'Walk of Fame' being considered for Elgin

What if you could walk through downtown Elgin and in addition to shopping and dining, learn a little bit about the city's history?

Like learning about George P. and Mary Lord, who were community philanthropists that contributed to Sherman Hospital, the YMCA and also funded Lords Park and its pavilion.

Or how about Gail Borden, who bolstered dairy reputation while also becoming the founder of a patented condensed milk process or B.W. Raymond, a Chicago capitalist who played a big role in bringing the railroad and watch factory to Elgin.

These individuals were recognized last year by the city's Image Commission and they are noted on the city's website, cityofelgin.org.

Sue Moylan, the commission's chairwoman, says the city eventually will recognize them on a larger scale.

Before the economy went south and the city had to balance its budget through layoffs, attrition and cutting back on programs, leaders were mulling exactly how to do that.

One idea was to erect some type of memorial or monument where all the honorees could be found in one place.

Another - which I personally favor - would be to install plaques along the sidewalks in downtown highlighting individuals. It would be like Elgin's own "Walk of Fame."

The city could have a ceremony where the plaque is installed in wet concrete and invite friends and relatives of the person being honored (if applicable.)

Information on the plaques could be used for trivia contests or scavenger hunts for students and scout groups on field trips in downtown.

There are bigger problems facing the city right now, and I'm sure the city will make a good choice later.

For now, the city is looking for nominations for its program to posthumously honor people who have made a big difference in Elgin or beyond.

Nominees must be deceased for at least 10 years.

Individuals must have some connection to Elgin, either being born and raised in the city and made a local contribution in Elgin or elsewhere or born and raised outside of Elgin but made a difference here.

There are several categories: professional architecture; communications; education; the arts; military/government/public service; science/medicine; volunteerism; and business. The program started in 2008.

Applications are available at the city's website and will be accepted through August 15.

Baseball, run for charity: The Chicago White Sox are red-hot right now and you can get in on the action while helping a great local charity.

The South Elgin-based Cal's All Star Angel Foundation, which was formed in memory of Cal Sutter, a 13-year-old who died of leukemia in 2006, has planned its second-annul White Sox outing for Aug. 15 when the Southsiders battle the Detroit Tigers.

The foundation, which grants wishes for children with cancer and provides financial assistance for their families, has reserved seats in Sections 106 and 107 for $39.00 per seat.

The foundation also will host its third annual 5K Run, 2 Mile Walk and Kids' Fun Run on Sep. 18 at the Thornwood Sportscore, 850 Thornwood Drive, South Elgin.

In June, the foundation held its fourth annual golf outing, raising $77,500, with 130 people golfing and 324 people attending dinner, said Cal's father, Thomas Sutter.

"We did very well," he said. "I was very impressed. This year seemed to be tougher on businesses than last year."

For more information, visit calsangels.org, email info@calsangels.org or call (847) 960-5317.