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.”   

Because they were at retirement age, someone suggested the Bierleins check out Del Webb retirement community in Huntley.

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.”   

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

This year’s annual Huntley NNO event will take place Aug. 5. Locations will be First Responders Softball Game, with Huntley Fire Department, at 2 pm., at Sun City’s Veterans Memorial Field, then at Huntley Town Square, at 5 p.m.

The Lions Club offered information as it celebrated Helen Keller Day on June 28 at Huntley Area Public Library. The annual event honors Keller, who earned a bachelor’s degree as she overcame blindness.

“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.

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.”

“I always enjoyed history and writing,” Domagalski said.

The Lake in the Hills resident, who works at Ace Hardware corporate offices, has taken his “hobby” and made it into a second career. His sixth book about World War II, “The Forgotten Island” was published last summer by Simon and Schuster. It is the story of Navy Radio Electrician George Tweed, who hid out on the island Guam from Japanese occupiers for two years and seven months. He described the writing the book and main character Tweed’s experiences at a Huntley Area Public Library session May 10.

“I was always at the park, surrounded by my three brothers, who were deeply involved in football, basketball, and baseball. Their passion for sports was contagious, and I found myself drawn to it,” she said.

Monaghan’s journey into the world was an adventure in itself, as she was born in a car on the way to the hospital. 

The Fitness & Lifestyle Department, Northwestern Medicine, and the Lifestyle Committee have come together to plan a memorable celebration: Sun City’s Summerfest on June 21. This is not just an event; it’s a community gathering where everyone, including family and friends, is welcome to join in on the fun.

This year, Mackenzie Billard, Kate Burkey, Brooke Rogers, and Sara Willis received $500 scholarships from the Rotary Club at a breakfast celebration with the students and families. These scholarships symbolize a recognition of their hard work and dedication. The scholarships will help prepare them for the future and fuel their passion for a specific career, making a significant difference in their lives. 

Our very own Sun City resident, Maria Chakos, was among the active participants. She shared her thoughts, saying, “I’m so proud to be a part of it. I love the CPA (Citizen Police Academy) and supporting Special Olympics. It’s a wonderful cause.”

“I wrote the story in my own words. It was from my heart. When a book is edited, you lose the substance. My daughter Rhonda, a teacher, accepted how I wanted to write it.”

Holycross said, “It’s in his voice.”

Hartman said, “My story begins when I got my first guitar when I was 12. I knew my grandfather made it, but that was about it.”

In 1978, Hartman’s sister gave him her harp mandolin, and his uncle gave him an 8-string ukelele, both made by Hartman’s grandfather, Carl Larson.

Hartman said, “All of them were like new. They probably hadn’t been played since 1920. We had all three hanging on the wall.” 

Recently, the group lost a member, Joan Ausbury, who passed away unexpectedly in her home. Ausbury was an avid quilter and volunteered at Gazebo Valor Quilters of Huntley, making quilts for veterans. 

“I’ve had five celebrations,” he said. “Some with my family and others friends.”

A committee of Sun City residents organized a celebration.

Homer said, “I have started molding chocolate treats for Easter. Chocolate bunnies are on sticks; pretzel rods are dipped in chocolate and covered with candy pastel confetti. I have made a small white chocolate basket filled with all edible goodies: chocolate bunnies, eggs, and jelly beans. There are bigger versions of the baskets also.”