Fox Valley club notes

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

McHenry County Chapter of AARP: The McHenry County Chapter of AARP will meet at noon (today) 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; reservations must be made by calling Lillian at (815) 337-1525. For Chapter information call Glenn at (815) 477-1952.

American Girl Club: The American Girl Club is meeting at Spring Hill Mall Barnes & Noble at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 16. Based on the best-selling series of American Girl dolls, books and movies, the club celebrates girls, friendship and dolls. You will work on a variety of fun activities and learn more about the dolls and their historically accurate stories. The event is geared for girls ages 8-12, and there is no signup or fee, just drop in.

The club meets at 10:30 a.m. on the third Saturday of each month at the stage in the Children's Department at the Spring Hill Mall Barnes & Noble, routes 72 and 31, West Dundee. Call Suzanne Lattanzio, Community Relations Manager, for more information at (847) 426-4602.

Kiwanis Club: The Kiwanis Club of Elgin will hold its 49th annual barbecue fundraiser, featuring Famous Fay's Pork Chop and Chicken Dinner, from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16.

The event will be held again on the grounds at Epworth United Methodist Church, off Highland Avenue and Randall Road in Elgin. As in the past, there will be a drive-thru off Highland Avenue for those wanting to pick up their meal to take away.

Tickets are $12 in advance and can be purchased from any Kiwanian member. Tickets at the door are $14. Call Kiwanian Rick Poulton at (847) 977-4541 to purchase advanced barbecue tickets.

The Kiwanis Club of Elgin also will be sponsoring a "Split The Pot" raffle with a grand prize of $500. Tickets are $10 each or 6 for $50. Drawing will be held at 7 p.m. at the barbecue. Winner need not be present to win.

The Kiwanis Club of Elgin meets at noon Tuesday sat The Hickory Stick Bar & Grille Restaurant, 875 Sports Way, Elgin, at the Highlands of Elgin's Golf Course. Meetings are open to the public. There is a $10 charge for lunch. For membership information, call Kiwanian Laurie Totton at (847) 429-5435.

Elgin Ladies Auxiliary to the Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 1307: On Aug. 17, the ladies will hold a Steak Fry from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Post 1307, 1601 Weld Road. Steaks will be cooked to order until 4:30 p.m. The public is welcome. Proceeds will go to veterans and other community agencies. Menu is steak, potato, vegetable, salad, roll and coffee and ice tea. There will be limited tickets at the door at a cost of $15, first come first served. Call Dorothy for questions and reservations (847) 695-2243.

To help the ladies auxiliary serve our veterans past, present and future and other community organizations, call Sue at (815) 477-3322.

Valley Creek Homeowners Association: The annual Valley Creek Homeowners Association Picnic is a neighborly get-together. All are welcome, both members and nonmembers. Bring yourself and bring the kids. Meet your community residents. This is an opportunity to enjoy an inexpensive close-by Sunday afternoon of fun and games.

The picnic is scheduled from 1 to 5 p.m. Aug. 17 at Paul Wolff Forest Preserve. Cost is $4 for adults and $2 per child. Get details at Web site www.valleycreekelgin.org, or call Jody Schmeck at (847) 695-9064 or Barb Skonning at (847) 742-7164.

Dundee Township Historical Society: 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.

The annual house walk will be held Sept. 20. Details will be provided 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.

Plato Center unit: The Plato Center Unit held its annual picnic on June 27 at the Burlington Park, with 27 members and guests in attendance. The auction garnered more than $125 for the unit's treasury. The Kane County Homemakers have changed their name to Kane County Association for Home and Community Education. This name will now match with its overseer organization.

The annual open house will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 20 at the University of Illinois-Kane County Extension Office, 535 Randall Road, St. Charles. The guest speaker will be Diane Ahrens of Piece-A-Cake Bakery in East Dundee presenting a lesson on "Special Diet Needs." Units will pick-up this lesson. Guests are welcome and invite a friend to come with you.

Units will be picking up the 2008-09 yearbooks and information on upcoming events. The units will also pick-up the Terri Lynn fundraiser forms. For the Plato Center meeting, call Joan at (847) 931-8120.

McHenry County WIM: Algonquin instructor Shannon Mahoney will encourage Women in Management's McHenry County Chapter to "Fight Like A Girl."

Mahoney will speak at the group's luncheon Aug. 21 at Boulder Ridge Country Club, 350 Boulder Drive, Lake In The Hills. The luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m. and costs $30 for nonmembers and $25 for members.

"Fight Like A Girl" is a self-defense program for women. Mahoney has eight years of martial arts training. Her passion is helping women learn to protect themselves.

Comfortable attire is encouraged, but no jeans. Female guests age 13 and older are welcome.

WIM is an organization for professional women. For reservations, e-mail www.wimonline.org or call (815) 363-2693.

Barrington/Northwest Community Associates: Men and women throughout the northwest suburbs who have an appreciation of art and an interest in art-related subjects are invited to attend the annual Fall Membership Tea sponsored by the Barrington/Northwest Community Associates. The tea will take place on Thursday, Sept. 4 at the Presbyterian Church of Barrington, 6 S. South Brinker Road. Tea is at 1 p.m. with program at 1:30 p.m.

Registration is not required; members and guests are welcome. There is no fee.

The purpose of this greatly anticipated event is to welcome returning members and to greet newcomers and present the itinerary for the upcoming season. The tea begins at 1 p.m. with assorted condiments, tea/coffee and is followed by a wonderful program.

James Wood, instructor at the Art Institute, will address common queries about artists and the art world. Board Chair Carole Bulakowski will explain the 2008/09 itinerary which includes several outstanding excursions and equally interesting local programs focusing on various aspects of art and architecture.

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.

• 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.