BRAVO 6.12 by marqueemedia

the elgin areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s free culture magazine

v6.12

Program Notes pp. 2-4

Still Making

with the

pp. 29-30 DECEMBER 2020

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Shared Values: A Friendly Neighborhood Orchestra

Program Notes by Tracy Altheide

Elegant and inspiring music notes continue to fill the local air as the Elgin Symphony Orchestra (ESO) proves resilience produces creative results.

all missed live music!” said Erik.

Erik Malmquist, the organization’s new Executive Director as of May 15, reflects on this year’s concerts, notes how to support ESO and announces the concert experience for 2021.

The artists included four ESO string players (two veterans and two newcomers), Elgin’s inaugural Poet Laureate, and a local muralist:

The “Quartet at the Café” In November, the “Quartet at the Café,” a mixed-medium performance, sold out and was “a remarkable display of the talent and wealth of resources that we have right here in the Fox Valley … The only thing that could have made it better would have been the opportunity to share it with more of our ESO patrons in-person. The audience response was uniform in that it was a wonderful evening that reminded us of how much we have

Jeffery Carl BIOGRAPHY Jeffery was rasied in a contractor’s yard outside Chicago. He earned a BFA in Illustration, an MA in Studio Art, and an MFA in Drawing and Painting from Northern Illinois University. His work has been shown both regionally and nationally, and for 20 years he has taught drawing, painting, illustration, art history, and thesis studios at Judson University, where he also serves as Gallery Director and Chair of the Department of Art & Design.

If you missed viewing the concert live, it will be streamed via Facebook and YouTube December 1-15 for free.

• Concertmaster Isabella Lippi, Principal Cello Matthew Agnew, Assistant Concertmaster Eleanor Bartsch, and Principal Viola Amanda Grimm. “Collectively, they bring a wealth of experience with education from the greatest musical institutions in the country … (The Juilliard School, University of Southern California, DePaul University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Oberlin Conservatory and the Carnegie Mellon School of Music) and experience as soloists with orchestras such as the Chicago Symphony, St Louis Symphony, Madison Symphony and Chicago Philharmonic, and chamber music societies around the country.” • Elgin’s inaugural poet laureate Chasity Gunn, “who’s work blending spoken word and page poetry and encapsulating the struggle of disenfranchised populations through her art has given new voice to Elgin.”

STATEMENT Human beings have an innate desire to find meaning in the natural world and shape it accordingly. Observations drawn from local geography and weather, as well as planetary geology and astronomy underlay our self-understanding, which in turn affects how we relate to one another and our environment. Jeffery’s work re-imagines familiar aspects of the natural world as means of exploring the complex relationships, and belief systems that emerge from our sense of place in the universe. www.jefferycarl.com

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• Muralist Melina Scotte, “who’s bright-colored works can be seen in public art installations and private collections around the region.” Chasity Gunn (L) and Matthew Agnew perform at “Quartet at the Café.” Photo courtesy ESO.

Recharging ESO ESO has adapted to the Covid-19 regulations and health

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December 2020

precautions, but it has not come out unscathed. Erik shares how you can support and keep in touch with ESO. “This is an undeniably challenging time for the arts and so many others. If you are able, we would encourage you to give a tax-deductible donation. This will help to bring the orchestra back to full power when possible, and keep music alive in the Fox Valley in the meantime. We also encourage folks to follow our social media platforms to stay tuned on the work we are doing to adapt to the rapidly changing environment.”

A New Year In September, ESO experimented with an outdoor model, holding socially distanced outdoor concerts at Goebbert’s [Farm] in Pingree Grove, Illinois, titled “Symphony on the Farm.” With favorable results, the next ESO concerts will be in May, July and August at Goebbert’s. “The space that the Goebbert Family has built as a wedding venue and event space is ideal for outdoor concerts in an attractive setting with favorable acoustics. We are able to safely accommodate 100+ audience members and a 30-piece orchestra with a six-foot distance between patrons and a well ventilated, semi-enclosed tent,” said Erik. “If the severity of the public health situation is dulled by the widespread circulation of a vaccine or by other unforeseen

circumstances, we will be able to comfortably accommodate 500+ patrons and an orchestra of 70. Whatever the case, we know that we can offer our patrons a safe and thrilling evening of orchestral music in a picture-perfect setting.”

A First Time for Everything If you’ve never been to an ESO concert, indoors or outdoors, Erik sets your mind at ease. “Attending a symphony concert is like attending a baseball game — you can come to the game knowing the stats on every player in the dugout, the history of the players that have occupied those positions for years, the way the game has developed … or … you can grab a beer, watch some incredible athletes exhibit their talents, and enjoy the vibe in the ballpark. “Our audience runs the gambit from folks deeply intellectually studied in classical music, to those who just enjoy great music played at a world class level and a pleasant evening out.”

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Should ESO return to The Hemmens in 2021, there will be plenty to experience downtown. “I would encourage a newcomer to make a night out of it! Elgin is fortunate to have some great bars and restaurants within walking distance of Hemmens. Grab dinner at Al’s [Café], Dream Hall, [Elgin] Public House, Kubo [Sushi], Billy Bricks, or Moni’s [Soulfood] ... “Then walk on over to the

Audience at “Symphony on the Farm,” September 2020 in Pingree Grove. Photo courtesy ESO.

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Hemmens, read the program notes that were written by the incomparable Dan Maki to give you a bit of context, maybe read a bit about the soloist before the lights dim, sit back, relax and enjoy the music. Then, meet a musician or two in the lobby after the performance, walk down and grab a drink at Lounge 51 or Public House and head home, whistling great music!” said Erik.

About the Executive Director A trained violinist and Fox Valley native, Erik began his studies at 3 years old with Lamar Blum in Elgin. He received his bachelor’s from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa and his master’s in violin performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. He grew up in a musically inclined family: his mother played the piano, and his father and sister also played the violin, so together they would play trios. Earlier this year, he was ESO’s Director of Artistic Planning and Operations and before moving back to the Midwest, he was the Artist Manager and Director of Operations at Zemsky Green Artists Management in New York City, New York.

standing on the stage where I had watched orchestra concerts my whole life!” “I’ll never forget the holiday concerts at the ESO when my mom was singing in the Elgin Choral Union (now Elgin Master Chorale), my sister and I were in the Elgin Children’s Chorus and my dad was in the orchestra. At the time, we didn’t think much of it, but looking back, it was very special that we all were able to participate in those programs.” Connect with ESO on Instagram or Twitter, @ElginSymphony. Donate to their fundraising campaign at www.elginsymphony. org. Watch the livestreams on Facebook, @ ElginSymphonyOrchestra or on YouTube, @ ElginSymphonyOrch. Tracy Altheide is a writer from the northwest suburbs who publishes articles, blogs and reviews. Her blog, www.tracya.com, explores wellness, self-improvement, and creativity. Twitter handle @tracyaltheide.

He recalls two vivid memories of ESO before he was on staff: “I was away at college at the time, but came back when I heard that Leanard Nimoy (of Star Trek fame) would be doing narrations for Gustav Holst’s The Planets. It was beyond surreal to see Spock

Right: Erik Malmquist. Photo courtesy ESO.

lan our Holiday Adventure Hop in the car this December and experience some of the most beautiful holiday displays in the Elgin Area. Then vote for your favorite for a chance to win!

December 1st January 1st www.exploreelginarea.com/explore-elgin-areas-lights

Sponsors Explore Elgin Area, City of Elgin, Village of West Dundee & Village of East Dundee

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December 2020

Expression: Poetry Goes Viral

Videostream of Consciousness by Marcia Gutiérrez There seems to be a mysterious, not-so-underground, community in Elgin that some have not had the pleasure to meet.I am talking about Elgin’s Poet Community. It is as diverse and talented as any open and inclusive community would want. There have been opportunities for anyone to experience the poetry and poets of Elgin. From a monthly gathering of poets at the Gail Borden Library that is led by Gareth Sitz (now on Zoom) to the Elgin Literacy Festival (ELF). There have also been collaborations with poets and visual artists at the Art Space Gallery. Poetry is expression of the soul. It takes one on an adventure with curves and turns on the way before it comes to its conclusion (or not). Poetry is an art form that can be enjoyed both by privately reading it to one’s self or through social gatherings where the poet, or someone else, reads poems to the public. To hear a poem read by the poet brings depth to the words thru the creator’s own emotions … Now with the need to social distance and work together with this pandemic, poets have found new venues open to them in this need for our community to come together thru social networks. Gareth Sitz’s “Pandemic Poetry” is one example found on Facebook. Then, there’s Zoom where the monthly poetry group that meets thru the Library now gathers as well as a weekly Monday morning group thru Gareth’s “Pandemic Poetry.” So it was exciting when Pho-

tographer and Videographer Dan Schlack came up with a spoken word project, created by filming poets as they recite their work with a visual background. Titled “Rooted in Elgin,” the project will be available through a program in collaboration with the Gail Borden Library on Sunday, April 11th at 3:00 p.m. After the viewing of the videos there will be a panel of the participating poets who will discuss their work and process, and answer any questions that the audience may have. Dan is new to the world of poetry. It is thru Gareth that he was introduced to the poet community in Elgin, and he has become a regular at Gareth’s Monday morning Zoom poetry gatherings. He says, on the development of the idea of this project, that “There are lots of reasons I got into this. On the mundane side, I wanted to have a venue to apply some cinematographic techniques I’ve been studying to my video toolkit. However, I wouldn’t have stuck with and reinvented the project after the dark days of the pandemic took hold without a greater purpose. I can think of no greater purpose than to cast light into the shadow of the pandemic using the glow given off by the beauty of the poetic soul.” Also in April Gareth will be hosting “Poetry Live” where members of the Poetry Writing Group will share their work on the library’s Zoom link on Sunday, April 25. But some do not need to wait until Spring to enjoy the experience of writing, for in the beginning of the new year Gareth will

The Greens of Elgin

Welcome to The Greens of Elgin

The Greens of Elgin is located in Elgin, Illinois. The complex is located in a beautiful, natural setting minutes from shopping, dining, and entertainment. It is a 3-story, 90-unit, elevator building with a 55+ age restriction and a Condominium Association.

847-289-8759 www.thegreensofelgin.net

Amenities include: a library, sunroom, chapel, beauty/barber shop, ﬁtness center, laundry room, dining room, activity room & storage units

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13 S. Spring Street • Elgin

From left: Jeffrey R. Pierce, Elgin Poet Laureate Chasity Gunn, Gareth Sitz, Daniel Schlack.

be offering a monthly writing program in the morning for seniors in collaboration with the Gail Borden Library called “Memoir Writing for Seniors” that uses oral history to write short memoir pieces. Gareth says that she “wanted to target seniors because many people over 55 have the need to communicate, especially during this crazy pandemic. The older we get the more memories flood our brains. This will be a place where people can express their feelings and tell their stories.”

Side Street Studio Arts’ MADE program hand picks local artists and makers to collaborate on a pop up retail experience, incorporating innovative new ideas on space usage, retail business modeling and display, marketing, and economic development. Currently featuring the work of these artists and many more: Ivette De Santiago Karl Jahnke Jane Erlandson Melina Scotte

Natalie Pivoney BaM! Horror Floral Jess Rocha

Christine Goetz Conor Goetz Crighton Studios Erin Cramer

Open by Appointment Only or Shop Online Anytime, go to: sidestreetstudioarts.org/made

2021, then, is the time to look out for if one wants to enjoy how poetry and the actual act of writing a poem or memoir can impact our lives in this time of change. Dates and information for Zoom connections will be available thru the Gail Borden Library in the near future. Marcia Gutiérrez is a photographer, oral storyteller, textile artist, and, of course, a poet. For the past 5 years she has been traveling in parts of the US and Europe photographing people and places. Her work is available on www.MarciaGutierrezPhotography.com with a link to her blogs.

Water Scent of freshness as the tone of bells Echo up from the ground of dry stone Flowing thru its underground route Wearing away the granite thru millennium Drip … drip … drip … A whisper in the early morning Coolness against hot skin Flowing along its earthly route Settling as a blanket of gray over earth Drip … drip … drip … Columns of white climb up to the sky Steam rises from a mountain top Flowing up into the sky Becoming a cloud of power which in turn … Drip … drip … drip… Rains upon the earth to settle Underground on its ancient route Again. – Marcia Gutiérrez November 2020

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December 2020

More than 30 Unique Shops under One Roof

Gifts & Cards Home Decor Clothing Jewelry Antiques & Much More

Holiday Shopping Hours

Find us online for the latest store announcements.

Tues. - Sat. 10am - 5pm Sunday 11am - 5pm

Shop safely with us! Face coverings and social distancing are required.

StateStreetMarketShopsElgin.com Facebook.com/StateStreetMarket 701 N. State Street (Route 31) Elgin (847) 695-3066

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Sponsored Content

Explore Elgin Area

Explore Elgin Area’s Lights This Holiday Season Explore Elgin Area is proud to host the first-ever Explore Elgin Area’s Lights Competition. Homes and businesses throughout Elgin, West Dundee and East Dundee will be decorated with all kinds of winter holiday decorations for residents to enjoy from your car.

will be prizes announced for the winners of the unique scavenger hunt with more details being released on Explore Elgin Area’s website, www.ExploreElginArea.com. “We wanted to offer residents a new holiday experience that allows them to still enjoy the season, but this year they can focus on their community rather than seasonal parties. Every year residents spend so much effort decorating their homes for the holidays, 2020 seems like a good year to slow down to enjoy those decorations,” said Executive Director Krisilee Murphy with Explore Elgin Area.

Anyone looking to enjoy the lights competition can go to www.ExploreElginArea.com/ explore-elgin-areas-lights/ after December 4th to see the Google Map that includes all of the addresses. This will be the hub for planning your holiday adventure. Explore Elgin Area’s team will also have fun ways for you to make your experience truly memorable like shopping at a local coffee shop to grab a speciality hot chocolate for the road or creating a personal playlist of holiday songs to make the ride truly festive. Local businesses will also be offering specials to anyone out enjoying the lights and those promotions will be listed on the website as well. Make sure to write down your favorite addresses because after you view the decorations you are encouraged to vote for your favorite displays on Explore Elgin Area’s website. There will be a First, Second and Third prize awarded to homes in Elgin, East Dundee and West Dundee for a total of nine prizes. Residents are able to win up to $300 in local gift cards for winning first place in their community. Businesses will have one set of winners for all three communities with the prizes all in-

cluding a personalized marketing campaign to promote their business during the month of January. Everyone that votes for their favorite displays and is over the age of 18 will also be entered into a drawing for gift cards to local businesses. There will be a unique scavenger hunt announced in December that Explore Elgin Area is hoping inspires families to have conversations and turn the lights competition into an interactive family tradition. Clues will have everyone looking for little details on the displays that can be found at any home or business in the competition. Can you find the home that worked an American flag into their holiday light display? There

Some other holiday light displays will be the Elgin Festival of Lights at Festival Park, Christmas Light Show at Goebbert’s in Pingree Grove, Winterfest at Randall Oaks Zoo in West Dundee and South Elgin Holiday Lights Competition. These events and all other winter events happening throughout the Explore Elgin Area’s service area can be found at www.ExploreElginArea.com. Event Sponsors include the City of Elgin, Village of East Dundee and Village of West Dundee. This event would not be possible without their partnership and passion to support small businesses during this time. *** This event is meant to be enjoyed from your personal vehicle with all decorations visible from the road. Please make sure to follow all of the current guidelines from the Illinois Department of Public Health. ***

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December 2020

How to Safely Support Local Businesses this Holiday Season by Jennifer Fukala: Executive Director, Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin The Covid-19 pandemic has taken a toll on everyone, especially small business owners. These people represent our neighbors, members of our community, our friends and even our family. Small businesses are what make our downtown unique. Locally owned restaurants, shops, cafes and bars are important components of the vitality of Downtown Elgin. This year challenge yourself to do all of your holiday shopping local.

Here are 10 ways you can safely support local businesses this holiday season. #1: Order Takeout or Delivery Most local restaurants offer takeout, curbside pick-up and delivery, plus many offer online ordering. For quick links to menus, online ordering, delivery and more visit www.DowntownElgin.com/ElginEats. #2: Shop Remotely, Shop Online Many local businesses have an option to purchase their goods or services on their website or Facebook, phone or email. Some offer shopping by appointment.

#3: Purchase Gift Cards Consider supporting your favorite local businesses by gifting a gift card. Keep in mind, due to the quickly changing business environment, gift cards purchased should be used in a timely manner.

#7: Avoid Paying with Cash To limit the risk of exposure to employees avoid paying with cash. Instead use options like credit, debit, Apple Pay or Google Pay. These transactions are usually faster, getting you in and out more quickly.

#4: Order Ahead Placing your order prior to arriving will help make your transactions easier, less stressful and safer for everyone. Doing so will shorten your exposure time and lessen the risk for everyone involved.

#8: Write Good Reviews Set yourself a goal to write a positive review of your favorite local business each day. Facebook, Google, and Yelp are all great places to write reviews.

#5: Buy Local Downtown Elgin is home to unique shops such as Rediscover Records, Elgin Knit Works, Meraki Market Hub and more. Buy local and support small business owners. They really appreciate it. For every dollar you spend at a small business, 67 cents stays in the local economy. #6: Wear a Mask & Social Distance If you are going out to pick-up takeout or to shop in-person please remember to wear a mask and practice social distancing. Together we can help one another stay healthy.

Enjoy Holly Days in Downtown Elgin

#9: Utilize Social Media Follow, Like, Share, Comment and spread the news of your favorite local businesses to all of your friends and followers. Did you enjoy an incredible meal or receive fantastic service? Snap a picture and share your experience in a post. Remember to tag the business and share in local groups. #10: Be Kind & Understanding Consider reaching out to business owners or employees to ask how they are doing or to simply offer some friendly words of encouragement. It will truly mean a lot!

Nov 28 - Dec 31

Learn more at www.DowntownElgin.com/HollyDays Business Sales Contests

Decorated Windows Virtual Events

Holiday Cheer Family Fun

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Born in Mukdahan, Thailand in 1971, Phoothaphone “Ko” Chandetka lived in Savannakhet, Laos before emigrating to the U.S. with his family in 1975.

On The Marquee

After initially residing in Lima, Ohio for a year, Ko’s family moved to Elgin. Because of the new language and culture, Ko got involved in sports. At the age of 12, he fell in love with bodybuilding while watching the Pro World Bodybuilding Championships. At the age of 19, Ko competed and won the 1991 NPC Teen Continental USA, which launched a 26-year professional career.

KO CHANDETKA by Tracy Altheide

Behind every superhero or champion is a human with drive, fear, love and strength.

And knowing there are many days before victory, Ko shared when he noticed progress. “I would say around the 6-month mark. I remember getting my coin and sharing and so many people in that room not only congratulating me, but I could feel them being truly happy for me. And since then, that’s just what I’ve wanted to give to people — Hope! Encouragement!”

“I definitely have to thank my co-author, Jeff Greenwell. We’ve been friends for a very long time and it was during the beginning of Covid, that he hadn’t seen much of me on social media and just reached out to see if I was okay. Long story short, I had all this time on my hands, why not finish the book! Sometimes it’s that simple ‘Are you ok?’ We as humans don’t realize how powerful those words are!”

Visualizing played a part of his process, securing his belief first in the mind and then at the gym.

Ko hopes his autobiography readers come away with a message of hope. “It’s okay to ask for help and it’s okay to offer help! We are not meant to be in the world alone!”

“I would go through my workout the night before. Prior to falling asleep. I’d visualize what body part I’d be training and run through the workout in my head. By the time I got to the gym, it was automatic. I just executed!”

“Spending time with my dad! Especially when it was just the two of us. Just listening to him share his wisdom. Even today, when

“It was relief! I didn’t feel alone anymore. I gathered hope!”

Without hesitation, Ko shared about his gratitude for the support with the autobiography from Jeff Greenwell.

“A normal workout would take me anywhere from two to four hours. I would literally just put on some music, and start lifting ‘til I got tired. I envisioned myself as a sculptor, and I was adding clay to my physique via working out. It was repetition. The routine was simple: I picked the best exercises and went to work. I tell people all the time, the key is time and consistency!”

Outside of the spotlight, Ko’s favorite family memories are with his father, a retired General of the Royal Lao Army and veteran of the Vietnam War.

Not willing to lose his kids, Ko joined Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in 2010. He shared what his first days were like.

“I’m sure it did! I’ve always believed in something other than ‘us!’ There was a lot of talk about God and a higher power in the rooms. I just slid in the word Buddha. Again, I focused on the similarities in the room vs. the differences!”

Curious, we first asked Ko to walk us through a workout in his early days.

“I remember my first autograph session. There were so many people in line that I got so nervous and just scribbled my name! I wished I would’ve slowed down and enjoyed the interaction, but I was just so anxious! I wasn’t used to this type of attention.”

They 100% lose! I felt like a failure as a father and human being.”

During this chapter in his life, we asked if faith played a part in his recovery.

We interviewed Ko Chandetka about his bodybuilding career, family, fans, recovery and his recent autobiography titled, I Am Phoothaphone: Lessons Learned Through My Journey of Self-Discovery and Triumph Over Adversity as a Bodybuilding Champion by Ko Chandetka and Jeffrey Greenwell.

His drive resulted in winning titles and growing a fan base. Ko shared about his first big fan experience.

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Looking back, we asked Ko what he would say if he could go talk to his younger self.

Ko Chandetka, June 2016.

“I’d go back to my high school years. I’d tell myself to laugh and smile more. But I was too busy taking on the world!” And to his older self, he would say, “Thanks for never giving up on me!” For the Bravo reader, Ko leaves this note.

I feel lost, I go visit him at the cemetery and just have a conversation.” And in his own family, Ko shares the hardest chapter to write was “2004: The Fall.” “When I moved out from my children and their mother. That had to be the loneliest time in my life. That was truly my rock bottom. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. Lawyers and judges might say different, but there are no winners! Especially the kids.

“Reach out to one another! Especially during these difficult times. The country is so divided right now. I only see Love as the answer. United we stand, divided we fall!” Tracy Altheide is a writer from the northwest suburbs who publishes articles, blogs and reviews. Her blog, www.tracya.com, explores wellness, self-improvement, and creativity. Twitter handle @tracyaltheide.

December 2020

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Holiday Lights and Festive Sights Everyone is invited to get in the holiday spirit as they explore the decorations throughout the Elgin area from December 1st – December 31st. There will be a digital map available on the ExploreElginArea.com website so families can plan their holiday adventure starting on Saturday, December 5th. Voting for the fan favorites will go live on December 5th and end on Sunday, December 27th. There will be prizes awarded to the fan favorite business decorations, homes and a random drawing from voters. For more information on participating with your own decorated home or business, go to ExploreElginArea.com, and see the article on page 8 of this edition of BRAVO.

Festival of Lights Share in some holiday cheer at Elgin’s Festival of Lights! Lights will be on display nightly starting Saturday, December 5 and continuing through Sunday, December 27, from 5:00-9:00 p.m. at Festival Park, located at 132 S. Grove Avenue in Elgin. An enhanced show will take place Thursdays – Sundays, when three holiday themed songs will play on the half hour from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. with lights dancing and twinkling to the music. Lights will remain on until 9:00 p.m. nightly. Attendees should wear a face covering and observe social distancing. The Festival of Lights can be viewed from a vehicle, or from the paved sidewalks at Festival Park.

Billings Summary for December

The Holidays “Lite” Reservations must still be made online before your visit, and times are available every 20 minutes from 12:00 to 5:00 pm with a maximum of 18 people per time slot. Register online here: https://bit.ly/ROZ_Reservations The Zoo will close at 6:00 pm daily. Please remember your entry into the Zoo will be valid only at your chosen time. Once you pick your time, it can only be changed if other time slots are available. Daily Admission Prices are $3.75 per Dundee Township resident, $4.50 per non-resident. Children ages 1 and under, zoo members and US military with ID are FREE. For additional information, go to www.dtpd.org/ winterfest

South Elgin Holiday Lights South Elgin households are invited to participate in South Elgin’s first Holiday Lights

Decorating Contest! Big homes, little homes, townhomes, apartment balconies ... all are welcome to take part. Homes will be decorated in traditional style or “Clark Griswold” style by December 10th, with photos published online at www.southelgin.com/holidaylights. View the displays any night between December 11-20th between 6:00 and 9:00pm on the streets of South Elgin or from your computer. Vote for your favorite holiday light display in each category by December 20th at the Village website, www.southelgin.com/ holidaylights If you’d like your South Elgin home to be featured in the contest, register online before 5pm December 9th at the above web address. Participation is free, but the Village requests a donation of five or more non-perishable food items for the local food pantry.

Gather The holidays are upon us, and Chamber Music on the Fox invites you to be with them for their first ever VIRTUAL holiday concert! Join the three vocalists of the Artemisia Vocal Trio at the (socially distant) table for an interactive holiday concert that explores the many ways people gather together for the winter season all around the world. Enjoy the musical festivities surrounding our holiday eating, musical games and parades, gift giving and service work, family, reflection, and most of all ... fun! This livestream video event will be Monday, December 21st at 7:30pm, broadcasting live from Imago, at 216 Prairie Street in downtown Elgin. Suggested donation is $20. Register in advance to receive the link to the live performance! Go to chambermusiconthefox.org

Curious Characters Wikipedia defines a Cabinet Card as “a style of photograph which was widely used for photographic portraiture after 1870. It consisted of a thin photograph mounted on a card typically measuring 108 by 165 mm (4 1/4 by 6 1/2 inches).” Oddball Art Labs has teamed up with Side Street Studio Arts to present a wild reinterpretation of these cherished objects. See how over thirty local artists take these antique photographs and use them to drive their art. The styles of the artists vary wildly, so we’re just as excited as you to see the finished works of art. Join the oddball artists on December 4, 2020 from 6pm9pm at Side Street Studio Arts, 15 Ziegler Court in downtown Elgin, for an artists reception. $5 suggested donation. Exhibition runs through December 20 with gallery hours: Fridays 12-6pm, Saturdays 10am-6pm, Sundays 11am-3pm

Winterfest It’s the most magical time of the year! Experience the Randall Oaks Zoo all dressed up in holiday lights! Three weekends starting December 5th, visit the zoo on Saturday or Sunday from 12-6 pm. Enjoy holiday lights and decorations around the barns and animals, warm by a bonfire, buy yourself a holiday treat, see the community tree sponsorships and me=et the Big Guy himself between 1-4 pm each day! Event activities are subject to change and weather dependent.

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Artemisia Vocal Trio performs “Gather” on Monday, Dec. 21st. See above.

Side Street Studio Arts has implemented enhanced cleaning strategies, limited capacity in all spaces, and will require masks of all who enter. Please note, you may have to wait to enter if we are at capacity. For the latest information, go to @sidestreetstudioartselgin on Facebook, or sidestreetstudioarts.org

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December 2020

publication showcasing work inspired by and in response to the world around us. The String aims to create a platform for the voices of those who are marginalized, silenced, and underrepresented in the world of literature and visual art. Deadline for submissions is the last Friday of each month. We are now welcoming work of many kinds, including: essays, fiction and non-fiction stories, interviews, printmaking, drawings, poetry, and humor. 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.

Come As You Are Submit your newly created experimental works, visual art, poetry, audio, music, filmmaking, performance, and more. This is an open-ended submission, and is open to all ages. All works will be on display in our virtual world during this strange time and for the rest of the year. We ask that you submit no more than once per medium per week. SSSA reserves the right to deny any works deemed inappropriate. Artwork will be updated online every Monday. Complete the form online at: sidestreetstudioarts.org/caya

The String Side Street Studio Arts presents The String, a free monthly

We ask that all work and submissions be recent, and made by those within the Fox Valley area. You may submit your info and works at sidestreetstudioarts. org/thestring. You will be notified asap if you are to be included in the next issue of The String. The String will be released every First Friday of the month and will be available at many Elgin establishments, including downtown retail shops, restaurants, bars, and at our MADE retail art storefront located at 13 S. Spring Street. For questions please email us at thestring@ sidestreetstudioarts.org.

Berkley Crowe Thu.Nov.26 Letters to Santa The City of Elgin is now an official mail stop for the North Pole, accepting letters to Santa from November 23 through December 11. Children may drop their letters to Santa off at The Edward Schock Centre of Elgin, located at 100 Symphony Way. The ‘Santa Mail’ box can be found outside the main entrance doors, and mail can be dropped off any time of day. Letters must be dropped off by 5:00pm on December 112th in order to guarantee a reply from Santa! Letters must include a return address, but no postage is required. Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way 311 cityofelgin.org. Free

MASONRY RESTORATIONS

Buildings Chimneys Porches Gateposts Monuments Foundations HISTORICALLY SENSITIVE MORTARS & METHODS

BerkleyCroweRestorations @gmail.com

Fri.Nov.27 Poetry Writers Workshop Share your love of poetry! Poetry Alive is a monthly group for local poets to share what they have written. Gareth Mann Sitz, poet and songwriter, will facilitate virtually via Zoom. Held the at 7pm on the first Monday of every month, the meetup is free, courtesy of Gail Borden Public Library. Please register online at gailborden.info. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to the program via Zoom. The next meetup is December 7th at 7pm.

Writers on the Fox This writer’s peer group will inspire and motivate you using prompts and exercises for creative writing. Led by author Kathleen York. Writers of all genres are welcome to participate. The group meets the last Monday of the month, now via Zoom. Register online at gailborden. info to receive the meeting link. Next meeting is 7pm, Dec. 28th.

Dog Man Party We are celebrating all things Dog Man at this party with crafts, activities, and more! 2p-3p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden. info Weekly Mini Card Reading This is a mini reading to tell you what to expect in the week. Pick a deck for guidance of the week. GET YOUR QUESTIONS READY, the last part there will be a question answer section.. I will pull cards for the questions you might have. 4p 847.347.1154 facebook. com/becomingiamhealing. Free Wait, What? Your favorite acoustic duo Wait, What? heads to the almighty The Village Squire Restaurants in South Elgin for an evening of acoustic covers. 6p-9p, Village Squire, 480 Randall Road, South Elgin 847.931.0400 thevillagesquire. com. No Cover Smokin’ Gunz Live in the Igloo 8p, Old Republic Kitchen + Bar, 155 S. Randall Road 224.535.9544 oldrepublicbar.com

Sat.Nov.28 Live Paint the Moment Online Auction As individuals and an organization, we know we can always do more to amplify the creative voices of the marginalized members of our community. To that end, Side Street

Mobile Art Machine whereabouts for

DECEMBER

Side Street Studio Arts 15 Ziegler Ct.

BRAVO

Rick Lindy & The Wild Ones Live in the Igloo 8p, Old Republic Kitchen + Bar, 155 S. Randall Road 224.535.9544 oldrepublicbar.com. $5 cover

Mon.Nov.30

Studio Arts brought back its live paint series in an effort to specifically highlight the voices of artists of color and the LGBTQ+ community. Every Friday during this summer, we welcomed a minimum of two artists to create original works of art inspired by the moment. Now we are bringing this auction virtually to you. The auction will start November 28th and will end at December 5th at 3pm. Rules: 1. Pick a piece (or two or three) to bid on. 2.Enter you bid using the google form on the website. 3.Bids start at $50 for each piece. 4.Bids must increase by at least $5. 5The person who has the highest bid by dec 5th will win the piece. 8a, Side Street Studio Arts, Online 847.429.2276 sidestreetstudioarts.org/live-paintauction My Hero Academia Shrink Charms Make some fun and colorful charms to spice up necklaces, bracelets, backpacks and other accessories. Shrink plastic is fast, fun, and easy. Simply trace and color pre-printed designs or make up your own onto the shrink plastic sheets and bake for 30-60 seconds. I will re-size and print a variety of My Hero Academia themed designs to be included in the supply kits. 2p, Fox River Valley Public Library District, Virtual 847.428.3661 frvpld.info/my-hero-academia-shrinkcharms Fun Funky Fab: Holiday Sip and Paint Grab your friends, cousins, siblings, or spouses to relax and have FUN with Fun Funky Fab! This is such a great time to make memories OR a perfect time to make a craft gift! On this evening, you will be painting your own Truck Tree Tea Light! You get to choose your color! Included in the ticket is all the supplies needed and 1 drink included. Your choice of a beverage from Lounge 51 either Cocktail, Martini, Mocktail, Beer, Wine or Soda. Bar and food vendors will be available for additional purchases. COVID-19: If state mandates stricter rules and this event can not be in person. We are prepared to make a virtual event option and pack up to go supplies and drinks. 5p, Lounge 51, 51 S. Grove Avenue 847.454.3025 lineupnow.com/event/fun-funky-fabsip-and-paint . $38

Preschool Storytime Join us for stories, songs, and rhymes in this virtual storytime for ages 3-6. No registration. This event will be held on Facebook Live. Please visit https://bit. ly/gbplFBLV at the time of program. Storytime will be available on Facebook to watch at your leisure after live performance. 10a-10.30a, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info STEAM Math + Art = the Paul Klee Challenge for Grades K-2 What do you get when you combine Math & Art? Tons of awesome fun! Join us to learn about the art of Paul Klee and complete a Paul Klee challenge. Grades K-2, registration required. This program has supplies to be picked up at the Main Library. All registered participants will receive an email prior to the program date with the class ZOOM login and instructions on picking up materials for the programs from the Youth Desk at the Main Library (address: 270 N Grove Ave. Elgin) from November 23 - November 29. If you would like to pick-up the supplies at the Main Library Drive-up Window instead of inside the library at the Youth Desk, please call the Youth Desk at 847-429-4685, before you arrive to the library. Program Supplies in the bag: sheet black construction paper, different size and color construction paper rectangles & triangles, paper ruler Program Supplies to gather from home: glue 4p-4.30p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Studio 270 Volunteer Corps Teen Advisory Board (TAB) is open to High Schoolers 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 serves teens. 4p-5p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden. info STEAM Math + Art = the Paul Klee Challenge for Grades 3-5 See above. 5p-5.30p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Café Latino: Discusión de Libros Online El último lunes de cada mes, nos reunimos junto con otros participantes para comentar la lectura del libro. En español. Todos los que estén interesados en leer y compartir son bienvenidos. Para más información, comunícate con Flor Chavez al 847427-6791 o fchavez@gailborden. info. El grupo se reúne a través de la

plataforma de reunión virtual Zoom. Puede participar en una computadora, tableta o teléfono celular. Al registrarse le contactaremos con el enlace y código para participar: O envíenos un correo electrónico a biblioteca@gailborden.info (incluya su nombre y teléfono) O envíenos un mensaje de texto al 224-407-2399 (incluya su nombre y teléfono) Para obtener ayuda técnica para acceder a Zoom o para obtener prestado el libro: Envíenos un correo electrónico a biblioteca@gailborden.info (incluya su nombre y teléfono) O envíenos un mensaje de texto al 224-407-2399 (incluya su nombre y teléfono) The last Monday of each month, we meet with other participants to discuss the reading of the book. In Spanish. All who are interested in reading and sharing are welcome. For more information, contact Flor Chavez at 847-427-6791 fchavez@gailborden. info. The group meets through the Zoom virtual meeting platform. You can participate on a computer, tablet or cell phone. After registering we will contact you with the link and code to participate: Or send us an email to biblioteca@gailborden.info (include your name and phone) Or send us a text message to 224-407-2399 (include your name and phone) For tech help accessing Zoom or to get the book: Send us an email to biblioteca@gailborden.info (include your name and phone) Or send us a text message to 224-407-2399 (include your name and phone) 6p-7p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 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. This class is not part of series - please register for all events separately. This class is sponsored by Comcast Internet Essentials to help bridge the digital divide and foster digital literacy skills. For more information on Internet Essentials, visit www.internetessentials.com 6p-7.30p, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Cuentos para la familia ¡30 minutos de cuentos, música, rimas, manualidades y mucho más para el disfrute de toda la familia! No necesita registrase. Families who speak or are learning Spanish can enjoy stories, crafts, and songs together 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. 7p-7.30p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Tue.Dec.1 Kids’ Spanish Conversation Group on Zoom This group is for kids entering 2nd-5th grades who already know

6.12 Spanish and want to improve their Spanish-speaking skills outside the classroom. Great for dual language students! Registration required After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with a link for watching the program via Zoom. If you don’t receive a link at least 30 minutes before the session, please call KidSpace at 847-429-4685. Mejora tus habilidades de habla en español practicando con otros niños. Este programa es para niños que ya saben español y les gustaría practicarlo fuera del salón de clases. Excelente para los estudiantes que están en el programa de lenguaje dual. Para niños de segundo a quinto grado. El grupo se reúne a través de la plataforma de reunión virtual Zoom. Puede participar en una computadora, tableta o teléfono celular. Al registrarse le contactaremos con el enlace y código para participar. 3.30p-4p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Creativity Corner: Paper Plate Snow Globes Create your very own snow globe using paper plates! Pick up Kits at the Rakow Branch DriveUp from November 23 to November 29. ITEMS IN KIT: 2 plates, snowflakes, baggie. ITEMS NEEDED FROM HOME: Tape or stapler, Glue, Markers or stickers to decorates plates. All registered participants will receive an email with the zoom login prior to the program date. 4p-4.30p, GBPL Virtual 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, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Holiday Lights and Festive Sights Everyone is invited to get in the holiday spirit as they explore the decorations throughout Elgin and West Dundee from December 1st - De-

Please verify that your event of interest will be held as listed here. During COVID-19, everything is subject to change.

FEED.colorcode Bands & Music

Theater & Dance

Exhibits & Film

Causes & Community

Kids & Families

Lectures & Learning Wellness & Nature Mpulse Other

BRAVO

December 2020 cember 31st. There will be a digital map available on the ExploreElginArea.com website so families can plan their holiday adventure starting on Saturday, December 5th. Voting for the fan favorites will go live on December 5th and end of Sunday, December 27th. participants are asked to keep all decoration on display until January 1st. There will be prizes awarded to the fan favorite business decorations, homes and a random drawing from voters. Residents in Elgin, East Dundee and West Dundee are able to enter their home in the competition. All homes entered by the deadline on November 30th will have a professional photographer stop by their house between December 1st and December 4th so Explore Elgin Area, the municipalities and yourself can promote your home. There is no price to register. For more information, see page 8. 5p, Elgin Area, Elgin and East/West Dundee 800.217.5362 exploreelginarea.com. Free Grupo de Conversación en Inglés Online Practica conversar, mejora tu pronunciación y adquiere confianza con un tutor. Practice everyday conversations, improve your pronunciation and gain confidence. With Literacy Connection tutors. El grupo se reúne a través de la plataforma de reuniones virtuales Zoom. Puede participar en una computadora, tableta o teléfono celular. Al registrarse le contactaremos con el enlace y código para participar: O envíenos un correo electrónico a biblioteca@ gailborden.info (incluya su nombre y teléfono) O envíenos un mensaje de texto al 224-407-2399 (incluya su nombre y teléfono) Para obtener ayuda técnica para acceder a Zoom: Envíenos un correo electrónico a biblioteca@gailborden.info (incluya su nombre y teléfono) O envíenos un mensaje de texto al 224-407-2399 (incluya su nombre y teléfono) The group meets on the Zoom digital platform. You can participate on a computer, tablet or phone. After registering we will contact you with the link and code to participate: Or send us an email to biblioteca@gailborden.info (include your name and phone) Or send us a text message to 224-407-2399 (include your name and phone) For tech help accessing Zoom: Send us an email to biblioteca@gailborden. info (include your name and phone) Or send us a text message to 224-407-2399 (include your name and phone) 6.30p-7.45p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info All Things Apple Looking for the ultimate user manual for all things Apple? Join this virtual Zoom meeting with your Apple device to learn, share and help each other in this group. On the final meeting of 2020, we will be discussing the newest Apple products to help you make educated purchasing decisions right before the holidays. The All Things Apple program will be hosted via Zoom conferenc-

ing software. You can join the Zoom meeting on a computer, through the Zoom app on a tablet or smartphone, or you can call in using a cell phone or landline. Join Zoom Meeting: https://gailborden. zoom.us/j/94955310525 Meeting ID: 949 5531 0525 Password: 4GfrJpv^ 7p-8.30p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Discover the Life Changing Power of Meditation Join Umesh Bhatia, long time meditator to learn & practice simple techniques for meditation which can help enhance your personal life with a sense of well-being & a deep sense of inner peace. Meditation has become increasingly more popular. It can provide many life transforming benefits including numerous physical, psychological and spiritual benefits when practiced regularly. Meditating can help to become relaxed and calm as we come in contact with a state of inner peace and well-being. This can have a direct effect on those around us as well as on a cellular level. Please register for link to Zoom. (Please check your spam/junk folder if you don’t see the confirmation link) 7p-8p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info DIY Shrinky-Dink Keychains for Grades 6-12 Pick up supplies and instructions for making personalized keychains and small charms from shrink plastic. Then join us on Zoom to get help or to show off your creations! This program has supplies to be picked up at the Main Library Drive-Up Window (270 N. Grove Avenue, Elgin). Program supplies will be ready for pick-up from Tuesday, November 24 Tuesday, December 1. All registered participants will receive an email with the zoom login prior to the program date. Due to the closure of the building, all kits for this program are now available for pick-up at the Main Library Drive-Up Window. If you have any questions, please call the youth desk at 847429-4685. Program Supplies in the bag: Shrink plastic, Keychain Designs for tracing, Instruction sheet. Program Supplies to gather from home: Drawing tools (pencils, pens, or markers) Scissors. 7p-7.45p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Framed Holiday Book Wreath Elda shows you a festive way to repurpose a frame and an old book by making a gorgeous yet simple wreath! Join Elda on Facebook Live to learn how to make a gorgeous Framed Holiday Book Wreath. This unique piece of holiday décor is sure to brighten up your home! Follow along on Facebook Live here: https://bit. ly/gbplFBLV. 7p-7.30p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

KEN BRUDERLE For Elgin Township Supervisor On February 23, 2021

Wed.Dec.2 Medicare 101 Educational Seminar Andrea

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nombre y teléfono) The group meets through the Zoom virtual meeting platform. You can participate on a computer, tablet or cell phone. After registering we will contact you with the link and code to participate: Or send us an email to biblioteca@gailborden.info (include your name and phone) Or send us a text message to 224-407-2399 (include your name and phone) For tech help accessing Zoom: Send us an email to biblioteca@gailborden.info (include your name and phone) Or send us a text message to 224-407-2399 (include your name and phone) 5p-6p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Norman, Medicare Benefit Advisor, from Ascension Complete will go over Medicare options and answer questions on enrolling for Medicare. Please register for link to Zoom. Ascension Complete is a Medicare Advantage plan shaped by local doctors through providers such as AMITA Health Saint Joseph Hospital in Elgin and AMITA St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates . This program is to help educate Medicare Beneficiaries in the community about Medicare and the options available in order to make informed decisions. (Please check your spam/junk folder if you don’t see the confirmation link) 10a-11a, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Toddler Time Especially for the little ones, this virtual storytime will include songs, stories, and fingerplays for ages 0-2. No registration. Please visit https://bit.ly/gbplFBLV at time of program. Storytime will be available on Facebook to watch after live performance. 10a-10.30a, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Studio 270 Volunteer Squad See 12/1. 4p-6p, GBPL Main Library, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Go Bilingual Online Estudiantes de todos los niveles practicarán con otras personas que hablan español o inglés 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. Dirigido por la maestra Betty Martinez. El grupo se reúne los miércoles. El grupo se reúne a través de la plataforma de reuniones virtual Zoom. Puede participar en una computadora, tableta o teléfono celular. Al registrarse le contactaremos con el enlace y código para participar: O envíenos un correo electrónico a biblioteca@gailborden. info (incluya su nombre y teléfono) O envíenos un mensaje de texto al 224-407-2399 (incluya su nombre y teléfono) Para obtener ayuda técnica para acceder a Zoom: Envíenos un correo electrónico a biblioteca@ gailborden.info (incluya su nombre y teléfono) O envíenos un mensaje de texto al 224-407-2399 (incluya su

Writing Club: I Wrote A Book! If you wrote a book for National Novel Writing Month, join us for a virtual celebration! We’ll share our books over Zoom and celebrate the craft of writing. Grades K-8. Registration required. If you wrote a book, you get a prize! In order to receive your prize, writers must complete our Book Bootcamp challenge on Beanstack. KidSpace Library Associate Aron Ryan will email all writers with the class zoom login and instructions on prize pick-up. Feel free to reach out to Aron Ryan at aryan@gailborden. info with any questions. One prize per writer. If you are unable to attend the event, please cancel your registration so a student on the waitlist can join the event. 6p-6.30p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Best Picture Books of the Year Join Miss Katie for book talks highlighting “the best of the best” picture books from 2020’s publishing crop! A great opportunity to discover holiday gifts for little ones. This event will be held on Facebook Live. Please visit https://bit.ly/gbplFBLV at the time of program. Program will be available on Facebook to watch at your leisure after live performance. 6.30p-7.15p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden. info Bilingual Bookmobile Bedtime Stories Join us for an English and Spanish bedtime story. Some weeks will also have a guitar lullaby. This program will take place on the Library’s Facebook page. Please visit www.bit. ly/gbfbYLAH at the time of program to view. Video will remain available after program is over for later viewing as well. 6.30p-6.45p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Thu.Dec.3 Adventure Storytime with Ms. Stephanie Join us on the library facebook page for a storytime full of adventure ! There will be a story, and craft or activity you can do from home. https://www.facebook.com/ gailbordenpubliclibrary Note: We are offering Storytime Kits (egg shaker and scarf), for our storytime program participants. To receive your kit,

please visit the drive-up window at the Main Library or the Rakow Branch starting June 1. Ask for the Storytime Kit. While supplies last. 10a-10a, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Piano Performance: Steve Yoder 11a-12p, GBPL Main Library Lobby - Piano, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Kids Explore: Paper Crafting Cards K-2 Let’s use our kindness to create a homemade card for a gift! So many options: a cool holiday card, a birthday card, a get well card, a thank you card. Grades 3-5. Registration required This program has supplies to be picked up at the Main Library Drive-Up Window. All registered participants will receive an email with the class zoom login and instructions on picking up materials for the programs from the Youth Desk at the Main Library (address: 270 N Grove Ave. Elgin) from November 23 - 29th. IDue to the closure of the building, all kits for this program are now available for pick-up at the Main Library Drive-Up Window. If you have any questions, please call the youth desk at 847-429-4685. In your bag: pack of card stock, pattern paper, stickers. Supplies from Home: glue & markers. 4p-4.30p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Kids Explore: Paper Crafting Cards Grades 3-5 See above. 5p-5.30p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden. info Baby Rhyme Time Singing, clapping, simple stories and lapsit bounces at this virtual 1/2 hour program. Best for birth-23 months. Please register. This event will be held live using an online meeting platform, Zoom. Once you have registered, please check your email one hour before the program for a link. 6p-6.30p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Quickbooks Desktop Series Learn how QuickBooks desktop accounting software (2018 Desktop Premier Version) allows users to manage their company finances by adding items, working with customers & vendors, and running reports. This is a series. Registering for the first class automatically enters you in all required sessions. 12/3 - All About Customers. 12/10 - All About Vendors. 12/17 - Reports. This series is sponsored by Comcast Internet Essentials to help bridge the digital divide and foster digital literacy skills. For more information on Internet Essentials, visit www.internetessentials.com 6p-7.30p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Fri.Dec.4 Stomp! Clap! Read! This energetic virtual program is all about movement! Sing and dance to kid-friendly music hits and listen to storytime fa-

6.12 vorites. Best for ages 2-6. This event will be held live simultaneously using the online meeting platform Zoom, and also be streamed on Facebook. You can choose which platform to use. If you use Zoom, your child will not be shown on screen. To participate using Zoom, please register. Once you have registered, please check your email one hour before the program for a link. To participate using Facebook Live, please visit https://bit.ly/gbplFBLV at the time of the program. 10a-10.30a, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Cocktail Classes: Classics to Contemporaries We typically sample six to eight different cocktails, while explaining the ingredients used, the historical origins, and how best to make them at home or for guests. At the end of the demonstration, you’ll get to make a full sized version of whichever drink you want for yourself . Ever wondered how we do what we do at Lounge 51? In this class you’ll get to sample all eight of our signature martinis. Then of course, make one for yourself. Limited tickets available -- purchase your tickets online. 6p, Lounge 51, 51 S. Grove Avenue 847.454.3025 lineupnow.com/event/ classics-to-contemporaries. $25 Covid Carols oin the Super Spreaders of Cheer as they sing parodies of Christmas Carols in front of Side Street Studio Arts! They will be performing some great new classics like, Deck the Halls (with PPE), and Cuffing Night! You can see us in person outside of Side Street (distancing and masks required, not suggested) or you can watch us via livestream from the comfort of your own home! This event is weather and health restrictions permitting. 7.30p, Side Street Studio Arts, 15 Ziegler Court 847.429.2276 sidestreetstudioarts.org

Please verify that your event of interest will be held as listed here. During COVID-19, everything is subject to change.

FEED.colorcode Bands & Music

Theater & Dance

Exhibits & Film

Causes & Community

Kids & Families

Lectures & Learning Wellness & Nature Mpulse Other

December 2020

BRAVO

6.12

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 Downtown Neighborhood Assn* 31 S. Grove Avenue #100 Dream Hall at 51* 51 S. Grove Avenue Elgin Antiques & Uniques 207 E. Chicago Street Elgin Area Chamber 31 S. Grove Avenue 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

Hemmens Cultural Center 45 Symphony Way

Jewel-Osco 1660 Larkin Avenue

Jewel-Osco 375 Randall Road

Imago Creative Studios 216 Prairie Street

Judson University 1151 N. State Street

Stanley’s Ale House 335 N. McLean Boulevard

Kellenberger Auto Service 217 Symphony Way

Metra Rail Big Timber Station 2025 Big Timber Road

Starbucks 338 S. Randall Road

Law Ofﬁ ces of Shirley Sadjadi 169 E. Chicago St.

Paul’s Family Restaurant 1300 Lawrence Avenue

EAST/WEST DUNDEE

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

Presence St. Joseph Hospital 77 N. Airlite Street

Courtyard by Marriott 2175 Marriott Drive, West Dundee

Martini Room 161 E. Chicago St.

Sirin Dentistry 1 Crescent St.

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

Pastigel Bakery 154 E. Chicago St.

State Street Market Shops 701 N. State St.

East Dundee Village Hall 120 Barrington Ave., East Dundee

Radio Shopping Show Redemption Center 16 Douglas Avenue

Walnut Speakeasy 214 Walnut Avenue

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

Willow Lake Estates* 161 West River Road

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

RANDALL CORRIDOR

Midwest Retro 207 Barrington Ave., East Dundee

Razor Heads Barber Shop 18 S. Spring Street Red Poppy Bistro 109 E. Highland Avenue Rediscover Records 9 S. Spring Street Senior Services Associates 205 Fulton Street Side Street Studio Arts Gallery 15 Ziegler Court

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 Ecker Center 1845 Grandstand Place Elgin Community College 1700 Spartan Drive Elgin Shopping Mall 308 S. McLean Boulevard 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.

Explore Elgin Area 60 S. Grove Avenue

Highland Ave Church of the Brethren 783 W. Highland Ave.

Funky Rooster Tattoo & Gallery 73 S. Grove Avenue

Holiday Inn Express 495 Airport Road

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 Jimmy’s Charhouse 2290 Point Boulevard Johnny’s Supper Club 1250 Bowes Creek Road McDonald’s 255 S. Randall Road Panera Bread 2484 North Randall Road Physician’s Immediate Care 2490 Bushwood Drive 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 S. Elgin Branch, Gail Borden Library 127 S. McLean Boulevard

Pampered Pet Services 1050 Dundee Ave. 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

December 2020 Online 847.742.4248 elginhistory. org. Free

Posada Navideña: Villancicos por Facebook Live ¡Qué el calor de la Navidad entre en todos los hogares! Únanse a cantar villancicos tradicionales acompañados por invitados especiales.Conéctate en Facebook: bit.ly/gbplFBLV May the warmth of Christmas enter all homes! Join in singing traditional Christmas carols in Spanish accompanied by special artists.To participate on Facebook visit: https://bit.ly/gbplFBLV Songbook-Posada Navideña. 2p-4p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Sat.Dec.5 Correo Electrónico - online Aprende a enviar y recibir correos con texto, imágenes y videos. https://gailborden.libnet.info/images/pdfs/gailborden/GB_Correo_Electronico.docx El grupo se reúne a través de la plataforma de reuniones virtual Zoom. Puede participar en una computadora, tableta o teléfono celular. Puede registrarse para la serie completa o para una sola clase. Al registrarse le contactaremos con el enlace y código para participar: O envíenos un correo electrónico a biblioteca@gailborden. info (incluya su nombre y teléfono) O envíenos un mensaje de texto al 224-407-2399 (incluya su nombre y correo electrónico) Para obtener ayuda técnica para acceder a Zoom: Envíenos un correo electrónico a biblioteca@gailborden.info (incluya su nombre y teléfono) O envíenos un mensaje de texto al 224-407-2399 (incluya su nombre y correo electrónico ) Estas clases son patrocinadas por Comcast Internet Essentials para ayudar a cerrar la brecha digital y fomentar destrezas de alfabetismo digital. Para más información acerca de Internet Essentials, visite www. internetessentials.com This class is sponsored by Comcast Internet Essentials to help bridge the digital divide and foster digital literacy skills. For more information on Internet Essentials, visit www.internetessentials.com Computer Class in Spanish. There is no cost and you do not have to have a library card. You can register for the entire series or for a single class: www.gailborden.info/eventos. 1p-3p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Virtual Holiday Tea The fascinating real life story of The Night Before Christmas chimes to life as told by Martina Mathisen, along with the stories of our American Christmas Traditions. Why do we kiss under a mistletoe? Why do we decorate with poinsettias? Where did the jolly old man in the red suit come from anyway? And so many more traditions explained! Please register for this event on our website. The Zoom details will be sent to your email address. 1p, Elgin History Museum,

Festival of Lights Share in some holiday cheer at Elgin’s Festival of Lights! Lights will be on display nightly Saturday, December 5 through Sunday, December 27, from 5:009:00 p.m. at Festival Park, located at 132 S. Grove Avenue in Elgin. An enhanced show will take place Thursdays – Sundays, when three holiday themed songs will play on the half hour from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. with lights dancing and twinkling to the music. Lights will remain on until 9:00 p.m. nightly. “We could all use a little extra joy this year,” said Special Events and Community Engagement Manager Kate O’Leary. “While unable to host our traditional tree lighting ceremony, we’ve found a way to create a safe, outdoor space filled with holiday magic for the community to enjoy.” Attendees should wear a face covering and observe social distancing. The Festival of Lights can be viewed from a vehicle, or from the paved sidewalks at Festival Park. 5p-9p, Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Ave. 311 cityofelgin.org. Free The Vaguely Familiar Guitar Duo The Vaguely Familiar Acoustic Guitar Duo invites you to join them for their unique blend of stimulating acoustic guitar music during live appearances at The Village Squire Restaurant In S. Elgin in December on Saturdays 5th & 26th from 8 PM - Midnight. 8p-12p, Village Squire, 480 Randall Road, South Elgin 847.931.0400 thevillagesquire.com. No cover

Sun.Dec.6 Christmas Explosion CHRISTMAS EXPLOSION BIG GAME: Santa vs. Frosty vs. The Grinch. Entry fee: 1 Toy of $20 value or more (new, unused, and unwrapped). FREE RENTAL (if needed). Paintballs: $75 per case. DETAILS: Like our other Big Game Events, but this time we are raising money for a great cause, Toys For Tots. All paintball games are outside. 9a, Paintball Explosion, 601 Dundee Avenue, East Dundee 847.426.2662 pbbomb.com Festival of Lights: Hanukkah Stories, Traditions, and Treat Families are invited to learn about the Jewish

holiday of Hanukkah through stories, sharing of traditions, and the dreidel game. 2p-2.45p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Mon.Dec.7 Preschool Storytime See 11/30. 10a-10.30a, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Spanish Café / Conversation Group Online Intermediate-level participants practice structured and spontaneous conversational skills. Led by Pita Betancourt and Nohora Chacon. The group meets through the Zoom virtual meeting platform. You can participate on a computer, tablet or cell phone. After you register, we will contact you with the link and code to participate: send us an email to biblioteca@gailborden.info (include your name and phone) Or send us a text message to 224-407-2399 (include your name and email) For tech help accessing Zoom: Send us an email to biblioteca@gailborden.info (include your name and phone) Or send us a text message to 224-4072399 (include your name and email) Participantes de nivel intermedio practicarán respondiendo o empezando conversaciones en español con fluidez. Dirigido por Nohora Chacon y Pita Betancourt. El grupo se reúne a través de la plataforma de reunión virtual Zoom. Puede participar en una computadora, tableta o teléfono celular. Después que se registre, le contactaremos con el enlace y código para participar: Envíenos un correo electrónico a biblioteca@gailborden. info (incluya su nombre y teléfono) O envíenos un mensaje de texto al 224407-2399 (incluya su nombre y email) Para obtener ayuda técnica para acceder a Zoom: Envíenos un correo electrónico a biblioteca@gailborden. info (incluya su nombre y teléfono) O envíenos un mensaje de texto al 224407-2399 (incluya su nombre y email) 12p-1p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info STEAM Arctic Animal Friends for Grades K-2 Let’s get together and learn about some Arctic Animal friends who would love it here during a cold & snowy Illinois Winter. Grades K-2, registration required. This program has supplies to be picked up at the Main Library Drive-Up Window. All registered participants will receive an email prior to the program date with the class ZOOM login and instructions on picking up materials for the programs from the Youth Desk at the Main Library (address: 270 N Grove Ave. Elgin) from November 30 - December 6. Due to the closure of the building, all kits for this program are now available for pick-up at the Main Library Drive-Up Window. If you have any questions, please call the youth desk at 847-429-4685. Program Supplies in the bag: deflated ball,

21 pre-printed penguin, white crayon, penguin/polar bear sign Program Supplies to gather from home: small bowl of water New to Zoom? Click here for instructions. If you are unable to attend the event, please cancel your registration so a student on the waitlist can join the event. We will be taking attendance at the programs and staff members reserve the right to move a registrant to the waitlist if they are found to be consistently absent from the zoom event part of the program. 4p-4.30p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info STEAM Arctic Animal Friends for Grades 3-5 Let’s get together and learn about some Arctic Animal friends who would love it here during a cold & snowy Illinois Winter. Grades 3-5, registration required. This program has supplies to be picked up at the Main Library Drive-Up Window. All registered participants will receive an email prior to the program date with the class ZOOM login and instructions on picking up materials for the programs from the Youth Desk at the Main Library (address: 270 N Grove Ave. Elgin) from November 30 - December 6. Due to the closure of the building, all kits for this program are now available for pick-up at the Main Library Drive-Up Window. If you have any questions, please call the youth desk at 847-429-4685. Program Supplies in the bag: deflated ball, pre-printed penguin, white crayon, penguin/polar bear sign Program Supplies to gather from home: small bowl of water New to Zoom? Click here for instructions. If you are unable to attend the event, please cancel your registration so a student on the waitlist can join the event. We will be taking attendance at the programs and staff members reserve the right to move a registrant to the waitlist if they are found to be consistently absent from the zoom event part of the program. 5p-5.30p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info MS Excel: Advanced Features Learn how to use conditional formatting, work with multiple sheets in an Excel workbook, calculate percentages, and use PMT & VLOOKUP functions. This

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BRAVO

6.12

ELGIN TOY CAR Teen’s Invention Gains FLEET Industry Attention The Faque News

YOUTH SERVICES

CODE ENFORCEMENT

Humor and/or Satire

An invention by a U-46 teen could revolutionize communications technology, industry experts have said.

“Nice job, Enno,” it read. “This is the kind of thinking we cultivate at Motorola Emerging Tech, where we prove to the world that Tomorrow is Calling(TM).”

Sixteen year old Enno Jaarvis of Elgin created a new interface for telephones and mobile devices that consists of eighteen buttons instead of the conventional twelve. They call it the hexpad.

Jaarvis was contacted by a producer from Channel 73, a Milwaukee independent television station, and will appear in a 3-minute segment on Teen Tech, a Saturday morning show that’s broadcast in the southeastern Wisconsin cable market. The show is set to air in December.

“I got the idea from a unit we studied in my honors math class at Bartlett High,” they said. “A numbering system based on sixteen possible digits instead of ten can hold so much more information.”

Yet reaction hasn’t all been positive for Jaarvis. In today’s competitive climate, it wasn’t long before the hexpad gained a few critics.

The hexpad is laid out in six rows, with three buttons in each row. The top row consists of *-0# instead of the familiar 1-2-3.

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“Starting with the number one is a very old patriarchal construct,” Enno told Faque News. “It has never worked that well for humans and it needs to be reimagined. Obviously zero is the first number.” At the bottom are two rows of buttons labeled A-B-C and D-E-F. With the addition of these six extra buttons, the hexpad is capable of receiving one of sixteen different alphanumeric values for each press of a button.

18 quadrillion phone numbers, I think that’s what got their attention,” Enno said. “We will run out of phone numbers by the year 2027 if we continue to use the archaic ten-digit system. That’s what matters.” After Motorola Vice President of Emerging Technology Fellina Montalfonso posted a comment on the video, their idea started gaining serious traction.

It’s a numbering system familiar to mathematicians and engineers called “hexadecimal.”

Ott’s Toy Shoppe 292 Third St. “Every Kid’s Dream”

With the help of their father, attorney Ulrik Jaarvis, Enno has applied for a design patent on the hexpad, and plans to license it to the likes of Samsung, Apple, Motorola and Huawei. According to the Internet, the patent process could take as long as 14 months. “This technology needs to be adopted now, before it’s too late,” they said. “That’s why I made sure it would be backward compatible with legacy phone numbers.”

The hexpad came to the attention of executives at Motorola after a virtual Science Fair was conducted over Zoom in October. A video of Jaarvis demonstrating the hexpad appeared on YouTube and was shared quickly among viewers in technology circles. “When I proved that the hexpad was capable of dialing

One social media influencer in Dubai accused them of starting a “racist war on Arabic numerals.” A linguistics graduate student at the University of Seoul called the hexpad “Eurosupremacist” because it uses letters from the Roman alphabet.

Enno Jaarvis.

To see pictures of the original hexpad prototype, created with a 3D printer at Bartlett High, go to www.amazinghexpad.com. A video demonstration and a virtual hexpad experience are also available. —FN

BRAVO

December 2020

to make a fresh and wintry evergreen centerpiece with only a few supplies. This elegant and inexpensive DIY project will look beautiful (and smell wonderful!) in your home this holiday season. Follow along on Facebook Live here: https://bit.ly/gbplFBLV. 7p-7.30p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Wed.Dec.9 Toddler Time See 12/2. 10a-10.30a, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden. info class is not part of series - please register for all events separately. This class is sponsored by Comcast Internet Essentials to help bridge the digital divide and foster digital literacy skills. For more information on Internet Essentials, visit www.internetessentials.com 6p-7.30p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Cuentos para la familia See 11/30. 7p-7.30p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Poetry Writers Workshop 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 virtually via Zoom. Please register After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to the program via Zoom. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Tue.Dec.8 Kids’ Spanish Conversation Group on Zoom See 12/1. 3.30p-4p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Creativity Corner: Connect 4-Game Day! The game Connect 4 with a twist to practice our math skills! This program has supplies to be picked up at the Rakow Branch drive-up window. All registered participants will receive an email with the class zoom login and instructions on picking up materials from the Rakow drive-up window (2751 W. Bowes Rd.) from Monday, November 30th through Sunday, December 6th. In your bag: 2 - game board: addition, subtraction; 1 bag- filled with cut squares for game markers. Supplies to gather from home: NONE. 4p-4.30p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Studio 270 Volunteer Squad See 12/1. 4p-6p, GBPL Main Library, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Grupo de Conversación en Inglés Online See 12/1. 6.30p-7.45p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Rustic Winter Greenery Centerpiece Join Elda and learn how to make a fresh and wintery evergreen centerpiece with only a few supplies. Join Elda on Facebook Live and learn how

DIY Paracord Bracelet for Grades 6-12 Learn how to make a bracelet using paracord. This program has supplies to be picked up at the Main Library Drive-Up Window (270 N. Grove Avenue, Elgin). Program supplies will be ready for pick-up from Thursday, December 3 - Wednesday, December 9. All registered participants will receive an email with the zoom login prior to the program date. Due to the closure of the building, all kits for this program are now available for pick-up at the Main Library Drive-Up Window. If you have any questions, please call the youth desk at 847-429-4685. 4.30p-5.15p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Go Bilingual Online See 12/2. 5p-6p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden. info Bilingual Bookmobile Bedtime Stories See 12/2. 6.30p-6.45p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Thu.Dec.10 Tinsel Time Celebrate the holiday season by singing and dancing with Mr. Jon! This award-winning musician has been featured in many of our storytimes. Don’t miss this virtual event! Please visit https://bit.ly/gbplFBLV at the time of program. Performance will be available (for a limited time) on Facebook to watch at your leisure after live performance. 10a-10.30a, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden. info Piano Performance: Steve Yoder 11a-12p, GBPL Main Library Lobby - Piano, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Kids Explore: Reptiles Rule! Grades K-2 Meet leopard geckos, bearded dragons, ball pythons, and other reptile friends kept as pets. Make your very own 3-D ball python! Grades 3-5. Registration required. This program has supplies to be picked up at the Main Library Drive-Up Window (address: 270 N Grove Ave. Elgin). Program supplies will be ready for pick-up between November 30 and December 6. All registered participants will receive an email with the zoom login prior to the program date. Due to the closure of the building, all

kits for this program are now available for pick-up at the Main Library Drive-Up Window. If you have any questions, please call the youth desk at 847-429-4685. New to Zoom? Click here for instructions. Program Supplies in the bag:1 Python Craft Kit, 1 Booklist Program. Supplies to gather from home: Markers, Crayons, or Colored Pencils, Scissors, Glue Stick or Liquid Glue. 4p-4.30p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Studio 270 Volunteer Squad See 12/1. 4p-6p, GBPL Main Library, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Kids Explore: Reptiles Rule! Grades 3-5 See above. 5p-5.30p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Baby Rhyme Time See 12/3. 6p-6.30p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Quickbooks Desktop Series See 12/3. 6p-7.30p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Yoga and Self-Care to Help You Stay Calm in Chaos Join Julie Gentile, author & yoga teacher as she shares simple self-care practices that you can do to help cope with the ever-evolving landscape we are living in. Please register for Zoom link. Julie is the author of the award-winning book 108 Yoga and Self-Care Practices for Busy Mamas and her newly released book How to Stay Calm in Chaos: An Everyday Self-Care Guide. You’ll learn: Chair yoga stretches, a simple meditation, breathing exercise and other self-care practices to help you bring balance to your daily routine. Please note that a yoga mat is not needed to participate. Questions on Zoom, please click here (Please check your spam/junk folder if you don’t see the confirmation link) 7p-8p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden. info

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BRAVO

Two auto mechanics are washing up for their lunch break. “Stay tuned for WBTW news at noon at the top of the hour.” “Can you turn that up? I want to hear about that break-in.” “Police were called to a residential building on First Street in downtown Barstow Tuesday on the report of a burglary. No details were officially released, but sources inside the department now say it was at the home of Helene Casper, President of Apex Research.” “I thought all the new security cameras were supposed to prevent crimes like that.” “In a short statement to the media, Apex Research reported only that Dr. Casper was out of town at the time of the incident at her building, and they’ve received no indication that her apartment was involved. Police are still investigating.” A telephone rings at the home office of Councilor Maurice Greeley. The called ID displays “PRICE-JENK.” He picks up the phone. “Val.” “Morry, have you spoken to anyone at the Department? Do they have anything on video that shows that burglary?” “No, I haven’t had time to look into it. I’m just hearing about it.” “Hold the phone. I’ll conference in Melanie from the Communications Office.” After a series of clicks, tones and a several seconds of silence, he hears “Morry, are you there? I have Melanie from BPD Communications. Melanie are you still on the line?” “I can hear you.” “Yes.” “Melanie, we’re just getting the news about the burglary on First Street, and we’re concerned that it might become very uncomfortable for City Hall because of who lives at that address. What can you tell us about it? Do you have anything on video?” “The most I can tell you, Councilors, is that two apartments appear to have been entered, but only one seems be the target of the theft. It was the home of a single

6.12

BRAVO Serial Fiction: “Your Opinion Counts”

Conclusion:

Ghosts in the Machines by Mark Averill woman who was not home at the time. Exactly what got taken, if anything, we don’t yet know. And we are currently working with Peak Security Systems to scan the video from the vicinity for the time period just before, and during the incident. I would just ask you not to share any of that with the press yet, until we know more.” Ten minutes after the call ends, Councilor Greeley’s phone rings again. “Morry, can you meet me at the Crazy Shepherd Pub in a half hour? I called Steve Bertone and he said we could look at his video from yesterday.” A retired accountant picks up the Thursday morning Barstow Journal from his doorstep. The headline reads, “Apex Computers and Files Missing.” He goes back inside, and walks upstairs to his wife’s sewing room.

Greeley and Price-Jenkins climb the stairs to the manager’s office at the Crazy Shepherd.

Two couples at a Friendsgiving party are having Pringles and craft beer.

“Steve, thanks for seeing us on short notice. I assume you know what we’re looking for.”

“I see you got the new iPhone 12.”

“Yeah, I’m curious, too. I haven’t checked the video yet.” He opens his monitoring software and loads the video from early Tuesday morning. “This is the First Street camera between midnight and 6 a.m.” He begins to fast forward. “There, what’s that?” PriceJenkins says. “Back it up a little.” A car is shown pulling up to the curb across the street at 2:17 am. One man gets out and opens the trunk. Two other men enter the building and 29% come out at 2:29 carrying a computer, a laptop and 37% two file boxes. They place the items in the 34% trunk, close the lid and get in the car. It speeds away.

YOUR OPINION COUNTS

“I told you. Somebody got scared and broke into that crooked Apex Research to hide evidence. It’s in the paper today. It says ‘In her police report, Dr. Helene Casper stated that a computer, a laptop, two hard drives and at least one file of papers were missing from her apartment.’ But they still haven’t found any images off those new cameras ... if you can believe that!”

Apex Research President Helene Casper’s residence last month. Sheilds, a former marketing consultant and unlicensed psychologist, avoided testifying under oath, though authorities believe he has information that would implicate Barstow City Councilor Richard Andermayer in a pattern of corrupt dealings at City Hall. Andermayer has not been charged while detectives are still investigating. Sheilds was removed from office and is confined to his residence under 24-hour electronic monitoring.”

“That was Michael Sheilds’ car.” “Pause that, will ya? I want to hear about Sheilds and Andermayer.” A man walks to the bathroom and returns in a few minutes. “Okay.” His wife presses play on the DVR remote. “Barstow Mayor Michael Sheilds was sentenced to twelve months house arrest after pleading guilty to multiple counts of felony theft and conspiracy in connection with the burglary at

“Yeah, I dropped my old one and it spider-webbed the screen. I got all my data off it, though.” “I need a new phone, too, this thing is ancient. What did you do with your old phone?” “Took it to the digital media disposal site in Barstow.” “Never been there. Did they have a lot of stuff ?” “Yeah, they have this stainless steel dumpster full of laptops, tablets, phones, monitors, anything. There’s another locked bin with a slot in the top where you can put confidential documents.” “Do you have to wipe all the data off your device before you bring it?” “I did. But they supposedly destroy all the data for you.” His iPhone chimes. “News alert from my Barstow Journal app: ‘Councilors Questioned in Sheilds Probe.’ I guess I’ll read that later. Look, Nick and Tina just got here.” A woman sits down with the Thanksgiving Day edition of the Barstow Journal and begins looking through Black Friday sale circulars. Her husband picks up section A whose headline reads, “Two Councilors Resign Under Investigation.” “What a bunch of crooks,” the man grumbles. He reads aloud, “Barstow City Councilor Richard Andermayer resigned under pressure from staff yesterday, as evidence continues to point to corruption involving con-

BRAVO

December 2020

tracts awarded to vendors whose ownership is tied to his wife’s corporate interests. Councilor Valencia Price-Jenkins resigned hours later, when a viral Facebook post claimed that she had prior knowledge of Mayor Sheilds’ extramarital affair with Dr. Helene Casper of Apex Research. The claim was based on hundreds of text messages stored on a prepaid mobile phone that was discarded in its original packaging with the sales receipt inside.” Tomasa Marroquin is at home reading the news of her colleagues on an iPad, when the Barstow VUE app raises an alert: New Crime Activity. She clicks on the alert. The app opens and displays the Crime tab. A red dot appears on the map. She clicks the dot and a pop-up caption reads “Convicted felon in the area.” She zooms on the map and recognizes the street where Mayor Sheilds lives. She taps the dot again. The pop-up caption reads “[Error: nullPointer].” She refreshes the screen and the dot disappears. A telephone rings in the home of a bachelor who is removing a pumpkin pie from the oven. The caller ID displays “APEX RSRCH.” He answers. “Hello, Barstow resident,” a recorded voice says. “You have been selected to share your opinion on a matter of public policy with a one-question survey that takes less than two minutes. Press 1 to continue.” Beep. He follows the prompts for birth year, gender, ZIP code and income bracket. “Thank you. Barstow Township is considering a plan to replace its voting equipment with handheld digital devices equipped with an electronic voting application designed by Zenith Software. The project is funded entirely by a grant from Paragon Holdings Corporation. There is no cost to taxpayers. Press 1 if you support this plan. Press 2 if you do not support the plan. Press 3 if you are unsure or choose not answer. Press 4 if you would like to hear additional background information.” Beep. “Thank you for completing our survey. Your opinion counts.”

Fri.Dec.11 Stomp! Clap! Read! This energetic virtual program is all about movement! Sing and dance to kid-friendly music hits and listen to storytime favorites. Best for ages 2-6. This event will be held live simultaneously using the online meeting platform Zoom, and also be streamed on Facebook. You can choose which platform to use. If you use Zoom, your child will not be shown on screen. To participate using Zoom, please register. Once you have registered, please check your email one hour before the program for a link. To participate using Facebook Live, please visit https://bit.ly/gbplFBLV at the time of the program. 10a-10.30a, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Sat.Dec.12 Google Docs 1 - Online No hay costo ni hay que tener tarjeta de la biblioteca. Favor registrarse. Puede registrarse para la serie completa o para una sola clase. El grupo se reúne a través de la plataforma de reuniones virtual Zoom. Puede participar en una computadora, tableta o teléfono celular. Puede registrarse para la serie completa o para una sola clase. Al registrarse le contactaremos con el enlace y código para participar: O envíenos un correo electrónico a biblioteca@gailborden.info (incluya su nombre y teléfono) O envíenos un mensaje de texto al 224-407-2399 (incluya su nombre y correo electrónico) Para obtener ayuda técnica para acceder a Zoom: Envíenos un correo electrónico a biblioteca@gailborden. info (incluya su nombre y teléfono) O envíenos un mensaje de texto al 224-407-2399 (incluya su nombre y correo electrónico ) There is no cost and you do not have to have a library card. You can register for the entire series or for a single class: www.gailborden.info/eventos. 1p-2.30p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Pokemon Digital Escape Room for Grades 3-8 Pikachu has disappeared and needs your help! Can you solve the mystery of the Pokemon’s disappearance before time runs out?

Are you up for the challenge? Check back here in December for a link to Gail Borden’s Pokemon Escape Room. When you’ve successfully completed all of the escape room’s puzzles and challenges, take a screenshot of the final page. Send your screenshot to zone@gailborden.info along with your name, your grade in school, and a phone number Gail Borden can use to contact you. When we receive your information, you’ll be entered to win a $20 Target gift card! The winner’s name will be drawn on December 15. You may send in an entry for each digital escape room you complete, so check Gail Borden’s November-December calendar of events to make sure you’ve conquered them all. Questions? Comments? Desperate requests for hints? Let us know your thoughts by emailing zone@gailborden.info. Good luck! 2p-3p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Dance Peeps Friends 1st Annual Ugly Sweater Party Let’s get together for an indoor event in a 30,000 sq ft empty warehouse. Plenty of room to safe and social distance. Join us for our 1st annual Ugly Sweater Holiday dance party. JP & JENNY will be performing from 6 to 9pm. We will be having an ugly sweater contest and a donation for Toys for Tots. Bring your own snacks, drinks and chair. Due to COVID restrictions ticket sales are limited. 6p, Warehouse, South Street, Elgin dancepeepsjpandjennyuglysweaterparty.eventbrite.com. $10

Mon.Dec.14 Spanish Café / Conversation Group Online See 12/7. 12p-1p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Holiday STEAM for K-2: Gift Wrap Challenge! See above. 4p-4.30p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden. info Studio 270 Volunteer Squad See 12/1. 4p-6p, GBPL Main Library, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Holiday STEAM for 3-5: Gift Wrap Challenge! Think you are you faster than an elf? Join this gift wrap challenge and see if you have what it takes to work at the North Pole. Don’t be fooled, it’s harder than it looks! Registration Required All registered participants will receive an email with the class zoom login and instructions on picking up materials for the programs from the Main Library Drive-Up Window (address: 270 N Grove Ave. Elgin) from December 7th through the 13th. Due to the closure of the building, all kits for this program are now available for pick-up at the Main Library Drive-Up Window. If you have any questions, please call the youth desk at 847-429-4685. In your bag: various boxes & wrapping paper. Supplies from Home: tape, scissors,

25 and a ruler. 5p-5.30p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Café Latino: Discusión de Libros Online See 11/30. 6p-7p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Tue.Dec.15 Snow Much Fun Storytime Snowflakes, reindeer, and jingle bells! We’ll read cozy stories, sing songs, and celebrate all things winter. This event will be held on Facebook Live. Please visit https://bit.ly/gbplFBLV at the time of program. Storytime will be available on Facebook to watch at your leisure after live performance. 10a-10.30a, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Temas de Padres Online/Parenting Topics Online Este programa ofrece apoyo, confianza e información para interactuar con los niños y apoyar su educación. Con Family Focus. En inglés y español. Nuestro programa enriquece las necesidades de las familias. Cada mes nos enfocaremos en un tema en particular. Instrucciones para unirse por Zoom Regístrese en www. gailborden.info y le contactaremos con el enlace y código para participar: O envíenos un correo electrónico a biblioteca@gailborden.info (incluya su nombre y teléfono) O envíenos un mensaje de texto al 224-407-2399 (incluya su nombre y correo electrónico) Para obtener ayuda técnica para acceder a Zoom: Envíenos un correo electrónico a biblioteca@gailborden. info (incluya su nombre y teléfono) O envíenos un mensaje de texto al 224-407-2399 (incluya su nombre y correo electrónico) This program offers support, confidence and information to interact with children and support their education. With Family Focus. In English and Spanish. Each month we focus on a particular topic. The group meets through the Zoom virtual meeting platform. You can participate on a computer, tablet or cell phone. After registering we will contact you with the link and code to participate: Or send us an email to biblioteca@gailborden.info (include your name and phone) Or send us

List your events for FREE

BRAVO

6.12

The Inner Craft

The Art of Liminal Space by Michael J. Murschel, SD We stand at the threshold of two distinctly dark events in the month of December.

ment, and the darkness welling up around it. It is in that liminality that we realize its full dimensions, depth, substance. Without that encounter, everything is merely two-dimensional, lacking in one of the key ingredients which bestows upon it reality.

The first impending “dark event” is that of the totality of the last total solar eclipse of this year, which sweeps across Chile and parts of Argentina on the afternoon of Monday, December 14, 2020. In reality, that totality lasts only across a range of time from a fraction of a second to perhaps as long as seven minutes and 32 seconds.

We, ourselves, exist in moments of fluctuating light and darkness at the whim of the orbit of our planet. Within this sphere, we need the reality of light and darkness to help us find our way.

The other event is a well-known annually recurring one: the Winter Solstice, that darkest day of the year, astronomically speaking, which falls a week later, on Monday, December 21, 2020. That is the day when the hours of sunlight in the northern hemisphere are shorter than at any other time. In both of these celestial events, we know we will come back into the sunlight because these are not events of our own making. Instead, the universe brings us into these encounters between the light and the darkness and brings us back out of them and into the light once more. However, we, ourselves, still become part of those encounters. Our life is informed, possibly even reformed, through them. In so very many ways, that’s the very essence of our encounters with art. While art may be thrust upon us unawares in the public arena, our encounters with art are mostly matters of choice on our part. We decide to view an exhibit. Read a book. See a play. Art is an encounter between knowing and unknowing. We think, maybe even believe, that we “know something” until we are challenged in our belief by art and how it interprets and reinterprets that knowledge for us, within us, and in spite of us. Anything exists only through the tension of knowing and unknowing, for one describes the other, counterpoint to what it is not. You cannot have knowledge of light without knowledge of darkness. They define each other both by what they are and what they are not. It is the same for truth. Goodness. Life. And love.

And we, within ourselves, also exist in moments of fluctuating light and darkness seemingly at the whim of the orbit of our emotions, circumstances, and reality. So, it is even more important that we have the reality of light and darkness and shadow to help us find our way. “Shadows 2” by Heidi Stanfield.

And the value-added byproduct of any encounter with art is, or perhaps should be, the wisdom garnered from the lesson it teaches us, for every encounter with art ought to teach us some sort of lesson. Through that lesson, we hopefully transition from unknowing into knowing, from unfeeling into feeling, and from ignorance into wisdom. That is the intrinsic nature of art, for everything framed within it takes on a life of its own. We merely view it, sense it, experience it, each of us from our own unique angle and perspective. If we share those perspectives in an understanding and nurturing way with each other, that is exactly what happens: Understanding. To withhold our perspective, to weaponize it, or on the other hand to be denied the responsible and respectful expression of it, is to skew any valid level of understanding. There is a point between where shadow comes into contact with and attaches itself to an object, an emotion, a moment, and that point defines its true essence. This liminal, almost imperceptible space within that crossing of light and darkness gives us the shadow, which is the interplay, the encounter, of the light bathing the object, emotion, or mo-

At some point, though, this reality transitions for each and every one of us. Our encounter with light and darkness ceases and the shadows go away, facing us with a choice as to how we experience our reality going forward. We are compelled to make that choice, a choice often predicated upon our experiences, actions, and commitments in this place. And that choice is ultimate. Either we return to the totality of darkness from which everything was created. Or we go forward into the ultimate light for which we were created. Light and darkness shape us. Art informs us. Wisdom guides us. Blessings on your path into the bright promise of the new year. Michael J Murschel, SD, is a Spiritual Director whose private practice focuses on nurturing the conversation of people and groups with the workings of The Spirit, God, that Universal Power, in their lives in order to guide them to becoming all which they are created to be. His offices are located in downtown Elgin, Illinois, and he may be contacted at 224-577-8338, or by email to: michael@michaeljmurschel.com

BRAVO

December 2020

a text message to 224-407-2399 (include your name and phone) For tech help accessing Zoom: Send us an email to biblioteca@gailborden.info (include your name and phone) Or send us a text message to 224-4072399 (include your name and phone) 10a-11a, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Still Life Book Club Curated by owner Rachel Elizabeth Maley, Still Life Book Club selections move out of the realm of instruction and into inspiration. These short volumes are meant to inspire a full life of mindfulness. All are welcome to attend discussions and gain new insights, regardless of whether you’ve completed (or even started) the book. DECEMBER 2020 Karen Maezen Miller: HAND WASH

COLD A thoughtful and straightforward read for a busy season, HAND WASH COLD is a playful yet profound reflection on awareness, revealing the happiness at the bottom of the laundry basket, the love in the kitchen sink, and the peace possible in one’s own backyard. Follow Karen Maezen Miller through youthful ambition and self-absorption, beyond a broken marriage, and into the steady calm of a so-called ordinary life. In her hands, household chores and care-giving tasks become opportunities for self-examination, lessons in relationship, and liberating moments of selflessness. With attention, it’s the little things — even the unexpected, unpleasant, and unwanted things — that count. Where to Find: - borrow from your local library - purchase used from your local used shop or on eBay - purchase new at Still Life or from one our good friends: Semicolon Bookstore (Chicago’s only Blackwoman-owned bookstore) or Women & Children First Bookstore (landmark Chicago feminist and queer bookstore) 6p, Still Life Meditation 224.407.2707 stilllifemeditation.net Grupo de Conversación en Inglés Online See 12/1. 6.30p-7.45p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Super Easy Christmas Crack Toffee Learn to make delicious Christmas Crack Toffee with only 5 ingredients! Join Elda on Facebook Live as she

demonstrates her recipe for super easy, 5-ingredient Christmas Crack Toffee. Sure to be a holiday hit! Program will take place on Facebook Live at https://bit.ly/gbplFBLV. 7p-7.30p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden. info

Wed.Dec.16 Winter Card Painting Join us on zoom to learn how to watercolor paint two beautiful snowy scenes in a step-by-step instructional format. A supply list will be emailed to you after registering for the event. 10a-11a, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden. info Go Bilingual Online See 12/2. 5p-6p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden. info Bilingual Bookmobile Bedtime Stories See 12/2. 6.30p-6.45p, GBPL Virtual 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Family Gingerbread House Workshop Annual Family Gingerbread House Workshop is back in virtual style! Supplies are provided to registrants at the Main Library Drive-Up Window. Please register only once as a family and then indicate how many people in your family by answering the required questions. Every family will be provided with supplies to construct a house. Please try to build your house ahead of the event and

then send a picture of your creation to eforkan@gailborden.info. During the event, we will have Reindeer from a local reindeer farm and a slide show of all the creations made! Due to the closure of the building, all kits for this program are now available for pick-up at the Main Library Drive-Up Window. If you have any questions, please call the youth desk at 847-429-4685. Zoom link is provided within 24 hours

Please verify that your event of interest will be held as listed here. During COVID-19, everything is subject to change.

FEED.colorcode Bands & Music

Theater & Dance

Exhibits & Film

Causes & Community

Kids & Families

Lectures & Learning Wellness & Nature Mpulse Other

Everyone’s an Artist. Art is Powerful. So make your art now.

Stay informed . . . Learn how you can . . .

SaveDCCook.com

Suggestions ~ Visit 850 N. Grove in Elgin’s Northeast Neighborhood ASAP. That gorgeous NeoClassical building is scheduled for demolition. We invite artists to Document Elgin’s most famous Oak, or any aspect you want to feature. Draw century-old archtectural details. Paint a broad landscape. Capture a photo image or a video. Write a poem or story, or Assemble a collage. Discover up close what we may soon lose. All ages welcome. Children especially! All art accepted. A Community Exhibit is planned! Why not be part of it? SaveDCCook.com will supply details, and all Actions scheduled as they develop. Things change quickly ... stay tuned for updates! Contributing your art will bring a special heartfelt awareness to this threat to an irreplaceable element of our heritage. ART is a powerful and effective means to state what we VALUE. And if, in spite of our efforts, Cook is taken down, at least ART will remain to honor and respect the memory of what’s been lost.

BRAVO

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I solved 21 down by correctly answering 21, 22, 27, 29, 40, 44 and 53 across.

By correctly filling in padrone, lain, ettu, mirror, enemy, and kiss, I got the answer: pitons. What the heck are pitons? I couldn’t have cared less. But Three hours later, lying in bed reading ”Venice, the Lido” a poem by Richard Jones (from his new collection Avalon), I was stunned:

The high peaks echo when I hammer pitons into impossibly tiny cracks of rock . . .

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There it was, five lines from the end of a one and one-third page poem. Pitons. WHAT ARE THE CHANCES? Really, WHAT ARE THE CHANCES?

Thoughts raced. Should I buy a Lotto quick pick? Should I slow down and look around for ghosts? Should I go downstairs and have some more of the tiramisu my neighbor brought over? Should I pull down from the shelf Joseph Campbell’s The Power of Myth? and read up on synchronicity? For me, no matter the years, some words simply never stick; I have to look them up every time. I can never remember their meanings. Examples are (and I’m not ashamed to admit them): sanguine, jingoistic and carmine, to name only a few because I cannot recall any others. But now, with help from a poet (and possibly a spirit inter-locator), I will always remember pitons. Apparently, that’s what it takes. Miss Goodwill’s novels are available at Town House Books in St. Charles, through Amazon and at ECC and Gail Borden libraries.

“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

NURTURING

MICHAEL J MURSCHEL SPIRITUAL DIRECTION

ART

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BRAVO

December 2020

Expression: The Artist in Each of Us

Still Making by Erin Rehberg For years, I’ve been thinking and talking about people who retire from art making. With a foot in the dance world, I have been witness to it since high school and have since found it prevalent in other artistic mediums as well. Artists retire because their bodies give them no choice: they are burned out, different lifestyles become more attractive, they are not appreciated, and so on, I thought. For all of these years I’ve admitted, only to myself, that I judge these decisions pretty harshly, even though our world doesn’t make it easy for someone to be a working artist at any age, let alone into old age. I always thought artists like Martha Graham said it best. “People have asked me why I chose to be a dancer. I did not choose. I was chosen to be a dancer, and with that, you live all your life.” And, indeed, Martha said many problematic things, just as my delineation of active artist versus retired artist was problematic, because at the same time I told my students that I fall in line with Scott McCloud’s definition of art. “Art, as I see it, is any human activity which doesn’t grow out of either of our species’ two basic instincts: survival and reproduction.” And, now I feel that even those basic instincts are artistic. I was passing these judgements even before I was actively calling myself an artist. I was a dancer and choreographer, but I had yet to see the connection. I had a romantic entanglement tell me once that my art was a hobby. The relationship never recovered, and the subsequent dispute helped push me to the realization and confidence need-

ed to call myself an artist aloud. Prior to that, I felt from somewhere deep inside that being called an artist was something bestowed upon you from someone older, wiser, more talented … I know it is a lifetime of off-handed comments like the one above to someone who is a rule follower like me that make it scary for a person to call themselves an artist in the first place. Then, to have to distinguish among practicing, retired, working, successful, etc.? Too much. It was the creative communities of Elgin in the 1980’s that, little did I know, gave me my initial education in what it looked like to be an artist: from those who taught me how to do a plié, to those who dragged me to symphony performances, to those who entrusted me to be a leader in their classrooms at young age. From them, the seeds of an artistic life were planted through a build up small moments that included supportive words, strong female leaders, and patience. It is Elgin’s creatives in 2020 who now teach me that no one retires from being an artist, because we are all artists. Now, I work every day to make sure kids, who so easily make and see and be art, push to go beyond the rules and judgements they witness around them, so that they have no problem calling themselves an artist, or whatever they want to call themselves, at any age or engagement level. I look at the creatives around Elgin. Those making and performing into their 80s as well as the kids who send me their original creations inspired by politics, race, and world affairs,

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beyond anything I would have dreamed at their age, and I hope this moment in time allows all to see the art and artists around us more clearly and respectfully. We do not have to make the choice to call ourselves an artist, but can understand that as an audience we are part of the art. As a person in the world we are a performer; as a leader we are an adaptive creative; as we walk the dog we engage, and program, and create our view and appreciation of the world around us. That is art. I am thrilled when someone works any job all day and comes home and draws. Then, takes the brave step to share that drawing on social media, hang it on a wall, gift it to a friend, or even just not throw it away. I am inspired by the adaptations of those who have been working creatively in Elgin for generations, quietly at home or prominently on its stages, who are now reimagining what that looks like under

pandemic rules. I am scared and disappointed when our intake of art is so very high and our governmental systems and elected leaders’ showing of support of the arts is so very low. This too is what turns me away from the rules. I am a rule follower in my bones, but if a creative life combined with this moment has taught me anything, it is that following rules blindly doesn’t do anyone any good. I don’t want to lose a generation of potential creative thinkers and problem solvers and art makers and community engagers to this difficult moment of depression, limited access, and lack of public support. But, even if the rule makers aren’t there for us right now, the inspiration makers are. Look at the houses you pass by. The original art in the windows and signs of support – made by the artists in that house. Look at the struggling small businesses pivoting and adapting, creating new marketing channels or pastries

6.12

or delivery services or online content – made by the artists in that business. Look at the life-saving engagements by activists and difference makers – made by those with no other choice than to be more creative in order to be heard, artists. This is happening in our Elgin. Let it wash over you. Let it inspire you and motivate you. Let it be there for you when you can’t budge. Elgin contains nooks and crannies, homes and buildings, communities and organizations, where being creative is prized and questioning is commended. The people of Elgin are still making and we are all artists. Erin Rehberg is Cofounder and Director of Side Street Studio Arts in Elgin, and Artistic Director of the Elgin Fringe Festival.

Photo by Tanner Melvin.

BRAVO

December 2020

Editor’s Note

The Next Chapter by Jeffrey R. Pierce This edition of BRAVO is our 66th issue, marking five and a half successful years of publishing. What started out to be primarily an events calendar has evolved into a magazine with original feature articles, interviews, creative writing, visual art, satire, festival programs and more. We have met dozens of fascinating people and given many artists their first interview, and many writers their first chance to be published. It has been a rewarding journey. But it has been a labor of love for almost everyone involved.

BRAVO has been successful because of volunteer effort. Every piece of cover art was lent or donated by an artist; every article was contributed by someone who loved to write; and most of the events in our lengthy and detailed calendar were keystroked into Facebook or a website by someone else. Apart from the startup costs and a few small bailouts along the way, BRAVO has been paid for by the advertisers who had confidence in our audacious project to create a sense of place for the Elgin area with a print-only publica-

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. 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. 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.

tion you could only find in a cafe, library, art gallery or store. A lot has been accomplished, and there is still so much potential. For an area with about 150,000 residents, a magazine like BRAVO should have more than 6,000 readers per month; there’s probably enough subject matter around us to fill three magazines; and it’s time to refresh the graphic design that looks like it was done by a middle-aged white guy. For these reasons, we are looking for someone to write “the next chapter” for BRAVO.

Our Founder, Editor and Publisher Jeffrey R. Pierce is resigning this month to pursue new projects in new places, and BRAVO will go “on hiatus” for the foreseeable future. Yet even during this pandemic, artists are still creating, businesses are reinventing themselves, and there are many more great stories to tell. If you or someone you know is interested in playing a role in BRAVO’s future, write to us at bravo@marqueemedia.net. Stay well, and here’s to a better 2021! — JRP

B R A V O Magazine is published by

MARQUEE MEDIA P.O. Box 1551 Elgin, IL 60121-1551 (224) 513-1220 (voice or text) bravo@marqueemedia.net Publisher: Jeffrey R. Pierce Contributors: Jeffery Carl, Tracy Altheide, Explore Elgin Area, Marcia Gutiérrez, Elgin Symphony Orchestra, Mark Averill, Michael J. Murschel, Mary Ellen Goodwill, Erin Rehberg, Daniel Schlack, Tanner Melvin.

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