Fox Valley club notes
To list your club's meetings, e-mail to foxvalley@dailyherald.com, or fax to (847) 608-0849.
Elgin Genealogical Society: The Elgin Genealogical Society will meet at 7 p.m. July 17 in the main floor meeting rooms of the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave. in Elgin. Sharon Kasmira will present "Self-exploration through writing an ethical will." Kasmira was born and raised in Elgin and now lives in Janesville, Wis. Her experience is in news journalism and interior design. She has presented numerous workshops utilizing Fen Shui and other therapies to share her ideas in an informative, thought provoking, yet entertaining way. She believes the saying " its not what you've earned but what you've learned " that is important to pass on to others. She also wants others to realize "It's not what you gather, but rather what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived." If generations fail to pass on their life lessons and experiences they are lost forever. For information, call Larry Pepper, vice president, at (847) 426-7377 or visit the Web site at www.elginroots.com. Visitors, guests and new members are welcome.
Stateline SHRM: The Stateline Society of Human Resource Management presents "Building a Recognition Culture." On July 17, Bill Bergstrom, national recognition manager for Terryberry Co., will present information on why employee recognition is essential in the workplace. He will review the eight keys for developing an effective recognition program and discuss how to put them into practice in your organization. In this seminar you'll learn strategies for aligning your employee recognition initiative with corporate objectives and you'll get a step-by-step guide for implementing a strategic employee recognition program. He has consulted with organizations ranging from family businesses to Fortune 500 companies, formulating and implementing recognition programs that focus on workforce talent retention and performance improvement. Terryberry Co. has been an innovator and leader in the recognition industry since 1918.
The breakfast meeting begins promptly at 7:45 a.m. and will adjourn at 9:45 a.m. 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 July 14. Visit on the Web at www.statelineshrm.org for information or to make your reservation. Seating is limited.
Elgin Historical Society: The Elgin Area Historical Society will continue its summer speakers series on July 17 featuring Hampshire resident John Fenzel. Fenzel was a 12-year-old boy growing up in Hampshire where his job delivering Chicago newspapers led him inside a German POW camp during the summers of 1944 and 1945. Used as farm laborers, Fenzel got to know some of the German prisoners well. He will share his stories at the Old Main Museum beginning at noon. Bring your lunch, dessert and beverages will be provided. The Old Main Museum is at 360 Park St., Elgin. Hours of operation are noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday. For information call (847) 742-4248 or visit Web site www.elginhistory.org.
Northwest Suburban Astronomers: The July meeting of the Northwest Suburban Astronomers will feature "Climate Models and Climate Change" by Rao Kotamarthi, Ph.D., Argonne National Laboratory, Environmental Science Division. A study by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has concluded that human activity is the leading cause for global warming. In this discussion Dr. Kotamarthi will describe the basic structure, physics, and chemistry of the climate models used in this assessment and the procedures used for making confidence estimates.
The public is invited to the meeting at 7:30 p.m. July 18 at the Hoffman Estates Park District Community Center, 1685 W. Higgins Road, at Huntington Boulevard, Hoffman Estates, in Rooms 105-106. There is no cost to attend. For club information, visit Web site www.nsaclub.org.
Fox Valley Bicycle & Ski Club: Club meetings are at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month at the Batavia Public Library, Route 31 and Wilson Street in Batavia. For information, visit www.fvbsc.org.
The social hour will be at 7 p.m. with the program at 7:30 p.m. A diiscussion of business matters will be at 8 p.m.
Nonmembers are welcome to attend. Some rides are cancelled depending on the weather. For details, visit the Web site at www.fvbsc.org.
On Thursdays, July 17-31, the club offers its "Weekly Road Ride DQ" at 6:15 p.m. Meet in the graveled parking area at the Dairy Queen in Wasco. Ride out and back for 2 hours. The distance is 30-plus miles, depending on the available daylight.
On July 18-20, join in a "Michigan Weekend Ride to the Beach." Ride the dunes and swim the lake for three days in Michigan. Contact John at (630) 415-9082 or Jacqueline at (630) 835-4258
On July 20, go "Biking with Beanzie Ride" at 6:30 p.m. starting at DeKalb High School, 1515 S. Fourth St., DeKalb. The route winds through scenic Shabbona State Park, and includes mileage options of 23, 46, 64, and 101 miles. Registration fee is $20, or $25 on the day of the ride. Fee includes access to the high school indoor swimming pool and showers. The ride is sponsored by the Kishwaukee Kiwanis. All proceeds go to fund bicycle projects within DeKalb County. For details, visit www.kish-kiwanis.com/beanzie.htm.
On Tuesdays, July 22 and 29, join in a weekly trail ride at 6:15 p.m. Meet behind the Kane County Government Center, Route 31 and Third Street in Geneva, for a 20-to 25-mile early evening trail ride at 10- to 12-mile pace.
On July 25, join in a "Nite Ride" at 6:30 p.m. starting at Panera Bread in Geneva. Optional dinner at 7 p.m. It will be a 17 mile ride with lights required.
On July 26, enjoy a "Dinner Ride" at 3 p.m. with dinner at On The Border in St. Charles. For details, call leaders Tom and Julie at (630) 443-2080.
On July 27, the Melon Metric XXI will be held at 6:30 a.m. It starts from Plano High School, 704 W. Abe St. This is located just off Route 34 west of Yorkville. The route options are 32, 62, and 100 miles, on mostly flat roads. Registration is $18 prior to July 20, and $20 on the day of the ride. It is organized by the Naperville Bike Club. For detials, visit www.napervillebikeclub.com.
On July 27, join in a Saturday lunch ride to Benedict's Eggs and More in East Dundee. The ride starts at 8:30 a.m. at Bennet Park in St. Charles for a 40-mile roundtrip ride. The leader is Bobbie Woods.
On Aug. 10, join in the "Windy 60" at 6:30 a.m. This popular annual metric century begins at the Student Recreation Center at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. Distance options include 20, 43, and 63 miles. The route includes a few steep albeit scenic hills through a major state park. Registration is $19. The ride is organized by the DeKalb County Bicycle Club at (815) 758-8879 or (815) 758-1562. Or e-mail to windy60@gmail.com.
Lake in the Hills American Legion Auxiliary: The Lake in the Hills American Legion Auxiliary is hosting its second annual Barbecue Meat Raffle starting at 7 p.m. Friday, July 18 at the Legion Post 1231, 1101 W. Algonquin Road, Lake in the Hills.
A large variety of meats ready for the grill are available to win including ribs, chops. seteaks, chicken and roasts, too. Everyone is welcome. For more information, call (847) 658-2010.
Friends of the Fox River: Friends of the Fox River and the Illinois Smallmouth Alliance are once again joining forces to plant water willow along the banks of the Fox River. On July 19 at 8 a.m., they will meet in the park downstream of the Montgomery dam on the west side of the river near River Street to begin planting. Approximately 1,000 water willow plants will be planted at the event.
Bob Rung, streams biologist from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, will do a brief presentation about the benefits of water willow to the Fox River ecosystem and will demonstrate correct planting techniques for the volunteers who come out to help. The Illinois Smallmouth Alliance is hosting a hot dog roast immediately after the planting event for those that volunteer as well.
Those interested in volunteering should bring waterproof boots and sturdy work gloves with them. While some volunteers will be getting in the river very near shore to do the actual planting, people who don't want to get into the water are also welcome to volunteer for shore-bound duties. Friends of the Fox River is providing the tools used in the planting. The planting events typically last between 2.5 and 3 hours.
For information regarding the location, or to volunteer, call Tom Schrader at (630) 892-6348. Also check the Friends of the Fox River website at www.friendsofthefoxriver.org for current information. With this summer's high water, postponement of the event may be necessary. An announcement will be posted on the Friends of the Fox River Web site by the evening of July 18 either confirming that the planting will take place as scheduled or providing details regarding an alternate planting date.
Friends of the Fox River's mission is "to preserve, restore and protect the Fox River Watershed's resources by connecting people with nature through education, research, restoration and advocacy."
Elgin VFW Post 1307: The Elgin Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1307 Men's Auxiliary will host an all-you-can-eat breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. July 20. Advance tickets are $5 for adults. Tickets at the door are $6 for adults and $4 for children, age 12 and younger. The VFW is at 1601 Weld Road on Elgin's west side between McLean Boulevard and Randall Road. Advance ticket sales end at noon July 19. Come out for a great breakfast and to help the veterans.
Dundee Township Historical Society: Have you ever wondered where your great grandpa came from and how he got to the place he called home? Bonnie Cernosek will present a workshop on beginning genealogy from 2 to 4 p.m. July 20 at the museum, 426 Highland Ave., West Dundee.
Do you have an old family photo that is faded, torn or just deteriorating in general? See how these photographs can be given new life by using a computer to repair damage and enhance them for future generations to enjoy. Larry Pepper will share his expertise with attendees from 2 to 4 p.m. Aug. 17 at the museum, 426 Highland Ave., West Dundee. There is no admission charge. Members and nonmembers are welcome.
Mark your calendars for the annual house walk on Sept. 20. Several homes from different periods of the past as well as an array of beautiful gardens are being considered for the walk. This is the major fundraiser for the society and they urge the membership to support this event. Details will follow at a later date. If you would like to be a docent at one of the homes or help with preparations, call Marge at (847) 428-2279.
St. Charles East Booster Club: The St. Charles East Football Booster Club will hold its fourth annual Golf Outing on Monday, July 21 at Royal Hawk Country Club, 5N748 Burr Road, in St. Charles.
Check-in begins at noon and the outing gets under way with a 1 p.m. shotgun start. After golf, dinner will be served in the clubhouse where prizes for multiple golf contests will be awarded. Cost for participation is $95 per golfer. Pre-arranged foursomes are permitted. Hole sponsorships at $300 per hole are also available. Reservations to play golf or to sponsor a hole can be made by contacting Mike Leopardo at mtleopardo@leopardo.com or by calling 630-513-0766.
Proceeds from the event go towards supporting the St. Charles East High School Football Program. Previous funds have been used to replace aging practice equipment, offer specialized training opportunities for the players, and to lessen the financial burden on the school to provide new resources and equipment.
Elgin Golden K Kiwanis: Elgin Golden K Kiwanis will meet at 9 a.m. July 23 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 357 Division St., Elgin. The program will be, Gail Miller, and her topic will be, "Costco Marketing." For information, call (847) 741-7176.
Mothers & More: "What Works For You?" is a discussion night that's a great opportunity to learn and share the best secrets of mothering, working, home management and life in general.
You are welcome to join mothers from Mothers & More of McHenry County as the group facilitates a great discussion of sharing, laughing and learning from each other. Just come prepared with three ideas that really "work for you" in balancing your life as a mom.
You won't want to miss this. What you hear might change your life. What you share might be just what another mom needs.
Here are a few questions to kick-start your thoughts: Are your kids amazing sleepers? Do you have the cleanest house in your playgroup? How about the hottest marriage? Do you throw a great party? Do you stay sane by doing yoga, volunteering or pursuing a hobby? Are you the go-to person for great nutrition and healthy eating? Do you balance paid work and mothering and make it look easy? What are you an expert on?
The meeting will be at 7:30 p.m. July 29 at the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce 427 W. Virginia St., Crystal Lake. To RSVP, call Libby Nelson at (815) 479-5733 or e-mail to seiter@sbcglobal.net.
Mothers & More is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of mothers. We support mothers as individuals and promote the value of all of the work that mothers do.
For more information about Mothers & More or this program, call the hotline at (815) 334-7813 or check out the Web site at www.mchenrymothers.org.
Henpeck Unit: Greek Cuisine was the focus of the June 3 meeting of the Henpeck Unit of Kane County Association for Home and Community Education (formerly Kane County Homemakers Education Association). The meeting was held at the home of Dorothy Murry on Widmayer Road in Hampshire. None of the members in attendance was able to answer the roll call question: "Half of all Americans live within 50 miles from what?" Nancy Haire, who defined the questions for the program booklet, revealed the answer was "their place of birth." The meeting was preceded by a luncheon of Greek dishes, prepared by members, which included: Greek lemon chicken with rice, Potatosalata: potato salad, stuffed grape leaves, Milopita: apple coffee cake, baklava and Hourmathes Yemistoi: stuffed dates with nuts and orange. As usual, the dishes were a tasty surprise. The lesson sheets on Greek fests, anniversaries and customs were presented as a self study. Peggy Gross and Mary Ann Harter reported on annual meeting which was held on May 21 at the Lincoln Inn in Batavia. The food on the buffet was delicious and the entertainment (Carolyn Finzer as a Flower Fairy) was delightful. The Unit's centerpiece, assembled by Mary Ebert, was very attractive and well received. Achievement awards were given to Henpeck Unit for community outreach, cultural enrichment, programs/lessons and public relations. Changing the name of the organization to Kane County Association for Home and Community Education was confirmed at the annual meeting. Election of officers was held with the slate remaining the same as last year.
Donations of insect repellent were collected for the Community Crisis Center in Elgin. This was indicated as one of their needs in June. Upcoming events include: the county's open house on Aug. 20 at the University of Illinois-Kane County Extension office in St. Charles with Diane Aherns of Piece-a-Cake Bakery as guest speaker and the Spoon River/Bishop Hill tour on Oct. 4. Guests are welcome at any AHCE activity.
The Henpeck Unit does not meet in July and August. The next meeting will be on Sept. 9 at the home of Emily Sjurseth in Plato Center. Program booklets for the 2008-2009 year will be completed at this meeting.
Membership is open to men and women of any age, regardless of race, creed or national origin. For information about the organization or free 1-year membership, contact unit Chairwoman Peggy Gross at (847) 683-3826 or membership director Mary Ann Harter at (847) 683-3632.
Mothers and More: Find all of your children's clothing, toy and equipment needs at the 10th annual Fall KidStuff Resale. It will be held from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday Aug. 2 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 1023 S. McHenry Ave., at McHenry and Dartmoor by Crystal Lake South High School, Crystal Lake.
The sale will include more than 16,000 items from more than 140 sellers of gently used fall and winter children's clothing, toys and equipment, including infant supplies, nursing items, bedding, strollers, beds, etc., at great prices.
Proceeds from the sale purchase items for the Crystal Lake and Grafton Township's food pantries plus support Mothers & More of McHenry's activities and other outreach projects. From the Spring 2008 Resale proceeds, more than $2,500 was donated to the food pantries.
An admission fee will be collected at the door by the Food Pantries. Each adult shopper should plan on bringing $1 or equivalent food donation for the pantries to gain admission to the sale.
Mothers & More is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of mothers. The group supports mothers as individuals and promote the value of all the work that mothers do. Mothers & More is proud to support the community with this sale and greatly appreciate the support and generosity of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish for the use of their space.
For more information, call (815) 334-7813 or go to www.mchenrymothers.org. Visit the Crystal Lake Food Pantry site at www.clpantry.org and the Grafton Township site at www.graftontownship.us.
Kane County Audubon Society: The public is invited to programs and activities of the Kane County Audubon Society.
On Aug. 2, take a field trip at 8 a.m. to Nelson Lake, Dick Young Forest Preserve. On the first Saturday of each month Kane County Audubon invites the public to join them as they view the birds at Nelson Lake. Meet in the parking lot by the silo, which is on the west side of Nelson Lake Road, about three-quarter mile south of Main Street and 2 miles west of Randall Road in Batavia. For information, call Rhonda Nelson at (630) 479-1384.
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 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 Illinois Audubon Society, call Tom Clay at (217) 544-BIRD (2473).
Zonta Club: Looking for something unique to beautify your home? Looking for some fellowship and network opportunities with professional women in your community? The Zonta Club of St. Charles-Geneva-Batavia is having a Southern Living Party. The club meets the first Tuesday of each month at Prairie Landing Golf Course in West Chicago. This month's meeting will be on Aug. 5, with networking at 6 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m. Dinner cost is $25. Reservations must be called in to Christie Plotzke at (847) 931-2292 by July 29.
For information about Zonta, contact club president Bobbie Gerbrecht at bobbie@bobbiegrayson.com or by phone, (630) 879-7889.
Batavia Bachelors and Bachelorettes Square Dancing Club: The club meets for the summer in the air-conditioned hall at Trinity Lutheran Church, 405 S. Rush St., Roselle. Dancing is from 8 to 10:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Fridays. The dance will not be held on July 25, as members will be attending the state convention. On Aug. 8, Jerry Hill will lead the rounds with Juliann Hill as cuer. On Aug. 22, it will be the 34th anniversary dance with Tom Roper and Angie and Bob Huckeby. The summer dances are casual attire except for the annivesary dance. Single dancers are welcome. For information, call (630) 584-1343 or (630) 896-7133.
McHenry County Chapter of AARP: The McHenry County Chapter of AARP will meet at noon Aug. 14 at the Fountains of Crystal Lake on Route 31 one mile north of Route 176, for the annual indoor picnic. Sandwiches, beverages and dessert will be served. The cost is $8 and reservations must be made by calling Lillian at (815) 337-1525. For Chapter information call Glenn at (815) 477-1952.
Big Brothers Big Sisters: Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County is kicking off its First-Class Vacation for Two raffle to Hawaii. Proceeds from the raffle will be used to support the youth serving agency's mentoring programs.
The First-Class vacation package will include a six-night/seven-day stay at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, Maui, round-trip, first-class airfare for two, limo ride to/from O'Hare International Airport, convertible car rental and $3,000 hotel credit for island excursions, meals, beverages, spa services and parking.
Tickets are available by calling the Big Brothers Big Sisters office at (815) 385-3855 or online at www.bbbsmchenry.org. Only 1,000 tickets will be sold. The drawing will take place Sept. 5.
To purchase a ticket or learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County, call (815) 385-3855.
Philoptochos Society: The Philoptochos Society of St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church will present "Step Up ... For Life" Benefit Luncheon and Festival of Tables.
Taking place at 11 a.m. on Oct. 11 in Elgin, this charitable event will greatly benefit children afflicted with cancer through our direct support of Children's Oncology Services Inc. and St. Iakovos Retreat Center.
Tickets are $44 and include a gourmet lunch.
Children's Oncology Services Inc. believes that a diagnosis of cancer should not prevent a child from experiencing the simple joys of childhood. Through the One Step At A Time programs, COSI offers camp experiences and educational programs throughout the year that allow children with cancer to just be kids.
Their programs offer fun, friendship and support in a safe and nurturing environment.
The St. Iakovos Retreat Center is set on 137 rural acres and provides an ideal setting to meet individual, family, group, educational and church requirements. Additional proceeds will contribute to the charitable works of St. Sophia Philoptochos. Philoptochos, meaning friend of the poor, is a philanthropic group based on helping local and international charities including Feed the Hungry, Children's Cardiac Fund, National Cancer Society, Y-Me and a variety of local nursing homes, orphanages and homeless shelters, just to name a few.
Guests will be treated to a most memorable afternoon. For more information, visit the event Web site at www.stepupforlifebenefit.com or call (847) 888-2822. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
• 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.