Fox Valley briefs
Elgin church hosts rummage sale
Epworth United Methodist Church, 37W041 Highland Ave. in Elgin, will host its annual rummage sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, June 19 and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 20. Nearly 5,000-square-feet of treasures will be located in the church's community room, including house wares, collectibles, toys, furniture and more. All proceeds will help to fund yearly mission and ministry opportunities. It will be held rain or shine. All are welcome. Hot dogs and snacks will be available too. For details, call (847) 931-5400.
Sign up for tennis lessons in Algonquin
The Algonquin Community Tennis Association will offer tennis lessons to the public again this summer and fall. Lessons for grade school children are offered Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. Registration may be taken up to the start of the program if room is available. Adult lessons, formal leagues and drop-in tennis are also being offered. Men's and women's leagues are now forming for singles and doubles throughout the summer. Many of these activities are available with a $10 annual family membership fee. Visit algtennis.org or call Derek at (847) 772-2401 for details.
Candidate hopefuls get tips on elections
The Democratic Party of McHenry County will present a special panel to provide useful information for potential local candidates at its meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 17 at the McHenry County Farm Bureau Building, 1102 McConnell Road in Woodstock.
"We want to encourage anyone who has considered running for local or countywide office to attend," said county chair Kathleen Bergan Schmidt. "It's going to be about everything you always wanted to know about being a candidate but were afraid to ask."
Panelists will include Nancy Shepherdson, 8th District Committeewoman for the Illinois Democratic Central Committee and chair of Eighth District Democrats and Independents, which actively supports candidates in Lake County and portions of Cook and McHenry counties. Tom Cynor, current treasurer of the county party and a former candidate for state's attorney, will speak from the experience of a candidate. Michael Bissett managed Paula Yensen's successful campaign for county board. Mike Fourcher of Purely Political consulting, who has worked on campaigns, will address fundraising. The program is free and open to the public. For information, call (815) 788-9540 or e-mail info@mchenrydems.org.
Enjoy Brown Bag Lecture Thursday
The Elgin Area Historical Society will host its second summer speaker's series Thursday, June 18 featuring "Phonograph in the Parlor" at noon at the Old Main Museum, 360 Park St., Elgin. Before there were iPods and MP3 players, there was a new invention called the phonograph. Learn more about machine that replaced the piano in the parlor - the "talking" machine. Society member Carl Flaks will lead the discussion; hear authentic recordings from the early days of the phonograph and view other museum artifacts. Bring your lunch, and enjoy a fun and informative hour in this Brown Bag Lecture Series. Dessert and beverages will be provided. The program is $3 or free for members. For details, call (847) 742-4248 or visit elginhistory.org.
Club hosts annual garage sale
The Altrusa Club of Elgin will hold its popular annual garage sale from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, June 19, and from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 20 at 940 Douglas Ave. in Elgin. A variety of trinkets, treasures, and miscellaneous items will be available. Proceeds benefit local nonprofits. For details, call Nancy Schueneman at (847) 741-4524.
Cary author offers book signing
Cary resident Dan Giallombardo will be signing copies of his fiction novel, "The Santori Connection," from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at the Between the Lynes Bookstore, 129 Van Buren St., Woodstock. Anyone purchasing a copy of the book will be offered a personalized copy rather than one which bearing only his signature.
Garage sale benefits local food bank
Booker's Bar & Grill, 420 N. McLean Blvd. in South Elgin, will host a garage sale at noon Saturday, June 20, for the local food bank. Some items are available for sale now but donations are needed. Bring a box of your least favorite stuff now and you will be rewarded with a free gift. Then join the sale June 20 and buy someone else's stuff. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go to the food bank. For details, call (847) 695-2976.