Leapin' largemouth, it's an extra fish fry Friday
Some of you will bless this extra day which, thanks to leap year, gives some of us an extra paycheck atop the gift of an extra 24 hours.
But I know many of you will just be glad it gives you an extra Friday which, of course, means an extra Friday fish fry.
And a chance to visit that hidden spot near the Fox River in West Dundee where you'll find one of the finest fish frys around.
Whether you're honoring Lent or just looking for some good fish, check out the West Dundee VFW Post 2298, which won the Mack column Best Fish Fry contest last year.
A reader called looking for the name not long ago when I was out of the office. Hoping I'm not too late for her, I thought I'd update you all on this fine spot, which got of rave reviews from readers for the fish and the service.
It's at 117 S. First St. (across from Ace Hardware) in downtown West Dundee. They have a traditional beer-battered fish fry, whole catfish, seafood platters, fried scallops, baked fish, fried shrimp and more. The fish fry runs from 5 to 9 p.m., and you also can order takeout at (847) 428-9006.
Fish fry "specialist" and server Sharon Robinson says they're all very proud of their fish fry and hope you'll try it.
Outstanding, ladies
Vicki Kirkland asked me to let you know the YWCA of Elgin is looking for your nominations of local women who are outstanding in the arts, communications/technology, business and professions, education, public service, social service or volunteer/community service. They'll honor the northern Fox Valley area winners at a luncheon May 8. The deadline for nominations is 4 p.m. March 20. You'll find details at ywcaelgin.org.
Scholarship
The group also is seeking applications for its new Leadership Award for Young Women for a graduating senior. The award nets an initial $1,000 scholarship that can be renewed for three more years for someone in districts 300, U-46 or 301, or any certified school within the Elgin Community College boundaries. The deadline is March 14 and, again, you'll find details at ywcaelgin.org.
Clowning around
Don't forget that today is the last chance to name that clown. Algonquin-area kindergarten through third-grade students can submit their choice to give the clown formerly known as Klutzo a new moniker. A dejected Jerry Kautz retired the Klutzo name after a bad clown using the same name was arrested. The Algonquin Lions Club and Rosen Hyundai then came up with the name-that-clown contest.
Entry forms can be found at lionsclubofalgonquin.org and must be postmarked today or dropped off at Rosen Hyundai at Randall Road and Harnish Drive in Algonquin. I hear the competition has been fierce.
See, Jerry, everybody does love a clown!
Desks on parade
Keep your eyes peeled for some good-looking desks to soon be on display. Rivaling those cows of Chicago, the District 300 Foundation for Educational Excellence unveils the public art project Desks on Parade at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Westfield Community School. I hear we have some very creative souls among us.