MY SUN DAY NEWS
At 8:23 a.m. on July 6, a warm, drizzly, Sunday morning, I realized that it was a red-letter day. Not because of the Independence Day parade I had planned to visit later in the day. To be honest, I wasn’t looking forward to that. Crowds, heat, and impending rain are not a red-letter recipe for a day well spent, in my opinion.
At 8:23 a.m. on July 6, a warm, drizzly, Sunday morning, I realized that it was a red-letter day.
Not because of the Independence Day parade I had planned to visit later in the day. To be honest, I wasn’t looking forward to that. Crowds, heat, and impending rain are not a red-letter recipe for a day well spent, in my opinion.
“Serving the visually and hearing impaired in Illinois and around the world,” is one of the pillars of Lions of Illinois Foundation and locally, the Huntley Area Lions Club.
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.
Joseph Ortega is someone who enjoys putting together jigsaw puzzles, especially those with over 1000 pieces.
“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.
It was approaching dinner time on a Chamber of Commerce type summer Monday night at Sun City’s Veterans Memorial Field. With apologies to Billy Joel, the regular softball crowd was coming in. Fans arrived by car, golf cart and a few by bicycles. They watched four Sun City Softball Club 16-inch evening league teams, High Octane, against the Hurricanes and the Capitals and Adjusters square off.
It was approaching dinner time on a Chamber of Commerce type summer Monday night at Sun City’s Veterans Memorial Field. With apologies to Billy Joel, the regular softball crowd was coming in.
Fans arrived by car, golf cart and a few by bicycles. They watched four Sun City Softball Club 16-inch evening league teams, High Octane, against the Hurricanes and the Capitals and Adjusters square off.
Sun City residents have always been passionate about participating in events that help our neighbors. Notable locations where many residents volunteer is the Grafton Food Pantry, the Huntley Rotary Club, the Citizens Police Academy, and the Lions Club. 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.
Sun City residents have always been passionate about participating in events that help our neighbors. Notable locations where many residents volunteer is the Grafton Food Pantry, the Huntley Rotary Club, the Citizens Police Academy, and the Lions Club.
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.
Our son and his family were coming to visit us from Florida for the Fourth of July holiday. This traditionally is a day of parades, fireworks, and barbeques. In anticipation of this, we travelled to that well known sausage and butcher shop in Elburn. Now to stock up on hot dogs, bratwursts, and thuringers. The trick is to stop Jim from buying a shopping cart full of beef jerky and salami sticks. I have to admit, they have the best pre-cooked pork schnitzel you have ever tasted and we usually buy out the display. This shopping spree worked up quite an appetite for us. We decided to check out a nearby breakfast/lunch café that we heard about on social media that was only ten minutes away. Off we went to the Sugar Grove Café in, where else, Sugar Grove.
City dwellers get agitated every time someone says you are from Chicago, and that person is really a suburbanite. Hostile would be the operative word for how they react. A friend of mine, who now lives in Jefferson Park, rolls his eyes at such notions. However, I think Gertrude Stein said it best that America was her country but Paris is her hometown. Having lived just a couple hours away, the city has become of part of my DNA. From going to museums as a child to partying in the various clubs and villages, there are too many memories to divorce myself from our major metropolis.
I’m in my late 40s and living with multiple sclerosis. I’ve had my diagnosis for over a decade, but in the last year or so, things have gotten harder. Some days, I wake up and my legs feel like they’re made of concrete. Other days, it’s the brain fog or the fatigue that knocks me off course. I try to balance work and my friendships, but honestly, I feel like I’m constantly letting people down.
“Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed people to change the world. In fact, it is the only thing that ever has.” Although this quote is attributed to Margaret Mead, it could very easily be the motto of the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County. For over 50 years, they have worked diligently protecting our ecosystem and preserving our natural environment all while educating residents. They have successfully protected valuable areas such as Ryder’s Woods in Woodstock and the Volo Bog State Natural Area. They also assisted in the development of the Crystal Lake watershed protection ordinance and the McHenry County Stormwater ordinance.
“Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed people to change the world. In fact, it is the only thing that ever has.”
Although this quote is attributed to Margaret Mead, it could very easily be the motto of the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County. For over 50 years, they have worked diligently protecting our ecosystem and preserving our natural environment all while educating residents. They have successfully protected valuable areas such as Ryder’s Woods in Woodstock and the Volo Bog State Natural Area. They also assisted in the development of the Crystal Lake watershed protection ordinance and the McHenry County Stormwater ordinance.
On June 17, a momentous event took place in the Drendel Ballroom. 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.”
On June 17, a momentous event took place in the Drendel Ballroom.
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.”
This July 4th, take a quiet moment in the morning to thank our Founding Fathers (and Mothers) for their sacrifices in gaining our nation’s independence. And then stay home. Fire up the grill. Char those burgers and brats. Lay into that potato salad and coleslaw with a vengeance, as if it offended you somehow.
This July 4th, take a quiet moment in the morning to thank our Founding Fathers (and Mothers) for their sacrifices in gaining our nation’s independence.
And then stay home. Fire up the grill. Char those burgers and brats. Lay into that potato salad and coleslaw with a vengeance, as if it offended you somehow.
I saw it hanging on a hanger at the store. I’d only gone in to grab a bottle of shampoo, but somehow I meandered aimlessly through housewares, then electronics, and finally women’s clothing. Before me hung a caftan, a flowy, flowery, dress that set off the sound of harps in my head. It was so fabulous, so indulgent, so … not me. I was pulled to it like a moth to flame.
The mystery of why measles (and other childhood illnesses) is making an aggressive comeback is well-documented: lack of adequate immunization. As Dr. Paul Offit, Director of the Vaccine Education Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, explained: “We had eliminated measles, by far and away the most contagious infectious disease from this country by the year 2000, but it’s come back because people have chosen not to vaccinate their children.”
Situated in a far corner of the 2,200 acres Del Webb Sun City property is a natural treasure which supporters would like to see improved. The group, Friends of Del Webb Nature Preserve, are happy with support they received for installation of a trail, at the June 25 Sun City Board of Directors meeting.
Situated in a far corner of the 2,200 acres Del Webb Sun City property is a natural treasure which supporters would like to see improved.
The group, Friends of Del Webb Nature Preserve, are happy with support they received for installation of a trail, at the June 25 Sun City Board of Directors meeting.
As a high school student at Huntley High School, John Domagalski had a couple of favorite subjects. “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.
As a high school student at Huntley High School, John Domagalski had a couple of favorite subjects.
“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.
Bob Ibach knows baseball. Now, he is ready to share his stories from behind the scenes of more than 50 years of professional sports as a writer, author, and broadcaster. Ibach is a Sun City resident since 2016, has five decades of comprehensive experience in sports journalism, public and media relations, sports marketing, promotions, and publications management.
Bob Ibach knows baseball. Now, he is ready to share his stories from behind the scenes of more than 50 years of professional sports as a writer, author, and broadcaster.
Ibach is a Sun City resident since 2016, has five decades of comprehensive experience in sports journalism, public and media relations, sports marketing, promotions, and publications management.
Sun City’s Sunflower Charter Club has awarded scholarships to students for three years. The club raised funds through the sale of its annual hanging baskets. Paulette Carrion, President of the club, said, “This year, Sunflower Garden Club awarded three $1000 scholarships at our June meeting to Huntley High School graduating students.”
Sun City’s Sunflower Charter Club has awarded scholarships to students for three years. The club raised funds through the sale of its annual hanging baskets.
Paulette Carrion, President of the club, said, “This year, Sunflower Garden Club awarded three $1000 scholarships at our June meeting to Huntley High School graduating students.”
As the Chicago Cubs’ anthem, “Go Cubs Go” by Stephen Goodman told baseball fans, “baseball season is under way, so you better get ready for a brand new day.” With the Major League Baseball season nearing its half-way mark, dozens of Sun City baseball fans came to the Drendel Ballroom for Tim Wilsey’s presentation about baseball. Some wore 2016 Cubs World Series hero jerseys of Javier Baez, or maybe for former manager Joe Maddon. Others went back to their youth for an Ernie Banks shirt.
As the Chicago Cubs’ anthem, “Go Cubs Go” by Stephen Goodman told baseball fans, “baseball season is under way, so you better get ready for a brand new day.”
With the Major League Baseball season nearing its half-way mark, dozens of Sun City baseball fans came to the Drendel Ballroom for Tim Wilsey’s presentation about baseball. Some wore 2016 Cubs World Series hero jerseys of Javier Baez, or maybe for former manager Joe Maddon. Others went back to their youth for an Ernie Banks shirt.
Already a member of multiple Chicago area sports organizations’ Hall-of-Fames, broadcaster Mike North, a Sun City resident, added another accolade recently. “It was unbelievable,” said North about the Barrett Media Lifetime Achievement Award presented to him May 9. “I’m still an outsider, so I was shocked when Barrett Media owner Jason Barrett called me. At first, I wasn’t on their list, but Barrett said he wanted to talk.”
Already a member of multiple Chicago area sports organizations’ Hall-of-Fames, broadcaster Mike North, a Sun City resident, added another accolade recently.
“It was unbelievable,” said North about the Barrett Media Lifetime Achievement Award presented to him May 9. “I’m still an outsider, so I was shocked when Barrett Media owner Jason Barrett called me. At first, I wasn’t on their list, but Barrett said he wanted to talk.”
A neighbor asked me a short time ago what she should do with her clothes dryer. It takes much longer to dry clothes than it used to. She didn’t know whether to call a repair man or to just replace it.
I’m writing to you with a heavy heart, and some worry about my future. I’m in my early 60s, and I’ve been reflecting on my father’s health as I approach the age when I first noticed signs of memory loss in him. My dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in his late 60s, and over time, I watched his mind deteriorate. It was painful, especially since I was very close to him.
With June drawing to a close, the theatrical fireworks are just getting started. But sometimes, you are looking for something more emotional. Counter-programing has always been a part of the studios’ business model. While the empty calories play on screen, the healthier options play next door. And never the same audience shall meet, or at least they thought. After Barbenheimer, the idea of mutually exclusive filmgoing experiences were a thing of the past. Savvy viewers note that this is just another case of the pendulum swinging back. I remember the late nineties and early two-thousands were chalked full of this mid-budget scrappy fare.
Why is there a difference between homeowner use and community use concerning the outdoor water restrictions?
Jim is not known for his athletic ability. He is equally horrible at all sports. This includes the relatively simple game of bocce ball. In his defense, he is improving. Now he is keeping the ball in the court and not throwing it into the bushes. He is so bad, that as of this writing, we have not won a single game. It has gotten to the point that our teammates drive past him when he is walking Rosie, they roll down the car window, and laughingly yell, “YOU SUCK”!!! To soften the pain of our losing streak, we decided to try a new restaurant in Algonquin. With our heads bowed in shame, we ventured off to Casa Tequilas Mexican Grill.
Over the past 48 years, time and time again, our family has enjoyed going to the same restaurant. We have enjoyed hundreds of dinners, thousands of hours of laughter, and copious amounts of delicious food. El Niagara in Woodstock has firmly established itself as our go to place when dining out. Over the past almost five decades, nothing has stopped us from enjoying delicious carne asada, fajitas and chimichangas from their menu. Even when the restaurant burnt down, we waited patiently for it to be rebuilt and then went back.
Photos by Christine Such.
Note: The views expressed in these political submissions do not reflect those of the Sun Day, its staff, or those associated to the Sun Day.
Back by popular demand, The Theatre Company of Sun City is thrilled to present Sex Please, We’re Sixty. Dick Storer, Sun City resident, said, “This production was a complete sell-out in 2013, and we can’t wait to bring it back to our stage.”
Back by popular demand, The Theatre Company of Sun City is thrilled to present Sex Please, We’re Sixty.
Dick Storer, Sun City resident, said, “This production was a complete sell-out in 2013, and we can’t wait to bring it back to our stage.”
Our recent trip to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula was a rare just-the-two-of-us vacation that I expect will become more common, as our adult children are establishing their own lives and their own traditions. So off we went, my Gentleman Friend and I, with our trusty teardrop camper in tow up to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore near Munising, Michigan. Our campsite turned out to be mere steps from the shore of Lake Superior, and if it weren’t for the 40-degree temps, I would’ve been tempted to wade into the crystalline blues and greens of the water. Instead, we sat as close as we could to the frigid waves that lapped the shore, reading, napping, and occasionally commenting on cloud formations or seagull antics.
Our recent trip to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula was a rare just-the-two-of-us vacation that I expect will become more common, as our adult children are establishing their own lives and their own traditions. So off we went, my Gentleman Friend and I, with our trusty teardrop camper in tow up to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore near Munising, Michigan.
Our campsite turned out to be mere steps from the shore of Lake Superior, and if it weren’t for the 40-degree temps, I would’ve been tempted to wade into the crystalline blues and greens of the water. Instead, we sat as close as we could to the frigid waves that lapped the shore, reading, napping, and occasionally commenting on cloud formations or seagull antics.
I spent a chunk of this morning counting rings. No, not the jewelry kind of rings. It wouldn’t take me long to do that, because I only own one — my wedding ring, which I haven’t worn in seven years, since I lost my wife of 48 years. And not the rings of wood on the front of my guitar, which has a sort of tiger-swirl pattern that defies count.
I spent a chunk of this morning counting rings.
No, not the jewelry kind of rings. It wouldn’t take me long to do that, because I only own one — my wedding ring, which I haven’t worn in seven years, since I lost my wife of 48 years.
And not the rings of wood on the front of my guitar, which has a sort of tiger-swirl pattern that defies count.
