Fox Valley clubs notes
To list your club's meetings, e-mail to foxvalley@dailyherald.com, or fax to (847) 608-0849.
Elgin American Legion: American Legion Post 57, 820 N. Liberty St. in Elgin, will be celebrating Poppy Days starting at noon Thursday, May 14, all day Friday, May 15, and until noon Saturday, May 16. The American Legion will be selling poppies on the west side of Elgin, and the Elgin Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1307 will be selling on the east side. When you see members of these two veterans' organizations out and about selling poppies on those days, please give generously. All money goes to help our veterans.
As part of the Memorial Day celebration on May 25, the American Legion Post 57 will join in various services and events throughout the city of Elgin that day. The Mount Hope Cemetery service will begin at 9 a.m., the Lakewood Memorial Park service will be held at approximately 9:15 a.m., the Kimball Street Bridge ceremony starts at approximately 10:15 a.m., and the Bluff City Cemetery program begins promptly at 11 a.m. Plan on attending at least one of these services honoring the brave servicemen and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country over the years.
Friends of Judson: The Friends of Judson University will hold a huge garage sale from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16 at 1919 Kevin Ave. on Elgin's west side off Royal Boulevard. Friends of Judson is a nonprofit organization which seeks to enhance the quality of student life on the Judson University campus. All proceeds from the sale will go toward student scholarships. If you have clean items that are in good condition which you are willing to donate, call (847) 426-3754 or bring to 1919 Kevin Ave. on Thursday, May 14.
Crystal Lake South Booster Club: A bingo night to benefit Crystal Lake South Boosters and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church will be held Saturday, May 16 at the church, 1023 S McHenry Ave in Crystal Lake. You can win cash and prizes. There will be music, pull tabs and raffles. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Doors open at 6 p.m. and bingo starts at 7:30 p.m. All players must be 18 or older to play. Children are not allowed.
Kane County Audubon Society: The Kane County Audubon Society invites you to "Birding the Chicago Lakefront" starting at 7 a.m. Saturday, May 16 at Peck Farm Park. Participants will car-pool to Montrose Harbor/"The Magic Hedge," the legendary birding hot spot on Chicago's north shore. During spring migration, warblers are often more common at the "Hedge" than popcorn on the carpet of a megaplex. For details, call Chris Madsen at (630) 377-0773. Visit www.kanecountyaudubon.org.
LITH American Legion: In honor of "Armed Forces Day," the Lake in the Hills American Legion Post 1231 announced their "Annual Armed Forces Day Breakfast" scheduled for 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 16 or until food runs out. This event is opened to the public and they encourage all military personnel and veterans to attend. The menu includes scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes with onions, green pepper, or pancakes. Cost is $6 for adults or $4 for children. The post is at 1101 W. Algonquin Road in Lake in the Hills. For information, contact David Mudd at (847) 658-2010. American Legion Post 1231 is a nonprofit organization supporting, active military personnel, veterans and their families through community service and sponsored held events.
NAMI: NAMI Kane County, an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, will hold its Saturday, May 16 meeting at the Ecker Center for Mental Health, 1845 Grandstand Place, third floor, Elgin. The program will feature Cathy Reif, Northern Illinois University School of Law student, who will speak on "Civil Commitment and the Law." She was the moderator at the April 16 School of Law Symposium held at the university in DeKalb. Members of the community are welcome to join NAMI members for an interesting and educational program which will follow a brief business meeting starting at 9:30 a.m.
Elgin VFW Post 1307: The Elgin Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1307 Men's Auxiliary will host an all-you-can-eat breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. Sunday, May 17. Advance tickets are $5 for adults. Tickets at the door are $6 for adults and $4 for children age 12 and under. The VFW is at 1601 Weld Road on Elgin's west side - between McLean Boulevard and Randall Road. Advance ticket sales end at noon May 16.
Elgin Area Historical Society: Daniel Burnham made "no little plans" when he created the groundbreaking 1909 Plan of Chicago. Many principles of the Chicago Plan were used when Burnham's partner Edward Bennett formulated a plan for Elgin in 1917. Discover this design and others including the latest Elgin plan for sustainability at the opening reception at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 19 in the rotunda of the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove, Elgin. A barbershop quartet from the Fox Valley Men of Harmony will perform and light refreshments will be served. The program at 6:30 p.m. in the community rooms will focus on features of the plans including transportation corridors, green spaces and separation of business and residential sections. The discussion will be led by Robert W. Siljestrom, city planning and development commission, and Tom Armstrong, city of Elgin's department of planning and neighborhood services. The traveling exhibit will be on display at the library through Aug. 8. Register at gailborden.info.
Fox Valley Beaux Arts: Fox Valley Beaux Arts continues to celebrate their Jubilee Year with the annual installation of officers on Tuesday, May 19 at Villa Olivia Country Club, off Route 20 in Bartlett. The scholarship winners for this year have been invited to the dinner where their names will be announced. Traditionally, each of these talented high school seniors entertain us at this event. Cocktails begin at 6:30 p.m. followed by dinner. Beaux Arts welcomes all those who are interested in supporting the arts in the Elgin area. For reservations to the dinner and more information about Beaux Arts, call Marge Haefliger at (847) 697-7374.
Golden K Kiwanis: The Elgin Golden K Kiwanis will meet at 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 20 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 357 Division St., Elgin. Lt. Bob Bedard of Elgin Fire Department will talk about the "Life Safety Program. Visitors are welcome. For information, call (847) 741-7176.
Boy Scout Troop 43: Boy Scout Troop 43 Carpentersville is selling Hoagie sandwiches to help send boys to summer camp. Purchase your fresh hot and spicy or plain Hoagie sandwiches for your Memorial Day picnic. They are selling Hoagies from now until Thursday, May 14. Delivery will be Saturday, May 23. Cost is $4.50 per sandwich. Call their Hoagie Hotline at (847) 426-5193 and place your order today.
Elgin Area Historical Society: The Old Main History Museum will host several activities to celebrate Preservation Month and International Museum Day on Thursday, May 21. At noon, the first Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series guests are volunteers from the Elgin Police Department History Collections group and the Elgin Fire Barn Museum. They will talk about the history of these important government services. Bring your lunch, beverages and dessert will be provided. From 1 to 3 p.m., behind-the-scene tours of the museum will be offered. Tour the museum's off-limit archives to view the local history treasures not on exhibit. Old Main is at 360 Park St., Elgin. It is open from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday. For details, call (847) 742-4248 or visit www.elginhistory.org. May 21 is a free day for everyone.
VFW Post 2298: The Tri-City Evergreen Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2298 will place flags on the graves of veterans at 6:30 a.m. Saturday, May 23 at the Dundee Township Cemetery East in East Dundee. On Sunday, May 24, they will host the Dundee Township Memorial Day parade in downtown East and West Dundee. The lineup will be at 1 p.m. with the parade stepping off at 2 p.m. The VFW Post 2298 canteen has new hours from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Lunch is also being served now from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday to Saturday. For details, call Jessie at (847) 844-0943 or the post home at (847) 428-9006.
Northwest Suburban Astronomers: The Northwest Suburban Astronomers, in cooperation with the DeKalb County Forest Preserve District, will host a public star party at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, May 23, at Afton Forest Preserve, 13600 Crego Road in DeKalb County. This is your opportunity to look at stars, galaxies, nebulae and star clusters with the help of NSA member telescopes. Some of the observing highlights will be the planet Saturn, open cluster M44, globular cluster M13, the constellations Leo and Ursa Major (the Big Dipper) among others.
The forest preserve is about one mile east of Route 23 and 4.5 miles south of the Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway, I-88. Bring warm clothing (nights can be chilly), insect repellent (if needed), and a flashlight covered with red plastic or cellophane (red light preserves your night vision).
You can also come out early and have a picnic and hike the trails. You are welcome to bring your own telescope or binoculars. In the event of inclement weather the event will be canceled. There is no cost to attend. For details, visit www.nsaclub.org.
Hampshire VFW, American Legion, AMVETS: Memorial Day services Monday, May 25 will be coordinated by Hampshire Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8043 and its Ladies Auxiliary, American Legion Post 57 and its Ladies Auxiliary and AMVETS Post 91. The parade step-off time at 10:30 a.m. at Hampshire Middle School, 560 S. State St. and the services commencing at 11 a.m. at Ralph Seyller East Park. The Rev. Joseph Nicolosi Jr. of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, the Rev. Howard Gleason of St. John's Lutheran Church and Mayor Jeff Magnussen will be in attendance. Hampshire High School Band, under the direction of Helen Lawrence, will perform. Local organizations are invited to participate in the parade and services. Guest speaker will be Rear Admiral Kenneth Deutsch, son of Roman and Joyce Deutsch, Burlington. Rear Admiral Deutsch graduated from Central High School and attended Illinois State University, Normal. Rear Admiral Deutsch has worked in the Pentagon, Washington, D.C. and is Director of Capabilities and Resource Integration (N8) on the staff of Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command. Rear Admiral Deutsch, his wife Kay (Thompson), son, Kyle and daughter, Caitlyn live in Norfolk, Virginia. In the event of rain, services will be held at Hampshire Middle School. For details, call Lowell Reiser, Commander V.F.W. Post 8043 at (847) 683-3443.
American Legion Post 119: The American Legion Frank H. Nagel Jr. Post 119 of Fox River Grove will sponsor a Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 25. It will start at Algonquin Road School, 975 Algonquin Road, Fox River Grove. The American Legion is seeking organizations to participate in the Memorial Day Parade and ceremony. The parade steps off at 8:30 a.m. Any organizations wishing to participate in the parade can call American Legion Commander Bod DePaul at (847) 639-0267.
Huntley American Legion: The Huntley American Legion Post 673 will host its annual Memorial Day Parade at 11 a.m. Monday, May 25. The parade will start at the Huntley Municipal Complex, 10987 Main St., and proceed west on Main Street, to the Huntley American Legion Post at Coral and Woodstock streets, for a brief memorial ceremony. After the ceremony, a free public luncheon will be hosted at the American Legion Hall. Local clubs, organizations, businesses, and others interested in participating in this year's parade should contact Patrick Conley Commander at (847) 659-1883 or e-mail at pandjo66@yahoo.com by Friday, May 22. Or contact the Huntley Legion Hall at (847) 669-8485 between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m. daily.
Mothers & More: Mothers & More of McHenry County is hosting a summer idea exchange from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 28 in the fellowship room at First Congregational Church, 461 Pierson St. in Crystal Lake. Use the Church Street entrance. All are welcome to share ideas for fun, frugal, creative things to do during the summertime. Share your thoughts on great vacation spots, activities, games, camps, recipes, parties and more. If you are fresh out of ideas, come and be inspired. They will commiserate, share some laughs and gear up for a wonderful summer season. This is also a chance to learn more about Mothers & More. Mothers & More is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of mothers. All guests will be entered in a drawing to win a free membership. To RSVP, contact lseiter@sbcglobal.net or (815) 479-5733 or (815) 451-3350. Programs sponsored by Mothers & More of McHenry County are free and open to the public. Visit www.mchenrymothers.org.
Lakes Region Historical Society: On Thursday, May 28, the Lakes Region Historical Society will host a program given by Tony Olszewski of the McHenry County Paranormal Society. Olszewski will discuss local hauntings and the ability to help those in the area experiencing paranormal activity. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. at The Meeting House, 977 Main St., Antioch. All are welcome, admission is free and refreshments will be served. For information, call (847) 395-4912.
American Legion Post 1231: Lake in the Hills American Legion Post 1231 Auxiliary will host its third annual barbecue meat raffle at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 30 at the post home, 1101 W. Algonquin Road. For details, visit www.post1231.org.
Elgin VFW: The Elgin Veterans of Foreign Wars Post will host a free public dance from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 31. Music will be provided by Les Pace and the Pacemakers. Les and the guys specialize in big band era hits, and play just for the fun of it for the public's dancing, listening or just singing along. Light food fare and refreshments are available. The VFW is located at 1600 Weld Road. For details, call Les at (847) 742-3879.
Elgin Area Historical Society: The Elgin Area Historical Society is offering a bus trip to the Cuneo Mansion and Gardens in Vernon Hills on Saturday, June 6. The bus tour will leave the Old Main Museum, 360 Park St. at 8:30 a.m. and return approximately 3:30 p.m. The Cuneo mansion is a historic house museum. The home was designed by architect Benjamin Marshall for Samuel Insull, founder of the Commonwealth Edison Company. John Cuneo Sr. purchased the home and estate in 1937. He was the founder of The Cuneo Press and the Hawthorn Mellody Dairy. The Cuneo family lived in the home until 1990. The museum and gardens were opened to the public in 1991. The architectural landmark reflects the grandeur and artistry of the Renaissance. Experience graceful rooms adorned with European furnishings, tapestries, porcelain, and treasured works of art. Stroll the estate gardens, resplendent in roses and colorful blooms amid antique statuary and bubbling fountains.
Cost is $35 for Society members and $45 for nonmembers. The cost includes bus and entrance to the mansion and gardens. The home is handicapped accessible and includes a gift shop. The group will stop at Long Grove Village on the return trip for lunch; the charming four-season village has numerous restaurants to choose from and will be at the cost and choice of the individual.
For reservations and information, call the Old Main Museum at (847) 742-4248. Reservation deadline is May 19.
Hampshire Lions: The Hampshire Lions 18th annual Lions Club Golf Tournament will be a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. Friday, June 19 at Randall Oaks Golf Club and Banquets, off Randall Road in West Dundee.
There will be two flights to the tournament, two-person Handicap Flight, and a four person Scramble Flight.
The entry fee is $100 per golfer, which includes 18 holes of golf, a riding cart, a delicious prime rib dinner, and prizes for everyone. The Handicap Flight must have their entry form, complete with each partners handicap along with checks payable to the Hampshire Lions Club returned to Hampshire Lions Club, P.O. Box 415, Hampshire IL 60140 by June 15.
Proceeds from this charity event will support Lions charities, which include aiding the blind, hard of hearing, underprivileged children, and other worthwhile community activities. For details, call Fred Rackow, chairman, at (847) 683-3729.
Elgin LWV: At the recent 80th annual meeting of the League of Women Voters of the Elgin Area, the members voted on a budget, bylaws changes and local program for the coming year of 2009-10. Highlight of the evening was awarding 50-year honorary membership pins to four members: Shirley Simon, Ann Schneck, Myra Becker and Dorothy Yeoman for being members of the League for 50 years.
A new slate of officers was installed which included: Sigi Psimenos, president; Janet Poyner, vice president, membership; Betsy Thrasher, secretary; Sandy Kaptain and Donna Askins to serve on the board of directors and Shirley May Byrnes and Doretta Williams to serve as the nominating committee for next year.
The League program for next year includes promoting the sustainability of Elgin, looking for ways Elgin can decrease dependence on petroleum, education of homeowners of "green" energy-saving solutions, workshops on lobbying, running for office, and continuing the study of mental health issues in partnership with the Kane County Mental Health Group.
After the annual meeting, the new members who have joined in the past year, were invited to a May Fest which introduced them to League history, policy and the meaning of program and positions that the League takes.
People interested in joining the League of Women Voters can request to receive a couple of months of newsletters which are sent out each month, or a new members kit, by letting Membership Chair, Janet Poyer, know by calling (847) 695-7122 or e-mail a request to jpoyner9@aol.com. A complete League Web site can be reached at www.lwvnet.org.lwv.il/elgin/.
Elgin Junior Woman's Club: Elgin Junior Woman's Club is hosting its annual Treasured Gardens Garden Walk again this year. It will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 27 at the east side of Elgin. The starting location will be at the General offices of the Church of the Brethren, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin. Tickets will be $12 before the walk and $15 on the day of the event. For information or to reserve tickets, contact Elena Lipinski sjlipinski@yahoo.com, or Trisha Cooper at ywatrisha@yahoo.com, or (847) 741-9739.