The briefs
Centre celebrates birthday Saturday
To acknowledge five years of service to the community, The Centre of Elgin is planning a special birthday celebration Saturday.
Throughout the day, The Centre will offer free activities, demonstrations, hourly raffles and membership specials.
The day's activities will begin with group fitness class demonstrations from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m.; kids' activities, including a visit with Santa, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and free wellness screenings sponsored by Sherman Hospital from 9 a.m. to noon.
Test your climbing skills on the rock wall from noon to 2 p.m. Hourly raffles will include iPods, 2008 Cubs tickets and many other giveaways.
Over the last five years, The Centre has provided the community with quality recreation, fitness and family activities. In 2006, The Centre had more than a million visitors, continuing to grow each year by offering expanded programming, events and activities for all ages.
The theme for the fifth birthday is "Five Years and Growing Stronger." For a complete listing of birthday specials, visit www.centreofelgin.org or call The Centre at (847) 931-6123.
Last day for Toys for Tots drive
The Marine Corps League Elgin Detachment 077, in partnership with Elgin Township, recently announced that the Elgin Township office, 729 S. McLean Blvd., is a Toys for Tots drop-off center.
Only new, unwrapped toys will be accepted through today. The building is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. To make a donation, make checks payable to Marine Corps League Elgin Detachment 077 (Toys for Tots) and mail to Elgin Township, 729 S. McLean Blvd., Elgin, IL 60123.
ECU takes you on a musical journey
On Saturday, the Elgin Choral Union presents its annual Christmas concert at 7 p.m. in Elgin Community College's Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.
Maestro Andrew Lewis will lead the audience on a musical journey through time, featuring works from the Renaissance through the Baroque eras to the contemporary age.
Accompanying the Choral Union will be brass players from the award-winning Elgin Symphony Orchestra, and ECU's own accompanist Jon Warfel on organ and piano.
Tickets are $23, $18 for seniors, $15 for students, and $5 for children younger than 10, if accompanied by a paying an adult. Tickets may be purchased by phone at (847) 622-0300.