Fox Valley club notes
From the clubs• To list your club's meetings, e-mail to foxvalley@dailyherald.com, or fax to (847) 608-0849.
Kane County Genealogical Society: The Kane County Genealogical Society will meet at 7:30 p.m. today in the first-floor meeting room of the Geneva History Center, 113 S. Third St., Geneva.
The guest speaker for the evening will be Mike Kater, historian and genealogist, who will present "My Cherokee Ancestry." He will discuss the resources and techniques used in researching lineage of American Indians. All are welcome to attend. For more information, visit the Web site at www.rootsweb.com/~ilkcgs.
Elgin Patriotic Memorial Association: The Elgin Patriotic Memorial Association, which has planned Elgin's Memorial Day observance for more than a century, recently elected new officers and those individuals would like your help in planning this year's program.
This year will mark Elgin's 140th Memorial Day program, and the association plans an observance with a strong historical focus.
The group says it also would like more community organizations to join in its efforts. Currently, the association is made up of more than a dozen veterans, civic, fraternal and service groups; each group sends a representative to the meetings. Members hope to broaden that support.
Interested clubs and organizations may call either Jerry Turnquist at (847) 431-2472 or Carolyn Hansen at (847) 888-1455. Regular meetings are the last Saturday of each month from January until May.
Elgin Watch City VFW: The Elgin Watch City Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1307 and its Men's Auxiliary have undertaken a project to help one of their members. They are reaching out to the community for assistance.
Randall "Skeeter" Kucharski served in Vietnam with the U.S. Army Infantry from 1970-71. During his tour of duty, Kucharski was exposed to Agent Orange, a chemical that was proven to cause diabetes and other diseases in the soldiers exposed to it. Kucharski developed diabetes in 2005 and was almost immediately crippled by a severe stroke that disabled him nearly completely. He cannot walk without assistance and often requires the use of a wheelchair. His bedroom is on the second floor of their home. Every night Kucharski must try to ascend the stairs to get to his bedroom and descend the stairs in the morning. This requires his wife or another family member to help him to prevent falling.
The Elgin VFW Post and Men's Auxiliary are assembling volunteers of all trades and talents to build an addition to the Kucharski home to provide a first-floor bedroom with handicapped accessibility.
The post is asking members of the business community for donations of building materials or cash donations to make this a reality. They hope to break ground in May. All donations to this effort will be recognized with a letter confirming your generosity that may be used as proof of your charitable donation for tax purposes. This is a nonprofit project by Kucharski's friends and comrades.
If you are able to help, call VFW chaplain Doc Sheehan at (847) 921-0449. All calls will be returned promptly. Monetary donations can be mailed to: The Randall Kucharski Benefit Fund, c/o Fifth Third Bank, 1645 Larkin Ave., Elgin, IL 60123, Attn: Barbara Lopez..
Elgin Jaycees: The Elgin Jaycees have launched a membership drive to begin Sunday. This is the ideal time for prospective members to have involvement in upcoming events and learn the benefits of joining the Elgin Jaycees.
"By giving the Jaycees an hour or two each month, our members not only help the community, but they also develop leadership skills that benefit them on a personal and professional level," said Elgin Jaycees 2008 president Chris Wishon. "When we run activities for the community, people see our enthusiasm and want to get involved. Now, with the Jaycees expanding their membership range to 18 to 40 years old, this is the perfect time to join."
The Elgin Jaycees are involved in many activities that serve the community, including Memorial Day flags at Bluff City Cemetery, the Fourth of July Parade, a water station at the Fox Trot and the Best Pizza of Elgin contest.
The membership drive will kick off from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday at Colonial Cafe, 600 S. McLean Blvd. in Elgin. According to Wishon, if you bring this press release, you may receive a free Turtle sundae. This is limited to Jaycee prospects between the age of 18 and 40. There is no fee for the event and your purchase also supports a local business, which is one of the Jaycees' main objectives. For more information, visit www.elginjaycees.org.
Elgin Genealogical Society: The Elgin Genealogical Society will next meet at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday in the first floor meeting room of the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave. in Elgin.
A presentation on Quakers given by Deanna Spingola, director of the Naperville Family History Center for more than seven years, will follow a brief business meeting.
For more information, call Larry Pepper at (847) 426- 7377 or visit the EGS Web site at www.elginroots.com.
The Elgin Genealogical promotes genealogical research for all geographical regions. Visitors, guests and new members are welcome.
NARFE: National Active and Retired Federal Employees will meet at 1 p.m. April 8. Chapter 2181 meets monthly on the second Tuesday of the month at the American Legion meeting room at 820 N. Liberty St. (Route 25) in Elgin. Lunch is available prior to the meeting at the lunchroom in the American Legion building. Refreshments will be served after the meeting.
This month, the speaker will be John Cantu from Blue Cross/Blue Shield.
Active and retired federal employees single, married with spouses, widows and widowers from all surrounding areas who are interested in becoming a member and in also receiving the monthly NARFE Retirement Life magazine are welcome to attend the meetings. For more information, call Nick at (847) 741-5772.
Henpeck Unit: The Henpeck Unit of Kane County Homemakers Education Association will meet Tuesday at the home of Emily Sjurseth in Plato Center. The lesson on "Small Flower Beds With Seasonal Interest" will be presented by Peggy Gross. Guests are welcome; call Emily at (847) 464-0713 for details and directions.
At the March 4 meeting held at the home of Mary Ebert in Kaneville, the lesson, "Microwave Cooking in the 21st Century," was presented and illustrated with a delicious luncheon of microwaved food prepared by the hostess. Discussion followed regarding changes that have been made in microwave ovens in the last few years and the new features that enable cooks to prepare healthy foods in the microwave to rival conventional baked and range-top versions. Handouts included several recipes recommended for microwave preparation.
At the beginning of the meeting, which followed lunch, six members answered roll call with a person who made them feel appreciated and special.
Collection of money for the food pantry's Christmas gift was concluded. Members decided to increase the donation toward a 4-H trophy to $25. It also was decided that members donate a specific item to the Community Crisis Center next month. Items chosen were plastic storage bags or aluminum foil.
Chairwoman Peggy Gross announced that Ocie Manser believes that she can no longer do the work for the historical book. Volunteers to take over this position were requested but none heard.
Members were alerted to upcoming events, including the annual meeting on May 21 at Lincoln Inn in Batavia and the trip to Starved Rock State Park on June 3. Details can be found in "Raisin' Kane" and will be discussed at the April Meeting.
Nominations for Woman of the Year were requested but none received. "May Day is Pay Day" so dues of $13 will be collected at the next meeting. Unit History is also due on Tuesday. Donations of non-perishable food items were collected for the Hampshire/Burlington Food Pantry. For details, call Peggy Gross at (847) 683-3826 or Mary Ann Harter at (847) 683-3632.
Elgin Lions Club: The Elgin Lions Club will have its monthly dinner meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Elgin Holiday Inn, 495 Airport Road, Elgin. The guest speaker will be Cherie Jones, director of membership services for the Girl Scouts-Sybaquay Council.
An Elgin resident since 1997 and member of Girl Scouts of the USA for 11 years, she first served as a volunteer, then as leader, and is currently employed at the Girl Scouts-Sybaquay Council.
Her topic will be a history of where and how the Girl Scouts began, where they are now and their plans for the future. Non-members are welcome. Fee is $15 per person and includes a three-course potluck dinner. For details or to reserve seat, call Dan Weiler at (630) 587-5600.
Elias Kent Kane DAR: The Elias Kent Kane Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution will meet at 1 p.m. Tuesday at The Windings of Ferson Creek Clubhouse, Retreat Court, St. Charles.
The program will be "Elias Kent Kane Chapter 20th Birthday Celebration" with guests including Betty Hartley Ford, Illinois State Regent. Refreshments will be served. For details, e-mail regent Heather Simpson at eliaskentkane@ildar.org.
Elgin Woman's Club: The Elgin Woman's Club will meet at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Holiday Inn, 495 Airport Road, Elgin. Chaired by Marian Meadows and hosted by the club's health department, the program will feature a presentation about the cardiac rehab department at Sherman Hospital. The speaker will be Judy Robbins, a certified fitness instructor at Sherman. The committee for the April meeting includes Beatrice Albright, Leigh Butler, Barbara Ketcham and Marguerite Tabbert.
Members are asked to make reservations no later than Friday by calling the EWC hotline at (847) 622-3614. The luncheon meeting and program costs $13 and may be paid by check at the door the day of the meeting.
Zonta Club: The Zonta Club of St. Charles-Geneva-Batavia meets the first Tuesday of each month at Prairie Landing Golf Course, 2325 Longest Drive in West Chicago. The next meeting will be Tuesday with networking at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m. Dinner costs $25. Individuals interested in "Advancing the Status of Women" are welcome to attend. Reservations must be made to Evelyn Canale at (630) 232-4165 by Saturday. For more information, contact Colleen Lang at clang7872@yahoo.com or (630) 377-6449, or visit www.zonta.org.
Izaak Walton League: The Elgin chapter of the Izaak Walton League invites the public for a special program at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the lodge, 899 Jay St. in Elgin. A presentation by Debra Shore from Chicago Wilderness will be given on conservation.
Chicago Wilderness is a regional nature reserve that includes more than 225,000 acres of protected natural areas. It is an alliance of more than 200 public and private organizations working together to protect, restore, study and manage the natural ecosystems of the Chicago region, contribute to the conservation of global biodiversity, and enrich local residents' quality of life. For details, call the lodge at (847) 742-8953.
Golden K Kiwanis: The Elgin Golden K Kiwanis will meet at 9 a.m. Wednesday at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 357 Division St., Elgin. The program will be by Frank Hernandez on the Elgin Community College Book Store. Visitors are welcome. For more information, call (847) 741-7176.
Double Love Mothers of Twins: The Double Love Mothers of Twins Club will hold its "Children's Clothing, Equipment and Toy Sale" from 8:30 a.m. to noon April 5 at St. John Lutheran Church, 115 N. Spring St., Elgin.
It is cash sales only. There is a $1 admission. There will be a half-price sale on selected items from 11 a.m. to noon. For details, call Leigh at (847) 669-9142.
Culture Club: On April 5, Immanuel Lutheran Church's Culture Club will discuss "Rhett Butler's People" by Donald McCaig.
For fans of Mitchell's "Gone with the Wind," this is a delightful visit with her characters. McCaig holds true to the vibrant personalities and weaves Rhett's side of the story right back into the classic. The club will meet immediately after the 6 p.m. service, around 7:15 p.m. in Luther Hall C.
The community is invited to join in the discussion. The church is at Route 72 and Van Buren in East Dundee. Parking is available in both the south and western lots. For details, call the church office at (847) 428-4477.
Friends of the Fox: A shoreline clean-up on Indian Creek will be held from 8 a.m. to noon April 5.
The Friends of the Fox River and partners Kiwanis of Aurora, the city of Aurora, Aurora Township, the Fox Valley Park District and the Fox Metro Water Reclamation District will co-host the event.
The clean-up will target a 4.1-mile stretch on Indian Creek from I-88 to where it meets the Fox River. Participants should meet at the city of Aurora/Fox Metro combined sewer overflow facility on Broadway opposite the Aurora Post Office.
Free parking is available at the City of Aurora Transportation Center parking lot. Bring gloves and wear appropriate clothing and waterproof shoes. Breakfast and a light lunch will be provided. For more information, call (815) 356-6605 or visit www.friendsofthefoxriver.org.
Young Eagles: On April 6, Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 101 will start a new season of Young Eagle Rallies at 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Schaumburg Airport, 905 W. Irving Park Road.
The Young Eagles program is to promote aviation to children, ages 8 to 17. Come out to the Schaumburg Airport and meet the pilots, view the many different aircraft and take a flight in the skies over Schaumburg and the surrounding communities. See the Chicago Skyline, O'Hare Airport, Woodfield Mall and the Schaumburg Flyers baseball field like never before.
Young Eagle Rallies will continue the first Sunday of every month through December.
For more information, call Chuck Soumar, EAA Chapter 101 Coordinator, at (708) 788-6390 or e-mail YoungEagles101@aol.com.
Elgin Junior Service Board: The Elgin Junior Service Board will hold its popular talent show, "The Follies," at 8 p.m. April 25-26 at the Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin.
They are looking for adult singers, dancers and comedians to participate. The talent night will be held at 6:30 p.m. April 7 at Prairie Rock Brewing Co., 127 S. Grove Ave., Elgin. For details, call Monique at (847) 754-5105.
Singers will not need to bring sheet music; the director will ask them to sing a few lines. The rehearsals will take place at 6 p.m. starting April 8 at the Hemmens and continue through April 24.
The club is a non-profit organization raising money to help children and women in Elgin Area School District U-46 and surrounding areas. Its primary service is to provide free dental care to children who couldn't afford it otherwise.
General seating is $20. Tickets for the Follies can be purchased by calling the Hemmens box office at (847) 931-5900. Group rates are also available.