An earful on the 14th Congressional race
If you want to get a hot reaction, bring up the subject of the recent 14th Congressional District election on March 8.
When I asked people how they felt about the campaign, I got an earful!
A couple said they got so sick of the calls, they didn't vote. One complained that upon a return from vacation, the messages took up much of the answering machine's space. Others complained about the timing -- right at dinner time.
Our Elgin state representatives Ruth Munson -- (847) 622-1048 -- and Tim Schmitz -- (630) 845-9590 -- and Tom Cross from Oswego have introduced a bill in Springfield banning "robocalls," those pre-recorded political calls.
Let them know how you feel so it doesn't happen again in fall!
Certification
The Greater Elgin Family Care Center has just received notice that it's received joint commission certification. The agency applied to show that an excellent standards system and outcome assessment was available at their facility, as well as the major hospitals in the area.
In the words of President and CEO Bob Tanner, "We volunteered to do this to prove to ourselves and the community that even if you are poor or without insurance, you can get the best health care available."
The process took 1½ years, and the agency hosted two surveyors for two days. They have achieved a three-year certification. The 27 doctors, four dentists and 37 other support staff provide primary care to families. They also work with obstetrics, chronic conditions, work and school physicals and dental needs.
Unduplicated patients numbered 15,300 in 2007.
The community needs committee of the United Way identified access to health care as a major need in town and so in 2007 the center became a new agency in the United Way. To learn more, visit www.gefcc.org or call (847) 608-1344.
Women's history
Hundreds of beautiful photos of the past winners of the YWCA Leader Luncheon Awards for the past 20 years are in the rotunda of the Gail Borden Public Library. These pictures, taken by Interesting Developments, display great artistry in the settings for the winners.
At 7 p.m. Tuesday, the library will hold a presentation in the community room on "Jane Addams and the Potential of Women: Her Growth as a Social Reformer" by Louise Knight.
Knight's new biography has drawn national praise from Gloria Steinem.
Addams spoke in Elgin four times over a 38-year period. Her hosts were the Elgin Women's Club, the watchmaker's union at the Congregational Church, and twice the Methodist church. Her brother was a patient at the state hospital in Elgin, and she visited him many times.
Louise Knight will be signing her book after the presentation, as refreshments are served. Call adult services at the library to make a free reservation at (847) 429-4680 or go online at www.gailborden.info.
Gotta know when…
Anderson Animal Shelter is sponsoring its third annual Texas Hold'em poker tournament at the St. Charles Country Club at 6:30 p.m. Friday. Ten players sit at a table in this self-deal tournament and start with $1,000 in chips. Spectators are welcome and can help themselves to the buffet. The event usually goes until about midnight with first place getting cash and prizes of $1,500. There are four other prizes.
All proceeds support the shelter in adopting out healthy animals and keeping animal overpopulation down through its spay/neuter program. Executive Director Sarah Hill says kitten season is soon to begin, too, putting added pressure on shelter space.
To register to play in or attend the tournament, call Kathy Melone at (847) 697-2880, ext. 33, or online at kmelone@andersonanimalshelter.org.
Artspace
Sylvia Grady, coordinator of the Elgin Arts Showcase, needs support to attract Artspace, a national real estate developer to provide a living/working space for beginning artists, writers, designers and performers here in Elgin.
The Artspace team visited Elgin this month and needs to know if the community would support the concept of having such a place to assist talented individuals. They have 27 such projects over the country from Seattle to Fort Lauderdale.
Sylvia said the development could be a rehabbed school or industrial building, or an entirely new space. Existing developments seem to foster a little shopping area around it, cafes, art supply shops and galleries to display works.
To get more information, go to www.cityofelgin.org, and look on Quicklinks. To show your support, contact Jan Reedus, administrative assistant to the mayor, at (847) 931-5592 or at Reedus_J@cityofelgin.org.