Catching up with Huntley grad

Last spring, I wrote about six Huntley High School seniors who, after graduation, were heading into U.S. Armed Forces. This week, I have an update for you.

Brock Larkin, a three-season high school athlete in football, track, and wrestling, has been named top male athlete in his U.S. Air Force graduating class, I learned in a recent e-mail from his proud parents, David and Donna Larkin of Huntley.

"Brock was recognized among (around) 700 graduates in his class," they wrote. "This award is presented to the Airman that exceeds physical fitness standards beyond his peers."

To merit the honor, Airman Larkin completed a one and a half mile run in 8:32 minutes and performed 75 sit-ups in one minute, 91 push-ups in one minute, and 37 consecutive pull-ups, his parents reported.

Larkin completed his basic military training in December, 2008 at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, while earning credits toward an Associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force. He now serves with the Military Police at the Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota, home of the 5th USAF Bomb Wing and its squadron of B-52H Stratofortress bombers.

"Green House" fundraiser: Several Huntley area volunteers will be working this summer on Habitat for Humanity projects in our area, including a "green-built" house in Carpentersville and several "recycled" house rehab projects in the Elgin area.

This year's focus is on environmentally responsible design and building practices, says Bill Klaves, development director for Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley, who still needs experienced project managers to oversee the projects.

It's a rewarding experience, Klaves says, but there's no pay - volunteers only, please!

Radio personality Bill Moller - host of WGN's "Your Money" show and the station's "green advocate" - has volunteered to emcee the group's annual "Dreambuilders Soiree" gala on Saturday, March 14 at Geimer's Greenhouse, 2727 Route 52 in Long Grove. Joining him will be Jodi Murphy, a self-described "green entrepreneur and demolition auctioneer" and host of the new show, "Wrecklamation," on the Discovery Network's Planet Green cable channel.

"To draw attention to our first-ever 'Green House,' our volunteers decided to hold this year's fundraiser in an actual greenhouse," Klaves said. The theme, "Building Green Locally, Having A Global Impact," will be carried out with international entrees, music, and entertainment from areas of the world where Habitat for Humanity is active.

Two lucky raffle winners, Klaves said, will spend an expense-paid week working with others from around the world on a Jimmy and Rosalind Carter Habitat project in the Mekong valley of Southeast Asia. The event also includes a silent auction and a live auction of exciting prizes.

Dress is cocktail attire; tickets are $100 per person, which includes a buffet dinner, open bar, entertainment, and a greenhouse tour. To donate a prize, buy ad space in the program or to purchase tickets, visit www.hfhnfv.org, phone (847) 836-1432 or e-mail to: bill.klaves@hfhnfv.org.