Elgin News Digest: Anderson Humane wins $25,000 Petco Love Stories award; ECC musical ‘Next to Normal' tackles mental health issues
Anderson Humane wins $25,000 Petco Love Stories award
South Elgin-based Anderson Humane was recently selected as one of 25 national winners in the Petco Love Stories campaign.
A heartfelt story submitted by local adopter was the award-winning entry, according to a news release. Alanna shared how her adopted dog, Dahlia, helped her manage severe anxiety and regain independence after battling Functional Neurological Disorder.
Anderson received a $25,000 check during a presentation held Feb. 10 at the Petco store in Bloomingdale. Alanna received a pair of Bob's footwear and a Petco shopping spree, the release said.
For more information on Anderson Humane, go to ahconnects.org. For more information about the nonprofit Petco Love, go to petcolove.org.
ECC musical 'Next to Normal' tackles mental health issues
The Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical 'Next to Normal' will premiere Friday, Feb. 21, at Elgin Community College's SecondSpace Theatre in Building H on the school's Spartan Drive Campus in Elgin.
The production aims to both entertain and raise awareness about mental health challenges by taking an 'unflinching look' at the various perspectives of a suburban family coping with the mother's bipolar disorder, a news release said.
Tickets cost $22 for adults and $20 for seniors and students. The show runs from Friday through Sunday, March 2. The March 1 production will include American Sign Language interpretation, the release said.
ECC Arts Center is partnering with the ECC Wellness Team, Ecker Center for Behavior Health and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to provide emotional and counseling support to attendees.
The production contains adult language and addresses sensitive topics, including bipolar disorder, anxiety, grief, a suicide attempt, loss of a child and the use of psychiatric medication, the release said. Audience members should also be aware that the performance includes flashing lights, strobe effects and haze.
Purchase tickets by going online at eccartscenter.org/tickets or by calling the ECC Arts Center Box Office at 847-622-0300.
West Dundee seeking proposals for two downtown buildings
West Dundee is seeking proposals for the reuse of two downtown buildings on Main Street.
The village bought the adjacent properties — previously occupied by Riverside Upholstery and Bob's Trading Post — from Robert Aniballi for $470,000 in March 2024, Village President Chris Nelson said. Aniballi operated Bob's Trading Post.
West Dundee's objective for the redevelopment is to improve the buildings' appearance, increase property value and provide uses that draw people downtown and generate revenue, according to the village website.
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