Fox Valley clubs & hobbies

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

Fox Valley Citizens for Peace and Justice: Fox Valley Citizens for Peace and Justice will show Robert Greenwald's film, "Rethink 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.

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.

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.

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 VFW 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.

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, except Nov. 26. 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.

Sierra Club: It really is possible to go camping in the winter and enjoy it? Hear veteran winter camper Jon Wesenberg give a presentation on surviving a camping experience in the wintertime. Sponsored by the Valley of the Fox Sierra Club, the talk will be given at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9 at the Batavia Public Library, Route 31 and Wilson Street, in downtown Batavia. There is no admission charge. For information, call (630) 466-1808, e-mail at zabs@juno.com, or logon to sierraclub.org/chapters/il/vof.

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. Hampshire Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8043 meeting was held Monday, Oct. 13, Commander Lowell Reiser presiding. Salute to the colors with prayer by Chaplain Edward Wesemann. The charter was draped in memory World War II veteran Robert Schultz. A donation was made for the Fifth District Operation Christmas Cheer for the veterans at Hines Hospital. World War II veteran, past Adjutant of Post 8043, Lavern Martens gave a brief report on his "Honor Flight" trip to Washington, D.C. Next 5th District meeting will be Sunday, Nov. 8 at Tri-City Post 2298 in West Dundee. New members welcome. For details, call Reiser (847) 683-3443.

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, the 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 read, approved and placed on file. Special project by the auxiliary for their "Make A Difference Day," Oct. 24, will be a donation to the Hampshire/Burlington Food Pantry. 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. The 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 Nov. 7. The V.F.W. National Home, Eaton Rapids, Mich., will have its 85th anniversary on Jan. 15, 2010. New members are welcome. For eligibility, call Arlene (847) 683-3443.

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. The annual November Open House will be 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 Woman's Club: The Elgin Woman's Club will meet at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10 at the Holiday Inn, 495 Airport Road, Elgin. Hosted by the Education Committee, the program will feature a presentation for members by an area boutique on "What's In, What's Out ... What's Hot and What's NOT" in the fashion world today. Members are asked to make reservations no later than Friday, Nov. 6, by calling the hotline at (847) 622-3614. The luncheon meeting and program costs $15 and may be paid by check at the door the day of the meeting. Since the club was founded, members have supported hundreds of local projects including yearly scholarships to students from area high schools. In addition, members serve as readers in local schools, volunteer in hospitals and other agencies throughout the Elgin area and are active in recycling, conservation, women's health, international affairs and other projects. It is a member of the General Federation of Women's Clubs. Information and a variety of club information may be obtained at gfwc.org.

NARFE: National Active and Retired Federal Employees Chapter 2181 meets at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10 at the American Legion meeting room, 820 N. Liberty St. (Route 25) in Elgin. Members will vote on the dues referendum. Also Kathleen B. Haerr will present a program regarding "Live Healthy, Live Green." Membership is open to civilians who are eligible to receive an annuity or survivor annuity from the federal retirement programs of any agency of the U.S. government including: retirees, current employees, spouses and surviving spouses of those eligible to join, former employees, a former spouse who is legally entitled to a federal survivor annuity. Lunch is available in the American Legion lunchroom before the meeting. For information, call Nick Hyser at (847) 741-5772. Visit www.narfe.org/chapter2181.

Henpeck HCE: The Henpeck Unit of Kane County Association for Home and Community Education will meet at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10 at the Citizen's First National Bank, 819 Warner St. 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. At the Oct. 13 meeting, 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. For details, call Peggy Gross at (847) 683-3826 or Mary Ann Harter at (847) 683-3632

SHRM: On Thursday, Nov. 12, Paula Dorion-Gray, a certified financial planner, will present "Current Economic Environment and What It Means to You in HR!" at the next Stateline Society for Human Resource Management. She will discuss how the financial crisis happened and offer an overview on the future. She will share some ideas on how you can alleviate some of the stress for yourselves and your employees in these turbulent times. The breakfast meeting begins promptly at 7:45 a.m. and adjourns at 9:45 a.m. 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, Nov. 9. Visit statelineshrm.org for additional information or to make your reservation. Seating is limited.

Art for All: Art for All, an Elgin area art league, will have its winter art show at the Gail Borden Library through 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.

McHenry County AARP: The McHenry County Chapter of AARP 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.

Barrington Area LWV: The League of Women Voters of the Barrington Area will host a community forum from 9:30 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Nov. 17 in the community room at the Cuba Township office, 28000 W. Cuba Road, Barrington. The topic will be "Illinois Financial Crisis: How did we get into this mess?" Sheila Weinberg, a certified public accountant and founder and CEO of the Institute for Truth in Accounting, will explain and help explore options for a solution. All are welcome to this free program. For details, call Jane Hansen at (847) 951-0778.

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. 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.

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.

Elgin VFW: Les Pace and the Pacemakers will host a free afternoon dance from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29 at the Elgin Veterans of Foreign Wars Post, 1600 Weld Road. Big band era music is featured for listening, dancing or singing along. Refreshments and light food fare is available. For details, call Les at (847) 742-3879.

Elgin Knights of Columbus: Get in your order now for the Elgin Knights of Columbus' annual "Chili for Charity" cookbook with favorite recipes donated from Brother Knights, friends, and relatives. Cost is $10. Send orders to Chili for Charity Cook Book, c/o Knights of Columbus, P.O. Box 1427, Elgin, IL 60120-1427. Money orders or checks should be made payable to the Knights of Columbus 654. For details, e-mail Kirk at kstas@comcast.net.

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.

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.