Take care if spring fever burns within you -- or in your yard
Today is the first day of spring. Call it "spring fever," but I just can't fight that urge to spring into action, get out there and rake.
If you start your yardwork this week, don't forget that Huntley's burning ordinance has changed. Village trustees recently voted to adopt McHenry County's ordinance which, effective April 1, bans open burning on weekdays within 50 feet of a residence, and includes other restrictions.
The change was prompted, officials say, partly because of the new city-wide waste hauling contract that Huntley recently began with MDC Environmental Services, which provides yard-waste pickup. The new rules will effectively ban burning in most "old town" areas of Huntley, where lots are smaller.
The change applies only to McHenry County properties, not those in Kane County. Local police may enforce the burning ban by issuing "P" tickets to violators, which may be paid without going to court. Fines are $100 for a first offense, or up to $1,000 for multiple offenses.
Egg-stravaganza: Is your yard so soggy that no respectable rabbit would set foot in it? Then take the kids to Deicke Park this Saturday for the Huntley Park District's annual egg hunt. Starting at 10 a.m., children ages 2-8 can race to fill their bags or baskets with brightly colored plastic eggs, and enjoy a visit from the Easter Bunny himself.
At 10:30 a.m., another egg hunt will be held for children with special needs, including a separate area that is wheelchair-accessible.
Children should bring their own bags or baskets, says recreation director Rick Ferraro. There is no charge to attend, but "a small donation (per child) would be appreciated, that's all."
Parents may accompany their children, but should let the little ones gather their own eggs. There will be enough eggs, Ferraro says, so that everyone should get something. Most are filled with candy, but some eggs may have prizes inside, including a free family pass to the park's Stingray Bay water park.
"We will be outdoors, so people should dress accordingly," Ferraro told me earlier this week. "We are moving to a higher point this year, to stay out of the mush that's lingering by the playground. It's supposed to rain or snow by Friday, so the ground may still be damp."
Parking is available off Mill Street in the south parking lot by the Rec Center, and signs will direct families to the egg hunt area.
Arrive early if you can, Ferraro suggests.
"We had about 300 last year, and we expect probably about the same this year."
Play ball: Spring means softball season, and the Huntley Park District is looking for a few "senior" recruits for its sixth season of 12-inch softball.
Players ages 50 and older are invited to sign up now at the Rec Center office on Mill Street. Games will be scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Mondays and Wednesdays from May to November. Everyone gets to play, and players must bring their own glove, non-metal spikes and bat.
The fee is $30 for district residents, $45 for non-residents. Call Ken Lavand at (847) 669-9262 or the park office at (847) 669-3180.
• An informational meeting for Sun City's 16-inch Senior Softball League is set for 7 p.m. Wednesday in the Drendel ballroom at Prairie Lodge. Prospective players, coaches, umpires, scorekeepers, maintenance crews and volunteers are invited. Fees are $30 to play in one league, or $40 for two leagues. New members also pay a one-time $25 field maintenance fee.
For details, call Glenn Groebli (847) 515-8336, Wayne Weber (847) 669-0771, Bob Kennedy (847) 669-9366, John Boyle (847) 515-7569 or Les Zemba (847) 515-8465.
Scholarship available: Sun City's Sun Flowers Garden Club is accepting applications for its annual horticulture scholarship at McHenry County College. The group will award $1,200 per semester to one or two McHenry County College students with a 3.0 GPA or higher in botany, plant science, horticulture, floral design, gardening, or greenhouse or landscape management. Applications are due April 7;
For details, call Maureen at (815) 479-7880 or visit www.supportmcc.org, link: scholarship information.
Meat raffle: The Huntley American Legion Auxiliary will hold its second annual meat raffle March 29 at 11712 Coral St. in downtown Huntley.
"It starts at 4:30 and runs until we're finished," says organizer Lee Stump.
"Last year, it was around 9 p.m."
There are some "prime" prizes at stake.
"We'll be raffling steaks, hams, chops, bacon, chickens and more," Stump says.
"There's no charge at the door; you just come in and sit down, get your (raffle) tickets and have a lot of fun."
Drawings will be held for door prizes donated by local merchants, and a 50/50 cash raffle is planned. Free snacks will be provided, and the legion hall's cash bar will be open, Stump added.
All proceeds will support the Legion Auxiliary's programs to benefit veterans' hospitals, local scholarships, disabled veterans, and other worthwhile services.
Babysitter training: Registration is open now for the Extreme Red Cross Babysitting workshop on Thursday, hosted by the Huntley Public Library. Responsible young people ages 11-14 can learn the basics of child care and first aid and become Red Cross-certified baby-sitters.
The day-long training course runs from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the old village hall in downtown Huntley. A $45 fee includes a workbook and completion certificates. Participants should bring their own lunches. Sign up now at the library's reference desk or call (847) 669-5386.
• Send your Huntley area news and events to Diane Ayers at huntleynews@ameritech.net or phone (847) 669-0848.