Hanover Township launches respite program for caregivers
Hanover Township has launched a respite program for local caregivers through its Caregiver Resource Center.
Using $20,724 in funding from the nonprofit AgeOptions, the township can connect caregivers with such services as in-home day relief, in-home overnight assistance and out-of-home care, according to a news release.
“Respite services provide assistance to caregivers to prevent burnout and offer an opportunity to recharge and rest,” township Supervisor Brian McGuire said in the release.
Respite services are available for anyone caring for a township resident who is at least 60 years old or has Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Parents over 55, grandparents or a caregiver who is 60 or older caring for a township youth with severe disabilities can also apply as can caregivers who are 60 or older and providing care to someone with a severe disability between the ages of 19 and 59, the release said.
To schedule an intake appointment, call 630-483-5660.
Elgin police doing walk-and-talks on fireworks fines, safety
Elgin police officers are conducting fireworks walk-and-talks in areas of the city with high numbers of fireworks-related complaints.
The outreach efforts will continue over the next few weeks as a way to share safety information about the dangers and consequences of illegal fireworks, according to an Elgin Police Department social media post.
Setting off fireworks in the city carries a minimum fine of $150 for a first offense and goes as high as $1,500 after a fourth offense in a 12-month period, according to city ordinances.
To make a fireworks complaint, call 847-289-2700 or fill out the online fireworks complaint form at lf-forms.cityofelgin.net/Forms/tCzuF.
Host families in East Dundee area needed to house students
Greenheart Exchange, a 40-year-old nonprofit international student exchange program, is seeking families in and around East Dundee willing to house students from China July 27 through Aug. 10.
Tammy Zilinski, area coordinator for Green Exchange, said 14 high school students with J-1 visas and a male adult chaperone will be coming to the area for a two-week immersive language and culture program at Fox Valley Baptist Church in East Dundee, where her husband, Phil, is pastor.
Housing is still needed for more than half of the students and for the chaperone, Zilinski said.
“A host family will need to make sure that their student is at Fox Valley Baptist for language camp from about 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day,” she said. “We are happy to help with carpooling if we find groups of families in one area.”
Host families will provide three meals a day and a suitable place to sleep, which can be a room shared with another child of the same gender and close in age.
A background check is required as part of the application, which can be found at hostwithgreenheart.org. For more information, call Zilinski at 847-489-8426.
Funeral home raising money for vet’s grave marker costs
Symond-Madison Funeral Home in Elgin is raising money to cover the cost of installing a grave marker for Cpl. Eriverto Ortiz, a Korean War vet buried at Bluff City Cemetery.
Ortiz was killed in combat in September 1950, but his remains could not be recovered at the time. They were positively identified in 2023 and returned to his family in October 2024 for burial in Elgin.
The U.S. government is providing the grave marker free of charge but does not pay the $3,000 installation expense, which includes a permit fee and marker foundation, according to the post about the fundraising effort.
To make a contribution, go to bit.ly/cplortiz.