ELGIN ARTIST CREATES CITY OF HOPE CHALK ART
Asia Bell, an Elgin resident, was one of eight artists who contributed to the nonprofit City of Hope Cancer Center Chicago’s “Artistic Expressions of Hope” live chalk art initiative held July 8-11 at the center’s city and suburban locations.
At each site, artists impacted by cancer created chalk art pieces honoring loved ones and celebrating cancer survivors, according to a news release. Bell created her work Thursday, July 9, at the City of Hope Cancer Center in Zion.
“In 2016, my great-grandmother, the matriarch of our family, passed away from stomach cancer. She was 81,” Bell said in an emailed statement. “We celebrated her last birthday and my nephew’s first birthday on the same day — a memory that I will cherish forever.”
Bell used a photo of the two to inspire her work, a photo she said gives her hope.
PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR TROLLEY MUSEUM EVENT
Fox River Trolley Museum is seeking participants and vehicles for its Military & American History Weekend from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 1-2, at its campus, 365 S. La Fox St., South Elgin.
Tthe museum is seeking reenactors from any era of American history; military and civilian vehicles from the 1920s to the 1980s; vintage emergency vehicles; 1970s-era Chicago police cars; and a Bluesmobile, a 1974 Dodge Monaco police car like the one used in the movie “The Blues Brothers,” according to a social media post.
For more information and to sign up to take part, go to foxtrolley.org/visit/special-events/military-history-weekend, call 847-697-4676 or email info@foxtrolley.org.
ECC RECEIVES $262,000 STATE WORKFORCE GRANT
Elgin Community College has been awarded a $262,000 state grant to be used for workforce readiness, career training and other economic development efforts.
The funding comes from Illinois’ Restore, Reinvest, Renew program, according to a news release from the office of state Sen. Cristina Castro, D-Elgin.
“This program plays a role in ensuring equity in all Illinois communities,” Castro said in the release. “Every Illinoisan, regardless of where they live, deserves the resources they need to build a career and live a fruitful life. By investing in communities that have been left behind in the past, we begin to heal and create future success for residents.”
Since 2021, the program has awarded more than $290 million to organizations across Illinois.
TOWNSHIP GEARING UP FOR BACKPACK PROGRAM
Hanover Township is seeking donations of new backpacks and school supplies for its back-to-school distribution program being held 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily Aug. 12-14 at the Astor Avenue Community Center, 7431 Astor Ave., Hanover Park.
Items sought include backpacks, notebooks, loose-leaf paper, pencils, markers, crayons, scissors, flash drives, pens, glue sticks and gift cards to be used to buy supplies, according to a news release. In 2025, Hanover Township gave away 1,800 backpacks filled with supplies during the distributions.
Supplies can be dropped off at Town Hall, 250 S. Route 59 in Bartlett; Hanover Township Senior Center, 240 S. Route 59, Bartlett; Hanover Township Astor Avenue Community Center, 7431 Astor Ave., Hanover Park; and Hanover Township Izaak Walton Youth Center, 899 Jay St., Elgin.
Registration is required for families seeking backpacks and supplies. Proof of Hanover Township residency is required, with a limit of one backpack per child.
For more information, call 630-540-9085. To register, go to www.hanover-township.org.
CARPENTERSVILLE HABITAT PROJECT DELAYED TO 2027
Work at Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley’s Carter Crossing development in Carpentersville has been delayed until spring 2027, a year later than the originally planned start date.
“Like many construction projects, costs have increased significantly since our original estimates were developed a couple of years ago,” Barbara Beckman, the local nonprofit’s executive director, said in an email. “As a result, we are working to secure additional funding before construction begins.”
The nonprofit anticipates starting infrastructure work next spring, Beckman said. The initial work will include removing the existing undersized water and sewer infrastructure and installing new water, sanitary sewer and stormwater systems that will serve the new development and nearby homes. Once that work is done and the site is pad-ready, home construction will begin.
“We anticipate building approximately seven homes per year over a four-year period, ultimately creating 28 affordable homeownership opportunities for local families,” Beckman said. “The village’s collaboration and commitment have been critical in moving this project toward construction, and we greatly appreciate their support.”
