Longtime Elgin barber Jerry Newman dead at 81
Gerald “Jerry” Thomas Newman, who operated Central Barbershop in downtown Elgin for six decades, died Jan. 15 at age 81.
When he wasn’t working at the Chicago Street barbershop, Newman enjoyed fishing, outdoor sports, farming, traveling and working on boat motors and cars as a mechanic. He also played club hockey and was an active member of the Aurora Gun Club, the Elgin Rifle Club and the National Rifle Association, his obituary said.
He is survived by his daughter, Jacqueline “Jackie” Newman; a brother, John Newman; grandson Jack Erickson; and great-grandchildren Scout and Graham.
Visitation and a memorial were held Sunday, Jan. 21, at Symonds-Madison Funeral Home in Elgin. A graveside service took place Monday, Jan. 22, at Dundee Township Cemetery East in East Dundee.
Downtown Elgin snow removal to start Wednesday night
The city Elgin is to conduct a large-scale downtown snow removal operation from 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24, to 7 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 25.
During the operation no street parking will be allowed, according to a news release from the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin. People are advised to use city lots and parking decks during this time.
Primary roads to be cleared include Chicago Street, Douglas Avenue, Highland Avenue and Grove Avenue. If time allows, public works crews also will remove what snow remains on Kimball Street, Spring Street and Symphony Way.
Kane to hold meetings on climate action draft plan
Kane County officials will hold two public meetings to obtain feedback on the first draft of the county’s Climate Action Implementation Plan.
The meetings will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6, at the Geneva Public Library, 227 S. 7th St., and Wednesday, Feb. 7, at the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin.
The plan establishes goals and detailed action across eight categories: transportation, building, waste management, water, local food, greenspace, health and the economy, according to a news release.
To view the plan and offer feedback, go to palebluedot.llc/kane-climate-action.
Forest preserve hike to view cone-bearing evergreen trees
The Forest Preserve District of Kane County will hold a hiking program focused on evergreen trees Feb. 18 at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve at 37W700 Dean St. in St. Charles.
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Scheduled for 10 to 11 a.m., participants will learn about cone-bearing trees and the specific features used to identify different evergreen species, a news release said.
The free program is open to anyone 18 or older, district officials said. Advance registration is required by calling 630-444-3190 or emailing [email protected].
Literacy Volunteers to hold tutor training in February
A free tutor training workshop for people who want to be part of Literacy Volunteers Fox Valley will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Feb. 6, 8, 13 and 15 at St. Charles Public Library, 1 S. Sixth Ave.
The workshop will cover the techniques used to teach adults English while discussing the issues adults face when they are unfamiliar with American culture, according to a press release about the workshop.
Volunteers do not need to know a second language or have teaching experience to be effective, officials said. The workshop provides materials and instruction so anyone can help, according to the release.
Each volunteer will be matched with one adult learner. Volunteer tutors and their learners meet for one hour each week at a time and public location that is convenient.
To register for the workshop, go to www.lvfv.org or call or text 630-584-4428.