Looking for folks who made Elgin what it is

Elgin's Image Commission is once again looking for folks to nominate people who have made a significant contribution to the city or gone on to bigger and better places.

The reason I wrote "once again" is that the commission sought the same input roughly this time last year.

This time around, the commission is looking to honor and recognize people that have been deceased for at least 10 years.

They should have made a significant contribution in architecture, communications, medicine, education, the arts, military, government or public service, volunteerism or business.

"There are many, many individuals who have had a tremendous impact in Elgin or in the world in these categories and we believe they should be recognized," said Sue Moylan, the commission's chairwoman.

"We will recognize them for now on a special Web site page that will be created, but eventually we would like to recognize them on a larger scale."

The city has been hit hard by a drop in sales tax revenues and with its share of casino profits and the state's income taxes.

When the city is in better financial shape, officials would like to erect some type or permanent monument or a walk of historic fame where metallic markers with a paragraph or two about each person will be installed along the sidewalks downtown.

If and when this project eventually takes off, I believe the city should opt for the sidewalk plan.

It would complement the downtown experience.

It would be better than creating a large monument, and probably cheaper. The city could have a little ceremony each time a new plaque is installed to keep the program in the public eye.

Visitors to the downtown area could probably learn a fact or three simply by walking and reading a bit. It would be subtle. They would not need to make a special trip to where ever this monument is located and force themselves to appreciate Elgin's history.

Applications are available at www.cityofelgin.org and will be accepted through Aug. 15. For more information call (847) 931-5601.

Individuals must have a tie to Elgin; born and raised in Elgin and made a significant local contribution; born and raised in Elgin and made a significant contribution elsewhere; or born and raised outside of Elgin but made a significant local contribution.

Bittersweet occasion: The 10th annual Matt Kimble Scholarship event will be held Friday, Aug. 7 at Elgin lanes, 401 Shepard Drive, in Elgin.

The cost is $20 per person, and includes three games of scotch doubles, shoes, and door prizes.

The scholarship fund was started after Kimble, a 19-year-old from Elgin, was shot and killed at a party in April 200. Authorities charged Roberto Vences with Kimble's murder and after years on the run, Vences was arrested in Mexico in late March and brought back to Kane County to await trial.

For information about the fundraiser, call (847) 695-1815 or e-mail mattchewsmom80@aol.com.