Elgin Artist’s Contribution to Cancer Awareness
Asia Bell, a resident of Elgin, was among eight artists participating in the City of Hope Cancer Center Chicago’s ‘Artistic Expressions of Hope’ live chalk art initiative. Held from July 8 to 11, this event took place at different center locations, both in the city and suburbs. The initiative involved artists impacted by cancer creating chalk art to honor loved ones and celebrate cancer survivors.
Bell contributed her artwork on July 9 at the City of Hope Cancer Center in Zion. Reflecting on her personal experience, Bell mentioned, ‘In 2016, my great-grandmother, the matriarch of our family, passed away from stomach cancer at the age of 81.’ She recounted the memory of celebrating her great-grandmother’s last birthday alongside her nephew’s first birthday, a moment she treasures. A photograph of this dual celebration inspired her chalk art, embodying hope and remembrance.
Fox River Trolley Museum’s Upcoming Event
The Fox River Trolley Museum is inviting participants for its Military & American History Weekend, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on August 1-2 at 365 S. La Fox St., South Elgin. The museum seeks reenactors from varied eras of American history, military and civilian vehicles from the 1920s to the 1980s, vintage emergency vehicles, 1970s-style Chicago police cars, and a Bluesmobile like the one from ‘The Blues Brothers’ movie.
Interested individuals can find more details and register by visiting foxtrolley.org/visit/special-events/military-history-weekend, calling 847-697-4676, or emailing [email protected].
Elgin Community College’s State Grant
Elgin Community College received a state grant of $262,000 aimed at workforce readiness and career training. The funds, part of Illinois’ Restore, Reinvest, Renew program, were announced by state Sen. Cristina Castro’s office. ‘This program ensures equity across Illinois communities,’ Castro stated, emphasizing the importance of resources for career-building and personal development. The program has awarded more than $290 million to statewide organizations since 2021.
Hanover Township’s Backpack Donation Drive
Hanover Township seeks donations of new backpacks and school supplies for its annual back-to-school distribution. Occurring from August 12-14, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., the event takes place at the Astor Avenue Community Center in Hanover Park. Items needed include notebooks, paper, pencils, markers, scissors, flash drives, pens, glue sticks, and gift cards.
Supplies should be dropped off at one of several locations, including Hanover Township Town Hall and the Senior Center in Bartlett. Registration is mandatory for families needing supplies, with proof of residency required. Each child is eligible for one backpack. More information and registration are available at www.hanover-township.org or by calling 630-540-9085.
Habitat for Humanity Project in Carpentersville
The Carter Crossing development in Carpentersville, spearheaded by Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley, faces a start delay until spring 2027. Originally set to kick off earlier, the project has been postponed due to rising construction costs. “Additional funding is needed before proceedings commence,” Executive Director Barbara Beckman explained.
The initial phase includes upgrading outdated water and sewer infrastructure and installing new systems. Once the site is prepared, the construction of homes will begin. Habitat for Humanity plans to build around seven homes annually over four years, resulting in 28 affordable housing opportunities.