Fox Valley clubs notes

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

Mothers & More: Join Mothers & More of McHenry County for "Getting to Know You Night" from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 30 at First Congregational Church, 461 Pierson St., Crystal Lake. This is a great opportunity for moms to get to know each other and feel more connected. They will share a variety of activities in a fun mom's night out. The idea of the "appreciative eye" will also be introduced as a way to assist us in our relationships with our children, spouses and each other. To RSVP, contact (815) 479-5733 or lseiter@sbcglobal.net.

Elgin Area Historical Society: For National Preservation Month in May, the Elgin Area Historical Society will offer three programs. On Friday, May 1, tour the Elgin National Watch Factory's Observatory built in 1910. Gary Kutina will share information about the Meridian Transit telescope and the observatory's role in Watch Factory development from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at 312 Watch St. The free program is sponsored by the Elgin Historical Society and ARCHES. On Saturday, May 2, celebrate the centennial of the Civil War cannon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Old Main museum, 360 Park St. Costumed re-enators will present a memorial program to commemorate 100 years of the Elgin Academy Civil War Monument. Refreshments will be served in the museum after the program. On Thursday, May 21, enjoy International Museum Day from noon to 1 p.m. at the museum. Bring your lunch as volunteers from the Elgin Police Department History Collection and the Elgin Fire Barn Museum talk about the history of these important government services. In addition, behind-the-scenes tours at the Elgin History Museum will be offered from 1 to 3 p.m. Admission will be free. For information, call (847) 742-4248.

Huntley Boy Scout Troop 167: Huntley Boy Scout Troop 167 invites you to treat mom or grandma to an early Mother's Day breakfast of pancakes, eggs, sausage, fruit, juice, milk, and coffee and help out your local Boy Scouts at the same time. Huntley Boy Scout Troop 167 will hold its annual Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, May 3, at the Huntley American Legion on Coral Street in downtown Huntley. Breakfast will be served from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Many door prizes from area businesses will be given away. Tickets are available from any Troop 167 Boy Scout or at the door. Tickets are $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, and $4 for children, ages 3 to 10.

Friends of Trout Park: The Friends of Trout Park are hosting a wildflower walk at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 3 at the park, off Route 25 on Trout Park Boulevard and Sherwood Avenue in Elgin. Experienced guides will lead small groups through the woods and ravines pointing out plants and discussing the natural history of the area. Once known as the Elgin Botanical Gardens, Trout Park has a rich and diverse array of plant life. Flowers such as bloodroot, marsh marigold and skunk cabbage can be viewed. The walk is free and lasts 1-2 hours.

Dundee Township Historical Society: The Dundee Township Historical Society will hold its annual meeting at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 3 at the museum, 426 Highland Ave., West Dundee. After a brief meeting, a special free program titled "The Pioneer Families of Schroeder Cemetery" will be presented by Linda Eber and Jane Smith. Schroeder Cemetery is a pioneer burying ground dating to the 1840s. Within this small, 1-acre parcel may lie the remains of some of the early pioneers who came west into the wilderness in search of a new life for themselves and their families. They were mostly farmers who tilled the soil and planted crops and year by year prospered in their new home. Many may have been laid to rest in perpetuity in this little corner of the Schroeder farm. Join society members as we hear the story of those early pioneers, who they were and what will become of them. Refreshments will be served. For information, call (847) 428-6996.

Elgin Elks: The Elgin Elks Lodge, in cooperation with the Illinois Elks Crippled Children's Program and Sherman Hospital, will sponsor a free orthopedic diagnostic clinic for children on Monday, May 4 at the hospital, 934 Center St., Elgin. The clinic will be conducted from 2 to 5 p.m. by Dr. Vincent P. Cannestra of Orthopedic and Spine Surgery Associates. He has worked with the Elks program for several years, conducting free clinics four times a year for children, infants to age 21. All diagnostic services, including X-rays, MRIs and other tests, are paid for by the Elks program. Financial assistance with treatment for a diagnosed program may be available through the Elks charity. This clinic is especially for children who complain of frequently occurring leg, knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, back or wrist pain. The clinic is also for children diagnosed with, or suspected of having, back curvature, or who seem very clumsy or fall frequently. The clinic is by appointment only. Appointments can be made by calling (800) 272-0074 from 1 to 4 p.m. weekdays. Family physicians are welcome to refer children to the clinic, but no referral is necessary to obtain an appointment.

The Fox Valley Rocketeers: The Rocketeers, a local club of model rocketry enthusiasts, will host its May club meeting from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Monday, May 4 at the McHenry Public Library, 809 N. Front St. Join them for a midpower rocket launch at the Hughes Seed Farm from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 9. The launch will feature 18-mm "A" parachute and streamer duration contests. For details, call Mark Bundick, (815) 337-9068 or Ken Hutchinson (815) 444-0539, or visit www.foxvalleyrocketeers.org for a map to the library or field.

Izaak Walton League: The public is invited to attend a presentation on the Illinois Climate Action Network by Wes King from Springfield at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 5 at the Izaak Walton League lodge, 899 Jay St., Elgin. Illinois CAN is a coalition led by 12 diverse groups that has embarked on a multiyear effort to tackle global warming through legislative measures and citizen involvement throughout the state. Since its formation in early 2008, it has been joined by a growing array of organizations across the state that have signed on in support of the group's mission.

Elgin Genealogical Society: The Elgin Genealogical Society will meet at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 5 in the first-floor meeting room at the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave. in Elgin. Club member Karen Meyers will present a "Beginning Genealogy Workshop." This is an opportunity for anyone seeking to discover their own roots to learn getting started steps and to meet with others who are searching and researching their family histories. "Old-timers" will be able to review strategies and perhaps discover some missed resources. Visit www.elginroots.com for information.

Golden K Kiwanis: The Elgin Golden K Kiwanis will meet at 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 6 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 357 Division St., Elgin. Bill Sokolis, president and CEO of Chicago Bandit's Women's Softball Team, will speak on being the 2008 world champions. Visitors are welcome. For information, call (847) 741-7176.

Friends of the Fox River: Try something different on Mother's Day. Join Friends of the Fox River from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 10, Mother's Day for the organization's 10th annual Monitor with Your Mother celebration. Agency professional partners and Dundee-Crown High School students will offer you the opportunity to take mom down the "Stream of Knowledge" to learn about the Fox River watershed and earn mom a special gift. For children there will be face painting and snow cones, and there will be opportunities to paddle on the Fox. This outdoor, rain-or-shine event will be held at Fox River Shores Forest Preserve on Williams Road in Carpentersville. The Field Museum's Renewable Energy Vehicle will also be on hand. For information, contact Gary Swick at (224) 484-5173 or swick@mc.net. Visit www.friendsofthefoxriver.org.

Hampshire VFW Post 8043: Hampshire Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8043 will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, May 11 at the Hampshire Township building, 100 Center St. New members welcome. For details, call (847) 683-3443. There will be an installation of officers by past commander, Roman Deutsch. The April 13 meeting, led by Commander Lowell Reiser, started with a salute to the colors and an opening prayer by chaplain Edward Wesemann. A thank-you was extended to the members for their cooperation of the military services for veteran Roger Chapman. Veterans and Ladies Auxiliary members will be selling poppies in Hampshire and Burlington on Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9. A window display will be made in the window of Fenzel Motor Sales on week of April 26 depicting the story of the Buddy Poppy, dates to remember and information on the Blue Star flags. Post members will be participating in the Loyalty Day Parade at Batavia, on May 3.

Hampshire VFW Ladies Auxiliary: Hampshire Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary Post 8043 will meet at 1:30 p.m. Monday, May 11 at the Hampshire Township building, 100 Center St. New members welcome. For details, call (847) 683-3443. At the April 13 meeting, special guest was Commander Lowell Reiser asking the members for their cooperation on Poppy Days in Hampshire and Burlington, May 8-9. The charter was draped in memory of Fifth District President Sylvia Wilvert, and a donation was made in her name to the National Cancer Aid and Research Fund. The auxiliary will be having patriotic baskets for raffles, chairwoman for the baskets will be Donna Proffitt. Scholarship forms for Hampshire and Burlington Central high schools have been delivered and the auxiliary will be giving one $300 at Hampshire High School and one at $300 at Burlington Central High School. The awards will be presented at respective Awards Nights, judging of the applications will be completed at the May 11 meeting and also the installation of officers, with the installing officer Joyce Deutsch, past president.

Fox Valley Men of Harmony: On Saturday, May 9, the Fox Valley Men of Harmony chorus will feature Illinois District Champion "Rush Street" quartet at its 63rd annual spring show at 3 p.m. at Larkin High School auditorium, 1475 Larkin Ave. in Elgin. This "See The USA" titled show will take the audience on a virtual trip around the U.S. with popular songs and colorful visuals. Other featured performers will include Geneva's own Misty River Chorus and the up-and-coming Sound Design Quartet. Other quartets including Barrington High School Testostertones who will present their recent contest winning harmonies will join the Fox Valley Men of Harmony Chorus and quartets on stage. Tickets are $16 or $8 for students. For tickets, call Bob at (815) 477-4837 or Bill at (630) 587-6383.

Sow Little Thyme: Sow Little Thyme Garden Club will host its biennial perennial plant sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 9. The sale will be at the corner of Duncan and Williams in East Dundee. Sale proceeds help maintain and improve garden and play areas at the Elgin Community Crisis Center. The group meets monthly in the Dundee area on the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. For meeting places and information, call Sheila at (847) 428-0849.

Fox Valley Rose Society: The Fox River Valley Rose Society will also sponsor other programs this spring and summer. There will be a garage sale on Saturday, May 9 featuring potted and miniature roses, garage and garden items, baked goods and a variety of plants from members of the society. There will also be a Rose Show on Sunday, June 14 at the Platt Hill Nursery in Carpentersville, and a garden walk in September. The public is welcome to attend any of these events. For information, call (847) 428-8495.

Elgin Woman's Club: The Elgin Woman's Club will host its annual spring luncheon, "Wine and Roses," at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 12 at Villa Olivia Country Club, Route 20 and Naperville Road, Bartlett.

Georgia Ross, first vice president, along with Patricia Gering, Joy Jensen and Tracy Varney, will assist as hostesses for the May meeting. Local musicians will perform a selection of Broadway show tunes for the meeting. "The Broadway Duo," composed of vocalist Regina Muscat of East Dundee and pianist Marilyn Foster of Elgin, will entertain members of the club with popular songs from the American music theater. Members are asked to make reservations no later than Friday, May 8, by calling the EWC hotline at (847) 622-3614. The luncheon meeting and program costs $25 and may be paid by check at the door the day of the meeting.

Fox Valley Computing Professionals: Due to an overwhelming turnout at the last meeting, Fox Valley Computing Professionals will repeat the program, "Social Networking for Business," including some new speakers and new presentations, at 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 11. For the location, visit www.meetup.com/foxvalleycp and www.foxvalleycp.com. The last meeting at the Batavia Public Library was standing room only, so the group will be meeting at a new location. The group meets on the second Monday of the month to provide free and open presentations on technology and business topics in relation to technology.

Elgin Area Women's Connection: The Elgin Area Women's Connection will meet for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, at the Villa Olivia Country Club, Route 20 in Bartlett. Meet representatives from community agencies, businesses and organizations that provide support and health-related services such as supportive living facilities and many other helpful groups. Then hear Romona Wink present her talk, "The Building Blocks of Life." $15 inclusive with complimentary child care. For reservations, call Jan at (630) 837-2632, Carolyn at (630) 213-1205, or e-mail Car644@gmail.com by Monday, May 11.

Stateline SHRM: On Thursday, May 14, Denise Eaves, president of People-Side Consulting, will discuss the Employee Free Choice Act at the next meeting of Stateline Society for Human Resource Management. Her presentation will focus on the business of unions, identifying the pros and cons of third party representation, recognizing union organizing activities, describing legal responses to organizing and discussing a proactive strategy. The hot breakfast meeting begins promptly at 7:45 a.m. and will adjourn at 9:45 a.m. They will meet 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 by cash or check at the door. Reservations are required no later than Monday, May 11. Visit www.statelineshrm.org for information or to make your reservation. Seating is limited.