Overdue gardening can wait
How is your garden doing this summer? After years of neglect, I resolved to clean up my flower beds, plant some butterfly bushes, and turn our backyard patio from shabby into something a little more chic. An admirable ambition, it seemed at the time, but I didn't count on being divebombed by mosquitoes as soon as I step out the door.
Again this year, the village of Huntley has contracted with Clarke Mosquito Control of Roselle, whose trucks will be spraying here again by the middle or end of next week. There's a science to knowing when and where to spray, says George Balis, the company's representative for Huntley.
"We were there on July 3, and our traps in the area that show it's approaching the annoyance level again," he told me this week. "Due to the recent rains, we foresee an emergence (of mosquitoes) on the 13th, so we'll wait for that peak population to do our next treatment."
As for my yard, I've called in my own professionals. Landscapers are scheduled to finish what I started, provided that I keep my promise to fog-bomb the foliage with jungle-strength repellent.
Butterfly garden plan: Another place to enjoy butterflies this summer is the Chesak-Martin Butterfly Garden, located between the two schools on District 158's Reed Road campus. From 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. July 19, the Chesak Martin PTA's Beautification Committee will host a narrated garden walk of this award-winning site, recognized by the National Wildlife Federation as an outstanding educational resource. Created and maintained by local students, parents and teachers, the garden is home to dozens of prairie plants and flowers that attract butterflies and other native species. It has been named an official Monarch Way Station Site as part of a University of Kansas outreach program. The garden is open to the public anytime, but during the Garden Walk, interpreters will be on hand to answer questions.
Crowd expected at retired teachers' breakfast: This year's Huntley-area Retired Teachers' Breakfast may be the biggest yet, says organizer Mary Ellen Moerke. Nearly 30 people have already signed up for the annual event, set this year for 9 a.m. Wednesday at the new Pinecrest Golf Club.
"That's the most we've ever had, and there's still room for more," Moerke said this week. The event is open to any current or former school employees who either live in Huntley or have worked in area schools. Spouses are welcome, too. If you'd like to attend, call Moerke by Monday morning at (847) 669-5239. Maybe I'll see you there!
Women's "Power Hour": The Women's Power Hour, a social networking group for women, has started meeting in Huntley at the Talamore subdivision clubhouse. Its informal programs are free and fun, with presentations on food, fitness, travel, and other topics of interest, says co-organizer Brenda Ramsey, an officer at the Corporate America Family Credit Union in Elgin.
"The group was started by ladies that work or live in Huntley," she said. "It's an opportunity to spend an hour each month enriching their lives with new friends and new experiences."
The group will meet from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Wednesday for a program on easy summer recipes. Attendees are invited to bring a friend along, but find a sitter and leave the kids at home.
"We love children, but this is your time," Ramsey says. For details, e-mail to Womenspowerhour@gmail.com.
Dancing in the park: The Huntley Park District's "Summer Concert in the Park" series will feature Brit Beat, a popular Beatles' tribute band, from 7-8:30 p.m. July 22 on the lawn at Deicke Park, 10101 Route 47. Bring your own picnic, lawn chairs and blankets, or dance in the grass to all your '70s favorites. Admission is free, children are welcome, but iPods are not, organizers say. The concert s sponsored by American Community Bank & Trust and the Huntley Park District. For details, visit www.huntleychamber.org.