Elburn's community development director anxious to make her mark

It's a new year and Elburn has a new employee in a brand new position.

Erin Willrett began working as community development director Jan. 2. She will be reviewing all the planning documents submitted by the planning commission, the zoning board of appeals and ultimately the village board, and she will be working to streamline the detailed process.

She's responsible for over-seeing all the plans that come in, from developers who want to build dozens of houses, from residents who want to add a family room to their home, and everything in between.

"I make sure all the proper documentation is in before the proposals go to the village," Willrett said.

Willrett joined the village of Elburn from the Kane County Division of Transportation, where she was a transportation planner. She also worked as a planning liaison for the council of mayors. Her department determined what roadway improvements were needed for developments and looked for funding sources.

Willrett is a graduate of Augustana College in Rock Island, Ill. She earned a liberal arts degree with an emphasis in geography.

"I'm looking forward to working with the board and the planning commission, and getting a grasp on what Elburn wants to see for the future," she said.

Opera at the library

The Town and Country Library in Elburn has joined a growing list of libraries in the far western suburbs that are offering informal education on famous operas, sometimes called a bridge to understanding opera.

The community is invited to learn more about "The Barber of Seville" by Gioachino Rossini from 7 to 9 p.m. Jan. 22 at the library at 320 E. North St. The February mid-day program will feature "La Traviata" by Giuseppe Verdi from 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 18.

Hank Tausend, a volunteer trained by the Lyric Opera of Chicago, will discuss Rossini's famous work. Guests will be able to hear the music.

Town and Country offered its first session in the opera series in October with a presentation on "La boheme," an opera by Giacomo Puccini.

Reservations are recommended. Call the library at (630) 365-2244.

Also at the library, residents can vote early in the Feb. 5 primary and election from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 25.

ngier@dailyherald.com