Improve mental and physical fitness in Elgin

Looking for a different way to get your heart rate up?

Dropping by Elgin's Healthy Kids Day Saturday morning at the Centre might do the trick no matter what your age.

That morning through April 20, the Centre will host a large machine called the NEOS.

It's about 7 feet wide, 15 feet long and contains several columns with lights and buttons a person must push in a sequence.

You can race against the clock or as a team on several skill levels.

It's billed as a fun activity for all ages.

"It's like Dance Dance Revolution for your whole body. You're not just using your feet, you're running and pushing buttons," said Paul Bednar, Elgin's parks development coordinator

"It's touted as a machine everybody can use, from young people to seniors."

Bednar said Elgin officials learned about the new $20,000 machine at a recent parks and recreation conference in Chicago. NEOS has nine different games and three skill levels.

Each game is designed to challenge and strengthen players' minds and bodies and encourages memory retention, hand-eye coordination, physical strength and endurance.

If visitors to the Centre express enough interest in NEOS, the city's Parks and Recreation Department will consider buying one.

Also during the day, Mayor Ed Schock will announce the winners of a logo contest for Activate Elgin, a partnership between the city, YMCA, Elgin United Way and other agencies to encourage healthier eating and better life habits.

All cleaned up

Last week marked the first year that the Elgin Salvation Army location, 316 Douglas Ave., was open extended hours until 9 p.m. during the Spring Clean Up week.

Residents took notice.

The location accepted 2,762 usable items -- primarily clothing -- during the week compared to an average of about 900 on a normal week.

"It did go very well for us. Mostly clothing is what we're in most need of so that was good for us," said Major Ken Nicolai. "We'll do the same thing next year. It seemed to be convenient for people."

In past years, the location was not open late, and workers would arrive in the morning to find a small mountain of donated clothes.

For more information, call (847) 742-0304.

Going and growing

The cleanup also produced a spike in used construction materials donated to the Habitat for Humanity's ReStore location at 860 N. State St., Elgin.

The 20,000-square-foot location accepts used construction materials that are in good condition. Donations are tax deductible.

"We definitely had an increase in donations that week. It was really appreciated," said Deanna Davies, marketing and procurement manager.

She said a variety of materials were brought in, but bathroom vanities, sinks, some millwork and tile were some of the more popular items.

The location will have a grand re-opening Saturday when it moves to 800 N. State. It's the small business center, but twice the area and more parking.

For more information or to make a donation, call (847) 742-9905 or visit www.restorelgin.org.