MY SUN DAY NEWS
The Mom & Pop coffee and tea shop is where it’s at, if you want my opinion. Maybe the song is right: What the world needs now / is love, sweet love. Love is wonderful. I’m a huge fan of love. But hear me out: Love can be complicated and fraught. Love can bring us together, then turn right around and tear us apart. There’s a song about love for almost any situation, and they’re not all good.
The Mom & Pop coffee and tea shop is where it’s at, if you want my opinion.
Maybe the song is right: What the world needs now / is love, sweet love. Love is wonderful. I’m a huge fan of love. But hear me out: Love can be complicated and fraught. Love can bring us together, then turn right around and tear us apart. There’s a song about love for almost any situation, and they’re not all good.
Sun City resident Pete Karambelas celebrated his one-hundedth birthday on March 18.
“I’ve had five celebrations,” he said. “Some with my family and others friends.”
A committee of Sun City residents organized a celebration.
Ever just gotta dance? The Strutters understand.
This spring, these Sun City dancers will perform on Tuesday, June 3, and Wednesday, June 4, in Drendel Ballroom. The show, “Gotta Dance,” will feature a captivating mix of tap, ballet, and jazz routines, promising an evening of thrilling performances.
“There’s one missing,” we said, and Jenny, the oldest of the kids, started counting the eggs. “No, see,” we said, interrupting her, “there were two dozen eggs — 24 — and there’s one missing from these cartons. That makes 23 eggs. There’s one missing.”
“There’s one missing,” we said, and Jenny, the oldest of the kids, started counting the eggs.
“No, see,” we said, interrupting her, “there were two dozen eggs — 24 — and there’s one missing from these cartons. That makes 23 eggs. There’s one missing.”
Sun City’s Sunflower Garden Charter Club is celebrating its 25th anniversary. The Club’s membership helps decorate the lodges for the holiday season, holds the Garden Walk and Christmas House Walk, and helps with other community events. On Saturday, May 10, The Sunflower Garden Club’s annual Spring Basket Sale is scheduled at the Fountain View Pavilion in Sun City. The sale is open to all Sun City residents and their families, but quantities are limited.
There comes a time in every married man’s life when he has to endure the most diabolical torture ever devised. I am referring to the dreaded time when his wife asks him to accompany her to a quaint suburban town and wander aimlessly through old homes that have been transformed into stores filled with useless dust collecting tchotchke. Such was the case recently when Nancy asked me to go to downtown Geneva for an afternoon of fun-filled shopping. After several hours of my grumbling and pouting, Nancy decided to ease my suffering and take me to an Italian restaurant nearby. This oasis in the sea of shopping was Livia Italian Eatery in Geneva.
I’m a recently retired widow in my late sixties, and I want to make some positive changes this spring. Now that the warmer weather is here, I feel a renewed sense of energy and a real desire to become more social, especially after a lonely winter.
To paraphrase Mother Monster, move or die. The same seems to be happening to Mike White’s series The White Lotus.
Formal education, while important, doesn’t always translate to success or happiness in life. Education, whether it is at the primary, secondary, or post-secondary level offers us a chance to interact with peers, learn from teachers and create lifelong memories. True education, though, I would argue comes outside of the four walls of a classroom. While I absolutely loved my time at Texas A & M University, I can honestly say that I only use a small portion of what I learned from my professors. In the decades since graduation, it is what I learned from gardeners and gardening that has been my true enlightenment.
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.
Carole Homer, a Sun City resident, delivers treats near and far for each holiday, any celebration, or just for fun. Homer began creating sweet treats in March for the Easter. 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.”
Carole Homer, a Sun City resident, delivers treats near and far for each holiday, any celebration, or just for fun. Homer began creating sweet treats in March for the Easter.
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.”
The phone rang in the middle of the night and jolted us awake. Okay, it wasn’t really the middle of the night — but it was late, considering that my husband and I have recently decided that, unlike Cinderella’s carriage, which returns to its original pumpkin state at midnight, we turn into pumpkins much earlier, somewhere between 8:30 and 9. Out of habit, because bedtime was always such a ritual when the kids were little: bath, jammies, teeth, story, my husband and I have developed our own routine, and even our own vernacular concerning the end of the day.
The phone rang in the middle of the night and jolted us awake.
Okay, it wasn’t really the middle of the night — but it was late, considering that my husband and I have recently decided that, unlike Cinderella’s carriage, which returns to its original pumpkin state at midnight, we turn into pumpkins much earlier, somewhere between 8:30 and 9.
Out of habit, because bedtime was always such a ritual when the kids were little: bath, jammies, teeth, story, my husband and I have developed our own routine, and even our own vernacular concerning the end of the day.
Those of you who read my column regularly will remember that I wrote last time about all the reasons I probably should have died long ago — and yet here I am. Those of you who missed that column probably have some good excuse for not reading it. I’ll forgive you this time. Here’s a brief recap of some of the things I listed that probably should have pinched my spark out.
Those of you who read my column regularly will remember that I wrote last time about all the reasons I probably should have died long ago — and yet here I am.
Those of you who missed that column probably have some good excuse for not reading it. I’ll forgive you this time. Here’s a brief recap of some of the things I listed that probably should have pinched my spark out.
Dr. Marcus Belin, principal of Huntley High School, has been named the 2025 Illinois High School Principal of the Year for the Kishwaukee Region. Belin is a fifth-generation educator. “My grandmother taught in the Chicago Public School System for forty years. My mother’s work with the Chicago Charter School network focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. It’s in the family. My sister is also in the education field,” he said.
Dr. Marcus Belin, principal of Huntley High School, has been named the 2025 Illinois High School Principal of the Year for the Kishwaukee Region.
Belin is a fifth-generation educator.
“My grandmother taught in the Chicago Public School System for forty years. My mother’s work with the Chicago Charter School network focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. It’s in the family. My sister is also in the education field,” he said.
Concerned over the impacts of cleaning tools which have chemicals in everyday use, a Sun City couple decided to take action. Five years ago, Genny and Derek Knight joined Norwex Independent Consultants. “Improving the quality of life by radically reducing chemicals in our homes is our mission and passion,” according to the Norwex flier. At the Village of Huntley Farmers Market March 8, the Knights explained various products of Norwex Inc.
Concerned over the impacts of cleaning tools which have chemicals in everyday use, a Sun City couple decided to take action.
Five years ago, Genny and Derek Knight joined Norwex Independent Consultants. “Improving the quality of life by radically reducing chemicals in our homes is our mission and passion,” according to the Norwex flier.
At the Village of Huntley Farmers Market March 8, the Knights explained various products of Norwex Inc.
After more than 60 years of exchanging letters, pictures, and making audio tapes, two lifelong pen pals — a Sun City resident and an English woman from Stockport — were able to once again reunite in person, rekindling a friendship that began in 1964. Though this isn’t their first face-to-face meeting, it marks a meaningful new chapter in a bond that has withstood the test of time and distance. Sun City resident Jane Conley and Marlene Middleton of Stockport, England began their correspondence as teenagers. What started as simple exchanges about music, school life, boyfriends, and their future aspirations gradually grew into a deep and lasting friendship.
After more than 60 years of exchanging letters, pictures, and making audio tapes, two lifelong pen pals — a Sun City resident and an English woman from Stockport — were able to once again reunite in person, rekindling a friendship that began in 1964. Though this isn’t their first face-to-face meeting, it marks a meaningful new chapter in a bond that has withstood the test of time and distance.
Sun City resident Jane Conley and Marlene Middleton of Stockport, England began their correspondence as teenagers. What started as simple exchanges about music, school life, boyfriends, and their future aspirations gradually grew into a deep and lasting friendship.
Are awards any indication of overall talent? Or are they signs of possible longevity? To paraphrase a line from Frasier; if you can look in the mirror and say you put in the best effort, then let the awards go wherever. It is hard to say, after this last Oscar ceremony, if actors like Mikey Madison will live up to the hype of Anora. But for Best Director winner Bong Joon-ho, there has been a filmography to back up his rise. And what a weird ride it has been, none so weird as Mickey 17.
Club Crawl is a new event for Sun City residents and an opportunity to learn about Sun City Charter Clubs. On Thursday, April 17, from 4-6 p.m. at Prairie Lodge in the Drendel Ballroom, the first hundred residents to arrive will receive a coupon for a free Culvers scoop of custard. The event is free, no registration is required, and all Sun City residents are invited. Ben Manibog, Chair of the Charter Club Presidents Council (CCPC) and President of the RV Travelers Club said, “I believe there are several things we are doing to make this a special event for our community. Club Crawl is the first Sun City community-wide event solely organized by a subcommittee of the CCPC, backed by the team at First Services Residential, and supported by our Board Liaison Bill Niemasz.”
Club Crawl is a new event for Sun City residents and an opportunity to learn about Sun City Charter Clubs. On Thursday, April 17, from 4-6 p.m. at Prairie Lodge in the Drendel Ballroom, the first hundred residents to arrive will receive a coupon for a free Culvers scoop of custard. The event is free, no registration is required, and all Sun City residents are invited.
Ben Manibog, Chair of the Charter Club Presidents Council (CCPC) and President of the RV Travelers Club said, “I believe there are several things we are doing to make this a special event for our community. Club Crawl is the first Sun City community-wide event solely organized by a subcommittee of the CCPC, backed by the team at First Services Residential, and supported by our Board Liaison Bill Niemasz.”
April Fools’ Day may be over for this year, but there are still several opportunities to be fooled throughout the coming year. One common way Americans are being deceived lately is by the increasing fraudulent claims from the supplement world. Considering how common supplement use is, some experts are ringing alarm bells.
Chris, my husband, and I began a healthy habit this winter. Each morning, with breakfast, we mix a packet of Emergen-C in a glass of water. Emergen-C is a powder that helps to boost the immune system and provides nutrients such as antioxidants and electrolytes. Since we began taking Emergen-C we have not been sick. While I fully admit, this may be a coincidence, I do appreciate the feeling that we are starting off our day by doing something healthy.
My husband and I use both of the gyms, at Prairie Lodge and Meadowview, but we prefer to go at non-peak times. I’m curious, how many individuals use the fitness centers and are there times when these facilities are routinely less crowded?
They say “the early bird gets the worm” and Rosie has been getting a lot of choice worms since, like clockwork, she wakes us up every morning at 6:15. Seriously, you can set your watch by her. This is followed by her early morning nap at 7:15.
Despite Illinois’ weather, you DID read that correctly! According to Almanac. com, “the first day of spring was March 20th”. Birds are chirping, flowers are starting to bud, and the sun has become warmer! Spring is simply spectacular!
I’m exhausted. I love my family, but I feel like I’m being pulled in a million directions, and there’s never any time for me. I’m the primary caregiver for my aging parents and in-laws while also raising three kids. My husband helps when he’s home, but he travels for work, leaving me to juggle everything on my own. I don’t resent my responsibilities, I just don’t know how to keep going without completely burning out.
Dee Ann Woods is set to take the stage for the first time with the Theatre Company of Sun City in their spring production of Mame, the madcap musical about an eccentric socialite suddenly faced with the task of raising her young nephew. Woods portrays nephew Patrick’s faithful nanny Agnes Gooch, who sticks out like a sore thumb in Mame’s world of elegant New York parties. “Gooch wears these orthopedic Oxfords and she dresses like a frump,” says Woods about her character. “It’s a fun role. She’s the good Catholic girl and she’s in with Mame who is a high-flying, big-living, big-life type of person. She has to kind of grow into this family.”
Dee Ann Woods is set to take the stage for the first time with the Theatre Company of Sun City in their spring production of Mame, the madcap musical about an eccentric socialite suddenly faced with the task of raising her young nephew. Woods portrays nephew Patrick’s faithful nanny Agnes Gooch, who sticks out like a sore thumb in Mame’s world of elegant New York parties.
“Gooch wears these orthopedic Oxfords and she dresses like a frump,” says Woods about her character. “It’s a fun role. She’s the good Catholic girl and she’s in with Mame who is a high-flying, big-living, big-life type of person. She has to kind of grow into this family.”
Orv McElfresh and his wife, Janet Fry, are ambassadors for the artist series programming offered for free at Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church in Huntley, 10805 Main Street. On Friday, March 7, the featured program was the Wartburg College Castle Singers and Kammerstreicher. The Wartburg College Castle Singers have a special meaning to McElfresh. “I joined the Castle Singers in 1961. It is a fairly large group of singers, around 35. I enjoyed being part of the group back then and having them here is quite a thrill for me and a treat for our community. The group started in 1950,” he said.
Orv McElfresh and his wife, Janet Fry, are ambassadors for the artist series programming offered for free at Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church in Huntley, 10805 Main Street. On Friday, March 7, the featured program was the Wartburg College Castle Singers and Kammerstreicher. The Wartburg College Castle Singers have a special meaning to McElfresh.
“I joined the Castle Singers in 1961. It is a fairly large group of singers, around 35. I enjoyed being part of the group back then and having them here is quite a thrill for me and a treat for our community. The group started in 1950,” he said.
My parents, still enjoying good health and living independently in their 90s, are sorting through their belongings in their home of nearly 40 years as they prepare to downsize to an apartment. It is a big job, and my sister and brother-in-law are doing a lot of the heavy lifting, by virtue of them living nearby. In their spare moments, of which they have very few, they go to Mom & Dad’s house and pick up boxes to take to the donation center. They offer moral support. The job of sifting through a lifetime of belongings is not only physically strenuous, but each unopened box holds the potential of releasing a flood of memories, good or bad: a letter from a long-gone relative; Mother’s Day cards on brittle paper with “I love yous” scrawled in crayon; a serving bowl that brings back a long-forgotten detail from their wedding day.
My parents, still enjoying good health and living independently in their 90s, are sorting through their belongings in their home of nearly 40 years as they prepare to downsize to an apartment.
It is a big job, and my sister and brother-in-law are doing a lot of the heavy lifting, by virtue of them living nearby. In their spare moments, of which they have very few, they go to Mom & Dad’s house and pick up boxes to take to the donation center. They offer moral support. The job of sifting through a lifetime of belongings is not only physically strenuous, but each unopened box holds the potential of releasing a flood of memories, good or bad: a letter from a long-gone relative; Mother’s Day cards on brittle paper with “I love yous” scrawled in crayon; a serving bowl that brings back a long-forgotten detail from their wedding day.
Digging through the junk drawer the other day, I found one of those plastic plugs you shove into an electric outlet to keep the grandkids from getting zapped. It was in the junk drawer instead of in an outlet because my grandkids are now all high-school-age or older, and if they haven’t learned by now what kinds of things belong in an electric outlet and what kinds of things don’t, then maybe it’s time for them to learn the hard way. But when they were little, my wife insisted that every treacherous death-dealing outlet be blocked from the grandkids’ imaginative explorations. I actually wrote about it once in my column, long ago.
Digging through the junk drawer the other day, I found one of those plastic plugs you shove into an electric outlet to keep the grandkids from getting zapped. It was in the junk drawer instead of in an outlet because my grandkids are now all high-school-age or older, and if they haven’t learned by now what kinds of things belong in an electric outlet and what kinds of things don’t, then maybe it’s time for them to learn the hard way.
But when they were little, my wife insisted that every treacherous death-dealing outlet be blocked from the grandkids’ imaginative explorations. I actually wrote about it once in my column, long ago.
Pam Figolah enjoys bowling, not only for the sport but for the friendships and the fun. Paralleling Sun City History, the group has been around for about 25 years. Figolah said, “A group of ladies from Sun City started a women’s bowling league at Huntley Bowl Hi. Originally, the ladies named the league The Sun City Ladies Bowling League. This ladies’ group aimed to meet neighbors who also enjoyed bowling. The league was very social, with some friendly competition. A few years later, the league expanded and changed its name to Thursday Ladies Bowling League.”
Pam Figolah enjoys bowling, not only for the sport but for the friendships and the fun. Paralleling Sun City History, the group has been around for about 25 years.
Figolah said, “A group of ladies from Sun City started a women’s bowling league at Huntley Bowl Hi. Originally, the ladies named the league The Sun City Ladies Bowling League. This ladies’ group aimed to meet neighbors who also enjoyed bowling. The league was very social, with some friendly competition. A few years later, the league expanded and changed its name to Thursday Ladies Bowling League.”
