Pat Bosi, Pat Cox, Kenn Ellis, Duane Fontana, Todd Kane, Adrianne Kaplan, Jill McCarron, Bill Niemasz, Bob Olesen, Nedra Reeves, Alex Schank, Rita Schank, Mike Shortridge, Gayle Smolinsky, and Ken Such volunteered their time and spent two days at the school, where students interviewed them.

Hughes said, “The sales office was located at the Outlet Mall in 1999. I had been living in Rockford for 35 years, and I was considering moving to a retirement community. My sister had moved to Palm Desert, but I had misgivings about moving there. Then a friend told me about an ad for a job in Huntley in the Chicago Tribune.”

Waller High School, located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago, is recognized for its college preparatory and vocational programs. The school eventually became Lincoln Park High School. The graduating class of 1962 had 165 students.

“Her stunning beauty took me aback. I saw her for the first time at a Salvation Army worship meeting in Chicago playing the tambourine. Her name was Yaneth, and I thought of her often.”

Fuqua said, “I was an average student. I could have done better scholastically. However, my focus was on sports. I was captain of the team in cross-country, wrestling and baseball.”

Welvers said, “My father was a painter. I began my studies in Mexico City. It has been my focus my entire life. I have painted everywhere I live. In my work, I seek to vividly examine questions related to the human condition by pursuing the tensions between realism and impressionism. As an artist, I examine universal truths by using the canvas as a conduit for interpreting personal experiences and reflection.”

Welvers continued her studies in art when she moved from Mexico to Germany, where she lived for 20 years. Then she moved to New Jersey and then to Illinois. But her love of art continued.

Beverly Kenny, Coordinator of the program, welcomed quilters, veterans, and their friends, family, and guests. Sun City Marines started the event with the presentation of colors. Something to note is that the Gazebo Valor Quilters Guild is distinct from the National Quilts of Valor organization. The Huntley-area quilters were once affiliated with the national group, but they split off in 2014 because they wanted their quilts to be distributed locally.

Joanne Thomas, HHS culinary teacher, has held all kitchen positions, from line cook to corporate chef consultant, in restaurants, banquet halls, and corporate foodservice suppliers. She has her own catering business and is an international travel chef. 

Straily said, “Unfortunately, all the events in this book are true. Most names in this book have been changed to protect the individuals’ identities. And yes, there is a heaven and a hell, and I’ve approached both. My book reveals a dysfunctional family life and what it leads to: pain, suffering, loss of trust, poor decisions, and a turbulent life.”

Carol Didricksen, chair of the event said, “This year, we have three florists creating and crafting beautiful floral arrangements in person.”

“I wanted to donate the shoes she had, which were in good condition, to someplace other than Goodwill. I started researching, and I found Soles4Souls, a non-profit organization.”

“She has been a dedicated member of the Elgin Symphony League (ESL) for over 25 years and manages the Boutique at the Hemmens Cultural Center, during performances. Before that, she served as an usherer at ESO concerts for six years, including during Bob Hansen’s 25th anniversary season. It is an experience she fondly remembers.”

Pam Mosier, president of GG&Me, said, “The party starts in Drendel Hall at 1 p.m. This event is also a fundraiser for the GG&Me club, raising money for the other events held throughout the year, which are offered at no cost or at a low price to the club’s membership.”   

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides tax assistance free of charge, with a special focus on taxpayers over 50 and with low-to-moderate incomes. The program is free and does not require membership in AARP.

Bill Niemasz, Sun City Board President, Brian Gregory, Executive Director, Dolores Fischer, a resident and a critical component of the partnership with the school district, and Ben Manibog received the recognition on the behalf of all of Sun City residents who have given their time, shared their skills and experience, and helped with many needs of the School District.

The gallery will be a vibrant showcase of Sun City’s artistic diversity, featuring over 140 original artworks from more than 40 talented artists of the club. The exhibition will be a rich tapestry of artistic expression, with works in acrylics, oils, pastels, colored pencil & graphite drawings, watercolor, and collage.

Hollis fondly recalls, “A friend of ours introduced us in 2007. We went out together once.” 

Degallado adds, “We talked about music, but we made no plans to get together.”

The Huntley area Lions Club is hosting this mobile unit on September 30, allowing Sun City residents to have their hearing and eyes checked conveniently. A Sun City resident generously donated $500 to cover the expenses. The van is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and staffed by trained professionals to screen for retinopathy (diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of preventable blindness) and hearing loss. 

Lang has been driving a bus for fifteen years. Most of her career was in Minnesota, where she also trained others to drive a bus.

Lang said, “I loved the job and the kids. I left the position because I fell in love and I moved here to Sun City. I was hired here as a bus driver for the Huntley School District. Before I left Minnesota, I wrote a letter to each of my students. It was a sad goodbye. But I love it here in Huntley.”   

Dennis O’Leary, Chair of SPAC, emphasized, “The Strategic Planning Committee values your feedback on walking and biking paths within the community. Your participation is integral to our long-range plans for Sun City. Come and share your opinions.” 

Piotrowski said, “When she was in her 80s, my mother documented the first 30 years of her life, from 1922 to 1952.”

Under the dedicated sponsorship and direction of the Neighborhood Watch/Neighbors Helping Neighbors (NW/NHN) Committee, this year’s NNO is set to take place on August 5.

“I wake up at 2 a.m., and I start to work on the puzzle. I hurt my back and it’s hard to sleep. I like keeping busy, and working on the puzzle gives me satisfaction in the challenge and the process of seeing the picture come together piece by piece,” he said.

There are two upcoming events for Sun City residents to practice their generous spirit. The first event is the third annual Brat and Brew Fest on Saturday, August 2, from 2-8 p.m. It is held at and sponsored by Sew Hop’d Brewery and Taproom. Enjoy food, brews, and music all day while supporting the Grafton Food Pantry and the Huntley Lions Club. 

This event was not just a gathering, but a profound tribute to our Vietnam-era veterans, honoring their service and welcoming them home. It was hosted by the Sun City Veterans Charter Club. 

Dino Micheli, secretary of the club, said, “We are here to honor over 70 veterans. They will be given a commemorative pin and a Presidential letter, a small token of our immense gratitude.”