Elgin historian Jerry Turnquist to speak at Altrusa Club meeting April 25
On Thursday, April 25, the Altrusa International Club of Elgin will host Elgin historian Jerry Turnquist at its monthly dinner meeting at the Evangelical Covenant Church, Larkin Avenue, Elgin. Networking begins at 5 p.m. with dinner and program immediately following at 6 p.m.
Cost for members and guests is $7. Reservations must be made in advance by Monday, April 22, by calling Altrusa member Marge Haefliger at (847) 697-7374.
A fourth generation Elginite, Turnquist recently retired from Elgin Area School District U-46 four years ago where he taught science, math, and history for over 40 years. He has had a long-standing interest in Elgin history and is active in the Elgin Area Historical Society. During this time, he began the Historic Elgin Cemetery Walk, now in its 29th year.
For the past 21 years, Turnquist has written an Elgin area history column for the Daily Herald newspaper. He also served on the Elgin Heritage Commission and spent two years as chairman. Turnquist regularly gives bus and walking tours related to Elgin history. For the past 21 years he has also researched and coproduced "Elgin 100 years ago" on WRMN 1410AM Radio. The program features local news from a century ago taken from the Elgin area newspapers.
He is an active community volunteer and leader with the Gail Borden Public Library and its Foundation and the Elgin Patriotic Memorial Association. He began a program to recognize U.S. citizens from the Elgin area through an annual event held at the Elgin City Council meeting closest to the Fourth of July. Turnquist has two grown children, Dennis and Eric, and resides on the city's west side.
Altrusa International Club of Elgin, Inc. is an international service organization comprised of executive and professional women. The Altrusa Club of Elgin sponsors a number of projects in the community through volunteerism and monetary support.
On Thursday, May 16, the club will hold its 70th annual prestigious Altrusa Woman of the Year Award dinner to honor a woman from the greater Elgin area who is committed to community service This year's recipient is Gwen Gage of Elgin.
Members reside throughout the Northern Fox Valley area, including Elgin, South Elgin, Bartlett, Dundee, Sleepy Hollow, Carpentersville, Algonquin, Bartlett, Hampshire, Huntley and Pingree Grove.
Follow the Altrusa International Club of Elgin at Altrusa-Elgin, IL on Facebook.