Fox Valley club briefs

To list your club's meetings, e-mail to foxvalley@dailyherald.com, or fax to (847) 608-0849.

Watch City VFW: Watch City Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1307 in Elgin is a co-sponsor of this year's Marine Corps League Detachment No. 077 Toys for Tots campaign to provide toys for underprivileged children this Christmas. The VFW post is located at 1601 Weld Road in Elgin and a large box is stationed at the front door for the collection of unwrapped toys. Donations can also be made through the Web site at www.toysfortots.org where more information is also available on the program, or a check may be left at the VFW made out to "Toys For Tots." Toys collected at the VFW are distributed locally throughout the Fox Valley to children who would otherwise not receive any. For details, call the VFW Post at (847) 888-9809.

BNCA: The Barrington/Northwest Community Associates will host its first "Exploring Art" program on Thursday, Oct. 15 at the Barrington Area Public Library, 505 Northwest Hwy. Richard Helland will present "The Best of Transparent Watercolor" beginning at 1 p.m. Hellend, who is a member of the board of directors of the Transparent Watercolor Society of America, will give a visual presentation of the winners of the 2009 National Exhibition. He also will display examples of his own work. There are no fee for this event and reservations are not necessary. Members and guests are welcome. Call Judy Segebrecht at (847) 882-6832 for more information.

Oct. 30 is the date for the Combined Community Associates Annual Lecture. Held at the Art Institute, this annual event showcases a well-known artist as the featured speaker. The accomplished architect, Linda Roy, will discuss her many accomplishment and her vision of architecture beginning at 11:a.m. in the Rubloff Auditorium at the Art Institute. Roy has won several prestigious awards and has worked on important projects here in the United States and at international locations as well. Her work is displayed at major museums including the Art Institute. After her lecture, members will lunch at the Kinzie Chop House. This event is for members only. For information, contact Sandra Ross at (815) 455-7677.

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. Stop by for its weekly Family Burger and Steak Night from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays. Or enjoy the weekly Friday Night Fish Fry from 4 to 8 p.m. at the post home. It features your choice of haddock, perch, catfish, and shrimp with all the trimmings.

Plato Center HCE: The Plato Center Unit Home and Community Education will meet at 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16 at the Plato Town Hall, 10N394 Rippburger Road. The hostesses are Sue Metz and Verlene Schroeder. The lessons for Living will be "Healthy Eating: Fruits and Vegetables" presented by Nancy Haire and Joan Ziethen. There will be a synopsis on the lesson on China given at the August Open House presented by Nancy Haire and Joan Ziethen. They will be celebrating HCE week Oct. 11-17. There will be a display at Books at Sunset and Trefons Family Restaurant in Elgin. To attend this meeting or any of the other unit meetings, call Joan at (847) 931-8120 or the Extension office at (630) 584-6166. Guests are welcome.

VFW Post 2298: The Tri-City Evergreen Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2298 will host Octoberfest from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the post home, 117 S. First St. in West Dundee. Enjoy good food, good company and good music. For details, call Pete or Fran (847) 426-2205. The Tri-City Evergreen Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2298 will host a Turkey Party at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6 and Saturday, Nov. 7, at the post home, 117 S. First St. in West Dundee. Doors open at 6 p.m. so come early and stake out your chair. For details, call (847) 428-9006.

Kane County Audubon Society: The Kane County Audubon Society will take a bird walk at 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17 at Elburn Forest Preserve, south of Route 38 and about three-quarter mile west of Route 47. They will be looking for fall migrants. Meet in the parking lot. For information, call Nancy Schnaitman at (630) 365-9595.

Take a field trip to Horicon Marsh and Boat Trip. Meet at 7 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 at Peck Farm parking lot in Geneva, 38W199 Kaneville Road, to car pool to Wisconsin. They will bird from the dike roads and then go on a guided boat trip of the marsh at 3 p.m. Some members will stay overnight, but others may return Saturday night. For details and motel information, call Chuck Peterson at (630) 584-1566.

For information or maps to activities, visit kanecountyaudubon.org.

LITH American Legion: The Lake in the Hills American Legion Post 1231 will host a Wii Bowling Tournament at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17 at the post home, 1101 W. Algonquin Road in Lake in the Hills. Preregistration is $10 or $15 at the door. Proceeds will help fund various donations related to children, including the annual children's holiday party, Hearts of Gold and other area children in need. This event is open to the public and we encourage all to attend this fun event which in turn supports our local families in need. American Legion Post 1231 is a nonprofit organization supporting, active military personnel, veterans and their families through community service and sponsored held events. For details, call Shelley Walenga or Kelly Hass at (847) 658-2010 or visit www.post1231.org.

Carpentersville VFW: The Carpentersville Veterans of Wars Post 5915 Ladies Auxiliary is having a spaghetti dinner on Saturday, Oct. 17 at the post home, 301 Lake Marian Road. Everyone is welcome. Dinner will be served from 5 to 8 p.m. The dinner consists of salad bar, garlic bread, Italian sausage, homemade meatballs and spaghetti sauce and dessert with coffee, tea, or milk. Admission is $8 per person and children from age 4 to 10 eat for half price. The main portion of the proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society and the remainder will go to other community projects that the VFW supports.

McHenry County WIM: Kathy Sierminski, a McHenry County certified public accountant, will be the featured speaker at McHenry County Women in Management's October luncheon. The luncheon will begin at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17 at the Shah Center for Corporate Training and Illinois Small Business Development Center, 4100 W. Shamrock Lane, McHenry. Sierminski's presentation will cover recent changes in tax legislation and their impact on personal and business taxes. She also will discuss retirement planning and contribution limits. The presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer session. A tax specialist, Sierminski has been serving the financial needs of Chicago area clients since 1987. She has been a solo practitioner since 2006, offering tax and financial expertise and personal service. She holds a masters in accounting from Northern Illinois University. She is a member of the Illinois CPA Society and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Cost is $20. To make a reservation, call (815) 363-2693, visit wimonline.org or e-mail mchenrycounty@wimonline.org.

Dundee Township Historical Society: The Dundee Township Historical Society will present its Cemetery Walk from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18. Gather at the museum at 426 Highland Ave. in West Dundee and take a guided tour of Dundee Township's west cemetery where the "Spirits of Dundee" will come to life to tell their stories. History is not dead, it lives in the cemetery. Guests will have an opportunity to do a grave stone rubbing. A $5 donation is requested. Refreshments will be served. For information, call the museum at (847) 428-6996.

Elgin Area Historical Society: Native Elginites and longtime collectors Jean Breslich and Raleigh Sutton will share their expertise and passion for collectibles on Sunday, Oct. 18 at the Old Main Museum, 360 Park St., Elgin. Come learn more about their passion and pick up a few tips on how you might start your own collections. Jean Breslich will share her passion for every thing Elgin. Raleigh Sutton will share his passion for World War I and World War II trench art. The program will begin at 1 p.m. Refreshments will be served; members are free, nonmembers $3. For information, call (847) 742-4248 or visit www.elginhistory.com. Old Main is open: noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday. Exhibit include - Elgin National Watch Company, Elgin Road Races, Elgin's Beginnings/Gifford's Cabin and more.

Fox Valley Beaux Arts: Fox Valley Beaux Arts will hold its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20 in the community area room of The Greens at 801 N. McLean Blvd., Elgin. The program will feature music from Judson University with pianist Jin Young Lee and guitarist Ben Esch. Beaux Arts welcomes guests to join members for an enjoyable evening of music. For information about the October meeting or to become a member of Beaux Arts, call Marge Haefliger at (847) 697-7374.

Barrington Area LWV: The League of Women Voters of the Barrington Area will host a community meeting to discuss judicial evaluation from 9:30 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Oct. 20 in the community room at the Cuba Township Hall, off Cuba Road just south of Route 14 in Barrington. Amanda Howland will address proposals to provide voters with systematic evaluations of judicial candidates before elections.

McHenry County Legionnaires: McHenry County Legionnaires from all county posts are invited to attend the monthly meeting of the McHenry County Council at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, at Lake in the Hills Post 1231, 1101 W. Algonquin Road. The host post is American Legion Crystal Lake Post 171. For details, call Commander Thomas Aellig of Crystal Lake Post 171 at (815) 459-8624, or McHenry County Council Commander Robert Howe Jr. at (815) 653-6391.

Rutland Township Historical Society: The Rutland Township Historical Society will present a program on "The Schroeder Cemetery" at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 23 at the Rutland Township Hall, 16N491 Powers Road, Gilberts. The program will be given by Linda Eder and Jane Smith of the Kane County Genealogical Society. In 1845, Isaac and Sarah George deeded one acre of their farm to 21 pioneers in Dundee and Rutland townships as a "burying ground." The program is a detailed study of the land and includes a biography of Albro Gilbert who owned the farmland where the village of Gilberts is now located. After the presentation, refreshments will be served. For information, call Carol Peschke at (847) 888-4941.

Valley Model Railroad Association: The Valley Model Railroad Association invites you to its open houses from 8 to 10 p.m. on the second and fourth Friday of the month at the club house, 33W519 Kenyon Road, off Route 25 in South Elgin. See the HO layout in progress and watch the trains run. They are open to new members. You can run one of the club members trains for a donation. For details, call (847) 742-2028 or e-mail vmr50@aol.com. They also hold their annual November Open House from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20; 1 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21; and 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22.

Elgin Woman's Club: The Chamber Singers of the Elgin Choral Union performing a Gershwin Repertoire will be the featured entertainment at the Elgin Woman's Club annual scholarship benefit luncheon on Saturday, Oct. 24. The program and luncheon will be held at the Elgin Country Club, 2575 Weld Road, Elgin. The event will begin with piano arrangements by local artist Murna Hansemann and continue with luncheon and selections by the Choral Union. In addition, the event will feature a silent auction and raffle. Proceeds from the event, which is being chaired by Linda Fagan, will help fund the club's scholarship program. The social hour will begin at 11 a.m., luncheon at noon, with the Choral Union performance to follow. Tickets for the benefit are $40 each and may be purchased by calling Virginia Madison, (847) 836-7798 or the hotline at (847) 622-3614 by Oct. 20. The community is invited to join them for this fundraising event.

ECCO Fox Valley: On Saturday, Oct. 24, people from around Elgin will gather to distribute and plant 350 trees as part of the largest global day of climate action ever. The event - one of more than 2,000 rallies in more than 140 nations - is coordinated by ECCO Fox Valley, League of Women Voters-Elgin Area, Davey Tree, Gail Borden Library and 350.org to urge world leaders to take fast and effective action on global warming. This is the first global campaign ever organized around a scientific data point: 350 parts per million CO2 is the safe upper limit for the atmosphere according to the latest scientific data. Norway spruce plantings are free to the first 350 visitors from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. Simultaneously, people in every corner of the world will be taking similar action, from climbers with 350 banners high on the melting slopes of Mount Everest to government officials in the Maldive Islands holding an underwater cabinet meeting to demand action on climate change before their nation disappears. For details, visit ecco-foxvalley.net/blog/.

South Elgin Lions: On Saturday, Oct. 31, the South Elgin Lions Club, 500 Fulton St., will host 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. 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 $5,800; Tic Tac $100 plus a potential progressive payout of $7,400; and Bingo Jackpot, $500. Also, they will be selling a special pull tab that has a prize of a 32-inch Insignia 720p flat screen television. The entire box must be sold for this prize to be awarded. 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.

Hampshire Lions: The Hampshire Lions Club is hosting its annual Halloween Night Free Hotdog Roast with entertainment at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31 at the Hampshire Elementary School, 321 Terwilliger St. Freddy Fredricks will entertain the audience at 6:45 p.m. The community is invited to this free event.

VFW Post 1307: The Ladies Auxiliary to Veterans of Foreign Wars 1307 will host a fall festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1 at the post home, 1601 Weld Road, Elgin. It will feature a basket raffle, bake sale, and a used cookbook sale. There will be Vendors from Watkins, Tupperware, Pampered Chef, and Tastefully Simple available for your shopping convenience. The Ladies Auxiliary will be serving a Chili and Cornbread luncheon for $3 from noon to 2 p.m. Desserts will be available. The Fall Festival is a fundraiser to support national military services and other VFW programs. Come join us for an afternoon of fun and show your support of veterans past, present and future.

Hampshire VFW: Hampshire Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8043 announced the kick off this year's voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition. The contest is open to all hight school students in ninth to 12th grades, including home-schooled students. Students participate by writing and recording a 3- to 5-minute audio essay expressing their views on this year's topic, "Does America Still Have Heroes?" Their recordings are first judged at the post level with winning recordings advanced for judging at district, state and national levels. Monetary awards are given at each level. The top winner in each state earns a free trip to Washington, D.C. and the first place winner in the national competition receives a $30,000 scholarship plus the awards issued at the post, district and state levels. Student entries including the recording, typed copy of the essay and a complete application are due to our post by Nov. 1. For complete details regarding this exciting competition, call Post Democracy chairman, Lowell Reiser at (847) 683-3443 or visit www.vfw.org under youth scholarships. An award presentation will be scheduled later this year to honor the top winners in the post competition.

Huntley American Legion: Huntley American Legion Post 673, 11712 Coral St., will host its annual "Feather Party" from 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Nov. 7. The Legion will be raffling off turkeys, hams, ducks, steaks, and other items. The Legion will also provide free turkey sandwiches. Many door prizes will also be given away. Everyone is welcome. You could go home a Big Winner. You do not have to be a member of the Legion to participate in this community event. The American Legion is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving veterans, their families, and the community. It is the Legion's largest fundraiser of the year. The proceeds help achieve those goals to support many charitable donations.

Elgin AAUW: Independent Players and the Elgin Chapter of the American Association of University Women will sponsor a "Femmeprov Workshop" from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7. There will be a performance at 8 p.m., which will be open to the public. The registration fee is $30 and includes lunch, snacks, and a T-shirt. It is open to women over the age of 16. Scholarship aid available to seniors, students, and minority women from the Fox Valley community. Women will be selected from this workshop for performances at The Red Bar Winery in Elgin. To register, contact Gareth Mann Sitz at garethsitz@sbcglobal.net or (847) 695-6719.

Elgin Area Historical Society: The Eastland Ship disaster will be the subject of the Elgin Area Historical Society's annual dinner on Sunday, Nov. 8. Keynote speakers, Susan Decker and Barbara Decker Wachholz, co-founders of the Eastland Disaster Historical Society, will share the history of one of the worst maritime disasters in American history. While partially tied to its dock at the Chicago River's edge, the excursion steamer Eastland rolled over on the morning of July 24, 1915. More than 800 people lost their lives within a few feet of the shore. Barbara and Susan's grandmother, Borghild Aanstad, was a passenger and survivor of the tragedy. They will also be joined by Ted Wachholz, president of the Eastland Disaster Historical Society. The program is sponsored by the Illinois Humanities Council. Coinciding with the annual dinner is a silent auction that includes items that are vintage and collectible including a display of watch dials manufactured at the Elgin National Watch Company in the years 1930-1950. Other items include Elgin American compact, tickets to local theater, history books and holiday items. All proceeds from the auction support the operation of the Old Main History Museum. The brunch and silent auction begin at noon on Sunday, Nov. 8 at the Hickory Stick restaurant, 875 Sports Way, Elgin. Attendance is open to the public, reservations are required. Cost is $27.50 for members and $35 for nonmembers. Reservation deadline is Friday, Oct. 30 and can be made by calling (847) 742-4248 or by mailing a check with name, address and phone number to EAHS, Old Main Museum, 360 Park St., IL Elgin 60120. Additional information about the Society and museum are available at elginhistory.org.

Fox Valley Dog Training Club: Fox Valley Dog Training Club will host its 58th annual Obedience Trial and fourth annual Rally Trial on Sunday, Nov. 8 at Kane County Fairgrounds in St Charles. Spectators are welcome to watch many breeds of dogs competing at the three main levels of Obedience and three levels of Rally. Show hours are from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission to the event is free. Food will be available. There will be dog-related merchandise booths. Information about Fox Valley Dog Training Club and the trial can be found at the club's Web site at fvdtc.org.

McHenry County AARP: The McHenry County Chapter of AARP will meet at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12 at the Fountains of Crystal Lake on Route 31, one mile north of Route 176. The speaker will be from the Crystal Lake Public Library. For chapter information, call Glenn at (815) 477-1952.

Fideliter Club: The Fideliter Club of Elgin, a nonprofit organization, will hold its 121st annual Charity Ball on Saturday, Nov. 21, at the Prairie Lodge/Sun City in Huntley. The theme of this year's Charity Ball is "Camelot." The black-tie event will begin with cocktails at 6:30 p.m. and dinner at 7:30 p.m., followed by dancing to the music of the Sophisticats. The cost is $275 per couple, or $137.50 per person. For reservations and information, contact Brenda Morrissy at (847) 888-9303. The profits of the annual Charity Ball also assisted the Elgin Boys and Girls Club, Boys and Girls Club of Dundee Township, Girl Scouts-Sybaquay Council, Senior Services, Larkin Center, Ecker Center for Mental Health, Cal's All Star Angels, Summit School, Inc., Centro de Informacion, Elgin Day Care Center, Little Angels, United Way of Elgin, Community Crisis Center, Literacy Connection, Well Child Center, Greater Elgin YWCA, Glenwood School for Boys, and Elgin Christian Development Corp.

Elgin Junior Woman's Club: The Elgin Junior Woman's Club is hosting a Vendor and Home Decor Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28 at Epworth United Methodist Church, Randall Road and Highland Avenue in Elgin. Items from Mary Kay, Tastefully Simple, Celebrating Home and many more vendors will be available. There will also be craft and bake sale items to choose from. For information, contact (847) 224-4318 or slr735@comcast.net. Proceeds will benefit Children's Research Foundation.

Toastmasters: Do you want to improve your speaking skills. Need to be more confident on that interview or presentation. Come join the Listen Learn Lead Toastmasters for a fun and enjoyable way to keep the butterflies flying in formation. It meets at the Walker Parking Consultants building, 505 Davis Road in Elgin. The meetings are from noon to 1 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursday of the month. Call (630) 605-4815 or e-mail to vtreague@hotmail.com for more information.

LITH Rotary: The Lake in the Hills Rotary Club meets every Wednesday from noon until 1 p.m. at the Colonial Cafe, 2555 W. Bunker Hill Drive in Algonquin. The club is currently accepting new members. If you are interested in membership, join them on Wednesday for a free lunch to learn more about what the Rotary Club has to offer. Visit the Web site at www.lithrotary.org.

Sow Little Thyme: Sow Little Thyme Garden Club meets monthly in the Dundee area on the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. For meeting places and information, call Sheila at (847) 428-0849.