Community Events: Free Tax Prep, Memorial for George Rawlinson

Residents of Hanover Township can benefit from free tax preparation services at the Township Senior Center. This initiative, in collaboration with volunteers from AARP, is designed to assist individuals with their tax filings. The service is available at 240 S. Route 59, Bartlett, and requires appointments that are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Appointments will be accepted until April 6, 2024. Last year, the program successfully served 421 individuals.

Participants are encouraged to gather the necessary documentation prior to their appointments at the senior center. All tax returns will be filed electronically, providing participants with printouts for their records. For any inquiries or to schedule an appointment, residents can contact the senior center at 630-483-5660.

Memorial for George Rawlinson Set for February 18

A memorial event will honor the life of George Rawlinson, a well-known writer and raconteur, on February 18, 2024. The event will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. at the American Legion Elgin Post 57, located at 820 N. Liberty St., Elgin. Rawlinson, who passed away on January 13 at the age of 69, succumbed to cancer at Endeavor Health Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights.

Known for his freelance arts writing and contributions to various publications, Rawlinson authored the book “Elgin People, Elgin Pets” and was featured in the collection “Cubbie Blues.” His extensive knowledge of Chicago culture made him a familiar face at local events and discussions, including those broadcast on WRMN-AM (1410).

The memorial will feature a spaghetti dinner, accompanied by tributes from friends and family. Those interested in attending can reach the American Legion Elgin Post at 847-741-1684.

New Playground Equipment Approved for Local Schools

The District U-46 School Board has approved the acquisition of new playground equipment for Creekside and Otter Creek elementary schools in Elgin. The equipment for Otter Creek, designed for children aged 5 to 12, will cost $87,803. Meanwhile, Creekside’s equipment, which will be custom-made to be accessible for children aged 2 to 5, will cost $232,961. This project will also include the installation of a new surface at Creekside, aligning with district standards.

The equipment will be sourced from Cunningham Recreation, a company based in North Carolina, with installation expected to occur during the summer months.

Upcoming Lecture on Venezuelan Migration

On February 19, 2024, Antonio Ramirez, an Associate Professor of History at Elgin Community College, will present a program titled “Crude Dreams: Venezuelan Migration and US Power.” This lecture will take place at 11 a.m. in Seigle Auditorium, Room E125, located at 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.

Ramirez will explore the political and economic factors contributing to the crisis in Venezuela, focusing on the regime of deposed president Nicolás Maduro and U.S. interests in the region. The event will also feature excerpts from Ramirez’s oral histories with Venezuelan migrants in the Chicago area. This lecture is part of the Bill Pelz Global Speaker Series, named after a long-serving history and political science instructor at the college.

For more details about the lecture, interested individuals can contact Lauren Nehlsen at 847-214-7809 or via email at [email protected].