Elgin United Way considering second food drive
Officials at the United Way of Elgin are mulling over whether to organize another community food drive this year.
On June 21, the group collected about 400 bags and boxes of food brought to their office at 2022 Larkin Ave. by businesses, churches, neighborhood groups and residents.
It was part of the first-ever National Day of Action for United Way groups across the country.
Lynne Bosley, president of Elgin's group, was pleased with the collection, but noted area pantries are always in need.
She said officials were considering another drive - perhaps one a quarter - but no final decision has been made.
"We filled eight SUVs to the gills packing in every nook and cranny," she said. "We were real pleased with it. We had a lot of companies that participated that asked when the next one was."
Closer emission tests:
You don't have to drive to Crystal Lake, Schaumburg or Naperville if one of those pesky emission test notices arrives in your mailbox.
Even through the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency closed its South Elgin location earlier this year, there is another nearby option.
The IEPA has contracted with a private firm for appointment-only testing at the Tyler Creek Plaza in Elgin.
The test is free and the location is open Monday through Saturday. Vehicles from 1996 or newer may be tested there.
To make an appointment, call (877) 927-7587.
But be warned, it could take some time to get in there.
I called on a Wednesday and the folks there said their earliest appointment was the following Tuesday.
Big trip on tap for dancers:
Six students from The Centre of Elgin's adult tap class have earned a slot in an Ohio competition in the Novice Parent Act category at Cathy Roe's Ultimate Dance Challenge in late July.
The group of six students qualified for the competition by securing a Platinum Trophy and the Most Entertaining Act of the Day award at the Regional Competition in April held in River Forest.
The division is for ages 20 years and up.
Students from the Centre class are: Jennifer Salazar; Brian and Sherry Kinser, all of Elgin; Tom and Elise Nordruft of Plato Center; and Tina Phelps of Genoa.
Their instructor is Cindy Van Valkenburgh of the Dixon Dance Academy in West Dundee.
They perform to a song called "Belleville Rendezvous." The women wear French cancan costumes and the men wear pinstripe era suits with bowler hats.
Thanks and good luck:
After 26 years of service, Elgin Deputy Police Chief Robert Duffy was scheduled to retire as of Saturday.
A ceremony to honor him was held Wednesday.
Duffy began his career as a patrol officer on Feb. 8, 1982, and also served as detective, sergeant, lieutenant, tactical team commander, and deputy chief for the past eight years.
"It has been my honor and privilege to have worked along side some of the finest police officers in the state of Illinois and some of my best friends," he said in a prepared statement.