Elgin groups provide healthy programs
Submitted by Judson University
Complete your Passport to Wellness during the “March into Health” program and you could win many prizes including a Wii Fit Family Gaming System.
More than 20 Elgin-based organizations are providing educational and family-fun activities for the month of March to launch the “March into Health” program that celebrates National Nutrition Month. Many of the organizations have been working together for the last few years through Activate Elgin, a health program geared at getting kids to move more and fight obesity.
Organizations participating in the program include Sherman Hospital, Provena St. Joseph, City of Elgin/ Elgin Park and Recreation Department, South Elgin Parks and Recreation Department, Judson University, Gail Borden Public Library, Kane County Health Department, Prairie Valley YMCA, Elgin Area School District U-46, and Well Child of Elgin.
Passports are available at the Gail Borden Public Library and from any of the Activate Elgin partners. An online passport is also available at www.makingkanefitforkids.org/activateelgin. Simply participate in four activities in March, either by participating in any of the healthy activities provided by the Activate Elgin partners, creating your own healthy activities or combining the two. Turn the passports in to the Greeter Desk at the Gail Borden Public Library or an Activate Elgin partner by 5 p.m. on March 31 for a chance to win one of several prizes. Winners will be notified by April 18. Only one entry per person will be accepted.
Activate Elgin has been promoting healthy lifestyles since 2006. One of the benefits has been the healthy breakfast and snack program made available to Highland Elementary students through a federal grant program.
“Judson University’s Senior Circuit for senior citizens began three years ago through a grant from Activate Elgin,” says Professor Cathy Headley. “This lead to a partnership with the Elgin Chapter of the Salvation Army and the City of Elgin to expand our services this fall and offer lunches Monday through Friday for any adult, 65 years of age and older. Our activity has doubled in size since we added the lunches to our programming.”
Programs and events for the “March into Health” month include:
Ÿ March 1 at 6:30 p.m.: Golfview Elementary presentation about nutritional education through this program for educators, parents and organizations. Hear how one school district made positive changes in their school environment to meet wellness goals at Gail Borden Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin, www.gailborden.info
Ÿ March 2 from 6-8 p.m.: Blue Violet Body Works, 2000 Larkin Ave. in Elgin, holds open house.
Ÿ March 8 at 6:30 p.m.: Zumba demo with Kim Strover at Gail Borden Library. Wear your comfortable clothes and gym shoes to Zumba. Register at www.gailborden.info
Ÿ March 10 from 1:30-3:30 p.m.: SpringHill Gymnastics & Sharp Martial Arts, 2750 Pinnacle Drive, Suite 200 in Elgin, host open house. Families and adults welcome to sample the many fun classes and programs offered; springhillgymnastics.com.
Ÿ March 12 at 7 p.m.: Movie and discussion “Portion Size Me,” presented by Dr. Amy Ozier, at Gail Borden Library; www.gailborden.info
Ÿ March 13 at 7 p.m.: “How to Run Walk a Book Club” with Nancy Haggard and Danielle Henson. Get your book club up and walking, learn how Elgin’s Gail Borden Library makes book clubs fun and easy!
Ÿ March 14 from 5 to 7 p.m.: Wolff Fitness, 2090 Larkin Ave. in Elgin, holds open house; www.wolfffitness.com
Ÿ March 17: Free trial group fitness classes at The Centre will be held the morning of March 17. People can simply stop by and try out any of the approximately 12 different classes offered at The Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way, Elgin; (847) 531-7000 www.cityofelgin.org
Ÿ March 17 from 8:30 a.m. to noon, Taylor Family YMCA, 50 N. McLean Blvd. in Elgin, holds open house; pvfymca.org/taylorymca.
Ÿ March 24 from 2 to 4 p.m.: Windy City Rollers Roller Derby Team demo and presentation “Balancing Life on Skates” at Gail Borden Library. Come rock and roll with the award-winning, international traveling team. www.gailborden.info
Ÿ March 24 at 1 p.m.: Sharp Martial Arts Demo in the lobby of Gail Borden Library. See masters of martial arts spar and teach basic techniques.
Ÿ March 25 at 2 p.m.: Learn the art of Tai Chi for relaxation, stress relief, and renewed health at Gail Borden Library.
Ÿ March 26 from 6-8 p.m.: Join the fun and healthy festivities at Wellness Games at Judson University, 1151 N. State St. in Elgin; www.judsonu.edu or (847) 628-2500.
Ÿ March 31: Two performances of FoodPlay, an Emmy award-winning nutrition media company focused on the fun of eating healthy, at Gail Borden Library. www.foodplay.com.
In March, check out the Senior Circuit Group Exercise Program and Individual Training. Judson University’s Center for Successful Aging offers a range of weekly classes, Monday to Friday from 9-11 a.m. for individual programs, flexibility, balance, endurance, strength and walking along the indoor track. Lunches are provided Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Registration is required by contacting cheadley@judsonu.edu or (847) 628-1085.