WOOD CHIPS AVAILABLE AT FOREST PRESERVES
The Forest Preserve District of Kane County is offering free wood chips to the public from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 2, at Burnidge Forest Preserve in Elgin and Big Rock Forest Preserve in Big Rock.
Residents should bring their own shovels and containers, and can take as many wood chips as they can haul away, while supplies last, a news release said. Forest preserve district staff will be on hand to help load with a tractor but nondistrict machinery is not allowed.
The chips are from hardwood trees removed throughout Kane County because of storm damage or clearing efforts.
Burnidge Forest Preserve is located at 14N035 Coombs Road in Elgin. Enter off Coombs Road.
Big Rock Forest Preserve is located at 46W072 Jericho Road in Big Rock. Signs within both preserves will direct people to the pile location.
For more information, call 630-232-5980 or go kaneforest.com.
FREE CONFERENCE ON STRENGTHENING FAMILIES
CASA Kane County and Kane County Circle of Care will hold a free, one-day conference on helping families through early intervention and prevention from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, May 1, at Christ Community Church, 820 S. Randall Road, South Elgin.
Keynote speaker Laura Adams, president and founder of iCARE4 Adoptive and Foster Families, will talk about building emotionally safe and supportive environments for children and families, according to a news release. Ashley Ackerman from Metropolitan Family Services will discuss Trust-Based Relational Intervention, an attachment-based, trauma-informed approach to caregiving.
There also will be workshops on why behaviors occur and how evidence-based supports can help children build essential skills and on exploring how families can play a critical role in shaping early childhood policy and advocacy efforts.
Lunch and refreshments will be provided, and child care will be available. Registration at tinyurl.com/casathrive is required.
PANCAKE BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER AT RAKOW CENTER
The Carpentersville police and fire departments and Algonquin Police Department will host an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m. Friday, May 1, at the Rakow Center, 665 Barrington Ave., Carpentersville.
Proceeds from the breakfast will support mental health efforts for first responders provided by the nonprofits 100 Club of Illinois and Illinois Firefighter Peer Support, a social media post said.
Breakfast is $5, cash only, payable the day of the event. For more information, call 847-551-4381.
¡VIVALA! TO BE HELD IN ELGIN’S FESTIVAL PARK
¡Vivala!, a festival billing itself as featuring a little bit of everything, will be held from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, May 2, in Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Ave., Elgin
Attractions will include musicians playing various styles during the day and deejays spinning dance music at night, according to the event website. There will also be luchadores, lowriders and a private Pilates session.
Tickets are $21.79, which includes a service fee. Admission for children ages 12 and under is free. For tickets and more information, go to www.vivalafestival.com.
SPRINT 2 SPRING 5K RUN/WALK AT YOUTH CENTER
The 11th annual “Sprint 2 Spring” 5K run/walk will take place at 8 a.m. Saturday, May 2, at the Hanover Township Izaak Walton Youth Center, 899 Jay St., Elgin.
Designed to promote health and wellness within the community, the event also raises funds for the Hanover Township Foundation to assist low-income residents in obtaining dental and medical services, according to a news release.
Registration is open online through Friday, May 1, and available in-person on the day of the event.
Participants can stay for a post-race party immediately following the race until 10 a.m. A medal ceremony will take place at 9:30 a.m. Beverages and snacks will be provided as well as music, games and a bounce house for children.
Registration is $35 through May 1 and $40 the day of the race. To register, go to www.sprint2spring.com. Use the code “SPRINT” for $5 discount.
