Anderson Humane seeking local entries for Petco campaign
Anderson Humane is seeking local residents who have adopted pets to share their stories by submitting entries in the 2025 Petco Love Stories campaign.
The national initiative, launched by the nonprofit organization Petco Love, invites people to share how their adopted pet has transformed their lives in big or small ways, according to a news release. The submission deadline is Monday, Sept. 29.
Stories about pets adopted from Anderson Humane give the organization the chance to win up to $100,000.
Participants can submit their stories in written form, share a link to a public social media video or use both formats. The contest is open to anyone 18 and older or, if under 18, with parental consent.
For more information and to submit a story, go to petcolove.org/adopt/love-stories.
Local artists to take part in Side Street community program
Side Street Studio Arts has announced the artists taking part in its 2025-26 Community Supported Art program.
The program connects artists to the community through a limited-edition art box share system, according to the Side Street Studio Arts website. Program shareholders receive specially curated, seasonal art boxes featuring original works by local artists, plus special bonus content such as performance-based materials and donated event tickets.
This season’s featured artists are Anna Lentz, Gregory Cooper, Frances Hernandez, Abby Franke, Andrés Dominguez Fernandez, Luiza Moraes, Brad Cahill, Nicki Fortunati-Warren and Eli Tatosian.
For more information, go to sidestreetstudioarts.org/csa
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.Elgin insurance agent makes Forbes’ Best in State list
Elgin-based insurance agent Amy True Flota, who works for the greater Chicago general office of New York Life, has been included on the 2025 Forbes Top Financial Security Professionals Best in Illinois list.
Those named to the list were chosen based on criteria considered by an independent research firm, according to a news release. Flota has been a New York Life agent for three years
“We are honored that Amy appears on this prestigious list,” Dinesh Saxena, managing partner of the Greater Chicago General Office, said in the release. “New York Life has known for quite some time what a valuable asset Amy has been to our family and to many families and businesses in our community.”
Floating eco-islands to be installed at Hawthorne Hill pond
The public is welcome to watch a crew installs four floating eco-islands in the pond behind Elgin’s Hawthorne Hill Nature Center at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 30.
The islands will naturally filter pollutants, reduce algae and create vital habitat for local wildlife, according to a social media post for the event. The project is being funded in part by a Kane County Community Grant through the Grand Victoria Riverboat Fund.
Hawthorne Hill is located at 28 Brookside Drive. For more information, call 847-531-7055 or email [email protected].