Fox Valley briefs

Chambers, unions back ECC referendum:

Several area chambers of commerce and local unions announced Tuesday that they are backing Elgin Community College's $178 million bond referendum request. They include the Northern Kane County Chamber of Commerce; the Fox Valley Building Trades Council; the Elgin, Hanover Park, Hampshire, South Elgin and Hoffman Estates chambers of commerce; Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 501; and the Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors Authority of Northern Illinois. The referendum question, approved by the college's board of trustees in January, seeks to fund the first portion of a $387 million plan to fully update the college by 2030. Bonds would be sold to build a $60 million health careers center, to expand and redesign the college's library and renovate its student resource center. A new training facility for police, firefighters and emergency management technicians would be added.

Union honors teachers:

The Huntley Education Association, the teachers union in Huntley Unit District 158, has named its teachers of the month for March. Bonnie Smith, a kindergarten teacher at Chesak Elementary School, is teacher of the month from the Reed Road campus. Lise Rosendahl, a special education teacher at Huntley High School, is teacher of the month for the Harmony Road campus. Monica Dase, an art teacher at Heineman Middle School, is teacher of the month for the Square Barn Road campus.

Tidal wave auction/dance Saturday:

St. Edward Central Catholic High School in Elgin will hold its 20th annual Tidal Wave Auction/Dinner Dance, with the theme "Fruit of the Vine," on Saturday, April 4, at the Stonegate Centre in Hoffman Estates. More than 300 are expected to attend. Cost is $80 per person, which includes dinner, dancing, silent/live auctions and an open bar. Items up for bid will include Michael Jordan and Derrick Rose autographed basketballs, a wine tasting party, sporting events tickets, several Chicago Bears autographed footballs, restaurant gift certificates, electronic products and more. To attend, call (847)741-7536, ext. 123.