From the clubs
To list your club's meetings, e-mail to foxvalley@dailyherald.com, or fax to (847) 608-0849.
Kane County Audubon Society: On Saturday, Dec. 6, take a field trip to Nelson Lake. The first Saturday of each month Kane County Audubon invites the public to join them as they view the birds of Nelson Lake. Meet at 8 a.m. in the parking lot by the silo, which is west of Nelson Lake Road about three-quarter mile south of Main Street, and about 2 miles west of Randall Road in Batavia. For details, call Rhonda Nelson at (630) 479-1384.
On Wednesday, Dec. 10, join the monthly meeting at 7 p.m. at Peck Farm, Peck and Kaneville roads, about one mile west of Randall Road in Geneva. The program will be "Birds of the Northwest and Beyond" by Kane County Audubon Society's Paul Mayer. For details, call Bob Andrini at (630) 584-8386 or visit kanecountyaudubon.org.
Freemasons: The Freemasons of Crystal Lake's Nunda Lodge will install the 2009 officers at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Freemasons Lodge at 200 Ellsworth. The installation is open to the public and offers an interesting introduction to the world's oldest and largest fraternity.
Dundee Township Republican Central Committee: The Dundee Township Republican Central Committee Inc. hosts its 15th annual Republican Christmas Dinner on Sunday, Dec. 7 at the The Milk Pail Restaurant, Route 25, East Dundee. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. for a social hour with cash bar. At 6:30 p.m., a traditional turkey dinner is served. Attendees are encouraged to bring nonperishables and canned goods to be donated to a local food pantry. Pet shelter donations are planned for a local pet shelter; attendees can bring nonperishable and canned dog and cat food. The public is welcome. Tickets are $30 donation per person, available in advance or at the event. For details, call Margaret Scalfaro at (847) 428-1875.
Friends of the Fox River: Friends of the Fox River will hold its annual meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8 in the third floor courtroom at the historic Kendall County Courthouse, 111 Fox St., Yorkville. Marc Miller from Lt. Governor Pat Quinn's office will speak on the Dam Safety Initiative, Bob Rung from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources speaking on the biological health of the Fox River, and board members will highlight the organization's accomplishments over the last year. Light refreshments will be served. For details, call (815) 356-6605.
Hampshire VFW: The Hampshire Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8043 will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8 at Hampshire Township building, 100 Center St. New members are welcome. For information, call Commander Lowell Reiser at (847) 683-3443.
Hampshire VFW Auxiliary: Hampshire Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8043 Ladies Auxiliary will meet at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8 at the Hampshire Township building, 100 Center St.
NARFE: National Active and Retired Federal Employees of the Greater Fox Valley Chapter 2181 will gather for a holiday luncheon at noon Tuesday, Dec. 9, at Grand Victoria Casino in downtown Elgin, 250 S. Grove Ave. They will meet at the buffet which will be self-pay. Prospective members are invited. Call the Hysers by Dec. 8 at (847) 741-5772 if you are planning to attend.
Henpeck HCE: The Henpeck Unit of Kane County Association for Home and Community Education will have the Unit Christmas Party on Tuesday, Dec. 9, at Niko's Grill and Pub in Huntley. Cash donations will be collected for the Hampshire/Burlington Food Pantry in lieu of a Christmas gift exchange. Guests are welcome; call Mary Ann Harter at (847) 683-3632 for details and directions.
Elgin Area Women's Connection: The Elgin Area Women's Connection will hold its monthly luncheon meeting from noon to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10 at the Villa Olivia Country Club, Bartlett. Guest speaker Karen Hampel will tell her inspirational story about finding peace and fulfillment. Kim Leider of Beijobags will present a fashion show of women's purses. The cost is $15 inclusive and complimentary child care available. For reservations and child care, call Jan at (630) 837-2632 or Carolyn at (630) 213-1205 or e-mail Car644@gmail.com by Dec. 8.
Plato Center HCE: The Plato Center Unity of HCE will meet at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 12, for its Christmas Luncheon at Sorrento's in Maple Park. Bring two dozen cookies to be given to PADS, the Crisis Center and Elgin Child Care Center. Also being collected for PADS are towels, pillow cases and washcloths, in good condition. To attend, call Joan at (847) 931-8120. All are welcome.