Speakers
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Speaker on September 20th was Todd Anderson, Director of ECC Truck Driving School. The school has 30 evening and 15 daytime students. His fully accredited program can help new driver applicants with student loans and Pell Grants. Full-timers can complete the course in as little as 8 weeks. Todd had so many positive comments that all of us now want to become truck drivers! Photo courtesy of Sara Johnson
September 13 - Welcomed Michael Isaacson, Director of Kane County Health Dept. Michael smothered us with fascinating stats about Kane County and its health opportunities. Especially interesting was a 2021 survey of county residents showing that Mental Health is a top concern, along with addiction in 4th place. Good news is a new 988 telephone number to obtain special help, for example with Mental Health. Photo courtesy of Sara Johnson
Learned about Artificial Intelligence (AI) today (September 6) from Gail Borden's Digital Services Librarian - Phillip Schneider. Phil examined the bright new services available from AI, along with some of its scariest problems. Unlike a simple search, one can use AI to get an answer to a question - even with footnotes. What a blast! However, AI can also take recordings of your own video and voice to produce a video you never made - even one which says things you didn't say. Fun for politicians for sure! Photo courtesy of Sara Johnson
Aug 30 meeting featured Angela Bouque, Manager at South Elgin Branch, Gail Borden Library. The branch has been serving the community since 2016 and, in the past year, hosted 37,000 visitors! Very active in the community, with a host of library services, this Branch Library has a considerable expansion in the works. Photo courtesy of Sara Johnson
Aug 8th - Jane & Bob Schmitt of Remix Market (JunkLuggers) briefed us on their fantastic program to save us from our recycled stuff. They will bring a truck to your home (for a fee) to extract stuff you don't need and take it to new uses. All but 7% of the stuff they adopt goes to actual recycle services or their store in Kimball St. JunkLuggers started in 2004. Their motto - "We need to stop accumulating and throwing away." When we buy, get stuff that will last!
August 16 visit by Steve Thoren, a City of Elgin Council Member, was a special treat when we could view his 1934 Model T. Steve gave us a fascinating history of Henry Ford, featuring a letter from Clyde Barrow (of Bonnie and Clyde) in which he thanks Ford for the speedy Ford V8 car which enabled him to escapee from the police. Thoren also shared a chronicle of the Elgin National Road Race started by Chicago Motor Club in 1909. Thoren explained how the first race attracted 50,000 visitors when the city only expected 3,000. (Running from 1910-1920, the race was re-enacted in1933) Photo courtesy of Sara Johnson
Ralph Helm III fascinated us with the story of a local business on August 9. Ralph Helm Inc. (formerly Helm Brothers) started just 100 years ago and has served our area with unequalled customer service ever since. Ralph III started at McDonalds and later was urged by his father to join the company. Today he leads the group with a host of customers who have come to fully appreciate that he is not only selling products, but especially what he calls "Service after the sale." Photo courtesy of Sara Johnson
Craig Pierce, Communication Coordinator for the Village of South Elgin, addressed the club on August 2. With his five years of experience in the village, he offered stories of success with a viral video of a dancing policeman on Facebook and described the community's events at Panton Mill Park and an innovative "Rec to your deck" party supplies service. South Elgin is now launching a promotion with AARP as an "Age-friendly City." Photo courtesy of Sara Johnson
Big celebration for about 50 of us on July 26. We met at Pier 290 in Williams Bay, Geneva Lake, Wisconsin. Club President Lyle Wolff planned and arranged this exciting outing. Lyle is an Engineer on on the steam boat Louise, which is part of the fleet of Lake Geneva Cruise Line. Thanks, Lyle, for making this possible. Pier 290 furnished a great luncheon for the Golden K Kiwanis.
Richard Kozal, Elgin City Manager since 2016, spoke at our July 19 meeting. Amazingly knowledgeable, Rick filled us in on Elgin’s response to last week’s tornado, which left 8 homes uninhabitable. He described Elgin’s response to the lead pipe problem, which will likely lead to increased water rates in the future. He let us know that Elgin is planning for individualized shelters for our existing homeless population. He also mentioned plans for the city’s new rec center on Chicago St. Photo courtesy of Sara Johnson
On July 12 we were privileged to donate $6,000 to the ECC Foundation. Eric Solberg, ECC Director of Giving, accepted the check and spoke briefly about our Golden K Kiwanis Scholarship Fund. This fund provides scholarship help for student nurses in the successful ECC nursing program. It supports students with a GPA of 3.0 or greater who are studying nursing have demonstrated a financial need, have been involved with leadership of sports or clubs on campus, and are District 509 residents. This is one of many local projects supported by Kiwanis Golden K. Please stop by any Wednesday at 9:00 am in Lind Hall of Holy Trinity Church, 357 Division Street in Elgin We are carefully guarding a free half-doughnut for you!
July 12 – Featured speaker was Maria Nevarez from Four Legs Pets of Gilberts, accompanied by her daughter Desiree and a Shih Tsu doggie in a stroller – named Friday. Maria provides amazing services for pets, including placement of pets in her shelter, with special attention to the importance a pet has for seniors. She spoke of therapy dogs which provide emotional support as well as security. She also offers safe and nutritious meals for pets. Her shop is located at 133 E. Higgins Rd. in Gilberts. Photo courtesy of Sara Johnson
On June 28th, Daily Herald columnist and Golden K Member , Jerry Turnquist, helped us recall Old Elgin memories from his column on the 4th of July, Jerry reminded us of how important our Fox River was in the old days, with boat races and even tub races, plus a circus on State Street. We remembered how people used to line up for concerts and fireworks in Wing Park, now replaced by celebrations in Festival Park by the river. Photo courtesy of Sara Johnson
June 21 found us hosting Chrystal Maxwell, Director pf Community Engagement, of the Boys and Girls Club of Elgin. Chrystal started in July 2021 and has over 20 years of experience in her field! She has worked on fundraising, community outreach, corporate philanthropy, and volunteer recruitment. We were amazed to hear that the Elgin club is the largest in Illinois, and it serves 1,500 kids and youth. They serve kids from single parent families and many others. For a child, they offer food, people who care, and a place to get their homework done. Please contact her if you can volunteer to help. Photo courtesy of Sara Johnson
Ryan Cortez of Elgin Area Convention & Visitors Bureau was our guest speaker on June 14th. We were startled to learn that Ryan’s office is doing so much to promote tourism for Elgin as well as West Dundee, Bartlett, Carpentersville, and Pingree Grove. This brings visitors to local hotels and merchants by promoting local venues including Hemmens Cultural Center, the Centre of Elgin, Grand Victoria Casino, and Festival Park. Not everyone was familiar with Elgin’s wedding venues, especially The Haight on Symphony Way.
Our June 7th meeting welcomed Sharry Blazier, Director of Elgin Public Museum of Natural History and Anthropology. She offered a fresh historical view of the museum, which goes back to Elgin’s prominent benefactors, George and Mary Lord. Built in 1907 as the Lord Memorial Museum and opened in 1920 as the Elgin Audubon Museum, it is the oldest museum building in Illinois still used as such. She told stories of a 2-headed calf and a Lion named Sparky. Upcoming events include Dog Days (August 12), an Indigenous People Observation, and Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Sharry truly brought the museum’s history into a bright vision of Elgin’s past. Photo courtesy of Sara Johnson
On May 31 we hosted a talk by Kane County Coroner Rob Russell. He clarified the process followed after a death, and his office has the "last word" (so to speak) on answering these questions about a death: who (positive ID), what, where, when and how. His office investigates whenever a death is suspicious or suddden. His staff includes 8 deputies and a chief deputy. His responses to our questions on drug deaths and other grim realities were most helpful. His is the only office in Illinois now accredited by the International Association of Coroners & Medical Examiners. Photo courtesy of Sara Johnson
On May 24 we welcomed Dr. Brian Gerber, Elgin’s private practice urologist, and he familiarized us with prostate cancer and its diagnosis. He explained the importance and interpretations of PSA tests, emphasizing that PSA is a diagnostic tool. He shared his professional thoughts on various treatments, and we were impressed with his responses to our many questions. Photo courtesy of Sara Jahnson
May 17th featured Marcy Murphy, Director of U-46 Transportation. Marcy outlined the extensive bus services offered by U-46, the second-largest school bus system in Illinois. We learned fun facts: 350 busses, 390 employees, with 20,088 students served in 90 square miles in 11 communities. There are 12 mechanics, a wash bay, and even a body shop! Routes cover 405,331 miles each month. Marcy started as Transportation Director in July, and we hope she stays forever! Photo courtesy of Sara Johnson
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Dave Lopez spoke May 10 as Membership Coordinatior for Centre of Elgin. He encouraged our fitness and explained Centre of Elgin services. Photo courtesy of Sara Johnson
George Arsoniades of Big Skillet Restaurant and Pancake House visited on May 3rd. He gave a fascinating account of how he arrived from Greece in 1965 at 12 and a half years old and was placed in 1st grade at Lincoln Grade School in Elgin because he was still learning English. He passed all elementary grades because could read the book about Dick, Jane, and their dog Spot. He eventually attended Larsen Junior High and Elgin High School. First employed at 15 years old at Paragon Fruit & Produce shop for 75 cents per hour, he was hired away by Louie Sotos for a dollar an hour to work for the old Elgin location of Blue Moon, where he was a busser. That started his 37 year career in the Elgin restaurant scene. Part of a Greek family of 55, which owns 17 restaurants today, his Big Skillet Restaurant offers a full menu and is open 8am to 8pm (except Sunday after 2pm, when his wife Irene keeps him home to rest and take her out to dinner).
April 26 was Hanover Township Day for us, as Brian McGuire (pictured, Supervisor) and Thomas Kuttenberg described Hanover Township Community Affairs. A host of services are offered there, and available to Hanover Township residents and (in many cases) nonresidents: community health, Food Pantry, Senior Trips, Family Therapy, Tutoring, etc. Intewresting to learn how the township works with Izaac Walton League's land, which is contiguous to the offices and serves area youth in many important ways.
On April 19 we enjoyed a presentation from the "Wild Ones" - Nancy Lamia (left) and Jean Muntz (right), who strongly advocate for native plants and their importance for many living creatures. For example, Monarch Butterflies! Little did we know that Monarchs depend on milkweed, which is often destroyed because it is widely regarded as just a weed. Nancy and Jean reminded us of a profound statement by Winnie the Pooh's friend Eeyore - "Weeds are flowers too!" We were impressed with their warning from environmentalist author Doug Tallamy - So far, in the USA,,we have planted over 62,500 square miles -some 40 million acres - in LAWNS. But grass plants are not useful for essential birds and insects. We need to do better. They suggest we start in our own yards. Hey girls - we'll try to do better! Photo courtesy of Sara Johnson Recommended reading - his book "Natures Best Hope" see https://www.amazon.com/Nature.../dp/1604699000/ref=sr_1_1...
Dianha Ortega--Enreth of Centro de Informacion visited April 12th to explain the impressive services Centro provides to persons moving here from other countries. Three main services of Centro are 1) a welcoming center, 2) Immigration Services, and 3) Community Resources. Here a Centro empowers new families and individuals in locating here on the basis of "Information is Power." On legal matters, Centro members are accredited by the DOJ.. New families make an appointment and, once interviewed, are advised on how to start a successful life in this area.
On April 5th, Ed Herdrich shared his career background and described aspects of his work as a Private Investigator. Photo courtesy of Karen Snyder
On March 29 member Chuck Traugott described his February cruise to Antarctica. He explained that Antarctica's land area is greater than the entire area of the United States! 70% of the world's supply of water is there, and if it all melted, the oceans would rise 16 inches! He accounted for many creatures who live there: seals, penguins, whales, dolphins, albatrosses, and cormorants. Photo courtesy of Sara Johnson
Bill Andrae of Wells Fargo joined us March 22 to explain the mystifying world of Crypto Currency. Here we met the distinction between investing (as in a blue-chip stock) and betting (as with gold, or bitcoin maybe). We learned of a giant web-based ledger on the Bitcoin (Capital B) server, which serves all participants. We marveled at the every-ten-minute equation one must solve to update the ledger. Amazingly, Bill was able to explain in terms everyone understood.
March 15 featured Tom Stewart (President) and John Ziegler (IKE) of Elgin's Isaac Walton League of America. Isaac Walton (author of "The Compleat Angler") is an environmental conservatism-oriented organization. In Elgin the group's efforts include fishing, creek clean-up,/restoration), archery, oak tree giveaways, and support for scouting activities. Famously, they did the cleanup of Elgin's picturesque Walton Island. Photo courtesy of Sara Johnson.
Next in our series on senior scams - Susan McGufin (pictured) and Kristal Johnson from Chase Customer Service helped us learn to avoid ID Theft. They provided startling examples and urged us to be careful in our online, postal, and telephone communications. Photo courtesy of Sara Johnson
March 1st - City of Elgin Senior Liaison Cherie Aschenbrenner spoke on senior fraud and scams. She described many threats we experience as seniors and explained various services including Senior Showcase (WRMN - 3rd Thursdays at 9:15am), Device Advice, Triad, Senior Services Association, Memory Cafe, and many others. We were pleased to award her with a donation of $350 for her work. Photo courtesy of Sara Johnson
On Feb 22 Elgin Councilman Cory Dixon spoke, explaining Elgin's lead pipe problem, North Grove Redevelopment Plans. and 5-Year Strategic Plan. Cory has served as Councilman for 6 years. Photo courtesy of Sara Johnson
Kiim Wascher, Director – South Elgin Parks & Recreation
Feb 15th speaker was Kim Wascher, Director – South Elgin Parks & Recreation. Kim has 22 years’ experience in the Parks and Recreation field. She recently won the Myrtle Spiegler Gerberding Award for Public Service from the YWCA of Elgin - which celebrates women leaders in the Elgin area. She outlined a startling variety of community programs, including Preschool Pals (serving 150 kids), After Shock After-School Program, Wednesday Concerts in Panton Mill Park, along with 180 acres of parks and 20 public playgrounds. Photo courtesy of Sara Johnson
Welcomed Julia the Comfort Dog in our Feb 8 23 meeting. Handler Karen Stout helped us understand the importance and amazing background that goes into training and handling a Comfort Dog. Julia has a Facebook page with 2,247 likes! Her ministry is part of Lutheran Church Charities, sponsored by King of Glory Lutheran Church in Elgin. Her ministry is impressive, including memory care, prisoners, and veterans. Thanks, Karen, for a great talk! Photo courtesy of Sara Johnson
Alex Hoffer spoke on Feb 1, explaini
ng leadership and core values at Hoffer Plastics, a successful business in South Elgin. He, along with family members William, Gretchen Hoffer Farb, Charlotte Hoffer Caning manage this business with more than 300 employees. Founded in 1953, Hoffer handles injection and molding and manufacturing. Alex featured the importance of plastic in the lives of human beings. He is an active speaker in the community and offers a personal blog at alexhoffer.me Photo courtesy of Sara Johnson
Director of Community Crisis Center Maureen Manning. Club President Lyle Wolff presents Golden K check for $5,000. Photo courtesy of Saralee Johnson
Elgin Mayor Dave Kaptain updated Golden K on Elgin matters on January 18, including limits to city expansion, police and fire services, homeless shelter, trains, removing Kimball Street bridge, and many other topics. Most helpful for all of us!
January 11 meeting featured Kane County Sheriff Ron Hain and Undersheriff Amy Johnson. Covered many topics. FB summary: "Through implementation of jail supportive program, drug addiction assistance, medically assisted treatment, vocational certification and solid exit programming, along with Taser training for our officers, improved food, and climate quality, we have seen a 37% decrease in detainee altercations and an almost 95% decrease in inmate vs. officer altercations in 2019 vs. the three years before. All while coming in over $500,000 under budget in FY2019." Photo courrtresy of Saralee Johnson
Food for Greater Elgin Executive Director Michael Montgomery spoke on January 4th. Some interesting facts from his presentation: Food for Greater Elgin served about 130,000 people in 2022, and presently serves about 100 per day. Elgin Golden K donated $5,000 to them in 2022.
Hosted Pastor Tiffany Henerson of Kingdom Advancement Center at our December 21st meeting. She presented an aweseme storehouse of accomplishments over the past decade in which her Center is serving the city's youth in a combination of Science and Christianity. We have greatest respect for her ability to prepare youth for the future. The video illustrates the Jesus Is the Reason pageant Kingdom Advancement Center shared with youth of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church on December 17th. Clothing donations in the video were donated by the Northern Illinois Food Bank.
Festive Christmas Dinner at the Legion Dec 14th. Featured performer was violinist Carol Dillon of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra.
Boat Engineer Lyle Wolff was featured December 7 with great memories of his background. Lyle is currently president of our group. Also, we were honored by a visit with news from Chrystal Maxwell of Boys and Girls Club of Elgin. Chrystal is a member of Elgin Noon Kiwanis.
Featured guest Nov 30th was Gordon Turner - Circus Enthusiast & Model Builder. Everyone loved his stories and home movies from the Big Top! Gordon is a member of Circus Fan Association, Circus Model Builders and Circus Historical Society. He retired from 40 years at General Electric, where everyone called him the "Circus Bum!" He was accompanied by family members Steve and Lynn Martin.
Todays' Speaker - November 16th - Welcome to Susan Wood, R.N. (Stroke Coordinator at Ascension, St. Josephs, St. Alexis) with very helpful advice on recognizing symptoms of a Stroke. Especially important for our age group! Thanks Susan!
Kiwanis Golden K welcomed Dan Symonds November 9. Dan is from Symonds-Madison Funeral Home. Symonds-Madison features special services for veterans. For example, he and his wife Joy conduct Operation LOVE - Love our Veterans Elgin to help veterans and their families. A second-generation funeral director, Dan purchased the funeral home in 2013. He is a second-generation Army reserve soldier, having served twice in Iraq and Afghanistan. His great-great-grandfather served in the Civil War Battle of Appomattox Court House.
Welcome to Mike Kearney for Nov 2 meeting. Mike teaches a driver training course for seniors through AARP. His purpose - to make seniors safe and mobile. Very helpful for all!
On October 26 we enjoyed a presentation by Dan Fox, Board member of PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter). Founded in 1989, PADS of Elgin meets the basic needs of homeless individuals first, providing a safe place to sleep, meals, showers, laundry facilities and personal hygiene products. Elgin Golden K donated to their vital program. Pictured (left to right) are Lyle Wolff (President), Dan Fox, and Karen Snyder (Board Member).
Today we enjoyed a presentation by Amanda Harris - Arts Manager, City of Elgin. Amanda works with performing arts, community engagement, tour and venue management, arts administration and grant writing. Amanda develops many Elgin events - see www.cityofelgin.org/sp
Jerry Turnquist presented on Oct 12 on the history of Elgin, seen through the eyes of local newspaper columnist. Charles Gregory. Jerry is a columnist for the Daily Herald and a member of the Elgin Area Historical Society.
On October 5th we were honored to host Tom Armstrong. Tom Armstrong is a long-time Elginite and used to be the City Planner for the City of Elgin. He is also a bicycle enthusiast.
From Elgin Partnership for Early Learning - Amber Peters who spoke to us today..
About this morning! Thank you to Elgin Golden Kiwanis for inviting EPEL to talk about our birth to five community!
I learned a few new jokes, enjoyed your information about your new Facebook site, your fundraiser of selling peanuts and your big kind ❤️! You are one of the reasons that make Elgin so very special!
David Akemann - Retired Judge and States Attorney - September 7.
Elgin Golden K Kiwanis Donates $4,000 to the Gail Borden Library Foundation
Jennifer Bueche, Gail Borden Public Library District’s Director of the KidSpark program, addressed Golden K Kiwanis members at the weekly meeting on September 14.
Also pictured are Carole Medal, Executive Director of the Gail Borden Public Library, and Mike Lee, president of the Gail Borden Library Foundation. Elgin GoldenK Kiwanis was pleased to donate $4,000 to the Gail Borden Public Library District Foundation, which was founded in 1933 to provide resources and financial support for library services. Photo courtesy of Jerry Turnquist.
Elgin Golden K Kiwanis Donates $5,000 to Food for Greater Elgin
Food For Greater Elgin Board Member Robert Langlois addressed Golden K Kiwanis members at the weekly meeting on August 31.
The group was pleased to donate $5,000 to Food for Greater Elgin, Inc. Founded in 2011, Food for Greater Elgin (FFGE) is the second largest food pantry in Kane County. Their goal is to combat food insecurity in the most effective and supportive ways possible by giving the community the resources it needs.
Elgin Golden K Kiwanis Donates to U-46 Superintendent’s Scholarship Program
U-46 Superintendent Tony Sanders addressed Golden K Kiwanis members at the weekly meeting on August 22.
The group was pleased to donate $2,000 to the Superintendent’s Scholarship Program. The fund, established in 2012, supports outstanding students who are the first in their immediate family to attend college.
Prior to August 24, 2022 |
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Member Interview - August 17 |
Mike Oine - Division Chief - Elgin Fire Dept. - August 10 |
Member Interview - August 3 |
Picnic - July 27 |
Dave Rohlwing - Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia - July 20 |
David Ahrens - Operation Sweet Life, Inc. - July 13 |
Steve Knight - Elgin Men's Shed - July 6 |
Linda Eggebrecht - Paul's Restaurant - June 29 |
Tina Vigucci - Hispanic Services - Gail Borden Library - June 15 |
Jim Feuerborn - Beekeeper - June 8 |
Rep. Ann Moeller - 33rd District - June 1 |
Cherie Aschenbrenner - TRIAD and Jerry Turnquist on Memorial Day - May 25 |
Maureen Manning - Director of Elgin Crisis Center - May 18 |
Jaime Garcia - Executive Director - Centre de Information - May 11 |
Jennifer Phillips - Elgin neighbor Services Manager - May 4 |
Kimberly Rother - ECC Culinary Arts Progfram - April 27 |
Dave Reich - ECC Welding School - April 20 |
Donna Boyce - ECC School of Nursing - April 13 |
Dr. David Sam - ECC President - April 6 |
Barb Kohley - Anderson Humane - Formerly Anderson Animal Shelter - March 30 |
Coleen Haas - Sherman Natural Prairie & Garden - March 23 |
Kane County Forest Preserve - March 16 |
Robb Cagann - Elgin Fire Dept Chief - March 9 |
Gary Swick - Friends of the Fox River - March 2 |
Melissa Pedrigi - U-46 Program for 17 to 21 Year-olds - February 23 |