celebrated Candlemas and combined it with the weather lore, using a groundhog instead of a badger or bear.
St. Edward students do Elgin-area community service
St. Edward Central Catholic High School in Elgin held a “Wave of Service” day Wednesday, Jan. 28, by doing community service projects for nine area organizations.
More than 215 students and staff members did work to benefit TLC Pregnancy Services (Elgin); Food for Greater Elgin; Phil’s Friends for Hope (Addison); PADS of Elgin; Northern Illinois Food Bank (Geneva); Marklund Home (Elgin); Gail Borden Public Library District (Elgin); Anderson Humane (South Elgin); and The Ruth Project (Elgin).
The day was designed for students to discover long-term volunteer opportunities and to explore potential career options, a news release said.
“Service is at the heart of who we are at St. Edward,” Head of School AnnMarie Woj-Dufelmeier said in the release. “This day was about forming students who recognize their responsibility to care for others and who are prepared to put their faith into action.”
Side Street Studio holding open house, block printing
Side Street Studio Arts will hold a free arts education open house and Valentine block printing workshop from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, at its 15 Ziegler Court building in downtown Elgin.
Craft stations with projects for people of all ages will be available, and there will be music and games as well, according to the Side Street website.
The Valentine block stamping and printing workshop will be led by Nicki Fortunati-Warren, a multidisciplinary artist and bookbinder born in Italy and based in the Chicago area.
For more information, go to www.sidestreetstudioarts.org, call 847-429-2276 or email info@sidestreetstudioarts.org.
Windy City Bulls game to benefit U-46 foundation
The Windy City Bulls will be holding a night to benefit the U-46 Educational Foundation when the G League team takes on the Long Island Nets at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, at the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates.
A portion of ticket proceeds from the game will be given to the foundation. Tickets are $29.12 and can be purchased at www.gofevo.com/event/U46NIGHT26.
The first 1,500 attendees will receive a Stacey King bobblehead, according to a social media post. King, color commentator for Chicago Bulls TV broadcasts, played for the Bulls with Michael Jordan when they won NBA championships in 1991, 1992 and 1993.
