Timing is everything when it comes to Elgin Image Awards

In life, timing is everything.

But in recent history, Elgin has not had good timing when it comes to its annual Image Awards.

In 2008, there was a drive-by shooting on the same afternoon before the city doled out awards for people who contributed to enhancing the city's image.

Last year, police busted an alleged house of prostitution near a high school and authorities released unflattering mug shots of one of the alleged prostitutes wearing a shirt that read "Very Kissable."

I don't know what - if anything - might happen Thursday when the city honors its latest crop of well deserving people, businesses and organizations working hard to make the city a better place.

But I do know what will happen the night before: the city council will likely vote on updating its animal control ordinance, which contains a new batch of laws for pit bulls and their owners.

Since a 4-3 vote on Feb. 24 to advance a new set of rules for pit bulls, dog and animal lovers have taken to the Internet to get folks to sign petitions and rally folks to their cause.

People will inevitably make emotional arguments before the city council, bring pictures of their dogs, or shed tears. Probably all of the above.

These images will probably on that evening's news or even Thursday morning as local television stations have decided to swoop in and actually cover something in Elgin.

So get ready for TV to show poor pit bulls, forced to be muzzled and contained behind large fences, all because of big, bad Elgin.

By the way: There were 22 nominees the Image Awards this year.

The Individual/Professional category has: Ron O'Neal, Dr. Jose Torres, Pastor Nathaniel Edmond, Cherie Aschenbrenner, and Arthur (Doc) Sheehan;

For Individual Volunteer, it's: Steve Thoren; David Metzger; Sarah Evans; Hidayat Khan; Laurie Faith Gibson Aiello; and Fran Cella.

Those nominated for Organization or Business are: Morning Wake Up Call (WRMN Radio), Elgin Symphony Orchestra, Elgin Community College Mock Trial Team, Celebrating Smiles Dentistry, In the Neighborhood Deli, and Sherman Hospital.

Projects nominated are: the United Way of Elgin's/Dolly Parton Imagination Library; Frock Swap Committee; the American Association of University Women Garden Walk; and Ecker Center Fundraiser with Elgin High School Musicians. The Citizenship nomination (and likely award is for The Reverends Rock and Blues Band.

Resting, running: Next year at this time, Bruce Johnson will probably be up for an Image Award.

The Elgin man is taking a slight break from his quest to run from Florida to California to raise money for the Community Crisis Center in Elgin to rest a sore arch on his foot.

Johnson is in Texas and planned to get back on the road last Friday, according to his Web site, unitedstatesrun.com.

So far, he's raised nearly $9,200 by running more than 1,100 miles. To help, visit crisiscenter.org/run.