Going behind the scenes of Providence Baptist

I've always wondered why there are two Baptist schools so close to the tollway in Elgin -- Judson University and Providence College.

I had a chance to meet with Providence Baptist Vice President Michael Hall this past week and found out.

Closely allied with Northwest Bible Baptist Church on Nestler Road and located in a former hotel, Providence has grown in the past 10 years to provide ministerial training for conservative churches in the region and throughout the country. Of the 200 students, about 60 are in the Spanish program, some preparing for service in Central and South America.

With 20 full-time and seven part-time faculty members, classes are focused on the ministry, and a graduate receives a certificate in pastoral theology, mission, evangelization or music and education.

The school does not have, and did not seek, accreditation from the state or other education institutions. However, it does have the ability to receive students under the GI bill and students from overseas with I-20 visas.

Mike said the hotel rooms make really upscale dorm rooms -- each with its own bathroom. Kitchen and dining facilities from the old hotel are a great cafeteria. The large conference room is divided into a permanent chapel and several classrooms. The biggest change from the former hotel I could see is the extensive collection of animal head trophies now on display in the pool area.

For details, call Mike Hall at (800) 258-1183.

Fideliters Ball

Once again -- actually for the 119th time -- ladies of the Fideliters Club are hosting their annual charity ball at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the Eagle Brook Country Club in Geneva. Chair Mickey Brown selected "Little Black Dress" for the theme. A crowd of several hundred is expected.

Funds raised support Kids Hope United and the Elgin Area Unit District 46 milk fund with a check sent to both organizations every month. Other organizations may apply for a share of the proceeds, and last year, eight did so.

The grand prize is a getaway for two to New York with airfare, hotel and a nice chunk of cash. Gift certificates to World Class Tours, a $500 Nordstrom's gift certificate and other gifts are prizes in a special 100-ticket raffle. Many festive baskets also will be available.

For information on the ball or reservations, call Coral Reinert at (847) 742-4320.

Holiday showcase

This year's Elgin Symphony Orchestra Holiday Showcase will be held at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates. To encourage early parking and arrival, this family-friendly event will begin as the audience assembles with a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Hosts for the gala evening are tenor Benjamin Brecher and coloratura Diane Penning. Maestro Robert Hanson will lead the ESO in holiday selections. Three local choruses --the Elgin Choral Union, the Elgin Children's Chorus and a 400-voice chorus with students from schools including St. Edward High, Streamwood High and Elgin Academy, will add to the gala atmosphere.

On the ice, Olympic athletes Melissa Gregory and Denis Petukhov, as well as the Chicago Jazz Synchronized Skating Club, will give precision performances. Cirque du Soleil will perform modern dance and juggling.

More than 6,000 people attended last year. Some seats are still available in most levels, and all children's seats are deeply discounted. Beverages and snacks will be available in the lobbies. Tickets are available at www.searscentre.com or at (888) 732-7784.

Wolves of Isle Royale

At 7 p.m. Wednesday in the Community Room of the Gail Borden Library, Rolf Petersen, a Michigan forestry expert, will speak about the balance between the wolf and moose population living on Isle Royale. That island is the "eye" in the wolf-face of Lake Superior, and so the animals that live there are in a closed system.

Petersen will show that the balance of nature is not static but dynamic. The populations of the wolves and moose have been carefully tracked for 60 years. Genetic inbreeding has led to inability to withstand diseases. He will cover the effects that global warming is having on these populations.

Petersen will autograph his book, "A Broken Balance: The Wolves of Isle Royale."

Refreshments will be served. One hundred people have made reservations so far. To make yours, (847) 429-4680 or visit www.gailborden.info.

Party panic?

Is thinking of your holiday hosting beginning to upset your stomach? To the rescue, Books at Sunset is holding an event at 2 p.m. Nov. 18 with two professional party planners. Barb Iverson from Blue Ribbon Events and Lynne Diamond will share tips and techniques to take the stress and fuss out of giving parties this holiday season.

These pros say planning is the secret to enjoying your events as well as giving your guests a time to remember. This adult event will feature complimentary beverages, sharing of great recipes and Web sites for further perusal.

There's no charge, but reservations are required. Please call Judy at (847) 888-1860 to save your spot.

Quick picks

The Friends of Gail Borden Public Library will sponsor a book sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Call Laura Wapole for details at (847) 429-6790.

Final thought

Thank you, vets!