ESO can save you from a Sweetest Day gaffe
So, you blew it on "Sweetest Day."
No flowers, chocolates or fine wine for your significant other on that manufactured Hallmark holiday this past Saturday?
Not to worry.
An annual Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra fundraiser can help you out on two of those three, and you can help a good cause.
The EYSO will host its fifth-annual "Grape Expectations" fundraiser from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25 at the Elgin Community College Business Conference Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.
This year, Graham's Chocolates of Geneva has been added to the roster to pair their sweets with some of the 30-plus red and white wines from the Top Shelf Liquors of South Elgin.
This, on top of hearty appetizers, a raffle and silent auction promise al a good night.
"It's a great evening and people have a really exceptional time. The food is substantial enough for dinner," said Kathy Matthews, EYSO executive director.
Matthews said the event drew about 100 to 125 people last year.
This time around, EYSO officials hope to raise $20,000 for youth scholarships.
"We try to bump it up every year," said Matthews, adding that two of the EYSO's top units, the Maud Powell String Quartet and Sterling Brass Quintet also will perform.
Tickets are $50 per person and a portion of that is tax deductible.
A silent auction and cash raffle will also be held.
Items for the silent auction include sports memorabilia, a painted violin, and gift baskets. People who mid on the items must be present to win.
Tickets for the cash raffle are $10 or three for $25. Cash prizes are $500, $250 and $125 winners do not need to be present.
For tickets or more information, call (847) 841-7700.
The EYSO is also looking for volunteers and sponsors for the event.
Congrats to: Roger Hartmann, a 48-year Elgin resident, for being named the Elgin Riverside Club's "Man of the Year."
A celebration was scheduled for Saturday for the private social club.
Hartmann, a retired International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers member, has been a Riverside member since 1997 when he joined at the request of Elmer Hecht, who was Man of the Year in 1989.
Last year, Hartmann served as an executive board trustee and donated his time and talents for several projects.
Hartmann is also active in St. John Lutheran Church in Elgin ad performs electrical maintenance for the American Legion Post 57.
The club started in 1886 as a men's social club.
More congrats: Elgin Police Sgt. Al Young was scheduled to received the 2008 Julie McCormach Award from the Renz Addiction Counseling Center on Saturday. The award goes to a community member who demonstrates outstanding support of Renz's mission of prevention, early intervention and treatment of alcohol, drugs and gambling.
Young is credited with helping develop partnerships with the center and the department's Resident Officer Program of Elgin.