Foundation to provide heart scans to officers
The family of fallen St. Charles police Sgt. Dan Figgins has started a new charity to help other officers take precautions against the same heart condition that led to Figgins' untimely death three years ago this month.
The Daniel P. Figgins Memorial Foundation will provide free heart scans to officers in the hopes of identifying those at risk for coronary heart disease, the family said.
As you may recall, Figgins collapsed and died in the early morning hours of April 9, 2005, while chasing teenagers suspected of breaking into St. Charles East High School. It was a devastating end to the likeable officer's 27-year career in law enforcement.
Now, his family has contracted with Heart Check America to provide "gold standard" scans to police officers through the foundation "to prevent the fatal event that happened to Sgt. Figgins." Heart Check America has facilities in Chicago and Arlington Heights.
In addition, relatives have planned a memorial and prayer service for Figgins at 7 p.m. May 9 at Christ Community Church, 37W100 Bolcum Road, in St. Charles.
For more information, go to www.dpfigginsmemorialfoundation.com.
Orchestra breakfast: The Wredling Middle School Orchestra's third annual pancake breakfast fundraiser returns April 26, and organizers are hoping you'll stop by.
The event, set for 9 to 11 a.m. in the cafeteria, raises money to buy new orchestra instruments for the school, 1200 Dunham Road.
Admission is $5 -- a great deal for all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage, coffee and orange juice. Plus, you'll get to hear a live student performance.
For more information, call (630) 443-3360 and ask for music teacher Jim Pesek.
Book mixer: Heads up, bookworms. Here's your chance to spend an evening talking books and relaxing with other avid readers.
Town House Books & Café, 105 N. Second Ave. in the historic Century Corners shopping district, will have its eighth annual Great Book Club Mixer from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. April 29.
There's no charge to attend, and Town House is providing free book discussion guides and appetizers. There also will be a cash bar so you can have a glass of wine if you like.
The event is something of a social mixer for book clubs and discussion groups interested in exchanging readings lists and comparing notes on favorite books. Town House also is offering a 15 percent discount on all purchases during the mixer.
Reservations should be made in advance by calling (630) 584-8600.
Garage sale: St. Charles is the pace to be this weekend for treasure hunting.
The annual Community Garage Sale is planned for 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday all across town.
Tour guides will be available beginning today at any St. Charles Park District facility. Or you can download one at www.stcunderground.com.
For more information, call (630) 513-4322.