Fox Valley club briefs
To list your club's meetings, e-mail to tricity@dailyherald.com or foxvalley@dailyherald.com.
Geneva Rotary Club: The Rotary Club of Geneva is a service club whose members include business, professional and community leaders. It meets at 7 a.m. Tuesdays at Mill Race Inn in Geneva. For details, visit genevarotary.org.
South Elgin Lions: On Thursday, Dec. 31, the South Elgin Lions Club, 500 Fulton St., will host a special 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. Doors open at 6 p.m., early bird is at 7:50 p.m. and the remaining games begin at 8 p.m. The 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 $6,600; Tic Tac $100 plus a potential progressive payout of $8,200; and Bingo Jackpot, $500. 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.
Audubon Society: The Kane County Chapter of Illinois Audubon Society invites the public to these programs and activities.
Enjoy a New Year's Day Walk at 8 a.m. Friday, Jan. 1, at Nelson Lake. The first bird seen in the New Year is noted and there may always be surprise appearances (such as bluebirds or robins) as well as the usual winter residents, raptors, tree sparrows, juncos and more. Everyone is invited and regular birders are always happy to share their knowledge. Meet in the parking lot by the silo, which is west of Nelson Lake Road and about three-quarter mile south of Main Street, and about two miles west of Randall Road in Batavia. For details, call Rhonda Nelson at (630) 479-1384.
On Saturday, Jan. 2, the monthly bird walk will be 8 a.m. at Nelson Lake. The Kane County Audubon Society meets at Nelson Lake in Dick Young Forest Preserve at 8 a.m. on the first Saturday of each month. While birding is the main objective, there are many other facets of nature to enjoy. Newcomers are welcome. For details, call Terry Murray at (630) 896-3219.
On Wednesday, Jan. 13, the monthly meeting will be at 7 p.m. at the barn at Peck Farm Park, Peck and Kaneville roads, about half-mile west of Randall Road in Geneva. Guest speaker Jack Shouba supplies some warmth on a January evening when he shares his pictures and tales of the unusual and fascinating "Animals of the Galapagos Islands." The meeting also will include the latest bird sightings, the opportunity to chat with other good folks who are interested in nature, refreshments, and the raffle. For details, call Bob Andrini at (630) 584-8386.
On Saturday, Jan. 16, join Jerry Hope as he leads a car caravan on the rural roads of Kane County. Target birds for the day include snow buntings, horned larks, Lapland longspurs - birds not usually seen in town. The caravan will depart the Peck Farm Park parking lot at 8 a.m. It's a fun way to see the birds while staying warm. For details, call Jerry Hope at (630) 377-1444.
On Saturday, Jan. 23, join a road trip to "Bald Eagle Watch Weekend" at 8 a.m. at Starved Rock State Park. This event, hosted by Illinois Audubon Society, features live birds of prey presentations along with eagle viewing. If you have been wanting to see bald eagles, there will be plenty of mature and immature ones to see. More information is available at illinoisaudubon.org. Contact Tim Balassie, the trip leader, at (630) 513-7345 if you have further questions.
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.
Snowdrifters Ski Club: Club will hold its next meeting at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 4 in the upstairs room at McNally's Irish Pub, 201 E. Main St. in downtown St. Charles. Spots on available on some winter trips. For information, call Roger Vogtmann at (630) 253-4207 or visit snowdrifters.net.
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, Jan. 5 at Prairie Landing Golf Club, Route 38 and Kautz Road in West Chicago. Networking will be at 5:30 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 p.m. Dinner costs $25. This month, Ellen O'Hara will be the guest speaker. O'Hara is a member of the Chicago Area Chapter of The Ninety-Nines, the international organization of licensed women pilots. The Chicago region has the distinction of having the largest chapter of The Ninety-Nines, its unique name coming from the total number of women who formed the group as charter members. Today, Ninety-Nines are professional pilots for airlines, industry and government; they are pilots who teach and pilots who fly for pleasure; they are pilots who are technicians and mechanics. But first and foremost, they are women who love to fly!
Reservations may be called in to Christie Plotzke at (847) 931-2292 no later than Monday, Dec. 28. For information about Zonta, contact Bobbie Gerbrecht at bobbie@bobbiegrayson.com or (630) 879-7889.
Fox Valley Woodworkers Club: On Tuesday, Jan. 5, Fox Valley Woodworkers Club will meet from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church, 8 S. Lincoln Ave. in Batavia. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The club has been known as a gathering place for woodworking enthusiasts of all ages and levels of experience since 1984. Visitors are welcome to attend the general meetings on the first Tuesday of each month. For details, visit www.fvwwc.org.
Timely Talkers Toastmasters: Timely Talkers Toastmasters Club will meet from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 6, 20 and 27 at Valley Community Bank Clock Tower Plaza, 75 S. Randall Road, North Aurora. Timely Talkers Toastmasters Club of North Aurora invites all people interested in improving their oral communication and leadership skills to attend the supportive group. For information, call Lynne Noren at (708) 609-4983 or e-mail lynnenoren@dawsonsales.com.
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, Jan. 10. 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, Jan. 13 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 on Dec. 24 and 31. Or enjoy the weekly Friday Night Fish Fry from 4 to 8 p.m. at the post home, except on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. 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 will meet at noon Tuesday, Jan. 12 for lunch at Papa G's Restaurant in Elburn. A lesson on "Talking Abnut Tough Topics" will be presented by Mary Ann Harter. Guests are welcome; call Mary Ann Harter at (847) 683-3632 for details and directions.
The Dec. 17 meeting was a Christmas Celebration at Sorrento's Restaurant in Maple Park. As it was originally postponed from Dec. 8 due to bad weather, members of the Hampshire Unit were not able to attend on the alternate date. Instead of a gift exchange among members, cash donations were collected for the Hampshire/Burlington Food Pantry.
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 Gross at (847) 683-3826 or Membership Director, Mary Ann Harter at (847) 683-3632.
McHenry County AARP: The McHenry County Chapter of AARP will meet on at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14 at the Fountains of Crystal Lake on Route 31, one mile north of Route 176. Speaker will be chapter member Frank Kajihawa on internment during World War II. Refreshments will be served. For chapter information, call Glenn at (815) 477-1952 or Frances at (847) 658-7222.
St. Charles Mothers' Club: The St. Charles Mothers' Club will hold its monthly meeting at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 18, at The Spice House, 577 S. Third St., Geneva. The club welcomes new members at any time. The club meets on the third Monday of every month. For information on the St. Charles Mothers Club, call (630) 217-MOMS or visit stcharlesmothersclub.org.
Batavia American Legion: The next meeting of the Batavia American Legion Post 504 will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19. They meet the third Tuesday of each month at the Batavia VFW canteen, 645 S. River St., Batavia. The Batavia American Legion Post 504 is currently looking for additional new members. If you or a member of your family has served in the military and would be interested in joining, call Don Nallenweg at (630) 406-9331 for information or visit bataaviapost504.org
Moms Connected: Moms Connected will meet from 9:15 to 11:15 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 28 at the west campus of First Baptist Church, 435 Keslinger Road, Geneva. It is a program for mothers of "tweens" and teens. It serves as a ministry to encourage, support and help moms connect with other women in this stage of teenage parenting.
The Moms Connected morning includes an informative speaker, enjoyable table discussion, a continental breakfast and informal social time. Rob Rienow will be speaking on the topic "Developing Faith and Character in the Heart of Your Teen." For information about Rob Rienow, go to www.visionaryparenting.com.
To register, fill out a registration card at the welcome center, call (630) 232-7068, ext. 138 or e-mail jragains@fbcg.com before Tuesday, Jan. 26. Cost is $6 per person at the door. Childcare is available for $4 per child. Children need to be registered and prepaid one week in advance at the east campus to secure a spot. For details, visit www.fbcg.com.
Jewish Genealogical Society: Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois will present "Genealogical Resources at the National Archives and Records Administration-Great Lakes Region, Chicago" at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31 at Temple Beth Israel, 3601 W. Dempster, Skokie. Barry Finkel will discuss which records are available at this NARA facility that can help you in furthering your genealogical research. The JGSI meeting facilities will open at 12:30 p.m. to accommodate members/guests who want to use the library materials, get help with genealogy Web sites on the Internet or ask genealogical related questions before the main program begins. For information, visit www.jewishgen.org/jgsi or call (312) 666-0100.
North Aurora Mothers Club: The North Aurora Mothers Club will host its annual fundraiser - The North Aurora Winter Gala - from 6 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, Feb. 20 at the Fox Valley Country Club in North Aurora.
It will include hors d'oeuvres, dinner buffet, open bar, raffles and silent auction, with entertainment provided by Music by Design and a special performance by Moves Dance Studio.
In addition, there will be a pre-raffle before the gala; tickets are being sold now. The first prize is $1,000; tickets are $10 each and the winner does not need to be present at the gala.
As the club's largest fundraising event, the proceeds from the Winter Gala will go toward supporting the community. Since its inception in 1997, the North Aurora Mothers Club has dispersed more than $150,000 toward programs benefiting local children and their families as well as the police department, fire department, library and community outreach programs.
North Aurora Mothers Club is currently seeking contributions from individuals and business for the Winter Gala. Those interested in helping make a difference in the community can make a donation or to attend the event and purchase tickets in advance, visit northauroramothersclub.org. Tickets are $50 per person only while supplies last.
The North Aurora Mothers Club is committed to improving the social, emotional, educational and physical well-being of the children and families of North Aurora and its surrounding communities. The club hosts charitable aid and public-spirited events providing education, fellowship and support. Membership is open to all those who are interested. For information, visit northauroramothersclub.org.
Lincoln State Cat Club: The Lincoln State Cat Club's 50th anniversary show will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 27-28 at Harper College in Palatine. See the best of the breeds in the Midwest compete for "Best in Show" among eight rings, talk with the breeders, listen to and ask questions at the education ring and shop for anything cat at more than 20 vendor booths. Admission is $8 per person with children under age 6 admitted free of charge. To print a coupon for a $1 off admission or for information, visit lscats.org.
Pottawatomie Garden Club: "Beyond the Garden Gate" is the theme of the 2010 biennial Pottawatomie Garden Walk from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 10. Five homes are featured. For the first time in 15 years, a garden boutique will be in one of the gardens. Another garden will have refreshments. Tickets will be available in April on the club's Web site, pottagardenclub.org, from club members and sites in St. Charles.
Dance clubs: The International Folk Dancing and Silk and Thistle Scottish country dancing will be at Fermilab, back to Kuhn Village Barn. There will be dancing Tuesdays (Scottish) and Thursdays (international), through the season, beginning at 7:30 p.m. The barn is on Sauk Boulevard, on the east side of the Fermilab site in Batavia. Fermilab's Barn Dance also is returning to the barn, with dances at 6 p.m. the second Sunday of the month and at 2 p.m. the third Sunday of the month. English country dancing meets the first Sunday of the month through the rest of the season. English dancing begins at 1 p.m. with an hour for experienced dancers, then at 2 p.m. with dances for everyone. Newcomers are welcome. All dances are fully taught and walked through. There is often a potluck supper following the dancing. To get on an e-mail reminder list for when this group meets, e-mail folkdance@fnal.gov. The public is always welcome to join any of the dance groups, and there is no need to come with a partner. In general, there is no charge for the instruction, but donations are accepted. The barn dance, which always has live music, requests $6 from adults and $3 for seniors and teens. More information on international, Scottish and English country dancing is available by calling (630) 584-0825 or (630) 840-8194, or e-mailing folkdance@fnal.gov. For barn dancing, call (630) 840-2061 or (630) 897-3655, or e-mail garren@fnal.gov. Or visit fnal.gov/orgs/folkclub/folkdance.html.
Fox Valley Divorce Support Group: The Fox Valley Divorce Support Group meets at 7 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at the Infusion Tea Shoppe, 205 W. State in Geneva. New members should come at 6:45 p.m. The meeting is free and open to all. The Fox Valley Divorce Support Group provides help and information to those in all stages of the divorce process and is open to people of all faiths. Besides providing information through guest speakers, the group offers fellowship and emotional support. David and Judy Janis are the group's facilitators. Their own experiences of unsought divorces have enabled them to offer help and counsel to others who are going through the pain and challenges of divorce. For details, visit foxvalleydivorcesupport.org or call (630) 208-1724.