NEW YORK: Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce honored unsung heroes for their volunteer efforts, including, (front row, from left) Jude Cavallaro, Isabelle Bourgeois (accepting for Dave Edmondson), Bonnie Kirmse, Sherry Lenz, Ursula Wilson, Lucille Matejka, Ron Barkby, (back row, from left) Mitch Esterino, Marge Zawadzki, Lydia Turgeon, and (not pictured) Terry Morris.
The 36th annual Community Chamber Thanksgiving Luncheon, Giving Thanks to Our Unsung Heroes, was held Tuesday, Nov. 24, at Elgin Community College’s University/Business Center.
“We appreciate your joining us to celebrate all we have to be thankful for this year,” said Dr. David Sam, President of Elgin Community College and Chairman of the Board of the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce, as he extended a warm welcome.
The musical invocation, “The Lord’s Prayer”, was delivered by Julie Baker and Solange Sior. A video was played showing the impact of volunteer organizations.
Carol Gieske, President of the Elgin Area Chamber thanked the 200 or more guests in attendance and acknowledged this year’s sponsors: Elgin Community College, Shales McNutt Construction and Northwestern Medicine. A special focus this year was on Elgin’s non-profit organizations, all of whose contact information was printed on commemorative placemats. Festive table decorations were made by students from U46 schools.
Chamber President Carol Gieske, City of Elgin’s Kristine Rogowski and Denise Raleigh of the Gail Borden Library presented the Unsung Hero Awards.
Little Angels Center for Exceptional Care, 1435 Summit Street in Elgin will host its holiday open house “Jingle, Jingle, Jingle/Time to Mix and Mingle” on Sunday, Dec. 6, from 1 to 4 p.m. Special entertainment will be provided by Cathy Freeman, Center DJ and there will be a Treats and Sweets Craft Sale and a chance to take your own holiday selfie.
Fox Valley WIM will host their December luncheon on Thursday, Dec. 10, from 11:30 to 1 p.m. at Elgin Country Club, on Weld Road in Elgin. A special book discussion panel will be featured. For information, call 847-426-6900.
YWCA hosts an open house from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 10, at 220 East Chicago Street in Elgin. The event features refreshments and a “Good Deals for Good Deeds” sale of vintage and contemporary jewelry, decor and ornaments with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the YWCA. For information, call Julia at 847-742-7930.
A special holiday engagement featuring Mark De Lavin, Nathan Gunn and Marc Kudisch in “Baritones Unbound” from Dec. 11 through Jan. 3 at the Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted Street in Chicago. Great stars in a new play with and about the greatest music performances. For tickets call the Royal George Box Office at 312-988-9000.
Enjoy a night of Christmas music presented by Covenant Women Ministries on Sunday, Dec. 13, at 5 p.m. at Evangelical Covenant Church, 1565 Larkin Avenue in Elgin. Guest artists are Diva Montel, Jeorge Holmes and Murna Hansemann (accompanist) with special music by the Salvation Army Brass Ensemble. A reception follows the program. For information, call 847-888-2302.
Lend your voice to “Joy to the World”, a Christmas sing-a-long on Saturday, Dec. 19, at 4 p.m. at First Congregational Church in Elgin. Donations are appreciated. For information, call 847-741-4045.
