From the clubs
From the clubs To list your club's meetings, e-mail to foxvalley@dailyherald.com, or fax to (847) 608-0849.
Fox Valley SHRM: The Illinois Fox Valley SHRM welcomes Kathleen Caldwell, president of Caldwell Consulting Group LLC. Today's interactive session will teach you how to take your career and HR team to the next level of effectiveness.
Illinois Fox Valley SHRM meets the third Thursday of every month for a luncheon with versatile programs directed toward the human resource professional at Hennessy Restaurant, north of I-90 off Randall Road in Elgin. Registration is at 11:15 a.m. and the meeting adjourns at 1 p.m. Interested parties can call (847) 289-7170. The cost for members is $20 or $40 for nonmembers.
Elgin Genealogical Society: The Elgin Genealogical Society will meet at 7 p.m. today in the main floor meeting room at Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave. in Elgin. The topic is "Cobbler, Tailor, Trunk Maker" presented by Ginger Frere. Frere has more than 15 years experience as a family history researcher and currently is on staff at the Newberry Library in Chicago where she is co director of new ChicagoAncestors.org web site. In addition, she provides a variety of research services for those interested in their own family history research. For details, call Larry Pepper at (847) 426 7377 or visit www.elginroots.com.
Gifford Park Association: Gifford Park Association's annual membership potluck will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Lords Park Pavilion, 100 Oakwood Blvd., Elgin. Bring a dish to pass and come out and meet your neighbors. For details, visit www.gifford-park-assoc.org.
PBW of Illinois: The Professional Business Women of Illinois will host "Dream It, Believe It, Achieve It", a motivational workshop designed to explore how to achieve what you want out of life.
National trainer, local business owner and published author, Judy Pelinski will host this two-hour interactive workshop offering hands-on activities and valuable insight on how to discover your true desires and reach for your dreams.
Pelinski, a board member of PBWI. is a certified Interior Redesign and Staging trainer who has been teaching students nationwide and recognized as an industry leader. She owns Fresh Look Interiors and The Staging and Redesign Academy.
She incorporates techniques into each of her sessions that help students envision their desires, discover their strengths and follow their dreams, both in business and in their personal lives.
"I find it extremely important to help people understand that they can achieve whatever they set their mind to.
"The biggest obstacle is usually themselves." Pelinski said.
This workshop will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. May 19 at in the lower level community room at Home State Bank, corner of Route 14 and Main Street.
The cost of the workshop is $15 for nonmembers and $10 for PBWI members.
The Professional Business Women of Illinois are dedicated to providing a gateway for professional and personal growth through continuing education, community involvement and a network of combined resources.
Meetings are held at 7:30 a.m. the second Wednesday of each month. For more information on the "Dream It! Believe It! Achieve It!" workshop or on the Professional Business Women of Illinois, contact PBWI on the Web at www.pbwi.net or call Judy Pelinski at (847) 370-8268.
Northwest Suburban Astronomers: The April meeting of the Northwest Suburban Astronomers will feature a presentation by Antonino Miceli of Argonne National Laboratory on "New Views on the Formation of Our Galaxy." His talk will discuss current research on the formation of the Milky Way galaxy as well as the discovery of new dwarf galaxies which are currently being incorporated into our galaxy. The meeting will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday in rooms 105/106 at the Hoffman Estates Park District Community Center, 1685 West Higgins Road at Huntington Boulevard in Hoffman Estates. There is no cost to attend. For details, call Gordon at (847) 231-3145.
Cub Scout Pack 1047: The Cub Scouts of Gilberts Pack 1047 will be helping their community at the village-wide cleanup which begins at 8:30 a.m. Saturday in the Timber Trails subdivision. The Scouts, as well as other members of the community will be meeting at the gazebo on Timber Trails Boulevard on the south side of the street, a half block east of John M. Boor Drive.
BNCA: The second "Exploring Art" program, sponsored by the Barrington/Northwest Community Associates focuses on the well-known Impressionist painter, Henri Matisse. A "favorite" presenter returns to the Barrington Area Library on Wednesday to captivate her audience with intriguing details about the life and art of this illustrious French painter. Lanni Ori has entitled her discussion "The Joy of Matisse," and will explore the long and varied career of this master painter who became renowned for his brilliant use of vibrant color, rhythmic line and bold pattern.
An art historian, Ori's expertise and vivacious personality promise an engaging presentation for all those who attend. A noted book reviewer and discussion leader, Ori also is a member of the Barrington Hall of Fame.
This lecture is available to B/NWCA members and to guests. Reservations are not necessary and there is no charge for this program. For more information, call Mary Wajda at (847) 991-1207.
• The Barrington/Northwest Community Associates of the Art Institute of Chicago have planned a wonderful event to welcome the arrival of spring. May 1 is the date for the annual Membership Tea which is designed to celebrate "new beginnings" with an old-fashioned concept -- afternoon tea and condiments. Guests are invited to meet existing members, learn more about this wonderful organization, and share a bountiful assortment of tasty treats.
In addition a staff member from the Art Institute will provide an enticing lecture certain to have the audience thinking about the "outdoors." Annie Morse will present "Inside/Out: Sculpture and the Art Institute." She will answer our many questions about various sculptures beautifying Chicago.
Morse is a Senior Lecturer in Museum Education who has been lecturing for the department since 1996.
The event takes place at 1 p.m. for tea and 1:30 p.m. for lecture at Presbyterian Church of Barrington, 6 S. Brinker Road, Barrington.
There is no fee for this program and reservations are not necessary. Guests are welcome.
For more information, call Board Chairman Lenore Elsener at (847) 255-9492.
CAGG-NI: The Computer-Assisted Genealogy Group of Northern Illinois meetings are held at 10:30 a.m. the third Saturday of each month at the Schaumburg Township District Library, 130 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg. The topic will be "GenSmarts -- Version 2 --What's New!" on Friday. Moderator will be R. Aaron Underwood. GenSmarts is an inexpensive software "add-on" tool that uses artificial intelligence to analyze your existing genealogy file and produce research suggestions. Program details can be found at www.gensmarts.com. Version 2 was released in May 2007. Find out what enhancements have been made to this genealogy software program.
Dundee Township Historical Society: The Dundee Township Historical Society invites you on a historic bus tour on Sunday with the theme "Riding the Streetcar."
The streetcar carried people to Elgin and back from a time before the turn of the last century until the early 1930s. Who were those people and where were they going? When and why did the street car stop running?
Attend the historic bus tour and meet with some of the folks who traveled back and forth on a regular basis. Hear their stories as well as a history of this once vital means of transportation.
Tickets for $5 are available at Family Pride Cleaners, 537 S. Eighth St., West Dundee. Tickets also will be available at the museum the day of the event. Tours will be at 1 and 2:30 p.m. For information call (847) 428-6996.
The historical society's annual meeting is scheduled for 2 p.m. May 4. After a brief business meeting, there will be a special presentation by guest speaker Craig Pfannkuche titled "Digging Up Grandma's Privy."
Slow Global Warming: Slow Global Warming, Solutions for a Global World will hold its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. April 24 in the second-floor community room at the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. The first half of the "2 Percent Solution" film will be shown and then discussion questions and answers will be held as well as brainstorming about ways to outreach to the Greater Elgin area. For details, call S. Kaptain at (847) 741-7375.
Elgin Junior Service Board: The Elgin Junior Service Board will host its popular talent show, "The Follies," at 8 p.m. April 25-26 at the Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. 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.
Friendship Star Stitchers: Judy's Quilt and Sew and the Friendship Star Stitchers will host their annual quilt show from noon to 3:30 p.m. April 26 at Hampshire Middle School, 560 S. State St. More than 200 quilts will be on display; there will be a silent auction; a "Dear Jane" display; the 2007 Mystery Unveiling; and a Quilt Bed Turning exhibit.
Proceeds from the show, excluding rental fees, will be donated to the Ovarian Cancer Coalition and the Gilda's Club of Chicago. Last year $2,000 was raised and donated equally to both organizations. Admission is $5; children age 12 and younger are admitted free. The public is invited to participate and attend. Additional information and quilt entry forms can be picked up at Judy's Quilt and Sew, 390 S. State St., Hampshire.
VFW Post 2298: The Ladies Auxiliary of Tri-City Evergreen Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2298 will host an all-you-can-eat-spaghetti night from 5 to 8 p.m. April 26 at the post home, 117 S. First St., West Dundee. Cost is $6 for adults or $3 for children, age 6 to 12; children under age 6 get in free. The dinner includes spaghetti, salad, garlic bread, one glass of wine, and dessert. For details, call (847) 428-9006.
Audubon Society: The Kane County Chapter of the Audubon Society meets for programs and activities.
On April 26, join a bird walk at 8 a.m. at Lippold Park, part of the Fox Valley Park District. Lippold Park is on the west side of Route 25 about 1.4 miles south of Wilson Street in Batavia. For information, call Ann Haverstock at (630) 232-9398. Or visit www.kanecountyaudubon.org.
Sons of Union Veterans: The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War The Philip H. Sheridan Camp 2, Department of Illinois and the George Armstrong Custer Camp 1, Department of Illinois will host a "Meet The Sons" event at noon April 26 at the Elgin Area Historical Museum, 360 Park St.
There will be Civil War artifacts on display as well as items from the Grand Army of the Republic. Learn about the Sons of the Union Veterans and what they do. There will be a question-and-answer period as well as a show-and-tell. This will be a great time to learn more about the Civil War heritage. Refreshments will be served. For details, call Jim Zingales at (847) 648-0444.
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, Skeeter was exposed to Agent Orange, a chemical that was proven to cause diabetes and other diseases in the soldiers exposed to it. Skeeter developed diabetes in 2005 and was almost immediately crippled by a severe stroke that disabled him nearly completely. He cannot walk without help and often requires the use of a wheelchair. His bedroom is on the second floor of their home. Every night Skeeter 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 and prevent his 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 for Skeeter 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 Skeeter'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.
Culture Club: On May 3, Immanuel Lutheran Church's Culture Club will discuss "World Without End" by Ken Follett. The club will meet immediately after the 6 p.m. service, around 7:15 p.m. in Luther Hall C. The Rev. Bill Yonker will lead the discussion of the book. 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.
Henpeck HEA: The Henpeck Unit of Kane County Homemakers Education Association will meet May 6 at the home of Dorothy Gurke in Elgin. Guests are welcome; call Dorothy at (847) 695-1277 for details and directions. The lesson on "Decluttering Your Life" will be presented by Betty Nissen and Mary Ann Harter.
At the April 1 meeting at the home of Emily Sjurseth in Plato Center, seven members answered roll call with the reason the Eisenhower interstate system requires one mile in five be straight. "May Day is Pay Day" so dues were collected from members present. Eight members renewed for the 2008-09 year. Upcoming events include annual meeting on May 21 at the Lincoln Inn in Batavia. A buffet luncheon will be followed by a program called "Flower Fairy." Each Unit is asked to provide a centerpiece with a flower theme which will be used as a door prize. A tour of Starved Rock State Park is planned for June 3. Deadline for reservations is May 1.
The unit continues to collect used greeting cards (no Christmas) which are recycled and sold for the benefit of Community Crisis Center in Elgin. Medicine bottles are needed for missionaries in Haiti. Empty spools of thread can be used for a third grade project in a local school. Vases are needed for a friend who is starting a floral shop in the area.
Plastic storage bags and aluminum foil were collected at this meeting for the Crisis Center. The lesson on "Small Flower Beds With Seasonal Interest" was presented by Peggy Gross. It included guidelines for planning and planting small garden areas that are effective for many seasons, taking into account peak bloom, color and texture. Membership in HEA is open to men and women of any age regardless of race, creed or national origin. For information about the organization and a free one year membership in the Henpeck Unit, call Peggy Gross at (847) 683-3826 or Mary Ann Harter at (847) 683-3632.
Elgin Breakfast Rotary: Tammy Duckworth will speak at a special lunch session of the Elgin Breakfast Rotary at noon May 16 at the Elgin Country Club, off Weld Road.
Duckworth is the director of the Illinois Veterans Affairs Department. An Illinois National Guard, she was also the 2006 Democratic nominee for the U.S. House of Representatives seat for the 6th District of Illinois. She served in the Iraq War where as a result of combat wounds, lost both of her legs and received damage to her right arm.
At the time of her deployment to Iraq, Duckworth was working as a staff supervisor at the worldwide headquarters of Rotary International in Evanston. She was invigorated by her work in establishing new Rotary clubs to do much-needed community service projects in countries such as East Timor and Afghanistan. She also helped American and Middle Eastern Rotary clubs send wheelchairs to Iraq.
Duckworth was completing a doctorate in political science when her unit deployed to Iraq. Her research focused on political economies of Southeast Asia and the region's public health systems. She is a published author, with papers and textbook contributions on the link between environmental health hazards and cancer.
The luncheon will start at noon at the Elgin Country Club. It will take the place of the regularly scheduled Thursday morning meeting. The luncheon is free to club members and guest are welcome for a fee of $20.
To register, contact Scott Kirk at skirk@JudsonU.edu or (847) 628- 2085.
Rotary is a service club organization with more than 1.2 million members who volunteer to further the Rotary motto, "Service Above Self." For information on membership in the Elgin Breakfast Rotary, contact Club President Alan Kirk at (847) 931-9300 or akirk@totalhomehealth.com.
Visit the Elgin Breakfast Rotary at www. elginbreakfastrotary.com.
Elgin Knights of Columbus: The Elgin Knights of Columbus still has a limited supply of the 10th annual "Chili for Charity" cookbook with favorite recipes donated from Brother Knights, friends, and relatives.
The cook book, featuring some world class chili recipes in honor of the 10th annual event, will contain an assortment of favorites (some never before disclosed) ranging from ethnic foods to children's favorites.
There is only a limited supply left, so order today and receive the book within two weeks. Cost is $10.
All orders should be sent to: Chili for Charity Cook Book, c/o Knights of Columbus, P.O. Box 1427, Elgin IL 60120-1427. Money orders or checks should be made payable to the Knights of Columbus 654. For details, e-mail Kirk at kstas@comcast.net.