Fox Valley club notes
To list your club's meetings, e-mail to foxvalley@dailyherald.com, or fax to (847) 608-0849.
Northwest Suburban Astronomers: The Northwest Suburban Astronomers, in cooperation with the DeKalb County Forest Preserve District, will host a public star party at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, May 23, at Afton Forest Preserve, 13600 Crego Road in DeKalb County. This is your opportunity to look at stars, galaxies, nebulae and star clusters with the help of NSA member telescopes. Some of the observing highlights will be the planet Saturn, open cluster M44, globular cluster M13, the constellations Leo and Ursa Major (the Big Dipper) among others.
The forest preserve is about one mile east of Route 23 and 4.5 miles south of the Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway, I-88. Bring warm clothing (nights can be chilly), insect repellent (if needed), and a flashlight covered with red plastic or cellophane (red light preserves your night vision). You can also come out early and have a picnic and hike the trails. You are welcome to bring your own telescope or binoculars. In the event of inclement weather the event will be canceled. There is no cost to attend.
The next club meeting will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 8 at Vogelei Barn, 650 Higgins Road in Hoffman Estates. The guest speaker will be Richard Doctor, Ph.D., of Argonne National Laboratory on "The History and Science of the 'Greenhouse' - Astronomical connections." For details, visit www.nsaclub.org.
The Fox Valley Rocketeers: The Rocketeers, a local club of model rocketry enthusiasts, will host 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.
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 Gardeners of America: The Elgin Gardeners of America will hold its annual pre-Mother's Day plant sale at 8 a.m. Saturday, May 9. The sale is located at Lillian Street and Melrose Avenue, behind Ace Hardware. The club will be selling home grown tomato plants, herbs, peppers, annuals, shade and sun perennials, geraniums, limited number of shrubs, hostas.
Algonquin Garden Club: The Algonquin Garden Club is having a plant sale on Saturday, May 9 at Algonquin Town Center, east of the river on Route 62 near Butera grocery. Starting at 8 a.m. until sold out. They will have hanging baskets, combo pots, geraniums, and perennials dug from member's gardens. Profits benefit the scholarship fund. Large plants for low prices and great for Mother's Day
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.
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. Sunday, 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 more information, contact monitoring network director Gary Swick at (224) 484-5173 or swick@mc.net. For information visit www.friendsofthefoxriver.org.
Elgin American Legion: American Legion Post 57, 820 N. Liberty St. in Elgin, will host its annual Mother's Day Brunch from 9 to 11 a.m. Sunday, May 10. The cost per person is $8, and the brunch is open to the public. Bring mom out for a special treat.
On Wednesday, May 13, the post will host a spaghetti dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. This dinner is open to the public and the cost is $6 per person. The menu includes: spaghetti with meat sauce, meatballs, garlic toast and salad. The American Legion's hall is available for rental for any event. Call (847) 741-1684 for more information.
Also coming up this month, the American Legion Post 57 invites the community in celebrating Poppy Days starting at noon Thursday, May 14, all day Friday, May 15, and until noon Saturday, May 16. The American Legion will be selling poppies on the west side of Elgin, and the Elgin Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1307 will be selling on the east side. When you see members of these two veterans' organizations out and about selling poppies on those days, please give generously. All money goes to help our veterans.
As part of the Memorial Day celebration on May 25, the American Legion Post 57 will join in various services and events throughout the city of Elgin that day. The Mount Hope Cemetery service will begin at 9 a.m., the Lakewood Memorial Park service will be held at approximately 9:15 a.m., the Kimball Street Bridge ceremony starts at approximately 10:15 a.m., and the Bluff City Cemetery program begins promptly at 11 a.m. Plan on attending at least one of these services honoring the brave servicemen and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country over the years.
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. The nomination and election of officers was held with the officers for the coming year as follows: Commander Lowell Reiser; senior vice commander George Partlo Jr.; vice commander John Sikes; adjutant Jody Remakel; quartermaster Patrick Cahoon; chaplain Edward Wesemann; and officer of the day Roman Deutsch. Veterans and Ladies Auxiliary members will be selling poppies in Hampshire and Burlington on Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9. Dates to remember: May 7, the unconditional surrender of German forces signed 1945 and also National Day of Prayer; May 8, V-J Day declared 1945, and Military Spouses Day.
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.
The April 13 meeting with president Jerrilynne Partlo began with the Pledge of Allegiance and opening prayer by chaplain pro tem Donna Proffitt. 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. Nomination of officers was held with the following slate of officers for the coming year: president, Jerrilynne Partlo; senior vice president, Velda Grimes; junior vice president, Joyce Deutsch; secretary, Mary Ann Peterson; treasurer, Arlene Reiser; chaplain, Donna Proffitt; Patriotic Instructor, Fran Stuehler; conductress Doris Klock; and Banner Bearer, Joanne Brazas. 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 for the coming year will take place, with the installing officer Joyce Deutsch, past president.
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 and way over capacity so the group will be meeting at a new location. To view one of the presenter's PowerPoint presentations on the topic, visit slideshare.com.
The Fox Valley Computing Professionals has been in existence for 2 years, starting with three members. They are now around 90. 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.
Henpeck AHCE: The Henpeck Unit of Kane County Association for Home and Community Education will meet Tuesday, May 12 at the home of Peggy Gross in Hampshire. A lesson on "Fruits and Vegetables" will be presented by Emily Sjurseth. Guests are welcome; call
(847) 683-3826 for details and directions.
At the April 14 meeting, a lesson on "Living Single in a Coupled World" provoked a great deal of discussion. Betty Rylko served as hostess for the meeting. Seven members and one guest, Carol Wright, answered roll call with something new they will plant this year with information learned in a horticulture lesson.
The Annual Meeting of Kane County AHCE will be held on Wednesday, May 20 at Lincoln Inn in Batavia. Donations of deodorant were collected for the Hampshire/Burlington Food Pantry. Next month, donations of the member's choice will be collected for the food pantry.
For information about the organization or a free one-year membership in the Henpeck Unit, contact Peggy Gross at (847) 683-3826 or Membership Director, Mary Ann Harter at (847) 683-3632.
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. The duo has appeared together for performances with a repertoire that includes numbers from the great Broadway composers, including George Gershwin, Jerome Kern and Rodgers and Hammerstein. Both women are teachers and first worked together at the former Summit Academy in Elgin.
Muscat has been a professional vocalist since 1981. She studied vocal performance, dance and musical theater at Elgin Community College and Eastern Illinois University. Her experience before an audience has included countless performances with the Independent Players and the Elgin Summer Theater, as well as ecumenical Advent and Lenten recitals. She is also a private voice teacher.
Foster has performed in musical and theatrical productions all of her life, ranging from drama at Culver-Stockton College in Canton, Mo., to international touring shows. She taught elementary school in Elgin Area School District U-46, where she often incorporated music into her teaching.
Year-end events at the meeting will include the installation of new officers and new members and a memorial service. Newly elected officers are Linda Fagan, who will be installed as second vice president, and Audrey Gilbert, recording secretary. Current officers who will serve with them are Ethel Gardner, president; Georgia Ross, first vice president; Helen McCulloch, treasurer; and Lou Mutter, historian.
Department chairs are Lou Mutter, arts; Cheryl Lee, conservation; Suzanne Hamaker, education; Linda Fagan, health and nominating committee; Leigh Butler, home life; Bridget McGuinness, international/public affairs; and Joy Jensen, publicity. The scholarship committee will again be chaired by Loa McLean. Joy Jensen and Lois Oberst will continue to serve as representatives to the Sherman Hospital and Sherman West Court boards of directors, respectively.
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.
Since the club was founded in 1887, members have supported hundreds of local projects including yearly scholarships to students from area high schools. The club's major accomplishment was the founding of Sherman Hospital in 1888. In addition, members serve as readers in local schools, volunteers in hospitals and other agencies throughout the Elgin area and are active in recycling, conservation, women's health, international affairs and other projects.
Women who want to know more about the Elgin Woman's Club, recognized for 121 years as a leading philanthropic organization, may call the hotline. A club member will return their call within 24 hours. As a member of the General Federation of Women's Clubs there is a variety of club information on their Web site, www.gfwc.org.
Art for All: Art for All will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 12 at its new location, Community Baptist Church, 991 Deborah in Elgin's Eagle Heights subdivision. They encourage all artists to attend. All skill levels are welcome even non-artist or those who would like to learn more about art. The group meets at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month. This nonprofit organization assists artists and the visual arts in the Elgin Area. For details, visit www.artforall-elgin.com or call Sandy Kaptain at (847) 741-7375.
Golden K Kiwanis: The Elgin Golden K Kiwanis will meet at 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 13 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 357 Division St., Elgin. The program will be by Jose M. Torres, superintendent of Elgin Area School District U-46. His topic will be "U-46 Status Report." Visitors are welcome. For information, call (847) 741-7176.
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. Come and 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.
Women's Leadership Network: Join the Women's Leadership Network organization for a speaker, networking and dinner event. The topic of the meeting is "What's On Your Inner MP3 Player?" The organization will meet at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 13 at Henessey's on Randall Road in Elgin. The cost of the event is $35. For details, call Robin at (312) 259-8032 or visit WLNNews.com."
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. She has consulted with health care and social service organizations, professional firms, manufacturing and construction businesses, for over 20 years in both union and nonunion environments. She facilitates the development of productivity via effective policy and management practice related to employee performance, organizational development and workplace dynamics.
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.
Friends of Judson: The Friends of Judson University will hold a huge garage sale from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16 at 1919 Kevin Ave. on Elgin's west side off Royal Boulevard. Friends of Judson is a nonprofit organization which seeks to enhance the quality of student life on the Judson University campus. All proceeds from the sale will go toward student scholarships. If you have clean items that are in good condition which you are willing to donate, call (847) 426-3754 or bring to 1919 Kevin Ave. on Thursday, May 14.
LITH American Legion: In honor of "Armed Forces Day," the Lake in the Hills American Legion Post 1231 announced their "Annual Armed Forces Day Breakfast" scheduled for 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 16 or until food runs out. This event is opened to the public and they encourage all military personnel and veterans to attend. The menu includes scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes with onions, green pepper, or pancakes. Cost is $6 for adults or $4 for children. The post is at 1101 W. Algonquin Road in Lake in the Hills. For information, contact David Mudd at (847) 658-2010. American Legion Post 1231 is a nonprofit organization supporting, active military personnel, veterans and their families through community service and sponsored held events.
NAMI: NAMI Kane County, an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, will hold its Saturday, May 16 meeting at the Ecker Center for Mental Health, 1845 Grandstand Place, third floor, Elgin. The program will feature Cathy Reif, Northern Illinois University School of Law student, who will speak on "Civil Commitment and the Law." She was the moderator at the April 16 School of Law Symposium held at the university in DeKalb.
Members of the community are welcome to join NAMI members for an interesting and educational program which will follow a brief business meeting starting at 9:30 a.m.
Fox Valley Beaux Arts: Fox Valley Beaux Arts continues to celebrate their Jubliee Year with the annual installation of officers on Tuesday, May 19 at Villa Olivia Country Club, off Route 20 in Bartlett. The scholarship winners for this year have been invited to the dinner where their names will be announced. Traditionally, each of these talented high school seniors entertain us at this event. Cocktails begin at 6:30 p.m. followed by dinner. Beaux Arts welcomes all those who are interested in supporting the arts in the Elgin area. For reservations to the dinner and more information about Beaux Arts, call Marge Haefliger at (847) 697-7374.
Boy Scout Troop 43: Boy Scout Troop 43 Carpentersville is selling Hoagie sandwiches to help send boys to summer camp. Purchase your fresh hot and spicy or plain Hoagie sandwiches for your Memorial Day picnic. They are selling Hoagies from now until Thursday, May 14. Delivery will be Saturday, May 23. Cost is $4.50 per sandwich. Call their Hoagie Hotline at (847) 426-5193 and place your order today.
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. Sunday, May 17. Advance tickets are $5 for adults. Tickets at the door are $6 for adults and $4 for children age 12 and under. The VFW is at 1601 Weld Road on Elgin's west side - between McLean Boulevard and Randall Road. Advance ticket sales end at noon May 16.
Elgin Area Historical Society: For National Preservation Month in May, the Elgin Area Historical Society invites you to International Museum Day from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, May 21 at the museum, 360 Park St., Elgin. 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.
VFW Post 2298: The Tri-City Evergreen Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2298 will place flags on the graves of veterans at 6:30 a.m. Saturday, May 23 at the Dundee Township Cemetery East in East Dundee.
On Sunday, May 24, they will host the Dundee Township Memorial Day parade in downtown East and West Dundee. The lineup will be at 1 p.m. with the parade stepping off at 2 p.m.
The VFW Post 2298 canteen has new hours from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Lunch is also being served now from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday to Saturday. For details, call Jessie at (847) 844-0943 or the post home at (847) 428-9006.
American Legion Post 119: The American Legion Frank H. Nagel Jr. Post 119 of Fox River Grove will sponsor a Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 25. It will start at Algonquin Road School, 975 Algonquin Road, Fox River Grove. The American Legion is seeking organizations to participate in the Memorial Day Parade and ceremony. The parade steps off at 8:30 a.m. Any organizations wishing to participate in the parade can call American Legion Commander Bod DePaul at (847) 639-0267.
Huntley American Legion: The Huntley American Legion Post 673 will host its annual Memorial Day Parade at 11 a.m. Monday, May 25. The parade will start at the Huntley Municipal Complex, 10987 Main St., and proceed west on Main Street, to the Huntley American Legion Post at Coral and Woodstock streets, for a brief memorial ceremony. After the ceremony, a free public luncheon will be hosted at the American Legion Hall. Local clubs, organizations, businesses, and others interested in participating in this year's parade should contact Patrick Conley Commander at (847) 659-1883 or e-mail at pandjo66@yahoo.com by Friday, May 22. Or contact the Huntley Legion Hall at (847) 669-8485 between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m. daily.
Mothers & More: Mothers & More of McHenry County is hosting a summer idea exchange from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 28 in the fellowship room at First Congregational Church, 461 Pierson St. in Crystal Lake. Use the Church Street entrance. All are welcome to share ideas for fun, frugal, creative things to do during the summertime. Share your thoughts on great vacation spots, activities, games, camps, recipes, parties and more. If you are fresh out of ideas, come and be inspired. They will commiserate, share some laughs and gear up for a wonderful summer season. This is also a chance to learn more about Mothers & More. Mothers & More is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of mothers. All guests will be entered in a drawing to win a free membership. To RSVP, contact lseiter@sbcglobal.net or (815) 479-5733 or (815) 451-3350. Programs sponsored by Mothers & More of McHenry County are free and open to the public. Visit www.mchenrymothers.org.
Lakes Region Historical Society: On Thursday, May 28, the Lakes Region Historical Society will host a program given by Tony Olszewski of the McHenry County Paranormal Society. Olszewski will discuss local hauntings and the ability to help those in the area experiencing paranormal activity. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. at The Meeting House, 977 Main St., Antioch. All are welcome, admission is free and refreshments will be served. For information, call (847) 395-4912.
American Legion Post 1231: Lake in the Hills American Legion Post 1231 Auxiliary will host its third annual barbecue meat raffle at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 30 at the post home, 1101 W. Algonquin Road. For details, visit www.post1231.org.