From the clubs
Submit club news and photos of activities to Club News, Daily Herald, 385 Airport Road, Suite A, IL 60123. Or e-mail to foxvalley@dailyherald.com or fax to (847) 608-0849.
Dundee Township Lions Club: Dundee Township Lions Club will offer a Mobile Hearing Screening Unit to combat deafness. Deafness has no respect of age, wealth or rank - it strikes people of all economic, social and age categories with equal frequency. To help protect the hearing of the public through an early alert system, to increase public awareness not only of the problems of the deaf, but also the capabilities of the hearing-impaired. The Lions Clubs of Illinois every year sponsor free hearing screenings for persons 18 or older and 10 to 17 years with written parental consent, in communities all over the state. As part of that program, the Dundee Township Lions Club is sponsoring a screening from 9 a.m. to noon Friday, June 5. The van will be located in the parking lot of Dundee Manor Restaurant, Route 72 at Route 68, East Dundee. Hearing loss is probably the single most chronic disability in the U.S., occurring nearly four times as often as blindness.
The Mobile Screening activity is conducted through cooperation of the Lions of Illinois Foundation, the charitable arm of the state's more than 700 Lions Clubs, and is funded primarily from Candy Day, held statewide the second Friday of every October.
Dundee Township Historical Society: The Friends of Centerville School and the Dundee Township Historical Society will feature an old-fashioned ice cream social from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 7 at Centerville School located in Randall Oaks Park, off Randall Road north of Route 72 in West Dundee. Visitors will have an opportunity to turn the crank and help make ice cream the way grandma used to do. Old-fashioned games will be available for play on the school grounds. The school will be open for tour and the Fox Valley Model T Club will have vintage cars on the grounds for viewing. The event is free, though donations are appreciated. For information, call the museum at (847) 428-6996.
Hampshire VFW Post 8043: Hampshire Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8043 will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, June 8 at the Hampshire Township building, 100 Center St. New members welcome. For details, call (847) 683-3443. The May 11 meeting, led by Commander Lowell Reiser, started with a salute to the colors and an opening prayer by chaplain Edward Wesemann. There was an installation of officers by past commander, Roman Deutsch. Thank-yous were given to post members for their cooperation in the successful Poppy Days fundraiser. The Fifth District VFW Memorial Service at Winthrop Harbor Post 7448 on May 17 was attended by the commander and quartermaster. The following Post 8043 members were remembered: Virgil Gustafson, LeRoy Leibert, William Renard, Glenn Seyller and James Tegtman. Memorial books have been sent to the respective families. At the local Memorial Day ceremony, Rear Admiral Kenneth Deutsch was the guest speaker. The scholarship winners were Victoria Wilkin of Hampshire High School and Brittany Nicole Priest of Burlington Central High School. The scholarships were presented to the students at the schools' award nights.
Hampshire VFW Ladies Auxiliary: Hampshire Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary Post 8043 will meet at 1:30 p.m. Monday, June 8 at the Hampshire Township building, 100 Center St. New members welcome. For details, call (847) 683-3443. The May 11 meeting with president Jerrilynne Partlo began with the Pledge of Allegiance and opening prayer by chaplain pro tem Donna Proffitt. Special guest was Commander Lowell Reiser, thanking the members for their cooperation on Poppy Days fundraiser. An installation of officers was led by Joyce Deutsch, past auxiliary president. Arlene Reiser reported on the Fifth District VFW Memorial Ceremony at Winthrop Harbor Post 7448. A membership drive for the ladies auxiliary is under way for completion before the Department of Illinois Convention in Springfield on June 25-28. Special monetary awards will be presented to auxiliaries that have 100 percent membership by that date. The scholarship winners were Kelsey Watson of Hampshire High School and Brogan Guest of Burlington Central High School. The scholarships were presented to the students at the schools' award nights. Sunshine chairwoman Mary Ann Peterson reported on the cards sent to members.
Sierra Club: Marko Spiegel will give a presentation on techniques of construction and remodeling of buildings to achieve maximum energy efficiency at reasonable cost. Sponsored by the Valley of the Fox Sierra Club, the talk will be given at 7 p.m. Monday, June 8 at the Batavia Public Library, 10 S. Batavia Ave. There is no admission charge. Spiegel is an engineer and entrepreneur born and educated in Germany. His lifelong passion for building along with a desire to conserve and innovate in construction led him to launch Conservation Technology International 2005. There are two complete One-Watt-Houses in Illinois and one near completion in Indiana. None of them requires a furnace for heat. One-Watt-Houses are inspired by German Passivhauses and adjusted for local conditions. They can be heated with about one watt per square foot on the coldest day of the year and eliminate the need for traditional heating systems. The library is located on Route 31 and Wilson Street in downtown Batavia. For information, call (630) 466-1808, e-mail at zabs@juno.com, or log onto sierraclub.org/chapters/il/vof.
NARFE: National Active & Retired Federal Employees, Chapter 2181 meets at 1 p.m. monthly on the second Tuesday of the month at the American Legion meeting room, 820 N. Liberty St., Route 25, in Elgin. The next meeting date is June 9. A guest speaker is usually scheduled on subjects of interest to the group. Lunch is available in the American Legion lunchroom before the meeting. Marcy Savage, executive director at FITE Center for Independent Living, will provide information on a range of equipment and services to help people achieve and maintain independent lifestyles in their own home. Active and retired federal employees and their spouses, also surviving spouses of those eligible to join NARFE from surrounding areas who are interested in becoming a member are welcome visit www.narfe.org/chapter2181, or call Nick Hyser for information at (847) 741-5772.
Art for All: Art for All will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 9 at its new location, Community Baptist Church, 991 Deborah in Elgin's Eagle Heights subdivision. They encourage all artists to attend. All skill levels are welcome even non-artist or those who would like to learn more about art. The group meets at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month. This nonprofit organization assists artists and the visual arts in the Elgin Area. For details, visit www.artforall-elgin.com or call Sandy Kaptain at (847) 741-7375.
Golden K Kiwanis: The Elgin Golden K Kiwanis will meet at 9 a.m. Wednesday, June 10 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 357 Division St., Elgin. The program by Elgin police chaplin Rev. Robert Fales will be on "The Duties of a Police Chaplin." Visitors are welcome. For details, call (847) 741-7176.
Fox Valley Bicycle and Ski Club: The club will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 10 in the community room at the Batavia Public Library, 10 S. Batavia Ave. Join longtime club member Ed Foster and other Club/Route 66 riders as they share discussion and photos of one of the club's most successful bike tours of 2008, the Route 66 Bike Tour. The 40th annual Swedish Day Bike Ride and Fundraiser is Sunday, June 28. For details, visit www.fvbsc.org.
Elgin Area Women's Connection: The Elgin Area Women's Connection will meet for lunch from noon to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 10, at the Villa Olivia Country Club, Route 20 in Bartlett. Executive chef Kim Pederson of Peach Tree Gourmet will demonstrates techniques and recipes for some refreshing and healthy, out-of-the-ordinary salads. They also will hear an inspirational message from Roxie Cardinal and enjoy a springtime lunch. Cost is $15 inclusive with complimentary child care. For reservations, call Jan at (630) 837-2632, Carolyn at (630) 213-1205, or e-mail Car644@gmail.com by Monday, June 8.
McHenry AARP: The McHenry County chapter of AARP will meet for lunch at noon Thursday, June 11 at The Old Country Buffet on Route 14 in Crystal Lake. Pay as you enter and go to the reserved room. In July, the group will hold its annual luncheon to support the Salvation Army. Advance tickets are available. For chapter and ticket information call Glenn at (815) 477-1952.
SHRM: On Thursday, June 11, Jill P. O'Brien will discuss the trends and an overview of the most important changes in the law relative to the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Lilly Ledbetter Equal Pay Act, drug and alcohol testing in the workplace, wage/hour compliance issues, retaliation and whistle-blower claims and more.
The breakfast meeting for Stateline Society for Human Resource Management begins promptly at 7:45 a.m. and will adjourn at 9:45 a.m. They will meet at the Family Service and Community Mental Health Center, 4100 Veterans Parkway in McHenry. Cost to members is $15 or $25 for nonmembers, payable by cash or check at the door. Reservations are required no later than Monday, June 8. Visit www.statelineshrm.org for information or to make your reservation. Seating is limited.
There will be a discussion about these issues and many other topics that human resource professionals face on a daily basis. O'Brien is an Equity Partner and a member of the Executive Committee of Laner, Muchin, Dombrow, Becker, Levin and Tominberg, Ltd. She has 20 years of experience practicing exclusively in the areas of labor and employment law.
Elgin VFW Post 1307: The Elgin Watch City Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1307 is sponsoring a Motorcycle and Vehicle Poker Run Rally on Sunday, July 12 to support the U.S. military troops serving our country in Operation Enduring Freedom. The run will begin and end at the VFW Post at 1601 Weld Road in Elgin, stopping at many area American Legions and VFW's along the way. Registration starts at 9 a.m. A pancake/sausage or egg burrito breakfast will be offered at a minimum cost to participants. The first vehicle will leaving the VFW at 11:30 a.m. Registration is $15 per person and all proceeds will go to provide needed personal supplies for the troops serving in the Middle East and for mailing of the packages. This is a great chance to have a lot of fun and help the men and women who are preserving our freedom under harsh conditions. Call (847) 888-9809 to register or for information.
Elgin Area Historical Society: On Saturday, June 13, join Elgin Area Historical Society member Mary Hill for a walking tour of West Elgin. This educational program will use history, personal stories, and hands-on experience to enhance the participants' knowledge of Elgin's development. Learn about the influences that shaped West Elgin, the Kimball Family, and pre-Civil War architecture. View one of Elgin's oldest homes and find out more about the influence of cobblestone structures. The tour encompasses Mountain, Jackson, and South streets to the Fox River. This tour begins at 1 p.m. Cost is $5 per person, free for society members. Meet at the corner of Crystal and Mountain streets. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes. For information, call (847) 742-4248 or visit www.elginhistory.org.
South Elgin Leos: The South Elgin Leo Club will host a pancake breakfast to benefit the Children's Miracle Network from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, June 14 at the South Elgin Lions Club, 500 Fulton St. Cost is $7 for adults; $5 for seniors over age 60; $3 for children, age 6 to 11; and free for children, age 5 and younger. The meal includes pancakes, bagels, rolls and beverages. For details, call Leo Advisor Lion Angie De Leon at (847) 888-9575.
Henpeck AHCE: The Henpeck Unit of Kane County Association for Home and Community Education will meet Tuesday, June 16 at the home of Ocie Manser in Hampshire. A lesson on "Landscaping on the Wild Side" will be presented by Peggy Gross. Guests are welcome; call (847) 683-3826 for details and directions. At the May 12 meeting, a lesson on "Fruits and Vegetables" was presented by Emily Sjurseth. Discussion included how many fruits and vegetables should be eaten every day, how to read labels for nutritional values and new and unusual fruits and vegetables members have tried. Handouts included interesting recipes for preparing these foods in new and different ways. Peggy Gross served as hostess for the meeting. Five members answered roll call with new and unusual fruits and veggies used in their menus. Unit Chairman Peggy Gross shared a letter from the Community Crisis Center acknowledging the unit's donations which allow the Center to continue providing critical services to individuals and families in need. Election of officers was held with unanimous agreement to keep the same slate as last year. A report of Unit activities for the past year was compiled by Mary Ebert and sent to county president, Elaine Bond, to be included in the county's report at the May 20 annual meeting. For information, contact Peggy Gross at (847) 683-3826 or Membership Director, Mary Ann Harter at (847) 683-3632.
Chain O'Lakes Kennel Club: The Chain O'Lakes Kennel Club will host an AKC All Breed Dog Show from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 14 at the new Lake County Fairgrounds Expo Hall, Peterson and Midlothian roads. Talk with breeders, get information about the 155-plus different AKC and miscellaneous breeds. There is an anticipated entry over 1,300 dogs. Admission is free; parking is $10 per carload. Visit colkc.org.
Algonquin Lions: The Algonquin Lions Club will host its annual golf outing at 1 p.m. Friday, June 19 at the Golf Club of Illinois, 1575 Edgewood Drive in Algonquin. Cost is $125 per person and includes 18 holes of golf, golf cart rental, golf range, dinner and prizes. Contests may include: Beat the Pro, Beat the Long Drive, Straightest Drive, Closest to Pin, Longest Putt, and a putting contest. Business sponsorship is $30. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the blind. Registration is due by Friday, June 12. For details, call Wayne Spielman at (847) 658-1030.
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.
Thistle & Heather Highland Dancers: Jean Stein of South Elgin won her fourth consecutive Midwest Regional Championship in Scottish Highland Dancing on Memorial Day weekend in Alma, Mich. The 13-year-old has qualified to represent the region since she was first runner-Up at age 9. Jean has represented the Midwest at National Championships in Mt. Vernon, Wash.; Saratoga Springs, N.Y.; Irvine, Calif.; Denver, Colo. At Denver in 2008, Jean won the National Championship and will be heading to Nashville, Tenn. in July to defend her national title as well as represent the Midwest region. Jean has been dancing with the Thistle & Heather Highland Dancers since she was 6. The dance group meets in Glen Ellyn and North Riverside.
The Illinois St. Andrew Society will be hosting the Highland Games on June 19-20 at the Oak Brook Polo Field on 31st Street, just west of York Road. For information, visit www.chicago-scots.org, or e-mail Nancy Strolle at thhd@comcast.net.
Cary-Grove Jaycees: The Cary-Grove Jaycees presents Jaycees Cary Days Annual Car Show, sponsored by Wickstrom Auto Group, from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 20 at Lions Park, 1170 Silver Lake Road, north of Route 14 in Cary. Registration will be from 9 a.m. to noon. The classes of cars will be Antique, Corvette, Custom, with Special Interest Street Rods and Trucks. There also will be 1950s Stock and Modified, 1960s-'70's Stock and Modified; and 1980s Present Stock and Modified. The show will feature quality cars and trucks only. The car show is for the whole family and is free to spectators. Wristbands will be for sale for $20 for unlimited carnival rides from noon to 4 p.m. There will be many different food vendors available for your enjoyment and entertainment throughout the whole day. One hundred percent of the proceeds will benefit the Cary-Grove Jaycees. This show will be judged by National Corvette Restoration Society and Chevy Vettefest judges. Premium trophies will be presented to first, second and third places in the various classes. Registration is $18. For details, call Anthony Colletti at (847) 287-4657.
Girl Scouts-Sybaquay Council: Girl Scouts - Sybaquay Council, headquartered in Elgin recently received a $1,700 Grant from Wal-Mart for their "Girl Scout/Dove Self-Esteem" program workshops to be held at the American Community Bank, 10101 Route 47, in Huntley during the month of June. Originally created in 2002 in partnership with Girl Scouts and Dove, the program strives to build self-esteem in girls, ages 8 to 17. The problem of low self-esteem is pervasive among pre-adolescent and adolescent girls in the United States. Research conducted by the Girl Scout Research Institute and other youth organizations demonstrates that in a nationwide trend, risky behavior such as smoking, drinking, unsafe sexual behavior, eating disorders, suicidal tendencies and self-mutilation are behaviors often associated with low self-esteem. The workshops in Huntley will include exercises about recognizing one's strengths and best attributes, handling peer pressure, healthy eating habits, hygiene, and identifying core values and personal interests.
On June 22, 24, and 26, girls entering eighth to 12th grade in the fall are invited to attend "Mirror, Mirror," a $15, three-day workshop running from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. Girls entering fourth to fifth grade can participate in "Uniquely Me! The Way to Be," a $10, two-day workshop on June 23 and 25, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day. For information about the two workshops or to register, visit www.gs-sybaquay.org, or call (847) 741-5521, ext. 7147. The registration deadline is June 10.
Girl Scouts of the USA is the preeminent leadership development program for girls, with a membership of more than 4 million girl and adult members. In the Girl Scout program, girls develop their leadership potential through activities that enable them to discover their values, skills, and the world around them; connect with others in a multicultural environment; and take action to make a difference in the world. Girl Scouts - Sybaquay Council serves nearly 9,800 girls from more than 50 communities throughout McHenry County, and parts of Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Lake, LaSalle and Kane counties.
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 Poyner, 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/.
Mothers & More: In the hectic summer days, busy moms need a little break for ourselves. Tara Tharpe, a fabulous motivational speaker, will help us to look at our own goals in a fun, inspirational way. All are welcome to join Mothers & More of McHenry County for the program titled, "Look in the Mirror and Guess Who I See. ME!" The event is scheduled from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, June 25 in the fellowship room at First Congregational Church, 461 Pierson St., Crystal Lake. Enter through the church office entrance on the Lake Street side of the building. RSVP to krose46@yahoo or call (847) 854-3986. Bring a friend. This is also a chance to learn more about Mothers & More. Mothers & More is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of mothers, supporting mothers as individuals and promote the value of all of the work that mothers do. Programs sponsored by Mothers & More of McHenry County are free and open to the public. Visit www.mchenrymothers.org.
South Elgin Lions: The South Elgin Lions Club will host its second annual "Cookin' On The Grill Summer Meat Spin" on Friday, June 26 at the club house, 500 Fulton St. in South Elgin. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the raffle starts at 7 p.m. Among the items to be raffled will be many favorite summer meats, including T-bone, Porterhouse, and New York Strip Steaks, Filet Mignon, Pork Chops, Salmon Filets, Lobster Tails, Baby Back Ribs. There will also be special Prime Rib raffles. One lucky loser will receive a Grill and a Coleman Extreme 62-quart Wheeled Cooler filed with various picnic items. The bar will be open throughout the night. All net proceeds will benefit the South Elgin Lions Club and its charities. For details, call Lion Mark Dobrzynski at (847) 888-9575.
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.