Salvation Army takes care not to hand out in recalled toys

Major Ken Nicolai of the Salvation Army is the coordinator of the Christmas Campaign for Food and Toys distribution at the Salvation Army this coming week. But the large number of recalled toys this year has put him in a bind. The Salvation Army is adamant about not giving anyone a toy that has been recalled. Ken has 25 pages of recall notices, and more coming every day, and needs to remove all toys on that list.

He needs help sorting out and arranging the toys to be distributed now -- before the children and their parents get a chance to pick their holiday present. If you can help, call Ken or Cindy at the Salvation Army at (847) 741-2304.

Teachers honored

The academies in the five Elgin Area School U-46 high schools have gotten a lot of attention recently. Two of the Streamwood High faculty working with the Language Arts and Academy programs have recently received the National Board Certification from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards. They join 19 other teachers in the district with this special certification, including middle school teacher Debra Wehr and Maryellen Friel at the elementary level.

Nick Vassolo, a social studies teacher in the academy, was encouraged by his mentor to get going on the certification process. He says it was difficult, but most rewarding. A portfolio with four parts took the majority of his time. The four components were a video of a large group lesson, a small group video, building a social conscience and effecting student writing.

Elaine Goldstein, a comprehensive English and reading instructor at Streamwood, tried the process at the behest of her mentor, Debbie Froehlich. She also stresses the rigor of the whole application, and the incredible professional development it affords. Her four portfolios were in analysis of growth in reading and writing, large class discussion, instructional analysis in small group and continued study of student learning.

Congratulations to Elaine and Nick!

ReStore treasure

If you're looking to get a home project done before company comes and are trying to stretch your budget, now might be a great time to visit the ReStore at 860 N. State St. By visiting www.restoreelgin.org, you can see what they have in stock. All kinds of building supplies -- cabinets, doors, tiles, appliances and power tools are usually available.

Procurement Manager Deborah Hamilton says the store has two goals. The first is getting quality material to sell to folks wanting to fix up their home or office and the second is keeping usable materials out of landfills. Proceeds go to Northern Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity. In fact, in the 18 months that the ReStore has been in Elgin, it has funded three entire Habitat for Humanity homes.

Dan Miller of the Gifford Park Association says the merchandise is a treasure trove!

Store hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and 9-4 Saturday.

Fun for kids

Sometimes time hangs heavy on kids waiting for the BIG DAY. There are a couple of fun things to do in downtown Elgin this coming Saturday and over the holidays.

At 11 a.m. Saturday, Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol will be shown in the community room of the Gail Borden Library. There is no charge, but a parent must be present. Call (847) 742-2411.

City Skate is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day on the plaza between City Hall and Hemmens. There is no charge if you bring your own skates (rent them for $4). The warming house is open 4 p.m. 'til closing Monday through Friday, noon to 9 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Call (847) 931-6140 or visit www.cityofelgin.org.

Great gala

Elgin Symphony Orchestra's Holiday Showcase was a particularly spectacular evening. This second annual event, held last weekend at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates, showed all the planning that had gone into making guests feel welcome and thrilling them with great performances.

About 400 voices in different ensembles sang. That many voices are just amazing!

The symphony starred with Bob Hanson's arrangements of seven musical numbers. My favorite was the symphony's brass playing Hark the Herald Angels Sing.

Aerialists, a juggler and the Chicago Jazz Synchronized Skaters bought variety to the whole performance, with their various talents adding to the musical accompaniment.

Both Ashley and Cara in the box office would be happy to hear from patrons about their experience this year at (847) 888-4000.