Elgin News Digest: Childhood books focus of new Elgin library exhibit, train; Elgin using signs, walks to urge residents to avoid illegal fireworks; The ribbon cutting for WellNow Urgent Care in South Elgin is set for Tuesday

Childhood books focus of new Elgin library exhibit, train

New exhibit at Elgin’s Gail Borden Public Library features stories and activities geared toward young readers and their families.

“Storyland: A Trip Through Childhood Favorites,” designed for children up to age 8, comes from the Children’s Museum of Minnesota, according to the library’s website. It focuses on the books The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter, The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats and Where’s Spot? by Eric Hill to encourage early literacy.

It also features the Bumblebee Express, a joke train located on the first floor of the library. Free train rides will be offered from 2 to 5:30 p.m. on Friday, June 28, as part of the exhibit, which runs through Sunday, August 25, at the library at 270 N. Grove Ave.

For more information, go to gailborden.info/150 or call 847-742-2411.

Elgin using signs, walks to urge residents to avoid illegal fireworks

The city of Elgin is reminding residents that fireworks are dangerous and against the law by posting free lawn signs and having police officers conduct neighborhood walks and talks.

Police are focusing on areas where there have been numerous complaints of illegal fireworks, according to a press release. Elgin police Sgt. Mike Martino said citations issued for illegal use of fireworks can range from a warning to a $1,500 fine, based on the number of violations someone has committed.

Elgin also offers three different free yard signs in English and Spanish that remind people that shooting off fireworks is illegal, can cause PTSD in veterans and often scares pets.

Signs are available at Elgin City Hall, 150 Dexter Court, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The ribbon cutting for WellNow Urgent Care in South Elgin is set for Tuesday

The new WellNow Urgent Care Center will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon Tuesday, June 25, before opening to the public at 8 a.m. Wednesday, June 26, at 534 S. Randall Road, South Elgin.

WellNow operates more than 200 urgent care centers in New York, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania, according to a news release. They treat non-life threatening injuries and illnesses.

The South Elgin location was chosen for its proximity to businesses, shopping and transportation, officials said. For more information, go to www.wellnow.com.

South Elgin HS grad receives full scholarship to Elmhurst University

South Elgin High School senior Gia Nitti is the 2024 winner of the American Dream Fellowship Competition, receiving a four-year, full-tuition scholarship to attend Elmhurst University in the fall.

The university launched the annual competition for first-generation college students in 2018, according to a press release. To be considered, students are asked to submit a video in which they talk about the American Dream and their version of success.

In her video, Nitti, who plans to major in exercise science, said she discovered that true success isn’t so much about reaching goals, but “learning to appreciate all the moments while working toward them.” with joy, friendship and gratitude, publication. said.

Elgin born named on the Fox River Water Reclamation District Board

Nuhemi “Emi” Morales, an Elgin native, has been named a trustee of the Fox River Water Reclamation District Board.

Morales will serve a three-year term until May 2027, according to a press release.

She is a managing partner with the law firm of Cohen, Donahue and Morales, where she handles real estate transactions and bankruptcies, the release said. She also serves as president of the board for Centro de Informacion in Elgin and as a commissioner of the Elgin Housing Authority.

“As the first Latina to serve on the Fox River Water Reclamation District Board, the appointment of Trustee Morales is historic and overdue,” state Sen. Cristina Castro, D-Elgin, said in a statement.

The U-46 board honors the district’s music education program

The U-46 School Board honored the district’s music education program and music educators for being named one of the “Best Communities for Music Education” by a national foundation for the sixth year in a row.

The designation comes from the NAMM Foundation, a nonprofit organization supported by the National Association of Music Merchants and 15,000 member companies and individual professionals worldwide, according to a press release. Awarded to school districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in providing music access and education to all students.

Fewer than three dozen Illinois school districts received the honor, which the board acknowledged at its June 10 meeting