Fox Valley club briefs
To list your club's meetings, e-mail to foxvalley@dailyherald.com, or fax to (847) 608-0849.
ECCO: The Elgin Climate Change Organization will host a free program on wind energy in Elgin at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28 at In The Neighborhood Deli, 185 N. Edison, Elgin. Casey Panichi of Monarch Renewable Energy will describe home and small business wind turbine applications. Learn about saving money on utility bills, installation incentives and costs, recovering your investment and how wind generated energy compares with other alternative energy sources. For information, visit ecco-foxvalley.net.
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, Jan. 28 at Henry F. Miller American Legion Post 482, 6517 Main St. in Union. For details, call McHenry County Council Commander Robert Howe Jr. at (815) 653-6391.
Sons of the American Legion: The Sons of the American Legion Post 57 in Elgin will host "Turning Back the Clock," a 1950s and '60s dance with karaoke, from 6:30 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Jan. 30. The dance, karaoke, and food will end at midnight, but the party will continue until 2 a.m. The dance will be held at American Legion Post 57 at 820 N. Liberty St. on Elgin's northeast side. It is open to the public. Food will be served, including hamburger with fries or chips for $2, hot dog or polish sausage with fries or chips for $1.75, and draft beer for $1.25. Come out and support the veterans.
Tri-City Evergreen VFW Post 2298: The Tri-City Evergreen Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2298, 117 S. First St., West Dundee, will host a meat raffle of prime rib, steaks, lobsters, pork tenderloin and bacon at 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31. Robbie's and Tony's fish fry is available from 5 to 8 p.m. every Friday. Bring the whole family for chili night hosted by the Ladies Auxiliary from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10. The post's banquet room, which has new carpeting, is available for party rental. For details, call (847) 428-9006.
South Elgin Lions: On Saturday, Jan. 30, the South Elgin Lions Club, 500 Fulton St., will host a special 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. Doors open at 5 p.m., early bird is at 6:50 p.m. and the remaining games begin at 7 p.m. The 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 $500; Tic Tac $100 plus a potential progressive payout of $8,900; and Bingo Jackpot, $500. 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.
Lake in the Hills Sportsman's Club: The Lake in the Hills Sportsman's Club will hold the Worden Family Memorial 25th annual ice fishing derby from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31, at Indian Trail Beach on Woods Creek Lake. Hourly prizes are given on the ice for biggest fish. Food will be available for purchase at the event.
The children's derby runs from noon to 1 p.m. All kids who participate will receive a prize.
A raffle follows at 2 p.m. at the Lake in the Hills Property Owners' Association, 1212 Crystal Lake Road. Ice fishing derby raffle tickets on sale now for $5 each. The grand prize is a $300 Cabela's gift card with a first-place prize of a Ruger 1022 Stainless Steel Rifle and second-place prize of a four-hour charter of Lake Geneva by Lee's Guide Service.
The annual derby is now named for the club's founder and longtime member Jerry Worden, who passed away last September at age 62. This Lake in the Hills family has been the driving force behind this club for many years and the club is dedicating its ice fishing derby to Jerry and his family. For details, visit lithsportsmansclub.com.
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Fox Valley Rocketeers: The Rocketeers, a local club of model rocketry enthusiasts, will host its club meeting from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m., Monday, Feb. 1, at the Woodstock Challenger Learning Center. For details, call Mark Bundick, (815) 337-9068 or Ken Hutchinson (815) 444-0539, or visit www.foxvalleyrocketeers.org for a map to the Challenger Center.
Toast of the Fox: Toast of the Fox Toastmasters is offering a Speechcraft program. This is a lively and enjoyable workshop for improving your communication skills. Toastmasters International is a worldwide leader in helping people develop and improve their speaking skills and become comfortable in front of an audience. Speechcraft, a nine week program, is the most cost-effective and time-effective way to acquire the skills of speaking, listening, thinking, and evaluating. The program will be from 7:15 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 2 to March 30 in the Sears Gallery at Elgin Academy, 350 Park St. in Elgin. Cost is $25, cash or check made payable to Toast of the Fox Toastmasters. It is limited to eight participants. Register now by calling Troy LaPorte at (630) 306-1911 or email at tlapz34@sbcglobal.net.
Elgin Lions: The Elgin Lions Club will hold its regular meeting at 6:15 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2 at the Holiday Inn, 495 Airport Road, Elgin. The speaker will be Mario Gumino, a representative of the Lions of Illinois Foundation. The foundation provides many services for the visually and hearing-impaired in Illinois. A partial list of what the foundation provides is: mobile diabetic retinopathy and low vision screening, Camp Lions, mobile hearing screening, infant hearing screening, collection of used eyeglasses and hearing aids, a cochlear implant program, and social services for access and equipment for visual and hearing-impaired. Anyone interested in learning what the Lions do should plan on attending the program. The nonperishable food collection program of the Elgin Lions is continuing. Approximately 1,200 pieces of food have been collected and delivered to the Elgin Community Crisis Center and the Salvation Army. The program will continue through February or longer depending on need and the generosity of the donors.
Those interested in attending should contact Lion President Ed Bates at batesed@cod.edu, or leave a message indicating your planned attendance at (847) 289-4206. The meeting includes a meal to which the public is invited. There will be a charge of $15 for the meal. Advance notification of attendance is necessary to provide adequate seating and meals.
Elgin Woman's Club: The Elgin Woman's Club begins the new year with its first meeting in 2010 on Tuesday, Feb. 2 at the Holiday Inn, 495 Airport Road, Elgin. It will begin at 11:30 a.m. with a program and luncheon. Presented by the club's health department, the program will feature a presentation on mental health by Greg Harlan, director of behavioral Health at Provena St. Joseph Hospital in Elgin.
Hostesses for the February meeting will be members Tracey Varney, Linda Fagan and Georgia Ross.
Reservations should be made no later than Friday, Jan. 29, by calling the club hotline at (847) 622-3614. Cost of the luncheon meeting and program is $15 and may be paid by check the day of the meeting.
Elgin Genealogical Society: The Elgin Genealogical Society will meet at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2 in the first-floor meeting room of the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave. in Elgin. After a short business meeting, two members will give presentations. Janet Burkhardt will speak on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and Leola Ellsworth will speak about the 1871 Pestigo, Wis. fire. Visit elginroots.com for information and helpful links for genealogical research.
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 Troop is part of the Boy Scouts of America, and has been in existence over 65 years. 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.
Kane County Audubon, the local chapter of the Illinois Audubon Society, meets at 7 p.m. the second Wednesday each month, September through May, in the orientation room, the Barn, at Peck Farm in Geneva. Visit www.kanecountyaudubon.org.
For information on Illinois Audubon Society, call Tom Clay at 217-544-BIRD (2473) or visit illinoisaudubon.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. 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.
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., Hampshire. 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 Lowell 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 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., Hampshire. For details, call Arlene at (847) 683-3443. Post 8043 met Jan. 11 with President Jerrilynne Partlo presiding. 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 VFW 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 VFW National Home for Children and a birthday card and congratulations was sent with the donation. 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 continues until Feb. 8. A thank-you was read for the donation to the Hampshire/Burlington Food Pantry. New members are welcome.
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, chairwoman 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. The subject provoked discussion of personal experience in this area. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Backyard Garden Club: The Backyard Garden Club of Dundee Township, established 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 at deb14119@msn.com. Application deadline is April 9.
Elgin LWV: The Elgin Area League of Women Voters meets at 7 p.m. on the first Monday of the month at Tylers Towers Clubhouse, 1450 Plymouth Lane in Elgin. The monthly board meetings are open to all league members.
AMVETS: AMVETS Post 202 in Elgin will meet at 7:30 p.m. on the first Monday of the month at the American Legion Post, 820 N. Liberty St., Elgin. They serve current and former veterans and their families.
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.