BRAVO 6.2 by marqueemedia

magazine

6.2

The Most Fruitful Faculty pp. 2-4

with the

FEBRUARY 2020

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Worry, #BeerHappy pp. 45-46

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Shared Values: From the Parlor to the Public Sphere @literacyconnection

@LiteracyConnection1

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The Most Fruitful Faculty by Patricia Harkin

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On the cover:

The Old Bridge Oil on Canvas 18 x 24”

Artist:

The Arts will be a primary focus as the American Association of University Women’s Elgin Area Branch celebrates its one-hundredth anniversary in 2020. For more than a year, a committee chaired by Sue Schulz, Mary Navin and Julie Ford has researched how branch members throughout the last century — from suffragettes and flappers to current day powerful career women — have contributed their time, talents and energies to championing the Arts. A year-long series of retrospective exhibits, educational gatherings, and social events will highlight the ways in which AAUW members moved from the parlor to the public sphere in their efforts to promote equality for women and girls through education, advocacy and philanthropy.

During February and March, the Elgin Area Historical Society will mount an exhibition entitled “The First 100 Years of Elgin Area Branch AAUW.” Members of the history sub-committee, chaired by Jeanne Hebeisen, have pored over our archives to select a fascinating collection of artifacts from our early days, including hand-written minutes of early meetings, photographs, awards and honors that our members have earned. A reception and tea is scheduled for February 15th, at 1:00 PM, at the Elgin Area Historical Museum, 360 Park St. The public is invited. In March, Elgin Artspace Gallery will be the scene of a retrospective exhibit of works from the Art Showcase, an annual art show that the branch sponsored from 1960 to 2009. The event

Nick Freeman

I’ve been painting my entire life and hope to improve someday. Mine is a typical story. I grew up in the Chicago suburbs and eventually found my way to Elgin in 2018. I’m married and have three children. After high school, I did hard time at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. After that, I tried my hand at various trades: plate spinner, foreman at a rubber plantation in Ceylon, cheese monger, to name a few. Then I settled into a long ride as a production director at a prominent Chicago ad agency. Now, I paint. As an adherent to traditional, representational oil painting methods and techniques, I enjoy the challenges of landscapes, portraits and scenes of everyday life. In 2014, a book collection of my photography was published by Lake Claremont Press, entitled Good Old Neon. More of my work is on view at galleryfreeman.com About “The Old Bridge” Just off Raymond Street, the Galena and Union is the oldest bridge in Elgin. Despite fences and no trespassing signs, or because of them, some teenagers can’t resist enjoying the view. See the full scene on p. 26.

“Art Showcase, 1960-2009.” Painting by George Stefely.

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February 2020

Stefely will elaborate on aspects of his painting which will remain on display at the Seigle Gallery.

Photo courtesy Patricia Harkin.

attracted exhibitors from all over the United States and presented awards in several media. For fifteen years this Art Showcase was a centerpiece of the Elgin Fine Arts Festival. Later it formed part of Elgin FoxFireFest. Member Sandy Kaptain chaired or co-chaired seven of these events and remained involved in some capacity for 25 years, steering the events to successful completion. When AAUW Art Showcase ended, Sandy Kaptain chaired Art and Soul on the Fox, a juried show and sale that formed part of the city’s effort to attract the Artspace Lofts, then in the planning stages. Art and Soul, championed by Edward Schock and David Kaptain, quickly became one of Elgin’s most important annual events, and enhanced the city’s growing reputation as a center for the Arts.

Artspace Exhibit Branch members Julie Ford, Muriel Fenzel, Jean Pechtel and Sandy Kaptain, along with Amanda Harris of Elgin’s Cultural Arts Commission, have collected and curated artworks from these shows, loaned by their current owners and by the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission, for display at the Seigle Gallery in Elgin Artspace Lofts from March 6 to March 18. On March 8, from 1:30-5:00 PM, the branch will host a reception at which Janet Heinicke, who founded the Art Showcase in 1960, will speak briefly about its history. Mayor David Kaptain will present a painting by George Stefely, commissioned by the branch, to the gallery.

Side Street Studio Arts will combine their own 7th Anniversary Open House with a preview of the AAUW Art Showcase exhibit at the Seigle Gallery, March 6, 2020, This will be an opportunity to strengthen bonds within Elgin’s vibrant artistic community.

Art for All While our juried events showcased professional artists over the years, Sandy Kaptain thought that beginners and amateurs also deserved a time and place to share their talents. In 1996, she was instrumental in forming Art for All, whose mission includes educating the public about the visual arts, providing critiques of work and supporting artists at every level of competence. Art for All exhibitions, where amateur painters, sculptors, printmakers, jewelry makers and artists in many media display their work for sale appear at the Hemmens Cultural Center as well as in an annual show at the Gail Borden Library Main Branch.

Awards Banquet Elgin Poet Laureate Chasity Gunn will bring literary art into the spotlight as she reads her work at our annual awards banquet in May. Branch member Gareth Mann Sitz served (along with BRAVO editor Jeffrey Pierce) on the committee that proposed the office of Elgin Poet Laureate and later, chose Chasity for that honor. The a capella group Nothing But Treble will entertain.

Suffragette Picnic On June 8, our emphasis shifts to the dramatic arts as member Linda Rock impersonates a suffragette at a picnic for new and potential members. Linda is a frequent actor at the annual Cemetery Walk where she impersonates various persons interred at Bluff City Cemetery.

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“Images of the Heartland” Reception, Show, and Sale On October 11, Suzanne Poursine Massion, a juried member of Oil Painters of America and the Illinois Artisans Program, whose paintings and drawings have won many awards and are collected by private, corporate and public patrons throughout the world, will host an exhibition and sale at her home.

Illustrated Art History Lecture November 13 is the date for an illustrated talk at Gail Borden Public Library by Laura Mueller, lecturer at the Chicago Institute of Art. At 10 AM, Mueller will share insights into the work of women artists throughout the centuries with emphasis on issues of class and gender. American Association of University Women, Elgin Area Branch, with “Art Showcase, 1960-2009” painted by George Stefely. Photo courtesy Patricia Harkin.

This year-long series of events reminds us that, in order to effect the change that AAUW calls for, the most fruitful faculty of the mind is imagination. Changes in attitudes about gender, race, class, ability and ethnicity must be envisioned before they can happen.

and the League of Women Voters in sponsoring this event.

For that reason, a centerpiece of our celebration will be a Day of Empowerment at 1 PM on April 24 in the Meadows Community Rooms at Gail Borden’s Main Branch. AAUW will partner with Gail Borden Public Library

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Having been informed by celebrating what women have accomplished, inspired by a panel of women leaders from our community discussing our AAUW mission points of civil rights, economic security, sexual violence and women in leadership, we shall be em-

powered by connecting with other organizations that strive to make a difference in our community for all women and girls. The branch is grateful to AAUW-Illinois and to the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission for grants in support of these programs.

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February 2020

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Mariachi! Saturday, March 7th @ 7:30 PM Hemmens Cultural Center

Featuring Mariachi Acero de Las Vegas performing with the Elgin Symphony Orchestra

Box Office: 847-888-4000 www.ElginSymphony.org Sponsored By:

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Billings Summary for February

Putting On Airs An Ideal Husband Goodly Creatures Theatre presents An Ideal Husband, by Oscar Wilde and directed by Katrina Syrris. At the distinguished dinner party of British politician Sir Robert Chiltern, an unwelcome guest, Lady Chevely, attempts to blackmail the unwitting host into a fraudulent political scheme by threatening to unveil the depth of his corruption to the world — and worse yet, his wife. Enlisting the help of his dearest friend, the clever and dandified Lord Goring, Sir Chiltern must find a way to turn the tables on his newest enemy before it’s too late. Featuring Wilde’s searing wit and a cast of wild characters, the question remains: who will land on their feet and who will fall from grace? This modern retelling of Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy addresses political corruption, the facade of propriety in high society, and the unattainable ideal of the perfect marriage. The show runs February 13 through March 1st at the Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division Street in downtown Elgin. Thursday, Friday and Saturday night performances are at 8pm, and Sunday matinees are at 2pm. Tickets are $18 ($15 for students or seniors), available online at goodlycreatures.com or at the door (cash only).

It’s 1942, and two of Hollywood’s biggest divas have descended upon the luxurious Palm Beach Royale Hotel -- assistants, luggage, and legendary feud with one another in tow. Everything seems to be in order for their wartime performance... that is, until they are somehow assigned to the same suite. Mistaken identities, overblown egos, double entendres, and a lap dog named Mr. Boodles round out this hilarious riot of a love note to the classic farces of the 30s and 40s. Performances are January 31, February 1, 2, 7, 8, and 9, 2020. Friday and Saturday performances start at 8:00PM and Sunday performances start at 2:00PM. The show is presented at the Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division St., Elgin, IL 60120, on the 8th floor of the Elgin Professional Building in Downtown Elgin. Tickets for Suite Surrender are priced at $20.00 for adults and $18.00 for seniors and students. Group rates and season tickets for the Elgin Theatre Company are also available. For reservations or more information call: (847) 741-0532, e-mail: tickets@inil.com, or see the ETC website: www.elgin-theatre.org, to purchase tickets online.

We Own This Now

Suite Surrender

Starring Ted Swartz and Michelle Milne, We Own This Now looks at love of land, loss of land, and what it means to “own” something.

The Elgin Theatre Company 2019-2020 season continues with the comedy Suite Surrender written by Michael McKeever and directed by Julie Price.

Chris has farmed the land his grandmother found as a home in Kansas after fleeing Russia almost 100 years ago; his daughter Riley is learning more about

See the ad on page on page 6 for pre- and post-show food and drink specials.

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February 2020

Diving into historical documents, absurd situations, and extended metaphors, the audience discovers alongside Riley and Chris how the Doctrine of Discovery (the legal framework that justifies theft of land and oppression of Indigenous Peoples) is still being used and causing harm today. We Own This Now provides a starting point for further conversation: What does it mean to “own” something? What is the relationship between “owning” and “taking” — and what is the relationship between “ownership” and (taking) responsibility? It’s produced by Ted & Co, written by Alison Casella Brookins, directed by Bryan Rafael Falcon & Lindsay Nance, and created in partnership with the Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery Coalition. It will be performed one night only, at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, 783 Highland Ave, Elgin, IL @ 7:30 pm. Admission is free. More information about the show at www.tedandcompany. com/shows/we-own-this-now/. For information about the church, go to www.hacob.org

Colorado, is in the works and will be released in early spring, 2020.

INDEPENDENT PLAYERS

The evening will begin with a spaghetti dinner at 5pm to benefit Epworth’s mission trip to Spirit Lake, North Dakota. There will be a free will offering taken for the meal. Following the meal, Alleluia Quartet performs their unique style of vocal quartet music in a special concert at 6pm. The concert is free, parking is free, and the building is handicapped accessible for all. Epworth United Methodist Church is at 37W040 Highland Ave. on the corner of Randall Road. For questions or more information call (847) 931-5400 or go to eumcelgin.org

The Agape Ringers Chicago’s premier bell choir, the Agape Ringers, has been dazzling audiences since 1992. They’ll perform Sunday, February 23rd at 4pm as part of the Artist Series, a community outreach program of Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church, located 10805 Main Street in Huntley. The program will include wide variety of musical styles from Beethoven and Mozart to classics like “Fly Me to the Moon.” Admission is free. For more information, email artistseries@ sotpmail.com, or find them on Facebook: @SOTPArtistSeries

ECC Arts Center Events

‘

who was on that land before her Oma arrived, and the jarring connections she has to the fate of those people. We follow Chris and Riley as they navigate their changing relationship to each other and to the land their family has farmed for several generations.

Alleluia Quartet Epworth United Methodist Church is proud to bring Alleluia Quartet to Elgin for the first time on February 8th at 6pm. Alleluia Quartet has been singing together for over 30 years and has multiple recordings to their name. Their latest release “Alleluia,” recorded in Denver

Alleluia Quartet.

Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn’s banjo-picking partnership is unlike any other on the planet. The wildly inventive yet strangely familiar musicality of these married master players will transform the way you see (and hear!) the banjo. Fleck is a 15-time Grammy winner known for his virtuosic jazz-to-classical playing and ground-breaking collaborations that include Béla Fleck and the Flecktones.

FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS: March 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 2020 at 7:30 PM TICKETS: $20 SENIOR CITIZENS AND STUDENTS: $15 ONLINE: independentplayers.org PHONE RESERVATIONS: (847) 697-7374

Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division Street, Elgin

BRAVO

Washburn is an acclaimed singer-songwriter known for her daring clawhammer banjo skills and signature songwriting that blends traditional folk music with the music of East Asia. See them live at the Blizzard Theatre Thursday, February 6 at 7:30pm. Tickets are $53-57. (See below.)

Beethoven’s Birthday Bash Join the Elgin Master Chorale for a morning of music, learning, and fun! “Beethoven’s Birthday Bash” is an entertaining and interactive learning experience celebrating Beethoven’s musical influence over the past 250 years. This concert desgined especially for learners will present students with the stories, history, and music of this great composer who wrote many of his most beautiful melodies while grappling with almost total deafness. Beethoven’s story is one of inspiration, hardships overcome, and a legacy of beautiful music. The music starts Friday, February 7 at 10am in the Blizzard Theatre. Tickets are $19-24. (See below.)

Tapestry: The Carole King Songbook Experience a legendary album LIVE in concert! Released in 1971, Carole King’s Tapestry is one of the best-selling and most celebrated albums of all time. With heart, reverence, and an impeccable attention to detail, Suzanne O Davis and her band perform songs from this iconic album, plus King’s hits from throughout the ‘70s. The result is an exhilarating recreation of the sound and vibe of a Tapestry-era Carole King concert. This live tribute comes to the Blizzard Theatre stage Friday, February 14th at 7:30pm. Tickets are $34 (see below).

Kiss Me, Kate This song-and-dance comedy

classic focuses on a troupe of actors as they battle on- and off-stage during a production of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. A 1940s Broadway treasure, Kiss Me, Kate features iconic Cole Porter songs such as “Too Darn Hot,” “Brush Up Your Shakespeare,” and “Always True to You (In My Fashion).” Performed by the ECC Musical Theatre company, the show is February 21-23, 27-18, and March 1st. Thursday, Friday and Saturday curtains are 7:30pm, and Sundays are 3pm. Tickets are just $18-20 (see below).

Alash with Special Guest Shodekeh Tuvan throat singing meets Pete Seeger folk! Hailing from the southern edge of Siberia, this ensemble of throat singers (a technique for singing multiple pitches at once) blends the sounds of their heritage with those of folk and Americana. They appear in SecondSpace Theatre Saturday, February 29 at 7pm. Tickets are $29 (see below).

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International Guitar Night XX Rare show alert! This tour is most likely the only time you’ll see these four guitarists share the same stage. For 20 years, International Guitar Night has been connecting the world’s best acoustic guitarists for once-in-alifetime concert tours. English guitarist Mike Dawes is widely considered one of the world’s finest and most creative modern fingerstyle guitar performers. Cenk Erdo�an of Istanbul is an acclaimed player of the Turkish fretless guitar. Gypsy jazz guitarist Olli Soikkeli hails from Finland and, at 28, has already shared the stage with Tommy Emmanuel and Bucky Pizzarelli. Jim “Kimo” West is regarded as one of the

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February 2020

world’s foremost Hawaiian slack key guitar artists.

per order handling fee. Tickets are non-refundable.

See this performance for one night only, Saturday, February 29th at 7:30pm in the Blizzard Theatre; tickets are just $32 (see below).

Heartland Marimba Quartet

ECC Arts Center Tickets Tickets to all ECC Arts Center events are available three ways. To order online, go to tickets. elgin.edu — major credit cards are accepted. To order by phone, call the Box Office at (847) 622.0300, or buy tickets in person at the Box Office in Building H, Room H143.03 at the Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Drive in Elgin. Box Office hours are Monday thru thursday, 12-6pm, Saturday 12-5pm, and starting 90 minutes prior to every performance. A $2 facility fee is added to each ticket, and internet and phone orders are assessed a $5

You haven’t lived until you’ve heard the sound of four marimbas in harmony! The Heartland Marimba Quartet, based in Iowa, gives a platform to the music of American composers in its programming, and continues to expand its repertoire with works from composers worldwide. Unique doesn’t even begin to describe this ensemble and their sound world! Chamber Music on the Fox presents a live concert by the quartet Monday, February 24 at 7:30pm at Imago, 216 Prairie Street in downtown Elgin. General admission tickets are $20 ($10 for students), available online at chambermusiconthefox.org.

Monday, February 24, 2020 at 7:30pm Imago

216 Prairie Street, Elgin, IL

Tickets: $20 / $10 Students ChamberMusicOnTheFox.org • (224) 276-8881 Chamber Music on the Fox is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Elgin Symphony Orchestra: The Power of Fate Music Director Andrew Grams, oboist Frank Rosenwein (an Evanston native), and the ESO will bring the drama with The Power of Fate: Verdi, Strauss & Wagner. Love, revenge, war, and reflection are all themes that come to life in this intense, heart-stopping performance. The program includes Verdi’s La Forza del Destino overture; Strauss’ Oboe Concerto; Wagner’s Siegfried Idyll; and Elgar’s In the South. The Hemmens Cultural Center will host two performances: Saturday, February 8th at 7:30pm and Sunday, February 9th at 2:30pm. The Hemmens is at 45 Symphony Way in downtown Elgin, with free covered parking available. Reserved seats are $35 and up, available online at elgin-

symphony.org, by phone at (847) 888-4000, or in person at 20 DuPage Court, weekdays between 10am and 4pm. Contact the Box Office at boxoffice@elginsymphony.org. ESO Free Open Rehearsal The ESO musicians work hard at rehearsals throughout the weeks to prepare for concerts, and they invite you to listen for free to the dress rehearsal! You may sit up close to the stage and hear the dialogue between the conductor and musicians, and experience the process of making music! The musicians will rehearse for the upcoming February 8-9 concerts conducted by ESO Music Director Andrew Grams. This exclusive opportunity is Friday, February 7th, with doors opening at 6:30pm and rehearsal starting at 7:15pm. Registration is required. See page 15 in the Mpulse section for complete details.

Suite Surrender presents

Two rival divas are accidentally booked into the same hotel room... What could possibly go wrong? January 31, February 1, 2, 7, 8, and 9, 2020 Friday and Saturday at 8:00 PM Sunday at 2:00 PM Elgin Art Showcase 164 Division Street Eighth Floor, Elgin

By Michael McKeever Directed by Julie Price

Tickets: Adults $20.00 Youth/Sr. $18.00 For reservations or information Phone: (847) 741-0532 E-mail: TICKETS@INIL.COM Web: WWW.ELGIN-THEATRE.ORG

Suite Surrender is produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc. This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency

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Sponsored Content

Elgin Cultural Arts Commission

Individual Artist Grant Program by David Metzger For all artists and performers, the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission (ECAC) is a great opportunity for an individual to execute a project or put on a show. An artist can receive up to $1000 by applying for an individual grant. I have been putting on shows and events for over six years and have used the individual grant to help cover some of the expenses. Over the past six years, I have put on two robot-themed art shows, two pin-up art shows and a themed art show called “Fez Fest” and last year put on a show call “Strange Imaginations and other Perplexing Wonders.” In 2019 I put up a group art show called “Cartoon Cavalcade, A Celebration of all things Toony!” This show had an Opening Reception on July 12th at the Seigle Gallery at Elgin Artspace Lofts in Downtown Elgin. The process is easy and you can download the application form from the City of Elgin website under the Boards and Commissions toolbar. Follow the key points on the form.

food, drink, and event insurance. Each show I put on goes back into the community by also sponsoring a non-profit group. I usually do a $5 suggested donation at the door. All the remaining funds for the show after expenses go to a local non-profit. I also like to do an After Party at a local bar following the reception of my show. This is a great opportunity to help drive more traffic to a local business.

Call for Art The ECAC’s Call for Art is live and applications for 2020 public art are being accepted through March 2, 2020. For the application, please visit cityofelgin.org/PublicArt. For questions or concerns contact Staff Liaison, Amanda Harris at Harris_A@CityOfElgin.org or 847-931-6019. #publicart #ExploreElgin #downtownElgin #goseeart

I encourage anyone who has a vision for an event or project to look into applying for an individual grant from the ECAC. You can start the process by reaching out to Amanda Harris at: harris_a@cityofelgin.org Dave Metzger is a local Elgin artist, graphic designer, and illustrator. He is also the Director of Oddball Art Labs, a local non-profit arts organization.

Goodly Creatures Presents “An Ideal Husband” by Oscar Wilde, Individual Artist Grant Recipient The show runs at the Elgin Art Showcase located at 164 Division Street on the 8th floor, Elgin, IL, 60120. Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays February 13th – March 1st @8pm. Tickets available at goodlycreatures.com. $18 general admission, $15 students and seniors.

The most important aspect I have found is defining your project or event. What is unique about it and how you plan to execute your idea? Remember the reason for gaining a grant from the city is to have an impact on promoting the arts in the community. I also suggest, giving your self enough time for your project or event. You will find putting together all the details will take more time than you realize. You will also need to show how your dollars will be used for your project. I use the funds to cover marketing materials, printing,

Elgin Cultural Arts Commission Calendar

At the distinguished dinner party of British politician Sir Robert Chiltern, an unwelcome guest, Lady Chevely, attempts to blackmail the unwitting host into a fraudulent political scheme by threatening to unveil the depth of his corruption to the world — and worse yet, his wife. Enlisting the help of his dearest friend, the clever and dandified Lord Goring, Chiltern must find a way to turn the tables on his newest enemy before it’s too late. This modern retelling of Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy addresses political corruption, the facade of propriety in high society, and the unattainable ideal of the perfect marriage. Photo by Chris Palm.

February 2020

BRAVO

FIRST FRIDAYS IMPROV FEB 7 • MAR 6 8:00 APR 3 • JUNE 5 • SEPT 4 PM

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

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Janus Theatre turns 21 years old this month. Our first production premiered at Vail Street Café in downtown Arlington Heights from Feb. 19-27, 1999. The production featured Joseph Schuman, Jennifer Plotzke, Tom Selley and myself. It was directed by Terry Domschke and stage managed by Tara Morrison. It was a series of one-act plays: two by comic master David Ives and one obscure play by Sam Shepard. These plays would be our opening production and they did not mesh well at all. If Ives was like pop music then Shepard was like hard punk. It didn’t make any sense.

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open-minded everyone was – especially Terry. It’s important to remember that he had been directing theater for decades. He had some strong credentials, and his name was associated with these shows, but he didn’t care. He enjoyed working with us on this material. That’s how he was in many ways. His ego was not at the forefront of his personality. He had a great deal of humility, but when it was time to work he could be quite rigorous.

On The Marquee

JANUS THEATRE CO. by Sean Hargadon

Still, I went to a local bookstore, saw two anthologies from these playwrights, read a bit, and then picked the plays. It was random, poorly conceived, and in many ways not how you want to start a new company. But Terry didn’t flinch. He was gracious and didn’t try to change my mind. He just embraced the opportunity and knew we were actors in training, developing our abilities, so we worked on this odd production and when it was all done, sold out every performance.

For me, it was a new world of possibilities, and I was seduced by it all – even in a small café theater production. Looking at the article in the Pioneer Press, I cringe, because it reads like youthful exuberance covering up for a lack of experience. I had an idea to start The Janus Theatre in November ‘98 based on a hunch and some ego that I could do better than what I was seeing around me. Keep in mind, I’d only been doing theater for maybe two years. I was late in the game. I knew nothing when I started. Still, the best thing I did was ask Terry, Joe and Tara to join me. They had been around. They had experience. They had grace. I had a big mouth. And a lot of energy and was eager to learn.

Honestly, I was surprised the café owner didn’t kick us out after the opening night. The first two plays by Ives, “The Sure Thing” and “The Philadelphia” played wonderfully, but when we started “The 4-H Club” by Shepard, the mood in the room began to change. We went from funny people saying witty things to three guys terrorizing the audience, while chasing away invisible mice, and generally trashing the place. It was all very odd, exciting and new.

It took some years to mature, but looking back after 85 productions, it has been a journey into an undiscovered country, filled with wonderful people, telling tall tales in tiny places. It is something I will always be grateful for – those three people saying yes to an idea that didn’t seem sustainable. And yet, here we are, a bit battered, like a band that has lost some members, but still keeps storming the stage making music. Rock on!

But what stays with me when I think about that time is how

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BRAVO

February 2020

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.

Oboe Master Class Elgin Symphony Orchestra welcomes Frank Rosenwein, principal oboist of the Cleveland Orchestra, to present a masterclass on Saturday, February 8 from 1pm to 3pm at the Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin. Advanced students of the oboe will perform and receive coaching from Mr. Rosenwein. The event is free and open to the public. Frank Rosenwein joined The Cleveland Orchestra as principal oboe at the beginning of the 2005–06 season. He made his solo debut with the Orchestra in February 2007, in Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 2. Since then he has performed many times as soloist, including playing the Richard Strauss Oboe Concerto in 2012 and the first Cleveland Orchestra performances of the Vaughan Williams Oboe Concerto in 2017. Since 2006, Mr. Rosenwein has

served as head of the oboe department at the Cleveland Institute of Music, where in 2015 he was given the Alumni Achievement award. He also teaches at the Kent Blossom Music Festival, and is in demand as a guest artist and masterclass clinician in schools all over the world. An avid chamber musician, he has spent many summers at the Marlboro Festival and has performed with the Mainly Mozart Festival in San Diego, Philadelphia Chamber Music Society, and the Seattle Chamber Music Society.

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

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

Choral Auditions Heartland Voices, an Elgin-based mixed choral ensemble, welcomes new singers to join the choir by audition. The semi-professional ensemble consists of 28 advanced singers who perform a variety of literature from renaissance to vocal jazz. Auditions for all potential singers are by appointment. The audition will consist of singing a solo selection of choice, showing the voice at its best. There will be other vocal exercises and sight-reading as part of the audition. For specific details on openings and audition times, contact artistic director Dr. John G. Slawson, at chordirektr@att.net. Section leader auditionees should attach a resume to the email. Heartland Voices rehearse each Tuesday evening from mid-September through April, and present concerts in December, March and April. For more information, visit their website at heartlandvoices.org.

However, if you can carry a tune and have a good ear for music, you’re sure to fit in just fine. You can choose to sing any of the four parts — tenor, lead, baritone, and bass. The leads carry the melody, while the tenors harmonize above the melody, the basses sing the lowest notes, and the baritones share the middle, around the leads, to complete the chords. We welcome into our membership anyone who enjoys being part of a chord of music, whether it originates from the heart or from a musical arrangement. The Fox Valley Harmonizers meet every Monday evening at 7:00 P.M. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 310 E. Main St, East Dundee. Parking is at the back of the church. From Main Street, turn south onto South Van Buren Street, turn at the first right onto Johnson Street, then turn right again into the parking lot.

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

Open Calls for Art Side Street Studio Arts: YEAR 7 The number 7 has long been touted as a number with significant and noteworthy properties. Having influence in spirituality, magic, and even memory, the number 7 conjures images imbedded in our day to day lives. Dr. John Slawson.

On March 6, Side Street Studio Arts will celebrate our 7th

anniversary with their annual juried art exhibition. It will be a multi-disciplinary, rambling celebration encompassing all of their spaces: Gallery, Theater, and Lab. The heart of this celebration will be a visual art exhibition displayed throughout all of the buildings and spaces. Any and all mediums are welcome. We invite you to submit visual works in relation to the number 7 for our YEAR 7 anniversary exhibition. We will accept work until the walls are full. You may only submit ONE work of art! Top judges selections will receive Side Street prize packages, including cold hard cash. The Crowd Favorite (voted on during the opening reception) will receive a prize package including a Side Street LAB Membership! This exhibit will be open to the public Friday, March 6 through Sunday, March 29, with an Opening Reception and Anniversary Celebration on First Friday, March 6 from 6-10pm. Submissions for YEAR 7 must be received by Thursday, February 7 at 7pm and must be dropped off Sunday, March 1 between 11am and 3pm. Absolutely no late submissions will be accepted. Submissions are limited to 1 work, no series will be accepted. Complete the submission form online at sidestreetstudioarts. org/year7. There is a $10 submission fee required for your submission. Side Street Studio Arts Members are exempt from the submission fee. Interested in becoming a SSSA member? More info available here: https://www. sidestreetstudioarts.org/membership. SSSA takes no commission on art sales! Side Street Studio Arts: OUT LOUD We are now accepting artwork in all mediums for OUT LOUD, an exhibition celebrating the identities, experiences, voices, and visions of the LGBTQ+ community. Submission fee is $5 per piece, with a maximum of 3 pieces submitted. Complete the form online at sidestreetstudioarts.

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org/outloud. Deadline for submission is Friday, April 10, 2020 at midnight. Artwork Drop Off is Sunday, April 26, 11am-3pm. The OUT LOUD opening reception will be held on Friday, May 1st, from 6-8 pm and will remain open to the public May 1st through June 7th in concert with the first Elgin Pride Parade on June 6th! Visit elginpride. com for more info.

Elgin Fringe Festival The Elgin Fringe Festival (EFF) is an uncurated, multi-disciplined arts festival, featuring dance, theater, music, visual art, and the undefined at venues in downtown Elgin, September 4-13, 2020, with most performances taking place the second weekend. The mission of the Elgin Fringe Festival is to encourage bold artistic experimentation and innovation by providing an accessible, affordable experience for both artists and audiences alike. 100% of ticket sales go back to the artists! EFF Performing Artists Elgin Fringe Festival PERFORMING ARTISTS are accepted on a first come, first served basis. Complete the online form at elginfringefestival.com/ for-artists-c2542. If you have any troubles submitting your application, please contact EFF Artistic Director Nick Mataragas at elginfringefestival@gmail.com. Performing artists are able to select one, two, three, or four performances. While you will not be able to choose your day and time. However, you can choose the number of performances to offer greater scheduling flexibility and money-making opportunities for artists and a wider variety of performances for audiences! Single performances will have a $85 production fee per performance for up to 3 performances. 4 performances over the 4 days will be $300. There is no application fee. Production fees are required upon acceptance to the 2020 festival. You will be invoiced for your production fee. All production fees must be paid via credit card or mailed check. No in-person payments will be

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February 2020

accepted. All applications must be received by February 17 at 11:59pm. No late submissions will be accepted. Selected and wait listed artists will be announced by April 13, 2020.

including sculpture and murals outdoors as well. Submissions will be accepted on a first-come first-served basis. Complete the form online at elginfringefestival.com/for-artists-c2542

EFF Visual Artists

There will be a $12 installation/marketing fee for each work submitted. 100% of art sales will go back to the artist. The installation fee is non refundable. If you are submitting more that one piece, be sure to submit a separate form for each (unless they are part of a series). A single artist can submit a maximum of three pieces of work. Submissions are due by February 17 at 11:59pm. No late submissions will be accepted.

The Elgin Fringe Festival is seeking work for our visual art component to be displayed during the 2020 Elgin Fringe Festival. In keeping with the fringe mission, our goal is to create a diverse landscape, both literally and figuratively, of uncensored and unjuried artwork. Our hope is to not only showcase talented independent artists inside venues, but to showcase larger temporary works

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

The Artist Series has been created to bring events, performances and forums to our local community. The best part is that we bring them to you for FREE!

Join us at our next events:

Sunday, February 23rd 4:00pm

Chicago’s Premiere Bell Choir, The Agape Ringers has been dazzling audiences since 1992. The program will include a wide variety of musical styles from Beethoven and Mozart to classics like “Fly Me to the Moon”. This will be a great afternoon of music by a phenomenal group.

Saturday, March 7th 7:00pm

Last Stop Music Festival Side Street Studio Arts is seeking poster art for our first-ever music festival to be held in downtown Elgin, IL August 8th and 9th, 2020. The Last Stop Music Festival will feature an exciting lineup of local and national artists, host the final battle of SSSA’s annual Battle Of The Bands, vendor “stations” for visual art, food and beverage, lounge areas, as well as creation stations for artmaking and other experiences. We are looking for eye-catching, original, creative artwork that can be manipulated to work on social media platforms, in print, and so on. Our goal is to work with someone who is flexible style-wise, and who has an eye for concert/band posters. The chosen work(s) will receive a $100 cash prize, two festival passes, and featured artist-vendor placement at the festival. Submissions are due by Friday, March 6th at 5pm. Complete the online form at sidestreetstudioarts.org/laststop. No late work will be accepted.

Critique Nights Join Side Street’s Artist-in-Residence Kate Roberts for monthly critique nights. These events are a chance for artists to share their current works in progress or finalized pieces. All types of art are welcome; visual, performance, music, written, etc. No required registration. Emerging to established artists are invited to bring 1-3 artworks to the Crit. Each critique session will involve artist to viewer communication to form a better understanding toward their piece and to further their practice. The next Critique Night is set for February 12, 6:30-8:30pm at Side Street Studio Arts Gallery, 15 Ziegler Court. Please be punctual and respectful during the critiques. $5 suggested donation.

The Wartburg College Castle Singers and Chamber Orchestra have been hailed as a model of musicianship since their inception in 1950. proudly supported by

BRAVO magazine

Arts Writers Wanted BRAVO magazine welcomes contributions from skilled volunteer amateur writers on a variety of topics that pertain to culture in the Elgin area, including feature articles, inter-

BRAVO

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

Riviera Creative Arts The mission of Riviera Creative Arts is inspiring creativity through art-based enrichment programs that reach multiple learning styles in a single lesson: to create lifelong creators in children, develop their artistic ability while supporting their social and emotional development and positive relationships with their peers and adults. Art Exploration This class is an overview of art and different mediums like acrylic, watercolor, and oil pastels. We explore different famous artists and their techniques. This class will also include a step by step lesson, and the children take home their creations. We cover material from Wassily Kandinsky, Salvador Dali, Frida Kahlo, Dale Chihuly, Henri Matisse and more. After reviewing and practicing different art techniques, students begin to develop their own style and naturally create art. We will also do seasonal or featured paintings in this class. Classes are Tuesday at 11am and 4pm, February 4, 11, 18, 25. $20.00 per child Literacy Based Art Lessons We focus on one of your child’s favorite books and paint their favorite scene from the book. We will also be featuring books from the Who Was series and create mixed media art based on influential historical figures. There is a book discussion that takes place during the activity, and the children take home their creation. This class assists children of all reading levels and is an alternative approach to literacy. This method reaches multiple learning styles at once in a group setting, and inspires the love of reading and learning. Classes meet Mondays at 11am or 4pm, February 3, 10, 17, and 24. $20.00 per child. Kids Step-by-Step Painting Lessons Learn a step-by-step painting technique that will encourage children to learn their

own painting style. Seasonal and theme paintings will be featured. All supplies included. This class meets Thursdays at 11am or 4pm, February 6, 13, 20 and 27th. $20.00 per child. Open Studio Time We offer open studio from 12-2pm and 4pm-6pm on Wednesdays. If your child wants to practice creating art and different mediums, or work on a project independently or finish one, the open studio is a perfect solution. Canvas or watercolor paper and supplies provided. The studio is open Wednesday afternoons, February 5, 12, 19, and 26th. Cost is $10.00

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per hour. The studio is located at 162 E. Chicago Street, Suite #103. For information on any of these programs, contact Cynthia at rivieracreativearts@ gmail.com or call (847) 708-2714.

Sat.Feb.1 Winter Moonscape Painting Join artist John French for an interactive painting class as he teaches how to paint winter night landscapes illuminated by the moon. Registration required. 11a-1p, GBPL Rakow Branch Corridor East, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info

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February 2020 Winter Moonscape Painting See above. 2p-4p, GBPL Rakow Branch Corridor East, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info

Mon.Feb.3 Poetry Writers Workshop Come share your love of poetry! This is a group for local poets to share what they have written. Gareth Mann Sitz, poet and songwriter, will facilitate. No registration. 6.30p-8.30p, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Tue.Feb.4 Creativity Corner: Croissant (Crescent) Day For ages 6-12, this interactive program explores cre-

ativity with a new theme every week! 4p-5p, GBPL Rakow Branch Corridor West, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info DIY Buttons Create one-of-a-kind buttons of your very own. For students in grades 9-12. 4p-7p, GBPL Main Library Studio 270, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Valentine 3D Grades 3-8. Learn how to make your own Valentine’s Day 3D design with mom or dad, and have it printed out after class. Registration required. Having an active email address or setting up a Tinkercad.com account in advance would be helpful. This series is sponsored by Comcast Internet Essentials to help bridge the digital divide and foster digital literacy skills. For more info on Internet Essentials, visit www.InternetEssentials.com. 5.30p-7p, GBPL Main Library Story Room, 270 N.

Sometimes Arabica is best to go.

19 Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Wed.Feb.5 Sewing Machine 101 Join us as we unravel the mystery of the sewing machine. This workshop will not only help you know what to look for when purchasing your first machine, but it will also help you learn how to successfully use it. 10.30a-12.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Writing Club Calling all young writers! Explore how humor can be a great storytelling strategy and practice your comedy writing. Registration is required. For grades 3 to 8. 5p-5.45p, GBPL Main Library Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Thu.Feb.6 Creativity Corner: Groundhog Findings See 2/4. 4p-5p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Audio Lab: How to Build a Home Studio Teens can learn what you need to build a recording studio in your home. For teens in grades 9 - 12. 5p-6p, GBPL Main Library Studio 270 Digital Media Lab, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Sat.Feb.8 ESO Oboe Masterclass w/Frank Rosenwein Watch & learn as artist Frank Rosenwein works one-on-one and critiques talented local music students. 1p-3p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms ABC, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden. info. Free

Mon.Feb.10 Sew Much Fun Come learn how to hand-sew simple projects! 5p-6p, GBPL Main Library Story Room - South, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Tue.Feb.11

Announcing Arabica Delivery!

breakfast

lunch

Arabica Café has joined forces with Grub Hub to bring you Arabica at home or work! Just go to our website, check out our menu and place your order. Food, beverages, even a bag of our amazing coffee. Jammies approved (except maybe at the office).

Arabica Cafe

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

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www.ArabicaCafeElgin.com

Creativity Corner: Groundhog Findings See 2/4. 4p-5p, GBPL Rakow Branch Corridor West, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info Audio Lab: Songwriting Teens can learn tips for creating an awesome song. For teens in grades 9 - 12. 5p-6p, GBPL Main Library Studio 270 Digital Media Lab, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Wed.Feb.12 Survival Sewing This workshop is for all those who want to save money on repairs or alterations. Topics for our discussion include: lengthening, shortening, repairing rips, tears or holes, zippers, and the best way to sew a button. Registration required. 10.30a-12.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Elgin Teen Life: For the Love of Chocolate Teens will learn how to use candy melts to pour molds and dip pretzels and cookies with chocolate. For teens in grades 6 - 12. In partnership with the Elgin Police Department. 4p-6p, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailbor-

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

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

Hemmens Cultural Center 45 Symphony Way

Holiday Inn Express 495 Airport Road

Cleveland Veterinary Clinic 400 N. McLean Boulevard

Imago Creative Studios 216 Prairie Street

Jewel-Osco 1660 Larkin Avenue

S. Elgin Branch, Gail Borden Library 127 S. McLean Boulevard

Kellenberger Auto Service 217 Symphony Way

Judson University 1151 N. State Street

Jewel-Osco 375 Randall Road

Law Ofﬁces of Shirley Sadjadi 169 E. Chicago St.

Metra Rail Big Timber Station 2025 Big Timber Road

Stanley’s Ale House 335 N. McLean Boulevard

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

Paul’s Family Restaurant 1300 Lawrence Avenue

Starbucks 338 S. Randall Road

Martini Room 161 E. Chicago St.

Presence St. Joseph Hospital 77 N. Airlite Street

EAST/WEST DUNDEE

Pastigel Bakery 154 E. Chicago St.

Sirin Dentistry 1 Crescent St.

Courtyard by Marriott 2175 Marriott Drive, West Dundee

Radio Shopping Show Redemption Center 16 Douglas Avenue

State Street Market Shops 701 N. State St.

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

Walnut Speakeasy 214 Walnut Avenue

East Dundee Village Hall 120 Barrington Ave., East Dundee

Willow Lake Estates* 161 West River Road

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

RANDALL CORRIDOR

The Manor Restaurant 425 E. Main St., 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 Soulful Sparrow 10 Douglas Avenue

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

1600 Professional Building 1600 N. Randall Road 1710 Professional Building 1710 N. Randall Road Advocate Sherman Hospital 1425 N. Randall Road Candlewood Suites 1780 Capital Street Comfort Suites 2480 Bushwood Drive Elle Salon 2490 Bushwood Drive Jimmy’s Charhouse 2290 Point Boulevard McDonald’s 255 S. Randall Road Panera Bread 2484 North Randall Road Physician’s Immediate Care 2490 Bushwood Drive Porter’s Pub 1250 Bowes Creek Road Rakow Branch, Gail Borden Library 2751 W. Bowes Road Rookie’s All-American Pub & Grill 2486 Bushwood Drive Starbucks 2480 North Randall Road Village Pizza and Pub 2496 N. Randall Road Woodman’s Market (C’Ville)* 2100 Randall Road

Herb’s Bakery 1020 Larkin Ave.

SOUTH ELGIN

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

Booker’s Bar & Grill 420 N. McLean Boulevard

Midwest Retro 207 Barrington Ave., East Dundee 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

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February 2020

den.info

Thu.Feb.13 Creativity Corner: Valentine Fun See 2/4. 4p-5p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden. info Genealogy Writers Group Learn from others with a similar interest in writing their families’ history. 6.30p-8p, GBPL Main Library Conference Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Sat.Feb.15 Drawing Adventures with Judy Haynder Longtime art instructor Judy Hayner (Young Rembrandts, Gail Borden Public Library) leads young artists in sketching an Alligator! $10 per student includes supplies. Registration recommended. Elgin Public Museum of Natural History & Anthropology is located inside Lords Park, 225 Grand Blvd. Elgin Public Museum, 225 Grand Boulevard 847.741.6655 blazier_epm@cityofelgin.org

Now that you have completed our Intro and Intermediate 3D design classes, take your skills to the next level by completing our advanced challenges! Registrants must have taken Intro to 3D and Intermediate 3D Design. Please bring an active email address to the program or set up a Tinkercad.com account before the program. This series is sponsored by Comcast Internet Essentials to help bridge the digital divide and foster digital literacy skills. For more info on Internet Essentials, visit www. InternetEssentials.com. 2p-3.30p, GBPL Main Library Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Mon.Feb.17 Freestyle 3D Design Grades 3-8. It’s your turn! Now that you have completed the Intro, Intermediate, and Advanced 3D challenges, you can create your own design or tackle one of our real-world applications. *You must have completed Intro, Intermediate and Advanced 3D Design before registering. Please have your login for Tinkercad.com ready before this class begins. This series is sponsored by Comcast Internet Essentials to help bridge the digital divide and foster digital literacy skills. For more info on Internet Essentials, visit www. InternetEssentials.com. 3p-4.30p, GBPL Main Library Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Tue.Feb.18 Creativity Corner: Valentine Fun See 2/4. 4p-5p, GBPL Rakow Branch Corridor West, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info Crochet Club Get hooked on crocheting! Bring a project to work on. All skill levels welcome. 6.30p-8p, GBPL Rakow Branch Living Room, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden. info Open Mic Night Share your talent at Studio 270s Open Mic Night. We are looking for musicians, poets, comedians, story tellers and more to perform. For teens in grades 9-12. 6.30p-8p, GBPL Main Library Studio 270 Stage & Screen, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Tarantula Pinning Workshop Join us in learning how to pin a tarantula!Fee includes specimen, pins, styrofoam pinning board, and instruction from the wonderful Morbid Orchid Co.They will also be selling 5x7 shadowboxes for $10.Limited spots available, must pre-pay for your reservation by email: horrorfloral@gmail.com 1p, Side Street Studio Arts, 15 Ziegler Court 847.429.2276 sidestreetstudioarts. org. $40 Advanced 3D Design Grades 3-8.

Wed.Feb.19 Black History Month Read-In/ Write-In Readers and writers from ECC and the community are invited to read works by African American writers, artists, and musicians. ECC Professor Chasity Gunn, Elgin’s Poet Laureate, will lead this experience, with a chance to create works of your own. 12.30p, ECC Building C, Room C120, 1700 Spartan Drive

847.697.1000 elgin.edu

Thu.Feb.20 Creativity Corner: President Celebration See 2/4. 4p-5p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Audio Lab: Midi Production Teens can learn how to create music using Midi inputs and instruments. For teens in grades 9 - 12. 5p-7p, GBPL Main Library Studio 270 Digital Media Lab, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info fordskitchen.com. No Cover

Sat.Feb.22 Copper Wire Bracelet Create an elegant beaded wire worked copper bracelet. Please bring 1 spool of 20 gauge copper wire (silver or gold is acceptable) and 30 4mm beads. Registration required. 1p-3p, GBPL Rakow Branch Living Room, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info

Mon.Feb.24 Pop-Up Makerspace We have the supplies; you have the ideas, come make something awesome with us in the Youth Center South! 5p-6p, GBPL Main Library Youth Center - South, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Writers on the Fox This writer’s peer group will inspire and motivate you using prompts and exercises for creative writing. Writers of all genres are welcome to participate. No registration. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Room B, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Tue.Feb.25 Creativity Corner: President Celebration See 2/4. 4p-5p, GBPL Rakow Branch Corridor West, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info

Thu.Feb.27 Creativity Corner: International Polar Bear Day See 2/4. 4p-5p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info

Thu.Jan.30 Wait, What? Mark of Wait, What? heads over to Gifford’s Kitchen for a very special solo performance ! Get your grub and drink on as Mark gets your #thirstythursday rockin’! 6p-8.30p, Gifford’s Kitchen, 2300 Bushwood Drive 847.649.3900 gif-

Project 2-3-1 Film & Discussion at Gail Borden Library This award-winning documentary begins with enthralling stories and photos that tell the rich history of African American life in Elgin from the Civil War “contrabands” to present day. 6.30p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Fri.Jan.31 The Moods Award-winning recording and performing artists since 1995, entertaining across the country and abroad, The Moods are a singing group dedicated to the fine art of harmony and choreography. They’re known for their vocal stylings, but are equally accomplished in theater and on the big screen. They have collectively written songs, performed and arranged background vocals for other artists and television and radio commercials. Check it out on their video page!!The Moods have been entertaining crowds at clubs, festivals, weddings, corporate parties and major fundraisers all around the Chicagoland area and across the country. They have performed with and opened for such major talents as The Temptations, The Spinners, Mary Wells, Bernie Mac, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, The Stylistics, The Impressions, The Chi-Lites, and the list goes on and on. $10 COVER at the DOOR Cover is waived for every $50 spent in the restaurant before the show! Gifford’s Kitchen, 2300 Bushwood Drive 847.649.3900 giffordskitchen. com Solar Energy Forum Solar Energy is more accessible than ever! Join the Fox Valley Sustainability network

BRAVO

this hilarious riot of a love note to the classic farces of the 30s and 40s. 8p-12p, Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division St. 8th Floor 847.741.0532 elgin-theatre.org The Spindles with the Last Generation The Last Generation, who were recently featured on WGN, play at 8PM. The Spindles play at 10PM. “The Spindles are here to bring power pop (back) to the people.” --Goldmine Magazine. Hope to see you there! 8p, Danny’s on Douglas, 231 Douglas Avenue 847.742.5400 dannyspizzaelgin.com. No Cover for our Solar Energy Forum. Learn about the tactics and advancements in renewable energy like: Solar case study projects from park districts, K-12 schools, and universities; Grant funding for net zero projects and solar installations; Kane County’s PACE Energy Efficiency Program for Commercial Real Estate Owners; Metropolitan Mayors’ Caucus Community Solar Program. Meet and greet tabling fair with area solar developers. Speakers and Topics: Edith Makra and Mark Pruitt, Metropolitan Mayors Caucus - Community Solar Program; Chris Lindgren, Park District of Oak Park - Solar and Funding Resources; Ken Buckman, Rainy Solar - Elgin, IL Solar Project; Chris Toth, Kane County - Kane County PACE program; Fox Valley Case Examples TBD 9.30a, Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way 311 cityofelgin.org

Live Music by Stew Levin Stew Levin Plays groovestyle rock and jazz with a number of Chicagoland ensembles including most recent with Grey Matter Trio. “Stew’s goal is to present tasty new arrangements of standards, non-standards, and pop tunes that people can relax to and enjoy. 6p, Billy Bricks Wood Fired Pizza, 64 S. Grove Avenue 224.268.3995 bricks. pizza/elgin. No Cover Suite Surrender It’s 1942, and two of Hollywood’s biggest divas have descended upon the luxurious Palm Beach Royale Hotel -- assistants, luggage, and legendary feud with one another in tow. Everything seems to be in order for their wartime performance...that is, until they are somehow assigned to the same suite. Mistaken identities, overblown egos, double entendres, and a lap dog named Mr. Boodles round out

DJ “JD” Come dance the night away with Dj “JD” till 2:00 AM. Playing your favorite tunes. 10p, D Hangout Bar & Grill, 550 S. McLean Boulevard 847.717.0511 d-hangout.com. No Cover

Sat.Feb.1

Lit Ladies: Dido Elizabeth Belle Join us at Blue Box Cafe to honor Black History Month with our featured Lit Lady: Dido Elizabeth Belle!Find out about this fascinating woman and her take on her life, uncensored! This is NOT your mama’s bio series! With our classic comedic take on these feisty women, Lit Ladies brings the classic authors, artists, and creatives from days-gone-by to life in new and exciting ways!Join us at 7pm or 8:30pm to meet Dido up close and personal!Tickets are a suggested donation online or at the door. Blue Box Cafe, 176 E. Chicago Street 847.697.2583 goodlycreatures.com. Donation Saturday Volunteens If you’re a 6th to 8th grader looking to gain experience in library programming or gain hours for school service, then consider applying to the Volunteen program. Volunteens work one hour a week completing a variety of projects, such as organizing book displays, preparing crafts for library programs, and checking the condition of library materials. Stop by the Youth Center Help Desk for an application. 11a-12p, GBPL Main Library Youth Center - North, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Story Hour: Alligators Bring the young ones to enjoy the legendary “Miss Marge” as she teaches and reads this month about Alligators! No reservations required; free, donations accepted. Elgin Public Museum of Natural History & Anthropology inside Lords Park. 11a-2p, Elgin Public Museum, 225 Grand Boulevard

847.741.6655 blazier_epm@cityofelgin.org. Free

15th Annual Black History Family Festival Join us in celebrating 15 years of Black History Family Festival (BHFF) with Elgin Poet Laureate Chasity Gunn, music by Accidentally on Purpose featuring TJ Ptak, Future African American Leaders, crafts, stories, spoken word artists, voter registration, Larkin High School Black History Club, Mama Lee’s Poptastic popcorn and more. Hosted by Black History Family Festival Committee and Gail Borden Public Library in partnership with Elgin Community College, City of Elgin, Elgin Symphony Orchestra, School District U-46, and The Links, Incorporated Hoffman Estates Chapter. Founded by Dr. Phyllis Folarin in 2006 in collaboration with the Gail Borden Public Library The BHFF continues to provide programming that educates the community through highlighting literary and other accomplishments of African Americans. Co-chairs Marilyn Prentice, president and Jn vice president of the BHFF, say the goal of this year’s Festival is to focus on the “Young, Bright and Brilliant” African Americans in our community. Kicking off the 2020 Festival will be Mayor David Kaptain reading the Proclamation of the BHFF. Then Motiviational Speaker, Brittany Barber, will share her keynote empowering the listener by encouraging and motivating students towards achieving their highest potential. Her website includes testimonies on her uplifting and positive message to young people and the encouragement that they receive. Each year the Festival offers one African American senior from each of School District U-46 high schools a $500 scholarship for their continuing higher education. These Future African American Leaders (FAAL) are selected by their high school principal. The qualities that they express are good citizenship, attention to academics, participation in extra-curricular as well as community activities, aspirations after high school and all while providing a positive role model for younger students to emulate. Attendees will get to know these recipients through a panel discussion of their hopes and dreams for the future. This year’s recipients are Jordan Synder, Bartlett High School; Marteena Mendel-Duckins, Larkin High School; Arianna Ramos, South Elgin High School; Alayzia Hairston-El, Streamwood High

6.2 School; Jasmine Jacobson, Elgin High School and Eryonna Wallace, Dream Academy High School. Local African American artists will also perform. Mike Lo, TJ Ptak and Accidently On Purpose will entertain. They are a versatile group of musicians who play R&B, Jazz, Hip Hop and Rap. Other activities include crafts for young children in the KidSpace area of the library. At the close of the event there will be a drawing for a Kindle Fire Tablet, Elgin Symphony tickets, a dining gift card and Mama Lee’s Popcorn Basket. And as always there will be a treat. This year’s is local business Mama Lee’s Popcorn. This year’s Festival sponsors include the City of Elgin, Elgin Community College, Elgin Symphony Orchestra, Gail Borden Public Library, The Links Inc., School District U-46 and numerous private donors. 1p-4p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms ABC, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Welcome Baby Babies up to 6 months and parents. Bring baby and baby’s new library card to learn about programs and resources to support their early literacy development and receive a gift! Registration required. 1p-2p, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Elgin Area Tabletop Group: Board Game Night Join us for Game Night at The BBC as the Elgin Area Tabletop Group will meet for games on Saturday nights!!!Bring a group or join a game!!! Games will be provided but feel free to bring one of your own!!!As always, The BBC will have great food and amazing coffee drinks for sale.Hosted by Sam Branscum and the Elgin Area Tabletop Group 5p, Blue Box Cafe, 176 E. Chicago Street 847.697.2583 theblueboxcafe.com The Coffee House at First UMC Social event with a coffee house vibe. Play some music, recite some poetry, play a board game or two, or just hang out with your friends. Coffee, tea, light snacks and pie will be available. 6p, First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland Avenue 847.741.0038 fumcelgin.org. No Cover Sean Ryan McKey Sean Ryan McKee is a guitarist from Chicago, that fronts his own band under his name. The band specializes in Blues and Rock with a modern twist. 8p, Danny’s on Douglas, 231 Douglas Avenue 847.742.5400 dannyspizzaelgin.com. No Cover Suite Surrender See 1/31. 8p-12p, Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division St. 8th Floor 847.741.0532 elgin-theatre.org

Sun.Feb.2 Shut Up and Breathe: Intro to Meditation Whether you’ve tried medi-

BRAVO

February 2020 org. $20 donation

Just Animals Lowe Cost Vaccine Clinic Schedule an appointment online. 11a, Blain’s Farm & Fleet, 629 S. Randall Road 847.289.8787 justanimals.org

“Shut up and breathe” intro to meditation is Feb. 2 at 10:15 am.

tation to no avail, have heard about the benefits but don’t know where to start, or could use some help in relaxation and stress management, this class is for you and for anyone curious about living more mindfully. In this introductory workshop, you’ll get an overview of: what exactly is meditation (no hand gestures, foreign languages, or chanting required) how meditation affects our health, thoughts, and emotions simple mindfulness techniques for everyday life No experience necessary. Come as you are, take a deep breath, and see what happens next. 10.15a, Side Street Studio Arts, 15 Ziegler Court 847.429.2276 sidestreetstudioarts.

Music in the Stacks: The Unique Winds The Unique Winds, a four person ensemble, featuring a clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon, and contrabass clarinet, will perform and talk about their interesting instruments. 2p-3p, GBPL Rakow Branch, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden. info Suite Surrender See 1/31. 2p-4p, Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division St. 8th Floor 847.741.0532 elgin-theatre.org

Mon.Feb.3 Spanish Cafe / Cafe en Espanol Intermediate-level participants will practice structured and spontaneous conversations in Spanish. Led by Pita Betancourt and Nohora Chacon. 1st , 2nd and 3rd Monday of each month. Participantes de nivel intermedio practicaran respondiendo o empezando conversaciones en espanol con fluidez y hablando con gente que habla espanol como primer idioma. Dirigido por Pita Betancourt y Nohora Chacon. 1er, 2do y 3er lunes de cada mes. 12p-1p, GBPL Main Library Con-

ference Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Homework Heroes Grades K-8. Students who need help with homework assignments can drop by to meet one-on-one with a volunteer. 3.30p-5.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Acme Drop-in STEAM Lab Grades 3-6. Design and create a contraption that will help Wile E. Coyote catch the Road Runner. Grades 3-6. Design and create a contraption that will help Wile E. Coyote catch the Road Runner. Then visit the rest of the Chuck Jones‚Äö√ë¬¢ Season of Creativity Exhibit on the 1st and 2nd floors of the Main Library. 4p-5p, GBPL Main Library, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

STEAM for Grades 3-5 Come check out a real local robotics team in action! Blue Box Bots is here to show their latest robotic creations, answer STEAM questions, and let everyone try out their award winning robots. 5p-6p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms AB, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Studio 270 Volunteer Squad Drop in and help out the library with cleaning, book displays, and other various projects. 5p-7p, GBPL Main Library Studio 270, 270 N. Grove Avenue

STEAM for Grades K-2 Come check out a real local robotics team in action! Blue Box Bots is here to show their latest robotic creations, answer STEAM questions, and let everyone try out their award winning robots. 4p-4.45p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms AB, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Planetarium Public Show Theme: Mayan Archeoastronomy, Family Show, especially good for grades 4 and up. Doors open 30 minutes prior. Park at Raymond and National

701 N. State St. IL Route 31 1 mile south of I-90 (847) 695-3066

List your events for FREE

Store Hours: Tues-Sat 10-5 Thursday 10-8 Sunday 11-5

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Sweetheart Sale 14% off* Saturday & Sunday February 8-9th *Exclusions apply. Ask our staff.

Street. $10 per family. 4.30p-5.30p, U-46 Observatory, 312 Watch Street 847.888.5324 u-46.org. $3 per person

Valentine Photos

Over 35 Shops Under One Roof

Saturday, February 8th 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

4x6 photo only $8

Larger sizes may be ordered. Call 847-695-3066 for an appointment or sign up at the shops. All photos by Fantastic Photos.

www.StateStreetMarketShopsElgin.com

847.742.2411 gailborden.info MS Access Series Learn how to create a database, sort and filter via tables, create queries and make forms in this series. Note: This is a series. Registering for the first class automatically enters you in all required sessions. Please notify staff if you cannot attend. 5.30p-7p, GBPL Rakow Branch Living Room, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden. info Acme Drop-in STEAM Lab See above. 6p-7p, GBPL Main Library, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Meditation Candlelight meditation in beautiful, historic sanctuary. Mind, body, spirit benefits. 6p-6.30p, First Congregational Church, 256 E. Chicago Street 630.886.8823 fcc-elgin. org. Free Nature Storytime Theres nothing like exploring nature and wildlife. Join us for an interactive storytime connecting us to the natural world. No registration. 6p-6.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Planetarium Public Show See above. 6.30p-7.30p, U-46 Observatory, 312 Watch Street 847.888.5324 u-46. org. $3 per person Cake and Cookies Storytime Yum, yum storytime fun! Let’s share stories, songs, and rhyme all about delicious treats. Then stay for a real cookie treat! No registration. 7p-7.30p, GBPL Main Library Story Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Tue.Feb.4 Elgin Genealogical Society Monthly meeting of the Elgin Genealogical Society with a presentation on Scottish genealogy resources by Tina Beaird, owner of Tamarack Genealogy, and a degreed librarian with a specialty in Archives. There are dozens of sites available to help you in your Scottish research once you are ready to move beyond Scotlands people. Sites like GENUKI, “Scotlands Places”, SCAN

BRAVO and the National Library of Scotland are just a few of the free websites available to you from “across the pond”. Tina Beaird, owner of Tamarack Genealogy, is a genealogy & local history librarian at a Chicagoland public library. She holds a Master of Library and Information Science degree with a specialization in Archives/Preservation. Tina has won multiple research and digitization grants over the last decade to preserve and digitize historic documents and photographs. She lectures nationally on topics including genealogical methodology, military research, and photo and archival preservation. 9.30a-11.30a, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms AB, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Panera Milk & Cookies The Gail Borden Public Library and Panera Bread are partnering to sponsor this program. Preschoolers enjoy stories followed by a milk and cookie snack compliments of Panera. Stay for a craft. 9.30a-10.30a, GBPL Panera Bread, 369 Randall Road, South Elgin 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Cake and Cookies Storytime See 2/3. 10a-10.30a, GBPL Main Library Story Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info 1, 2, 3, Go! Families with 1, 2, and 3 year olds are invited to enjoy stories, rhymes, and musical activities together in this dynamic program. No registration required. 10.15a-10.45a, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Job Search & Resume Help Drop in for assistance with your resume, cover letter, online applications, and more. Presented in partnership with the Kane County Office of Community Reinvestment. For questions, call 630-844-8768. 1p-4p, GBPL Main Library Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Piano Performance: Denise Williams 1p-2p, GBPL Main Library Lobby, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info South Elgin Sentinels Chess Club Everyone is invited to hone their chess skills. Beginners are welcome. Intermediate or Advanced players can play opponents or work on chess puzzles. 4.30p-5.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Tuesday Volunteens If you’re a 6th to 8th grader looking to gain experience in library programming or gain hours for school service, then consider applying to the Volunteen program. Volunteens work one hour a week completing a variety of projects, such as organizing book displays, preparing crafts for library programs, and checking the condition of library

materials. Stop by the Youth Center Help Desk for an application. 5p6p, GBPL Main Library Youth Center - North, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Walkers, Wigglers & Crawlers Join us for this interactive storytime for infants and walkers up to 36 months. We’ll share rhymes, songs, stories and other language-building activities. Plus playtime! No registration. 6.15p-6.45p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Room C, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Cultural Diversity from Around the World Travel around the world with author, storyteller, and motivational speaker Jeanne Roppolo. Broaden your knowledge and understanding of our fellow human beings as we peer into various traditions and find our common ground. Co-sponsored by ALTRUSA International Club of Elgin 6.30p-7.30p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms AB, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Grupo de Conversacion en Ingles Practica conversar en ingles, mejora tu pronunciacion y adquiere confianza con un tutor. Practice having everyday conversations in English, improve your pronunciation and gain confidence with a tutor. El grupo se reune cada martes todo el ano. Es liderado por un tutor de Literacy Connection y cualquiera puede asistir. No necesita registrarse. This group meets every Tuesday all year long. will be led by a tutor and is open to all. Presented by The Literacy Connection. No registration. 6.30p-7.30p, GBPL Main Library Conference Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Human Relations Commission 6.30p-7.30p, Elgin City Hall, 150 Dexter Court 311 cityofelgin.org All Things Apple Group Looking for the ultimate user manual for all things Apple? Bring your Apple devices to learn, share and help each other in this group. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Heritage Commission Meeting 7p8p, Elgin City Hall, 150 Dexter Court 311 cityofelgin.org Neighborhood Watch Block Captain Meeting Neighborhood Watch Block Captain’s meeting 7p-8p, Elgin Police Department Training Room, 151 Douglas Ave 311 cityofelgin.org Town Hall Meeting: No Tax Rate Increase Library Referendum Public Meeting for people to learn about the library’s March 17, 2020 referendum 7p-8p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info

Wed.Feb.5

6.2 Baby Rhyme Time Singing, clapping, simple stories and playtime at this 1/2 hour program. For babies up to 11 months and their caregiver(s). There will be no program on Wednesday, January 22. 9.15a-9.45a, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Room C, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Nature Storytime See 2/3. 10.30a-11a, GBPL Rakow Branch Children’s Area, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info Elgin Symphony Orchestra Listeners Club Interactive lecture/ discussion series, led by Jim Kendros, meets during the week of the ESO’s Classics Masterworks series and will broaden your understanding of the music to be performed that week. You will study the music from the inside out, make new friends, and enhance your concert experience. Jim Kendros, often called ‘the North Shore’s favorite music historican, has facilitated ESO’s Musically Speaking pre-concert conversations since February, 2008. In partnership with the Elgin Symphony Orchestra. Please register at www.elginsymphony. org, or call 847-888-0404 ext. 238 to reserve your seat. 1p-3p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms ABC, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Homework Heroes See 2/3. 3.30p-5.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Acme Drop-in STEAM Lab See 2/3. 4p-5p, GBPL Main Library, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Build and Program Robots This is a three-part class where students will build and learn to program their robots to do different tasks. This class is open to third grade and up. Parents/guardians are encouraged to stay and learn with their children. 5.30p-7p, GBPL Main Library Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info MS Excel Advanced Topics Learn how to use conditional formatting, work with multiple sheets in an Excel workbook, calculate percentages, and

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

BRAVO

February 2020 use PMT & VLOOKUP functions. Note: This class is not part of series - please register for all events separately. 5.30p-7p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Acme Drop-in STEAM Lab See 2/3. 6p-7p, GBPL Main Library, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Candidates Forum Hear from local candidates in a non-partisan forum hosted by the LWV. A meet and greet begins at 6 pm, followed by the forum at 6:30 pm. 6p-8.30p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms ABC, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Grupo Futuros Bilingues / Go Bilingual Group Estudiantes de todos los niveles practicaran con

otras personas que hablan espanol o ingles como primer idioma. Learners of all levels practice a new language with native English and Spanish speakers Led by teacher Betty Martinez. Group meets Wednesdays except in June, July and August. Dirigido por la maestra Betty Martinez. El grupo se reune los miercoles excepto junio, julio y agosto. 6p-7p, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Wednesday Volunteens If you’re a 6th to 8th grader looking to gain experience in library programming or gain hours for school service, then consider applying to the Volunteen program. Volunteens work one hour a week completing a variety of projects, such as organizing book displays, preparing crafts for library programs, and checking the condition of library materials. Stop by the Youth Center

11.13.19

MARQUEE MEDIA

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

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

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Help Desk for an application. 6p-7p, GBPL Main Library Youth Center - North, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Cuentos para la familia 30 minutos de cuentos, musica, rimas y mucho mas para el disfrute de toda la familia! No necesita registrarse. Families who speak or are learning Spanish can enjoy stories, songs and more at our Spanish-language storytime. This is also a great opportunity for children in the Dual-Language Program to practice using Spanish outside the classroom. This program is conducted entirely in Spanish. 6.30p-7p, GBPL Main Library Story Room - North, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Elgin Coin Club Meeting Howard Curtis will present CAC’ing what is it worth? Everything you need to know about that CAC sticker on your coin slabs. He will present an in-depth look at the green bean and elusive gold bean stickers. Not a member? Come anyway and join the fun! Give your spouse a break and bring your children to the club. 7p, Wesley United Methodist Church, 2070 South Street elgincoinclub.com Gallery Night: Opening Reception We cordially invite you to visit this exhibition of art and witness the work of Karen Miller. In her Artist’s Bio Karen writes: “About a year before I retired, I was asking myself, what am I goingto do in my spare time after I retire?A friend had told me about a painting class at the senior center. Idecided to check it out, and I was hooked.My approach is different than most artists, I am not detail orientedin painting, and I am a bit messy.I always start out with a picture, but it never resembles it when Iam finished.A quote from the instructor, “it is always interesting how your artevolves”.I work my canvas as if it is an old chalkboard, scraping paint offand starting over until I see something I like, and it is usuallymore than once. I am drawn to muted tones.Painting is a great way to express oneself and pass the time away.At times I paint for hours, usually with music and surprisingly mybrush is in the beat.”Karen has 15+ years in graphic/web design andphotography. She has run her online business since 2008. She developed wooden puzzles and memory card games for Alzheimer’s & dementia patients. She acquired the license to use The Saturday Evening Post images featuring Norman Rockwell, and sold them on her website, until she retired in January 2019. 7p, Martini Room, 161 E. Chicago Street 847.741.0349 martiniroomelgin.com Music Bingo Night Join us for music bingo night at Danny’s On Douglas in Elgin! Music bingo hosted by Mustang Matt starts at 7pm. Free to play and great prizes will be awarded! 7p-9p, Danny’s on Douglas, 231 Douglas Avenue 847.742.5400 dannyspizzaelgin.com Walking Book Club Join the Walking Book Club for a 45-minute walk, followed by a 45-minute book discussion. February 2020: The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson. For more information, contact Andrea Houston at ahouston@gailborden.info or 847-289-5844. 7p-8.30p, GBPL In The Community gailborden.info

Thu.Feb.6 Device Advice Need help figuring out how to use your tablet, smartphone, or other device. Bring your questions and your device to the library for some 1:1 help. 9.30a-11.30a, GBPL Rakow Branch Computer Cafe, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden. info

BRAVO

26 1, 2, 3, Go! See 2/4. 10a-10.30a, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms ABC, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

College. Please register. 10a-12p, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Coffee with a Cop The mission of Coffee with a Cop is to break down the barriers between police officers and the citizens they serve. This is achieved by removing agendas and allowing opportunities to ask questions, voice concerns, and getting to know the officers in your neighborhood. 10a-1a, Cafe Revive, 51 S Grove Ave. 311 cityofelgin.org Smart Strategies for Job Seekers Explore tools and resources that will help you update your personal marketing tools and networking strategies, target your job search, get job leads, and find resources and individual coaching. Learn strategies that will help you compete for fulltime and part-time in-demand jobs. In partnership with Elgin Community

6.2

Nature Storytime See 2/3. 10.30a-11a, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info

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

working with customers & vendors, and running reports. Notes: This is a series. Registering for the first class automatically enters you in all required sessions. 5.30p-7p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info

Cake and Cookies Storytime See 2/3. 10.45a-11.15a, GBPL Main Library Story Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

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

Acme Drop-in STEAM Lab See 2/3. 6p-7p, GBPL Main Library, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Homeschool Kids Explore Did you know that slime is a polymer? Join us to learn about polymers, experiment with them and make some slime to take home. 2p-3p, GBPL Main Library Story Room - South, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Kids Explore Did you know that slime is a polymer? Join us to learn about polymers, experiment with them and make some slime to take home. 5p-6p, GBPL Main Library Story Room - South, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Baby Rhyme Time See 2/5. 6.30p7p, GBPL Main Library Story Room - North, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Acme Drop-in STEAM Lab See 2/3. 4p-5p, GBPL Main Library, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

QuickBooks Series Learn how QuickBooks desktop accounting software allows users to manage their company finances by, adding items,

“The Old Bridge,” 18 x 24” oil on canvas by Elgin artist Nick Freeman.

Grupo de Conversacion para la Ciudadania Repasa y practica el ingles hablado y escrito que vas a necesitar para la entrevista y las 100 preguntas. Review and practice the spoken English you will need for the interview and the 100 questions. El grupo

BRAVO

February 2020

Spartan Drive 847.697.1000 elgin. edu. $15-20 Resume Series Learn how to create a basic functional or chronological resume and format it to best sell your skills and experience to potential employers in this series. Notes: This is a series. Registering for the first class automatically enters you in all required sessions. 2/7 - Part 1 2/14 Part 2 10a-11.30a, GBPL Main Library Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

es liderado por un tutor de Literacy Connection y cualquiera puede asistir. No necesita registrarse. This group will be led by a tutor and is open to all. Presented by The Literacy Connection. No registration. 6.30p-7.30p, GBPL Main Library Conference Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Piano Performance: John LaBorn 7p-8p, GBPL Main Library Lobby, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn B√©la Fleck and Abigail Washburn’s banjo-picking partnership is unlike any other on the planet. The wildly inventive yet strangely familiar musicality of these married master players will transform the way you see (and hear!) the banjo. Fleck is a 15-time Grammy¬Æ-winner known for his virtuosic jazz-to-classical playing and ground-breaking collaborations that include B√©la Fleck and the Flecktones. Washburn is an acclaimed singer-songwriter known for her daring clawhammer banjo skills and signature songwriting that blends traditional folk music with the music of East Asia. See pp. 7-8 in this edition of BRAVO. 7.30p, ECC Arts Center Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive 847.622.0300 tickets.elgin.edu. $53-57

Fri.Feb.7

Black History Month Kickoff Breakfast Come celebrate the start of Black History Month at Elgin Community College. This year, experience history brought to life as GiGi Coleman portrays her great aunt, daredevil pilot Bessie Coleman. Learn about Bessie’s extraordinary contributions to aviation as the first black woman to hold a pilot’s license. 8.30a, ECC University & Business Center, 1700

Walkers, Wigglers & Crawlers See 2/4. 10a-10.30a, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Room B, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info No Shushing Movie Fridays This program welcomes people of all abilities. Please contact the library one week in advance if you need accommodations. No registration. Come enjoy a movie in a family-friendly, casual setting. This program welcomes people of all abilities. Please contact the library one week in advance if you need accommodations. No registration. Chatting and snacks from home are welcome. February 7th Groundhog Day (PG, 1993); February 14th - Sleepless in Seattle (PG, 1993); February 21st - The Presidents: From Politics to Power (NR, 2014); February 28th - Toy Story 4 (G, 2019). 10.30a-12.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden. info Sensory Fun for Every Little One Babies will explore the world around them in this drop-in play program! Dress for mess. For babies and toddlers up to 36 months with an adult caregiver. No registration. Have fun with textures, sights, sounds, and smells! 10.45a-11.30a, GBPL Main Library Story Room - South, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Horror Floral Presents: Suffering Organic Impairments Horror Floral encourages you discover the inherent beauty in death and returning to nature. Opening Reception: 6-9pm, $5 suggested donation for live music. Full show will be up February 7th to 29th. Collaboration artists:Doug Hanson,Rachel Elizabeth Maley,Kathryn Eli,Jess Rocha,... and more. 6p-9p, Side Street Studio Arts, 15 Ziegler Court 847.429.2276 sidestreetstudioarts.org. $5 donation New Vintage Strings Kick off the weekend with Elgin’s favorite string quartet, New Vintage Strings, Live at Gifford’s Kitchen & Social!Join us for a mix of rock/pop/alternative instrumental covers and string quartet jazz. Get your friends together or bring the family; all ages are welcome, so come on out for dinner, festive cocktails, craft beer & wine, and a great night

of live music! The musicians: Emily Beyer & Annarita Tanzi - violins; Terry Foster - viola; Jeremy Beyer - double bass. 6p-8.30p, Gifford’s Kitchen, 2300 Bushwood Drive 847.649.3900 www.facebook.com/newvintagestrings. No Cover Night at the Nature Center Join us for a night at the nature center. We will go on a hike and look for owls. Enjoy craft time, the indoor discovery room, and snack. Please dress for the weather. Registration required. 6p, Hawthorne Hill Nature Center, 28 Brookside Drive 847.531.7055 centreofelgin.org. $6-10 Daddy Daughter Dance Bring your daughter for a magical evening of dinner and dancing. Raffle prizes for both dads and daughters. Registration is online and in person at the Centre front desk. 6.30p-9p, Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way 311 cityofelgin.org

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ELGbtq+ Board Games Meetup Everyone is welcome to join us for a fun, chill evening of playing board games at Gaming Goat in Elgin! LGBTQIA+ and allies of all ages are welcome.We’ll have a variety of games, and feel free to bring your own!Free to attend. 7p-10p, Gaming Goat Elgin, 2090 Larkin Ave, Elgin, Illinois 60123 event page: https://www.facebook.com/ events/752355165257627/ www. elginpride.com. Free Live Jazz at Martini Room Join the Shawn Maxwell Quartet for an evening of original jazz music at Martini

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BRAVO and a Designer Fashion Show.The Highland Loft is the suburbs brand new event venue space.Free Admission - one ticket to sample a beverage from any of the breweries/beverage vendors$10 - 5 tickets to sample a beverage from any of the breweries/ beverage vendors.$20 VIP Ticket - Complimentary tasting glass to enjoy unlimited drink samples, swag bag filled with goodies from show sponsors and breweries, early entry at 11am and VIP seating at the fashion show. Highland Loft Event Venue, 168 E Highland Ave 847.254.0621 www. thehighlandloftevents.com

Room. 7.30p, Martini Room, 161 E. Chicago Street 847.741.0349 martiniroomelgin.com. No Cover Dean Milano If anyone’s actually curious, you can check out www.toys-ncars.com/my_music.htm 8p, Danny’s on Douglas, 231 Douglas Avenue 847.742.5400 dannyspizzaelgin.com. No Cover First Fridays Improv with GreenRoom Productions Celebrating Groundhog’s Day a little late? Maybe a pre-Valentine’s celebratory night out? Well, if you are looking to enjoy a great night out where you can sit back, relax and laugh, this is it no matter the reason! 100% clean. 99.27% hilarious. With competing improv teams, improvised songs, audience members on stage, & tons of energy, these family-friendly shows are ones you won’t soon forget. Oh, & did we mention there’s live music & a cash bar? 8p-9.45p, Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way 847.931.5900 greenroomimprov.com Suite Surrender See 1/31. 8p-12p, Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division St. 8th Floor 847.741.0532 elgin-theatre.org DJ “Weedy Roszay” 10p, D Hangout Bar & Grill, 550 S. McLean Boulevard 847.717.0511 d-hangout.com. No Cover

Sat.Feb.8

The Complete Wedding Experience The Highland Loft Event Venue will be hosting their first bridal show. Love Is Brewing! Breweries, wineries, caterers, bridal and more.Attendees will receive a tasting glass at registration and tickets to enjoy the beverages of their choice from the featured breweries. Other drink options will be available instead of beer along with a cash bar.Caterers will be providing appetizers and desserts during show. Visit with over 50 wedding vendors

Valentine Photos Bring your sweetie, your friend or your best pal, and sit for a professional photo by our State Street Market photography vendor, Marilyn. State Street Market Shops, 701 N. State Street 847.695.3066 statestreetmarketshopselgin.com Home Repair & Remodeling Class at ECC Basement remodeling, framing and power tools, drywall installation, plumbing installation and repair, electrical installation, floor and tile installation, and suspended ceilings this hands-on, noncredit class held on seven consecutive Saturday mornings at ECC gets you ready to take on any job around the house! Under the guidance of instructor Howard Jeser, you perform actual repairs for a unique learning experience. All materials used during this class are included in the course fee. Please wear casual clothing (i.e. jeans, etc.) and closed-toe shoes as the class activities will produce dust and some dirt. Register online 24/7 at elgin. edu/ce, “Explore Our Offerings”, click on “Home Repair”, then on “CEA 106”. 8a-12p, Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, IL 60123 847.622.3036 elgin.edu/ce. $499.00 Family Valentine Tea/ Te Familiar de San Valentin Celebrate Valentine’s Day with stories, songs & more! For children 3-6 years and their families. Celebra el Dia de San Valentin con cuentos, canciones y mas! Para ninos de 3-6 anos y sus familias. Celebrate Valentine’s Day with stories, songs and a craft. For children ages 3-6 years with their families. Required registration begins Friday, December 13 in person at the Registration Desk or by phone at 847-429-4597. The program will be in English & Spanish. Te Familiar de San Valentin. Celebra el Dia de San Valentin con cuentos, canciones y una manualidad. Para ninos de 3 a 6 anos con sus familias. Registracion comienza el viernes, 13 de diciembre en persona, en el Escritorio de Registracion o por telefono llamando al 847-429-4597. El programa ser en espanol e ingles. Biblioteca Principal en los Salones de la Comunidad Meadows 10a-10.45a, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms ABC, 270 N. Grove

Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Saturday Volunteens See 2/1. 11a-12p, GBPL Main Library Youth Center - North, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Cupids Workshop Let’s get ready for Valentines Day together! We will have a story, a craft available for all ages and a special treat! 1p-2p, GBPL Rakow Branch Corridor West, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden. info Curso Nivel 2 Principiantes Instructor: Fernando Medina. No hay costo ni hay que tener tarjeta de la biblioteca. Favor registrarse. Puede registrarse para la serie completa o para una sola clase. 1p-3p, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Elgin Area Tabletop Group: Board Game Night See 2/1. 5p, Blue Box Cafe, 176 E. Chicago Street 847.697.2583 theblueboxcafe.com Daddy Daughter Dance See 2/7. 6.30p-9p, Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way 311 cityofelgin.org Elgin Symphony Orchestra presents The Power of Fate: Verdi, Strauss & Wagner Music Director Andrew Grams, oboist Frank Rosenwein (an Evanston native), and the ESO will bring the drama with The Power of Fate: Verdi, Strauss & Wagner. Love, revenge, war, and reflection are all themes that come to life in this intense, heart-stopping performance. CONCERT PROGRAM: Andrew Grams, conductor; Frank Rosenwein, oboe. Verdi: La Forza del Destino Overture; Strauss: Oboe Concerto; Wagner Siegfried Idyll: Elgar: In the South. Discount Pricing available for Groups of 10 or more! 7.30p-9.30p, Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way 847.888.4000 elginsymphony. org. $35-65-85 Friday Jackson Acoustic 8p, Danny’s on Douglas, 231 Douglas Avenue 847.742.5400 dannyspizzaelgin.com. No Cover Suite Surrender See 1/31. 8p-12p, Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division St. 8th Floor 847.741.0532 elgin-theatre.org

6.2 Bar & Grill, 550 S. McLean Boulevard 847.717.0511 d-hangout.com. No Cover

Sun.Feb.9 Acme Drop-in STEAM Lab See 2/3. 1p-2p, GBPL Main Library, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Acme Drop-in STEAM Lab copy See 2/3. 1p-2p, GBPL Main Library, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Death Chat with a Mortician Suffering Organics Impairments presents:Death Chat with a MorticianDo you have questions about death or just curious about the day and life of a mortician? Join us for an informal chat and Q&A with a local Mortician, Christy Chiappone. 1p, Side Street Studio Arts, 15 Ziegler Court 847.429.2276 sidestreetstudioarts. org. $10 donation Read to Rover Hone your reading skill by reading to our volunteer dog listener, Trucker. Registration required. 1p-1.15p, GBPL Rakow Branch Living Room, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info Read to Rover See above. 1.15p-1.30p, GBPL Rakow Branch Living Room, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info Read to Rover See above. 1.30p-1.45p, GBPL Rakow Branch Living Room, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info Read to Rover See above. 1.45p-2p, GBPL Rakow Branch Living Room, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info Read to Rover See above. 2p-2.15p, GBPL Rakow Branch Living Room, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info Suite Surrender See 1/31. 2p-4p, Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division St. 8th Floor 847.741.0532 elgin-theatre.org Read to Rover See above. 2.15p-2.30p, GBPL Rakow Branch Living Room, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info Elgin Symphony Orchestra presents The Power of Fate: Verdi, Strauss & Wagner See 2/8. 2.30p-4.30p, Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way 847.888.4000 elginsymphony. org. $35-65-85

Paul “Hoss” Wenzel LIVE at Olde Towne Inn Former Suburban Cowboys lead singer Paul Wenzel performs country/pop/rock favorites live! 8.30p, Olde Towne Inn, 412 Bluff City Boulevard 847.930.1900. No Cover Above and Beyond 9p, D Hangout

Full Moon Ride - February It’s the Full Moon Ride! This will be a moderate pace ride for a few miles throughout the core neighborhoods of Elgin. Join us for this social night ride!Reminder: Illinois State law requires bike riders to have a clear light on the front and a red reflector or a red light on the back for night time riding. That would be the minimum attempt for safety, so let’s all be easy to see

BRAVO

February 2020 on the street.If you have not signed the 2020 annual ride waiver, please do so at: https://waiver.fr/p-SDLTu 9p, Advocate Park, Spring and Chicago Streets elginbikehub.com

Congregational Church, 256 E. Chicago Street 630.886.8823 fcc-elgin. org. Free

Piano Performance: Skip Dyson 10a-11a, GBPL Main Library Lobby - Piano, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Brown Bag Lunch Classic Films In the Heat of the Night (NR, 1967). An African-American police detective is asked to investigate a murder in a racially hostile southern town. No registration required. Starring Sidney Poitier, Rod Steiger, Warren Oates. Directed by Norman Jewison. Running time: 110 minutes. Coffee and tea will be served. For additional information, contact Ben Bahl at 847-608-5012 or bbahl@gailborden.info. 11a-2p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms ABC, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Spanish Cafe / Cafe en Espanol See 2/3. 12p-1p, GBPL Main Library Conference Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Homework Heroes See 2/3. 3.30p-5.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Acme Drop-in STEAM Lab See 2/3. 4p-5p, GBPL Main Library, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Teen Advisory Board Teen Advisory Board (TAB) is open to teens interested in making a difference in the library community. Come join TAB to have a leadership position at the library, organize events, give input on the librarys Teen book and magazine collections, what resources are available in Studio 270, gain volunteer hours, and influence how the library serves teens. 4p-5p, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info MS Access Series See 2/3. 5.30p7p, GBPL Rakow Branch Living Room, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info Acme Drop-in STEAM Lab See 2/3. 6p-7p, GBPL Main Library, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Cake and Cookies Storytime See 2/3. 6p-6.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden. info Meditation See 2/3. 6p-6.30p, First

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Mon.Feb.10 Next Chapter Book Club Members of the Next Chapter Book Club meet at an area restaurant to read and discuss a book or short story. 10a-11a, GBPL In The Community gailborden. info

KJH Insurance CHEFTalks CHEFTalks, (like TEDTalks) is a free monthly potluck dinner and expert guided discussion, sponsored by Community Harvest Educational Foundation. Registered Dietitian Julie Dahlberg will continue the talk started in January on Blue Zones. CHEFTalks Potluck Guidelines: Prepare about 5 servings (1/2 cup is a serving) to share, using non-disposable containers. Bring your own table service-plate, spoon, etc. and either a main course, soup, desert, fruit, veggies, bread, decorations to make the table pretty. No commercially prepared foods and no disposables. There is a kitchen so you can heat-up and wash-up. Put your recipe on a card or sheet of paper with the name of the dish, ingredients and your name, so it can be shared, too. First-timers don’t have to bring any food, just come see what we are all about. For more info contact chefillinois@gmail. com. 6.30p, Zion Lutheran Church, 330 Griswold 847.888.1844 chefillinois.org Grupo de Conversacion para la Ciudadania See 2/6. 6.30p-7.30p, GBPL Main Library Conference Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Art Storytime Let’s get up and get creative! We will explore art books, songs, and rhymes together. Then, we’ll make our own art! All materials provided. Best for ages 3-6. No registration. 7p-7.30p, GBPL Main Library Story Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Great Books Discussion Group Co-sponsored by the American Association of University Women Elgin Branch. For more information,

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vendorevents@yahoo.com 4p-9p, Gifford’s Kitchen, 2300 Bushwood Drive 847.649.3900 giffordskitchen. com. Free South Elgin Sentinels Chess Club See 2/4. 4.30p-5.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info

Tue.Feb.11 Art Storytime See 2/10. 10a-10.30a, GBPL Main Library Story Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info 1, 2, 3, Go! See 2/4. 10.15a-10.45a, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Armchair Generals James “Wild Bill” Hickok learned his sharpshooting and abolitionism as a boy. Learn how the Northern Illinois native applied those traits during the Civil War in this edition of Armchair Generals. A Brown Bag Civil War and Lincoln Interest Group. Commemorate events, share insights, and talk about books or experiences. 11.45a-1.15p, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Job Search & Resume Help See 2/4. 1p-4p, GBPL Main Library Conference Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Piano Performance: Denise Williams 1p-2p, GBPL Main Library Lobby, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Elgin Memory Cafe Care partners bring loved ones to this social outing where mild cognitive impairment is understood/accepted. There is no agenda, but a monthly theme becomes our topic of discussion. 4p-5.30p, GBPL In The Community gailborden.info Sip ‘n’ Shop Craft Vendor Event Come on out and Sip ‚ÄòN Shop at our Craft and Vendor Event at Gifford’s Kitchen in Elgin! Cash bar will be open! The whole entire second floor will be filled with over 25 Crafters and Vendors for our Valentines themed event!Bring your friends, sip, shop and check out Gifford’s gorgeous upstairs venue! Mention our sip n shop the night of the event for 10% off your dinner!Interested as a vendor/crafter? Message Alyson Rodriguez for more info at grandeur-

Baby Rhyme Time See 2/5. 9.15a-9.45a, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Room C, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Walkers, Wigglers & Crawlers See 2/4. 6.15p-6.45p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Room C, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Job Training Information Session Training grants are available to help you get a job! Learn about WIOA services and the application process. Presented in partnership with the Kane County Office of Community Reinvestment. For more information, call 630-844-8768. 9.30a-11a, GBPL Main Library Conference Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Grupo de Conversacion en Ingles See 2/4. 6.30p-7.30p, GBPL Main Library Conference Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Cake and Cookies Storytime See 2/3. 10.30a-11a, GBPL Rakow Branch Children’s Area, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info

Tuesday Volunteens See 2/4. 5p6p, GBPL Main Library Youth Center - North, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

call Jeanne Hebeisen at 847-7416264. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Wed.Feb.12

6.2 Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Doughnut Touch My Beer: A Pairing Beer. Doughnuts. Beer AND Doughnuts. Together again.We’re partnering with our friends at Solemn Oath Brewery of Naperville and Herb’s Bakery of Elgin to bring you our fourth annual Beer and Doughnut Pairing event. Four 5oz pours of awesome Solemn Oath beers. Four amazingly scrumptious, full-sized doughnuts (in a to-go box...in case you need it). One night. Let’s @#$%&*^ do this. We’ll open at 6p for a pre-event reception with the pairing beginning promptly at 7p. No refunds. Space will be extremely limited, so don’t wait to find out if your significant other or bestie wants to go...grab tickets and ask questions later. 6p, Plank Road Tap Room, 39W149 Plank Road plankroadtaproom.com. $20

Race: The Power of an Illusion What is Race? Professor Joyce Fountain takes us on a journey that challenges our most common assumptions about race. Share your insights and ideas during the 3 weekly sessions. Please register. 6.30p-8.30p, GBPL Main Library Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Grupo Futuros Bilingues / Go Bilingual Group See 2/5. 6p-7p, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Elgin Alive: Elgin Government Learn more about this form of government, its Elgin history and why it remains popular throughout the United States. The Council-Manager form of government has served Elgin citizens for over 65 years. With the focus on political leadership, non-partisanship and professionalism, the Council-Manager system has enabled Elgin to achieve remarkable progress. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms AB, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Cuentos para la familia See 2/5. 6.30p-7p, GBPL Main Library Story Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Library Board Meeting Monthly meeting of the Library Board which is generally held on the second Tuesday of the month. 7p-9p, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Wednesday Volunteens See 2/5. 6p-7p, GBPL Main Library Youth Center - North, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

One Billion Rising: The Long Red Line Join the global movement to end rape and violence against women. Speakers include Kane County Sheriff Ron Hain, businesswoman and youth advocate Donna Lowe, activist Eve Genevieve, Sarah Lyons of UNITE HERE Local 1 and Roushaunda Williams, hotel worker and leader in the union’s “Hands Off Pants On” campaign. 10.30a-12.30p, ECC Building B Jobe Lounge, 1700 Spartan Drive 847.697.1000 elgin.edu Homework Heroes See 2/3. 3.30p-5.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info

MS Word Formatting Docs Learn how to format text, apply bullets, and adjust spacing. Note: This class is not part of series - please register for all events separately. 7p-8.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info

Acme Drop-in STEAM Lab See 2/3. 4p-5p, GBPL Main Library, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Rogue Reads from the Outer Edge Read books that are off the beaten path, then join us as we dive deep into some discussions about what we’ve read. You can request copies of these books through our LinkIn service or our Materials request service. For lists of books and more information please go to our Book Clubs page. 7p-8p, GBPL Main Library 2nd Floor - Behind Elevators, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

STEAM: Brain Functions Learn about the brain and its functions. Registration required. 4.30p-5.30p, GBPL Rakow Branch Corridor East, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info

Studio 270 Volunteer Squad See 2/3. 4p-6p, GBPL Main Library Studio 270, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Build and Program Robots See 2/5. 5.30p-7p, GBPL Main Library Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Acme Drop-in STEAM Lab See 2/3. 6p-7p, GBPL Main Library, 270 N.

Music Bingo Night See 2/5. 7p-9p, Danny’s on Douglas, 231 Douglas Avenue 847.742.5400 dannyspizzaelgin.com Walking Book Club See 2/5. 7p-8.30p, GBPL In The Community gailborden.info

Thu.Feb.13 Device Advice See 2/6. 9.30a-11.30a, GBPL Main Library 2nd Floor - Behind Elevators, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info 1, 2, 3, Go! See 2/4. 10a-10.30a, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms ABC, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Cake and Cookies Storytime See 2/3. 10.30a-11a, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden. info Art Storytime See 2/10. 10.45a-11.15a, GBPL Main Library Story Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Piano Performance: Steve Yoder 11a-12p, GBPL Main Library Lobby, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Elgin Area Men’s Shed A Men’s Shed is a place geared toward older men to gather, make new friendships while working on projects, learning new

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February 2020 skills and hobbies, and giving back to the community. All are welcome. 1.30p-3.30p, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Acme Drop-in STEAM Lab See 2/3. 4p-5p, GBPL Main Library, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info K-2 Book Club This program is designed to introduce kids to great books for emerging readers, to get them excited about books & reading, and to help them develop social skills through interacting with their peers. Adults are welcome and encouraged to attend with their children and share the love of reading. 5p-5.45p, GBPL Main Library Story Room - South, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Beyblade Club Bring your beyblades to battle with other bladers, and share tips, tricks, and strategies. Have fun and interact with other Beyblade enthusiasts! 5.30p-6.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden. info QuickBooks Series Learn how QuickBooks desktop accounting software allows users to manage their company finances by, adding items, working with customers & vendors, and running reports. Notes: This is a series. Registering for the first class automatically enters you in all required sessions. 5.30p-7p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Acme Drop-in STEAM Lab See 2/3. 6p-7p, GBPL Main Library, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

case “You!” on the web. At theend of this workshop, you will understand yournext steps for creating your website. Register online 24/7 at elgin. edu/ce, “Explore Our Offerings”, click on “Computers”, then on “CEB 130.” 6p-9p, Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, IL 60123 847.622.3036 elgin.edu/ce. $99.00 Baby Rhyme Time See 2/5. 6.30p7p, GBPL Main Library Story Room - North, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info The Real Mae West Mae West: she shattered box office records and public sensibilities. She rocketed from Broadway to become the highest-paid actress in Hollywood. Her one-liners scandalized the censors yet made her an icon. She rescued studios from bankruptcy and created stars. Without her, Cary Grant would have remained a nobody. Meet the woman behind the wit. Who was Mae West, really? Join us to find out! Registration required. 6.30p-7.30p, GBPL Rakow Branch Living Room, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden. info Piano Performance: John LaBorn 7p-8p, GBPL Main Library Lobby, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info An Ideal Husband At the distinguished dinner party of British politician Sir Robert Chiltern, an unwelcome guest, Lady Chevely, attempts to blackmail the unwitting host into a fraudulent political scheme by threatening to unveil the depth of his corruption to the worldand worse yet, his wife. Enlisting the help of his dearest friend, the clever and dandified Lord Goring, Chiltern must find a way to turn the tables on his newest enemy before it’s too late. This modern retelling of Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy addresses political corruption, the facade of propriety in high society, and the unattainable ideal of the perfect marriage. 8p, Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division St. 8th Floor 224.465.0451 goodlycreatures. com. $15-18

Fri.Feb.14 Random Acts Jazz Quartet Join us for some warm jazz to chase away the chill. 6p, Gifford’s Kitchen, 2300 Bushwood Drive 847.649.3900 giffordskitchen.com. No Cover Website Design for Beginners class at ECC This noncredit, one-night Website workshop held at ECC isdesigned for beginners who have never built awebsite. You will see a number of tools forcreating a fully customized website for anypurpose. Whether you want to create a blog, apersonal portfolio, or a business website to sellyour products and services, you will be showngreat options to show-

Downtown Elgin Winter Market Inside Dream Hall at 51 (51 S. Grove) Saturdays from 10am - 2pm

February 15 March 21 April 18

DowntownElgin.com

Shop a variety of vendors on all 3 levels!

Meditation

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

A regular meditation practice has so many beneﬁts: • Increase positivity, happiness, energy, calmness • • Reduce stress, anxiety, depression, anger, confusion • •Improve concentration, focus, self-awareness, clarity • • Decrease pain, inﬂammation, heart rate, blood pressure •

List your events for FREE

Questions? 630-886-8823 Donations welcome and encouraged.

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32 com/event/a-jazzy-valentines-day 6p, Lounge 51, 51 S. Grove Avenue 224.535.8075 lounge51co.com

Hott Mess Happy Valentines Day! It’s a set of all your favorite Hott Hits with a romantic twist. Bring your better half and enjoy some food and drinks! 6p, Gifford’s Kitchen, 2300 Bushwood Drive 847.649.3900 giffordskitchen.com. No Cover

Resume Series Learn how to create a basic functional or chronological resume and format it to best sell your skills and experience to potential employers in this series. Notes: This is a series. Registering for the first class automatically enters you in all required sessions. 2/7 - Part 1 2/14 Part 2 10a-11.30a, GBPL Main Library Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Walkers, Wigglers & Crawlers See 2/4. 10a-10.30a, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Room B, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info No Shushing Movie Fridays See 2/7. 10.30a-12.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden. info Sensory Fun for Every Little One See 2/7. 10.45a-11.30a, GBPL Main Library Story Room - South, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Valentine’s Day at Hawthorne Hill Visit Hawthorne Hill Nature Center on Valentine’s Day for some extra special themed activities! Create your own Valentine’s Day cards with ideas and supplies provided, and learn about how animals express affection through building nests, dancing, and singing. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. This free event is 11am-1pm. Hawthorne Hill Nature Center open hours are 10am-4pm. 11a-1p, Hawthorne Hill Nature Center, 28 Brookside Drive 847.531.7055 centreofelgin.org. Free A Jazzy Valentine’s Day Its that time of the year again! Treat someone special to dinner and drinks from Lounge 51, meanwhile listening to Jazz by Aimee Gwen Music. Reservations needed: go to lineupnow.

Tapestry: The Carole King Songbook with Suzanne O Davis Experience a legendary album LIVE in concert! Released in 1971, Carole King’s Tapestry is one of the best-selling and most celebrated albums of all time. With heart, reverence, and an impeccable attention to detail, Suzanne O Davis and her band perform songs from this iconic album, plus King hits from throughout the ‚Äò70s. The result is an exhilarating recreation of the sound and vibe of a Tapestry-era Carole King concert. Pre-show dinner is available separately for $29. 7.30p, ECC Arts Center Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive 847.622.0300 tickets.elgin.edu. $34 An Ideal Husband See 2/13. 8p, Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division St. 8th Floor 224.465.0451 goodlycreatures. com. $15-18 Danny Baron Band Enjoy some blues on Valentine’s Day! 8p, Danny’s on Douglas, 231 Douglas Avenue 847.742.5400 dannyspizzaelgin.com

Sat.Feb.15 Jacquelyn Miller Live She is an amazing singer... come see her with someone you love! Danny’s on Douglas, 231 Douglas Avenue 847.742.5400 dannyspizzaelgin.com. No Cover Coding Series Learn how to start coding with the programming languages HTML and CSS in this three-part series. Note: This is a series. Registering for the first class automatically enters you in all required sessions. 2/15 - HTML 2/22 - CSS Basics 2/29 - CSS Intermediate 10a-11.30a, GBPL Main Library Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Elgin Winter Market Happening once a month January to April from 10:00am to 2:00pm, the Elgin Winter Market will feature a few of vendors from our summer market, as well a some new faces! Join us inside Dream Hall at 51, located at 51 S. Grove Ave to shop from a variety of local vendors, offering specialty goods like honey, soaps, handmade arts, baked goods, and more. Vendors will vary by date. 10a-2p, Dream Hall at 51, 51 S. Grove Avenue 847.488.1456 downtownelgin.com/winter-market Saturday Volunteens See 2/1. 11a-12p, GBPL Main Library Youth Center - North, 270 N. Grove Avenue

847.742.2411 gailborden.info Three Cheers for Sherri Rinker Sherri Duskey Rinker will be reading some of her stories, and we will have meet and greet with the creator of Three Cheers for Kid McGear, and Goodnight Goodnight Construction Site!! Town House Books is offering a 20% discount on any of Sherri Rinker’s books starting 1/15/20. Please contact them for pre-orders at (630 )584-8600 or thb105@gmail. com 11.30a-12.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info

6.2 Read to Rover See 2/9. 1.30p-1.45p, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Read to Rover See 2/9. 1.45p-2p, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info An Ideal Husband See 2/13. 2p, Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division St. 8th Floor 224.465.0451 goodlycreatures. com. $15-18

Curso Nivel 2 Principiantes See 2/8. 1p-3p, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info I Too Sing America: African American Art Songs Art Songs Inspiring Conversation: Dr. Rise’ Jones and Dr. Margaret Brady present African American art songs that spark reflection and dialogue about our current social conditions. Dr. Rise’ Jones and Dr. Margaret Brady perform and present African American art songs that spark reflection and dialogue about our current social conditions. Light refreshments served. In partnership with Gail Borden Public Library and Elgin City of Peace. 1.30p-3p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms ABC, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Elgin Area Tabletop Group: Board Game Night See 2/1. 5p, Blue Box Cafe, 176 E. Chicago Street 847.697.2583 theblueboxcafe.com An Ideal Husband See 2/13. 8p, Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division St. 8th Floor 224.465.0451 goodlycreatures. com. $15-18 Moon Money Party time at the kitchen! It’s their first time there so be gentle. 8p, Gifford’s Kitchen, 2300 Bushwood Drive 847.649.3900 giffordskitchen.com. No Cover

Sun.Feb.16 Read to Rover See above. 1p-1.15p, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Read to Rover See 2/9. 1.15p-1.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Hot Chocolate Ride - February Let’s go for a chocolate rewarded slow roll. We’ll start and end at Arabica Cafe. We’ll have a slow roll pace for 4 to 5 miles through the core Elgin neighborhoods, quiet street routes. Bring a dollar for your special hot chocolate when we return to Arabica Cafe.If you have not signed the 2020 annual ride waiver, please do so at: https:// waiver.fr/p-SDLTu 1.30p, Arabica Cafe, Spring and Chicago Streets elginbikehub.com. Free

Kevin Wood Portrays Abraham Lincoln In 1830, the young State of Illinois was the fifth smallest in the nation by population. It was a relatively unknown and mostly undeveloped land with an uncertain future, not necessarily destined for any measure of greatness. That same year, a young man arrived in Illinois and the same could be said about him: unknown, undeveloped, an uncertain future, and not apparently destined for much. The next thirty years would see the transformation of both the state and the man, of both Illinois and Abraham Lincoln. By 1860, Illinois would grow to become the nation’s fourth largest state, full of energy and promise, a microcosm of the entire nation: a mix of northerners and southerners, native-born and immigrant, rich and poor, liberal and conservative, urban and rural.These groups clashed at times but learned how to live and work together to further the interests of all. Abraham Lincoln would grow tremendously, too, to become known throughout the country as the President-elect of a nation in crisis, the leader who needed to keep a divided nation together without abandoning his principles. Come hear Abraham Lincoln himself tell the story of how both he and Illinois rose from obscurity to greatness. In partnership with the Illinois Road Scholars Speakers Bureau. 4pm program repeated in Spanish. 2p, Elgin History Museum, 360 Park Street 847.742.4248 elginhistory.org Read to Rover See 2/9. 2p-2.15p, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Sunday Afternoon Concert: Lindsay Garritson Internationally-renowned concert pianist Lindsay Garritson will be sharing a program of works by Chopin, Ravel, Vine, and Prokofiev. Making her Carnegie solo recital debut in November 2019, she has performed extensively through the

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February 2020 United States, Europe, and Asia. 2p-3p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms ABC, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Read to Rover See 2/9. 2.15p-2.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info

Mon.Feb.17 Book and Badges Drop-in and meet Officer Creighton from the South Elgin Police Department’s Operation Book’em. 11.15a-11.45a, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Spanish Cafe / Cafe en Espanol See 2/3. 12p-1p, GBPL Main Library Conference Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Interactive Movie: The Lion King Who doesnt love The Lion King? Lets explore the African safari and the adventures of Simba as we bring to life this Disney classic. 1p-3p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms ABC, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Homework Heroes See 2/3. 3.30p-5.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Acme Drop-in STEAM Lab See 2/3. 4p-5p, GBPL Main Library, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info MS Access Series See 2/3. 5.30p7p, GBPL Rakow Branch Living Room, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info Acme Drop-in STEAM Lab See 2/3. 6p-7p, GBPL Main Library, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Art Storytime See 2/10. 6p-6.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Meditation See 2/3. 6p-6.30p, First Congregational Church, 256 E. Chicago Street 630.886.8823 fcc-elgin.

org. Free

847.742.2411 gailborden.info

den.info

French Conversation Group Join our monthly French Conversation Group! In a relaxed & friendly atmosphere with francophones of all ability levels, enjoy presentations, songs, videos & conversation en francais. No registration. 6.30p-8.30p, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Music & Movement Storytime See 2/17. 10a-10.30a, GBPL Main Library Story Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Grupo de Conversacion en Ingles See 2/4. 6.30p-7.30p, GBPL Main Library Conference Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

1, 2, 3, Go! See 2/4. 10.15a-10.45a, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info

Race: The Power of an Illusion See 2/11. 6.30p-8.30p, GBPL Main Library Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Job Search & Resume Help See 2/4. 1p-4p, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

MS Word Editing Tools Learn how to use cut & paste, spell check, and add comments to documents. Note: This class is not part of series - please register for all events separately. This class will be held after normal operating hours. Please arrive on time as the doors will be locked at 7:05pm 7p-8.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info

The Hershey Chocolate Company Hershey is synonymous with quality milk chocolate. Come try it for yourself and hear behind the scenes story of this beloved American company. 6.30p-7.30p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms AB, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Music & Movement Storytime Let’s sing some stories and use props in this interactive storytime! Best for ages 3-6. No registration. This can be an on your own storytime, or with an adult caregiver. 7p-7.30p, GBPL Main Library Story Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Tue.Feb.18 Panera Milk & Cookies The Gail Borden Public Library and Panera Bread are partnering to sponsor this program. Preschoolers enjoy stories followed by a milk and cookie snack compliments of Panera. Stay for a craft. 9.30a-10.30a, GBPL Panera Bread, 369 Randall Road, South Elgin

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

Piano Performance: Denise Williams 1p-2p, GBPL Main Library Lobby, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info South Elgin Sentinels Chess Club See 2/4. 4.30p-5.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Studio 270 Volunteer Squad See 2/3. 5p-7p, GBPL Main Library Studio 270*, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Tuesday Volunteens See 2/4. 5p6p, GBPL Main Library Youth Center - North, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Walkers, Wigglers & Crawlers See 2/4. 6.15p-6.45p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Room C, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailbor-

Wed.Feb.19 Baby Rhyme Time See 2/5. 9.15a-9.45a, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Room C, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Art Storytime See 2/10. 10.30a-11a, GBPL Rakow Branch Children’s Area, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info Homework Heroes See 2/3. 3.30p-5.30p, GBPL South Elgin

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6.30p, music starts at 7p. 6.30p, Side Street Studio Arts, 15 Ziegler Court 847.429.2276 sidestreetstudioarts. org. $5 suggested donation

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

Cuentos para la familia See 2/5. 6.30p-7p, GBPL Main Library Story Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Kids Explore Make your own art journal and learn about different art techniques to fill your pages. 5p-6p, GBPL Main Library Story Room - South, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info

Contemporary Book Group The Contemporary Book Group discusses current literary novels once a month. February discussion: Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris Enrich your reading of contemporary novels by sharing insights with fellow readers. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Acme Drop-in STEAM Lab See 2/3. 4p-5p, GBPL Main Library, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Music Bingo Night See 2/5. 7p-9p, Danny’s on Douglas, 231 Douglas Avenue 847.742.5400 dannyspizzaelgin.com

STEAM: Brain Functions See 2/12. 4.30p-5.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info

Walking Book Club See 2/5. 7p-8.30p, GBPL In The Community gailborden.info

Build and Program Robots See 2/5. 5.30p-7p, GBPL Main Library Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Acme Drop-in STEAM Lab See 2/3. 6p-7p, GBPL Main Library, 270 N. Grove Ave. 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Candidates Forum See 2/5. 6p-8.30p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms ABC, 270 N. Grove Ave. 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Grupo Futuros Bilingues / Go Bilingual Group See 2/5. 6p-7p, GBPL Main Library 2nd Floor - Behind Elevators, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Wednesday Volunteens See 2/5. 6p-7p, GBPL Main Library Youth Center - North, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Cloud District / Good Sleepy / Camera Kids / Sloth Hands Cloud District and Good Sleepy are coming through Elgin for the first time, show ‘em some love. Doors open at

Thu.Feb.20

QuickBooks Special Edition: Advanced Topics Learn how to format, modify and filter data within reports and set up Sales Tax reporting in this special session. Note: This class is not part of series - please register separately. Must have previously completed the QuickBooks series. 5.30p-7p, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Acme Drop-in STEAM Lab See 2/3. 6p-7p, GBPL Main Library, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info James & Friends 6p, Gifford’s Kitchen, 2300 Bushwood Drive 847.649.3900 giffordskitchen.com

Device Advice See 2/6. 9.30a-11.30a, GBPL Rakow Branch Computer Cafe, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info

Baby Rhyme Time See 2/5. 6.30p7p, GBPL Main Library Story Room - North, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

1, 2, 3, Go! See 2/4. 10a-10.30a, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms ABC, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Elgin K.N.O.W.S. Knowledgeable Neighbors & Officers Working for Safety. Join the EPD and Gail Borden Library in an informative yet informal discussion featuring How Local Government Works. 6.30p-8p, GBPL Main Library Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Art Storytime See 2/10. 10.30a-11a, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Music & Movement Storytime See 2/17. 10.45a-11.15a, GBPL Main Library Story Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Piano Performance: Steve Yoder 11a-12p, GBPL Main Library Lobby, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Homeschool Kids Explore Make your own art journal and learn about different art techniques to fill your pages. 2p-3p, GBPL Main Library Story Room - South, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Piano Performance: Stacey Weidner 2p-3p, GBPL Main Library Lobby, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Acme Drop-in STEAM Lab See 2/3. 4p-5p, GBPL Main Library, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Children’s Sign Language Club Join Mrs. Potts as we learn American Sign Language and increase our awareness, knowledge and respect of deaf culture. Registration required. 4.30p-5.30p, GBPL Rakow Branch Living Room, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info

Grupo de Conversacion para la Ciudadania See 2/6. 6.30p-7.30p, GBPL Main Library Conference Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Elgin Genealogical Society Monthly meeting of the Elgin Genealogical Society with a presentation by Maureen Brady, who specializes in Tennessee area research. Maureen Brady will be presenting “Tennessee Family History Research”. Tennessee was one of the first states established after the American Revolution, and it provides a rich body of historical records. This presentation will offer a brief overview of Tennessee history and how that affects the availability of the records, online resources for Tennessee research and an overview of repositories and archives. Maureen Brady, a former school librarian and computer educator, has nearly thirty-five years’ experience with family history research. She is a member of the Genealogical Speakers Guild and the Association of Professional Genealogists, as well as numerous local and national Genealogical Societies and the Clan Donnachaidh Society. Maureen has traced her own Scottish roots back to the end of

6.2 the 17th century. Her programs and workshops cover Chicago area, the trans-Allegheny U.S., Canada, Quebec, Irish and Swedish research and using FamilySearch¬Æ and Family History Centers. She is the co-director and trainer for the Crystal Lake (IL) Family History Center sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms AB, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Piano Performance: John LaBorn 7p-8p, GBPL Main Library Lobby, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info An Ideal Husband See 2/13. 8p, Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division St. 8th Floor 224.465.0451 goodlycreatures. com. $15-18

Fri.Feb.21 Walkers, Wigglers & Crawlers See 2/4. 10a-10.30a, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Room B, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info No Shushing Movie Fridays See 2/7. 10.30a-12.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden. info Sensory Fun for Every Little One See 2/7. 10.45a-11.30a, GBPL Main Library Story Room - South, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Welcome Baby! Welcome Baby! Bring baby to this mini session designed especially for babies up to one year old and their caregivers. Learn about programs and resources to support your baby’s early literacy development and receive a special gift! Registration preferred, or drop in anytime between 1 - 3 pm. For an appointment on another day, time, or in Spanish, please contact Ana Morales (847289-5811). Bienvenido Bebe! Llevan a su beb y bebs nueva tarjeta de la biblioteca a esta clase es disenado especialmente para bebs primer titular de la tarjeta de la biblioteca. Aprenda

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BRAVO

February 2020

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

ONE ELGIN DOLLER accepted for every $10 you spend.

800 North State Street•Elgin

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

restoreelgin.org•(847) 742-9905

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

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

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

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

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

kellenbergerauto.com

2018

AUTO SERVICE

series B

Since 1939

discount coupon

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

community

Elgin History Museum

T224-5131220

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

ELGIN DOLLER

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

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

monetæ

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

Herb’s Bakery

ars

Arabica Cafe

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

NOT LEGAL TENDER

Coffee • Espresso • Smoothies Pastries • Sandwiches • Salads

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

ONE

We proudly accept the Elgin Doller!

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

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

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

Here’s Your Allowance

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

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

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

BRAVO

Do You Accept The Elgin Doller?

6.2

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

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

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

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

www.independentplayers.org

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

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

Now in our 21st Season

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

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

XI I III VII IV IX

Payable to the Bearer on Demand

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

martiniroomelgin.com

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

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

#elginDoller

161 E. CHICAGO STREET

www.heartlandvoices.org

KEN

BRUDERLE

847-697-SELL

847-697-7355

www.697sell.com

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

a unique boutique with a vintage soul

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

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

New Releases Re-Releases Rare Vinyl Turntables Vintage Music

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

www.rediscoverrecords.com

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

74 S. Grove Ave. • ELGIN

BRAVO

February 2020

Knees,Amethys Von Trollenberg,Vanilla,Lyra Orion,and Moana Lotte. Ages 21+ 9p, Martini Room, 161 E. Chicago Street 847.741.0349 sidestreetstudioarts.org. $20

Sat.Feb.22 Coding Series See 2/15. 10a-11.30a, GBPL Main Library Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Saturday Volunteens See 2/1. 11a-12p, GBPL Main Library Youth Center - North, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info acerca de los programas y recursos para apoyar el desarrollo de alfabetismo temprano de su beb y recibir un regalo especial! Para los bebes sies meses y abrriba con sus padres. Se prefiere registracin, o pasar de 1 a 3 de la tarde. Si prefiere una cita para otro da, hora o en espaol por favor contactar a Ana Morales (847-2895811). 1p-3p, GBPL Main Library Story Room - South, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Comstock Lode Country Duo SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT .....Popular Elgin country singer/songwriter/ guitarist Greg Wright (from Comstock Lode Country Band) along with lead guitarist Sean Missey will be performing at the fabulous Gifford’s Kitchen & Social. If you want an evening of fabulous food and drinks along with some great country tunes (everything from Cash to Combs)... put this NO COVER event in your calendar!! 6p, Gifford’s Kitchen, 2300 Bushwood Drive 847.649.3900 giffordskitchen. com. No Cover

2020 Sankofa Wax Museum & Black History Program An afternoon of History, Arts & Entertainment, special guest speaker, and the young entrepreneurs pop up shop. Registration is now open for 2020 Sankofa! 12p, Second Baptist Church, 1280 Summit Street 847.695.7757 www.2020sbcsankofa.eventbrite.com Curso Nivel 2 Principiantes See 2/8. 1p-3p, GBPL Main Library Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

No Limits 9p, D Hangout Bar & Grill, 550 S. McLean Boulevard 847.717.0511 d-hangout.com. No Cover

Sun.Feb.23 Acme Drop-in STEAM Lab See 2/3. 1p-2p, GBPL Main Library, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Acme Drop-in STEAM Lab copy See 2/3. 1p-2p, GBPL Main Library, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info An Ideal Husband See 2/13. 2p, Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division St. 8th Floor 224.465.0451 goodlycreatures. com. $15-18 Those Were the Days Radio Players West Re-live or experience for the first time, the laughter, mystery and intrigue, and dramatic endings from the great writings of the Golden Age of Radio! Experience radio shows live on stage! Enjoy programs based on original scripts from the 1930s to 1950s, with original music and a Foley artist creating live sound effects. 2p-3p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms ABC, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra’s Open House Students and families can visit rehearsals, meet current students and staff and explore the many possibilities available through participation in an EYSO ensemble. Current students interested in auditioning for the next level orchestra, please take advantage of this opportunity to check out other EYSO ensembles for yourself! Visit EYSO.org/season/ for more details! 3.30p-7p, Elgin Community College Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Dr Building H, Elgin, IL 60123 847.847.7700 https://www.eyso.org/ event/eyso-open-house-330-700pm/. Free

An Ideal Husband See 2/13. 8p, Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division St. 8th Floor 224.465.0451 goodlycreatures. com. $15-18

Manga and Anime Club for Grades 6-12 Calling all fans of Attack on Titan, My Hero Academia, Sailor Moon, and more! Watch anime, make buttons, share fan art, and enjoy Japanese snacks. New members are welcome; come solo or with a friend! 2p-3.30p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms AB, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Smokehouse 8p, Danny’s on Douglas, 231 Douglas Avenue 847.742.5400 dannyspizzaelgin.com. No Cover

Read to Rover See 2/9. 2p-2.30p, GBPL Main Library Story Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Moana’s Mavens Presents: Party Gurlz Come out and be enticed by these beautiful and talented Queens, as they perform an incredible Burlesque-Style Drag Show. Featuring:Persephone B. Diamond,Anya

Read to Rover See 2/9. 2.30p-3p, GBPL Main Library Story Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Next Chapter Book Club See 2/10. 10a-11a, GBPL In The Community gailborden.info

Read to Rover See 2/9. 3p-3.30p, GBPL Main Library Story Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Piano Performance: Skip Dyson 10a-11a, GBPL Main Library Lobby - Piano, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Elgin Area Tabletop Group: Board Game Night See 2/1. 5p, Blue Box Cafe, 176 E. Chicago Street 847.697.2583 theblueboxcafe.com

Rakow Readers Join the Rakow Readers one Monday of each month for a lively book discussion. Meetings are held at 1:30 pm in the Shales Living Room of the Rakow Branch Library. February 2020 Discussion: Feather Thief by Kirk W. Johnson. 1.30p-2.30p, GBPL Rakow Branch Living Room, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info

An Ideal Husband See 2/13. 8p, Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division St. 8th Floor 224.465.0451 goodlycreatures. com. $15-18 Strawdawg Modern Country music and Classic Rock. 8p, Danny’s on Douglas, 231 Douglas Avenue 847.742.5400 dannyspizzaelgin.com. No Cover

Mon.Feb.24

Homework Heroes See 2/3. 3.30p-5.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info

37 Acme Drop-in STEAM Lab See 2/3. 4p-5p, GBPL Main Library, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Teen Advisory Board See 2/10. 4p5p, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info MS Access Series See 2/3. 5.30p7p, GBPL Rakow Branch Living Room, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info Acme Drop-in STEAM Lab See 2/3. 6p-7p, GBPL Main Library, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Cafe Latino: Grupo de Lectura/ Reading Group Cada mes leemos una lectura corta del libro Abriendo puertas: Ampliando perspectivas. Copias del libro en la biblioteca. Lectura de este mes: “Chac Mool” por Carlos Fuentes Todas las lecturas son del libro Abriendo puertas: Ampliando perspectivas. La biblioteca tiene copias del libro que se pueden sacar prestadas. Para mas informacion, comunicate con Flor Chavez al 847427-6791 o fchavez@gailborden.info. 6p-7p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Room A, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Dance Storytime Get ready to move to the beat and have a blast! Well explore everything from ballet to hip hop to tap dance. No registration. 6p-6.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Meditation See 2/3. 6p-6.30p, First Congregational Church, 256 E. Chicago Street 630.886.8823 fcc-elgin. org. Free Grupo de Conversacion para la Ciudadania See 2/6. 6.30p-7.30p, GBPL Main Library Conference Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Monster Storytime This week is all about monsters (but ONLY the friendly, cute and cuddly kind!) Come enjoy a special program that will make you roar! Best for ages 3-6. No registration. This can be an on your own storytime or with an adult caregiver. 7p-7.30p, GBPL Main Library

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

BRAVO

A successful Rocky Mountain real estate developer is returning to his hometown to undertake the biggest project of his career. The “Tower of Babel Experience” is being planned for a site on the northwest corner of Randall and Hopps Roads, just south of the Walmart Super Center. It’s the vision of 83 year old Richard Peissig, the oldest living heir to the Elgin Music Box fortune. “My grandfather came from Austria and built the finest music boxes in America, right here in Elgin,” Peissig said. “He also loved ancient history and all the different languages of the world. He’d be tickled about this project if he were alive today.” The Tower is designed as a 1/5 scale replica of the original Tower of Babel, described in the Holy Scriptures and other sources as a structure built in Mesopotamia, in defiance of God, by people wanting to escape a second flood. Its height was 5,433 cubits and 2 palms — about 8,150 feet. “The Tower of Babel Experi-

The Faque News Humor and/or Satire

Tower of Babel Attraction Planned for Randall Road ence will be 1,087 cubits high, which makes it the 12th tallest building in the world,” said Peissig. “On a clear day, they’ll be able to see it in Lake in the Hills, Barrington, Schaumburg and Geneva.”

erected in 2200 B.C.E. was to use ramps or steps that wrapped around the outside,” explained chief architect Neil Crozier. “This is the only way they could haul materials to the top, using human and animal labor.”

The historically accurate features of the Tower are its 200-pound clay bricks and bitumen exterior, but the inside will consist of high-end retail shops, fifteen floors of hotel accommodations, a casino, six restaurants and 44 private luxury residences. Instead of an observation deck, the top floor of the Tower will be a non-denominational chapel.

The steps will be open to the public, affording unobstructed views of South Elgin, Elgin Community College, the Fox River and Bowes Creek Country Club.

“They built the original Tower because they wanted to get closer to God,” Peissig explained. “For some people, the top of this Tower is as close to God as they’ll ever get.” The architects chosen for the project spent months researching the design of the original tower in antique manuscripts and scholarly writings. One feature that makes the Tower of Babel Experience unique is its exterior spiral steps. Artist’s rendition.

6.2

“The only way a structure nearly two miles tall could be

The Tower will be located in an unincorporated part of Elgin Township, one of the few remaining building sites on Randall Road not within Elgin city limits. Peissig told Faque News that he wanted to build the attraction closer to the old music box factory on Raymond Street, but he could not get the proper clearance.

see it my way.” Cost to build the Tower of Babel Experience is estimated at 980 million dollars, with funds contributed by multiple investors, including Peissig’s own Spieldose Partners, the company he started with his Elgin Music Box inheritance. Spieldose developed a chain of successful hotels and casinos in Colorado and New Mexico between 1988 and 2006. “People here can talk about economic development until they’re blue in the face, and it doesn’t make a dime’s worth of difference,” Peissig protested. “You want to attract people? You want to attract dollars? Then create an attraction.” The spry businessman revealed his competitive spirit, saying “Las Vegas has a pyramid and an Eiffel Tower, Orlando has Castle Neuschwanstein ... hell, even Wisconsin Dells has a Trojan Horse. And they’re making a mint off that Ark Encounter down in Kentucky. It’s about time Elgin got the greatest thing ever built by Man.”

“I needed a site that was zoned for a house of worship, which this is, but I couldn’t get that zoning board to East elevation.

When asked about God’s wrath and the “confusion of languages” that marked the end of the original tower’s construction, Peissig emphasized, “That’s the beauty of this Tower of Babel Experience. It’s not all one language, which God hates. We’ll have English, Spanish, Polish, Filipino, and everything else yammering up there.”

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BRAVO

February 2020

the dangerous missions she led to liberate hundreds of slaves through the Underground Railroad, the story of heroic abolitionist Harriet Tubman is told. If the library closes due to weather on Reel Women event nights, the film will be shown at the next Reel Women date not already scheduled. 6p-8.30p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms AB, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Story Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Walkers, Wigglers & Crawlers See 2/4. 6.15p-6.45p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Room C, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Grupo de Conversacion en Ingles See 2/4. 6.30p-7.30p, GBPL Main Library Conference Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Race: The Power of an Illusion See 2/11. 6.30p-8.30p, GBPL Main Library Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Heartland Marimba Quartet You haven’t lived until you’ve heard the sound of fourmarimbas in harmony! The Heartland Marimba Quartet,based in Iowa, gives a platform to the music of Americancomposers in its programming, and continues to expand itsrepertoire with works from composers worldwide. Uniquedoesn’t even begin to describe this ensemble and their soundworld! 7.30p, Imago, 216 Prairie Street 224.276.8881 chambermusiconthefox.org. $10-20

Tue.Feb.25

MS Word Tables & Images Learn how to use tables, borders, backgrounds, and WordArt. Note: This class is not part of series - please register for all events separately. This class will be held after normal operating hours. Please arrive on time as the doors will be locked at 7:05pm 7p-8.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info

Wed.Feb.26 Baby Rhyme Time See 2/5. 9.15a-9.45a, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Room C, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Monster Storytime See 2/24. 10a-10.30a, GBPL Main Library Story Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Job Training Information Session See 2/12. 9.30a-11a, GBPL Main Library Conference Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

1, 2, 3, Go! See 2/4. 10.15a-10.45a, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info

Music & Movement Storytime See 2/17. 10.30a-11a, GBPL Rakow Branch Children’s Area, 2751 W. Bowes Road 847.531.7271 gailborden.info

Job Search & Resume Help See 2/4. 1p-4p, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Homework Heroes See 2/3. 3.30p-5.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info

Piano Performance: Denise Williams 1p-2p, GBPL Main Library Lobby, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Acme Drop-in STEAM Lab See 2/3. 4p-5p, GBPL Main Library, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

South Elgin Sentinels Chess Club See 2/4. 4.30p-5.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info

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

Tuesday Volunteens See 2/4. 5p6p, GBPL Main Library Youth Center - North, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Reel Women for Real Women From her escape from slavery through

Acme Drop-in STEAM Lab See 2/3. 6p-7p, GBPL Main Library, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Grupo Futuros Bilingues / Go Bilingual Group See 2/5. 6p-7p, GBPL Main Library Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Wednesday Volunteens See 2/5. 6p-7p, GBPL Main Library Youth Center - North, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Cuentos para la familia See 2/5. 6.30p-7p, GBPL Main Library Story Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info German Conversation Group Herzlich willkommen! Practice or improve your conversation skills with other German speakers. Barbara Laane will be facilitating the conversation with different relevant themes. No registration. Presentation of a variety of materials from short texts to videos that you can learn from and have a discussion about. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Music Bingo Night See 2/5. 7p-9p, Danny’s on Douglas, 231 Douglas Avenue 847.742.5400 dannyspizzaelgin.com Walking Book Club See 2/5. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Main Library Conference Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Thu.Feb.27 1, 2, 3, Go! See 2/4. 10a-10.30a, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms ABC, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Device Advice See 2/6. 10a-12p, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Dance Storytime See 2/24. 10.30a-11a, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info Monster Storytime See 2/24. 10.45a-11.15a, GBPL Main Library Story Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Piano Performance: Steve Yoder 11a-12p, GBPL Main Library Lobby, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

39 Center. Are you trying to muddle through the legal maze yourself? Visit this walk-in service to assist you with your legal questions. Volunteer attorneys will provide legal coaching, document review, and referrals to other community services. Bring paperwork that relates to your legal issues. Your meeting with the lawyer will last approximately 15 minutes. A Law Librarian and an Illinois Justice Corps Fellow will be available to guide you through resources and assist you with e-filing your court documents. No registration. Provided in partnership with the Kane County Law Library & Self Help Legal Center. 6p-7.30p, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Mike Geo Live Rockin’ yer favorite tunes! 6p, Gifford’s Kitchen, 2300 Bushwood Drive 847.649.3900 giffordskitchen.com. No Cover Baby Rhyme Time See 2/5. 6.30p7p, GBPL Main Library Story Room - North, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Piano Performance: John LaBorn 7p-8p, GBPL Main Library Lobby, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Writer’s Center Reading Series: Chelsea Biondolillo All Writers Center readings are free and open to the public. A pre-reading dinner with Biondolillo will be held at 5:30 p.m. Books will be available for sale and signing. For dinner reservations or more information, please contact Rachael Stewart at rstewart@elgin.edu. 7.30p, ECC Arts Center Room H142, 1700 Spartan Drive 847.697.1000 elgin.edu. Free An Ideal Husband See 2/13. 8p, Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division St. 8th Floor 224.465.0451 goodlycreatures. com. $15-18

Fri.Feb.28 Walkers, Wigglers & Crawlers See 2/4. 10a-10.30a, GBPL Main Library Story Room - South, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info

Studio 270 Volunteer Corps Make a craft to give to someone in need. 4p-5p, GBPL Main Library Studio 270, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Lords Park Literacy Night Library Card sign-up and library services 5p-7.30p, GBPL In The Community gailborden.info Lawyer in the Library Visit this walk-in service to assist you with your legal questions. No registration. Provided in partnership with the Kane County Law Library & Self Help Legal

List your events for FREE

BRAVO

6.2

The Inner Craft

Part One in a Series on “Arting”

Inspiration by Michael J. Murschel, SD Inspiration. The starting point for all art. Or … is it? Which comes first? Subject? Inspiration? Do they feed off each other? Or is even the choice of subject driven by inspiration? Does inspiration simply come out of the blue? Does that mean it appears before you in a dream, gifted you by the Spirit, glimpsed in a vision? After all, this was the reasoning of Albert Einstein when he commented, “The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science.” Or is that primal pump primed experientially? Through thought? Reflection? Meditation? Prayer? Can you will it into being? Or does it happen when least expected? “Don’t think about making art,” was Andy Warhol’s thought on it. Does your your heart and mind and soul require just the right diet to nourish inspiration? Or is inspiration disconnected from anything upon which you

have been focused? The Bosnian comics artist, Mirko Ilic, is of a mind to “Think eight hours; work two hours.” Do you get a block of stone of a certain shape for what you want to carve? Or do you start carving and discover what has always been within the stone? “Where the spirit does not work with the hand,” Leonardo da Vinci is credited with saying, “there is no art.” Do you put pressure on yourself to force inspiration out of that tube of paint? Or do you let it flow freely like a wet-on-wet watercolor wash? Do you wait patiently for inspiration? Or do you schedule it in to your day, your week, at a precise time and in a pre-selected place? Some believe they can bring inspiration into their lives by focusing intently upon their goal. Focused concentration. And within that, peel back layer after layer of all of the stuff’ which shrouds it, eventually getting to where true inspiration shines like a beacon in the night.

Others just go for a walk. Read a book. Take in a movie. Forget about it. American Trappist monk, theologian, writer, mystic, and poet, Thomas Merton, reflected, “Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” For some, inspiration seems always to be available. “Seems,” being the pivotal word here. For others, inspiration is a constant quest. For most, inspiration seems to be easiest found by putting yourself within its range, and being dedicated to its place in your life. For everyone, though, inspiration is the one essential substrate for all genuine art. How each comes at it varies as much as individual personalities. But a consistent devotion to your art seems to be the thread running through it all. “Until one is committed there is hesitancy,” said W. H. Murray, Scottish mountaineer and writer, in his 1951 book, The Scottish Himalayan Expedition, “the chance to draw back, always

ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative or creation, there is one elementary truth ... that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves, too. … Whatever you think you can do or believe you can do, begin it. Action has magic, grace, and power in it.” — MJM Please:: I’d love to hear how you believe inspiration comes to you. Contact me at: michael@michaeljmurschel.com Michael J Murschel, SD, MA, works on deep levels with artists and creatives through Michael J Murschel Spiritual Direction, his downtown Elgin-based private practice, providing methods and mentoring for those who want to nurture their artist attitude, or who are experiencing creative and spiritual crisis. He is a commissioned spiritual director, guided meditation specialist, and theologian, and offers individual and group sessions, workshops, retreats, and programs.

Game Nights Pod Casts

176 E. Chicago St. Downtown Elgin

HOURS: Mon-Thu 7a-7p Friday 7a-8p Saturday 8a-8p Sunday 10a-4p

Gourmet Coffee • Breakfast • Deli Sandwiches • Soups & Salads • Baked Goods

Live Theatre

February 2020 No Shushing Movie Fridays See 2/7. 10.30a-12.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch Hoffer Room, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden. info Sensory Fun for Every Little One See 2/7. 10.45a-11.30a, GBPL Main Library Story Room - South, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Zach & Lexi Live Zach and I will be performing in the bar area, however the restaurant is super open! Whether you decide to sit in the dinning room or bar area, you’ll hear us! Fill your Friday evening with great food, atmosphere, and music! 6p, Gifford’s Kitchen, 2300 Bushwood Drive 847.649.3900 giffordskitchen.com. No Cover African Ball Conclude Black History Month by celebrating Africa through fashion, food, song, dance, and more! Kids under age five, free. 6.30p, ECC Building E, Dining Room, 1700 Spartan Drive 847.622.0300 tickets. elgin.edu. $15 An Ideal Husband See 2/13. 8p, Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division St. 8th Floor 224.465.0451 goodlycreatures. com. $15-18

BRAVO 847.741.6655 blazier_epm@cityofelgin.org. $2-5 HS Passive Programming Adults Passive Programming -11.59p, GBPL Main Library, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Home Services Volunteers deliver books, audiobooks, cds, etc., to patrons unable to visit the library in person. 9a-10a, GBPL In The Community gailborden.info Coding Series See 2/15. 10a-11.30a, GBPL Main Library Computer Training Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Saturday Volunteens See 2/1. 11a-12p, GBPL Main Library Youth Center - North, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Computacion Nivel 2 Principiantes Instructor: Fernando Medina. No hay costo ni hay que tener tarjeta de la biblioteca. Favor registrarse. Puede registrarse para la serie completa o para una sola clase. 1p-3p, GBPL Main Library Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info My Hero Academia Escape Room for Grades 6-12 It’s your turn to become a hero! Work together with other teens to find clues, solve puzzles, and pass the U.A. entrance exam! 2p-2.30p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms AB, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Real Estate FAQ’s From renters to buyers,and savvy investors, get your real estate questions answered by these local experts. Joe Menolascino-KCT Mortgages, Kimberly Osko-Baird & Warner, Ed Jaramillo-Re/ Max, Miguel Angel Fernandez-Attorney, Victoria Hoogervorst - Attorney & Bruce Peterson-CSI Inspections 2p-3.30p, GBPL South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Boulevard 847.931.2090 gailborden.info

The Moods You know them, you love them ... come on out! 8p, Danny’s on Douglas, 231 Douglas Avenue 847.742.5400 dannyspizzaelgin.com

Sat.Feb.29 Bison Feeding The last Saturday of every month, twelve lucky people get up-close and personal to feed Lords Park’s three lovely lady bison, Drew, Becky and Takoda. Be warned, you must haul yourself out of bed early, as the girls expect breakfast on their schedule! Program starts promptly at 7 am inside Elgin Public Museum for a brief presentation and then proceeds to the Zoo, just steps away. Program ends around 8:30 am. Reservations required. Members free. Elgin Public Museum, 225 Grand Boulevard

Alash with special guest Shodekeh perform in the SecondSpace Theatre at ECC Arts Center Saturday, February 29th at 7pm. Tickets $29. See p. 8.

throat singers (a technique for singing multiple pitches at once) blends the sounds of their heritage with those of folk and Americana. 7p, ECC Arts Center SecondSpace Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive 847.622.0300 tickets.elgin.edu. $29 International Guitar Night XX This tour is most likely the only time you’ll see these four guitarists share the same stage. For 20 years, International Guitar Night has connected the world’s best acoustic guitarists for once-in-a-lifetime concert tours. The Players:- English guitarist Mike

Dawes is widely considered one of the world’s finest and most creative modern fingerstyle guitar performers.- Cenk Erdo an of Istanbul is an acclaimed player of the Turkish fretless guitar.- Gypsy jazz guitarist Olli Soikkeli hails from Finland and, at 28, has already shared the stage with Tommy Emmanuel and Bucky Pizzarelli.- Jim “Kimo” West is regarded as one of the world’s foremost Hawaiian slack-key guitar artists. 7.30p, ECC Arts Center Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive 847.622.0300 tickets. elgin.edu. $32

Get to know your city and neighbors.

My Hero Academia Escape Room for Grades 6-12 See above. 3p-3.30p, GBPL Main Library Meadows Community Rooms AB, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info ELGbtq Book Group We meet on the last Saturday of every month in the Grove Room on the second floor of the main Gail Borden Public Library to discuss a chosen piece of literature that relates to being LGBTQIA+. All are welcome to attend, but some material may not be appropriate for minors.Visit www.elginpride.com/ queerbookclub or email elgbtq@ gmail.com for more info. 4p-5.45p, GBPL Main Library Grove Room, 270 N. Grove Avenue 847.742.2411 gailborden.info Alash with Special Guest Shodekeh Tuvan throat singing meets Pete Seeger-folk! Hailing from the southern edge of Siberia, this ensemble of

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

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BRAVO Serial Fiction: “The Good Catch”

love locks for valentine’s day

Part Five:

Around the world, “Love Locks” hang from bridges, fences and railings symbolizing the union of two hearts in a permanent bond.

Bounce

N o w t h r o u g h Va l e n t i n e ’s D a y, b e a p a r t o f t h e L o v e Lock tradition by attaching your own padlock in t h e s t o r e w i n d o w a t S o u l f u l S p a r r o w, 1 0 D o u g l a s Av e , w i t h a donation of $10 or more to the Community C r i s i s C e n t e r.

by Jeffrey R. Pierce I quickly took off my apron and met Evelyn in the hallway.

VINTAGE Shop Hop

“Jo finished her plate and left the table a few minutes ago,” she whispered. “But she’s not in the ladies’ room.”

March 6 & 7

We scanned the church hall, checked the foyer, the sanctuary, and the parking lot, but could not find Jo. We began looking into empty Sunday School rooms, calling her name, and finally found her in the nursery with a boy about her age.

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He turned toward the doorway and said, “She’s deaf.” Jo was facing him across the room, in her sloppy joe sweater and plaid skirt, holding a large rubber ball. She bounced it to him. He bounced it back. “Jo, we were worried about you.” “She’s okay,” the boy said and pointed toward the door with an exaggerated motion. “She knows signs.” We stepped into the nursery, but Jo kept her eyes on the boy. Using two fingers he made a walking sign, and pointed again toward the door. She shook her head and bounced the ball to him. She didn’t want to leave. “Does Jo play with the children at your church?” I asked Evelyn. “No. They pay no attention to her. I assume because she’s different.” After a few minutes of urging, Evelyn finally grasped her rather tightly by the hand and walked her out of the room. She hadn’t ever resisted us before. “Bye, Jo!” the boy cheered as we left.

My family expected me to come home a few times a year, and I arranged these trips so that I could get to Green Bay early, by bus, and spend a few hours in the library at St. Norbert’s College before boarding the train to Milwaukee. Their library had an excellent collection of texts and journals on psychology, and I was determined to find some diagnosis or explanation for Jo’s handicap. The literature was filled with classifications for gifted children who had trouble with social interactions, or wouldn’t speak in certain situations. Evelyn told me Jo hadn’t cried or laughed since she was two years old, and though she rarely exhibited any kind of emotion, to me it was her muteness that distinguished her condition. The new term early infantile autism was being used to describe a certain self-isolating personality type, but this didn’t fit either, since Jo could communicate nonverbally and form relationships. Despite my lack of professional training at the time, I felt that if I could identify Jo’s problem, I might be able to correct it. After Birgit’s brother married in April 1948, his new wife moved in to keep house for him and his father. Birgit moved out, and she and I rented a two-bedroom apartment together, a few blocks from Evelyn and the Durants. Our landlord was polite, but every few weeks he needed

BRAVO

February 2020

to come in to inspect something or other, so we always kept the second bedroom set up as though one of us slept there. We were much, much happier. I loved to shop and cook for us, and she preferred to do the laundry and the cleaning. “A boy came to the shop today to see Jo,” Birgit announced over supper one night in June. “What? A boy?” “I don’t know when he got there. He never said anything. I turned around and they were making hand signals.” “Hand signals?” “Ya, like this.” Birgit made a few pantomime gestures and then kept eating. “Has he been there before?” “I never saw him before. But they seemed to know each other.” “Know each other? How is that possible? Tell me what happened.” Birgit finished chewing and continued. “Well, I said hello to him, and he said his name was Lesley and he came to see the deaf girl Jo. I had to tell him she isn’t deaf, she just doesn’t talk.” “What did Jo do?” “She watched him. She seemed to be fascinated by him.” I told Birgit the story of what happened at her mother’s funeral more than a year before, how the boy said that Jo knew signs. “Did he tell you his last name, or age, or where he lived? Anything?” “No. I left them alone and kept working. They made signs for a few more minutes without saying anything and then he was gone. I think Jo likes him.” Even though she had started puberty and was beginning to blossom physically, I realized I still thought of Jo as a little girl, not a young woman. There was nothing wrong with her friendship, but keeping it a secret wasn’t entirely innocent. I called Evelyn about it, and she remembered the time after the funeral but had no idea that Jo still knew Lesley. “I know where she is all the time,” she told me on the phone. “She’s never alone with a boy.”

In September, we invited Evelyn and Jo to visit us at the apartment for ice cream after Saturday supper. Following some discussion, Charles agreed to it, asking only that Jo be home before dusk. When they arrived around 6:00, Evelyn had a copy of The Crisis that she had just received in the mail from her aunt, and was eager to browse it. Jo, going on 12, liked to show off a particular sailor neck shirt and blue jeans when she had to meet people. She was too young to wear makeup, but her skin was clear and beautifully tanned, and I could see a resemblance to her mother’s portrait that sat on the Durants’ fireplace mantel. After the ice cream, we stayed at the table talking. Birgit offered us a glass of her father’s home made aquavit, but we declined. She poured a little for herself. “I don’t see how anyone could do this to another person,” Evelyn scowled as she turned to a photograph of a lynching in her magazine. “This man did nothing wrong. He was a good man.”

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“I don’t want to look,” Birgit huffed, and shook her head. I passed it back to Evelyn.

Fall Fling, Cider & Donuts Door Prizes & Music

October 15, Thurs Eve 6-8pm

“Jo, this is a person, a good person. He didn’t deserve this.” Evelyn turned the page toward Jo and pointed to the hanged man. “These men are the bad people.” She pointed to the group of white men gathered around the tree. Jo leaned in and stared intently at the photo and wrinkled her brow just a little. “Rita, I think it’s time we should go.”

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“We’ll walk with you,” Birgit said. “It’s getting dark.”

BRAVO Serial Fiction presents a work of short fiction in a series of installments. “The Good Catch” is by the Editor and Publisher of BRAVO Magazine. Read previous parts online at marqueemedia.net/thegoodcatch

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2020

August 8-9, Sat & Sun

“May I see?” I asked, and Evelyn slid the magazine over to me.

As the four of us turned the corner on the Durant’s block, we saw something. It stunned each of us in a different way.

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EXPLORE ELGIN WINTER ADVENTURES Cultural Arts • Outdoors • Shopping www.exploreelginarea.com/winter

6.2

BRAVO

February 2020

Destination Dundee

Taste: Ale Fellow Well Met!

a nonproﬁt organization

Don’t Worry ... #BeerHappy! Two guys walk into a bar. One guy says “take a picture of me with my beer.” He makes a cheesy smile, and sticks his thumb way up. The other guy takes the photo. #BeerHappy is born. The bar was Dog’s Paw Brewing Company in downtown Elgin; the date was March 29, 2019. The photographer was Dale “The Whale” Phelps, Jr., a Massachusetts import in the real estate game. The guy in the picture was Sourixat Alan Thavisouk, a media consultant-at-large, and the pose is called “beer happy.” “I started taking the signature pose with the cheesy smile, thumbs up and beer in hand during a family vacation to Las Vegas and San Diego in the Summer of 2018,” he said. “My friend asked me what kind of pose is that. I responded, ‘I’m Beer Happy.’”

These two social media warriors know a hashtag when then see one, and a couple of clicks later a Facebook group was created, dedicated to “manifesting a personality and spirit of fun into the world with a beer in one hand.”

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“The group started with the two of us,” said Phelps. “We invited a couple of friends, posted a few photos, and it began to grow. To this day, every single person in the group is connected back to the founding members. We are all friends, or friends of friends in Beer Happy.” The not-so-secret society has grown by person-to-person invitation to nearly 600 members, each willing to extend a thumb for the camera or at click the Like button for someone else. There’s no commercial imperative or political agenda behind the effort. “The original motive was to

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BRAVO

6.2

simply spread good vibes with something we enjoy: good beer.” said Phelps, “And beer, when used correctly, also makes us happy, especially when shared with friends in a responsible way.”

they visit another place.

Beer and recklessness do not pair well, and that’s why the group moderators are careful to sustain an online environment that is free from negativity, polarization or disrespect. After some early growing pains with unsolicited advertising posts, or even attempts at humor by way of the “dark side” of beer drinking, they established some ground rules for the Beer Happy culture in order to filter out words and images that don’t reflect their values of friendship, happiness and beer.

For now, more than a couple of beer happy friends can be found gathering around a couple of tall ones at some popular downtown Elgin establishments. Other than that, nothing about this group screams “Elgin.” That’s not its identity; that’s just where it was born.

Kari Christensen was an early invitee to the group and became a frequent contributor. “Beer Happy posts showing up in my feed bring me happiness,” she said, “a little ray of beer happy sunshine.” She was later promoted to group admin status, a duty now shared with Phelps and Thavisouk. One of the three must screen a member post before it appears online. During the first few months, a lot of content was provided by the founders in order to launch the group. In particular, Phelps used a technique in which he could create a bold, colorized rendition of someone’s “beer happy” photo enhanced with filters and backgrounds. This evolved into animating the subject’s head from side to side, which Thavisouk calls the “Bobblehead.” The creations became so popular that they became an object of

Phelps mused, “Someday, I would love to be able to post in the group that I’m in (any city in America) and then have a couple of Beer Happy friends who will meet me to grab a beer.”

Beer Happy admins Dale (left), Alan and Kari at the Elgin Valley FoxTrot, May 2019. Source: Facebook.

demand. “People were lining up and asking Dale to make them animate,” he said. It was impossible to satisfy everyone, and the short videos became very scarce and selective. “I do miss seeing everyone as Bobbleheads ...” Over time, the visual aesthetic relaxed a bit, with folks posting pictures of just cans or bottles (no smiling faces), or even the occasional meme. Not all beer enthusiasts are comfortable being photographed in their own beer happy times, places and — ahem — attire. “I love that people celebrate the spirit even if they don’t post the official Beer Happy pose,” Thavisouk reassured us. While wine and martinis can be happy, too, this group is specifically about beer. “If a cat person keeps posting cats with

a beer, but the cats are always what the post is about, and not the beer ... meow, that’s out of bounds.” Beer Happy connections now span the entire country and even Europe and Asia. The friends are of all generations, genders, ethnicities, and stations in life. “Beer is the great equalizer,” quoted Christiansen; “Beer is a universal sign of friendship or an offer of peace,” said Phelps.

The group identity is based on its words and actions: encouragement, mutual respect, smiles and a big thumb up. There is no place for abuse of any kind. “There are a set of common values we each hold and share. In the end, these values are the foundation we are building,” said Thavisouk. “Nothing better than sharing a beer with great people who respect one another and are fond of each other no matter where in the world they are. Cheers to that!” —JP

“No matter where you are in the world, find a beer and you will discover more about life through a common bond of friendship,” said Thavisouk. If there were to be a future for Beer Happy outside of cyberspace, it might be to connect individuals within the closely-knit, trusted online community with other beer-loving friends when

Meme by Dale Phelps, Jr.

ELGIN PUBLIC MUSEUM FEATURED EXHIBITS OFFERING • Natural History • Group Education • Native American • Scout Programs • Mazon Creek Fossils • Summer Camps • LaSalle Expedition • Special Events Open Saturday & Sunday, Noon - 4 p.m. • Admission by Donation 225 Grand Boulevard, inside Lord’s Park • (847) 741-6655 www.elginpublicmuseum.org • Email: epm@cityofelgin.org Closed during month of January • Reopening February 1st

BRAVO

February 2020

ASSIGNMENT BOARD

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

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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.

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MARQUEE MEDIA P.O. Box 1551 Elgin, IL 60121-1551 (224) 513-1220 (voice or text) bravo@marqueemedia.net Publisher: Jeffrey R. Pierce Contributors: Nick Freeman, Patricia Harkin, Elgin Cultural Arts Commission, Chris Palm, Explore Elgin Area, Dale Phelps Jr., Michael J. Murschel and Jeffrey R. Pierce.

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

SPRING 2020 EVENTS CENTERSTAGE TAPESTRY: THE CAROLE KING SONGBOOK WITH SUZANNE O DAVIS Friday, February 14 at 7:30 p.m. Released in 1971, Carole King’s Tapestry is one of the bestselling and most-celebrated albums of all time. With heart, reverence, and an impeccable attention to detail, Suzanne O Davis and her band perform songs from this iconic album, plus King hits from throughout the ‘70s. The result is an exhilarating recreation of the sound and vibe of a Tapestry-era Carole King concert.

INTERNATIONAL GUITAR NIGHT XX

FEATURING MIKE DAWES, CENK ERDOĞAN, OLLI SOIKKELI, AND JIM “KIMO” WEST Saturday, February 29 at 7:30 p.m. RARE SHOW ALERT: This tour is most likely the only time you’ll see these four guitarists share the same stage! English guitarist Mike Dawes is considered one of the world’s finest and most creative modern fingerstyle guitar performers. Cenk Erdoğan of Istanbul is an acclaimed player of the Turkish fretless guitar. Gypsy jazz guitarist Olli Soikkeli hails from Finland and has shared the stage with Tommy Emmanuel. Jim "Kimo" West is regarded as one of the world’s foremost Hawaiian slack-key guitar artists.

Mike Dawes

Elgin Community College Arts Center • 1700 Spartan Drive • Elgin, IL 60123