Elgin News Digest: Route 20 bridge repair work in Elgin to begin Oct. 1; Fall, Family & Fun Wellness Fest being held Sunday at ECC

Route 20 bridge repair work in Elgin to begin Oct. 1

Extensive repairs to Route 20 bridge over Poplar Creek, St. Charles and Liberty streets in Elgin are scheduled to begin Tuesday, Oct. 1, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

The work will initially require daily lane closures from east of Grace Street to west of Shales Parkway/Bluff City Boulevard, according to a news release. In early spring, the roadway will be reduced to at least one lane in each direction in the work zone.

The $27.4 million project is being funded through Rebuild Illinois, a $33.2 billion program addressing work needed for all modes of transportation, the release said.

Work on the Elgin project calls for the replacement of the existing bridge decks, expansion joints and structural steel; resurfacing; and new lighting, storm sewers and noise barriers installation.

Construction will not be complete until late 2025, the release said.

Fall, Family & Fun Wellness Fest being held Sunday at ECC

Vituity Cares, Advocate Sherman Hospital, Lincoln Avenue Barbershop and Elgin City Councilman Corey Dixon are sponsoring the Fall, Family & Fun Wellness Fest from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22, at Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive.

The free event will feature a school supply giveaway, haircuts, medical screenings, school sports physicals, food, games and prizes, according to a social media post.

Hoffer Plastics honored with award from IndustryWeek magazine

South Elgin-based Hoffer Plastics is the recipient of a Best Plants Award from IndustryWeek magazine.

Hoffer Plastics and HindlePower in Easton, Pennsylvania, were the two manufacturers to be recognized with the 2024 award, which acknowledges companies that adopt world-class practices, technologies and improvement strategies, increase customer satisfaction and offer rewarding work environments for employees, a news release said.

In the release, IndustryWeek Editor-in-Chief Robert Schoenberger said, "The company's long-standing, yet extremely innovative, plants-within-a-plant structure enables Hoffer to react quickly to customer needs and ensure that managers will hear the voices of their employees. The facility really exemplifies what it means to be an IndustryWeek Best Plant."

Season-opening concerts planned by Chamber Music on the Fox

Chamber Music on the Fox will launch its 11th season with a set of three concerts featuring the Chicago-based KAIA String Quartet.

The concerts, called "A Celebration of Latin American Women," will explore the rich legacy of Latin American women throughout history.

Concerts are set for 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6, in the Packard Room at Ballydoyle, 428 W. New York St. in Aurora; 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7, at The Haight, 166 Symphony Way in Elgin; and 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St. in Woodstock.

Tickets for the Aurora and Elgin performances are now available for $25 at www.chambermusiconthefox.org or by calling 224-276-8881. Students with a valid school ID pay $15.

Tickets for the Woodstock concert are available exclusively at the Woodstock Opera House, online at www.woodstockoperahouse.com or by calling 815-338-5300.

Kane County holding fall family program on seed dispersal

The Forest Preserve District of Kane County will conduct a program for children and young adults on Saturday, Sept. 28, on the ways plants disperse their seeds.

"EcoLab: Science of Seed Dispersal" will be presented from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Creek Bend Nature Center, located at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve at 37W700 Dean St. in St. Charles.

After a study of the various methods of seed transportation, participants will go on a hike to see real-life examples of seed dispersal techniques, organizers said. Each participant will create a craft that demonstrates a seed dispersal approach.

EcoLab is a quarterly, environmental education program through the district that offers children and young adults the opportunity to analyze and learn about the natural world through a science-based approach, officials said.

Advance registration is required for the free program. To register, go to www.kaneforest.com/register , call 630-444-3190 or email .

Elgin Rotary holding Summer's Last Hurrah in Panton Mill Park

The Rotary Club of Elgin will hold Summer's Last Hurrah, a free, family-friendly festival, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27, and noon to 9:30 p.m Saturday, Sept. 28, in South Elgin's Panton Mill Park.

Friday activities will feature food and beverage vendors and music from Soda, according to the club's website.

On Saturday, there will be an arts and crafts fair, kid's activities, a touch-a-truck area, a community showcase, raffles, and food and beverage vendors. Music will be provided by School of Rock, The Lennys and The Simpletones.