Seeing stars at the Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame
By Betty Brown For The Courier-News May 18, 2012 12:58PM
Pictured above presenting the Larkin Center Peabody Award is Dennis Graf, Executive Director of Larkin Center to Dr. Jose Mr. Torres, Superintendent of School District U-46.
Updated: June 29, 2012 9:32AM
The Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame celebrated the induction of the Class of 2012 on April 19 at Pipers Banquet Hall in Aurora.
It was a night to give recognition to talented individuals who have achieved national or international recognition in the arts. Murna Hansemann, banquet chairman, said it was a star-studded evening with the hall filled with family and friends gathered to celebrate the very deserving and distinguished nominees.
It was especially rewarding for Elginites to honor Carolyn Hove (English horn and oboe), Dominic Walsh (ballet dancer and choreographer) and John Qualen (actor, motion pictures).
Many from Elgin were spotted enjoying the evening including Julie Lichtenberg, Libby Hoeft and daughter Amy Saylor, Jean and Dick Keltner, Floyd Brown and yours truly, Dr. Clare Ollayos, Lois and Jim Bauer, Marge and Don Haefliger, Stu Ainsworth, Nancy Burnidge, Liz Marsten, and Bruce and Murna Hansemann.
A highlight was the reunion of three women who were members of the Elgin High School Class of 1976: Julie Lichtenberg (nurse), director of professional practice at Provena Saint Joseph Hospital in Elgin; honoree Carolyn Hove (performing arts), who has been the principal soloist on English horn and oboe for the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra since 1988; and Lori Beckwith (nurse), who is manager of preoperative services at Sherman Hospital in Elgin. The three have stayed in touch through the years.
Cheering children
The Elgin Community College University Business Center was the site of the Larkin Center “Cheers for Children Brunch” on April 29. As always, the gourmet cuisine brought out a vast number of friends eager to test their palates. Dennis Graf, executive director of Larkin Center, presented the Larkin Center Peabody Award to Jose Torres, superintendent of School District U46. The award honors individuals and/or organizations who exemplify care and generosity to the children, families and organizations of the community.
More than 175 patrons were in attendance at this event. Entertainment was provided by Gordon James, with Wanda Dees presenting the invocation. Some 15 restaurants took part in preparing an afternoon of gourmet cuisine, followed by live and silent auctions. Terry Dunning did his usual excellent presentation with the live auction.
Among restaurants who were part of this exciting and adventurous afternoon were Al’s Café & Creamery, Elgin Public House, Alexander’s Restaurant, In the Neighborhood Deli & Café, Nick’s Pizza & Pub, Olive Garden, Rosie O’Hare’s Public House, Villa Verone, Sassy Treats, Starbuck’s Coffee of West Dundee, Paul’s Family Restaurant and Kelly’s Sweet Morsels Inc., to name a few.
It was an afternoon enjoyed by many. Thanks to the development staff: Sharon Pritzy, Claudia VanDelinder, Yelitza Acevedo and committee chair Bet Kruger.
Places To Be Scene:
It’s not too late as Arden Shore Child and Family Services presents “Run for the Kids” at noon today at Arlington Park Race Track. Enjoy a silent auction at noon, with buffet at 12:30 p.m. and post time at 1 p.m. Dress code is business casual; no jeans, shorts, T-shirts, halter tops or athletic shoes. For more information, call 847-623-1730, ext. 127.
The Elgin Cosmopolitan Club invites you to join it in honoring Mary Jo Sheehy at an award dinner Tuesday at Elgin Country Club, off Weld Road in Elgin. Cocktails are at 6:30 p.m., with dinner at 7:30 p.m. Valet parking is available. For information on this special event, call Cecilia Silber at 847-841-7901.
“Seeing What’s Possible” is the theme of this year’s annual event for The Chicago Lighthouse, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Four Seasons Hotel, 120 E. Delaware Place in Chicago. The Chicago Lighthouse serves individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Richard M. Daley, former Chicago mayor, will be the keynote speaker. Business or cocktail attire is recommended. Valet parking is available. For more details, call 312-997-3679.
The Hospice Garden Party will be held May 30 at the Q Center, 1405 N. Fifth Ave. in St. Charles. The fashion show is back. Enjoy 21 raffle baskets as well. For information, call 630-232-2233.
You’re invited to enjoy “The Blizzard Bash,” a benefit for the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, on June 17, beginning with a 6 p.m. reception. The event will celebrate and honor Harry Blizzard’s 85th birthday and “the woman behind the man.” The roast begins at 7:30 p.m. This will be a Fathers’ Day recital emceed by Dr. Jerry Cain. For more detailed information, call Julie Baker at 847-888-0404, ext. 234.
June 18 is the 14th annual ECC Foundation Golf Classic at St. Charles Country Club, 1250 Country Club Road in St. Charles. Registration is at 10:30 a.m., with dinner and awards at 6 p.m. Call 847-214-7377.
