Fox Valley clubs briefs

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

Boy Scout Troop 32: Boy Scout Troop 32 of West Dundee will hold its annual pasta dinner on Saturday, Feb. 6. Dinner will be served between 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. at the Bethlehem Community Ministry Center, 417 W. Main in West Dundee. Tickets are available at the door. The cost is $6 per person or $5 for Scouts in uniform. The menu includes spaghetti, either meat or meatless, salad, garlic bread, pop, coffee or water, as well as your choice of desserts, such as cake, cookies and more. This fundraiser supports the program for Boy Scout Troop 32 located in West Dundee. The proceeds are used to supply awards, equipment, and any other items needed to run the Troop. For information, contact Tom Lewandowski, committee chairman, at tlewan@comcast.net.

Audubon Society: The Kane County Chapter of Illinois Audubon Society invites the public to these programs and activities.

On Saturday, Feb. 6, the monthly bird walk will be 8 a.m. at Nelson Lake in Dick Young Forest Preserve, on Nelson Lake Road about three-quarter mile south of Main Street in Batavia. While birding is the main objective, there are many other facets of nature to enjoy. Walk as little as you want or the entire loop around the lake. There are still many birds wintering over in February and there have been Great Horned Owl sightings lately. Newcomers are welcome. For details, call Terry Murray at (630) 896-3219.

On Wednesday, Feb. 10, the monthly meeting will be at 7 p.m. at St. Charles Public Library, 1 S. Sixth Ave. The topic will be "Prairie Green", the Geneva Park District's newest acquisition, which has proved to harbor some very interesting and hard-to-find birds. Yellow-headed blackbirds and many other water and field birds were seen in 2009. The meeting also will include the latest bird sightings, the opportunity to chat with other good folks who are interested in nature, refreshments, and the raffle. For details, call Bob Andrini at (630) 584-8386.

On Saturday, Feb. 20, join the "Gull Frolic" at the Winthrop Harbor Yacht Club. The Illinois Ornithological Society, celebrating its ninth year, is sponsoring this event which includes food (including "Sea Gull Stew"), booths and a view of lots and lots of gulls, ducks, and other water fowl in the harbor. A $10 registration fee covers breakfast and lunch. More information is available at the IOS Web site. Contact Bob Andrini at (630) 584-8386.

On Saturday, Feb. 27, take a bird walk at 8 a.m. at Les Arends Forest Preserve, Batavia. Local naturalist Jon Duerr will lead a walk, and share his extensive knowledge, along the river to view water fowl as well as other birds that winter-over in Illinois. Meet at Les Arends which lies along the Fox River, south of Main Street and north of Route 56. For information, call Jon at (630) 584-5891. Visit kanecountyaudubon.org.

Boy Scout Troop 2: Boy Scout Troop 2 invites you to their annual pancake breakfast from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 7 at St. John Lutheran Church, 115 N. Spring St., Elgin. The menu includes all-you-can-eat pancakes, eggs, French toast, sausage, fry bread, cereal, coffee, juices and more. Cost is $6 per person, $4 for seniors, and $20 for the family. Children under 3 are free. Proceeds from this event provide the Troop with summer camp expenses, equipment and community service projects and many other volunteer efforts. Join them for breakfast and celebrate with Troop 2 and the Boy Scouts of America's 100th anniversary. For details, visit Troop2.com.

Men of Harmony, Sweet Adelines: A youth in harmony contest will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 7 at Huntley High School, 13719 Harmony Road. The contest is open to high school and junior high school ensembles and quartets, and will be judged for cash prizes to be awarded to the participant's respective school music department. All singing will be a cappella, close harmony (barbershop) style. Both girls and boys will be competing. The contest is hosted by the Huntley High School Music Department and sponsored by the Fox Valley Men of Harmony and the Sweet Adelines International Lake Michigan Region Three. Approximately 25 groups are expected to compete from schools in northern Illinois. There also will be cameo appearances by Town Sound, a Sweet Adeline medalist quartet and Rush Street, a Barbershop Harmony Society medalists quartet. Last year's first place girl's quartet, Have You Heard of the Cone, will appear as mike testers. Admission is free to the public and the contest will be finished before the Super Bowl begins.

Lions Club: The Schaumburg-Hoffman Lions Club will host a "Super Bowl Pary Party For A Purpose" at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 7 at Poplar Creek Bowl, 2354 W. Higgins Road in Hoffman Estates. Proceeds will benefit Little Angels in Elgin, a state-of-the-art home for children and young adults with severe disabilities and complex medical needs. Tickets are $15 and include complimentary billiards and an all-you-can-eat halftime buffet. There will be numerous gift baskets for you to bid on during the silent auction - with themes ranging from sports, spa, dining and romance. Tickets can be ordered online at: district1flions.com/schaumburghoffmansuperbowl.htm. Tickets also can be purchased, cash only, at the event.

Elgin Elks: The Elgin Elks Lodge, in cooperation with the Illinois Elks Children's Program and Sherman Hospital, will sponsor a free orthopedic diagnostic clinic for children on Monday, Feb. 8, at the hospital, 1425 N. Randall Road, Elgin.

The clinic will be conducted from 2 to 5 p.m. by Dr. Vincent P. Cannestra of Orthopedic and Spine Surgery Associates. He has worked with the Elks program for several years, conducting free clinics four times a year for children, infants to age 21. All diagnostic services, including X-rays, MRIs and other tests, are paid for by the Elks program. Financial assistance with treatment for a diagnosed program may be available through the Elks charity. This clinic is especially for children who complain of frequently occurring leg, knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, back or wrist pain. The clinic is also for children diagnosed with, or suspected of having, back curvature, or who seem very clumsy or fall frequently. The clinic is by appointment only. Appointments can be made by calling the Elks program at (800) 272-0074 from 1 to 4 p.m. weekdays. Family physicians are welcome to refer children to the clinic, but no referral is necessary to obtain an appointment.

Sierra Club: Jack Darin, executive director of the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club, will be the featured speaker at the local club meeting on Monday, Feb 8. The Valley of the Fox Group meets from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Batavia Public Library, 10 S. Batavia Ave. (Route 31). Darin will give a legislative update for the upcoming General Assembly sessions in Springfield. This is your opportunity to see and hear what environmental bills your legislators will be voting on your behalf. The public is invited. There is no admission charge. For information, call Terri Voitik at (630) 585-9212.

HCE: The fifth presentation in the Home and Community Education series, "Personal Safety," will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, Feb. 8 at the University of Illinois Extension Office Conference Room, 1102 McConnell Road, Woodstock. A representative of the Woodstock Police Department will be on hand with tips on personal and home safety, with an emphasis on preventing identity theft and avoiding too good to be true "get rich quick" scams. It is free for HCE members or $10 for nonmembers. You may register online at the University of Illinois McHenry County Extension web site: www.web.extension.uiuc.edu/mchenry/ or call the University of Illinois McHenry County Extension office at (815) 338-3737.

Hampshire VFW: Hampshire Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8043 will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 8, at the Hampshire Township Building, 100 Center St. For details, call (847) 683-3443. The Jan. 11 meeting was led by Commander Lowell Reiser, Salute to the Colors, opening prayer by Chaplain Edward Wesemann. Post 8043 has had five deceased members during the year 2009 and the members will be remembered at the Fifth District Memorial Service in May at Antioch. The Voice of Democracy and Patriot Pen banquet was held at Antioch Post 4551, and it was attended by three students, six parents, American history teacher Dennis Maher and Commander Reiser. An update was given by Service Officer Edward Wesemann on the members who have been ill. Discussion was held in regard to Veterans Day 2010 that will be discussed at a later date. Membership drive is in progress, and new members are welcome.

Hampshire VFW Auxiliary: Hampshire Ladies Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8043 will meet at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 8, at the Hampshire Township Building, 100 Center St. For details, call Arlene at (847) 683-3443. Post 8043 met Jan. 11 with president Jerrilynne Partlo presiding. The Pledge of Allegiance and prayer by chaplain Donna Proffitt, in the absence of the conductress, Joanne Brazas was appointed to fill the vacancy. The charter was draped in memory of past national V.F.W. Auxiliary presidents Fran Booth and Joanne Ott. A donation has been sent to National Home for Children, Eaton Rapids, Mich., toward the purchase of a mini bus to transport the children. This is the 85th year for the V.F.W. National Home for Children and a birthday card and congratulations was sent with the donation. Veterans and Family Support chairwoman Donna Proffitt gave a report on the posters and containers that have been placed for the new project of collecting new socks and underwear for the veterans at Elgin Mental Center, Hines Hospital and Transitional Living Services, Hebron. All donations are appreciated. The boxes are at Fenzel Motor Sales, Comprehensive Family Health Center, Motts Lounge and First American Bank, the drive is under way until Feb. 8. A thank-you was read for the donation to the Hampshire/Burlington Food Pantry. New members are welcome.

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.

Post 57 will host its popular "Second Wednesday Spaghetti Night" from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10 at the post home. These spaghetti dinners are held the second Wednesday of the month from September through May. The cost is $6 per person, and the menu includes spaghetti with meat and mushroom sauce, meatballs, garlic toast, and salad.

The next "Second Sunday Breakfast" will be from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 14. It is held the second Sunday of the month from September through May. 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 few other beverage specials.

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 7 p.m. at the post home. It features your choice of haddock, perch, catfish, and shrimp with all the trimmings.

The American Legion serves lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays. There are miscellaneous lunch specials on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and spaghetti and roast beef sandwich lunch on Thursdays, and fried chicken or fish fry lunch on Fridays.

Post 57 also invites the community to bingo every Sunday starting at 1:30 p.m. with Early Bird Bingo, and regular bingo at 2 p.m. It is also offered on Fridays with Early Bird Bingo beginning at 7 p.m. and regular bingo at 7:30 p.m.

Cary-Grove Rotary Club: The local Rotary Club of Cary-Grove is collecting donations for the victims of the Haiti earthquake. Donations will benefit the Haiti Charitable Foundation administered by Rotary International for aid to those in need in Haiti. Donations are being accepted at both Harris Bank locations in Cary and Fox River Grove, as well as Cary Bank & Trust. Donations should be made payable to "Cary-Grove Rotary Charitable Fund." This fund is a 501(c)3, and donations are tax-deductible as allowed; consult with your tax adviser. For details, call Phil Horn of the Rotary Club of Cary-Grove at (847) 639-9467.

Henpeck HCE: The Henpeck Unit of Kane County Association for Home and Community Education will meet at noon Tuesday, Feb. 9 at the home of Mary Ebert in Kaneland. A lesson on "Pasta" will be incorporated into a luncheon prepared by the hostess. Guests are welcome; call (630) 557-2137 for details and directions. At the Jan. 12 meeting at Papa G's Restaurant in Elburn. six members answered roll call with their favorite mode of transportation. After lunch, Peggy Gross conducted a brief business meeting to remind members of upcoming county-sponsored events including "Fun Day" on Feb. 10 at St. Gall's Church Hall in Elburn. The activity will have a Circus theme and an arts and crafts competition to determine which projects will go to state conference in March. The "Second Spring Fling" will be held on April 21 at the Extension Office in St. Charles. A lesson on "Talking About Tough Topics" was presented by Mary Ann Harter. For information about the organization or free one-year membership in the Henpeck Unit, call Peggy Gross at (847) 683-3826 or Mary Ann Harter at (847) 683-3632.

Elgin Area Women's Connection: The Elgin Area Women's Connection will hold a luncheon meeting from noon to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10 at the Villa Olivia Country Club, Route 20, Bartlett. Rita Lopienski, a social worker at Bartlett's Victory Center will talk about laughter therapy. Enjoy a lunch and an inspirational talk, "Hope Restored" by Missie Pearson, a mother of three. Cost for luncheon meeting is $15, with complimentary child care. For reservations, call Penni at (847) 524-5112 or Carolyn at (630) 213-1205 or e-mail Car644@gmail.com by Monday, Feb. 8.

AARP: The McHenry County Chapter of AARP will meet at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12 at the Fountains of Crystal Lake, on Route 31, one mile north of Route 176. The guest speaker will be Wayne Pearson of Lifestyle Energy. Refreshments are served. For chapter information call Glenn at (815) 477-1952 or Fran at (847) 658-7222.

Elgin AAUW: On Saturday, Feb. 13, the Elgin Area Branch of the American Association of University Women will present a special program. Children's author and storyteller Lynn Rymarz will portray "Martha Washington: Our Founding Mother." Rymarz has been entertaining audiences with her portrayals of historical women since 2005. Her stories have been published in the children's magazines, Cricket and Highlights. In her portrayal of Martha Washington, Rymarz will share the story of how she met and married George Washington. She will share Martha's favorite recipes, including one for cough medicine. You will have the opportunity to hear the stories about George's wooden teeth and him chopping down the cherry tree. You will also hear of George's role during the Revolutionary War and how he became the nation's first president. The community is invited to this program at 9:30 a.m. at the Wesley United Methodist Church, 1070 South St. in Elgin. There is no fee for the program. Mothers are particularly encouraged to come with their daughters. For information on the AAUW, call Gareth Sitz at (847) 695-6719 or e-mail garethsitz@sbcglobal.net. For information on Rymarz, visit lynnrymarz.com.

Fox Valley Chapter - Dance USA: A benefit for Butter the Comfort Dog will be held in conjunction with Greater Fox Valley Chapter - Dance USA, from 7:30 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13. Doors open at 7 p.m. with a free waltz lesson from 7:30 to 8 p.m. at St. John's Lutheran's Activity Center, 300 Jefferson St. in Algonquin. Admission is $12 per person or $8 for USA Dance members. The waltz is included in the admission price is taught by professional ballroom dance instructors Frank and Joyce Penze. Ballroom, Latin and swing music provided by DJ "Dr. Rod." Snacks and beverages are available. Complimentary cake and coffee are provided. Dress code is dressy casual; no blue jeans or gym shoes. For information, call St. John at (847) 658-9300.

Valley Model Railroad Association: The Valley Model Railroad Association will have a portable layout at the monthly DuPage Train show. The show will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 14, March 14, April 11, May 2 and June 6 at the DuPage County Fairgrounds, County Farm and Manchester roads in Wheaton. Admission is $7 or free for children under 12. The layout is HO scale, runs Digital Command Control, and has working signals. The public is welcome to run trains on the layout. For information about the show visit www.dupageshow.com. The model railroad club invites the public to view the layouts from 8 to 10 p.m. on various Fridays 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. You can run one of the club members trains for a donation. Reservations are required by contacting Steve Foglio at (847) 530-6039 or fogs13@comcast.net.

Altrusa International Club: The Altrusa International Club of Elgin with the Covenant Women Ministries presents its third annual popular free "Night of Music Concert" at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18 at the Evangelical Covenant Church, 1565 Larkin Ave. in Elgin. A variety of love songs will be performed by soloists Betty Brown, Jeorge Holmes, Rise Jones, and Julie Golden, accompanied by Murna Hansemann at the piano, with dance duo James and Mary Rees Freeman. A reception for attendees will immediately follow the concert.

The objectives of the Altrusa International Club of Elgin are to cultivate friendly relationships, promote mutual understanding and foster the solidarity of women who are actively engaged in business and professions. Altrusa Club members engage in a variety of fundraising activities throughout the year, including the annual garage sale, to raise funds for local Elgin area nonprofits. It also hosts the annual Altrusa Woman of the Year Award recognizing a local woman for her outstanding community service.

This year's president is Joanna Wester with the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra. Members reside throughout the Fox Valley area from Algonquin, Bartlett, Elgin, Hampshire, Huntley, Pingree Grove, St. Charles, Sleepy Hollow, South Elgin and Wheaton. For information, contact Murna Hansemann at (847) 742-6431.

Plato Center HCE: The Plato Center Unit of Home and Community Education will meet at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19 at the Plato Township Hall, 10N924 Rippburger Road in Plato Center. The hostesses are Lorry DuSell, Harriet Bradley and Gina Kelm. The lesson is "Maintaining Your Household System," presented by Jackie Anderson, Nancy Haire and Joan Rossi. They will be making plans for the cough pillow workshop and discussing the International Luncheon being held in April. Guests are welcome. Call Joan at (847) 931-8120 to attend this meeting or to attend any of the 10 units in Kane County, call the Extension Office at (630) 584-6166.

Crystal Clear Toastmasters: Crystal Clear Toastmasters will host a "Speak-A-Thon" on Saturday, Feb. 27 at Panera Bread, 6000 Northwest Hwy. in Crystal Lake. This is an opportunity to make progress on your leadership and speaker manuals or finish an educational award before the end of the quarter. Toastmaster, speaker, evaluator, general evaluator, timer and grammarian roles are available. To register for this event and reserve your slot between 2 and 5 p.m., contact April M. Williams at aprilmwilliams@live.com. Include your speech information (speech length, manual name, project number and title) and desired leadership roles. All speakers will also participate as evaluators or other roles. All Toastmasters in good standing may participate. This session is open to the public and guests are welcome to attend. Bring your speech and/or leadership manuals, and be prepared to evaluate for someone else. All speakers to print their speech introduction and bring this to the session. There is no fee to participate. Attendees can purchase a meal, snack or drink from the sponsor, Panera Bread.

Backyard Garden Club: Backyard Garden Club of Dundee Township, started in 1995, has designated a scholarship for students within Community Unit District 300. Individuals that apply for this scholarship must be a graduating senior, college freshman, sophomore or junior. Individuals that apply for the scholarship must submit an application that demonstrates educational or professional goals related to the environmental sciences. The scholarship is based on academic ability as well as financial need. Interested applicants should contact their District 300 guidance offices for details or e-mail Debbie Wollenberg, deb14119@msn.com. Application deadline is April 9.