Local Initiatives and Community Updates

Elgin Artist’s Tribute through Chalk Art

Asia Bell, based in Elgin, was among the artists participating in the City of Hope Cancer Center Chicago’s live chalk art initiative, “Artistic Expressions of Hope,” held from July 8 to 11. This event showcased work by artists affected by cancer who created art honoring loved ones and celebrating cancer survivors. Bell contributed her creation on July 9 at the City of Hope Cancer Center in Zion. She shared, “In 2016, my great-grandmother passed away from stomach cancer at the age of 81. We celebrated her last birthday alongside my nephew’s first on the same day — a memory I hold dear.” Bell used this photo as the heartfelt inspiration for her work.

Call for Participants in Trolley Museum Event

The Fox River Trolley Museum invites participants and vehicles for its Military & American History Weekend, scheduled for August 1 to 2 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 365 S. La Fox St., South Elgin. They are seeking reenactors from any period of American history, along with military and civilian vehicles from the 1920s to the 1980s. Vintage emergency vehicles, 1970s-era Chicago police cars, and a replica Bluesmobile, similar to the 1974 Dodge Monaco police car from “The Blues Brothers,” are also desired. For participation details, visit foxtrolley.org, call 847-697-4676, or email [email protected].

Elgin Community College Secures State Workforce Grant

Elgin Community College received a $262,000 grant from the state for workforce readiness and career training, among other economic development efforts. This funding comes via the Restore, Reinvest, Renew program, as noted by state Sen. Cristina Castro’s office. Sen. Castro stated, “This initiative ensures equity in Illinois communities by providing necessary resources for every resident to build successful careers and lives. Investing in previously overlooked communities helps foster future success.” Since 2021, over $290 million has been allocated through this program to various organizations across Illinois.

Hanover Township Prepares for Backpack Program

Hanover Township seeks donations of new backpacks and school supplies for its back-to-school program running from August 12 to 14 at the Astor Avenue Community Center. They are collecting items like backpacks, notebooks, pencils, markers, and more. In 2025, the program distributed 1,800 filled backpacks. Donations are accepted at Town Hall and several other township locations. Registration is necessary for families, with a limit of one backpack per child. For more information, call 630-540-9085 or visit www.hanover-township.org.

Carpentersville Habitat Project Rescheduled

The Carter Crossing development by Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley in Carpentersville faces delays, now set to start in spring 2027. “Cost increases in recent years necessitated seeking additional funding,” said Barbara Beckman, executive director of the nonprofit. The project will start with infrastructure improvements before home construction begins. The aim is to build approximately seven homes annually over four years, resulting in 28 affordable homes for local families. Beckman noted the vital support from the village in advancing this endeavor.