Fox Valley clubs briefs
To list your club's meetings, e-mail to tricity@dailyherald.com or foxvalley@dailyherald.com.
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 will be sold at half price, and 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. 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. A food donation to the South Elgin Food Pantry will get you an extra chance to win a free computer package 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. 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 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 at 8 a.m. at Nelson Lake. The Kane County Audubon Society meets at Nelson Lake in Dick Young Forest Preserve at 8 a.m. the first Saturday of each month. 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 shares his pictures and tales of the unusual "Animals of the Galapagos Islands." The meeting also will include the latest bird sightings 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. The caravan will depart the Peck Farm Park parking lot at 8 a.m. 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. More information is available at illinoisaudubon.org. For details, call Tim Balassie, trip leader, at (630) 513-7345.
Fox Valley Citizens for Peace and Justice: A community forum on immigration is set for 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 2 with guest speaker Rachel Heuman. The forum will be at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, 783 W. Highland Ave. Elgin.
Heuman is a retired English teacher, who became involved with the immigrant population back in the 1970s through her work with the United Farm Workers' Grape and Lettuce Boycott as immigrant workers strove to secure the right to unionize to protect themselves in their workplace.
More recently, she became active in response to proposals in some Illinois cities to introduce repressive anti-immigrant legislation. She worked with many others in her city, Evanston, to pass a city resolution in favor of immigration reform. She has continued to work on behalf of just and humane immigration reform via her local Immigrant Advocacy Project as well as through organizations such as the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights.
Heuman's appearance is sponsored by Fox Valley Citizens for Peace and Justice. It is free and open to the public and light refreshments will be served.
For information, call Mary Shesgreen at (847) 742-6602. A backup date will be arranged in case of bad weather driving conditions.
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.
Aurora Junior Woman's Club: The Aurora Junior Woman's Club invites women, age 18 and older, interested in becoming members to their January "Heartfelt Italian Night" meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 4 at Tribella Bar & Grill, 1900 Mill St. in Batavia. The meeting will include dinner and a presentation by cardiologist Dr. Mary Gordon. Cost is $21. Those interested in attending should call Kathy Dabney at (630) 554-6327 or visit www.aurorajuniorwomansclub.org for information.
The Aurora Junior Woman's Club/Aurora Children's Dental Services is a nonprofit organization made up of women from throughout the Fox Valley and has been dedicated to serving the needs of local children for more than 50 years. Each year, the club stages a musical production to entertain the families of the Fox Valley - this year's musical will be "Sleeping Beauty." The profits from the performances go directly back to the community in the form of dental work for children who otherwise would not be able to afford the care. It also funds donations to school theater programs, Make-A-Wish programs and other local charitable endeavors.
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 are available on some winter trips. For details, call Roger Vogtmann at (630) 253-4207 or visit snowdrifters.net.
Elgin Lions: U.S. Rep. Bill Foster will be the guest speaker at the next Elgin Lions Club meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 5. The Lions meet at 6:15 p.m. at the Holiday Inn, 495 Airport Road, Elgin. Foster was elected to serve the remaining term of Dennis Hastert, who resigned as the representative of Illinois' 14th Congressional District. Foster is an expert on many subjects. In addition to his expertise in legislative matters, he holds a Ph.D. in physics and prior to his election to Congress he was a researcher at Fermilab. Among the many things that distinguished his career as a researcher is his work at helping to prove the existence of the top quark-the heaviest known form of matter. He is also a businessman whose company produces lighting products for theaters. Those interested in attending should contact Elgin Lions Club president Ed Bates at batesed@cod.edu.
The Elgin Lions Club has contributed thousands of dollars to providing vision help to the Elgin community, primarily to the schoolchildren. The club is also active in many other charitable activities for the benefit of the community.
League of Women Voters: The League of Women Voters offers two candidate forums for the public. Candidates in contested races for Kane County Sheriff, Kane County Treasurer and Kane County Board districts 9 and 15 have been invited to participate in a forum on at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 5 at Batavia City Hall, 100 N. Island Ave.
Candidates in contested races for the 14th Congressional District will appear in a forum at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 18 at the Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1040 Dunham Road, St. Charles. Contested candidates for state Senate District 25 and state Representative District 50 also will participate in this forum. This forum is sponsored by the Leagues of Geneva-St. Charles, Batavia and Elgin.
The public is invited to both forums and will have an opportunity to submit questions for the candidates. Each forum will be moderated by a member of the League of Women Voters. The Jan. 18 forum also will include a panel of representatives from the media. At the end of the forums, audience members will be invited to meet informally with the candidates.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization which never endorses candidates. The purpose of league candidate forums is to offer the public an opportunity to hear and compare the views of candidates in an unbiased setting. Additional information may be obtained via www.lwvgenstc.org.
Zonta Club: 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, guest speaker is Ellen O'Hara, a member of the Chicago Area Chapter of The Ninety-Nines, the international organization of licensed women pilots. Reservations may be called in to Christie Plotzke at (847) 931-2292 no later than Monday, Dec. 28. For details about Zonta, contact Bobbie Gerbrecht at bobbie@bobbiegrayson.com or (630) 879-7889.
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.
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 details, 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. Sunday, Jan. 10. 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 other beverage specials.
Post 57 will host its "Second Wednesday Spaghetti Night" from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13, at the post home. 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. 31. Or enjoy the weekly Friday Night Fish Fry from 4 to 8 p.m. at the post home, except on Jan. 1. It features your choice of haddock, perch, catfish, and shrimp with all the trimmings.
Sierra Club: The Valley of the Fox Sierra Club will present a program on "Upcycling - A Step Above Recycling" at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 11 at the Batavia Public Library, 10 S. Batavia Ave. (Route 31). Upcycling is the practice of taking something that is a throwaway and repurposing it into something of greater utilization and intrinsic worth. Richard Fielding from Upcycle Products will be presenting, and he will have a display of rain barrels and composters that have been ecologically manufactured.
The public is invited and there is no admission charge. Refreshments will be served. For information, call Terri Voitik at (630) 585-9212.
NARFE: National Active and Retired Federal Employees Chapter 2181 meets at 1 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at the American Legion meeting room, 820 N. Liberty St., Route 25 in Elgin. A presentation of interest to the group is usually scheduled. On Jan. 12, Kathleen Haerr will speak on "Living Green, Living Healthy." NARFE 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 United States government including: retirees, current employees, spouses, and surviving spouses of those eligible to join NARFE, and former spouses who are 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 or visit www.narfe.org/chapter2181.
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.
BNCA: The popular "Seminar Series" hosted by the Barrington/Northwest Community Associates of the Art Institute offers programs on Tuesdays, Jan. 12 and 19. The "Seminar Series" will be offered at Barrington Area Public Library, 5050 N. Northwest Hwy., Barrington. Light refreshments will be available at 12:30 p.m. and lecture begins at 1 p.m. Cost is $15 per lecture. Advance registration is preferred but not mandatory. Call Harlene Perozzi at (847) 842-1960 for information. On Jan. 12, Miranda Hofelt will present "Sunlight and Shadow: The Legacy of Adams, Weston, and Cunningham." Hofelt is an adjunct lecturer for the Art Institute's Museum of Education and will use many photographs from the Art Institute's collection to demonstrate the visions of these 1920s photographers who explored new techniques, new visions, and demonstrated the enormous potential of photography. On Jan. 19, Cynthia Noble, an adjunct lecturer for the Art Institute, will explore the complex relationship between photography and painting. She will address the frequently-asked question: Why paint a naturalistic portrait when photography can readily capture a likeness? Noble also will analyze the effects of modern technology on both mediums.
Elgin Area Women's Connection: The Elgin Area Women's Connection will hold a luncheon meeting from noon to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13 at the Villa Olivia Country Club, Route 20, Bartlett. Teri Elliot-Burke, inspirational speaker, physical therapist and busy mother, will share the "top ten" ways for women to preserve their good health. She will also share her experience of finding peace when life seems out of control. Cost is $15 with complimentary child care.
For reservations, call Jan at (630) 837-2632 or Carolyn at (630) 213-1205 or e-mail Car644@gmail.com by Monday, Jan. 11.
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.
Elgin Area LWV: The League of Women Voters of the Elgin Area and Gail Borden Public Library will hold a candidates forum at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 17 at the library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. This forum prior to the primary election is open to the public.
Only candidates with a primary opponent will be featured. The offices invited are the Republican candidates for the Kane County Sheriff and Treasurer's offices, Democratic candidates for District 17 of the Kane County Board and Democratic and Republican candidates for the 16th Circuit judicial race.
County board candidates will appear at 2 p.m. and judicial candidates will appear at 3 p.m.
Candidates will make a statement and then take questions from the audience. For information, call (847) 697-0988.
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.
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. 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.
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. Visit pottagardenclub.org.