Elgin Artist Contributes to City of Hope Chalk Art Project

Elgin Artist Contributes to Cancer Center Art Initiative

Asia Bell, an Elgin resident, participated in the City of Hope Cancer Center Chicago’s ‘Artistic Expressions of Hope’ chalk art event. This initiative was held from July 8 to 11 at various city and suburban venues. Eight artists, all touched by cancer, crafted chalk art that honored loved ones and celebrated cancer survivors. Bell created her art on July 9 in Zion, inspired by a personal family memory.

“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—a cherished memory,” Bell expressed in her statement.

Bell drew inspiration from a photo of her great-grandmother and nephew, which symbolizes hope for her.

Fox River Trolley Museum Event Seeks Participants

The Fox River Trolley Museum is organizing a Military & American History Weekend on August 1-2 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will take place at 365 S. La Fox St., South Elgin. They are inviting reenactors from various American history eras along with military and civilian vehicles spanning the 1920s to 1980s. Vintage emergency vehicles and specific 1970s-era Chicago police cars, including a Bluesmobile from the movie ‘The Blues Brothers’, are also requested.

Further details and registration information are available at foxtrolley.org or by contacting 847-697-4676 or [email protected].

Elgin Community College Awarded State Grant

Elgin Community College will receive a $262,000 grant from Illinois to boost workforce readiness and career training. State Sen. Cristina Castro highlighted the significance of the funding through the Restore, Reinvest, Renew program. The program aims to ensure equitable resource allocation across Illinois communities.

“Every resident deserves resources to build a career and lead a fruitful life. Investing in previously overlooked communities fosters future success,” Castro stated.

Since its inception in 2021, the program has distributed over $290 million statewide.

Hanover Township Back-to-School Program

Hanover Township is collecting new backpacks and school supplies for its distribution event from August 12-14 at Astor Avenue Community Center, Hanover Park. Items needed include backpacks, stationery, flash drives, and gift cards for supplies purchasing.

In 2025, 1,800 backpacks filled with supplies were distributed. Donations can be left at various township locations. Registration is required for families to receive supplies, with proof of residency necessary. More information can be found at hanover-township.org or by calling 630-540-9085.

Habitat for Humanity Project in Carpentersville

The Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley faces delays with their Carter Crossing development in Carpentersville, now slated for spring 2027, due to increased costs. An additional funding effort is underway to start infrastructure work next year. Initial activities will replace the existing water and sewer systems, paving the way for home construction.

The plan is to build approximately seven homes a year over four years, establishing 28 affordable homeownership opportunities. Local government support is crucial in progressing this project.