BRAVO 6.1

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magazine

Chihuaua Dogs pp. 42-43

Strawberry Gardening

pp. 44-45

The City in Suburbia pp. 2-5

with the

JANUARY 2020


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Elgin, the City in Suburbia

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Expression: A Word From Our Spokesbot

ACKER

Words by Spinbot Paintings by UA-18033973-1 Downtown Elgin Winter Market Inside Dream Hall at 51 (51 S. Grove) Saturdays from 10am - 2pm

January 18 February 15 March 21 April 18

DowntownElgin.com

Shop a variety of vendors on all 3 levels!

On the cover:

BRAVO 6.1 Digital Painting

Artist:

UA-18033973-1 “A picture name is the seed for a pseudo-random number generator that is used to construct a mathematical formula. The formula determines the color of each pixel in the picture. The same name always “self-portrait in 16M colors” determines the same sequence of random choices, and consequently the same formula and the same picture. “The formula describing a picture is a list of operators, which refer to other operators in the list. They comprise an acyclic directed graph. It is usually quite impossible to predict the appearance of a picture just by looking at its formula. “It may happen that two different names determine the same picture, although this is rather unlikely due to the large number of all possible pictures. It is hard to determine their precise number, but we may safely claim that there are more random pictures than there are atoms in the known universe. “The name of a picture normally consists of two words. The first word determines the colors and the layout of focal points, while the second word determines the selection and arrangement of graphical elements. “I was created by Andrej Bauer. My program is implemented in ocaml. The online version was compiled from ocaml to javascript with ocamljs. The program is not open source but you may download the publicly available Python implementation if you would like to experiment with computer art. “For further information and discussion about random art, visit math.andrej.com or join the Facebook Random Art group.” — UA-18033973-1

Settled along the banks of the Fox River, Elgin, Illinois is roughly 38 miles northwest of downtown Chicago and is home to more than 112,000 individuals. Elgin is an exceptional network that gladly separates itself from the remainder of the metropolitan region. Its receptive, dynamic character is tied down in its flexible history and solid, differing network that keeps on epitomizing a longing for a significantly more promising time to come. Our foundations as a clamoring city started with Elgin’s establishing in April 1836 and have kept on stringing into the lives of the present inhabitants, organizations and guests. The people group has kept up its solid legacy as it developed from an agrarian stream town and assembling center point to one of the biggest and quickest developing urban communities in Illinois. Through our development, we have kept up our autonomy and character, accomplishing status as an honor winning All American City. This lively, differing network is an enlisted Cities of Service to perceive its volunteer-rich network and history of community commitment. Elgin endeavors to be a sheltered and sound network for all and that feeling of security is cemented by the City’s great police and fire administrations.

It offers urban with social, stimulation and recreational open doors coordinated with accommodations of customary rural networks. It is quick turning into a goal for human expressions. As we keep on renewing our midtown, more individuals are discovering Elgin offers a lifestyle barely any different rural areas give. The people group’s 180-year history is spotted with difficulties, development and advancement that has encouraged Elgin to turn out to be proudly itself. The City in the Suburbs encapsulates the touchstones that cause us to commend the past, appreciate today, and be on top of things for tomorrow. Elgin has a personal satisfaction and availability that are irregular for a city, including social, stimulation, and amusement openings not accessible in other Chicago rural areas.

“margarine capital”


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Destination Dundee

Elgin History Established in April 1835 by the Gifford siblings on their trek west and pulled in to the Fox River, Elgin was named after the Scottish psalm “The Song of Elgin.”

a nonprofit organization

The vast majority of Elgin exists in Kane County, Illinois, with a part in Cook County. As of the 2010 registration, the city had an absolute popu“Elgin: a lively, differing network” lace of 108,188, making it the eighth-biggest city in Illinois academy west of the Allegheny and the 241st biggest city in the Mountains. United States. Elgin High School flaunts As evident today as in 1849 five naval force naval comwhen the Galena and Chicago manders, a Nobel Prize victor, Union Railroad came to Elgin, a Pulitzer Prize champ, a Tony the City in the Suburbs benefits Award victor, two Academy extraordinarily from our advanAward–winning makers, Olymtageous access to Chicago. In pic competitors and a General nearness to O’Hare InternationMotors CEO among al Airport with three its graduated class. trades on I-90, Elgin Elgin occupant John has detonated with Murphy designed ... a solid, noteworthy developthe mechanized road differing ment. sweeper in 1914 network that and later framed When known as the Elgin Sweeper the “margarine keeps on Corporation, which capital of the world” for accomplishing epitomizing a still fabricates the notable Elgin road acclaim for the longing for a sweepers. spread and dairy products sold, this significantly Spearheading industry turned out African-American more to be less significant scientist Lloyd Hall with the appearance promising was an Elgin local, of the Elgin Watch time to come. just like the unbeCompany from the lievable advertiser late nineteenth to and vehicle stereo the mid twentieth pioneer Earl “Macentury, when it was the bigniac” Muntz and Max Adler, gest maker of fine watches in author of the Adler Planetarium the United States. Despite the in Chicago, America’s first planfact that the processing plant etarium. stopped creation in the mid The city is known for its nota1960s and was torn town in ble design and tourist spots from 1965, the tickers at Chicago’s the Victorian period, rememUnion Station still bear the bering some fine instances of Elgin name. homes for the Queen Anne style. As indicated by nearby antiA considerable lot of the most quarian E.C. “Mike” Alft, Elgin striking homes once had a place has a long custom of instruction with National Watch Company and creation. Elgin is home to administrators. the Elgin Academy, the most

Our mission is to put a spotlight on Dundee businesses, offering fine and casual dining, unique shopping opportunities and personable professional services, to all nearby communities as well as our own villages.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

established coeducational, non-partisan school private

Many fascinating Sears Catalog Homes landed in Elgin as

Located on the bike path in a lively, stylish setting, our Dining Bar, Wood-fired Kitchen, Espresso Bar and outdoor Dining Garden offer enchanting cocktails and approachable small plates, all prepared in our beautiful wood burning oven. The menu encourages you to eat seasonal and clean, to have a long life, and feel good while you’re livin’ it! And we can help you create and host the most memorable event of the season! Check out our web site to learn about our wine dinners, beer tastings, Songwriter music nights and other upcoming pop-ups.

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MockingbirdBarAndGarden.com Find us on Facebook

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Elgin Ecology Albeit one of the biggest and quickest developing urban areas in Illinois, Elgin still holds a portion of the characteristic magnificence and living space assorted variety that initially carried pioneers to this region. On the East, the city fringes the 4,200 sections of land Poplar Creek Preserve, kept up by the Cook County Forest Preserve, which incorporates bicycle trails, climbing trails and equestrian path. The Shoe Factory Road Prairie situated in the protect gives a case of the slope prairies that once dabbed the district. Poplar Creek Preserves associates with the 4,000 sections of land Spring Creek Valley Forest Preserve by means of a preservation easement covering portions of the Sears grounds. “secured nature safeguards”

packs from 1908 to 1940 and unique cobblestone homes worked by the most punctual pioneers still stand. They can be found in Elgin’s noteworthy locale, two of which are perceived by the National Register of Historic Places. The Elgin Public Museum at Lords Park is the most established structure in Illinois fabricated explicitly as a historical center that is as yet filling that need.

Elgin flaunts two exceptionally secured nature safeguards, the Bluff Spring Fen and Trout Park. For its size, Bluff Spring Fen has an exceptional number of unmistakable plant networks, including a slope prairie and a fen, or antacid spring marshland, which is home to a few uncommon orchids. Trout Park likewise incorporates a comparative calcerous leak network, with the expansion of a novel backwoods network of oaks, cinders, maples, and unprecedented species, for example, arborvitae and witch-hazel. At the point when the recreation center was made during the 1920s, the neighborhood paper ran a protracted first page story with ar-

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Living in Elgin In excess of a fourth of the inhabitants of Elgin distinguish themselves as Hispanic or Latino, and 39% of the populace communicate in Spanish as their essential or optional

“71/100 bearableness”

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rangements of the plant types of Trout Park, reflecting both the incredible assortment of plants present and intrigue Elginites had in protection. During the 1960s, the Northwest Tollway divided the site and diminished it in size.

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Meditation

Every Monday evening 6:00 - 6:30 pm First Congregational Church of Elgin 256 E. Chicago St. Please join us for a free, non-denominational, candlelight meditation in our beautiful, historic stained-glass sanctuary.

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language. 74% of the individuals in Elgin (beyond 15 years old) are hitched and 47% have children younger than eighteen. Realizing that, it’s sheltered to state that this territory could be an incredible spot for different families to set down roots.

burglary, attack) is an absolute necessity for the vast majority while looking for another territory to live. At 199 violations for each 100,000 inhabitants, Elgin has a vicious wrongdoing rate that is far beneath the national normal.

Is it accurate to say that you are attempting to find out if living in Elgin is an ideal choice for your way of life? To guarantee a satisfying encounter before moving to any new city in Illinois, you will presumably need to ensure that you check the entirety of the most significant boxes.

Finding moderate land and lofts for lease in Elgin can be dubious. Having said that, this zone may be the spot to outwit the two universes. In light of variables like home/ rental reasonableness and gratefulness rates, this territory has gotten a better than expected score in the lodging class.

With a bearableness score of 71 out of 100, Elgin is positioned #9,536 in the United States and #240 in Illinois. In the event that we investigate every one of the classes separately, we see that Elgin positions well for civilities (A+), wrongdoing (A-) and lodging (B+). Elgin doesn’t score well for the accompanying: typical cost for basic items (D), climate (D-), instruction (F) and work (D). It may be a smart thought to investigate every class to discover why.

Certain things on your list of things to get like shopping, cafés, nightlife and vicinity to open transportation are immensely significant variables to scan for. Having said that, maybe the most significant measurement to think about when considering a transition to Elgin is land moderateness. Middle land costs in Elgin come in at $166,500, which is 4.7% lower than the Illinois normal. The home cost to salary proportion thinks about the middle home costs to the middle family unit pay. In Elgin, the home cost to pay proportion is 2.8, which is 6.7% lower than the Illinois normal. Year over year gratefulness rates for homes in the Elgin zone were 6.6% and the multi year thankfulness rates came in at 8.5%. For what reason is this significant? Realizing the thankfulness rates for any region

Strategically placed civilities and intriguing attractions are an incredible method to consistently appreciate Elgin all the time. Realizing that there are a wealth of pleasantries and activities can guarantee that you generally approach close by supermarkets, cafés and bistros. Low rough wrongdoing (murder, assault,

is a speedy and simple approach to decide whether you will see a strong profit for your venture. Spinbot is a machine powered by artificial intelligence, which writes an article based on supplied material. Spinbot operates in the Amazon Web Services cloud. Its exact location(s) are unknown. To interact with Spinbot, go to spinbot.com

“Living in Elgin”


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Billings Summary for January

Fancy the Suite Surrender Pairings Presents

BY Michael McKeever DIRECTED BY Julie Price

Suite Surrender The Elgin Theatre Company 2019-2020 season continues with the comedy Suite Surrender written by Michael McKeever and directed by Julie Price. It’s 1942, and two of Hollywood’s biggest divas have descended upon the luxurious Palm Beach Royale Hotel at the same time. They each arrive sporting their own personal assistants, luggage, and a highly rumored legendary personal feud between the two of them. Everything seems to be in order for their wartime performance for the troops but mayhem begins when we find they are both assigned to the same suite. What makes it even better is that the entire staff of the hotel is positioned to make sure that neither one realizes they are suite sharers.

January 24 to 31 and February 1 to 9, 2020 Friday and Saturday at 8:00 P.M. | Sunday at 2:00 P.M.

Elgin Art Showcase 164 Division St. | 8th Floor | Elgin, Il

Tickets: adults $20.00 | students/seniors $18.00 Reservations: web: www.elgin-theatre.org call: (847) 741-0532 Produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc. This program is funded in part by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency

Small problems arise with the placement of white versus red roses. The hotel’s owner, a very self-impressed female, believes she should also be singing alongside one of these ladies during the evening performance. Both of the divas have strong egos that could probably be used as supports for the Brooklyn Bridge if it ever needed them. The general manager spends most of his time dispensing the bell hops to various duties which never seem to work out just right once they are performed. Also, there is the interjection of a warmly cute lap dog called Mr. Boodles who amazingly manages to survive his way through the various goofy ongoing that continue from one moment to the next. If you are in the mood for ongoing laughs which is some cases are also triggered by what I would call mild slapstick, you will love this show. Add to this a

Playwright Michael McKeever.

group of on leave troops that the hotels owner decided to check into the hotel on a gratis basis, who are found overtaking the hotels outdoor pool and other amenities, and you have the perfect recipe for ongoing chaos. This one will keep you laughing until you cry. It IS that good! Performances of Suite Surrender will be held January 24, 25, 26, 31, February 1, 2, 7, 8, and 9, 2020. Friday and Saturday performances start at 8:00PM and Sunday performances start at 2:00PM. The show will be presented at the Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division St., Elgin, IL 60120, on the 8th floor of the Elgin Professional Building in Downtown Elgin. Tickets for Suite Surrender are priced at $20.00 for adults and $18.00 for seniors and students. Group rates and season tickets for the Elgin Theatre Company are also available.


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January 2020

Saturday, January 25th @ The Hemmens Cultural Center

ABBEY ROAD Feat. Guest Vocalists - Jeans N Classics

BOX OFFICE: 847.888.4000 OR VISIT ELGINSYMPHONY.ORG

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For reservations or more information call: (847) 741-0532, e-mail: tickets@inil.com, or see the ETC website: www.elgin-theatre.org, to purchase tickets online. Some parking is located on Division Street, as well as plentiful parking in the City of Elgin parking lot on the corner of Division Street and Douglas Street and in the City of Elgin parking deck located at the corner of Spring Street and Highland Avenue. This program is funded in part by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

Mozart and the Beatles The Elgin Symphony Orchestra kicks off 2020 with two classics: Mozart and the Beatles! The ESO’s “Magnificent Mozart” gives the audience a glimpse into the brilliance that was Johannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart. From an intimate piece that Mozart saved for himself and a small circle of music enthusiasts to his Symphony No. 40 with one of the most recognizable opening melodies, this performance will demonstrate true genius. In fact, they have a bit of genius of their own – Maestro Andrew Grams will lead the orchestra from the concertmaster chair and pianist William Wolfram will join the ESO for this celebration of Mozart. “Magnificent Mozart” comes to the Hemmens Cultural Center Saturday, January 11th at 7:30pm and Sunday, January 12th at 2:30pm. Following Magnificent Mozart, world-class vocalists Jeans ‘n Classics join the ESO to per-

Pianist William Wolfram.

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an enjoyable entertainment experience that goes beyond the magnificent music performed by some of the best musicians in the region. The ESO is a worldclass orchestra providing quality musical explorations that are entertaining, hassle-free and conveniently located close to home in the western suburbs. Visit ElginSymphony.Org to learn more about the ESO’s many activities in the community, read program notes, see the full season line up, make a donation and find out how to sponsor a program or series. “Like” the ESO on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

The Sweet Remains form the works of more current musical legends with “Abbey Road: the Beatles” on January 24th and 25th. This performance faithfully interprets their music with the signature flair of worldclass vocalists, featuring Grammy-Award winning vocalist David Blamires.

This acoustic trio blends modern folk-rock in the vein of Jason Mraz and Ray Lamontagne with lush three-part harmonies that harken back to ‘60s and ‘70s supergroups such as Crosby, Stills & Nash; the Eagles; and

Simon & Garfunkel. Celebrating 10 years as a band and over 35 million Spotify plays in 2019, The Sweet Remains is led by gifted singer-songwriters Rich Price, Greg Naughton, and Brian Chartrand. See and hear them in the intimate SecondSpace Theatre, Saturday, January 18th at 7pm. Tickets are $29 (see below).

American Grands 25 American Grands turns 25 on January 25 during our 25th anniversary season! Over 450 pianists of all ages and skill levels perform during this celebration of the piano and those who love to play it. “The piano event of the year” features an orchestra of pianists — 24 play on each musical piece — performing on 12 grand pianos provided by Cordogan’s Pianoland, the events’ sponsor since its incep-

“Abbey Road: the Beatles” will open at the Harris Theater for Music & Dance in Chicago on Friday, January 24th at 7:30pm. The Elgin performance is Saturday, January 25th at 7:30pm at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way in downtown Elgin. To purchase tickets for either of these concerts, visit elginsymphony.org or call the ESO box office at 847-888-4000. In their 70th Anniversary Season, the Elgin Symphony Orchestra offers an entertaining, informative and relaxing cultural experience. The ESO has won Illinois Professional Orchestra of the Year an unprecedented four times — in 1988, 1999, 2005 and 2016 - and works to create

The Sweet Remains appear at the ECC Arts Center January 18th.

“The true use of art is, first, to cultivate the artist’s own spiritual nature.” George Inness: “A Painter on Painting” Harper’s New Monthly Magazine, February 1878

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michaeljmurschel.com 77 South Riverside Drive, Suite 2A Elgin, IL 60120

INDIVIDUAL & GROUP SESSIONS | SPIRITUAL DIRECTION | GUIDED MEDITATION | WORKSHOPS | RETREATS | PROGRAMS


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FIRST FRIDAYS IMPROV 2020

JAN AN 3 •• FEB EB 7 •• MAR AR 6 APR PR3 ••JUNE UNE 5 8:00PM

The sun has set, and now it's time to come on in, sit back, relax and prepare to laugh with the folks from GreenRoom Productions! 100% clean. 99.27% hilarious. Imagine an hour and a half of complete improvisation, a la Whose Line is it Anyway? GreenRoom’s improvisers take audience suggestions and truelife audience stories and turn them

into hilarious theatre pieces right before your eyes! These family-friendly shows are ones you won’t soon forget. Oh, and did we mention there’s live music and a cash bar? Don’t miss a fun and exciting evening out! Catch First Fridays Improv shown in The Hemmens’ one of a kind 200-seat Cabaret Theater in the Round!

$15 ADULTS / $12 STUDENTS & SENIORS TICKETS ON SALE NOW 847-931-5900 H HEMMENS.ORG

RENT THE HEMMENS The Hemmens Cultural Center

has many options for rental, and our professional staff is ready to assist you in hosting a successful event. From our intimate 1,200-seat theatre and beautiful glass surround lobby to our 11,340 square foot exhibition hall, The Hemmens can accommodate your concert, stage production, benefit or fundraiser, tradeshow, corporate meeting, birthday party, dance recital or wedding.

FOR INFORMATION PLEASE CALL

847-697-3616 HEMMENS.ORG OR VISIT


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tion. Join us as we celebrate the truly “grand” success of a beloved annual tradition.

lineup of fringe-flavored artists hand selected just for you! Four unique shows will run for one day only: Saturday, January 25th from 3:30-10pm at the Grumpy Goat, 875 Sports Way.

The music fills the stage at the Blizzard Theatre at 1pm, 4pm, and 7pm on Saturday, January 25th. Tickets are $24 for adults, and $15 for children 12 and under (see below). Tickets for all ECC Arts Center events can be purchased three ways. For online ticket sales anytime, go to tickets. elgin.edu. To buy tickets in person, visit the box office in room H143.03 in Building H at Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive. The box office is open Monday through Thursday from 12-6pm, Saturday from 12-5pm, and 90 minutes before every performance. To reserve tickets by phone, call (847) 622-0300 during box office hours. Nominal fees are added to all published ticket prices to offset expenses.

EYSO Faculty Recital Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra (EYSO) is kicking off the start if its 2nd semester with a special treat – the 9th Annual EYSO Faculty Recital. While

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The Bad Taste Crimecast brings you stories of mayhem and murder, to scare the sh*t out of you right before bed. Experience this debauched podcast live with Vicky Walters and Janelle O’Malley at 3:30pm.

Fringe favorites American Maniacs Unlimited will appear at the Winter Mini Fringe, January 25th at the Grump Goat.

originally intended as a way for students and parents to see their conductors in action, the recital has become an EYSO tradition and is also a unique opportunity for students and families interested in considering the EYSO experience. The recital will be held from 2 to 3 pm, Sunday, January 5

in the Spartan Auditorium, in Building G at Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive. The event is free and open to the public.

Winter Mini-Fringe Join the Elgin Fringe Festival for the first-ever Winter Mini Fringe featuring an awesome

Cocoa & Cookies

Saturday & Sunday January 18-19th and Winter Sales all month long! 701 N. State St. (Rt. 31) (847) 695-3066

Tues-Sat 10-5 • Thu 10-8 • Sun 11-5 www.StateStreetMarketShopsElgin.com

Memoriam Development is a collective of creators gathered together in order to make great original content for stage, screen, and pod. Claiming their show is the least prepared in Fringe history, they perform at 5pm. American Maniacs Unlimited are an ensemble of highly skilled and deeply silly performers who will stab minds, slash hearts, and punch up to save the very soul of America in the face of a pessimistic world that has forgotten how to empathize with it’s own inner child. They lay it on the line at 6:30pm. What happens when all male


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lovers of DIY indie rock. Bird Law, Ca$ual and Muted Color will appear January 15th, with doors at 6:30pm and music a 7pm.

Memoriam Development returns to Elgin for the Winter Mini Fringe with “IN MEMORIAM.”

creative teams write about what life is like as a woman? Will they find truth, or just stereotyped gender roles? Join Dee Volitious as they battle the patriarchy in search of answers in Mansplain: The Musical at 8:30pm. Each show is just $10, and a festival mini pass gets you into all four shows for $30. Tickets are available at elginfringefestival. com/tickets

Intz-a-Palooza and More Mountain King Music Collective (MKMC) presents two shows at Side Street Studio Arts in January for the most discriminating

proudly supported by

The annual “Dammit, it’s Cold” two-day music festival runs Saturday and Sunday, January 18-19th. Saturday’s Naughty lineup includes Think Easy, the Deathstrokes, Long Birds, Scarlet Demore and Cherry Head. Sunday’s Nice lineup features Billow, Common Threads, Honey Creek and Jynxer. Each night the doors open at 6:30pm and music starts at 7pm. The venue is located at 15 Ziegler Court in downtown Elgin. Each night, you enjoy all the music for just a $5 suggested donation. To appear in “Billings Summary,” email your press release to BRAVO Magazine, bravo@marqueemedia.net. We will edit for length.

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Natural language grammars make it possible to compose sentences of infinite length, and perhaps infinite meaning. At the same time, every lexicon is finite: we can combine just two or three words and evoke an idea or feeling for which there is no word. “Language can do so much, but can also only do so much,” said artist Ethan T. Parcell in discussing his work as a composer, writer, performer and visual artist.

On The Marquee

ETHAN T. PARCELL

Like intermolecular forces, those unlabeled experiences that arise from the collision of just a few words, sounds or images are among Parcell’s most sought-after artistic expressions.

“For all the reasons my operas aren’t opera, I could counter with twice as many reasons that they are actually quite traditional opera.” Instead of attempting to redefine the term, he uses the concept of opera to create valuable context for the work. “I’m interested in the cognition, poetics and politics of simply insisting that a work belongs to a canon or tradition,” he explained. While other artists seeking to differentiate their style or approach will distance themselves from established idioms by inventing a new label, Parcell embraces terms like “opera” and “ragtime band” and “chamber music.” “I’m interested in the social aspect of art-making to include the insertion of oneself into a

Parcell generously welcomes “all who are gracious enough to meet me and my collaborators at our actual personhood.” The art sometimes requests patience from us, but the artist is pleased to host our attention for as long as we’ll stay. “For me, hospitality is a very important aspect of making work. I’m so happy to provide a temporary home.” If the essence of art is self-expression, does it require an audience at all? “I love making things, though sort of like a spiritual practice, keeping it all inside starts to feel stifling ... like the only next step to better creative health and growth is to externalize it and let it live beyond your mind and body.”

“I’ve always been drawn toward smallness as a concept in lyrics and musical material,” he admitted. “I think that the ‘reaching the limit’ feeling is one of the main motivators behind all of my work. You wouldn’t expect such an artist to have three operas to his credit. Traditionally, opera is the most expansive of all art forms, involving hundreds of performers and hours of music. Parcell’s operas WORLD RECORD (2018), WASTED LIGHT (2019) and WITNESS REUNION (2019) are formal, using conventional instruments and English libretti, but instead of retelling ancient folk tales or exploring the foibles of nobility, they explore the small spaces around words and meaning with long, poetic monologues.

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Numerous recordings and texts by Parcell are available online. You can find links on the artist’s website, ethantparcell.info. And unless you want a printed copy of something shipped to you, access to this art is free. It’s a part of his hospitality of practice that entertains friends, loved ones and even strangers, including himself. “If there’s one personal lesson from the operas I take with me, it’s that learning to love one’s own voice is an ongoing process with incremental growth,” he observed, noting that one’s voice is both the sound you hear on a recording, and also the ethos behind the message it’s uttering. “Everyone should try listening to the actual sound of their voice just a little.”

Photo by R. E. Maley

canon, whether the canon wants you or not.” Besides operas, his musical catalog contains dozens of large and small scale works in various formats that he would describe as “classical.” The music often defies our learned expectations of its parent art form, but that’s where Parcell likes to work: at the limits of circumscribed meanings and the spaces between them. One of those unmet expectations is virtuoso performance. “I’m kind of allergic to virtuosity,” he said about the term as it’s usually understood. However, there is another kind of virtuosity that isn’t prescribed in a musical score, but can be heard in recordings of the music. It’s the real-time attention to impulse

and decision-making during a performance by musicians who “are beyond extraordinary at doing things that only they are capable of in the first place.” “A lot of my music feels like setting up constructs for the players to live in, but not just to sit and meditate — more to vibrate, bump into each other, and feel a sense of consequence from decisions they make, no matter how small. Your identity and your personhood matter, because why wouldn’t they?” Like that feeling of being at a loss for words, “imprecision linked with deep intention has always been attractive to me, both as a player and an audience.” While not seeking any particular audience for his work,

And as all musicans will attest, you must listen for art in the silences as well. “Listening to the recordings of any of these projects often results in new meanings and happy accidents slowly revealing themselves as the main DNA of the pieces.” For Parcell, Art and Life are a double helix of interstices that defy nominalization but make each of us unique and human. —JP Ethan T. Parcell was the first Composer-in-Residence with the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra. His opera WITNESS REUNION was recorded live with EYSO and his experimental opera company Focus Group, LLC at the ECC Arts Center in April 2019.


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Sponsored Content

Elgin Cultural Arts Commission

Free Workshops for the Creative Community by The Elgin Cultural Arts Commission 2020 Workshop Series The Elgin Cultural Arts Commission is hosting a 3-part series of workshops for creative individuals and organizations in conjunction with Americans for the Arts. All workshops will take place at the Hemmens Cultural Center. All of the workshops are free and open to the public, but registration is required. You can register at cityofelgin.org/artistworkshop.

Workshop 1: Audience Diversity and Engagement January 11, 2020 1:00PM – 5:00PM Twenty years into the new century, arts organizations face ever changing demographics as the country’s population becomes more ethnic and racially diverse, younger, and less connected with traditional arts. How do established arts organizations identify and attract new audiences and effectively reach different population segments? How can you connect the arts to a population obsessed with all things digital? This interactive workshop will present information and allow for real life problem solving and solutions. This workshop is hosted by Dawn Frisby-Byers. Participants will learn: • Effective marketing strategies to reach different audience segments. • Best practices for social media outreach and engagement. • Tools for authentic engagement with new and returning patrons.

Workshop 2: Marketing Bootcamp for Artists January 18, 2020 1:00PM – 5:00PM How can artists stand apart in a crowded marketplace? Join us for a hands-on, activity-driven workshop which will equip artists with strategies and methodology on how to best utilize communications channels to engage target audience(s). Artists will learn what platforms have the highest return, how to use them, and how to track the results. We’ll also delve into how to create a well-rounded and achievable plan for success. You’ll leave this session with concrete and achievable takeaways that you can implement right away. This workshop is hosted by Ceci Dadisman. Participants will learn how to: • Craft a communications plan • Implement best practices for each channel • Identify target audience(s) • Optimize and segment messaging • Communicate authentically to engage audiences

Workshop 3: Building Arts and Business Partnerships January 25, 2020 1:00PM – 5:00PM This workshop, based on Americans for the Arts’ pARTnership Movement, is a creative learning and brainstorming gathering to inspire collaborative and mutually beneficial partnerships between the arts and business communities, and encourage knowledge sharing of how businesses can leverage the

arts to advance their objectives. This workshop is hosted by Jessica Stern. Participants will: • Have an understanding of what arts and business partnerships are. • Develop a method for communicating their message to the business community in a mutually beneficial and accessible way. • Generate ideas for partnering with leaders in their community to be advocates for the arts.

• Map their current work in the context of how it can advance business objectives. • Map their current and potential business relationships as a means to exploring potential partnerships. Be sure to check the website for the most up to date information on all things ECAC: http:// cityofelgin.org/60/Cultural-Arts. You can also check our Facebook page for events and programing information. #supportthearts #ExploreElgin

Elgin Cultural Arts Commission Calendar Artist workshops, 2020 Cultural Arts Commission Events Audience Diversity & Engagement with Dawn Frisby-Byers. January 11, 2020. 1:00-5:00pm @ Hemmens Cultural Center. Register at cityofelgin.org/artistworkshop Marketing Bootcamp for Artists with Ceci Dadisman. January 18, 2020. 1:00-5:00pm @ Hemmens Cultural Center. Register at cityofelgin.org/artistworkshop Building Arts & Business Partners with Jessica Stern. January 25, 2020. 1:00-5:00pm @ Hemmens Cultural Center. Register at cityofelgin.org/artistworkshop

Best-Selling Author Mary Doria Russell. Cultural Arts Commission co-sponsored event. Meet Dr. Mary Doria Russell, award-winning author of six bestselling novels, and enjoy Copper Country themed refreshments. Book purchase and signing available following the program. Please Register. Dr. Russell will talk about writing her new historical novel, “The Women of the Copper Country” resulting from extensive research of the young union organizer Annie Clements, known as “America’s Joan of Arc” circa 1913. Co-sponsored by the Elgin Arts Commission & AAUW Elgin Area Branch. Sunday, January 12, 2020. 1:30-2:30pm at the Gail Borden Public Library, Meadows Community Rooms ABC.


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Sponsored Content

Explore Elgin Area

Discover the Best Elgin Sports Facilities by Explore Elgin Area If you’ve ever planned a sports tournament, you know how costly it can be. From the hotel rooms and dining expenses to the complex where your event will be, it isn’t hard to break your budget. If you’re in the heart of a major city, you can expect your trip to be especially costly. But, fortunately, you can experience big-city fun at reasonable prices in smaller urban areas—and Elgin is one of them! Elgin offers the perfect mix of visitor attractions and sports facilities. Athletes of all ages and levels can train and compete in premier venues that host a variety of sports, including soccer and BMX biking. Located on Interstate 90 about 42 miles from downtown Chicago, Elgin is under an hour away from Rockford and just over 90 minutes from Milwaukee. Fly into Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, which is only 20 miles away from the city of Elgin, or Midway International Airport, which is just 33 miles away.

Sports Facilities in the Elgin Area At the top of our list of outdoor sports facilities is the 307-acre Elgin Sports Complex, an which offers 10 soccer fields, 10 softball fields, and a top-rated BMX track. Multipurpose indoor and outdoor facilities to host sports including basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, martial arts, wrestling, golf and fencing include City-owned venues like the Centre of Elgin, as well as dedicated spaces at Judson University’s Lindner Fitness Center, Elgin Community College, Lifezone 360, Top Flight Athletic Center, Canlan Ice Sports, Intra Sports Complex, and Midwest Elite Gymnastics Academy (MEGA). Numerous award-winning golf courses are within minutes of Elgin’s Center City, and

multiple disc golf courses for all levels are available. To receive a directory of Elgin Area sports facilities, please contact Ryan Cortez at the Elgin Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (EACVB) at Ryan@ExploreElginArea.com.

Things to Do in Elgin Besides Elgin’s abundance of sports facilities, our city—which encompasses Cook and Kane counties and is located along the Fox River—is filled with affordable lodging and local attractions. Stay comfortable at any of our local hotels by contacting Ryan Cortez for room blocks and special rates. Looking for ways to entertain your team during your stay in Elgin? Natural beauty abounds in Fox River Shores Forest Preserve and Tyler Creek Forest Preserve. Take the kids to Randall Oaks Zoo, where they will be able to pet animals while touring the park. During the winter, get into the holiday spirit by skiing at Villa Olivia in Bartlett. All year round, families can experience the Santa-themed rides, live shows and petting zoos at Santa’s Village Azoosment Park in East Dundee. Spend an afternoon golfing at the award-winning Highlands of Elgin or Bowes Creek Country Club. Check out State Street Market Shops for antiques and locally made trinkets and gifts. The Spring Hill Mall is a popular shopping destination in West Dundee, with a broad selection of specialty retailers and a Cinemark Theatre. Elgin’s diverse dining scene features more than 100 restaurants to try.

Success Stories Here’s what sports event planners say about running tournaments in the Elgin Area.

“Hospitality is an Elgin reality.” — Wally Reynolds, McHenry County College Athletic Director “I have been working closely this year with the Explore Elgin Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, and in this short time, we have hosted a major international tournament and have landed the rights to host a second this December. Explore Elgin has been a close partner throughout all of these processes, and without them, I do not think I could have landed either tournament nor could I have done so on budget. The team at Explore Elgin goes above and beyond for my every request, and I look forward to working with them in the years to come.” — Craig Rot, Director, Team Handball Academy Lifezone

Support for Event Planners The Northwest Chicagoland Sports Commission is a part of EACVB that is dedicated to attracting and facilitating sporting events in the area. Please get in touch with us, and we will help ensure that your next tournament is a huge success. We offer event planners a variety of services, including: • Facility and hotel availability research • Event management • Marketing • Merchandising • Public relations • Facility and site selection • Volunteers • Hospitality • Sponsorship opportunities • Fundraising assistance • Vendor referrals • Connections to the Elgin Area community We have a dynamic Sports Commission with a proven track record of hosting high-quality tournaments and events, including national events like the Nike-USA Cup Tournament and regional shows like Prime Time Sports Summer Hoops Tour. We host sporting events for teams from all over Chicago’s northwest suburbs and the Midwest. If you would like help planning a sporting event in the Elgin Area, please email Ryan@ ExploreElginArea.com or call (847) 695-7540.


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Mpulse is our monthly review of artist development opportunities in the Elgin area, for anyone with a creative pursuit, whether it’s a passion or a pastime.

Workshops for Artists In partnership with Americans for the Arts the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission is sponsoring a 3-part workshop series for area artists and arts organizations. Each workshop is a standalone event so you may choose to attend what best suites your needs. All of the workshops are free to attend but registration is required. Following each workshop there will be discounts to area restaurants and

events for you to attend if you wish. Keep up to date on all of the happenings by following the event pages on Facebook. Audience Diversity and Engagement Saturday, Jan 11, 1-5pm Hemmens Cultural Center Twenty years into the new century, arts organizations face ever changing demographics as the country’s population becomes more ethnic and racially diverse, younger, and less connected with traditional arts. How do established arts organizations identify and attract new audiences and effectively reach different population segments? How can you connect the arts to a population

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obsessed with all things digital? This interactive workshop will present information and allow for real life problem solving and solutions. Led by Dawn Frisby-Byers, Marketing Consultant with 20+ years experience in brand development and management, strategic partnerships, and all aspects of traditional and digital marketing. Marketing Bootcamp for Artists Saturday, Jan 18, 1-5pm Hemmens Cultural Center

The Artist Series has been created to bring events, performances and forums to our local community. The best part is that we bring them to you for FREE! Join us for An Evening of Singing, Dancing and Culture! We are an ensemble of young Latinx artists on a mission to lift up our community and we are inviting you to join us in the celebration. We will share some traditional folk songs, musical theater songs as well as contemporary music; some in English and others in Spanish. Audience participation is Welcomed and Encouraged! Come join us Saturday, January 25th at 7:00pm. You can find us on Instagram: @milatinidad

Upcoming Events Saturday, January 25, 2020 7:00 PM Sunday, February 23, 2020 4:00 PM Saturday, March 7, 2010 7:00 PM Sunday, April 5, 2010 3:00 PM Sunday, May 3, 2020 12:00 PM Saturday, September 26, 2020 7:30 PM

Mi Latinidad An Evening of Singing, Dancing and Culture! The Agape Ringers Chicago's Premiere Handbell Ensemble Wartburg College Castle Singers & Kammerstreicher (Chamber Orchestra) Palm Sunday Ecumenical Concert Interactive Youth Presentation Details will be finalized soon!!! Monroe Crossing Bluegrass Band

Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church 10805 Main Street, Huntley, IL 60142 847-669-9448 www.sotp.org or on Facebook: @SOTPArtistSeries email: artistseries@sotpmail.com

How can artists stand apart in a crowded marketplace? Join us for a hands-on, activity-driven workshop which will equip artists with strategies and methodology on how to best utilize communications channels to engage target audience(s). Artists will learn what platforms have the highest return, how to use them, and how to track the results. We’ll also delve into how to create a well-rounded and achievable plan for success. Led by Ceci Dadisman, Digital Marketing Manager at FORM, with 10+ years of experience marketing the arts and nonprofits utilizing innovative methods. Building Arts and Business Partnerships Saturday, Jan 25, 1-5pm Hemmens This workshop, based on Americans for the Arts’ pARTnership Movement, is a creative learning and brainstorming gathering to inspire collaborative and mutually beneficial partnerships between the arts and business communities, and encourage knowledge sharing of how businesses can leverage the arts to advance their objectives. Led by Jessica Stern, Private Sector Initiatives Program Manager for Americans for the Arts. These workshops for creative individuals and organizations are free and sponsored by the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission, but registration is required. Go to www.hemmens. org and follow the links to register through the the Hemmens’ ticketing system.

CTE Audition Workshop Join Children’s Theatre of Elgin (CTE) for the day to work on your musical theater skills! No matter whether you’re planning to audition for Matilda, have auditioned multiple times, have never auditioned, or just want to try out CTE, this will be a great class! This workshop is 2nd-9th graders. The workshop will be held Saturday, January 11, 2020, at Elgin Community College


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Arts Center, Building H, 1700 Spartan Drive, from 12:30-4:00 pm. Complete details and registration can be found at cteelgin.com/classes

Matilda the Musical Auditions Audition Registration for Matilda is now open! Read all about auditions, expectations at cteelgin.com/auditions Show dates are April 17-19, 2020, with school day matinees April 16-17. Find out about the show at cteelgin.com Auditions for Matilda will be held January 27-28, 2020 at Epworth United Methodist Church, 37W040 W Highland Ave, Elgin, from 6:00-8:30 p.m.

Drop-in Arts Education Side Street Studio Arts’ drop-in programs are excellent for art makers of all ages and experience levels. Participants work with a variety of artist educators, exploring different mediums in each session. From sculpture and improv comedy to painting and dance, Drop-In Small Wonders is two full hours of playful and creative arts exploration for ages 5-12, upstairs in the Theater at 15 1/2 Ziegler Court. It happens monthly, every First Friday, 4:15-6:15pm and Second Saturday, 1-3pm, for a $5 donation at the door. Kids should “dress for a mess” and parents must sign their student in and out when dropping off and picking up. Please arrive no more than 5 minutes early. First Fridays in the Lab are great for the whole family. Join in on various monthly projects, explore the Lab’s art-making equipment, or bring your own artistic projects to work on in a group environment, from 6-9pm at 13 S. Spring Street. $5 donation per person at the door. The Weekly Drop-In Lab for grades 7-12 is an opportunity for older student artists to explore new artistic mediums, work on their personal creative pursuits with mentorship from professional artist educators, and cultivate their artistic voice. These sessions are held Thursdays from 4-6pm in the Lab and Theater, for a $5 donation. For more information on these and many other programs, go to sidestreetstudioarts. org, email sidestreetstudioarts@gmail.com or call (847) 429-2276.

Come Sing With Us! The Fox Valley Harmonizers are looking for men and women of all ages to join us in singing exciting four-part, a cappella, close-harmony barbershop music. Don’t worry if you don’t have a wonderful solo voice, don’t have extensive musical training, or have never sung with a group before. Maybe you can’t even read music. Many of us are in the same boat. However, if you can carry a tune and have a good ear for music, you’re sure to fit in just

fine. You can choose to sing any of the four parts — tenor, lead, baritone, and bass. The leads carry the melody, while the tenors harmonize above the melody, the basses sing the lowest notes, and the baritones share the middle, around the leads, to complete the chords. We welcome into our membership anyone who enjoys being part of a chord of music, whether it originates from the heart or from a musical arrangement. The Fox Valley Harmonizers meet every Monday evening at 7:00 P.M. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 310 E. Main St, East Dundee. Parking is at the back of the church.

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From Main Street, turn south onto South Van Buren Street, turn at the first right onto Johnson Street, then turn right again into the parking lot.

Join Nothing But Treble Nothing But Treble (NBT), Elgin’s premier women’s choral ensemble, invites you to sign with them in 2020. NBT rehearses at the Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren on Monday evenings, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. For additional information, contact Ruth Cavanaugh at ruthanncavanaugh@gmail. com.


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and what you would like to achieve Work samples as follows: • Visual Art: 8-12 digital files or links to works • Performance/Media/Music: 10-minute sample work (link or DVD/CD) • Written Word: 10 page sample work (link or hard copy)

Latino Artist-in-Residence Program Side Street Studio Arts’ Latino Artist-in-Residence (AIR) program fosters the work environment, mentorship, and self-promotion skills needed for an artist with an existing body of work to realize a project or idea as an exhibition, production, or complete piece. Artist residencies are focused on individualized attention and flexibility. Designed ad hoc for each individual, the 1-year residency includes a yearlong Side Street LAB membership, which includes full access to all LAB resources, including silk screen, printmaking, photography, and ceramics equipment; networking and exhibition opportunities provided by SSSA Membership, and a stipend for supplies and creative and exhibition support. The AIR will also receive individualized arts administration mentorship and support leading up to a culminating exhibition of their work at SSSA. This support may include marketing, grant writing, installation, creative professional development, and so on, according to their individual needs and interests. and making connections within Side Street’s extensive artist network. To apply for the Latino Artist Residency, please send the following materials to sidestreetstudioarts@gmail.com with the subject line “Latino Artist-in-Residence Application.” • Your Name • Resume/CV, with link to website if applicable • Artist statement • Brief statement (one page or less) describing your artistic practice, reasons for applying for the residency,

Applications should be emailed as PDF and digital files, or mailed in one package to Side Street Studio Arts (15 Ziegler Ct., Elgin, IL 60120) For more questions please contact us at sidestreetstudioarts@gmail.com, or by phone at 847-429-2276 ext. 701.

Artist Educators Side Street Studio Arts is looking for artist educators to teach in our in-house Small Wonders programming, as well as our Community Moves programming in area organizations and public schools. We need visual artists, proficient in a variety of mediums and performing arts, with focuses on dance, music, and theater for young performers. To apply, please submit the following to our application which can be found online: • Resume/CV, with link to website if applicable • Cover Letter • Work samples (maximum of 3) For further information, questions, or to apply, go to sidestreetstudioarts.org.

Artist Internship Program This ten-hour/week professional practice program is designed to find and explore different entrepreneurship and artistic methods. Interns create CVs, biographies, exhibit/production proposals, artist statements/personal narratives, and statements of purpose, learning the unique content and purposes of each. An exhibition or production will be created from an ongoing archive of the artist’s work. With the guidance of Side Street Studio Arts’ Directors, artists will explore best practices for managing, editing, and installing work. Artist-Internships are open to artists of all mediums and are

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highly individualized to ensure that each artist grows in the skills necessary for their particular practice and future goals. Indicate your interest in this opportunity by contacting Side Street Studio Arts, at sidestreetstudioarts.org, by email sidestreetstudioarts@gmail.com, by phone at (847) 429-2276 or in person at the Gallery, 15 Ziegler Court during gallery hours.

Arts Administration Internships

35 Specialty Shops Gifts • Antiques

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2020

January 2-31

Winter Sales All Month

The brand new Arts Administration Internship Program at Side Street Studio Arts will provide hands-on immersion in the daily operations of a growing arts organization in downtown Elgin.

January 18-19, Sat & Sun

Interns will work closely with SSSA staff to have a rare opportunity to be immersed in many types of projects and work experiences, including event production, arts education, non-profit business management, and much more. These positions are best suited for those interested in exploring arts education, gallery management, performance/exhibition production, arts administration, or nonprofit management careers.

April 4-5, Sat & Sun

Interns will work both on and off-site for a minimum of 10 hours a week for 6 to 12 months,. This internship is flexible and can be scheduled to accommodate other commitments and varying time frames. A $500$1000 stipend is provided, as well as additional opportunities to earn money through teaching and/or other arts exhibitions and performance opportunities. Interested individuals should email the following to erin@ sidestreetstudioarts.org. • Cover letter; • Resume; • References; • Visual or performance work samples, if applicable; • Teaching history, if applicable.

Open Calls for Art Monochrome: Green Monochrome describes work produced in varying tones of a single color. We are looking for your visions in GREEN for our first show of 2020! This is an open call platform accepting

Join Us for Cocoa & Cookies

February 8-9, Sat & Sun

Sweet ♥ Sale 14% Off Storewide

March 21-22, Sat & Sun

38th Anniversary Celebration Refreshments & Door Prizes Meet the Easter Bunny Bring Your Camera

May 9-10, Sat & Sun

Mom’s Appreciation Days Refreshments & Gifts for Mom

June 6-7, Sat & Sun

“Strawberries & Lemonade” Tastings & Summer Sales

July 11-12, Sat & Sun Ice Cream Social

August 8-9, Sat & Sun Dog Daze Sale 15% Off Storewide

September 12-13, Sat & Sun Fall Fling, Cider & Donuts Door Prizes & Music

October 15, Thurs Eve 6-8pm Ladies’ Night Out “Witches, Wine & Wander”

November 7-8, Sat & Sun Holiday Open House Music & Refreshments

Regular Hours:

Tuesday-Saturday 10-5 Thursday 10-8 Sunday 11-5 Open Mondays 10-5 Starting November 9th Until Christmas

Extended Evening Hours: Beginning Fri, Nov 27th Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri 10-6 Thurs 10-8, Sat 10-5, Sun 11-5 Until Christmas

701 N. State Street Elgin, Illinois Tel: 847-695-3066

StateStreetMarketShopsElgin.com


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artwork in any medium that adheres to the show’s Monochrome: Green theme. Submission fee is $5. Deadline for submission is midnight Friday, January 3rd, 2020. Submissions may be made by filling in your information in our online form at sidestreetstudioarts.com, under “Calls for Art.”

WORKSHOPS

FOR CREATIVE INDIVIDUALS & ORGANIZATIONS JANUARY 2020. THE HEMMENS CULTURAL CENTER. ELGIN, IL.

AUDIENCE DIVERSITY & ENGAGEMENT Dawn Frisby-Byers, Marketing Consultant

January 11, 2020. 1:00PM – 5:00PM

• Learn effective marketing strategies to reach different audience segments. • Learn best practices for social media outreach and engagement. • Gain tools for authentic engagement with new and returning patrons.

MARKETING BOOTCAMP FOR ARTISTS Ceci Dadisman, Digital Marketing Manager, FORM

January 18, 2020. 1:00PM – 5:00PM • Craft a communications plan • Implement best practices for each channel • Identify target audience(s) • Optimize and segment messaging • Communicate authentically to engage audiences

BUILDING ARTS & BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS Jessica Stern, Private Sector Initiatives Program Manager, Americans for the Arts

January 25, 2020. 1:00PM – 5:00PM

• Understand and explore potential arts and business partnerships. • Develop a method for communicating your message to the business community. • Generate ideas for partnering with community leaders to be advocates for the arts. • Map your current work in the context of how it can advance business objectives.

ALL WORKSHOPS FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC REGISTRATION REQUIRED: www.cityofelgin.org/artistworkshop The Hemmens Cultural Center. 45 Symphony Way, Elgin, IL, 60120

Artwork Drop Off will be Sunday, January 12, 11am-3pm. The “Monochrome: Green” opening reception will be held on January 17th 6:00pm-8:00pm and the exhibit will remain open to the public from January 17th - February 2nd, 2020. Going Dutch 2020 The Going Dutch Festival, produced by Side Street Studio Arts, is a celebration of the female voice in dance, music, theater, and the visual arts. We are currently gearing up for a grand 10th annual festival in downtown Elgin. The 2020 Going Dutch Festival will be held June 19-21 in downtown Elgin. We are seeking original works in a variety of media to appear at the festival. Dance. Contemporary and traditional choreography of all styles, performance art, multi-media, and dance for the camera work. Theatre. Scenes, one-acts, excerpts of a play, solo performances, spoken word, and multi-media work. Music. Solo artists and ensembles welcome, all genres welcome. All Performances must be created by self-identified women, and must fit in a non-traditional or 30ft by 20ft performance space. Spaces can vary in orientation from thrust to in the round, or bring a creative suggestion for a site-specific space in downtown Elgin Visual art. Two-dimensional, three-dimensional, video, audio and multi-media artwork created by self-identified women. To submit your work to the Going Dutch Festival, go to sidestreetstudioarts.org/goingdutch. Deadline is January 11th, and acceptances will be announced February 1st.

Critique Nights Join Side Street’s Artist-in-Residence Kate Roberts


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for monthly critique nights. These events are a chance for artists to share their current works in progress or finalized pieces. All types of art are welcome; visual, performance, music, written, etc. No required registration. Emerging to established artists are invited to bring 1-3 artworks to the Crit. Each critique session will involve artist to viewer communication to form a better understanding toward their piece and to further their practice. The next Critique Night is set for Wednesday, January 15th, 6:30-8:30pm at Side Street Studio Arts Gallery, 15 Ziegler Court. Please be punctual and respectful during the critiques. $5 suggested donation.

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EMC Children’s Chorus Open Rehearsal Monday, January 6th from 5:30pm to 7:00pm is our annual Open Rehearsal at the ECC Arts Center. Ages 8 and up are welcome. Meet the conductor and learn about our concert season. For more info: emcchildrenschorus.org or 847.214.7225.

Arts Writers Wanted BRAVO magazine welcomes contributions from skilled volunteer amateur writers on a variety of topics that pertain to culture in the Elgin area, including feature articles, interviews, satire and short fiction. Each month we publish a list of suggested 11.13.19

MARQUEE MEDIA

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At least 3 Eighth Page Ads during a 12-month period

At least 6 Eighth Page Ads or 3 Quarter Page Ads during a 12-month period

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We often hear, “The only hard part about BRAVO advertising is remembering to do it.” For casual advertisers who want some regular exposure for a general message, we now offer plans for a year’s worth of advertising for one low fixed price. You supply us with a generic ad (or we’ll help you create one), and we’ll print it a minimum number of times in BRAVO, according to space availbility from month to month.

Package Deal Rules • Your ad will appear in print at least the number of times provided for by your deal, during a 12-month period. • BRAVO will choose which months or editions in which your ad appears. • Your ad must remain the same for the entire period. • You’ll receive one invoice at the beginning of your term, payable within 30 days.

• No additional discounts are applicable on the package deal price. • Our standard design and layout service is included at no extra charge, to help you create your generic ad. • Additional ads are welcome throughout the term, and will be billed separately at then-current standard rates.

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topics on our “Assignment Board” found on the inside back cover. You are welcome to pitch topics of your own by writing to us at bravo@ marqueemedia.net. In exchange, contributors earn a free quarter page of display ad space for personal use. Request a copy of our “Writers’ Guidelines” via email at the address above.

Open Forum to Explore the Creation of a New Elgin Community Arts Center Staff from Schaumburg on Stage have scheduled a Forum to see if there is enough interest to create a New Community Arts Center in Elgin. They are looking for a diverse team of artists and arts organizations to help us try and get this accomplished. They will be gauging community interest, financing strategies, as well as establishing an initial board to spearhead making this dream a reality. They have lots of ideas to share, and plenty of enthusiasm, so come out and see what they have planned. If you are interested in learning how your organization could benefit from and participate in the creation of this daring new space, attend the forum Thursday, January 9th at 7pm, in the Elgin Room at Gail Borden Public Library, 270 North Grove Avenue. For more information, contact Mary Alice Benoit, Executive Director of Schaumburg on Stage at point2@schaumburgonstage.org

Scratch ‘n’ Sniff Fragrance Tester M P U L S E

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by MARQUEE MEDIA


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FEED.whereisbravo EAST SIDE Baker Hill Restaurant 1279 Dundee Ave. Beef Villa 1055 Dundee Avenue Blue Kangaroo Coin Laundry 464 Summit Street Elgin History Museum 360 Park Street Elgin Public Museum 225 Grand Ave Gail Borden Public Library 270 N. Grove Avenue Jewel-Osco 1040 Summit Street Olde Towne Inn 412 Bluff City Boulevard Superior Homes Team Realty 1173 Dundee Ave. Tri-City Animal Hospital 790 Summit St.

DOWNTOWN Al’s Cafe & Creamery 43 DuPage Court Arabica Cafe* 59 Douglas Ave Associated Bank 16 N. Spring Street Blue Box Cafe 176 E. Chicago Street Centre of Elgin 100 Symphony Way Danny’s on Douglas* 231 Douglas Avenue Dog’s Paw Brewing Co. 74 S. Grove Avenue Downtown Neighborhood Assn* 31 S. Grove Avenue #100 Dream Hall at 51 51 S. Grove Avenue Elgin Antiques & Uniques 207 E. Chicago Street Elgin ArtSpace Lofts 51 S. Spring Street Elgin Art Showcase 164 Division Street Elgin Books & Coffee 66 S. Grove Ave. Elgin City Hall 150 Dexter Court Elgin Public House 219 E. Chicago Street Elgin Symphony Orchestra 20 Dupage Court Explore Elgin Area 60 S. Grove Avenue Funky Rooster Tattoo and Gallery 73 S. Grove Avenue

Hemmens Cultural Center 45 Symphony Way

Holiday Inn Express 495 Airport Road

Jewel-Osco 375 Randall Road

Highland Cafe 109 E. Highland Avenue

Jewel-Osco 1660 Larkin Avenue

Stanley’s Ale House 335 N. McLean Boulevard

Imago Creative Studios 216 Prairie Street

Judson University 1151 N. State Street

Starbucks 338 S. Randall Road

Kellenberger Auto Service 217 Symphony Way

Metra Rail Big Timber Station 2025 Big Timber Road

EAST/WEST DUNDEE

Law Offices of Shirley Sadjadi 169 E. Chicago St.

Paul’s Family Restaurant 1300 Lawrence Avenue

Courtyard by Marriott 2175 Marriott Drive, West Dundee

Mama Lee’s Gourmet Popcorn 20 S. Spring St.

Presence St. Joseph Hospital 77 N. Airlite Street

The Dundee Depot 319 N. River St., East Dundee

Martini Room 161 E. Chicago St.

Sirin Dentistry 1 Crescent St.

East Dundee Village Hall 120 Barrington Ave., East Dundee

Pastigel Bakery 154 E. Chicago St.

State Street Market Shops 701 N. State St.

Emmett’s Brewing Company 128 W. Main St., West Dundee

Radio Shopping Show Redemption Center 16 Douglas Avenue

Walnut Speakeasy 214 Walnut Avenue

The Manor Restaurant 425 E. Main St., East Dundee

Willow Lake Estates* 161 West River Road

Midwest Retro 207 Barrington Ave., East Dundee

RANDALL CORRIDOR

Pampered Pet Services 1050 Dundee Ave.

Razor Heads Barber Shop 18 S. Spring Street Rediscover Records 9 S. Spring Street Senior Services Associates 205 Fulton Street Side Street Studio Arts Gallery 15 Ziegler Court Soulful Sparrow 10 Douglas Avenue

WEST SIDE Alexander’s Cafe 1725 N. State Street Bender Dental Care 217 N. McLean Blvd. Big Skillet Restaurant 90 Tyler Creek Plaza Big Apple Bagels* 561 N. McLean Boulevard Clean Vistas Laundromat Tyler Creek Plaza D Hangout Bar and Grill 550 S. McLean Boulevard Elgin Community College 1700 Spartan Drive Elgin Shopping Mall 308 S. McLean Boulevard Grumpy Goat Tavern 875 Sports Way Habitat for Humanity ReStore 800 N. State Street Hampton Inn 405 Airport Road Hawthorne Hill Nature Center 28 Brookside Dr. Herb’s Bakery 1020 Larkin Ave. Highland Ave Church of the Brethren 783 W. Highland Ave.

1600 Professional Building 1600 N. Randall Road 1710 Professional Building 1710 N. Randall Road Advocate Sherman Hospital 1425 N. Randall Road Candlewood Suites 1780 Capital Street Comfort Suites 2480 Bushwood Drive Elle Salon 2490 Bushwood Drive Jimmy’s Charhouse 2290 Point Boulevard Panera Bread 2484 North Randall Road Physician’s Immediate Care 2490 Bushwood Drive Porter’s Pub 1250 Bowes Creek Road Rakow Branch, Gail Borden Library 2751 W. Bowes Road Rookie’s All-American Pub & Grill 2486 Bushwood Drive Starbucks 2480 North Randall Road Village Pizza and Pub 2496 N. Randall Road Woodman’s Market (C’Ville)* 2100 Randall Road

SOUTH ELGIN Booker’s Bar & Grill 420 N. McLean Boulevard Cleveland Veterinary Clinic 400 N. McLean Boulevard

The Uncommon Palate 316 N. River St., East Dundee *Preferred Pickup Location Supplies are limited at these locations and may run out early in the month. If you don’t see B RAVO Magazine on display, please let management know that you saw their location listed here, and came in for a free copy! Would you like a supply of B RAVO Magazine at your high-traffic retail of public location? Let us know! Special perks available for sites that allow placement of our B RAVO magazine rack! Contact us at: bravo@marqueemedia.net


BRAVO

January 2020

Creativity Corner: Happy New Year! See 1/2. 4p-5p, GBPL Rakow Branch Corridor West, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info

Craft Materials Swap Drop Off See 1/6. 9a-8.30p, GBPL Main Library, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

DIY Vinyl Stickers Create one-of-akind vinyl stickers of your very own. For students in grades 9-12. 4p-7p, GBPL Main Library Studio 270, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Creativity Corner: Snow Day! See 1/2. 4p-5p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info

Wed.Jan.8

Thu.Jan.2 Creativity Corner: Happy New Year! For ages 6-12, this interactive program explores creativity with a new theme every week! 4p-5p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Pop-Up Makerspace We have the supplies; you have the ideas, come make something awesome with us in the Youth Center South! 5p-6p, GBPL Main Library Youth Center - South, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Mon.Jan.6 Craft Materials Swap Drop Off Drop off any usable & in good condition craft materials you would like to give away. Items accepted will be subject to approval. Continues through 1/10. 9a-8.30p, GBPL Main Library, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info EMC Children’s Chorus Open Rehearsal Interested in joining the EMC Children’s Chorus? Ages 8 and up are all welcome. Meet your EMC Conductor, learn more about our upcoming semester and what it takes to be part of the EMC Children’s Chorus. We’d love to have your voice among us! RSVP Today by emailing Barbara at Blewis@elgin.edu. This seasons theme is Broadway & Opera Masterworks! 5.30p-7p, ECC Arts Center Building H, 1700 Spartan Drive 847.214.7225 emcchildrenschorus.org Poetry Writers Workshop Come share your love of poetry! This is a group for local poets to share what they have written. Gareth Mann Sitz, poet and songwriter, will facilitate. No registration. 6.30p-8.30p, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Tue.Jan.7 Craft Materials Swap Drop Off See 1/6. 9a-8.30p, GBPL Main Library, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Craft Materials Swap Drop Off See 1/6. 9a-8.30p, GBPL Main Library, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Part 3 of Learning to Quilt Contact instructor Chris Dahl from Sewing 4 Fun for your supply list and to reserve a machine if needed. 847-345-0979 or sewing4funwithchris@gmail.com 10.30a-12.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden. info Elgin Symphony Orchestra Listeners Club Interactive lecture/ discussion series, led by Jim Kendros, meets during the week of the ESO’s Classics Masterworks series and will broaden your understanding of the music to be performed that week. You will study the music from the inside out, make new friends, and enhance your concert experience. Jim Kendros, often called ‘the North Shore’s favorite music historican, has facilitated ESO’s Musically Speaking pre-concert conversations since February, 2008. In partnership with the Elgin Symphony Orchestra. Please register at www. elginsymphony.org, or call 847-8880404 ext. 238 to reserve your seat. 1p-3p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms ABC, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Writing Club Calling all young writers! Explore how eutopias, dystopias, or a combination of the two can spark an epic story. Registration is required. For grades 3 to 8. 5p-5.45p, GBPL Main Library Story Room - South, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info 3D Design Series Learn 3D design and printing fundamentals and putting your skills to the test in this series. Each class offers the opportunity to design and print a pre-determined object using Tinkercad. Note: This is a series. Registering for the first class automatically enters you in all required sessions. This class will be held after normal operating hours. Please arrive on time as the doors will be locked at 7:05pm. 1/8 - Basics 1/15 - Intermediate 1/22 - Advanced 7p-8.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info

Thu.Jan.9

Design Lab: Creating Album Art Teens can learn how to design and create artwork for Cds and Albums. For teens in grades 9-12. 5p-6p, GBPL Main Library Studio 270 Digital Media Lab, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Genealogy Writers Group Learn from others with a similar interest in writing their families’ history. 6.30p-8p, GBPL Main Library Conference Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Community Arts Center Forum Staff from Schaumburg on Stage have scheduled a Forum to see if there is enough interest to create a New Community Arts Center in Elgin. They are looking for a diverse team of artists and arts organizations to help us try and get this accomplished. They will be gauging community interest, financing strategies, as well as establishing an initial board to spearhead making this dream a reality. They have lots of ideas to share, and plenty of enthusiasm, so come out and see what they have planned. Contact Mary Alice Benoit at point2@ schaumburgonstage.org 7p-8.30p, GBPL Main Library Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info. Free

Fri.Jan.10 Craft Materials Swap Drop Off See 1/6. 9a-5.30p, GBPL Main Library, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Sat.Jan.11 Craft Materials Swap If you are in need of miscellaneous craft materials to complete a project or start a new one then stop by to see the donated selection of materials available. 12p-4p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms ABC, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Audition Workshop Who is this for? CTE is offering this one-day workshop to anyone who would like to hone their audition skills! What if I’ve never participated in CTE before? This is a great opportunity to see what it’s like! You’ll meet CTE show directors, practice reading from monologues and scripts, and even work on a song or two. What if I’ve participated with CTE in other shows? This is a great chance for you to work on your audition for Matilda, and get advice from the show directors! Can I get help

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with my audition for Matilda? Yes! If you’re planning on auditioning for Matilda the Musical, you’ll get advice from our instructors on how to make your audition the best it can be. Have a certain character in mind you’d like to play? We can help you prep for that specific audition. Do I have to audition for Matilda if I sign up for this class? Nope! This is a one-time, no-commitment opportunity for anyone to further explore their musical theatre education. What levels of experience is this workshop for? All levels of experience are welcome! Ages are 2nd graders through 9th graders. When do I need to sign up? The deadline to sign up is January 9. No registrations will be taken after that point. 12.30p4p, ECC Arts Center Building H, 1700 Spartan Drive 847.214.7152 cteelgin. com/classes. $50 Americans for the Arts: Audience Diversity and Engagement Workshop Twenty years into the new century, arts organizations face ever changing demographics as the country’s population becomes more ethnic and racially diverse, younger, and less connected with traditional arts. How do established arts organizations identify and attract new audiences and effectively reach different population segments? How can you connect the arts to a population obsessed with all things digital? This interactive workshop will present information and allow for real life problem solving and solutions. Registration required. See page 13 in this issue. 1p-5p, Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way Lower Level 311 hemmens.org. Free

Mon.Jan.13 Video Lab: How to Create Youtube Videos Learn how to make videos to upload to youtube. For Teens in grades 9-12. 5p-6p, GBPL Main Library Studio 270 Digital Media Lab, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Tue.Jan.14 Creativity Corner: Snow Day! See 1/2. 4p-5p, GBPL Rakow Branch Corridor West, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info

Wed.Jan.15 Part 4 of Learning to Quilt See 1/8. 10.30a-12.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info


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return, how to use them, and how to track the results. We’ll also delve into how to create a well-rounded and achievable plan for success. You’ll leave this session with concrete and achievable takeaways that you can implement right away. This workshop is hosted by Ceci Dadisman. Registration required. See page 13 in this issue. 1p-5p, Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way Lower Level 311 hemmens.org. Free

Sun.Jan.19 3D Design Series See 1/8. 7p-8.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info

Thu.Jan.16 Creativity Corner: Hockey Time See 1/2. 4p-5p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info

Sat.Jan.18 Drawing Adventures with Judy Hayner Art instructor Judy will provide all the supplies you need to complete a museum/park-themed work of art! Registration required and class size limited. Elgin Public Museum, 225 Grand Boulevard 847.741.6655 elginpublicmuseum.org. $10

Still Life Painting Workshop Side Street Studio Arts’ Winter Workshop Series presents: Still Life Painting Workshop w/ John E French Guided paint class, studying composition, measuring and proportion, lighting and value from a still life with acrylic paint. Ages 12+. Pre registration is required. Limited space available. Registion is open! 10a, Side Street Studio Arts Lab, 11 S. Spring Street 847.429.2276 www.sidestreetstudioarts.org/winter-workshop-series. $20 Americans for the Arts: Marketing Bootcamp for Artists How can artists stand apart in a crowded marketplace? Join us for a handson, activity-driven workshop which will equip artists with strategies and methodology on how to best utilize communications channels to engage target audience(s). Artists will learn what platforms have the highest

Fleece Beanie Hat Workshop Side Street Studio Arts’ Winter Workshop Series presents: Fleece Beanie Hat Workshop w/ Erin Cramer Learn basic hand sewing techniques and leave with a fleece beanie hat to wear or give as a gift. No experience necessary. Ages 12+. Pre registration required. Limited space available. 2p, Side Street Studio Arts Lab, 11 S. Spring Street 847.429.2276 www. sidestreetstudioarts.org/winter-workshop-series. $20

Mon.Jan.20 Snoopy Cardboard House Building Challenge Snoopy needs a house and you can help! Work together as a family to build a house for snoopy. Snoopy and cardboard building materials provided. 11a-12p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms ABC, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Intermediate 3D Design Grades 3-8. Have you taken Intro to 3D Design and want more? Come to the next class in this series to learn additional design techniques and take on a new 3D challenge. Registrants must have taken Intro to 3D Design. Please bring an active email address to the program or set up a Tinkercad.com account before the program. This series is sponsored by Comcast Internet Essentials to help bridge the digital divide and foster digital literacy skills. For more info on Internet Essentials, visit www.InternetEssentials. com. 2p-3.30p, GBPL Main Library Story Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Snoopy Cardboard House Building Challenge See above. 4.30p-5.30p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms ABC, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Stop-Motion Animation Workshop for Grades 6-12 Work alone or with a team to plan and film a stop motion movie using paper, markers, craft supplies, and small props. You may also bring objects from home to include in your film. Please register. 4.30p-5.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden. info

Tue.Jan.21 Creativity Corner: Hockey Time See 1/2. 4p-5p, GBPL Rakow Branch Corridor West, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info Love Birds We’re getting this pARTy posted early! A great gift idea for your LOVE.. bird! Beer Brushes pARTy at Plank Road Tap House! Your ticket includes all instruction and supplies needed to paint two love birds plus 1 glass of beer, cider, wine, or seltzer Or... You can also choose to paint 2 glasses: 2 beer glasses or 2 wine glasses or 1 of each with a similar design or one of your own check back in here for the inspiration! 5.30p, Plank Road Tap Room, 39W149 Plank Road plankroadtaproom.com paintpartybyabby@gmail.com. $35 Crochet Club Get hooked on crocheting! Bring a project to work on. All skill levels welcome. 6.30p-8p, GBPL Rakow Branch Living Room, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden. info

Wed.Jan.22 3D Design Series See 1/8. 7p-8.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info

Thu.Jan.23 Creativity Corner: Fly Guy Fun See 1/2. 4p-5p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info

Sat.Jan.25 Americans for the Arts: Building Arts and Business Partnerships This workshop, based on Americans for the Arts’ pARTnership Movement, is a creative learning and brainstorming gathering to inspire collaborative and mutually beneficial partnerships between the arts and business communities, and encourage knowledge sharing of how businesses can leverage the arts to advance their objectives. This workshop is hosted by Jessica Stern. Registration required. See page 13 in this issue. 1p-5p, Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way Lower Level 311 hemmens.org. Free Elegant Earrings Create elegant earrings for a night out Please bring at least 10 eye pins, 2 ear wires, and 18 6mm bicone or faceted beads. Registration required. 1p-3p, GBPL Rakow Branch Living Room, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info

Sun.Jan.26 Hand Sewing 101: Fashion Accessories with Erin Cramer Side Street Studio Arts’ Winter Workshop Series

6.1 presents: Hand Sewing 101: Fashion Accessories Workshop w/ Erin Cramer Create your own personalized cuffs and fabric flowers. Ages 10+. Pre registration is required Limited space available. Registration now open Side Street Studio Arts Lab, 11 S. Spring Street 847.429.2276 www.sidestreetstudioarts.org/winter-workshop-series. $20 Useful Pouches Workshop Side Street Studio Arts’ Winter Workshop Series presents: Useful Pouches w/ Erin Cramer Learn basic sewing techniques and leave with your own wallet or iPhone case. Ages 10+. Pre registration is required. Limited space available. 2p, Side Street Studio Arts Lab, 11 S. Spring Street 847.429.2276 www.sidestreetstudioarts.org/winter-workshop-series. $20

Mon.Jan.27 Pop-Up Makerspace See 1/2. 5p6p, GBPL Main Library Youth Center - South, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Writers on the Fox This writer’s peer group will inspire and motivate you using prompts and exercises for creative writing. Writers of all genres are welcome to participate. No registration. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Room B, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Tue.Jan.28 Creativity Corner: Fly Guy Fun See 1/2. 4p-5p, GBPL Rakow Branch Corridor West, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info Elgin Teen Life: Knitting for a Cause Teens can learn how to knit hats with looms. Need volunteer hours? Volunteer hours are available to high school students for this event. For Teens in Grades 6-12. 4p-6p, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Wed.Jan.29 Audio Lab: How to Make Beats Teens can learn how to create beats for Youtube Videos. For teens in grades 9 - 12. 5p-6p, GBPL Main Library Studio 270 Digital Media Lab, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Thu.Jan.30 Creativity Corner: Croissant (Crescent) Day See 1/2. 4p-5p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info


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Thu.Jan.2 Device Advice Need help figuring out how to use your tablet, smartphone, or other device. Bring your questions and your device to the library for some 1:1 help. 9.30a-11.30a, GBPL Rakow Branch Computer Cafe, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info

3rd St. BEAT IT’S A PARTY!! Come celebrate NEW YEARS EVE with us at the legendary OLDE TOWNE INN! 9p-1a, Olde Towne Inn, 412 Bluff City Boulevard 847.930.1900. No Cover

Wed.Jan.1

udadania Repasa y practica el ingles hablado y escrito que vas a necesitar para la entrevista y las 100 preguntas. Review and practice the spoken English you will need for the interview and the 100 questions. El grupo es liderado por un tutor de Literacy Connection y cualquiera puede asistir. No necesita registrarse. This group will be led by a tutor and is open to all. Presented by The Literacy Connection. No registration. 6.30p-7.30p, GBPL Main Library Conference Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Piano Performance: John LaBorn 7p-8p, GBPL Main Library Lobby,

Tue.Dec.31 New Year’s Eve Party Throwback to the 90’s! Ring in the New Year with style at Martini Room! Doors open at 7:30PM. Complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Party with us until 4AM! 7.30p, Martini Room, 161 E. Chicago Street 847.741.0349 martiniroomelgin.com. $5 after 10p

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Mr. Freeze Mr. Freeze from Fermilab is coming to Gail Borden to amaze everyone with his chilly cryogenics show that explores the science of cold! Come see all the cool things that you can do with liquid nitrogen! 11a-11.45a, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms ABC, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Coding Club Learn the basic concepts behind computer programming. Registration required. Grades 3-8 This series is sponsored by Comcast Internet Essentials to help bridge the digital divide and foster digital literacy skills. For more info on Internet Essentials, visit www.InternetEssentials.com. 2p-3p, GBPL Main Library Story Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Fri.Jan.3 Family Music: Tall Tales and Silly Songs! Who doesn’t love tall tales? Todd tells some real whoppers and then weaves them into lively songs. Get ready for catchy tunes, wild dancing, and fun for all! 10.30a-11.15a, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms ABC, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info No Shushing Movie Fridays Come enjoy a movie in a family-friendly, casual setting. This program welcomes

FREE NEWSPRINT AVAILABLE Uncirculated BRAVO Magazines, in bundles of about 50

12 x 21” (unfolded) sheets are great for: • dropcloths for painting and art projects • bird cage liners and puppy training • lightweight packing material for shipping • starting fires in your fireplace or fire pit • keeping warm when sleeping outside

Contact: bravo@marqueemedia.net

Piano Performance: Stacey Weidner 2p-3p, GBPL Main Library Lobby, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Doctor Who Season Premier - Skyfall Part 1 Join us and other fellow Whovians as we view the Season 12 Premiere of Doctor Who at The BBC!! We will have all sorts of themed food and drink specials as well as a prize raffle for Doctor Who themed gifts. Show starts promptly at 7 pm, so get here early, grab a seat, order food. and enjoy!!! Blue Box Cafe, 176 E. Chicago Street 847.697.2583. Free

Beer Happy Thursdays Craft beer tasting, featured brewery announced weekly. Specials all day. 6p-8p, Lounge 51, 51 S. Grove Avenue 224.535.8075 dreamhubinc.com. No Cover Mr. Freeze See above. 6p-6.45p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms ABC, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Grupo de Conversacion para la Ci-

Music Bingo Night Join us for music bingo night at Danny’s On Douglas in Elgin! Music bingo hosted by Mustang Matt starts at 7pm. Free to play and great prizes will be awarded! 7p, Danny’s on Douglas, 231 Douglas Avenue 847.742.5400 dannyspizzaelgin.com Beat the Boss Trivia Night Can you BEAT THE BOSS! Join Old Republic every Wednesday Night at 8pm for Beat the Boss Trivia! If your team won the first game, risk your prize to take on the owner for one final round.... DOUBLE OR NOTHING! 8p, Old Republic Kitchen + Bar, 155 S. Randall Road 224.535.9544 oldrepublicbar. com

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these family-friendly shows are ones you won’t soon forget. Oh, & did we mention there’s live music & a cash bar? Don’t miss a fun & exciting evening out! Catch First Fridays Improv with GreenRoom Production shown in The Hemmens’ one of a kind 200seat Cabaret Theater in the Round! ATM in Lobby. 8p-9.45p, Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way 847.931.5900 greenroomimprov.com

people of all abilities. Please contact the library one week in advance if you need accommodations. No registration. Chatting and snacks from home are welcome. Movies This January: 3rd - Dora and the Lost City of Gold (PG, 2019) 10th - Disney Penguins (G, 2019) 17th - Double Feature: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr: A Historical Perspective (NR, 1994) & In Remembrance of Martin (NR, 1986) 24th - CLOSED until 2PM 31st - The Lion King (PG, 2019) 10.30a-12.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Fire Chief Schmidt Retirement Coffee & Cake The Elgin Fire Department invites you to the retirement celebration honoring Fire Chief David Schmidt and his 30 years of service. Stop by to visit Chief Schmidt on his last duty day, refreshments will be served. Post ceremony reception will be at Bricks Wood Fired Pizza, 5-8p. 1p-4p, Elgin Fire Station No. 1, 550 Summit Street 311 cityofelgin.org Snow Much Fun! Chill out in the library as we explore a variety of sensory activities and discover the science of winter. 1p-2p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms ABC, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Coding Club See 1/2. 2p-3p, GBPL Main Library Story Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info First Fridays Improv with GreenRoom Productions Continue the New Year’s festivities with us this Friday! Sit back, relax and laugh! 100% clean. 99.27% hilarious. Imagine an hour and a half of complete improvisation, a la Whose Line is it Anyway? GreenRoom’s improvisers take audience suggestions and true-life audience stories and turn them into hilarious theatre pieces right before your eyes! GreenRoom Productions, a semi-professional ensemble-based theatre company that specializes in improvisation, produces a full season of shows each year including musicals, plays, improv, and original sketch comedy. With competing improv teams, improvised songs, audience members on stage, & tons of energy,

McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info

Celebracion de los Reyes Magos Celebracion de los Reyes Magos- Reception Area 1p-4p, GBPL Main Library Rotunda, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Five O’Clock Juice Box Come start the new year listening to your favorite tunes! 9p, Olde Towne Inn, 412 Bluff City Boulevard 847.930.1900

Sat.Jan.4 Eastside Recreation Center Open House Visit the ERC and learn what they have to offer. There will be tours, raffles and facility information along with light refreshments. FREE admission to the fitness center all day. 9a1a, Eastside Recreation Center, 1080 E. Chicago St. 311 or 847.888.1989 cityofelgin.org Dance Storytime For ages 2-4. Come explore ballet, jazz, hip hop, and lyrical dance with a story and game to keep you moving. Registration for four weeks is required. 10.30a-11.20a, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Saturday Volunteens If you’re a 6th to 8th grader looking to gain experience in library programming or gain hours for school service, then consider applying to the Volunteen program. Volunteens work one hour a week completing a variety of projects, such as organizing book displays, preparing crafts for library programs, and checking the condition of library materials. Stop by the Youth Center Help Desk for an application. 11a-12p, GBPL Main Library Youth Center - North, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Story Hour: Bears Join our legendary educator Marge Fox as she discusses and reads a story about bears -- and BYOTB (Bring Your Own Teddy Bear)!! No registration required. Donations accepted. 11a-12p, Elgin Public Museum, 225 Grand Boulevard 847.741.6655 elginpublicmuseum.org. Free Dance Storytime For ages 5-7. Come explore ballet, jazz, hip hop, and lyrical dance with a story and game to keep you moving. Registration for four weeks is required. 11.30a-12.20p, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S.

Celebracion de Reyes / Three Kings Celebration Celebracion de Reyes / Three Kings Celebration 1p-4p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms ABC, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Welcome Baby! Baby’s First Library Visit Babies up to 6 months and parents. Bring baby and baby’s new library card to learn about programs and resources to support their early literacy development and receive a gift! Registration required. 1p-2p, GBPL Rakow Branch Living Room, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info Fatsoz Karaoke Night! Come sing your favorite songs at Fatsoz with DJ Ray! Great drink specials all night long! Full kitchen open until 10 pm! 9p, Fatsoz, 959 Villa Street 847.742.5858 fatsoz.com. No Cover

Sun.Jan.5 Doctor Who Season 12 - Skyfall Part 2 See 1/1. Blue Box Cafe, 176 E. Chicago Street 847.697.2583. Free Three Bees Home Health Toolbox Elderberry Syrup Elderberry syrup is nothing new. Used for health and healing for generations, it has proven potency backed by clinical trials. Learn how to make this powerhouse at home using our crock pot method that is perfect for families on the go. This remedy will save on time and money and keep you cold season ready. Join Beekeeper Konni Vukelic and explore plant-based medicine that will keep you ahead of the cold curve this winter. Learn about making elderberry syrup and gummies. In this fun class we will explore elderberries from myth to modern. We will share the interesting history behind the berry. You will learn the details of all the ingredients and why this syrup is known as natures flu shot. Konni will teach a simple crock pot method for elderberry syrup perfect for families on the go. All participants will leave the class with a 16oz. bottle of syrup, a kit for your next batch with 8oz. local honey and a tray to make gummies. 4 extra herbs are includ-

6.1 ed to make your own custom blend suited to your needs. Learn how to make our vegan syrup safe for infants also! Each attendee will receive the following: 1 8oz. bottle of elderberry syrup; 1 Three Bees Elderberry Kit which includes: 1 empty 8oz. bottle; 1 8oz. local raw honey; 1 standard spice pkt. (cinnamon, clove, ginger, lemon); 4 optional herbs; 1 50-cavity gummy mold; 1 dropper. 1p-3p, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 357 Division Street 847.742.2025 holytrinityelderberry. ezregister.com. $57 Ninth Annual EYSO Faculty Recital Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra (EYSO) is kicking off the start if its 2nd semester with a special treat . the 9th Annual EYSO Faculty Recital. While originally intended as a way for students and parents to see their conductors in action, the recital has become an EYSO tradition and is also a unique opportunity for students and families interested in considering the EYSO experience. 2p-3p, ECC Spartan Auditorium, 1700 Spartan Drive 847.841.7700 eyso.org. Free

Mon.Jan.6 Spanish Cafe / Cafe en Espanol Intermediate-level participants will practice structured and spontaneous conversations in Spanish. Led by Pita Betancourt and Nohora Chacon. 1st , 2nd and 3rd Monday of each month. Participantes de nivel intermedio practicaran respondiendo o empezando conversaciones en espanol con fluidez y hablando con gente que habla espanol como primer idioma. Dirigido por Pita Betancourt y Nohora Chacon. 1er, 2do y 3er lunes de cada mes. 12p-1p, GBPL Main Library Conference Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Studio 270 Volunteer Corps We are looking for teen volunteers to assist with our youth STEAM programs. Must speak Spanish. 4p-6p, GBPL Main Library Studio 270*, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Drop-In STEAM for K-5 Join us in the KidSpace Creation Station as we use our curiosity, imagination, and creativity to explore, collaborate and take risks through STEAM activities. The project will change each month. 4.30p-6p, GBPL Main Library Youth Center - Creation Station, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Guided Meditation Please join us for a free, non-denominational, candlelight meditation in our beautiful, historic stained-glass sanctuary. Donations welcome and encouraged. 6p-6.30p, First Congregational Church of Elgin, 256 E. Chicago Street 630.886.8823 fcc-elgin.org. Free Twisted Storytime This drop-in


January 2020 storytime combines stories and songs with hands-on exploratory learning. Caregivers are encouraged to attend. No registration. Discover and create while building language and literacy skills. Everyone will read, sing, write, talk and play at this energetic program. 6p-6.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden. info Superhero Storytime It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s... Wonder Woman! Join us for an interactive storytime about superheroes. No registration. 7p-7.30p, GBPL Main Library Story Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Windows 10 Basics Learn how to navigate the Windows 10 interface, locate and manage files, and customize your preferences. This class is not part of series - please register for all events separately. This class will be held after normal operating hours. Please arrive on time as the doors will be locked at 7:05pm. 7p-8.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info

Tue.Jan.7 Downtown Elgin Neighborhood Watch Meeting The DNA and Elgin Police Department are helping sup-

Stacey Monroe, Music Director

BRAVO port downtown business owner Greg Shannon and the official “Neighborhood Watch” program. A guest speaker from the Elgin Police Department will come speak about Graffiti and Gang activity. PLEASE NOTE - Block captions from the Neighborhood watch committee will soon be reaching out to business owners and building owners. If you would like someone to contact you directly please email info@downtownelgin.com and we will pass along your information. Elgin Public House, 219 E. Chicago Street 847.488.1456 downtownelgin.com Elgin Genealogical Society Monthly meeting of the Elgin Genealogical Society with a presentation on Internet Resources for Czech Genealogy. Roger Liska is a retired teacher and member of CSAGSI, the Czech and Slovak Genealogy Society of Illinois. He is newsletter editor for the society and maintains CSAGSI website as well as his own family websites. Roger’s presentation will demonstrate how to access USA and Czech based Internet sites for researching Czech ancestry. Topics include methods to find USA and Czech homes of interest; Czech land and historical maps; USA and Czech birth, death, and marriage information; multiple search variations; immigration and citizenship searches; Chicago Czech newspaper obituaries; and discovering the names and locations of Czech villages and cities.

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9.30a-11.30a, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms AB, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Panera Milk & Cookies The Gail Borden Public Library and Panera Bread are partnering to sponsor this program. Preschoolers enjoy stories followed by a milk and cookie snack compliments of Panera. Stay for a craft. Panera Bread Restaurant 369 Randall Road, South Elgin 9.30a-10.30a, GBPL Panera Bread, 369 Randall Road, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Superhero Storytime See 1/6. 10a-10.30a, GBPL Main Library Story Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info 1, 2, 3, Go! Families with 1, 2, and 3 year olds are invited to enjoy stories, rhymes, and musical activities together in this dynamic program. No registration required. 10.15a-10.45a, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Coffee with a Cop The mission of Coffee with a Cop is to break down the barriers between police officers and the citizens they serve. This is achieved by removing agendas and allowing opportunities to ask questions, voice concerns, and getting to know the officers in your neighbor-

hood. 11a-2p, Country Donuts, 3019 US Route 20 311 cityofelgin.org Job Search & Resume Help Drop in for assistance with your resume, cover letter, online applications, and more. Presented in partnership with the Kane County Office of Community Reinvestment. For questions, call 630.844.8768. 1p-4p, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

FEED.colorcode Bands & Music Theater & Dance Exhibits & Film Causes & Community Kids & Families Lectures & Learning Wellness & Nature Creativity Other


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6.30p-7.30p, Elgin City Hall, 150 Dexter Court 311 cityofelgin.org All Things Apple Group Looking for the ultimate user manual for all things Apple? Bring your Apple devices to learn, share and help each other in this group. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Heritage Commission Meeting 7p8p, Elgin City Hall, 150 Dexter Court 311 cityofelgin.org

Piano Performance: Denise Williams 1p-2p, GBPL Main Library Lobby, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info South Elgin Sentinels Chess Club Everyone is invited to hone their chess skills. Beginners are welcome. Intermediate or Advanced players can play opponents or work on chess puzzles. 4.30p-5.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden. info Tuesday Volunteens If you’re a 6th to 8th grader looking to gain experience in library programming or gain hours for school service, then consider applying to the Volunteen program. Volunteens work one hour a week completing a variety of projects, such as organizing book displays, preparing crafts for library programs, and checking the condition of library materials. Stop by the Youth Center Help Desk for an application. 5p6p, GBPL Main Library Youth Center - North, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Walkers, Wigglers & Crawlers Join us for this interactive storytime for infants and walkers up to 36 months. We’ll share rhymes, songs, stories and other language-building activities. Plus playtime! No registration. Siblings welcome. 6.15p-6.45p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms BC, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Grupo de Conversacion en Ingles Practica conversar en ingles, mejora tu pronunciacion y adquiere confianza con un tutor. Practice having everyday conversations in English, improve your pronunciation and gain confidence with a tutor. El grupo se reune cada martes todo el ano. Es liderado por un tutor de Literacy Connection y cualquiera puede asistir. No necesita registrarse. This group meets every Tuesday all year long. will be led by a tutor and is open to all. Presented by The Literacy Connection. No registration. 6.30p-7.30p, GBPL Main Library Conference Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Human Relations Commission

LinkedIn Series Learn how LinkedIn the internet’s number one professional networking website - allows you to promote workplace skills, explore opportunities, and make connections in this series. Notes: This is a series. Registering for the first class automatically enters you in all required sessions. This class will be held after normal operating hours. Please arrive on time as the doors will be locked at 7:05pm 7p-8.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden. info

Wed.Jan.8 Baby Rhyme Time Singing, clapping, simple stories and playtime at this 1/2 hour program. For babies up to 11 months and their caregiver(s). There will be no program on Wednesday, January 22. 9.15a-9.45a, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Room C, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Job Training Information Session Training grants are available to help you get a job! Learn about WIOA services and the application process. Presented in partnership with the Kane County Office of Community Reinvestment. For more information, call 630-844-8768. 9.30a-11a, GBPL Main Library Conference Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Twisted Storytime We will enjoy rhymes, songs and books of all the storytime classics but with a goofy twist! No Registration. 10.30a-11a, GBPL Rakow Branch Children’s Area, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info Homework Heroes Grades K-8. Students who need help with homework assignments can drop by to meet one-on-one with a volunteer. 3.30p-5.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Elgin Liquor Commission 4.30p-5.30p, Elgin City Hall, 150 Dexter Court 311 cityofelgin.org STEAM: How Strong is Spaghetti? Kids will be challenged to invent ways to find out and document their findings. Registration required. 4.30p-5.30p, GBPL Rakow Branch Living Room, 2751 W. Bowes Road

847.531.7271 gailborden.info Introduction to Essential Oils Interested in learning about essential oils? Come to this program for more information. Presented by wellness enthusiast Amy Dunat. 5.30p-6.15p, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info MS Excel Basics Learn how Excel’s cells, worksheets & workbooks easily allow users to manipulate, calculate, and format numbers and other types of data. Note: This class is not part of series - please register for all events separately. This class will be held after normal operating hours. Please arrive on time as the doors will be locked at 7:05pm 5.30p-7p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info

6.1 materials. Stop by the Youth Center Help Desk for an application. 6p7p, GBPL Main Library Youth Center - North, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Cuentos para la familia !30 minutos de cuentos, musica, rimas y mucho mas para el disfrute de toda la familia! No necesita registrarse. Families who speak or are learning Spanish can enjoy stories, songs and more at our Spanish-language storytime. This is also a great opportunity for children in the Dual-Language Program to practice using Spanish outside the classroom. This program is conducted entirely in Spanish. 6.30p-7p, GBPL Main Library Story Room - North, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

City Council Meeting 6p-8p, Elgin City Hall, 150 Dexter Court 311 cityofelgin.org Drinks & Discussion: Proposed 708 Board in Elgin Township Join us for dinner and expect a robust conversation on our topic. Did you know that Elgin Township residents will be able to vote on a referendum to create a 708 Board, aka Community Mental Health Board. At this Drinks & Discussion, we’ll hear about what a 708 Board is, what it will mean to area residents, and what it will mean to area taxpayers. Are you interested in learning more, or maybe even helping these efforts? Then you won’t want to miss this discussion! After we hear a short presentation, we will spend the rest of the evening breaking bread and continuing the discussion. This event is free. Won’t you consider purchasing dinner from our host location? Please RSVP to help with planning 6p-9p, Grumpy Goat Tavern, 875 Sports Way 947.931.5950 lwvelginarea.org. Free Grupo Futuros Bilingues / Go Bilingual Group Estudiantes de todos los niveles practicaran con otras personas que hablan espanol o ingles como primer idioma. Learners of all levels practice a new language with native English and Spanish speakers. Led by teacher Betty Martinez. Group meets Wednesdays from September to May. Dirigido por la maestra Betty Martinez. El grupo se reune los miercoles de septiembre a mayo. 6p-7p, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Wednesday Volunteens If you’re a 6th to 8th grader looking to gain experience in library programming or gain hours for school service, then consider applying to the Volunteen program. Volunteens work one hour a week completing a variety of projects, such as organizing book displays, preparing crafts for library programs, and checking the condition of library

Elgin Coin Club Meetup 7p, Wesley United Methodist Church, 1070 South Street elgincoinclub.com Walking Book Club Join the Walking Book Club for a 45-minute walk, followed by a 45-minute book discussion. January 2020: The Gown by Jennifer Robson. For more information, contact Andrea Houston at ahouston@gailborden.info or 847-289-5844. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Beat the Boss Trivia Night See 1/1. 8p, Old Republic Kitchen + Bar, 155 S. Randall Road 224.535.9544 oldrepublicbar.com

Thu.Jan.9 AAUW Morning Book Group AAUW Morning Book Group. AAUW contact: Marsha Cameron. 9.30a-11.30a, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Device Advice See 1/2. 9.30a-11.30a, GBPL Main Library 2nd Floor - Behind Elevators, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info 1, 2, 3, Go! See 1/7. 10a-10.30a, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms ABC, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Twisted Storytime See 1/6. 10.30a-11a, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Superhero Storytime See 1/6. 10.45a-11.15a, GBPL Main Library Story Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info


BRAVO

January 2020 Piano Performance: Steve Yoder 11a-12p, GBPL Main Library Lobby, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Piano Performance: Shirley Remes 4.30p-5.30p, GBPL Main Library Lobby, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

EAC and WIM Luncheon: Answer the Call WIM Fox Valley (WIM) kicks off the new year with nationally recognized trainer, speaker and coach Suzanne Ness, President and Co-founder of Forward Effect Coaching, who will present “Answering the Call: strategies for making 2020 your best year yet” on Thursday, January 11, 2020. The joint event lunch meeting with the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce and the Northern Kane County Chamber of Commerce “Women in Business” will be held at The Haight, 166 Symphony Way, Elgin. Networking begins at 11:30 a.m. with luncheon and program at noon. Meetings adjourn at 1:00 p.m. Cost for members is $25.00 and non-members $28.00. Area women in business are welcome to attend this month’s presentation. Reservations must be made for attendance online at www. wimfoxvalley.org. 11.30a, The Haight, 166 Symphony Way 224.801.4166 wimfoxvalley.com. $25-28

Girl Scout Troop Tour of SEB and craft. 5p-6p, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info

Elgin Area Men’s Shed A Men’s Shed is a place geared toward older men to gather, make new friendships while working on projects, learning new skills and hobbies, and giving back to the community. All are welcome. 1.30p-3.30p, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Piano Performance: Stacey Weidner 2p-3p, GBPL Main Library Lobby, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Taller Two Rivers para Padres / Two Rivers Parent Workshop Talleres bilingues para padres y guardianes. Todos son bienvenidos. Bilingual workshops to help parents and guardians navigate family life. En asociacion con Two Rivers Head Start. No hay que inscribirse. In partnership with Two Rivers Head Start. No registration needed. 4p-5p, GBPL Main Library Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

K-2 Book Club This program is designed to introduce kids to great books for emerging readers, to get them excited about books & reading, and to help them develop social skills through interacting with their peers. Adults are welcome and encouraged to attend with their children and share the love of reading. 5p-5.45p, GBPL Main Library Story Room - South, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info *NEW* QuickBooks Special Edition: Year-End Avoid headaches this tax season! Get your QuickBooks file ready for year-end by learning how to prepare 1099’s, journal entries, and year end reports in this special session. Note: This class is not part of a series - Must have previously taken the QuickBook series. 5.30p7p, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Pino Farina Solo acoustic music. 6p-8.30p, Gifford’s Kitchen, 2300 Bushwood Drive 847.649.3900 giffordskitchen.com. No Cover

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Baby Rhyme Time See 1/8. 6.30p7p, GBPL Main Library Story Room - North, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Piano Performance: John LaBorn 7p-8p, GBPL Main Library Lobby, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Fri.Jan.10

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MUFFINS & BAGELS Adult Sign Language Club Join Mrs. Potts as we learn American Sign Language and increase our awareness, knowledge and respect of deaf culture. Registration required. 4.30p-5.30p, GBPL Rakow Branch Living Room, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info

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wine, and a great night of live music! 6p, Gifford’s Kitchen, 2300 Bushwood Drive 847.649.3900 facebook.com/ newvintagestrings. No Cover Science Night Bring your family to Science Night! Different stations will be set up around the museum for kids and their parents to experience themed, hands-on demonstrations and scientific experiments. No registration necessary. 6p-8p, Elgin Public Museum, 225 Grand Boulevard 847.741.6655 elginpublicmuseum.org

sessions. 1/10 - Mouse & Keyboard 1/17 - Managing Your PC 1/31 - Internet Basics 10a-11.30a, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Walkers, Wigglers & Crawlers See 1/7. 10a-10.30a, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Room B, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info No Shushing Movie Fridays See 1/3. 10.30a-12.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden. info Sensory Fun for Every Little One Babies will explore the world around them in this drop-in play program! Dress for mess. For babies and toddlers up to 36 months with an adult caregiver. No registration. Have fun with textures, sights, sounds, and smells! 10.45a-11.30a, GBPL Main Library Story Room - South, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Cooking Devices 101 Slow Cooker, Pressure Cooker, or Air Fryer? What’s right for dinner tonight? Kristyn will break down the best uses for each cooking device in her Classroom Kitchen. Please register 1p-2p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms AB, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info New Vintage Strings Start off the decade on the right foot with New Vintage Strings, Live at Gifford’s Kitchen & Social in Elgin! Join us for a mix of holiday, jazz and rock string quartet tunes, including The Beatles and Led Zeppelin. Get your friends together or bring the family; all ages are welcome, so come on out for dinner, festive cocktails, craft beer &

Full Moon Ride - January It’s the Full Moon Ride! This will be a moderate pace ride for a few miles throughout the core neighborhoods of Elgin. Join us for this social night ride! Reminder: Illinois State law requires bike riders to have a clear light on the front and a red reflector or a red light on the back for night time riding. That would be the minimum attempt for safety, so let’s all be easy to see on the street. If you have not signed the 2020 annual ride waiver, please do so at: https://waiver.fr/p-SDLTu 9p, Advocate Park, Chicago Street at Spring Street elginbikehub.com. Free

include: Types of Senior Housing; Funding; What to consider when looking. Presenter: Rick Graffagna (born and raised in Elgin) and the owner of Senior Solutions no cost senior housing placement company. 11a-12p, GBPL Main Library Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Dance Storytime For ages 5-7. See 1/4. 11.30a-12.20p, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Curso Nivel 1 Principiantes Instructor: Fernando Medina. No hay costo ni hay que tener tarjeta de la biblioteca. Favor registrarse. Puede registrarse para la serie complete o para una sola clase. Instructor: Fernando Medina. No hay costo ni hay que tener tarjeta de la biblioteca. Favor registrarse. Puede registrarse para la serie complete o para una sola clase. Sabado 11 de enero, 1-3pm, Salon de Entrenamiento de Computacion 1p3p, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Teddy Bear Slumber Party Wear your PJs and bring your favorite stuffed animal for stories, a craft and a snack. Leave your stuffed animal for an overnight sleepover full of adventure. Stuffed animals will be able to be picked up the next day and they will have a special surprise with them! A photo collage of all the adventures they had. Registration required. 1p-2.30p, GBPL Rakow Branch Children’s Area, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info

Sat.Jan.11 Literacy Connection Tutor Training Become a tutor for adult literacy learners in the Elgin! 101 adults are waiting for a tutor. Your twelve hour commitment to training over two days, plus a four hour monthly commitment can make a life-changing world of difference for someone in your community. 9.30a-3.30p, The Literacy Connection, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.6505 tinyurl.com/ tutor2day Dance Storytime For ages 2-4. See 1/4. 10.30a-11.20a, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden. info Saturday Volunteens See 1/4. 11a-12p, GBPL Main Library Youth Center - North, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Senior Housing 101 An informative and educational presentation focused on understanding the various types of available senior housing. Great for both seniors and their adult children. Specific areas that will be addressed

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Sun.Jan.12 UnWINEd Yoga Bagel Brunch It’s time for UnWINEd at The Haight! We invite you to join us for a one-hour yoga session followed by a bagel brunch buffet - including mimosas! Our yoga sessions are instructed by a Core Power Yoga instructor and are open to any level.Ticket cost includes yoga, bagel brunch, and mimosas. Doors open at 9:45am. You must have a pre-purchased ticket. Due to the size of our space, we cannot allow walk-ins. This yoga class is open to all ages, but 21+ is recommended. Find us on Facebook to order tickets online. 10a-1p, The Haight, 166 Symphony Way 224.801.4166 thehaightelgin. com. $30 Best-selling author Mary Doria Russell Meet Dr. Mary Doria Russell, award-winning author of six bestselling novels, and enjoy Copper Country themed refreshments. Book purchase and signing available following the program. Please Register. Dr. Russell will talk about writing her new historical novel, “The Women of the Copper Country” resulting from extensive research of the young union organizer Annie Clements, known as “America’s Joan of Arc” circa 1913. Co-sponsored by the Elgin Arts Commission & AAUW Elgin Area Branch. 1p-2.30p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms ABC, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Read to Rover Hone your reading skill by reading to our volunteer dog listener, Trucker. Registration required. 1p-2.30p, GBPL Rakow Branch Living Room, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info Elgin Symphony Orchestra ~ Magnificent Mozart See 1/11. 2.30p-4.30p, Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way 847.888.4000 elginsympony.org

Elgin Symphony Orchestra ~ Magnificent Mozart The ESO’s Magnificent Mozart gives the audience a glimpse into the brilliance that was Johannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart. From an intimate piece that Mozart saved for himself and a small circle of music enthusiasts to his Symphony No. 40 with one of the most recognizable opening melodies, this performance will demonstrate true genius. In fact, we have a bit of genius of our own Andrew Grams will lead the orchestra from the concertmaster chair and pianist William Wolfram will join the ESO for this celebration of Mozart. Andrew Grams, conductor/violin; William Wolfram, piano. Respighi Ancient Airs & Dances, Suite No. 1; Mozart Piano Concerto No. 23; Mozart Symphony No. 40. 7.30p-9.30p, Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way 847.888.4000 elginsympony.org. $35 and up

Disney Trivia Night Be Prepared to make Poor Unfortunate Souls out of the competition and prove you Know Best at Disney Trivia! $100 to the winning team. Tickets are required, and they will go quickly - so reserve your spot today! 8p, Old Republic Kitchen + Bar, 155 S. Randall Road 224.535.9544 sporcle.com. $25/team

Mon.Jan.13 Coffee with the Mayor Hear about what’s new and have your questions answered by Steve Ward, Village of South Elgin President. 9.30a-10.30a, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Piano Performance: Skip Dyson 10a-11a, GBPL Main Library, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Brown Bag Lunch Classic Films On


January 2020 Golden Pond (PG, 1981) No registration required. Coffee and tea will be served. Norman is a curmudgeon with an estranged relationship with his daughter Chelsea. At Golden Pond, he and his wife nevertheless agree to care for Billy, the son of Chelsea’s new boyfriend, and a most unexpected relationship blooms. Starring Henry Fonda, Katharine Hepburn, Jane Fonda, Dabney Coleman. Directed by Mark Rydell. Running time: 105 minutes. For more information, contact Ben Bahl at bbahl@gailborden. info or 847-608-5012. 11a-2p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms ABC, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

BRAVO serves teens. 4p-5p, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info CUB - Citizens Utility Board - Utility Bill Clinic Bring your gas, phone and electric bills for a free analysis by CUB experts. RSVPs required. Call to reserve your spot at 847-841-7130 (Rep. Moeller’s office) 5.30p-7.30p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms ABC, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Superhero Storytime See 1/6. 6p-6.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info

Spanish Cafe / Cafe en Espanol See 1/6. 12p-1p, GBPL Main Library Conference Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Homework Heroes See 1/8. 3.30p-5.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Teen Advisory Board Teen Advisory Board (TAB) is open to teens interested in making a difference in the library community. Come join TAB to have a leadership position at the library, organize events, give input on the librarys Teen book and magazine collections, what resources are available in Studio 270, gain volunteer hours, and influence how the library

proudly supported by

CHEFTalks CHEFTalks, (like TEDTalks) is a free monthly potluck dinner and expert guided healthy food discussion. Each month there will be a new topic of discussion related to food. CHEFTalks Potluck Guidelines: Please prepare enough to share, about 5 servings, homemade, using non-disposable containers. You may bring either a main course, soup, salad, desert, fruit, veggies, bread, or

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flowers from your garden to make the table pretty! Please no commercially prepared food items. 6.30p, Zion Lutheran Church, 330 Griswold Street 847.888.1844 chefillinois.org. Free

Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Grupo de Conversacion para la Ciudadania See 1/2. 6.30p-7.30p, GBPL Main Library Conference Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Winter STEM Storytime See 1/13. 10a-10.30a, GBPL Main Library Story Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Great Books Discussion Group Co-sponsored by the American Association of University Women Elgin Branch. For more information, call Jeanne Hebeisen at 847-7416264. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Windows 10 Intermediate Learn how to create shortcuts, adjust settings, uninstall programs, utilize Task Manager and Windows defender, and explore the Windows store. Notes: This class is not part of series - please register for all events separately. This class will be held after normal operating hours. Please arrive on time as doors will be locked at 7:05pm. 7p-8.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Winter STEM Storytime Winter is the perfect time to learn! Science meets literacy at this special storytime. No registration. 7p-7.30p, GBPL Main Library Story Room, 270 N.

Tue.Jan.14

1, 2, 3, Go! See 1/7. 10.15a-10.45a, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Armchair Generals A Brown Bag Civil War and Lincoln Interest Group. Commemorate events, share insights, and talk about books or experiences. Part 2 of 2. Rescheduled from

FEED.colorcode Bands & Music Theater & Dance Exhibits & Film Causes & Community Kids & Families Lectures & Learning Wellness & Nature Creativity Other


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BRAVO 1/7. 6.15p-6.45p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Room C, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Grupo de Conversacion en Ingles See 1/7. 6.30p-7.30p, GBPL Main Library Conference Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

October 2019. Armchair General Bill Lax concludes a two-part series on Sherman’s march through the Carolinas in 1865. Part 2 picks up where Part 1 ends. In Part 2, Bill details the convoluted and controversial surrender negotiations between Sherman and Johnson and the acrimonious aftermath that nearly ends the Union General’s military career. Part 2 of 2. For more information, contact Ben Bahl at bbahl@gailborden.info or 847608-5012. 11.45a-1.15p, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Job Search & Resume Help See 1/7. 1p-4p, GBPL Main Library Conference Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Navigating the College Process Navigating the College Process - No GPS Required! Join us for a threepart seminar to help you and your child navigate the college application process. Doug Sept and Dan Raffety, experts in the field of college counseling and faculty and administrators at Elgin Academy, will present three seminars that will walk parents and students through the process from beginning to end. Doug and Dan have helped hundreds of students and parents navigate the college process successfully. Debunking the Myths of the College Application Process: Doug and Dan will address the common myths of getting into college with a general overview of the process including when the process should begin, how important are grades and standardized test scores, and is it possible to afford college without going into debt, among many other topics. 6.30p-7.30p, GBPL Main Library Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Piano Performance: Denise Williams 1p-2p, GBPL Main Library Lobby, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Elgin Memory Cafe’ Care partners bring loved ones to this social outing where mild cognitive impairment is understood/accepted. There is no agenda, but a monthly theme becomes our topic of discussion. 4p-5.30p, GBPL IHOP, 101 S. Randall Road 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Studio 270 Volunteer Squad Drop in and help out the library with cleaning, book displays, and other various projects. 4p-6p, GBPL Main Library Studio 270*, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info K-Pop Afternoon for Grades 6-12 Are you a fan of BTS, NCT, Blackpink, or other K-pop groups? Come sing along to your favorite K-pop songs, practice your dance moves, or make buttons and other crafts. Feel free to bring a friend! 4.30p-6p, GBPL Main Library Story Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info South Elgin Sentinels Chess Club See 1/7. 4.30p-5.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Tuesday Volunteens See 1/7. 5p6p, GBPL Main Library Youth Center - North, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Walkers, Wigglers & Crawlers See

Elgin Alive: What, no beer? Prohibition began in 1920, but it wasn’t the first time Elgin was “dry.” Historian Jerry Turnquist reveals earlier efforts to limit liquor sales in the city through the repeal of Prohibition in 1933. For more information, go to elgin-ecn.org. Presented in partnership with Elgin Community Network and the Elgin History Museum. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms AB, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Library Board Meeting Monthly meeting of the Library Board which is generally held on the second Tuesday of the month. 7p-9p, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

LinkedIn Series See 1/7. 7p-8.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info

Wed.Jan.15 Baby Rhyme Time See 1/8. 9.15a-9.45a, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Room C, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Smart Strategies for Job Seekers Learn strategies that will help you compete for full-time and part-time in-demand jobs. In partnership with Elgin Community College. Please register. Learn strategies that will help you compete for full-time and part-time in-demand jobs. Explore tools and resources that will help you update your personal marketing tools and networking strategies, target your job search, get job leads, and find resources and individual coaching to help you look for and find your next job. In partnership with Elgin Community College. Please register. 10a-12p, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

6.1 MS Excel Charts & Graphs Learn how to add visual interest and tell stories by displaying numbers and data sets in chart or graph format. Note: This class is not part of series please register for all events separately. 5.30p-7p, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Grupo Futuros Bilingues / Go Bilingual Group See 1/8. 6p-7p, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Wednesday Volunteens See 1/8. 6p-7p, GBPL Main Library Youth Center - North, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Bird Law / Ca$ual / Muted Color Indie rock lineup, presented by Mountain King Music Collective. 6.30p, Side Street Studio Arts, 15 Ziegler Court 847.429.2276 sidestreetstudioarts.org. $5 donation Cuentos para la familia See 1/8. 6.30p-7p, GBPL Main Library Story Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Coffee With A Cop Get to know Elgin police officers over coffee, Craft doughnuts, and conversation in a friendly neighborhood setting! 2p-3p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms ABC, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Reuniones Comite Asesor Padres Bilingues (BPAC) Venga, participe y establezca una voz eficaz. Platica del Dr. Ferney Ramirez: Claves para una autoestima indestructible. Habra actividades para los ninos. En espanol. Participate and establish an effective voice.Dr. Ferney Ramirez will speak about social and emotional learning. In Spanish. There will be activities for children. 6.30p-8.30p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms AB, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Homework Heroes See 1/8. 3.30p-5.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info

Walking Book Club See 1/8. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Studio 270 Volunteer Corps Help us create wonderful and unusual works of art for the library. This will be an ongoing group so regular attendance is encouraged! 4p-5p, GBPL Main Library Studio 270, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Beat the Boss Trivia Night See 1/1. 8p, Old Republic Kitchen + Bar, 155 S. Randall Road 224.535.9544 oldrepublicbar.com

Superhero Storytime See 1/6. 10.30a-11a, GBPL Rakow Branch Children’s Area, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info

STEAM: How Strong is Spaghetti? See 1/8. 4.30p-5.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Chuck Jones™ Season of Creativity Exhibit Kickoff Celebrate the opening of the Chuck Jones™ Season of Creativity Exhibit at a special kickoff event. Celebrate the opening of the Chuck Jones™ Season of Creativity Exhibit. Get your photo taken with Looney Tunes™ characters, get creative at animation activities and listen to the Elgin Master Chorale Chamber Singers perform their spectacular Tunes from the Toons program. 5p-6p, GBPL Main Library Lobby, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Thu.Jan.16 Device Advice See 1/2. 9.30a-11.30a, GBPL Rakow Branch Computer Cafe, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info 1, 2, 3, Go! See 1/7. 10a-10.30a, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms ABC, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Superhero Storytime See 1/6. 10.30a-11a, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Winter STEM Storytime See 1/13. 10.45a-11.15a, GBPL Main Library Story Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Piano Performance: Steve Yoder 11a-12p, GBPL Main Library Lobby,


January 2020 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info LELA (Library Early Literacy Advocates) This is a networking group for children’s librarians in Illinois to promote early literacy principles and programs. 1p-3p, GBPL Main Library Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Homeschool Kids Explore If you love robots, this Kids Explore program is for you! Make cardboard robots, learn to build LEGO We-Do robots, and read some robot stories. This series is sponsored by Comcast Internet Essentials to help bridge the digital divide and foster digital literacy skills. For more info on Internet Essentials, visit www.InternetEssentials. com. 2p-3p, GBPL Main Library Story Room - South, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Piano Performance: Stacey Weidner 2p-3p, GBPL Main Library Lobby, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Studio 270 Volunteer Corps Make a craft to give to someone in need. 4p5p, GBPL Main Library Studio 270*, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Children’s Sign Language Club Join Mrs. Potts as we learn American Sign Language and increase our awareness, knowledge and respect of

BRAVO deaf culture. Registration required. 4.30p-5.30p, GBPL Rakow Branch Living Room, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info Kids Explore If you love robots, this Kids Explore program is for you! Make cardboard robots, play with LEGO We-Do robots, and read some robot stories. This series is sponsored by Comcast Internet Essentials to help bridge the digital divide and foster digital literacy skills. For more info on Internet Essentials, visit www. InternetEssentials.com. 5p-6p, GBPL Main Library Story Room - South, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info QuickBooks Series Learn how QuickBooks desktop accounting software allows users to manage their company finances by, adding items, working with customers & vendors, and running reports. Notes: This is a series. Registering for the first class automatically enters you in all required sessions. 5.30p-7p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Baby Rhyme Time See 1/8. 6.30p7p, GBPL Main Library Story Room - North, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Grupo de Conversacion para la Ciudadania See 1/2. 6.30p-7.30p, GBPL Main Library Conference Room,

270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Elgin Genealogical Society Monthly meeting of the Elgin Genealogical Society with a presentation on using research methods that you may not be familiar with. Dan Jungclas, The Ancestry Guy, will present. Dan Jungclas will present “Family History ...Take a Different Look at Genealogy”. Using research methods that get you to think outside the box... a change from traditional research methods yet maintaining high ethical standards. Dan Jungclas is better known as “The Ancestry Guy”. He has more than 30 years’ experience in family history and is knowledgeable with German American research. Dan’s own passion for Genealogy developed while researching his own family ties in Germany. He is also well versed in Military research from the Civil War era to World War II and Midwest research. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms AB, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

31 10a-11.30a, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Walkers, Wigglers & Crawlers See 1/7. 10a-10.30a, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Room B, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info No Shushing Movie Fridays See 1/3. 10.30a-12.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden. info Sensory Fun for Every Little One See 1/10. 10.45a-11.30a, GBPL Main Library Story Room - South, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailbor-

Piano Performance: John LaBorn 7p-8p, GBPL Main Library Lobby, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Fri.Jan.17 Computers 101 Series See 1/10.

List your events for FREE


BRAVO

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theme is GIVE US THE BALLOT. Dr. King said, “Voting is the foundation stone for political action.” Tickets available at the City Hall cashier’s desk. 8.30a, Elgin Community College Building E, 1700 Spartan Drive 311 cityofelgin.org/mlk. $15

den.info Welcome Baby! Welcome Baby! Bring baby to this mini session designed especially for babies up to one year old and their caregivers. Learn about programs and resources to support your baby’s early literacy development and receive a special gift! Registration preferred, or drop in anytime between 1 - 3 pm. For an appointment on another day, time, or in Spanish, please contact Ana Morales (847289-5811). Bienvenido Bebe! Llevan a su bebe y bebes nueva tarjeta de la biblioteca a esta clase es disenado especialmente para bebes primer titular de la tarjeta de la biblioteca. Aprenda acerca de los programas y recursos para apoyar el desarrollo de alfabetismo temprano de su bebe y recibir un regalo especial! Para los bebes sies meses y abirriba con sus padres. Se prefiere registracion, o pasar de 1 a 3 de la tarde. Si prefiere una cita para otro da, hora o en espanol por favor contactar a Ana Morales (847-2895811). 1p-3p, GBPL Main Library Story Room - South, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Mike Geo Rockin your favorite tunes. 6p, Gifford’s Kitchen, 2300 Bushwood Drive 847.649.3900 giffordskitchen. com

Sat.Jan.18 Intz-a-Palooza: Dammit It’s Cold! The annual “Dammit, it’s Cold” twoday music festival runs Saturday and Sunday, January 18-19th. Saturday’s Naughty lineup includes Think Easy, the Deathstrokes, Long Birds, Scarlet Demore and Cherry Head. Sunday’s Nice lineup features Billow, Common Threads, Honey Creek and Jynxer. Each night the doors open at 6:30pm and music starts at 7pm. Side Street Studio Arts, 15 Ziegler Court 847.429.2276 sidestreetstudioarts. org. $5 donation Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Annual Prayer Breakfast Each year, the City of Elgin Human Relations Commission takes great pride in presenting a weekend of activities celebrating the life of one of our country’s greatest civil rights leaders, the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year’s

Downtown Elgin Winter Market The Downtown Elgin Winter Market returns for the 2020 season with a new location and some exciting new vendors! Shop the 3rd Saturday of the month (January . April) inside Dream Hall at 51 from 10:00am to 2:00pm. The Elgin Winter Market will feature a few of our popular summer market vendors, as well as some new faces offering specialty goods like honey, soaps, handmade arts, baked goods and more. 10a-2p, Dream Hall at 51, 51 S. Grove Avenue 847.488.1456 downtownelgin.com Preschool & Childcare Information Fair Representatives from area preschools, daycare centers and licensed homes will be available to talk about their childcare services and answer questions. The more schools you visit, the more chances you have to win prizes! 10a-12p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms ABC, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Dance Storytime For ages 2-4. See 1/4. 10.30a-11.20a, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden. info Saturday Volunteens See 1/4. 11a-12p, GBPL Main Library Youth Center - North, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Dance Storytime For ages 5-7. See 1/4. 11.30a-12.20p, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Curso Nivel 1 Principiantes See 1/11. 1p-3p, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Chinese New Year: Celebration of the Rat! Make sure your new year is filled with good fortune by joining for some fun activities! 1.30p-3p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Improvised D&D at the BBC Season 2 Join Out on a Whim and The Blue Box Cafe as they present Improvised Dungeons and Dragons at The BBC - Season 2!! Join the Guild as they adventure and Improvise “D & D” style an adventure devised by a guest DM each Week!! 2 Shows... 7 pm and 8:30 pm. Tickets are pay what you can. Doors open 30 minutes before each show. As always, ypu can enjoy a tasty sandwich or awesome coffee drink from Blue Box before, during,or after the show. 7p, Blue Box Cafe, 176 E. Chicago Street 847.697.2583

The Sweet Remains This acoustic trio blends modern folk-rock in the vein of Jason Mraz and Ray Lamontagne with lush three-part harmonies that harken back to ‘60s and ‘70s supergroups such as Crosby, Stills & Nash; the Eagles; and Simon & Garfunkel. Celebrating 10 years as a band and over 35 million Spotify plays in 2019, The Sweet Remains is led by gifted singer-songwriters Rich Price, Greg Naughton, and Brian Chartrand. 7p, ECC SecondSpace Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive 847.622.0300 tickets. elgin.edu. $29 Focal Point We will be rocking the night at D’Hangout Bar & Grill for their Anniversary Party. Come rock with us as we cover some of the hits of yesterday as well as dancing favorites. Are you celebrating a January birthday?...PM me to book your birthday party group and reserve a table. Ladies who can prove a January birthday and bring at least 3 friends will get a FREE Focal Point gift bag with some Paparazzi Jewelry in it. PM me to reserve your table, Get ready to rock with Focal Point and get some free BLING! 8p, D Hangout Bar & Grill, 550 S. McLean Boulevard 847.717.0511 d-hangout.com. No Cover

Sun.Jan.19 Read to Rover See 1/12. 1p-2.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Hot Chocolate Ride - January Let’s go for a chocolate rewarded slow roll. We’ll start and end at Arabica Cafe. We’ll have a slow roll pace for 4 to 5 miles through the core Elgin neighborhoods, quiet street routes. Bring a dollar for your special hot chocolate when we return to Arabica Cafe. If you have not signed the 2020 annual ride waiver, please do so at: https:// waiver.fr/p-SDLTu 1.30p, Arabica Cafe, 57 Douglas Avenue 847.227.7192 elginbikehub.com. Free Sunday Afternoon Concert: The Moeller Cello & Guitar Duo Performance will include works by such master composers as Myres, Scarlatti, De Falla, Granados and Villa-Lobos and maybe even some Jazz and Pop tunes! 2p-3p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms ABC, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Intz-a-Palooza: Dammit It’s Cold! See 1/18. 6.30p, Side Street Studio Arts, 15 Ziegler Court 847.429.2276 sidestreetstudioarts.org. $5 donation The Office Trivia Night You’ve medaled in Flonkerton, you’ve won warehouse basketball, you made it through the fire drill: challenge yourself now to The Office trivia! $100 to the winning team. Tickets are required, and they will go quickly - so

6.1 reserve your spot today! 8p, Old Republic Kitchen + Bar, 155 S. Randall Road 224.535.9544 sporcle.com. $25/team

Mon.Jan.20 Books and Badges Drop-in and meet Officer Creighton from the South Elgin Police Department’s Operation Book’em. 11.15a-11.45a, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Spanish Cafe / Cafe en Espanol See 1/6. 12p-1p, GBPL Main Library Conference Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Studio 270 Volunteer Squad See 1/14. 2p-4p, GBPL Main Library Studio 270, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Homework Heroes See 1/8. 3.30p-5.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Guided Meditation See 1/6. 6p-6.30p, First Congregational Church of Elgin, 256 E. Chicago Street 630.886.8823 fcc-elgin.org. Free Winter STEM Storytime See 1/13. 6p-6.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info French Conversation Group Join our monthly French Conversation Group! In a relaxed & friendly atmosphere with francophones of all ability levels, enjoy presentations, songs, videos & conversation en fran√ßais. No registration. 6.30p-8.30p, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Pet Storytime Woof woof! Enjoy a fun and furry storytime with special doggie guests! Before pets and photos with our four-legged friend, we’ll read, sing, and rhyme together. Best for ages 3-6. No registration. Caregivers welcome, but not required. 7p-7.30p, GBPL Main Library Story Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Tue.Jan.21 Panera Milk & Cookies The Gail Borden Public Library and Panera Bread are partnering to sponsor this program. Preschoolers enjoy stories followed by a milk and cookie snack compliments of Panera. Stay for a craft. Panera Bread Restaurant 369 Randall Road, South Elgin 9.30a-10.30a, GBPL Panera Bread, 369 Randall Road, South Elgin 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Pet Storytime See 1/20. 10a-10.30a, GBPL Main Library Story Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info 1, 2, 3, Go! See 1/7. 10.15a-10.45a,


BRAVO

January 2020 GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Job Search & Resume Help See 1/7. 1p-4p, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Piano Performance: Denise Williams 1p-2p, GBPL Main Library Lobby, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info South Elgin Sentinels Chess Club See 1/7. 4.30p-5.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Pizza & Books Stop by Studio 270 for a slice of pizza and join in on the conversation. We will be talking about what books we are reading now. For students in grades 9-12. 5p-6p, GBPL Main Library Studio 270, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Tuesday Volunteens See 1/7. 5p6p, GBPL Main Library Youth Center - North, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Walkers, Wigglers & Crawlers See 1/7. 6.15p-6.45p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Room C, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Grupo de Conversacion en Ingles See 1/7. 6.30p-7.30p, GBPL Main Li-

brary Conference Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info LinkedIn Series See 1/7. 7p-8.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Not In Our Town: Film & Conversation This series features films and discussions that showcases difficult community issues and highlights communities that respond to challenges to promote healing and unity. Short clips on hate crimes and implicit bias will be presented. Moderated by Elgin Police Chief Ana Lalley and Commander Ciganek. This program is presented in cooperation with Elgin Police Department, Elgin Community College MAGIC, Elgin Human Relations Commission, CERL, Gail Borden Public Library, Coalition of Elgin’s Religious Leaders & Elgin City of Peace. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Main Library Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Wed.Jan.22 Job Training Information Session See 1/8. 9.30a-11a, GBPL Main Library Conference Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Winter STEM Storytime See 1/13. 10.30a-11a, GBPL Rakow Branch Children’s Area, 2751 W. Bowes Road

847.531.7271 gailborden.info Homework Heroes See 1/8. 3.30p-5.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info The Gaming Event Game players: come to this drop-in event to play Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh, and other role-playing games. Bring your cards to play or trade. We will also bring out board games and chess. For grades 3-12. 5p-5.45p, GBPL Main Library Youth Center - South, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Essential Oils for Busy Moms & Kids Learn how to stay healthy and resilient during the winter months. 5.30p-6.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info MS Excel Formulas & Functions Learn to use formulas to automatically calculate and manipulate totals, percentages, averages, and ranges. Note: This class is not part of series please register for all events separately. 5.30p-7p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden. info Grupo Futuros Bilingues / Go Bilingual Group See 1/8. 6p-7p, GBPL Main Library Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

33 Wednesday Volunteens See 1/8. 6p-7p, GBPL Main Library Youth Center - North, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info AAUW Evening Book Club AAUW Evening Book Club - contact: Barbara Evans or Sharon Sutton. 6.30p-8.30p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Room C, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Cuentos para la familia See 1/8. 6.30p-7p, GBPL Main Library Story Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Contemporary Book Group The Contemporary Book Group discusses current literary novels once a month. January discussion: The Guest Book

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BRAVO

34 gailborden.info

Piano Performance: Shirley Remes 4.30p-5.30p, GBPL Main Library Lobby, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Taller Two Rivers para Padres / Two Rivers Parent Workshop See 1/9. 4.30p-5.30p, GBPL Main Library Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

by Sarah Blake. For more information, contact Andrea Houston at ahouston@gailborden.info or 847-2895844. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info German Conversation Group Herzlich willkommen! Practice or improve your conversation skills with other German speakers. Barbara Laane will be facilitating the conversation with different relevant themes. No registration. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Main Library Conference Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Walking Book Club See 1/8. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Beat the Boss Trivia Night See 1/1. 8p, Old Republic Kitchen + Bar, 155 S. Randall Road 224.535.9544 oldrepublicbar.com

Thu.Jan.23 1, 2, 3, Go! See 1/7. 10a-10.30a, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms ABC, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Device Advice See 1/2. 10a-12p, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Winter STEM Storytime See 1/13. 10.30a-11a, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Pet Storytime See 1/20. 10.45a-11.15a, GBPL Main Library Story Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Piano Performance: Steve Yoder 11a-12p, GBPL Main Library Lobby, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Homeschool Kids Explore Learn about dogs, make your own dog toy, and meet a certified therapy dog. 2p-3p, GBPL Main Library Story Room - South, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Piano Performance: Stacey Weidner 2p-3p, GBPL Main Library Lobby, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411

Kids Explore Learn about dogs, make your own dog toy, and meet a certified therapy dog. 5p-6p, GBPL Main Library Story Room - South, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info QuickBooks Series See 1/16. 5.30p7p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Lawyer in the Library Visit this walk-in service to assist you with your legal questions. No registration. Provided in partnership with the Kane County Law Library & Self Help Legal Center. Are you trying to muddle through the legal maze yourself? Visit this walk-in service to assist you with your legal questions. Volunteer attorneys will provide legal coaching, document review, and referrals to other community services. Bring paperwork that relates to your legal issues. Your meeting with the lawyer will last approximately 15 minutes. A Law Librarian and an Illinois Justice Corps Fellow will be available to guide you through resources and assist you with e-filing your court documents. No registration. Provided in partnership with the Kane County Law Library & Self Help Legal Center. 6p-7.30p, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Baby Rhyme Time See 1/8. 6.30p7p, GBPL Main Library Story Room - North, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Elgin K.N.O.W.S. Knowledgeable Neighbors & Officers Working for Safety. Join the EPD and Gail Borden Library in an informative yet informal discussion featuring UVISAS. 6.30p8p, GBPL Main Library Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Piano Performance: John LaBorn 7p-8p, GBPL Main Library Lobby, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Fri.Jan.24 Suite Surrender It’s 1942, and two of Hollywood’s biggest divas have descended upon the luxurious Palm Beach Royale Hotel -- assistants, luggage, and legendary feud with one another in tow. Everything seems to be in order for their wartime performance ... that is, until they are somehow assigned to the same

suite. Mistaken identities, overblown egos, double entendres, and a lap dog named Mr. Boodles round out this hilarious riot of a love note to the classic farces of the 30s and 40s. Weekends through February 9th. 8p, Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division Street 847.741.0532 elgin-theatre. org. $18-20 Mr. Blotto 10p, Gifford’s Kitchen, 2300 Bushwood Drive 847.649.3900 giffordskitchen.com. No Cover

Sat.Jan.25 Bison Feeding Watch up-close as Lords Park Zoo’s elk and deer get their breakfast, then head to the bison shed to personally help feed Becky, Drew, and Takoda! Free for kids under 3 and Museum Members. Space limited, registration required. 7a-8.30a, Elgin Public Museum, 225 Grand Boulevard 847.741.6655 elginpublicmuseum.org. $2-5 Dance Storytime For ages 2-4. See 1/4. 10.30a-11.20a, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden. info Saturday Volunteens See 1/4. 11a-12p, GBPL Main Library Youth Center - North, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Dance Storytime For ages 5-7. See 1/4. 11.30a-12.20p, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info American Grands 25 Over 450 pianists of all ages and skill levels perform during this celebration of the piano and those who love to play it. “The piano event of the year” features an orchestra of pianists ‚Äî 24 play on each musical piece ‚Äî performing on 12 grand pianos provided by Cordogan’s Pianoland, the events’ sponsor since its inception 1p, Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive 847.622.0300 tickets.elgin.edu. $15-24 Curso Nivel 1 Principiantes See 1/11. 1p-3p, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

6.1 Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Winter Mini Fringe: Bad Taste Crimecast Join the Elgin Fringe Festival for the first-ever Winter Mini Fringe featuring an awesome lineup of fringe-flavored artists hand selected just for you! The Bad Taste Crimecast brings you stories of mayhem and murder, to scare the sh*t out of you right before bed. Experience this debauched podcast live with Vicky Walters and Janelle O’Malley. Festival mini pass (all four shows) is $30. 3.30p, Grumpy Goat Tavern, 875 Sports Way 847.931.5950 grumpygoattavern.com. $10 ELGbtq Book Group We meet on the last Saturday of every month in the Grove Room on the second floor of the main Gail Borden Public Library to discuss a chosen piece of literature that relates to being LGBTQIA+. All are welcome to attend, but some material may not be appropriate for minors. Visit www.elginpride.com/ queerbookclub or email elgbtq@ gmail.com for more info. 4p-5.45p, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 elginpride.com Winter Mini Fringe: Memoriam Development Join the Elgin Fringe Festival for the first-ever Winter Mini Fringe featuring an awesome lineup of fringe-flavored artists hand selected just for you! Memoriam Development is a collective of creators gathered together in order to make great original content for stage, screen, and pod. They claim their show is the least prepared in Fringe history. Festival mini pass (all four shows) is $30. See above. 5p, Grumpy Goat Tavern, 875 Sports Way 847.931.5950 grumpygoattavern.com. $10 Winter Mini Fringe: American Maniacs Unlimited Join the Elgin Fringe Festival for the first-ever Winter Mini Fringe featuring an awesome lineup of fringe-flavored artists hand selected just for you! American Maniacs Unlimited are an ensemble of highly skilled and deeply silly performers who will stab minds, slash hearts, and punch up to save the very soul of

Manga and Anime Club for Grades 6-12 Calling all fans of Attack on Titan, My Hero Academia, Sailor Moon, and more! Watch anime, make buttons, share fan art, and enjoy Japanese snacks. New members are welcome; come solo or with a friend! 2p-3.30p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms AB, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Read to Rover Kids practice their reading skills by cuddling up with a good book and reading aloud to a fully trained and certified therapy dog. Registration required. For grades K through 8. 2p-3.30p, GBPL Main Library Story Room, 270 N. Grove

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BRAVO

January 2020

10% off your purchase PLUS a reusable shopping bag (while supply lasts) for one Elgin Doller!

ONE ELGIN DOLLER accepted for every $10 you spend.

800 North State Street•Elgin

Open Tuesday - Saturday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

restoreelgin.org•(847) 742-9905

ELGIN KNIT WORKS 8 Douglas Avenue • Downtown Elgin elginknitworks.com • (847) 627-6700

An Elgin Old Tyme Suite Surrender Holiday Radio Show 3 Jan. 24-26, 31, 2020 Nov. 15-17, 22-24, 2019 Feb. 1-2, 7-9, 2020 The Tin Woman A Doll’s House Part 2 April 17-19, 24-26, 2020 June 12-14, 19-21, and May 1-3, 2020 June 26-28, 2020

360 Park Street • (847) 742-4248 Open Wednesday - Saturday, 11am - 4pm Adults $3, Students $1, Members free

Contact us for a free quote

441 Dundee Avenue, Suite B (847) 841-8400 • www.rmailroom.com Serving All of your Printing & Mailing needs

One Elgin Doller accepted toward the purchase of any service. Limit one per customer, per day. 217 Symphony Way • (847) 741-5457

kellenbergerauto.com

2018

AUTO SERVICE

series B

Since 1939

discount coupon

Become an Elgin Historical Society Member! www.elginhistory.org

community

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T224-5131220

Souvenir pens and mini-LED flashlights are one Elgin Doller each in our Gift Shop.

ELGIN DOLLER

Up to five Elgin Dollers accepted toward the purchase of 500 business cards (printed one side), or other job priced $29 or more. Some restrictions apply.

1020 Larkin Ave. (847) 741-0249 herbsbakery.com

monetæ

59 Douglas Avenue • (224) 227-7192 Open Weekdays 7am - 4pm Weekends 8am - 3pm

Herb’s Bakery

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Do not use the Elgin Doller for tips, taxes, payroll, charitable contributions or purchases at non-participating businesses. Please remember: it’s not money, it just looks like money. Have fun!

NOT LEGAL TENDER

Coffee • Espresso • Smoothies Pastries • Sandwiches • Salads

There are no official rules for the Elgin Doller — each business decides on the terms of its use. Ask your favorite merchant if they accept the Elgin Doller.

ONE

We proudly accept the Elgin Doller!

Each month, we’ll print one Elgin Doller in BRAVO Magazine. It’s not money — it’s a coupon you can redeem toward a purchase at any one of the participating merchants whose ad appears in this section.

Cut carefully on the dotted line with a sharp scissors or hobby knife.

www.elgin-theatre.org • (847) 741-0532

Here’s Your Allowance

Because it’s a community coupon, there is no expiration date and the coupons can be circulated and reused. Not spending your allowance this month? Clip out the Doller and save it!

One Elgin Doller is accepted on your purchase of $5 or more.

Elgin Dollers accepted at our concession area during any show in our 2019-2020 season.

35


BRAVO

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Do You Accept The Elgin Doller?

6.1

Bottled water and canned soft drinks are just one Elgin Doller each at our 2019-2020 performances.

If your business handles lots of small cash sales, you might benefit from the Elgin Doller promotion. There is no cost to participate.

One Elgin Doller accepted toward a purchase of $10 or more per guest at ...

Just tell us the terms of your offer, and we’ll supply you with a free window cling, a magnet for your point of purchase area, and a free ad in this section of BRAVO Magazine. Train your staff on how to accept Elgin Dollers. Make sure there’s an easy way to process a transaction involving a discount.

www.independentplayers.org

The Dollers you collect aren’t worthless; they are still valid for use at any other participating merchant!

For more information, read our FAQs at marqueemedia.net/elgindollerfaqs

Now in our 21st Season

Northern Northern Illinois Illinois Hospital Hospital and and Asylum Asylum for for the the Insane Insane

Cut carefully on the dotted line with a sharp scissors or hobby knife.

XI I III VII IV IX

Payable to the Bearer on Demand

1

One Elgin Doller can be used toward the purchase of a general admission ticket during our 2019-2020 season.

1

martiniroomelgin.com

Selling your home? Get a free expert market analysis for one Elgin Doller!

Our goal is to create interest in BRAVO, recognize Elgin’s unique culture, and stimulate local commerce in a fun, free, easy way.

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Elgin Doller is good for $1 OFF a minimum $5 purchase. Limit 1 per customer per day.

a unique boutique with a vintage soul

10 Douglas Ave. • Elgin, IL 60120 2 2 4 . 2 2 3 . 7 7 1 8 s ou lf u ls p ar row. com

One Elgin Doller accepted toward your purchase of $15 or more in preowned vinyl. Limit one per customer per day.

New Releases Re-Releases Rare Vinyl Turntables Vintage Music

9 S. Spring St. Open Daily Mon 12-6 Tue-Sat 11-7 Sunday 11-4

www.rediscoverrecords.com

One Elgin Doller is good toward a minimum ten dollar purchase. Limit one per customer per day.

74 S. Grove Ave. • ELGIN


BRAVO

January 2020

Sun.Jan.26 Discovering the Silent Cinema Learn about our motion picture heritage in a fast paced, fun-filled show. Experience the mighty theatre organ - the voice of the silent screen with your host & silent film organist Jay Warren. R 2p-3p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms ABC, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Suite Surrender See 1/24. 2p, Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division Street 847.741.0532 elgin-theatre.org. $1820 America in the face of a pessimistic world that has forgotten how to empathize with it’s own inner child. Festival mini pass (all four shows) is $30. See above. 6.30p, Grumpy Goat Tavern, 875 Sports Way 847.931.5950 grumpygoattavern.com. $10 Mi Latinidad: An Evening of Singing, Dancing and Culture Join us for an Evening of Singing, Dancing and Culture! We are an ensemble of young Latinx artists on a mission to lift up our community and we are inviting you to join us in the celebration. We will share some traditional folk songs, musical theatre songs as well as contemporary music; some in English and others in Spanish. Audience participation is welcomed and encouraged! Find us on Instagram: @milatinidad or Facebook: @STOPArtistSeries 7p, Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church, 10805 Main Street, Huntley 847.669.9448 sotp.org. Free Abbey Road: The Beatles Join the ESO and Jeans ‘n Classics as they perform the best-selling Beatles album - Abbey Road with a warm-up set featuring hits from the White Album. This performance faithfully interprets the music of The Beatles, with the signature flair of world-class vocalists from Jeans ‘n Classics and the award-winning ESO. 7.30p, Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way 847.888.4000 elginsympony.org. $35 and up Suite Surrender See 1/24. 8p, Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division Street 847.741.0532 elgin-theatre.org. $1820 Winter Mini Fringe: Mansplain The Musical Join the Elgin Fringe Festival for the first-ever Winter Mini Fringe featuring an awesome lineup of fringe-flavored artists hand selected just for you! What happens when all male creative teams write about what life is like as a woman? Will they find truth, or just stereotyped gender roles? Join Dee Volitious as they battle the patriarchy in search of answers in Mansplain: The Musical. Festival mini pass (all four shows) is $30. See above. 8p, Grumpy Goat Tavern, 875 Sports Way 847.931.5950 elginfringefestival.com. $10

Rhythm & Relief Concert to benefit Go With the Flow Join us in celebrating our Fifth Anniversary of providing menstrual products, toiletries and underwear to women and girls experiencing homelessness throughout Kane County. Our Rhythm and Relief Concert will feature the bands Rockin’ Moxie and The Bare Hambones. Gather your friends or bring the family out for music, dancing, band karaoke, food from Gifford’s Kitchen and an opportunity to help Go With the Flow continue to carry out our mission to provide women and girls with confidence and dignity when it comes to “that time of the month”. Doors open at 3:00 Bands start at 3:30 and go all night! 3p-9p, Gifford’s Kitchen, 2300 Bushwood Drive 847.649.3900 gowiththeflowparties.org. $25 Gilmore Girls Trivia Night We’re almost there & nowhere near it. All that matters is that we’re going to Gilmore Girls trivia! 8p, Old Republic Kitchen + Bar, 155 S. Randall Road 224.535.9544 sporcle.com

Mon.Jan.27 Piano Performance: Skip Dyson 10a-11a, GBPL Main Library, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Rakow Readers Join the Rakow Readers one Monday of each month for a lively book discussion. Meetings are held at 1:30 pm in the Shales Living Room of the Rakow Branch Library. January 2020 Discussion: Becoming Dr. Seuss by Brian Jay Jones 1.30p-2.30p, GBPL Rakow Branch Living Room, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info Homework Heroes See 1/8. 3.30p-5.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Teen Advisory Board See 1/13. 4p5p, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info The Literacy Connection Board of Directors Meeting 5p-9p, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Cafe Latino: Grupo de Lectura/ Reading Group Cada mes leemos una lectura corta del libro Abriendo puertas: Ampliando perspectivas. Copias del libro en la biblioteca. Lectura de este mes: “A Julia de Burgos” por Julia de Burgos . Puerto Rico El ultimo lunes de cada mes, nos reunimos para comentar la lectura junto con estudiantes de la clase de AP Literatura en espanol de Elgin High School. Todos los que esten interesados en leer y compartir son bienvenidos. Todas las lecturas son del libro Abriendo puertas: Ampliando perspectivas. La biblioteca tiene copias del libro que se pueden sacar prestadas. Para mas informacion, comunicate con Flor Chavez al 847-427-6791 o fchavez@ gailborden.info. 6p-7p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Room A, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Guided Meditation See 1/6. 6p-6.30p, First Congregational Church of Elgin, 256 E. Chicago Street 630.886.8823 fcc-elgin.org. Free Open Auditions for Matilda the Musical Show dates are April 17-19, 2020, with school day matinees April 16-17. Find out about the show at cteelgin. com. Registration and fee required. 6p-8.30p, Epworth United Methodist Church, 37W040 W. Highland Avenue 847.214.7152 cteelgin.com/auditions Pet Storytime See 1/20. 6p-6.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Grupo de Conversacion para la Ciudadania See 1/2. 6.30p-7.30p, GBPL Main Library Conference Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Online Reputation Management Reviews and Star Ratings Join us for a seminar that will guide you through the process of managing your customer reviews. Please register. Partner: SCORE Fox Valley. What are your potential customers going to see first: your web site or your profile on one of the many online customer review and star rating portals? If you haven’t asked yourself that question yet, you are far behind your competition. Online reviews have become extremely important for customer and prospects. They influence decisions about who we do business with and where we spend our money. Star ratings follow you everywhere online. 6.30p-8p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Room C, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Nature Storytime There’s nothing like exploring nature and wildlife. Join us for an interactive storytime connecting us to the natural world. Best for ages 3-6. No registration. Caregivers welcome, but not required. 7p-7.30p, GBPL Main Library

37 Story Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Town Hall Meeting for No Tax Increase Swap Referendum Public Meeting for people to learn about the library’s March 17, 2020 referendum 7p-8p, GBPL Main Library Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Tue.Jan.28 Nature Storytime See 1/27. 10a-10.30a, GBPL Main Library Story Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info 1, 2, 3, Go! See 1/7. 10.15a-10.45a, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Job Search & Resume Help See 1/7. 1p-4p, GBPL Main Library Conference Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Piano Performance: Denise Williams 1p-2p, GBPL Main Library Lobby, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info South Elgin Sentinels Chess Club See 1/7. 4.30p-5.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Tuesday Volunteens See 1/7. 5p6p, GBPL Main Library Youth Center - North, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Reel Women for Real Women If the library closes due to weather on Reel Women event nights, the film will be shown at the next Reel Women date not already scheduled. Billi’s family returns to China under the guise of a fake wedding to stealthily say goodbye to their beloved matriarch -- the only person that doesn’t know she only has a few weeks to live. 6p-8.30p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms AB, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Walkers, Wigglers & Crawlers See 1/7. 6.15p-6.45p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Room C, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailbor-

FEED.colorcode   Bands & Music   Theater & Dance   Exhibits & Film   Causes & Community   Kids & Families   Lectures & Learning   Wellness & Nature   Creativity   Other


BRAVO

38

6.1

The Faque News    Humor and/or Satire

dress for a mess

“Art Bomb” Mischief is More Hopeful than Hateful Residents in the northeast neighborhood of Elgin awakened December 17th to a colorful mural on the wall of the former Sherman Hospital, located at 901 Center Street. The unsigned artwork is approximately 25 feet high and 40 feet wide, and is positioned high on the west-facing wall, ten feet from the ground. It appears to depict 1960’s cartoon dog “Mr. Peabody” walking his sidekick “Sherman” in a peculiar role reversal. The artwork is accompanied by the words “Sherman Dog Park” painted on a dumpster enclosure. “They would have needed a lift, or scaffolding or something to paint this,” one Spring Street resident speculated. “I really don’t see how it could be finished in one night.” While there is no known explanation for the choice of subject matter, neighbors suppose it’s a reference to the increasing use of the green space adjacent to the shuttered facility as a place for exercising dogs. “I’ve heard it called the ‘Sherman Dog

Park’ because it’s an open, grassy area in the middle of a neighborhood full of dog owners,” said east sider John Marston. “There’s people with dogs here all the time. But nobody I know could pull this off.” The vacant property is currently listed for sale by Caton Commercial Real Estate Group of Naperville, whose brochure describes the green space on the property as “Parcel A, 3.25 acres.” No one at Caton was aware of the incident, nor offered any comment. “I wouldn’t mind seeing it turned into a dog park,” said Marston. “Obviously somebody out there feels the same way.” Neighbors who were gathered at the scene described it as an “art bomb,” not graffiti. “Something done this well isn’t really a defacement,” one said, “it’s like a Banksy piece,” referring to the anonymous UK street artist and activist who works at night. When asked about the significance of the dog walking the boy, Marston replied, “Have you ever walked a 75-pound chocolate lab?”

M P U L S E the new fragrance from

MARQUEE MEDIA

“Art bomb” at the former Sherman Hospital. Photo by Faque News.


BRAVO

January 2020

Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Wednesday Volunteens See 1/8. 6p-7p, GBPL Main Library Youth Center - North, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Cuentos para la familia See 1/8. 6.30p-7p, GBPL Main Library Story Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

den.info Grupo de Conversacion en Ingles See 1/7. 6.30p-7.30p, GBPL Main Library Conference Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info MS Word Basics Learn how to create text-based documents using Word, as well as how to complete simple actions like saving, opening, and printing documents. Note: This class is not part of series - please register for all events separately. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Main Library Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Town Hall Meeting for No Tax Increase Swap Referendum See 1/27. 7p-8p, GBPL Rakow Branch Living Room, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info Trivia Night Grab your friends, family, or co-workers for a fun filled night of Movie Trivia or what we like to call it, the decade through film! Food, drinks, prizes, and one awesome trivia host! 7p-9p, Elgin Public House, 219 E. Chicago Street 847.468.8810 elginpublichouse.com. Free

Wed.Jan.29 Baby Rhyme Time See 1/8. 9.15a-9.45a, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Room C, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Pet Storytime See 1/20. 10.30a-11a, GBPL Rakow Branch Children’s Area, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info Homework Heroes See 1/8. 3.30p-5.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info MS Excel Working with Tables Learn how to create tables and pivot tables, sort and filter data, work with large spreadsheets, and more. Note: This class is not part of series - please register for all events separately. 5.30p-7p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Grupo Futuros Bilingues / Go Bilingual Group See 1/8. 6p-7p, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N.

DIY Dog Toys for Grades 6-8 Learn about dogs, make your own dog toy, and meet a certified therapy dog. Toys can either be brought home or donated to Anderson Animal Shelter. 7p-8p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Room C, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Walking Book Club See 1/8. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Main Library Conference Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Beat the Boss Trivia Night See 1/1. 8p, Old Republic Kitchen + Bar, 155 S. Randall Road 224.535.9544 oldrepublicbar.com

Thu.Jan.30 1, 2, 3, Go! See 1/7. 10a-10.30a, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms ABC, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Pet Storytime See 1/20. 10.30a-11a, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Nature Storytime See 1/27. 10.45a-11.15a, GBPL Main Library Story Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

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6.30p-7.30p, GBPL Rakow Branch Living Room, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info Project 2-3-1 Film & Discussion This award-winning documentary begins with the Civil War contrabands and continues to present day with enthralling stories and photos that tells the rich history of African American life in Elgin. Sponsored by: Elgin History Museum. 6.30p-8.30p, GBPL Main Library Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Piano Performance: John LaBorn 7p-8p, GBPL Main Library Lobby, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Sensory Fun for Every Little One See 1/10. 10.45a-11.30a, GBPL Main Library Story Room - South, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Suite Surrender See 1/24. 8p, Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division Street 847.741.0532 elgin-theatre.org. $1820 The Spindles with the Last Generation The Last Generation, who were recently featured on WGN, play at 8PM. The Spindles play at 10PM. Hope to see you there! 8p, Danny’s on Douglas, 231 Douglas Avenue 847.742.5400 dannyspizzaelgin.com. No Cover

Fri.Jan.31 Computers 101 Series See 1/10. 10a-11.30a, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Walkers, Wigglers & Crawlers See 1/7. 10a-10.30a, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Room B, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info No Shushing Movie Fridays See 1/3. 10.30a-12.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden. info

List your events for FREE

Get to know your city and neighbors.

Piano Performance: Stacey Weidner 2p-3p, GBPL Main Library Lobby, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Studio 270 Volunteer Squad See 1/14. 5p-7p, GBPL Main Library Studio 270, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info QuickBooks Series See 1/16. 5.30p7p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Wait, What? Mark of Wait, What? plays a very special solo performance. 6p-8.30p, Gifford’s Kitchen, 2300 Bushwood Drive 847.649.3900 giffordskitchen.com Baby Rhyme Time See 1/8. 6.30p7p, GBPL Main Library Story Room - North, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Hive Talkin’ Join local Beekeeper Konni Vukelic of Three Bees for a one of kind presentation on bees.¬†She will explain the lifespan of a bee, how honey is made, and what a day in the life of a honeybee is like. See a hive box, beekeeping tools, honeycomb, and beeswax. Registration required.

Come ride with us! www.elginbikehub.com 224•407•2124


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40

P I Z Z A Gluten B R A V O Free! Complete 2019 12-issue set in a 12” pizza box

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Part Four:

The Crisis by Jeffrey R. Pierce

I suggested we meet for a picnic the following week, on Independence Day, since Charles Durant and most of the fishing fleet would stay home. The look on her face was like a child who had just been granted a wish.

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“Rita, I want to see you somewhere else, besides the harbor,” Birgit said, taking my hand in hers. “Can we go somewhere else?”

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July fourth was a beautiful, sunny day, and I packed a picnic basket with bread, cheese, strawberries, lemonade and a book of transcendentalist poetry. I wore a floral print dress and a delicate, beaded macrame necklace that was a gift from Jo. One of the women at the Bethel Hotel let me use her bicycle to ride to the park, and Birgit arrived in her father’s truck. It was the first time I saw her in plain clothes: white bermuda shorts, a green sleeveless blouse and sandals. The muscular contours of her clear, untanned shoulders seemed to glow beneath her ginger blonde hair. “Birgit, ...” She kissed me on the cheek before I could say any more. All at once it was clear we shared a mutual attraction, and I was exhilarated and terrified by it at the same time. Yet thus started a relationship that would survive what was to follow in Sturgeon Bay.

In the Fall of 1944, I began to direct my school reform efforts to the State level, since the local district had rejected my advocacy on behalf of Jo and a few other children, and the relatively small population of the county prevented the formation of any significant public opinion on educating handicapped students. My letters to Wisconsin legislators urging that funds be designated for teaching deaf and retarded students in public schools often went unanswered, and the thought that I was being ignored because I was a young and obscure female social worker in a small county made me indignant. Jo turned eight in 1945, and I decided that she should become her own best advocate, by showing that an abnormal child could learn and thrive under the right conditions. I shifted my focus back to her development, and began to document it much more carefully. “Evelyn, besides your faith, what ideas are most important to you?” I asked one day at the Durant house. “What concerns you? War? Poverty? Disease epidemics?” She thought for a few seconds. “Segregation. And poor treatment of colored people. It’s terrible, the things I read.” “Read where? Not in our local newspaper ...”


January 2020

“No, in The Crisis.” The Crisis was a quarterly magazine published by the NAACP, which covered civil rights and a host of other issues that affected colored people. Every three months, Evelyn’s aunt in Chicago would send her the expired edition after the new one came out. “Can you find some important passages written in plain language, and copy them out for Jo?” I suggested. “It’s time she should learn more about the world.” We gradually added more commentary and poetry to Jo’s lessons. I taught her excerpts from Viriginia Woolf’s A Room of One’s Own and my favorite paraphrases of John Dewey. Birgit taught her all about commercial fishing nets, and about every variety of fish in the Great Lakes. Jo was able to draw realistic pictures of specific fish species, and create miniature nets from a ball of cotton string. This was our way of constructing a curriculum of letters, science and art that we believed would improve Jo’s — or any person’s — experience of life and their value to society. Naturally the next step was to channel this development into work. After the war ended in the Summer of 1945, dozens of servicemen returned home to Sturgeon Bay. The following Spring, they were looking for jobs and there was plenty of work to do on the docks. Birgit’s brother, home from the Philippines, went back to fishing with their father, and Birgit divided her time between caring for their sickly mother and repairing nets for the fleet. She rented part of a warehouse by the harbor and did a steady business, making a respectable income. Almost every fisherman used gillnets, and since new rope was impossible to get during the war, the old nets in use since the thirties had to be repaired frequently. “I wish I could spend more time with you,” she sighed one summer night as she walked me to the door of the Bethel Hotel. We had been seeing each oth-

BRAVO

er almost every day, for a few minutes at least, but we rarely found any privacy. The women at the Bethel suspected we were a couple, and after one embarrassing incident there, Birgit would never again come up to my room. I gazed up into her bright blue eyes until I knew no one was watching, then we hugged tightly. She took her work quite seriously and seemed to have more repair jobs than she could handle alone. “Would you let Jo help you?” I asked. “She’s nine now. She knows your craft as well as you. Should I ask Charles about it?” To my surprise, Charles welcomed the idea of letting Jo work in the net shop with Birgit. He told me the backlog of repairs had meant lost time for some of the boats, and that caused problems with their crews, who acted out by drinking and fighting. The sooner they got back on the lake, he said, the better. Jo began working two mornings per week, and Birgit regularly sent Evelyn a generous allowance for her, which was put into the bank in a custodial account. Jo loved the work, and all of the lifting and winding seemed to spur physical growth in her. By Thanksgiving, she was two inches taller and was developing long, strong fingers. Birgit’s mother passed away in March 1947. Her funeral was on a Friday morning. I attended for the entire visitation time, and Evelyn brought Jo for the service. “Bless your mother’s soul,” she told Birgit, and offered a hug. “But it’s all right, she’s in Jesus’ arms now.” There was a luncheon at the Lutheran church afterward, and quite a few people had gathered in the church hall. I was helping in the kitchen when Evelyn rushed in. “Is Jo with you?” she panted. “I don’t know where she went!” BRAVO Serial Fiction presents a work of short fiction in a series of installments. “The Good Catch” is by the Editor and Publisher of BRAVO Magazine. Read previous parts online at marqueemedia.net/thegoodcatch

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The Tiny Chihuahua Dog

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Article by AR-C14 Painting by UA-18033973-1 The Chihuahua is the world’s smallest dog breed and its history is shrouded in mystery. Everyone is familiar with the tiny Chihuahua dog breed, but what many people don’t know is that there are different types of Chihuahua dogs. The Chihuahua is the oldest dog breed on the continent of North America, and it is the smallest dog breed in the world. The smallest dog in the world, and the oldest breed in North America, the Chihuahua was named for the Mexican state where it was first discovered. The Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dog in the world and is named after the state of Chihuahua in Mexico, where it was discovered in 1850. The smallest of dog breeds, there are far more Chihuahua types than people realize.

The Small Chihuahua Dog The Chihuahua is a very fragile dog because of it’s small size. Adored for its small size, the Chihuahua is a bright eyed, dainty dog. The Chihuahua is usually an agile and graceful

dog, capable of fast speeds for their small size and a considerable vertical leap. There are several types of Chihuahua breeds in terms of sizes, colors, head shapes and length of the coat. The tiny Chihuahua is very vulnerable under anesthetic, so there is risk involved. The Chihuahua is not only popular due to its adorable appearance, it is also highly sought-after due to its loyalty.

The History Of the Chihuahua Dog Breed The prominent tendency of a Chihuahua is to be fiercely loyal to one single owner. The Chihuahua is well-known for their lively, alert, self-confident and often devoted nature. Perhaps the most important characteristic of the Perfect Chihuahua Owner, beyond a huge capacity for love, is a sense of humor. The Smooth coat has a glossy, soft, and close coat which is full textured over the entire body, but quite scanty on the head and ears.

A Loop That Touches The Back The early Toltecs of Mexico had similar dogs to the Chihua-

hua called the Techichi. The Chihuahua is an ancient breed descended from the Techichi dog of the Toltecs of Mexico, and possibly also from Mayan dogs from South America. The Chihuahua is a graceful, alert, swift-moving little dog with a saucy expression.

A Key to Taking Care of Chihuahua Dogs The Chihuahua is a very pretty and cuddly little dog. You have just made a major commitment in your life and accepted a loving, living responsibility that is looking to you for care, comfort, food, protection and attention. Ideal for urban or apartment living, the Chihuahua can tolerate some hot weather but is intolerant of cold.

nails at least once a month.

A Chihuahua Dog Shelter Or Refuge The Chihuahua will respond well to firm and gentle training. The Chihuahua can be difficult to train, but with patience, love, and consistency do well. Once you have selected which of the Chihuahua stud dogs is best for you, simply use the convenient stud dog owner contact details provided for swift and easy communication.

Chihuahua Puppies for Over 30 Years The tiny jaw of the Chihuahua puppy can be very fragile. Chihuahuas are a long lived breed, often achieving 16 or more years of age. Since the Chihuahua is mainly a housepet, you will need to trim their

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January 2020

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GREEDY MEDIA MOGUL TO HIKE RATES IN 2020

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Chihuahua Dogs

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Article by GPT2-T The dog that brought the dogs of the American southwest from Mexico across the Rio Grande has been called the world’s first domesticated dog. The earliest documented dog in the world, the dog of Central America, is thought to be the Cusco dog, whose ancestors may have lived on the coast of the Yucatan in a warm water swamp during the Pleistocene era. Dog DNA shows it’s more than 6,000 years old. Dogs have been found in Europe, Asia, Africa, North America and Australia.

Dingo or Tonto? The term Tonto, which means “hippie” in Quechua, could refer to anyone, since its origin is an Old English adjective “tonto.” But it could also be a Native American name associated with an indigenous Native American tribe, the Tonto Indians. “As you know, Mexico is home to nearly 80 percent of the dogs in the United States. There are a number of breeds that are popular among Americans. Many of the most popular of these are pit bulls.” According to a 2007 survey by The Dog Fact Book, the top 10 pit bull breeds and those used in movies and TV series are, in order, American Pit Bull Terriers, Australian Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, American Staffordshire Terriers, German Shepherds, English Mastiffs, and American Cocker Spaniels (not to be confused with the more common French Mastiff). The Dog Fact Book is the latest authoritative reference on dogs and dog breeds, and it is filled with information on the genetics, temperament, and behavior of the breeds. It is a great way to learn more about the dogs of

a specific breed or type, such as a dog like the German Shepherd who has such an intriguing name, but is also known for its “welfare issues.”

Origin of Chihuahua Dog Breed The Spanish Inquisition banned the use of the Spanish word Dogon, or Chihuahua, until the 1600s. However, this was not the case with the dogs in the United States. Chihuahuas became popular in the 1840s and 1850s as a way to help people who were deaf, dumb, or mute. Their name stemmed from the Spanish word chihuahua, which means “dog.” Chihuahuas were also used as guard dogs at the time. The origin of the name Chihuahua was thought to originate with the breed of dogs found in the Canary Islands. They began to appear in New York State in the 1860s. They first entered the United States in the early 1900s, where they spread throughout the United States. There were over 100,000 Chihuahuas owned by Americans in 1996 (which is over 100 times the current number of registered Chihuahua dogs)! The dog’s popularity has greatly increased since the turn of this century. It is a must have in your home.

Caring for Chihuahua Dogs Can Be Difficult There is no one “correct” way of caring for dogs. There is really no right or wrong way, but you can learn to provide the right care for your dog. We hope that learning about Chihuahuas will be useful for you and we’re happy to answer questions about how we care for them.

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Growing Strawberries

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Strawberries are one of the most profitable substance crops to grow in a small home garden. Growing organic strawberries is truly profitable whether you are growing them on a commercial standard or simply a small backyard garden to provide fresh strawberries for your family. You have to change your garden for planting strawberries, once you have decided where you will be growing strawberries. When you know how to grow strawberries in a container garden you really can grow them anywhere, even if you live in a flat with no yard. Growing strawberries in your home garden can be a profitable and exciting experience. You can use virtually anything as a container, some people even learn how to grow strawberries using tires, though conventional pots work simply as well. Both blackberries and raspberries will commonly yield an average crop of fruit the second year after planting and a full crop the third season. The healthier and more vigorous the plant in its front year, the better your crop will be in the harvest year, when growing strawberries. Intensive activity is necessary, because of the quality needed in growing a crop like strawberry. You may end up harvesting strawberries all round the year, with regular re-plantations at distinct intervals. You may determine that you desire to grow something else, after enjoying the original premium of your crop. The berries are real perishable, so do not pick more at one time than you can care effectively. Day-neutral strawberry varieties will continue to produce fruit throughout the growing season as long as temperatures rest below 90 degrees Fahrenheit. When picking your strawberries

use a fragile hand, as the fruit is soft and will tend to bruise rather easily. Day-neutral varieties can bear fruit roughly 3 months after planting, if favorable growing temperatures rule. When growing day-neutral strawberries, pull off only the front set of blossoms and after that allow the fruit to set. Day-neutral varieties can fruit and flower throughout the growing season if temperatures are medium. Strawberry plants grown out of strawberry seeds take approximately 3 years to start and develop flowering. Strawberry plants live lots of years but fruit production will degrade after approximately three years. Your mother plants’ production will begin to turn, and at that point it is best to dig them up and start all over again, after four or three years. All types of strawberry plants will produce better in subsequent years if all their energies are devoted to establishing themselves and producing healthy runner plants in the early year. Strawberries are the front fruit to ripen in spring and early summer. Planting strawberries is best done in the spring, but as long as you hold your new plants well watered, fall or summer will work as well. Each strawberry plant produces the maximum strawberries the early spring after it is planted. The everbearing strawberries do not create runners but fall and produce three periods of flowers and fruit during the spring, summer. Strawberries are one of the primary plants to fruit in the spring. Fruiting starts after 60 days, commonly when strawberries are scarce.


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Strawberry Gardening

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Article by GPT2-T Painting by UA-18033973-1 Strawberries are one of the best vegetables available. They have excellent calcium and vitamin B-6 content. Strawberries are an excellent source of Vitamin C because they are a rich source of Vitamin C that your cells can’t handle properly, so they can’t make new cells. They also contain beta-carotene, which is an antioxidant, or anti-cancer agent, which helps protect your cells from the damage associated with stress. Strawberries are also nutrient dense and are rich in vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and a large number of other nutrients. Your body needs all of these nutrients to sustain healthy cells because when your cells do not get enough of them, they die and cause cellular destruction. They are also packed with antioxidants, phytochemicals and enzymes that prevent oxidation and cell loss, all necessary to maintain healthy cells and tissues.

2-3 days old. For tomatoes, they will need to be watered for two weeks, even if the weather is cool. Tomato crops that aren’t overwatered will last a long time. Most people think pruning strawberries is a long and tiresome task when it comes to pruning strawberries. However, you should actually be pruning strawberries in several stages. The most common part of the job is when the strawberry plant grows larger and taller. When the plant grows, it leaves lots of roots that can drain moisture from the soil. When the soil is saturated with moisture, roots

Water your tomato plants when they are

The strawberries should be cut with a knife, and left to thaw on the counter for a little while so the soil gets to know the berries and gets rid of all the “bad” things. You know how if you take a big, unwashed strawberry and start scratching it with your fingernails? It just gives off a wonderful scented smell! I call the smell of a ripe strawberry “fresh.”

When harvesting, keep in mind not to pick the tops — a layer of pulp can become a large obstacle for the harvesting knife, so be careful!

Step 2: After deciding how big the strawberry patch will be, take your tomato (or grape) plants and put them in the ground. Set up the tomato plants in such a way that they have all their roots connected to the ground. It will be a lot easier to get your tomato plants out of the ground than have to do it yourself.

To ensure that the tomato plants get the most nitrogen, the plant should be grown outside, exposed to a temperature under 30°F. If you are growing tomatoes in a greenhouse, use the same soil mix as for growing tomatoes inside.

First, the Strawberries should ripen to their peak, if you can keep it, in 3 of the 4-8 weeks. Strawberries like to stay on the shelf until frost, but the most common is to let them ripen until just before harvest time.

Now, it’s time to give the strawberries an “anti-fungal” treatment to remove the bad organisms that aren’t good for the fruit. Some people use the “Pseudo-Fungicide” to help. This doesn’t use chemicals, but is made by combining some type of alkali (soy, vinegar, etc.) with water.

Step 1: Select a site to grow your strawberries. You could choose any of your favorite places. We recommend the beach! If you have a big back yard, you might as well go for it!

Step 3: Next, cut the tomato plants in half. They are now going to be grown in a square (or a rectangle, if your tomato patch will be 2 feet by 2 feet). Leave enough of the cut end of the tomato to grow out and cover it with the soil that you used to grow the tomato plants. Make sure that each leaf has enough soil so that the tomato roots can grow from the leaves. (This is why some people keep tomato plants in pots and then move them outside. The soil remains good for many years.)

Now, let’s take a closer look at the process of pruning strawberries.

There is a very easy way to take advantage of this. Strawberries have very thin stems that can be harvested when the young ones are about 3/4 inch long. “Strawberry Garden”

don’t like to stay in the soil, so they die. That leaves the strawberry plant with a lot of dry spots on the plants and leaves an unappealing look. Prune the plants when they grow larger. When the strawberry tree falls down, or the branches are bent, remember to remove more than just the leaves. You also need to remove the lower stems from the tree because the plants usually grow in that area to help them stay attached to the trunk. For the final pruning, always remove the upper leaves.

Slice the stem off one end and place it in a plastic bag. Next, place the stem on a plastic bag as you normally would — this is called harvesting. After the stem is taken out of the bag, cut the stem off the other end and place the remaining stametripe, called the blossom, in a plastic bag. Next, take the stems of several different types of berries and place them in a plastic bag. Pistachios and strawberries are similar and are both great snacks and can be stored in the fridge or freezer. As strawberries ripen during the winter months and get ready for the first frost, I freeze my pistachios and use the leftovers in salads, burgers, or baked goods.


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6.1

Replaced by a Machine Shared Harvest is becoming:

A grocery store focused on reasonably priced, healthful, organic, local foods and products. Owned by the community, for the benefit of the community, from the products that we will sell, to our educational efforts.

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Join the movement: as a share owner as a volunteer as a leader info@sharedharvest.coop

sharedharvest.coop

There’s a lot of work required to produce a good piece of writing. Choosing a topic with the proper scope and relevance for the intended audience is just the beginning. Then comes the research and analysis, followed by planning, writing, and editing. Organizing ideas into units that are as understandable as speech, as evocative as music and as invigorating as a walk in the fresh air relies on skill, talent and ... humanity. Because writing is laborious, it’s hard for people who don’t love to do that kind work — and that describes most of us. Confronted with the need to do hard work, humans turn to tools and machines to make the work easier and make the end product better. For some kinds of work, machines have taken on nearly all of the burden. This month we experimented with machine-generated articles, partly because human writing labor is scarce at this time of year, but also because the disappearance of January’s annual Elgin Literary Festival calls to mind the disappearance of writers. What would BRAVO look like if all the articles were written by machines? The stories on Chihuahua dogs and strawberry gardening are comically absurd. Our robot guest authors GPT2-T and AR-C14 had trouble staying on topic and wrote many ridiculous contradictions. Though the sentences were English-sounding, they were repetitive and often logically disconnected. Spinbot’s story structure was better, but its bizarre word choices often destroyed the meaning of its sentences. “Stra-

tegically placed civilities and intriguing attractions are an incredible method to consistently appreciate Elgin all the time.” In a factory, machines can combine materials in different ways to produce something different, such as when a printing press combines ink and paper to produce a magazine. This month’s product may be different from last month’s product, but they are all just slightly different rearrangements of the same two materials, ink and paper. That’s about as close to creativity as machines can get: to rearrange supplied materials in different ways. The best robot authors use a sophisticated set of instructions (an algorithm) to search the internet for information, and then combine the collected materials into an article. Lesser machines like Spinbot will only work with the information provided to them. There’s another algorithm for replacing words with synonyms to create the appearance of originality, and there are more algorithms for checking grammar and spelling. Our robot guest artist takes a suggested title, converts it to a string of numbers, and then uses those numbers in an algorithm to create an arrangement of colored pixels in a square frame. What’s missing is consciousness. When viewing or reading the work of robot artists and authors we sense that they don’t know what they’re doing — because they don’t. They don’t know anything. In all fairness, these robot authors were designed to write not for humans, but for other robots. Internet website pub-

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Shared Values: The Hard Work of Human Consciousness

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lishers know that search engine “bots” are constantly scanning their web pages, and when the bots see a new story, they rank that page a little higher because it appears to have fresh content. The audience of bots doesn’t care how absurdly a story is worded, only that it’s different. If we happen to see beauty in the robot art, or detect amusing ironies in the robot writing, it’s our own human consciousness that’s supplying that interpretation. But it’s a lonely kind of satisfaction, knowing that what we just experienced wasn’t — and can’t be — shared between us and its creator. BRAVO isn’t a website, and no bots can read it. Our exclusively human audience means we need human writers. And whether stories are published with ink and paper or digital media, the world will always need human writers who can convey clear, evocative and invigorating ideas with soul. Instead of becoming an agenda-driven, profit-seeking media business, BRAVO has thus far evolved into an exhibition space for artists and writers, and we welcome your volunteer human contributions. Each month, check our “Assignment Board” for article ideas, or pitch us something that’s interesting to you and pertains to culture. For a copy of our Guidelines for Writers, email us at bravo@ marqueemedia.net —JP


BRAVO

January 2020

47

ASSIGNMENT BOARD

ADVERTISE WITH US

This is where we post assignments for volunteer writers, photographers, and artists like you. We can’t compensate you properly (yet), but we give credit where credit is due, and excellent contributors have a way of getting our attention. So when those paid assignments do come along, well, we know who to call ...

2020 Advertising Rates

Art Sunday A who’s who of Elgin artists, writers and other eminent persons gather in a Glen Ellyn home every Sunday. You might call it a Salon. What do they do all day? Find out for us.

Shooting Sports

Full Page $240 • Half Page $156 Quarter Page $104 • Eighth Page $62 Standard rates include design & layout. 15% Discount for ready-to-print digital artwork.

12-month Contracts Available 3-5 ads during contract term earns 5% discount 6-11 ads during contract term earns 10% discount 12+ ads during contract term earns 15% discount

Circulation Information

No doubt, gun violence is a huge problem in Chicago and other big cities, and even affects us in the Elgin area at times. Yet there’s plenty of local gun enthusiasts who have entirely different views on shooting. Let’s hear from them.

4,000 copies circulated at more than ninety locations in Elgin, South Elgin, Dundee and Carpentersville (see listings). Estimated readership of 6,000.

Beer Happy

Ad Production

It’s the social media sensation that’s sweeping the nation: #BeerHappy. Was it started by a refugee from Cleveland who came to Elgin? Did it break through and become a real meetup in a downtown lounge? Our readers need to know. Submit a query or pitch letter for these or other topics:

Complete specifications are given on our website http://www.marqueemedia.net/Advertise For full details and personalized service, contact Sales Representative Dean Tripp. (847) 702-2888 or dtripp@marqueemedia.net

bravo@marqueemedia.net

Next ad deadline: January 22nd, 5:00 p.m.

THE FINEST IN PRINT BRAVO Magazine strives to publish error-free material, but mistakes and omissions may arise from our sources or may occur during the production process. With the exception of spurious ads, we will not publish anything we know to be false, defamatory or an infringement on copyright. All brand names, logos and trademarks are assumed to belong to the entities to which they refer, whether marked as such or not. Facts asserted and opinions expressed in articles are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.

B R A V O Magazine

Our advertisers are responsible for the content of their advertisements, and BRAVO Magazine does not necessarily endorse any of the products, services, organizations or political candidates whose ads appear herein. Our advertising policy accommodates any and all commercial messaging that is decent and legal; it does not discriminate on the basis of religious or political affiliation or any other basis that is prohibited by law.

P.O. Box 1551 Elgin, IL 60121-1551 (224) 513-1220 (voice or text) bravo@marqueemedia.net

Events appearing in the FEED calendar have been aggregated from a variety of sources including websites, online calendars and user submissions. These event announcements are repeated herein as a benefit to readers and the event hosts or sponsors, and BRAVO Magazine does not necessarily prequalify, endorse or attend these events. We regret any contradictions that appear in the details we publish as relates to the actual event details. BRAVO Magazine is a free publication available at select locations in and around Elgin, Illinois and is not to be sold at retail. It is not available as a postal subscription. We reserve the right to temporarily or permanently discontinue publication at any time, at the publisher’s discretion, without any advance public notice.

is published by

MARQUEE MEDIA

Publisher: Jeffrey R. Pierce Contributors: UA-18033973-1, Spinbot, GPT2-T, AR-C14, R.E. Maley, Amanda Harris, Explore Elgin Area, and Jeffrey R. Pierce.


Publish your events for free in The FEED http://www.marqueemedia.net/events


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