From the clubs

Send listing information to tricity@dailyherald.com.

Welcome Club: The Welcome Club of the Fox Valley invites those with an interest in knowing more about the club and its activities to a get-acquainted membership coffee at 10 a.m. Sept. 5 at the home of board member Graciela Croal. Call (630) 945-3073 for information, location and directions.

The Welcome Club of the Fox Valley is a social and philanthropic organization for women in the area who are interested in meeting and making new friends through various social and fundraising activities.

Many of members reside in areas around the Fox Valley, including Aurora, Batavia, Bartlett, Elburn, Elgin, Geneva, Lily Lake, Maple Park, North Aurora, St. Charles, South Elgin, Sugar Grove and surrounding areas.

The group meets regularly during the months of September through June. Each monthly meeting includes a meet-and-greet, which kicks off the meeting, followed by a short general business meeting, an entertaining and informative program.

The annual membership fee of $25 provides you with a membership directory and a monthly newsletter that recaps the upcoming monthly events and activities.

For membership information, call Carol (630) 482-9090 or Dawn at (630) 262-0815, or visit the Web site at www.welcomeclubfoxvalley.org.

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

On Sept. 6, 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 of 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 two miles west of Randall Road in Batavia. For information, call Rhonda Nelson at (630) 479-1384.

On Sept. 10, join in Meeting Night at 6 p.m. at Peck Farm located at Peck and Kaneville roads, about half-mile west of Randall Road in Geneva. This will be the annual potluck dinner meeting where members and friends show their slides and photos. For information and what dish to bring, 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).

Fox Valley Mixers: The Fox Valley Mixers and Batavia Bachelors 'N' Bachelorettes, in cooperation with the St. Charles Park District, will offer square dance lessons at 7 p.m. Sept. 7 at Baker Community Center, 101 S. Second St., Route 31, in St. Charles. Lessons are held once a week from 7 to 9 p.m. Sundays. The caller and instructor will be Howard Hoffman. The first two nights are free. Singles and couples are welcome. For details, call Bonnie at Fox Valley Mixers at (630) 584-1194 or Alice with Batavia Bachelors 'N' Bachelorettes at (630) 584-1343. Or e-mail Susan and George at GGM81@aol.com. Visit online at www.foxvalleymixers.org or home.comcast.net/~edhaering/batavia.htm.

American Needlepoint Guild: The Fox Chapter of the American Needlepoint Guild will meet at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 9 at St. John's Lutheran Church, 300 Jefferson St. in Algonquin. They will be taught "Amy's Spring Garden." For supply information, call Jan Hyser at (847) 639-2592.

Fox West Philanthropy Network: On Sept. 9, Fox West Philanthropy Network will present "Training and Motivating Volunteers" presented by Marc P. Hilton, vice president of Campbell and Company.

Hilton has a distinguished career in the field of fundraising. He has over 30 years of professional development experience with higher education, cultural institutions and professional societies. Known for his energy and insatiable curiosity, Hilton brings considerable breathe and energy to his clients.

This "Lunch and Learn" presentation is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 9 at the Eagle Brook Country Club, 2280 Fargo Blvd., off Randall Road in Geneva. Cost is $30, payable at the door for all registered attendees. Walk-ins are $35. Lunch is included. RSVP by Sept. 3 to Nancy E. Hansen by e-mail to HansConsulting@aol.com or call (630) 845-9165.

Cancellations after 5 p.m. Sept. 3 are responsible for payment. Make checks payable to Fox West Philanthropy Network. Fox West Philanthropy Network is for fundraising professionals advancing philanthropy through education and networking.

AAUW: The Batavia-Geneva-St. Charles Branch of the American Association of University Women meets on the first Thursday of every month at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1145 N. Fifth Ave. in St. Charles.

The American Association of University Women advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education and research. Membership is open to all graduates who hold an associate degree or equivalent baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university. For information, contact Geri Shouba at (630) 584-1100 or gshouba@d303.org.

Telecom Pioneers Forest Life Member Club: The AT&T Telecom Pioneers Forest Life Member Club will have luncheon beginning at 11:30 a.m. Sept. 11 at Itasca Country Club, 400 E. Orchard, Itasca. Featured entertainer is singer Greta Pope. Tickets are $18. For details, call (630) 941-7488.

Mothers of Twins and Triplet Club: Take advantage of the bargains on toys, clothing and infant-related equipment at the Tri-Cities Mothers of Twins and Triplet Club's semi-annual resale on Sept. 13.

The fall resale will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 13 at Mooseheart Fieldhouse, located at the intersection of Mooseheart Road and Route 31 in North Aurora. The sale is open to the public and is a great way for families to find bargains on children's clothing, coats, toys, baby furniture, footwear and other infant-related equipment.

As the club's major fundraiser of the year, proceeds of the sale are allocated to causes within the club as well as charities outside the club. In the past, proceeds have been donated to Lazarus House, Mooseheart, the March of Dimes and area families in need.

The club's portion of the proceeds supports the club's expenses for the year, which includes family-related events such as an annual picnic and a breakfast with Santa. The club also provides scholarships to members and assistance to families experiencing hardship.

With well over 100 participants selling their furniture, maternity wear, children's clothing, toys and gear there is a wide variety of sizes and an assortment of items.

Admission to the sale is $1. Shoppers are encouraged to bring a laundry basket for shopping convenience and to arrive early for the best selection. No shopping bags are permitted. Items marked with a yellow ticket will be half price after 11:30 a.m. There also will be baked goods and beverages available for purchase at the sale.

The Tri-Cities Mothers of Twins and Triplets Club is a non-profit organization based in Kane County offering support, education, and camaraderie to families with or who are expecting multiples. They are a member of the National Organization of Mothers of Twins as well as the Illinois Organization of Mothers of Twins. For more information on membership or the resale, visit www.tcmottc.org or call (630) 375-7111.

Batavia American Legion: The Batavia American Legion Post 504 meets at 7 p.m on the third Tuesday of each month at the Batavia VFW Post 1197 Canteen, 645 S. River St., Batavia. The next meeting will be Sept. 16.

The Batavia American Legion Post 504 is currently looking for additonal new members. If you were in the military or are currently serving in the military and would be interested in joining, call Don Nallenweg at (630) 406-9331 or visit the Web site at www.bataviapost504.com.

Jewish Genealogical Society: The Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois welcomes Stephen Morse. He will discuss how to use his "One-Step Web Pages: A Potpourri of Genealogical Search Tools" and "One-Step Web Pages: A Hodgepodge of Lesser Known Gems" at 1 p.m. Sept. 21 at Temple Beth Israel, 3601 W. Dempster St., Skokie. This program is free to members of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois. There will be a $10 charge to nonmembers (which will apply to JGSI membership when you join by Oct. 31). To reserve your place, e-mail rsvp@jgsi.org.

Have you always wanted to discover your family's history but didn't know where to begin? Even if you don't know the names of your grandparents, where your ancestors originated, or if their town was destroyed in the Holocaust, you can trace your Jewish roots. Come to the meetings and learn how to start your search, locate your family shtetls, and use research sources around the world. JGSI has an extensive genealogical reference collection, and can provide you with a list of useful websites. If you are a beginner and need help getting started, members can assist you.

For information, visit www.jewishgen.org/jgsi, or call (312) 666-0100.

Elburn Bunco: Every year, Elburn Bunco for Breast Cancer works towards educating women about breast health as well as donating our profits to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

In the past 4 years, the organization has donated more than $50,000 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. This fight is made possible by the generous support of people like you.

The fifth annual Bunco for Breast Cancer will be held on Oct. 5 at Lions Park in Elburn with sessions at 1 and 6 p.m.

Become a "Pink Ribbon Sponsor" and donate a raffle or door prize with program recognition. Become a "Breast Cancer Awareness Partner" for $100 and have your name listed in the program, along with recognition as a table sponsor. This donation will help us underwrite the event cost and expenses. "Celebrate a Survivor" who continues to inspire or in memory of a loved one who you wish to honor and remember fondly. Indicate your wishes along with your donation. For information or to donate items, call Debbie Homesley at (630) 365-2164 or (630) 615-9708 or visit www.elburnherald.com/pdf/bunco_mailer_2008.pdf.

Batavia Mothers' Club: The Batavia Mothers' Club is calling for crafters for its 23rd annual Autumn Arts & Crafts Show. The show will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Mooseheart Fieldhouse, just off I-88 on Route 31 near the North Aurora and Batavia border. The event showcases juried booths of crafters offering handmade items including paintings, drawings, pet accessories, jewelry, dolls and more. Painters and artists specializing in pottery, glass and woodworking are encouraged to apply. Applications for the 150 available booths are due Aug. 18. A late fee will be charged after the deadline. To complete an application, visit www.bataviamothersclub.org. Call (630) 748-1501 or e-mail bmccrafteraps@yahoo.com for information.

The Autumn Arts & Crafts Show is the Batavia Mothers' Club Foundation's largest fundraiser. Proceeds go to organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life for families in need in the community.

Pottawatomie Garden Club: The Pottawatomie Garden Club ends its 80th year celebration with a luncheon on Oct. 27 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1145 N. Fifth Ave. (Route 25) in St. Charles. Dee Gatins, luncheon chairwoman, has chosen an anniversary theme. Tables will be decorated with items pertaining to an anniversary year. New and honorary members will be recognized and landscape commendation awards will be given to local businesses by Pat Driessen and Judy Price. Annette and Craig MacLeon, owners of The Pure Gardener in Geneva, will present fall decorating tips. 2009 officers will be presented and 2008 officers and chairpersons recognzed. Ruthie Callard, chairwoman of the 80th celebration, will have a surprise ending.

Girl Scouts-Fox Valley Council: The Girl Scouts-Fox Valley Council is currently seeking sponsors, advertisers and auction item donations for the 14th annual Holiday Harvest Dinner Auction at 6 p.m. Nov. 15 at Piper's Banquets in Aurora. The theme for this year's Holiday Harvest is "Holiday Magic." Highlights of the evening will include a live and silent auction, cocktails, and sit-down dinner.

Proceeds from this event underwrite the costs of many of the outstanding programs for Girl Scouts provided by the council. By supporting this event, individuals, businesses and organizations demonstrate their commitment to this youth development program for the girls in our communities.

If you are unable to sponsor, advertise or donate auction items, mark your calendar to attend the evening or volunteer to help.

For information on how you can participate in the Holiday Harvest "Holiday Magic" Dinner Auction, visit the Web site at www.fvgsc.org. You also may contact Jerre Henriksen at (630) 897-1565, ext. 117 or by e-mail at jerre@fvgsc.org.

Now in its 96th year, Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. In partnership with trained adults, girls develop qualities that will serve them all their lives - like strong values, social conscience and conviction about their own potential and self-worth.