Elgin Area Chamber Of Commerce: Ecker Center News For July

Press release from the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce:

July 01, 2021

Ecker News Read about our news and latest updates. Summer is finally here! One of the many benefits of summer is the positive effect that it has on many people's mental health. The sun gives us more vitamin D, which raises energy levels and simply makes us feel happier. Studies show that spending time outside is also a healthy way to relieve stress.  So plan a walk and get some fresh air after a long day and give your mental health a positive boost!  Scroll down to the "Summer Resources" section to view a list of activities to participate in this summer! Our "one-year merger anniversary" staff event was a success, despite the rain that snuck in for a short time!  Staff members from all Ecker sites gathered at the Grandstand Office throughout the day to indulge in a variety of food offered by five food trucks that were onsite for the event.  There was something for everyone - from tacos and burgers to pizza puffs and cupcakes - so nobody left hungry that day!  Adding to the tropical vibe, Kent Arnsbarger came all the way from Indiana with his steel drums to provide island music (of course) throughout the event. We would like to thank all staff members for their hard work and dedication to supporting the agency's mission and for making Ecker Center for Behavioral Health's first year one of the best ever! Happy one-year anniversary, Ecker Center for Behavioral Health! Do you have a unique item or experience you would like to donate for our silent auction at our November event?  Vacation rentals, gift cards, and event tickets are always a favorite of our bidders! Stay tuned for additional information about purchasing tickets for the event, which will be held on November 20, 2021 at The Royal Fox Country Club in St. Charles. In addition to the silent auction, guests will enjoy entertainment from the alternative jazz trio Zazz and master "deceptionist" Dennis Christie Contact Kay at kcatlin@eckercenter.org or Jennifer at jflory@eckercenter.org if you are interested in donating an auction item. We hope to see you there! Do you know someone who is looking for a new opportunity in the behavioral health field?  If so, have them visit our website for information about positions available at Ecker Center and how to apply. eckercenter.org/employment-internships Select positions will include a hiring bonus, so apply today! The Coalition for a Safe & Healthy Elgin teamed up with Ecker Prevention Department's LEAD Program CSHE promotes a safe and healthy community for our youth, free of substance misuse through education, prevention and action.  Visit cshelgin.org/ to learn more. Thank you for helping protect our youth, CSHE! Now that summer is here and most restrictions have been lifted, people are looking for things to do to get out and about and spend time with friends and family.  Luckily, there are plenty of options in the Elgin and surrounding areas to do this summer. Check out the following links for some ideas: Summer Concerts in the Park https://www.cityofelgin.org/1776/Summer-Concerts-in-the-Park Most Tuesday nights in June and July feature music right here in Elgin with our summer concerts in the park. All concerts are free of charge, but remember to bring a few dollars to purchase popcorn and other treats from one of our local Elgin non-profits, as well as lawn chairs & blankets to enjoy the live music. All concerts begin at 7 p.m. at the Wing Park Bandshell. Summer Movies in the Park https://www.cityofelgin.org/1775/Summer-Movies-in-the-Park Bring the whole family to sit under the stars in Elgin’s own Festival Park! Enjoy a variety of family films all summer long, all for FREE! Fun activities are planned for each night, themed to the featured movie and local not-for-profits will be selling popcorn and a variety of other treats! Also enjoy FREE train rides on the Elgin Express for the little ones. The movies will begin at sunset. Getting Back to Nature in the Elgin Area https://exploreelginarea.com/getting-back-to-nature-in-the-elgin-area/ Want a simple way to reduce anxiety and stress? Try taking a walk around Elgin. Scientists agree: Just 20 minutes of contact with nature will lower stress hormone levels and help you relax. And there’s no shortage of green spaces in here, making it easy for you to get some exercise, fresh air, and back to nature in Elgin. Weekends in Downtown Elgin https://exploreelginarea.com/weekend-in-downtown-elgin/ Explore, dine, and shop in the heart of Elgin.  Downtown Elgin is lined with tourist, cooking, retail, novelty, and vintage shops.  There are a variety of restaurants to provide a taste for any craving and several places to dine outdoors or along the river.  On any given day throughout the summer, you can enjoy the sounds of live music drifting through the recently renovated streets and brick-paved sidewalks of town. Elgin Parks & Recreation https://centreofelgin.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Summer-2021-Guide.pdf Find information about parks in the area as well as activities for all ages.  The Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for recreation programming and events, as well as Edward Schock Centre, Lords and Wing Park Family Aquatic Centers, Bowes Creek Country Club, The Highlands and Wing Park Golf Courses, Hawthorne Hill Nature Center, Eastside Recreation Center, Elgin Sports Complex, and Lord’s Park Pavilion. Panton Mill Park in South Elgin https://www.southelgin.com/government/departments/parks___recreation/panton_mill_park/index.php Check out the summer guide for everything happening this summer at Panton Mill Park in South Elgin.  From concerts and movies in the park, to cruise nights and children's programs, there is something for everyone.  We are happy to welcome the following new Ecker staff members: Rory Robertson-Woods Rehabilitative Services Associate (RSA) Do your online shopping through AmazonSmile, and Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases to Ecker Center!  No fees or extra costs to you! Click on the image above or go to smile.amazon.com and select "Ecker Center for Behavioral Health" as your favorite charitable organization! Every penny helps! Our generous donors and community supporters make it possible for us to provide essential behavioral health services to thousands of individuals in our community. We are extremely grateful for your continued support! Get Our Latest Updates Add your email... 1845 Grandstand Pl, Elgin, IL 60123, USA (847) 695-0484 Share on social Check out our website  

This press release was produced by the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce. The views expressed here are the author’s own.