Fox Valley briefs

City extends award deadline Elgin's Image Commission has extended the deadline for its recognition program until Friday, Aug. 27. The program posthumously honors Elginites who have made a significant contribution in the city or elsewhere or people born outside of Elgin who made a difference in Elgin. There are eight categories through which people may be nominated: professional architecture; communications; education; the arts; military/government/public service; science/medicine; volunteerism; and business. You may fill out an application on the city's website, cityofelgin.org, or print it and mail it to 150 Dexter Court, Elgin, 60120, attention: Sue Olafson or fax to (847) 931-5610. For more information, call (847) 931-5601.United Way food drive Donations are being accepted at Elgin City Hall, 150 Dexter Court, for the United Way of Elgin's Day of Caring Food Drive from now through Sept. 10. Items in need are whole grain pastas, pasta sauce, brown rice, canned beans, broth, soups, unsalted nuts, canned light fruit, dried fruit, raisins, canned vegetables, canned poultry or fish, salsa, cereals, crackers, 100 percent fruit juice, powdered milk, fat free pudding, peanut butter and oatmeal. Pantry recipients this year will be All People's Interfaith Food Pantry, Bethesda Church of God In Christ, Centro de Informacion, the Community Crisis Center, the Salvation Army, South Elgin Food Pantry, and Two Rivers Head Start. For details, call (847) 741-2259 or visit unitedwayelgin.org.Crystal Lake police win awardThe Illinois American Legion has presented the Crystal Lake Police Department with a Certificate of Recognition, naming the McHenry County department Employer of the Year in the Medium Class. The award recognized the department's efforts to train, hire and counsel veterans. About 30 percent of the sworn officers in Crystal Lake are veterans of the armed forces.