Fox Valley Club briefs

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

Elgin American Legion: The Elgin American Legion Post 57 has sponsored boys to The American Legion Department of Illinois Boys State program for 74 years. This year, Kriston Johnson, one of the students from South Elgin High School, was elected to the third highest office of the Boys State program as Secretary of State. Boys State is a one-week course in government conducted by the American Legion Department of Illinois (State) at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston. Johnson has been invited to be on stage at the Illinois American Legion Convention in Springfield on Friday, July 10.

Boy Scout Troop 43: Boy Scout Troop 43 in Carpentersville wants you to begin the Adventure with them. On Saturday, July 11, stop by St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 225 Kennedy Drive in Carpentersville, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and see how Boy Scouts camp and sample the wonderful camp food. All boys, age 11 to 18, and their parents are welcome. Join the troop meetings from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays, starting July 17 at St. Stephens Church. For details, call the Rev. Antonion Cabello at (847) 844-9295 or Chuck Molenda at (847) 426-5193.

Gilberts Grizzlies: The Gilberts Grizzlies Youth football and cheer will host a car wash along with the Gilberts Police Department from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 11 at the mobile station on Route 72 in Gilberts.

Community Economic Restoration Project: The economic crisis is devastating the Elgin community, pushing thousands of middle class citizens to the brink of poverty, by making it extremely difficult for these hardworking folks to find decent jobs, and undercutting social services that they may need now more than ever.

The Community Economic Restoration Project of Elgin seeks to address these concerns and will be hosting a series of free public events. The next event is scheduled for Saturday, July 11. It will feature four prominent speakers, along with an opportunity for attendees to exchange perspectives and ideas.

"The Elgin community is full of resourceful, energetic, smart citizens," states project member Shirley Bassett, president of Black Business Owners and Community Networking Organization and a project organizer. "Together, we can come up with ideas that can fill in the gaps, and begin to restore our local economy to one that is fair and just for everyone."

James Thindwa, the director of Jobs with Justice in Chicago, will headline the panel. He was featured on PBS' "Bill Moyer's Journal" on March 27. Thindwa will be joined by Vincent Gaddis, professor of history, philosophy and religious studies at Benedictine University in Lisle; Diane Nilan, founder and director of Hear Us, an organization that gives voice to homeless children and youth; and Elgin's own Mae Hicks Jones, local activist and writer.

The panel discussion will begin at 9:30 a.m. at Gail Borden Library, 270 N. Grove Ave. in Elgin. For information, call Mary Shesgreen at (847) 742-1406.

Fox Valley Rocketeers: The club of model rocketry enthusiasts will host a rocket launch from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 11, at Kishwaukee Park, Woodstock. For details, call Mark Bundick (815) 337-9068 or Ken Hutchinson (815) 444-0539, or visit www.foxvalleyrocketeers.org for a map to the field.

Elgin VFW Post 1307: The Elgin Watch City Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1307 is sponsoring a Motorcycle and Vehicle Poker Run Rally on Sunday, July 12 to support the U.S. military troops serving our country in Operation Enduring Freedom. The run will begin and end at the VFW Post at 1601 Weld Road in Elgin, stopping at many area American Legions and VFW's along the way. Registration starts at 9 a.m. A pancake/sausage or egg burrito breakfast will be offered at a minimum cost to participants. The first vehicle will leaving the VFW at 11:30 a.m. Registration is $15 per person and all proceeds will go to provide needed personal supplies for the troops serving in the Middle East and for mailing of the packages. This is a great chance to have a lot of fun and help the men and women who are preserving our freedom under harsh conditions. Call (847) 888-9809 to register or for information.

Animal Outreach Humane Society: Animal Outreach Humane Society will hold its dog and small pet nail trim on Sunday, July 12. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Crystal Lake Petco, 230 S. Virginia (Route 14). Fee is $5 for each pet. Proceeds help Animal Outreach Humane Society continue its programs to help homeless and abused animals of McHenry County. Dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets and guinea pigs are welcome. All dogs must be on leashes. For details, contact Animal Outreach Humane Society at (815) 385-0005 or www.animaloutreachsociety.org.

Hampshire VFW: Hampshire Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8043 will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, July 13 at the Hampshire Township building, 100 Center St. New members are welcome. At the June 8 meeting, Commander Lowell Reiser opened the meeting with a salute to the colors, Pledge of Allegiance and opening prayer by chaplain Edward Wesemann. Thank you's were extended to the Post and Auxiliary members for their excellent participation in the Memorial Day services. Letters of appreciation were sent to the clergy, speakers, band director, band students, organizations and the entire community for the wonderful turnout. Auxiliary members distributed more American flags this year than in previous years. Discussion was held in regards to programs for Veterans Day to be held at the schools. Packages have been sent to local servicemen stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. For details, call Commander Reiser (847) 683-3443.

Hampshire VFW Auxiliary: Hampshire Ladies Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8043 will meet at 1:30 p.m. Monday, July 13, at the Hampshire Township building, 100 Center St. At the June 8 meeting, senior vice president Velda Grimes conducted the meeting with an opening prayer by chaplain Donna Proffitt. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by members followed with group singing of "God Bless America." Fifth District meeting was attended by treasurer Arlene Reiser. The new Fifth District President will be Barb Gray of Auxiliary 4551, Sequoit VFW Post. Hospital chairwoman Doris Kiock reported she has received hospital credit of $36,746 since the year 2000. Donations of men's clothing, toiletries and miscellaneous will be accepted. Graves registration chairwoman Arlene Reiser reported that deceased members were remembered with a Auxiliary and American Flag at their grave site for Memorial Day. Membership renewal letters will be sent to members. Prompt reply would be greatly appreciated. The Auxiliary welcomes new members. For eligibility, call Arlene (847) 683-3443.

Cary-Grove Dance Team: The Cary-Grove Varsity Dance Team will offer a community pom clinic on July 13-15. Girls from prekindergarten to eighth grade can learn the latest hip hop moves and pom techniques. There will be a performance for parents at the end of camp. Prekindergarten to kindergarten meets from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at a cost of $30. The first- to eighth-graders meet from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at a cost of $40. Fee includes camp T-shirt. Registration forms available on the Cary Grove High School Web site, www.d155.org/cg/. All proceeds to go toward competition costumes and fees for the 2009-2010 school year.

Golden K Kiwanis: The Elgin Golden K Kiwanis will meet at 9 a.m. Wednesday, July 15 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 357 Division St., Elgin. The program will be by Mike Lehman, director of Elgin City Golf Courses. Visitors are welcome. For information, call (847) 741-7176.

WIM: The McHenry County Chapter of Women in Management will begin its 2009-2010 program schedule, "The Year of Unlimited - You" with a presentation by Marianne O'Hara of Focus Martial Arts in Lake in the Hills. The networking lunch will begin at 11:30 a.m. July 16 at the Shah Center for Corporate Training, 4100 W. Shamrock Lane in McHenry. O'Hara will demonstrate techniques from "Fight Like A Girl!" a female only self-defense program, designed to teach women to use their strengths against the weaknesses of a male attacker. This is a great opportunity for women of all ages to gain valuable, hands-on experience in fighting off "the bad guy" in an effective manner. Comfortable, loose-fitting clothes are recommended. The event is sponsored by the Shah Center. This month, WIM is offering a special guest luncheon price of $20 per person. Reservations are required and close July 13. Call (815) 363.2693 or visit www.wimonline.org, select chapter link to McHenry County and event registration. Advance payment checks can be mailed to WIM McHenry County, 4302-F Crystal Lake Road, McHenry, IL 60050. Payment also will be accepted at the door.

Elgin Genealogical Society: The Elgin Genealogical Society will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 16, at the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave. in Elgin. Dean Richardson is the creator of Genlighten.com. He holds a PhD. in optical sciences from the University of Arizona and a master in business administration from Kellogg. Genlighten is a powerful online resource for obtaining genealogical source documents with the help of skilled local researchers. In this workshop, attendees will learn how to tap the power of Genlighten's lookup provider network to get help finding death certificates, obituaries, church records, city directory entries and more from repositories across the U.S. and beyond. He also will discuss how genealogical enthusiasts can turn their research skills and access to local records into an additional source of income. This workshop is open to anyone interested in genealogical research. For information, visit www.elginroots.com.

Elgin VFW Ladies Auxiliary: The Ladies Auxiliary of Elgin Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1307 would like congratulate the 2009-2010 officers: Denise O'Connor, president; Barb Redmon, senior vice president; Penny Reicks, junior vice president; Kathy Scaletta, secretary; Sue Borter, treasurer; Mickyanne Miller, chaplain; Pat Karwatzki, Guard; Pat Porter, Patriot Instructor; Flo Riley, Flag Bearer; Mary West, Banner Bearer; and Barb Redmon, Historian, as well as Flo Riley, 1-year trustee; Barb Redmon, 2-year trustee, and Pat Karwatzki, 3-year trustee. The Ladies Auxiliary has an exciting year planned. The first event will be the homecoming party for the soldiers from Company B, 1st Batallion, 178th Infantry from the Elgin Armory. The soldiers will be coming home the end of July or the beginning of August. The Homecoming Bash will be held at Streamwood High School. The next event is the Ladies Auxiliary second annual Streak Fry which will be held Sunday, Aug. 16 at the post home, 1601 Weld Road in Elgin. For information, call Dorothy at (847) 707-3064. All the proceeds from the Ladies Auxiliary events will benefit the veterans and their families. All events are open to the public and they would love to have you join them. If would like to join the Ladies Auxiliary so you can get in involved to help our Veteran, past, present and future, e call Sue at (815) 477-3322.

Kane County Audubon Society: The Kane County Audubon Society will host a bird walk at 8 a.m. Saturday, July 18 at Freeman Kame-Meagher Forest Preserve, Gilberts. More than three years have passed since Kane County Audubon has had a bird walk at this 1200-plus-acre site. In addition to birding, participants can experience the interesting kettle-morraine topographic features of this preserve. Meet in the parking area next to the railroad tracks. Freeman Kame is located on Freeman Road about midway between Randall Road and Route 47. For information on this walk, call Bill Koch at (847) 931-9123.

VFW Post 2298: The Tri-City Evergreen Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2298 will host its first golf outing on Sunday, July 19 at Bonnie Dundee Golf Course in East Dundee. The first tee time will be at 1 p.m. The four-man scramble will including 9 holes with car rental; prime rib dinner with two complimentary drinks, and prizes. The fee is $50 per person. For details, call (847) 428-9006.

On Saturday, Aug. 1, the VFW Post 2298 will present an evening of music and buffet dinner at the post home, 117 S. First St., West Dundee. It will feature tributes to Frank Sinatra by John LoBianco, Patsy Kline by Alice Loftus and Elvis by Bruce Wisser. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. There will be a cash bar from 6 to 7 p.m. followed by dinner from 7 to 8 p.m. The music performances will be from 8 to 11 p.m. For tickets, call (847) 4288-9006.

Mothers & More: Join Mothers & More of McHenry County for a presentation of options to weather these challenging economic times. Key ideas from the book "Smart Women Finish Rich" by David Bach will be discussed. Reading the book is certainly not required; all are welcome to join in and start saving. The presentation will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, July 30 in the fellowship room at First Congregational Church, 461 Pierson St. in Crystal Lake. Enter through the church office entrance on the Lake Street side of the building. This is also a chance to meet women in the group and to learn more about Mothers & More, which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of mothers. The group supports mothers as individuals and promote the value of all of the work that mothers do. Programs sponsored by Mothers & More of McHenry County are free and open to the public. For information, visit www.mchenrymothers.org.

Zonta Club: Looking for some fellowship and networking opportunities with professional women in your community? The Zonta Club of St. Charles-Geneva-Batavia is a local organization of professional women working to improve the status of women in the Tri-City area. The next meeting will be Tuesday, Aug. 4 at Prairie Landing Golf Club in West Chicago. Networking will begin at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. Dinner cost $25. This month, they are celebrating fellowship with a Southern Living party. Join them to view and purchase the newest items from the Southern Living home decor collection. Reservations must be called in to Christie Plotzke at (847) 931-2292 by July 28. For information about Zonta, contact club president Bobbie Gerbrecht at bobbie@bobbiegrayson.com or (630) 879-7889.

Sunburst Corvette Club of Crystal Lake: The club will host its annual Corvette Car Show on Saturday, Aug. 29 at Reichert Chevrolet, 5220 Northwest Hwy. in Crystal Lake. The car show is the Corvette Club's primary fundraiser for the year. Proceeds are donated to local charities. This event is an opportunity to view some of the finest Corvettes in the Midwest.

The event will include three competitions for best car. Two are National Council Corvette Clubs Inc. contours events which will be judged by trained contours judges and participants will vie for NCCC points. There also will be a People's Choice Award. All spectators and participants are encouraged to vote for their favorite in each class for this event. Registration is encouraged. For advance registration forms, visit the Web site under the Events Listing section. Same day registration and technical inspection will be from 8:30 to 10 a.m. There will be a driver's meeting for all competitors at 10:15 a.m. The judging for the first contours will begin at 10:30 a.m. Judging for the second contours event will begin following a break after the first event.

Event registration is open to all Corvette owners. The registration fee is $12 per event before Aug. 1 or $15 per event after the deadline. Registration will be accepted on the day of the show as well.

Spectators are welcome at no charge. Refreshments and food will be available. There will be silent auctions, raffles and door prizes for spectators and competitors. GM XM Radio will provide music for the event.

The Sunburst Corvette Club is in its 32nd year. It has more than 120 members and uses funds it raises to support local charities such as The Salvation Army, Heart of a Marine Foundation and Toys for Tots. Its membership participates in a variety of events including racing competitions, leisurely drive-outs, cross country treks, and car shows.

For information on the Sunburst Corvette Club, visit Web site www.sunburstcorvetteclub.com.

Toastmasters: Do you want to improve your speaking skills. Need to be more confident on that interview or presentation. Come join the Listen Learn Lead Toastmasters for a fun and enjoyable way to keep the butterflies flying in formation. It meets at the Walker Parking Consultants building, 505 Davis Road in Elgin. The meetings are from noon to 1 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursday of the month. Call (630) 605-4815 or e-mail to vtreague@hotmail.com for more information.

LITH Rotary: The Lake in the Hills Rotary Club meets every Wednesday from noon until 1 p.m. at the Colonial Cafe, 2555 W. Bunker Hill Drive in Algonquin. The club is currently accepting new members. If you are interested in membership, join them on Wednesday for a free lunch to learn more about what the Rotary Club has to offer. Visit the Web site at www.lithrotary.org.

Sow Little Thyme: Sow Little Thyme Garden Club 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.