Crisis center celebrates growth over 32 years

The Community Crisis Center will celebrate its 32nd anniversary with a 6 p.m. dinner Thursday at The Seville in Streamwood.

Since its humble beginnings in 1975 at Margaret Place, the agency has grown to be a foundation agency in the community.

At the dinner, Executive Director Gretchen Vapner will give her "state of the agency" address, reviewing challenges and accomplishments, and outlining the future with a strategic plan.

This year, the 10th Seigle Family Humanitarian award will be presented to Dan and Karen Fox. The criterion for the award is a true commitment and support for the mission of the crisis center. Dan and Karen are called phenomenal volunteers -- giving of their time and expertise as auction co-chairs for three straight years.

The recipients of the Heart of the Center award for volunteers are: city of Elgin Restitution Program, Mormon Missionary Youth Program, WideSpark Design, Michael Powers, and Steve Westlund. The winner of the Wanda Lingle Employee Award will be a surprise that night.

For reservations call Lisa Sampson at (847) 697-.

Winter Wonderland

The Provena St. Joseph Auxiliary will hold its second annual Winter Wonderland from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the Elgin Country Club.

This family friendly brunch will allow little guests a visit and photo with Santa, a Kris Kringle corner where they can buy small stocking stuffer gifts for brothers and sisters, and a craft project at their places at the table. This project and some "reindeer food" will be theirs to take home.

A handmade doll house with inlaid floors, real wallpaper, unique chimneys and fireplaces and real cedar shingles will be raffled off. The 3-by-4-foot fully furnished house has been crafted by Sister Mary Boyd.

A separate raffle will feature a DVD player, a tree hung with gift certificates, a tubing outing at Villa Olivia, a handmade quilt, and a mini sleigh with games and toys. Last year, Leo Nelson won the sleigh, and his granddaughter, Grace, took one toy and donated the rest to the needy children in town.

For reservations, call the auxiliary at (847) 888-3165.

Busy Saturday

Fresh from winning three awards for excellence in downtown revitalization at a statewide conference last month, the Downtown Neighborhood Association joins the season from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday with Window Wonderland.

All through downtown, businesses have decorated their windows on the theme "Holidays: Past, Present, and Future." You can get a ballot at the DNA office and mark your favorites.

Many businesses will have treats available. Free pictures with Santa are available in the lobby of the Professional Building, chestnuts will be roasting in front of Keeney's Sporting Goods, a live Nativity scene will be in the lot on North Grove, and real reindeer will be at the north end of the Civic Parking lot. The Flying Lady Trolley will whisk you around the parking and activity sites -- each marked with a cluster of balloons.

At 5 p.m., the activity will move to Festival Park, with the annual ceremonial lighting of the city's tree. There will be sleigh rides, and Sgt. Tom Olson will read the Polar Express on the trolley.

House Walk

The Northeast Neighborhood Association will hold its sixth annual festive house walk from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday. Registration is at the John Graham Pavilion of Sherman Hospital, where guests will be welcomed with songs and refreshments. A trolley, sponsored by Sherman, will operate all day to carry participants to the six houses on the tour.

Each home will be dressed up in the traditions of the host family. Some are in the new Cook/Lovell Historic District, and some in the Spring/Douglas District. They are conveniently located within easy walking distance of each other. After viewing the homes, be sure to stop at the warming house at 808 Douglas for warm beverages and snacks. Crafts and antiques will be there for your shopping pleasure.

Even in the blizzard several years ago, the walk drew 200 people. Call Patti Maynard at (847) 931-0239 or Betsy Couture at (847) 741-3561.

Children's chorus

The Elgin Children's Chorus will perform "Christmastide Carols" at 3 and 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, at the Blizzard Theatre of Elgin Community College. Four choirs, with 180 children ages 7 to 16 will sing seasonal melodies.

This year will feature the premier of "Innocent Child," composed by local writer Jeff Grosser.

A former student of Robert Hanson at Elgin Community College, Grosser plays guitar, runs the Accurate Piano business here in town, and serves on the advisory board for the Hemmens Cultural Center.

"Innocent Child" was arranged by Robert Hanson and Jay Kellner, who will conduct. This number also will feature Chelsea Boelter on the violin, Mary Roloff on the flute and Bill Krauss on the bass and piano.

Also that afternoon, Lisa Bettcher will direct the treble choir, Elizabeth Ellis will direct the intermezzo choir.

Call the ECC box office at (847) 622-0300 for your reserved seat.