Fox Valley club briefs
To list your club's meetings, e-mail to foxvalley@dailyherald.com.
Fox Valley Toastmasters: Fox Valley Toastmasters presents "A Howling Good Time" from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29 at Labahn-Hain House, 149 Hilltop Drive, Lake in the Hills. Join for some free food, entertainment, speeches, fun and frivolity. Costumes are optional. The event is for adults only. For details, call Michaline at (847) 572-0209 or visituser.mc.net/~toast1/fv.htm.
South Elgin Lions: On Saturday, Oct. 31, the South Elgin Lions Club, 500 Fulton St., will host half-price bingo. All regular bingo games (computer and paper) will be sold at half price. All special or raffle games will be sold at regular price. Lions Club offers hands-free computerized bingo play and two smoking breaks during the evening (a covered shelter is provided). Food and beverages are available for purchase. A total of $2,200 will be paid out on all bingo games in addition to the raffle payouts. Some of the higher bingo and raffle payouts to a single winner include the following: Bull's-eye, $250; Lucky Lion Raffle, $100 to $1,000; Double Action Raffle, $100 plus a potential progressive payout of $5,800; Tic Tac $100 plus a potential progressive payout of $7,400; and Bingo Jackpot, $500. Also, they will be selling a special pull tab that has a prize of a 32-inch Insignia 720p flat screen television. The entire box must be sold for this prize to be awarded. A food donation to the South Elgin Food Pantry will get you an extra chance to win a free computer package no. 9 valued at $44. For details, call Paul Groth or Allan Shelton at (847) 888-9575.
Hampshire Lions: The Hampshire Lions Club is hosting its annual Halloween Night Free Hotdog Roast with entertainment at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31 at the Hampshire Elementary School, 321 Terwilliger St. Freddy Fredricks will entertain the audience at 6:45 p.m. The community is invited to this free event.
VFW Post 1307: The Ladies Auxiliary to Veterans of Foreign Wars 1307 will host a fall festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1 at the post home, 1601 Weld Road, Elgin. It will feature a basket raffle, bake sale, and a used cookbook sale. There will be Vendors from Watkins, Tupperware, Pampered Chef, and Tastefully Simple available for your shopping convenience. The Ladies Auxiliary will be serving a Chili and Cornbread luncheon for $3 from noon to 2 p.m. Desserts will be available. The Fall Festival is a fundraiser to support national military services and other VFW programs.
The Ladies Auxiliary will be honored in their national magazine for their outstanding work with B Co. 1/178, the unit from the Elgin Armory. Under the direction of Sister Mickeyann Miller, the ladies held seven events to benefit the soldiers and their families while they were deployed to Afghanistan. The Ladies Auxiliary helped with deployment briefing, held luncheons, helped package boxes to be sent to the soldiers, and they were there for the homecoming honoring the brave men and women who served. The Ladies Auxiliary meets on the third Wednesday of each month. For details, call (815) 477-3322.
Fox River Grove Lioness Club: Fox River Grove Lioness Club will hold its fourth annual pasta dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1 at Fox River Grove Middle School, 401 Orchard St. The event features a silent auction, 50/50 raffle and kids activities. Admission is $7 for adults in advance or $8 at the door. Cost for children is $5; age 3 and younger get in free. For tickets, ask any Fox River Grove Lioness or stop by the Fox River Grove Village Hall, 305 Illinois St. Proceeds will be used to benefit local causes. For details, visit www.FRGLioness.com.
VVA Chapter 693: Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 693 will host a buffet dinner to benefit local veterans from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1 at Villa Verone, 416 Hamilton St., Geneva. The buffet dinner begins with a cocktail hour from 5 to 6 p.m. It will feature menu items chosen by Villa Verone owner Pietro Verone. Dinner tickets are $25 per person and available by calling Stanley Herzog at (630) 232-1423. All proceeds from the dinner will go to improving the quality of life for veterans.
The fundraising dinner will feature a raffle with prizes donated by local Geneva merchants. The support from the community is a tribute to the veterans. The funds from last year's dinner were used to take the veterans from Hines VA Hospital to various games, including the Kane County Cougars, DePaul basketball, White Sox, and Chicago Wolves. A menu is provided for the veterans before or after the game, depending on the schedule. Additionally the proceeds were used for personal care items and Christmas cards for hospitalized veterans and donations to Lazarus House, National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum, Hines Paralyzed Athletics, and National League of POW/MIA Families, Hines Canteen, books and telephone cards.
Vietnam Veterans of America, founded in 1978, is a nonprofit organization. Its goals are to promote and support a range of issues important to Vietnam veterans, to create a new identity for this generation of veterans, and to change the public perception of Vietnam veterans. It relies entirely on private contributions for its revenue.
Dundee Township Historical Society: The Historic Sites Committee of the Dundee Township Historical Society will hold its annual Historic Plaque Presentation at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1 at the museum, 426 Highland Ave. in West Dundee. Plaques are awarded to sites at least 100 years and of historical significance "to foster appreciation of and to educate us about our built environment and our heritage". Research is done by committee members as well as homeowners and community members. The structures receiving plaques this year are: The West Dundee Village Hall; 407 Liberty St. in West Dundee; 502 S. Second St. in West Dundee; and 142 E. Main St. in Carpentersville. Also on Nov. 1, Kane County Board member John Mayer will present a check to the society in response to a request for grant money to purchase a new computer, PowerPoint projector and software. The historical society offers thanks to the Kane County for awarding this grant.
All area residents are invited to attend this recognition program and plaque presentation to learn about some of the earlier residents of Dundee Township, popular structure styles of the past, and ways to keep or restore their homes to the original architectural design.
There is no admission charge to attend and refreshments will be served after the program.
AMVETS: AMVETS Post 202 in Elgin will meet at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2 at the American Legion Post, 820 N. Liberty St., Elgin. They serve current and former veterans and their families.
Elgin LWV: The Elgin Area League of Women Voters meets at 7 p.m. on the first Monday of the month at Tylers Towers Clubhouse, 1450 Plymouth Lane in Elgin. The monthly board meetings are open to all league members.
Fox Valley Rocketeers: The Rocketeers, a local club of model rocketry enthusiasts, will host its club meeting from 7:30 to 9 p.m., Monday, Nov. 2, at the Woodstock Challenger Learning Center. Join them for a rocket launch from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14 at the Hughes Seed Farm, 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 Center or field.
Elgin Genealogical Society: Matt Rutherford will present "Using Non-Population Schedules" at the next Elgin Genealogical Society meeting at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3 in the first-floor meeting room of the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave. in Elgin. It supports Genealogical research in all geographic regions. Guests and visitors are encouraged and welcomed. Visit elginroots.com for information and helpful links for genealogical research.
Izaak Walton League: The Elgin Chapter of the Izaak Walton League invites the public to a special program at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3 at the lodge, 899 Jay St. in Elgin. Chris Bobkowski, a biology teacher at Larkin High School, will be presenting his recent experience from an Earthwatch expedition at the Artic's edge in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada where he studied global warming.
Elgin Lions: The Elgin Lions Club will welcome Daily Herald reporter Kerry Lester at the Tuesday, Nov. 3 meeting. The Lions meet at 6:15 p.m. at the Holiday Inn, 495 Airport Road, Elgin. Reporting on Elgin Area School District U-46, she has covered stories ranging from the racial bias lawsuit to school nurses and boundary changes. Those interested in attending should contact Lion President Ed Bates at batesed@cod.edu, or leave a message indicating your planned attendance at (847) 289-4206. It includes a meal to which the public is invited. Advance notification of attendance is necessary to provide adequate seating and meals.
LITH American Legion Post: On Saturday, Nov. 7, Lake in the Hills American Legion Post 1231, 1101 W. Algonquin Road, will host a fundraiser for 8-year-old Rylie Mogan, who was diagnosed with desmoplastic small round cell tumor cancer. The Hebron girl is granddaughter to one of the post members, John White, a Vietnam War veteran. The post will host a "Hooters Chix Wing Dinner" from 5 to 9 p.m. All the profits from the food will go to Rylie's medical bills. If you can't attend and still want to help, send a donation to the Lake in the Hills American Legion Post 1231, 1101 W. Algonquin Road, Lake in the Hills IL 60156 and put "Rylie Mogan" in the memo line. The chicken wings will be served by two Hooter waitresses. Visit post1231.org.
Huntley American Legion: Huntley American Legion Post 673, 11712 Coral St., will host its annual "Feather Party" from 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Nov. 7. The Legion will be raffling off turkeys, hams, ducks, steaks, and other items. The Legion will also provide free turkey sandwiches. Many door prizes will also be given away. Everyone is welcome. You could go home a Big Winner. You do not have to be a member of the Legion to participate in this community event. The American Legion is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving veterans, their families, and the community. It is the Legion's largest fundraiser of the year. The proceeds help achieve those goals to support many charitable donations.
Fox Valley Citizens for Peace and Justice: Fox Valley Citizens for Peace and Justice will show Robert Greenwald's film, "Rethinking Afghanistan," at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6 at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, 783 W. Highland Ave., Elgin. Admission is free. Light refreshments will be served. Discussion and dialogue will follow the film. All are welcome. For information, call (847) 742-6602.
Elgin AAUW: Independent Players and the Elgin Chapter of the American Association of University Women will sponsor a "Femmeprov Workshop" from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7. There will be a performance at 8 p.m., which will be open to the public. The registration fee is $30 and includes lunch, snacks, and a T-shirt. It is open to women over the age of 16. Scholarship aid available to seniors, students, and minority women from the Fox Valley community. Women will be selected from this workshop for performances at The Red Bar Winery in Elgin. To register, contact Gareth Mann Sitz at garethsitz@sbcglobal.net or (847) 695-6719.
Watch City VFW: On Saturday, Nov. 7, the Watch City Veterans of Foreign War Post 1307 will hold a Veterans Day Dinner and Dance with cocktails beginning at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. The post, which received its charter on Oct. 24, 1929, also will be celebrating its 80th anniversary at this event which is open to the public. A $6 donation is requested at the door and a cash bar will be available. The VFW is at 1601 Weld Road in Elgin. For details, call (847) 888-9809. Veterans of Iraq, Afghanistan, Vietnam, Korea, World War II and other campaigns are encouraged to bring a copy of their DD-214 and become a member. Ask for the Commander, Doc Sheehan, or any officer when you arrive and they will help you through the application process.
Watch City Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1307, 1601 Weld Road, Elgin, is a co-sponsor of this year's Marine Corps League Detachment No. 077 Toys for Tots campaign to provide toys for underprivileged children this Christmas. A large box is stationed at the front door for the collection of unwrapped toys. Donations also can be made at toysfortots.org, or a check may be left at the VFW made out to "Toys For Tots." Toys collected at the VFW are distributed locally throughout the Fox Valley. For details, call (847) 888-9809.
VFW Post 2298: The Tri-City Evergreen Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2298 will host a Turkey Party at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6 and Saturday, Nov. 7, at the post home, 117 S. First St. in West Dundee. Doors open at 6 p.m. so come early and stake out your chair. For details, call (847) 428-9006.
Hampshire VFW: Hampshire Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8043 will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9 at the Hampshire Township Building, 100 Center St., Hampshire. For details, call (847) 683-3443. At the Oct. 13 meeting, Commander Lowell Reiser presided with the Salute to the Colors and prayer by Chaplain Edward Wesemann. The charter was draped in memory World War II veteran Robert Schultz. Patriot Pen and Voice of Democracy essay forms have been presented to the local schools and they will be picked up on Monday, Nov. 2 for local judging at the local level. Donation was made for the Fifth District Operation Christmas Cheer for the veterans at Hines Hospital. Lavern Martens, World War II veteran and past adjutant of Post 8043, gave a brief report on his "Honor Flight" trip to Washington, D.C. The next 5th District meeting will be Sunday, Nov. 8 at Tri-City VFW Post 2298 in West Dundee. Plans are being finalized for the Veterans Day programs at the schools. Dates to remember: Oct. 24, U.N. Day; Oct. 27, Navy Day; Nov. 3, Election Day; Nov. 10, U.S. Marine Corp. established 1775; Nov. 11, signing of World War II Armistice (1918) Veterans Day. New members are welcome. For details, call Commander Reiser (847) 683-3443.
Hampshire VFW: Commander Lowell Reiser and Auxiliary President Jerrilynne Partlo of Hampshire Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8043 announced the kick off this year's voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition. The contest is open to all hight school students in ninth through twelfth grades, including home-schooled students.
Students participate by writing and recording a three to five minute audio essay expressing their views on this year's topic, "Does America Still Have Heroes?" Students' recordings are first judged at the post level with winning recordings advanced for judging at district, state and national levels. Monetary awards are given at each level. The top winner in each state earns a free trip to Washington, D.C. and the first place winner in the national competition receives a $30,000 scholarship plus the awards issued at the Post, District and State levels.
Student entries including the recording, typed copy of the essay and a complete application are due to our post by Nov. 1. For complete details regarding this exciting competition, call Post Democracy chairman, Lowell Reiser at (847) 683-3443 or see the Web site at www.vfw.org under youth scholarships.
This competition is sponsored by the VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary throughout the country and has attracted over seven million participants in its 60-year history. The members of VFW Post 8043 are pleased to offer this opportunity to the students in our community. An award presentation will be scheduled later this year to honor the top winners in our post competition.
Hampshire VFW Auxiliary: Hampshire Ladies Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Post 8043 will meet at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9 at the Hampshire Township Building, 100 Center St., Hampshire. For details, call (847) 683-3443. At the Oct. 13 meeting, president Jerrilynne Partlo conducted the meeting, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and singing of "God Bless America" led by Musician Velda Grimes. Special guest was Post Commander Lowell Reiser. He thanked the Auxiliary for all their cooperation and support to the post on the recent fundraiser and all the other various programs. A monetary gift was presented to the group. Secretary and treasurer reports were read, approved and placed on file. The Auxiliary is over 100 percent in membership and they welcomed a new member application for Carol Cleveland. Her application was approved and she will be initiated into the auxiliary next meeting. She is the grandmother to Tanner Cleveland. Hospital Pledge was made and increased by $1. Hospital chairwoman Doris Klock reported that she has miscellaneous articles of men's clothing, toiletries, books and magazines ready for pickup to be delivered to the Elgin Mental Health Center. Donations are accepted and appreciated for future deliveries for the veterans. Yearly donations will be made for cancer aid and research, Junior Girls Unit, Health and Happiness, Operation Christmas Cheer, Operation Uplink, VFW National Home, and PAC. A monetary gift donation for Department President Jo Lynn Altvatter was made and will be presented at the annual Upstate Luncheon "A Work of Heart" at Summit on Nov. 7. The VFW National Home, Eaton Rapids, Mich., will have its 85th birthday Jan. 15, 2010. New members are welcome. For eligibility call Arlene (847) 683-3443.
Art for All: Art for All, an Elgin area art league, will have their winter art show at the Gail Borden Library, Nov. 1 to Dec. 15. An artist reception will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14. Also included is an elementary school environmental art show.
During the reception, the kids can participate in a hands on kids art project, led by Art for All members. Bring the kids to the library and visit with some local artists and learn more about Art for All. Art for All has rotating exhibits at several locations in Elgin where members display their artwork. Visit artforall-elgin.com. They encourage all artists to join. All skill levels are welcome even non-artist or those who would like to learn more about art. The next meeting will be Nov. 10 with a colored pencil demonstration by Nancy Arnier. The group meets at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at Elgin Community Church, 991 Deborah, Elgin. For details, call Sandy Kaptain at (847) 741-7375.
Elgin Area Women's Connection: The Elgin Area Women's Connection presents "Moms on the Run - Mommy Loves Me!" by Nancy Reimann from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 13 at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 751 W. Army Trail, Bartlett. Continental breakfast is at 9 a.m. and program begins at 9:30 a.m. There is a $5 admission fee. Complimentary child care with reservation. To RSVP by Monday, Nov. 9, contact Dee Oyler at (847) 429-1688 or dolores.oyler@sbcglobal.net.
WIM: The Northern Fox Valley Chapter of Women in Management presents a practical approach for "work-family balance" with life coach and training consultant Sandra Switzer at the WIM meeting on Thursday, Nov. 12 at the Elgin Country Club, 2575 Weld Road, Elgin. Networking begins at 11:30 a.m., with the luncheon and program at noon. Meetings adjourn promptly at 1:30 p.m. Cost for members is $25 and nonmembers, $30. Reservations must be made for attendance online at www.wimonline.org.
The holidays are filled with celebration - but if you're weighed down at work, juggling family demands, or possibly approach the added activities of the holiday with concern, the season can be a source of apprehension. The WIM presentation will include a lively, interactive mini presentation which will highlight the inside-out approach; the A-B-C's of work- life- holiday balance. Discover practical tips, tools and reflections to thrive through not just survive work and family and the holidays with an inside-out approach.
Switzer, a resident of Elgin, is an experienced personal and professional life coach working with individuals who want to invest in their future success through one on one personalized help to achieve goals through accountability. She combines her personal and professional experiences and extensive training to motivate others to achieve better results and gain success in their work and personal life.
"Our theme for this year is 'Imagine - Believe - Achieve'," said Cheryl Wendt, president of the Northern Fox Valley Chapter of Women in Management. "It is even more poignant this year as our chapter will be celebrating its 25-year anniversary in 2010."
The Northern Fox Valley Chapter of Women in Management was founded in 1984. It is part of a national organization. Members are comprised of professionals in six categories: academic; corporate; entrepreneur; government; licensed, degreed professional; and not-for-profit. Area women managers/business owners are invited to join. Cheryl Wendt, fund development director of the Boys and Girls Club of Elgin, is this year's president of the Northern Fox Valley Chapter Women in Management. For information, visit wimonline.org.
Elgin Area Historical Society: The Eastland Ship disaster will be the subject of the Elgin Area Historical Society's annual dinner on Sunday, Nov. 8. Keynote speakers, Susan Decker and Barbara Decker Wachholz, co-founders of the Eastland Disaster Historical Society, will share the history of one of the worst maritime disasters in American history. While partially tied to its dock at the Chicago River's edge, the excursion steamer Eastland rolled over on the morning of July 24, 1915. More than 800 people lost their lives within a few feet of the shore. Barbara and Susan's grandmother, Borghild Aanstad, was a passenger and survivor of the tragedy. They will also be joined by Ted Wachholz, president of the Eastland Disaster Historical Society. The program is sponsored by the Illinois Humanities Council. Coinciding with the annual dinner is a silent auction that includes items that are vintage and collectible including a display of watch dials manufactured at the Elgin National Watch Company in the years 1930-1950. Other items include Elgin American compact, tickets to local theater, history books and holiday items. All proceeds from the auction support the operation of the Old Main History Museum. The brunch and silent auction begin at noon on Sunday, Nov. 8 at the Hickory Stick restaurant, 875 Sports Way, Elgin. Attendance is open to the public, reservations are required. Cost is $27.50 for members and $35 for nonmembers. Reservation deadline is Friday, Oct. 30 and can be made by calling (847) 742-4248 or by mailing a check with name, address and phone number to EAHS, Old Main Museum, 360 Park St., IL Elgin 60120. Additional information about the Society and museum are available at elginhistory.org.
Fox Valley Dog Training Club: Fox Valley Dog Training Club will host its 58th annual Obedience Trial and fourth annual Rally Trial on Sunday, Nov. 8 at Kane County Fairgrounds in St Charles. Spectators are welcome to watch many breeds of dogs competing at the three main levels of Obedience and three levels of Rally. Show hours are from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission to the event is free. Food will be available. There will be dog-related merchandise booths. Information about Fox Valley Dog Training Club and the trial can be found at the club's Web site at fvdtc.org.
Elgin American Legion: American Legion Post 57, 820 N. Liberty St. in Elgin, hosts a variety of activities and events which are open to the public. The American Legion Hall is available for rental for any event. For details, call (847) 741-1684.
The next "Second Sunday Breakfast" will be from 9 to 11 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 8. It is held the second Sunday of the month from September through May. The menu and prices are: steak and eggs, $6; eggs to order, with sausage, bacon, and potatoes, $4.50 or with two pancakes/no potato, $5. Omelets are $5 and include cheese, mushrooms, green, red, or hot peppers. Also included are white or wheat toast, juice, and coffee, as well as a few other beverage specials.
Post 57 will host its popular "Second Wednesday Spaghetti Night" from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11 at the post home. These spaghetti dinners are held the second Wednesday of the month from September through May. The cost is $6 per person, and the menu includes spaghetti with meat and mushroom sauce, meatballs, garlic toast, and salad.
Stop by for its weekly Family Burger and Steak Night from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays. Or enjoy the weekly Friday Night Fish Fry from 4 to 8 p.m. at the post home. It features your choice of haddock, perch, catfish, and shrimp with all the trimmings.
Henpeck HCE: The Henpeck Unit of Kane County Association for Home and Community Education met on Oct. 13 at the home of Peggy Gross on Big Timber Road in Hampshire. The lesson on "Violence Across the Lifespan" was presented by Mary Ann Harter with the help of Ruth Peterson, community educator at the Community Crisis Center in Elgin. The topic sparked a lively discussion among members with Peterson contributing valuable information about services available for those in crisis in the Hampshire area. The next meeting will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10 at the Citizen's First National Bank in Hampshire. A lesson on "Memory Fitness" will be presented by Peggy Grosss. Find out all the things one can do to help keep the brain healthy and engaged. Guests are welcome; contact Mary Ann Harter at (847) 683-3632 for details and directions. Membership in AHCE is open to men and women of any age regardless of race, creed or national origin. For more information about the organization or a free one-year membership in the Henpeck Unit, contact Unit Chairman, Peggy Groas at (847) 683-3826 or Membership Director, Mary Ann Harter at (847) 683-3632
McHenry County Chapter of AARP: The group will meet at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12 at the Fountains of Crystal Lake on Route 31, one mile north of Route 176. The speaker will be from the Crystal Lake Public Library. For chapter information, call Glenn at (815) 477-1952.
Fideliter Club: The Fideliter Club of Elgin, a nonprofit organization, will hold its 121st annual Charity Ball on Saturday, Nov. 21, at the Prairie Lodge/Sun City in Huntley. The theme of this year's Charity Ball is "Camelot." The black-tie event will begin with cocktails at 6:30 p.m. and dinner at 7:30 p.m., followed by dancing to the music of the Sophisticats. The cost is $275 per couple, or $137.50 per person. For reservations and information, contact Brenda Morrissy at (847) 888-9303.
The first vice president and this year's ball chair is Pat Szpekowski, president of PmS advertising, inc. of Carpentersville. "Our annual charity ball serves as the Fideliter Club's major fundraising project to benefit many area not for profit service agencies who serve the needs of women and children," said Szpekowski. "I am honored to lead and continue this long-standing Elgin tradition."
The Fideliter Club and Charity Ball is steeped in a rich history of helping others. "The Fideliter Club is Elgin's oldest philanthropic organization founded in 1888. "Through the proceeds of our annual charity ball, the Fideliter Club donated over $25,000 this year to area non profits," Szpekowski added. "These donations are possible because of the generosity of local individuals and businesses."
The Fideliter Club provides donations to the milk fund at the Elgin Child and Family Resource Center and the developmental and bilingual preschool programs in Elgin Area School District U-46.
The profits of the annual Charity Ball also assisted the Elgin Boys and Girls Club, Boys and Girls Club of Dundee Township, Girl Scouts-Sybaquay Council, Senior Services, Larkin Center, Ecker Center for Mental Health, Cal's All Star Angels, Summit School, Inc., Centro de Informacion, Elgin Day Care Center, Little Angels, United Way of Elgin, Community Crisis Center, Literacy Connection, Well Child Center, Greater Elgin YWCA, Glenwood School for Boys, and Elgin Christian Development Corp.
In its earlier years, members of the Fideliter Club would personally visit the "neediest" families in Elgin to provide food and clothing. These were times before the motorcar and the telephone. Club members personally made many long trips to carry out their generosity.
The Fideliter Club today is composed of 34 women from the greater Elgin area. The 2009 officers are: Kacey Rupczynski, president, Pat Szpekowski, first vice president; Kathy Hannell, second vice president; Betsy Cappas, recording secretary; Linda Gruber, corresponding secretary; Brenda Morrissy, treasurer; Mickey Brown, immediate past president; and Angie Young, historian. For information, or to donate to this worthwhile cause benefiting area children, call Brenda Morrissy at (847) 888-9303.
Valley Model Railroad Association: The Valley Model Railroad Association invites you to its open houses from 8 to 10 p.m. on the second and fourth Friday of the month at the club house, 33W519 Kenyon Road, off Route 25 in South Elgin. See the HO layout in progress and watch the trains run. They are open to new members. You can run one of the club members trains for a donation. For details, call (847) 742-2028 or e-mail vmr50@aol.com. They also hold their annual November Open House from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20; 1 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21; and 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22.
Elgin Junior Woman's Club: The Elgin Junior Woman's Club is hosting a Vendor and Home Decor Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28 at Epworth United Methodist Church, Randall Road and Highland Avenue in Elgin. Items from Mary Kay, Tastefully Simple, Celebrating Home and many more vendors will be available. There will also be craft and bake sale items to choose from. For information, contact (847) 224-4318 or slr735@comcast.net. Proceeds will benefit Children's Research Foundation.
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.