From the clubs

To list your club's meetings, e-mail to foxvalley@dailyherald.com, or fax to (847) 608-0849.

Hampshire Burlington Senior Citizens Club: On May 14, the Hampshire Burlington Senior Citizens Club gathered for their regular monthly meeting at St. John's Lutheran Church on French Road.

The Central High School Chorale, under the direction of Jeff Nesseth, entertained 55 members. This was the second appearance by The Chorale, and the Seniors Club wishes to publicly say "thanks" to Nesseth and these talented young people. For information regarding the Hampshire Burlington Senior Citizens Club, call Dale at (847) 683-0904.

Kane County Audubon Society: The public is invited to programs and activities of the Kane County Audubon Society.

On the first Saturday of each month, Kane County Audubon invites the public to join members as they view the birds of Nelson Lake. Attendees should see lots of summer birds. Meet in the parking lot by the silo, which is on the west side of Nelson Lake Road. about three-quarters of a mile south of Main Street, and about 2 miles west of Randall Road in Batavia. The next dates are June 7, July 5 and Aug. 2. For information, call Rhonda Nelson at (630) 479-1384.

A Night Bird Walk is set for 6 p.m. June 11 at Les Arends Forest Preserve. View woodland and river birds. Les Arends is on the east side of Route 31 about 1.25 miles south of Main Street, Batavia. At 5:30 p.m., many members bring a bag meal and eat their evening meal together. For more information, call Bob Andrini at (630) 584-8386.

On July 9, meet at 6 p.m. for a Night Bird Walk at James (Pete) Philip State Park (formerly Tri-County Park), off Stearns Road in Bartlett. Meet at 5:30 p.m., bring a sack meal to eat with members before the walk. The park is on the north side of Stearns Road, between Dunham and Powis roads in Bartlett. For information, call Roger Hotham at (847) 697-7484.

On Aug. 13, a Night Bird Walk is planned for 6 p.m. Aug. 13 at Johnson Mound Forest Preserve. Arrive at 5:30 p.m.; bring a sack meal to eat with members before the walk. To get to Johnson Mound from Batavia. Go west on Fabyan Parkway about 5 miles to Hughes Road Turn right on Hughes Road and go 2.5 miles to park entrance on the right. The group will be viewing shore birds at the sod farms across from the parking lot. For information call Bob Andrini at (630) 584-8386.

Kane County Audubon is the local chapter of the Illinois Audubon Society and meets at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday each month, September through May. Meetings are held in the orientation room, (the Barn), at Peck Farm in Geneva.

Field trips, bird walks, and nature hikes are scheduled throughout the year and on meeting nights during June, July and August.

For more information on Kane County Audubon, visit the Web site www.kanecountyaudubon.org or call Bob Andrini at (630) 584-8386 or Jerry Hope at 630-377-1444.

For information on the Illinois Audubon Society, call Tom Clay at (217) 544-BIRD (2473).

Puerto Rican Heritage Organization: The Puerto Rican Heritage Organization Pageant Committee is looking for candidates for the 2008 Junior Miss Puerto Rico of Elgin and Miss Puerto Rico of Elgin. Junior Miss Puerto Rico of Elgin age requirements are between the ages of 10 and 14; Miss Puerto Rico age requirements are between 15 and 20 years old.

Candidates must be of Puerto Rican descent (at least one parent must be partially Puerto Rican.) PRHO will be offering educational scholarships for both categories. This year's winners will receive a scholarship in the amount of $1,000 for Miss Junior Puerto Rico and $3,000 for Miss Puerto Rico. The PRHO believes that continuing education is critical for Latinas in order to succeed with a professional career. Contestants will be judged on their research project on a Puerto Rican town, along with public speaking, cultural costume and evening gown competitions. For more information, or an application, visit the Web site www.prho.org. The deadline for applications is Friday.

Founded in 2006, The PRHO celebrates and educates the community about Puerto Rican culture and history. In addition to the pageants, PRHO organizes Elgin's BoriquaFest and annual Dignitary's Dinner. This year's pageant will be at 5 p.m. Aug. 3 at the Holiday Inn, 495 Airport Road in Elgin. For information, contact Tamika Morales at (847) 909-8740 or pageant@prho.org.

Girls on the Run: Girls on the Run-McHenry County, a not-for-profit organization, is hosting the Wondergirl 5K race, presented by New Balance on June 8 at Sunset Park in Lake in the Hills. The race will begin promptly at 9 a.m. and the one-mile fun run will follow. In addition to being a community race, the Wondergirl 5K serves as the main event for the 140 girls who participated in the Girls on the Run programs after school for 10 weeks.

More than 350 runners are expected at this family event. To register for the event, visit www.mchenrycountygotr.org.

Registration is $25 after June 1. Packet pickup will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Running Depot in Crystal Lake. Race day registration and packet pickup begins at 7:30 a.m.

Fox Valley Jewish Neighbors: What do people do when they don't have blankets, and they are cold? This is a question which concerns Isaac Marshall of South Elgin. Soon to become a bar mitzvah, an adult in the Jewish community, Isaac chose to do a mitzvah project to help keep others warm. Easy-to-craft fleece blankets will be made by Isaac and a cadre of volunteers, and will be donated to a local organization which serves families in need.

Everyone is invited to participate in this Mitzvah Day. No special skill is needed; no sewing is involved. Volunteers need only bring fabric or other sharp scissors, and rulers. Sponsored by Isaac Marshall, this project will be hosted by Fox Valley Jewish Neighbors, as this group's annual Mitzvah Day at 8 p.m. June 8 at FVJN, 121 S. Third St., in Geneva.

Snacks and beverages will be provided for all participants. To RSVP, e-mail Archbroch@sbcglobal.net, or call (847) 622-8855.

For information and details on 2008 events, including future shabbat services, community service projects, social events, and how to get involved, visit Web site www.fvjn.org.

Fox Valley Rocketeers: The Fox Valley Rocketeers, a local club of model rocketry enthusiasts, will host its June rocket launch from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Raintree Park in Woodstock. Rocket fliers are welcome to come and fly low-power rockets and to attend the club meeting from 7:30 to 9 p.m. June 2 at the Woodstock Public Library, 414 W. Judd St., Woodstock. For details, call Mark Bundick (815) 337-9068, Ken Hutchinson (815) 444-0539 or visit Web site www.foxvalleyrocketeers.org for a map to the field or library.

Hampshire VFW Post 8043: The Hampshire Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8043 will meet at 7 p.m. Monday at the Hampshire Township building, 100 Center St. New members are welcome.

At the May 12 meeting, there was a prayer by Chaplain Patrick Herrmann, a salute to the colors and the Pledge of Allegiance. Installation of officers for upcoming year by past commander Roman Deutsch with the following slate for 2008-09: Lowell Reiser, commander; George Partlo, senior vice commander; Jim Setter, junior vice commander; Lavern Martens, adjutant; Patrick Cahoon, quartermaster; Edward Wesemann, chaplain; Roman Deutsch, officer of the day; and trustees Gene Getzelman, Jody Remakel and Ken Soderberg.

A thank-you was read from a member that had been hospitalized, a donation was made to the Holzkamp Fund.

Members participated in Loyalty Day Parade in Batavia, the memorial services at Tri-City Post 2298, and the Dundee and Hampshire Memorial Day services.

Scholarship winner at Hampshire High School was Marissa Wilson. The Burlington Central winner was Michael Sullivan. Awards were given at the respective Recognition Awards Night.

Hampshire VFW 8043 Ladies Auxiliary: The Hampshire Ladies Auxiliary Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8043 will meet at 1:30 p.m. Monday at the Hampshire Township Building, 100 Center St. New members are welcome. Call Arlene (847) 683-3443 for eligibility requirements.

The May 12 meeting, Vice President Velda Grimes presided over the meeting. Chaplain Elaine Setter gave the opening prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and group singing. The secretary and treasurer reports were approved and placed on file. A donation was made to the Holzkamp Fund.

The scholarship winner from Hampshire High School was Bridget Roman and Burlington Central winner was Allison Gibble.

Plans for the 60th anniversary party of charter members was discussed and members will be receiving an invitation. The Auxiliary with the American Legion Auxiliary members placed wreaths at the Memorial Day services. Doris Klock, hospital chairwoman, is continuing to collect miscellaneous articles for the Veterans at Elgin Mental Health Center.

Fox Valley Bicycle and Ski Club: The Fox Valley Bicycle and Ski Club will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Batavia Public Library, 10 S. Batavia Ave. The club invites members and area cyclists to attend. For information on monthly meetings or club rides, visit www.fvbsc.org.

The Fox Valley Bicycle and Ski Club will host its 39th annual Swedish Days Ride on June 15, Father's Day. The ride will begin and end at Burlington Central High School. Each rider has a choice of 25-, 45-, 62-, 75-, 100- or 124-mile routes on paved country roads west of Route 47 in Kane County. To register, go to the Web site www.fvbs.org or call (630) 513-1987 for information. Same-day registration is accepted on the day of the ride. Brochures are available at area bike shops, park districts, and libraries.

Proceeds from the Swedish Day Ride allow the club to donate to a variety of trail and cycling related causes every year. The club invites area cyclists to attend its rides, programs, and other events throughout the year. Meetings are at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month at the Batavia Public Library, 10 S. Batavia Ave.

Golden K Kiwanis: The Elgin Golden K Kiwanis will meet at 9 a.m. Wednesday at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 357 Division St., Elgin. Gerry Clarke will give the program, "Introducing the Chicago Bandits Professional Women's Fast Pitch Softball." For information, call (847) 741-7176.

Elgin Junior Service Board: The members of Elgin Junior Service Board will hold an informational meeting regarding membership at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the OnQ Club, 2300 Bushwood Drive, Elgin.

Membership is open to women 25 to 55 years old who have a heart for serving the community. The club is currently involved in many service projects including a dental care program which assists needy children in Elgin Area School District U-46, and its Clothing Distribution Center which operates in downtown Elgin providing clothing to needy women and their families. To find out more about becoming a member, e-mail to elginjsb@aol.com or call Deirdre White at (847) 363-0968 to RSVP by Monday.

Chess Without Borders: Yury Shulman's Chess Without Borders organization is offering a leadership opportunity to students and community members in joining a group of chess students to volunteer from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday at the South Elgin Rehabilitation Center, 746 W. Spring St, South Elgin. Musicians and all other artists also are welcome to entertain the residents with their talents. The students will teach chess and socialize with the residents. The volunteer group will deliver puzzles and books donated by Half Price Book Store in Palatine. If anyone is able to bake cookies for the residents the group will be happy to take them along. Call the project leaders for information or go to www.shulmanchess.com, Amanda Iacullo at (847) 842-0622; Kyla Tovar, (847) 381-6178; or Emma May. (847) 381-3561.

AMVETS: AMVETS Post 245 of Cary is hosting its 21st annual picnic for hospitalized veterans in memory of Chris Chigas. Veterans from four different Veterans Administration hospitals will be attending. Approximately 500 veterans from Illinois and Wisconsin will be bused to Lions Park, 102 Beachway in Fox River Grove along the Fox River near Route 14 bridge at 11 a.m. Wednesday. There will be food, soda, music, bingo, pontoon boat rides, games and camaraderie. AMVETS needs volunteers to help out on the day of the event, plus monetary donations to cover the cost of food and other expenses. Any donation can be mailed to: AMVETS Post 245, c/o Bob DePaul, Senior Vice Commander, 228 Foxmoor Road. Fox River Grove, IL 60021-1867. For information, call (847) 639-0267.

McHenry County Chapter of AARP: The McHenry County Chapter of AARP will meet at noon June 12 for lunch at the Old Country Buffet Restaurant on Route 14 in Crystal Lake. In July the group will hold its annual luncheon to support the Salvation Army in Crystal Lake. For chapter information call Glenn at (815) 477-1952.

McHenry County Illinois Genealogical Society: McHenry County Illinois Genealogical Society will hold a general meeting from 7 to 8:30 p.m. June 12 at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church 404 N. Green St., McHenry.

Are you looking for love in all the wrong places, searching Gretna Greens for marriage records?

You've looked through civil records, you've looked through church records. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, numerous towns across the nation were known as "marriage mills" or "Gretna Greens."

Join the club on June 12 to learn more about some of these locations and find out why you might be looking for marriage records in the wrong place.

The speaker will be Ginger Frere, founder of Information Diggers. She is a professional family history researcher and speaker. She also works as a reference librarian in the local and family history section of the Newberry Library. Frere is an alumna of the National Institute for Genealogical Research. For information call Virginia (847) 458-6060, ext. 112.

Crystal Clear Toastmasters: Crystal Clear Toastmasters announce new meeting time and place.

Beginning with the meeting on June 12, the Crystal Clear Toastmasters will move to a new home at Panera Bread, 6000 Northwest Hwy. in Crystal Lake. The group meets at 7:30 a.m. on the second and fourth Thursday of the month. Crystal Clear Toastmasters also will meet from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. June 26 at Panera Bread, 6000 Northwest Hwy, Crystal Lake. For information visit www.crystalcleartoastmasters.org, or to join as a guest, call (847) 494-4068.

SHRM: Stateline Society of Human Resource Management will welcome Ted Maras, vice president from the Forest Financial Group, on June 12. He will present information on one of the newest benefit offerings: the Healthcare Savings Account. He will review the advantages to employees and employers when a HSA is added to an employer's benefit plan, in addition to reviewing the differences between a HSA, an HRA, and an FSA. He will share with attendees the federal government guidelines for an HSA including setup, usage and withdrawals, as well as the most notable misinterpretations.

Maras will discuss how an employer can offer a HSA to employees with a HSA-compatible health insurance plan. And he will share some of the basic steps in setting up a HSA and a summary of an employer's responsibilities with regards to a HSA benefit.

The breakfast meeting begins promptly at 7:45 a.m. and will adjourn at 9:45 a.m.

The group meets at the Family Service and Community Mental Health Center, 4100 Veterans Parkway in McHenry. Cost to members is $15; cost for nonmembers is $25 payable at the door.

Reservations are required no later than Monday. For more information or to make your reservation, visit Web site www.statelineshrm.org. Seating is limited.

Northwest Suburban Astronomers: The Northwest Suburban Astronomers, in cooperation with the McHenry County Conservation District, will host a public star party at sunset (8:32 p.m.) June 14 at Pleasant Valley Conservation Area, 13315 Pleasant Valley Road, approximately two miles west of Route 47 and one-half mile south of Route 176, in McHenry County.

This is your opportunity to look at stars, galaxies, nebulae and star clusters with the help of NSA member telescopes. Some of the observing highlights will be the planet Saturn, globular cluster M13 in Hercules, the Ring Nebula M57 in Lyra and galaxies M81 and M82 in Ursa Major.

Bring warm clothing, insect repellent and a flashlight covered with red plastic or cellophane (red light preserves your night vision). Visit the Web site at www.nsaclub.org for details.

Plan to arrive around sunset, 8.32 p.m. or come out early and hike the trails. You can bring your own telescope or binoculars. In the event of inclement weather the event will be canceled. There is no cost to attend.

Submit club news and photos of activities to Club News, Daily Herald, 385 Airport Road, Suite A, IL 60123. Or e-mail to foxvalley@dailyherald.com or fax to (847) 608-0849.