Fox Valley club briefs

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

American Legion: On Thursday, July 30, Lake in the Hills American Legion Post 1231 joins in welcoming home National Guard soldiers from Woodstock Armory's Delta Company 1/178th Infantry Regiment at Woodstock Square. Buses are expected to arrive around 10:30 or 11 a.m. The soldiers will depart Ft. McCoy in Wisconsin at 7 a.m. A special flag raising ceremony will take place approximately a half-hour before the arrival of the buses. Heroes will get off the busses and head up the walkway to the gazebo where awards will take place. Woodstock Mayor Brian Sager and McHenry County's Sheriff Keith Nygren, plus other local dignitaries, will take part in ceremonies. The bells will toll for the four fallen soldiers once everyone is situated in the gazebo. There will be a presentation for their slain comrades. Plaques will be given to the families present. Immediately after the Woodstock cemeremonies, the American Legion is also planning a "Welcome Home" party for Specialist Sean Heraty. Staging for Warrior Guard Patriot Riders begins at MCC's parking lot. Riders will pass through Crystal Lake (Sean's neighborhood). Police and fire escorts will join the riders to the destination of the American Legion Post, 1101 W. Algonquin Road, Lake in the Hills. The public is encouraged to attend both events and extend to our heroes a hearty thank you.

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. For information, visit www.mchenrymothers.org.

Model T Club: Come take a drive down memory lane in Model T cars at the third annual show by the Fox Valley Model T Club of Elgin. The cars will be on display from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 1 at the Sherman West Court parking lot, 1950 Larkin Ave., Elgin.

Fox Valley Rocketeers: The Rocketeers, a local club of model rocketry enthusiasts, generally hosts a monthly meeting from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3 at the Woodstock Public Library, 414 W. Judd St. A rocket launch will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8 at Kishwaukee Park in 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 library or field.

Schaumburg Community Singers: The next practice of the Schaumburg Park District Community Singers as they return from summer break will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, Aug, 3, at the Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth. The Schaumburg Community Singers have members from 20 to 80-plus years in age. They sing at community events, retirement communities, nursing homes and other local events. The program consists of a mixture of Broadway show tunes, old standards, folk songs, and patriotic medleys. They also sing a holiday program during the Christmas holidays and sing the national anthem at an event such as the Schaumburg Flyers' baseball game. Members do not need to be professional singers or even have participated in choruses before, but should be able to carry a tune and be able to read music. They practice every Monday between 7 and 9 p.m. Interested individuals should join them Aug. 3, or contact Gary Koca at (224) 535-8125. Because this is treated as a park district class, there is a small fee for joining the organization.

Elgin Genealogical Society: The Elgin Genealogical Society will meet at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4 in the first-floor meeting room of the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave. in Elgin. Author David Bartholomew will present excerpts of plains pioneer Elam Bartholomew's dairies that cover the years 1871 to 1934, Elam wrote every day accumulating 22,000 entries on 5,600 pages. During these 63 years of diaries, he traveled in Illinois and the barren frontier of western Kansas. The presentation will focus on Illinois, Lincoln and the post Civil War era. Free copies of the published diary will be available. The author followed in his grandfather's footsteps receiving a degree in agriculture and natural sciences from Kansas State University. He served as director of marketing at the Kansas State School of Agriculture from 1962-1964, was a grain and soybean market analyst at the Chicago Board of Trade for Merrill Lynch from 1964-1991 and has been a regular contributor of market related articles for the Japan Economic Journal and the Journal of the American Oil Chemists Society. This is a special presentation. Visitors and guests are welcome and encouraged to attend this presentation and receive a copy of "Pioneer Naturalist on the Plains: The Diary of Elam Bartholomew 1871 to 1934" by David M. Bartholomew. For information, visit www.elginroots.com.

Golden K Kiwanis: The Elgin Golden K Kiwanis will host its weekly meeting at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 357 Division St., Elgin. The program will be by Marjorie Gohl of Elgin Bicycle Ambassadors on "Bicycle Safety & Rules of the Road." Guests are welcome. For information, call (847) 741-7176.

Dundee Lions: The Dundee Lions Park in East Dundee will be the site of "Movie Night in the Park," sponsored by the village of East Dundee as part of their 2009 Special Events Schedule. The event will take place at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7 at the park, off Barrington Avenue and Route 68. Lions Park was a project of the Dundee Township Lions and has been a valuable asset to the communities of East and West Dundee for many events. Lion John Cichowski is the liaison from the Lions for this event. The Lions Club of Dundee Township began April 21, 1937 with 30 charter members. Joseph F. Estes was the charter president and Harry D. Jacobs was secretary/treasurer during the club's first year. The club has served the communities in many events including Heritage Fest pancake breakfast, co-sponsor of the bingo games at the East Dundee Firemen's carnival, and the Christmas tree sale in Grafelman Park in West Dundee. The club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays of each month at the Holiday Inn, 495 Airport Road, Elgin. During the summer, the club meets at the East Dundee Firemen's Park. Michael Dewey of West Dundee is president of the club for the 2009-2010 year.

Dundee Township Historical Society: On Sunday, Aug. 9, the Dundee Township Historical Society will host a program on the old Tower Hill School for Boys in East Dundee. At 2 p.m., Bert Zoub will speak on his experiences as a boy in the 1930s who lived at the school. He will share his memories of his childhood in this boys school that sat high on the hill in the old Haeger Mansion on Hill Street. Join them at the museum, 426 Highland Ave. in West Dundee, as they learn about the little known history of this school that served the area for two decades. There is no admission charge. Donations will be graciously accepted. For information, call the museum at (847) 428-6996.

Hampshire VFW: Hampshire Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8043 will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 10 at Hampshire Township building, 100 Center St., Hampshire. For details, call (847) 683-3443. At the July 13 meeting with Commander Lowell Reiser, there was a salute to the colors, prayer by the chaplain Edward Wesemann. Adjutant and quartermaster reports approved and filed. Special birthday greetings were extended to past adjutant Lavern Martens on his 89th birthday, cake was enjoyed by the members. Volunteers are needed for the upcoming Coon Creek Days selling tickets at the booth starting Thursday, July 30 to Sunday, Aug. 2. Letters and tickets have been sent to members for the "Vets 700" drawing Sunday, Sept. 13 at the Burlington Fest. The entry for the VFW Post 8043 will be World War II veterans that have been honored and attended "Honor Flight" to the World War II Memorial at Washington, D.C. Blue Star flags have been presented to Norm and Karen Boxleitner for their son, Bradley in the National Guard and also to Sheri Stadie for her son, Brandon. WRMN 1410 AM had a special program Sunday, July 12, "Salute to the Veterans" with Reiser as a guest on the program. Dates to remember: Aug. 1 Air Force Day; Aug. 4, Coast Guard established in 1790; Aug. 7, Purple Heart Medal established in 1782; Aug. 14, Japan surrendered and War ended in 1945. A membership drive is under way, new members welcome.

Hampshire VFW Auxiliary: Hampshire Ladies Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8043 will meet at 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 10 at Hampshire Township building, 100 Center St., Hampshire. For details, call (847) 683-3443. At the July 13 meeting with president Jerrilynne Partlo, there was a prayer by Chaplain Elaine Setter and Pledge of Allegiance followed by the group singing of "God Bless America" led by musician Velda Grimes. Secretary and treasurer reports accepted and filed. Application with initiation and election was held for two new members, Denise Bone and Jean Victoria Hunt Christ, members welcomed them into the auxiliary. Treasurer Arlene Reiser attended the 5th District staff meeting and received the citations that were issued from Department of Illinois convention for the following: Auxiliary Award One reported in all categories, Junior Girls Unit, 100 percent Membership, Veterans and Family Service Program, Youth Activities, Buddy Poppy Program, Legislative and VFW Pac, Patriot Pen and Voice of Democracy. Thank-yous were read from the scholarship winners, Kelsey Watson and Brogan Gust. Partlo honored 50-year member, Joyce Deutsch and presented her with a 50-year continuous membership pin. Other members that are 50-year members are Norma Diedrich, Carol Schendel and Joan Theis, who also have received their pins. Donna Proffitt has decorated two all holidays gift baskets with a gas card to be raffled off at Coon Creek Days and Burlington Fall Fest. The auxiliary will be selling tickets at the two events. This money benefits the scholarship programs at Hampshire High School and Burlington Central High School. Membership renewal letters have been sent to members. The auxiliary welcomes new members. For eligibility requirements, call Arlene (847) 683-3443. Fifth District President, Barbara Gray, Post 4551 Sequoit in Antioch, will be conducting the annual inspection at this meeting.

NARFE: National Active & Retired Federal Employees Chapter 2181 meets at 1 p.m. monthly on the second Tuesday of the month at the American Legion meeting room at 820 N. Liberty St. (Route 25), Elgin. A guest speaker is usually scheduled on subjects off interest to the group. Lunch is available in the American Legion lunchroom before the meeting. Coffee and desserts are served after the meeting. Active and retired federal employees and their spouses, also surviving spouses of those eligible to join NARFE from surrounding areas who are interested in becoming a member and also receiving the monthly NARFE Retirement Life magazine are welcome to join. The annual picnic will be at noon Tuesday, Aug. 11. Call Nick Hyser at (847) 741-5772 visit www.narfe.org/chapter2181.

Elgin Area Women's Connection: The Elgin Area Women's Connection will meet for a luncheon from noon to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12 at Villa Olivia Country Club, Route 20 in Bartlett. Come and enjoy Elizabeth Sincox, RE/MAX of Barrington Realtor and guest on HGTV's "What's My House Worth?" She will talk about current trends in the housing market and how to establish the correct asking price for your home. Laura Borja of Plainfield will offer an inspirational talk, "Peaks, Porches and Backyards," as she tells her story about dealing with depression and finding peace. For reservations, call Jan at (630) 837-2632 or Carolyn at (630) 213-1205 or e-mail Car644@gmail.com by Monday, Aug. 10. Cost for luncheon meeting is $15 inclusive, with complimentary child care.

Kiwanis Club: The Kiwanis Club of Elgin will host its 50th annual barbecue from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22 at Epworth United Methodist Church, 37W040 Highland Ave. in Elgin. It will feature Fay's Barbecue pork chop and chicken dinner. Cost is $12 a person; carryout drive-through is available. Tickets are available through club members, at the door or by calling (847) 977-4541. Proceeds will benefit local children's charities, including, but not limited to: Association for Individual Development, Community Crisis Center, YWCA, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Larkin Center, Ecker Center, Boys & Girls Club of Elgin, Literacy Connection. The Kiwanis Club of Elgin meets at noon Tuesdays at The Hickory Stick Bar & Grille Restaurant, 875 Sports Way, located at the Highlands of Elgin's Golf Course. Meetings are open to the public. There is a $11 charge for lunch. Membership information is available by calling Laurie, membership chairwoman, at (847) 429-5435.

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. Registration is encouraged. For advance registration forms, visit the Web site under the Events Listing section. 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. For information, visit www.sunburstcorvetteclub.com.

Cub Scouts: At the Webelo Cub Scout Nature Jamboree, have fun completing Naturalist, Geologist, and Forester pin requirements with the team from Elgin Public Museum and Hawthorne Hill Nature Center. Take a hike in the woods, discover amazing plants, catch all sorts of bugs, solve rock mysteries and more. Dress for the weather and bring a water bottle, insect repellent, and bag supper. Avoid disappointment and register early at the Elgin Public Museum, 225 Grand Blvd., Elgin. Scouts can register individually or with their Pack and Den. Webelo Cub Scout Nature Jamboree will be held at the Hawthorne Hill Nature Center, 28 Brookside Drive in Elgin, off Route 20 and Randall Road. This program lasts from 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29. The fee is $20 per scout. Register by Tuesday, Aug. 25. For information or to register, contact the museum at (847) 741-6655 or e-mail russell_epm@cityofelgin.org.

HCE: The Kane County Association for Home and Community Education launches its 92nd year with an open house from 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26 at the University of Illinois Extension-Kane County, 535 S. Randall Road in St. Charles. The two guest speakers are U of I's Extension Education JoAnn Todd teaching a lesson on China and Jeanette Palmer, president of Right at Home, discussing how to remain independent in your own home. This marks the first time they have had a lesson at open house. The open house includes a special meeting called by the board to vote on adoption of updated constitution and bylaws which incorporate the new organization name and previous amendments which provide better alignment with Illinois Association for Home and Community Education.

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.