Elgin Neighbor columnist signs off, moves to new beat

"Embrace change."

These were the famous last words of Sally MacDowell, this section's former editor, to me and other staffers at the paper before she retired this summer.

That advice has meant more to me now than ever before, because I've actually been forced to take it.

And you will, too.

Today, after nearly three and a half years, I leave you as the Neighbor reporter of this section.

Also, I will be covering South Elgin or Central Unit District 301 no longer.

I've been promoted to another position at the Daily Herald, covering news in Algonquin and Lake in the Hills and at McHenry County College.

But I'll continue to monitor Pingree Grove, so to all you peeps out there, don't break out with your champagne glasses just yet!

As for whether I'm moving out of Elgin to live in my new coverage area, the answer is no.

Elgin is my home now.

When I moved here in June 2004, I didn't know a soul here. The only thing I knew about Elgin was that it was the same name as a clock in my parents' house.

Moving here was the first time I'd ever lived on my own, so in a sense, I came of age here in the City to Watch; don't worry, you'll definitely still see my face around town.

I extend a warm thanks to all of you who have made me feel welcome here, from the people who always ensured I always had enough to eat (James and Mary Catherine Walsh, Carl Missele, the Warners, the Albee family and anyone else at National Night Out parties), to those who helped me move into my new digs on the city's east side (Chuck Keysor, Rubir Velazquez and Sergio Lopez).

And of course, a special thank you goes out to all of my sources who consistently kept us ahead of the competition.

In my time in this job and in Elgin, I've been blessed to learn the city inside out by meeting local historians and many of the small-business owners.

I hope enough people move into the downtown area to support Elgin's small businesses -- it absolutely broke my heart when Simple shut down for good when the growth just wasn't there.

Although I only covered South Elgin for nine months, I grew to love that town.

I think the people in charge are highly professional and have the town's best interest at heart.

They always helped me out with complicated concepts, and never hesitated to call me back, no matter how many times I needed clarification on an issue.

I'll also miss them teasing me about some of the food I brought in during meetings, including my stinky salt and vinegar potato chips -- you know in Algonquin, they don't allow food inside their board chambers.

I'm so sorry I have to leave South Elgin, but at least I catch Parks and Recreation Director Jim Reuter at church.

Still, just because I'll be up in McHenry County doesn't mean I won't keep tabs on things going on around these parts.

On the serious side, I'll pray that the U-46 school board doesn't lavish its future superintendent with the same sweetheart deal it handed over to Connie Neale, who probably is laughing at all of us from her porch in Missouri. I hope school board members have learned their lesson, following the public outcry.

I also hope the shootings in Elgin have calmed down for good, and that police find the people responsible for the unsolved cases -- particularly the one that resulted in two deaths.

As a matter of personal interest, I'll be watching to see if officer Jesus "Jesse" Padron is eventually able to return to the streets of Elgin as a police officer. For some reason, his story absolutely riveted me.

Still, it'll be an interesting challenge getting to learn the different communities and institutions in my new coverage area.

But as with everything else, I'll bring an open mind -- and an empty stomach.

• Lenore Adkins now covers Algonquin, Lake in the Hills and McHenry County College. You can still reach her at (847) 608-2725 or by dropping an e-mail to ladkins@dailyherald.com