18th-century history is coming to visit Elgin
At 2 p.m. today, Judge Manny Barbosa's one-act play, "Among Nations as Among Individuals," will have its initial free showing in the community room of the Gail Borden Library.
Elgin Councilman John Steffan will portray Abraham Lincoln, Martin Palma will portray Benito Juarez, and Jose Guzman will be Matias Romero, the Mexican emissary to the United States during our Civil War.
The setting is heaven, where the great men meet after their deaths. They engage in a discussion of their ideas and hopes for their countries, and find many common values.
After the presentation, the actors will answer questions and discuss the play. The presentation is sponsored by the diversity committee, led by Joanne Armenta. For details, call (847) 742-2411 or visit www.gailborden.info.
Meet the Lincolns
The Library Foundation is holding a special preview of the "Forever Free: Abraham Lincoln's Journey to Emancipation" exhibit with a visit by President and Mrs. Lincoln at 7 p.m. Friday, April 18. Period dress is optional, but you will see famous and ordinary citizens of the period mingling with the crowd.
An exact replica of the Lincoln Memorial will grace the rotunda. This dense polyfoam statue, crafted by Arlington Heights sculptor Fran Volz, will be there until late May.
Inside the library, the exhibit has panels showing how Lincoln made the momentous decision to issue the Emancipation Proclamation. Authentic artifacts from the collections of local history lovers will add to the display on the Civil War.
Rebecca Albert is catering a champagne reception with many items that were Lincoln's favorites, including rail-splitters, cheddar-pecan wafers, ham biscuits, and Lorna Doone cakes, to name a few. For details, call (847) 742-2411.
It's happening here!
Two fresh news faces on Douglas Avenue in Elgin are bringing panache to the area!
Vicki Zibert is the owner of Lily Falls, a gift boutique at 10 Douglas Ave. Zibert fell in love with the building and the downtown. She was raised in the LaSalle-Peru area and says much charm was lost in the restoration of that downtown. Not in Elgin!
Customers have relished her whimsical selection of gifts. She says that her fellow business owners have been supportive and friendly. She is looking forward to better weather when people will be out walking more.
Call (847) 841-8459 for information.
Pietro Verone is the new face at Villa Verone at 13 Douglas Ave. This Italian restaurant joins his others in Geneva, Glen Ellyn and Sycamore.
He selected the building for its great space and layout, and has made only a few changes. Asked how many he could serve, he said 3,000 (but only 110 at a time). He learned cooking skills from watching his mother in Italy, seeing how she made amazing things out of simple ingredients.
He is excited -- and patrons are, too -- with jazz night on Thursday. Bruce Oscar from 90.9 WDCB-FM hosts a jam, where patrons can bring their own instruments and join in.
For reservations or details, call (847) 742-0263.
Change your world
Spring has sprung (sort of) and if you are looking for new opportunities, check out the following:
• From 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Elgin Community College is holding Career Quest, a job fair with 92 companies looking for employees. Kathy Meisinger, an ECC career development specialist, tells me this is the largest number of companies ever. For a list of companies and positions they are seeking to fill visit, www.elgin.edu/careerquest. • If you have time to volunteer and don't know where to start or what you could do, 30 Elgin area social-service agencies will be at a volunteer fair from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday in the community room at the Gail Borden Library.
Coordinator Jennifer Ford says there are opportunities to work with the environment, seniors, teens, theater, health and the arts. For details, call her at (847) 695-4668.
Short takes
• A ribbon cutting at the grand re-opening of ReStore will take place Saturday at their new entrance to the 800 N. State Street building. The parking, entrance and space will be much easier to use! Call Deanna at (847) 742-9905 for details.
• The Isaac Walton League and its affiliate Boy Scout Troop 10 will hold a spaghetti supper from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Zion Lutheran Church. Tickets may be purchased at the door, or you can call Ron Conley at (847) 742-4953.
• At 7 p.m. Saturday, Highland Fellowship Church is hosting "A Night to Remember" with Jeorge Holmes, a Judson alumnus and pastor, performing greatest hits of Elvis Presley, Mario Lanza, Frank Sinatra and Luciano Pavarotti. Get a ticket by calling (847) 741-5530.