MY SUN DAY NEWS
Mary Kay Monaghan’s love for sports ignited in first grade when she started playing softball. “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.
Mary Kay Monaghan’s love for sports ignited in first grade when she started playing softball.
“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.
Each Tuesday morning for a quarter-century, a golf league has gathered at various area golf courses.
Pinecrest Golf Club has hosted the Sun City Men’s Golf League since the course became part of Huntley Park District. Previous locations were Whisper Creek in Sun City and Marengo Ridge. An 18-hole match-play format is used.
“We have 64 members now, and a list of 30 substitutes,” Sun City resident and league manager Andy Jones said. “The players are able to handle the 18-holes. We have some guys into their 80s and I would say the average age is the low 70s. There are a lot of golf leagues in Sun City.”
Roses. It seems gardeners either love them or hate them. There is often no in between. The people who hate them have typically tried to grow them, but have become frustrated because they didn’t perform up to their expectations. Ensuring roses live up to expectations involves choosing wisely what rose to plant and knowing how and when to care for the roses that have been planted. In recognition of June being National Rose Month, this column delves into the different categories of roses, suggested plant installation techniques and best practices when it comes to rose care.
I’m a 68-year-old recently retired teacher, and for most of my adult life, I’ve battled high blood pressure. My readings have fluctuated over the years due to factors like stress, diet, and how consistently I’ve exercised. Now that I’m retired, I want to finally get it under control for good.
Nancy has been experiencing a slow leak for months now. No, it is not what you think. We have one of those “numbers” beds that is pumped up with air to the firmness of your liking. Every few days it must be pumped up, and since Nancy is not known for suffering in silence, it’s time for a new mattress after 16 years. On to the nearest store where we were treated to more videos than a timeshare sales meeting. This mattress even has an app to tell you how well you are sleeping. Seriously??? You need an app for that?
Well … the summer heat is here and time to celebrate. Libations are in hand, or iced tea and lemonade for those abstaining. Time to lay on the pool deck and soak in the gorgeous sunlight. June, also, marks the start of Pride Month. What began as a riot slowly morphed into a party, then back into a riot again, then into an excuse for a parade; but what about now? Funny how the summer months contain such histories of struggle. Next month commemorates the American collective’s and so forth. But when I look at the Construction, it is that part about the pursuit of happiness that always caught my eye. Watching this collection of shows and documentaries made me proud in that pursuit. And I hope you’ll enjoy them as well.
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.
This year, Sun City is marking a significant milestone: the 25th anniversary of the Golf Cart, Classic Car, and Car Parade. 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, Sun City is marking a significant milestone: the 25th anniversary of the Golf Cart, Classic Car, and Car Parade.
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.
I’ve written before about the singing group I’m in, a 60-voice choir that sings mostly classical literature. This choir has become “my thing” the past several years, as I emerge from my mommy cocoon and start to spread my wings as a woman with adult children. This choir has given me my voice back, in more ways than one. Tuesday night rehearsals have become a sacred space for me. During these evenings, nothing else gets scheduled, and I often trudge into rehearsal still carrying the burdens from the day. As I climb the steps to the second-floor choir room, the day’s headlines swirl around in my head, bumping into family worries, missed deadlines, and things I wish I hadn’t said. But as soon as 7 p.m. hits, our director plays a full chord on the piano and we begin our vocal warmups. For the next two and a half hours, my entire focus is on deep breaths, reading notes, and counting rests.
I’ve written before about the singing group I’m in, a 60-voice choir that sings mostly classical literature. This choir has become “my thing” the past several years, as I emerge from my mommy cocoon and start to spread my wings as a woman with adult children. This choir has given me my voice back, in more ways than one.
Tuesday night rehearsals have become a sacred space for me. During these evenings, nothing else gets scheduled, and I often trudge into rehearsal still carrying the burdens from the day. As I climb the steps to the second-floor choir room, the day’s headlines swirl around in my head, bumping into family worries, missed deadlines, and things I wish I hadn’t said. But as soon as 7 p.m. hits, our director plays a full chord on the piano and we begin our vocal warmups. For the next two and a half hours, my entire focus is on deep breaths, reading notes, and counting rests.
I rode my bike in the rain today. Oh, that wasn’t my intention, I assure you. When I started out, it was a cool and cloudy day, perfect for a bike ride of 12 miles or so. But the drizzle began by the time I hit mile four, so I turned around. By the time I got home, I was pretty wet.
I rode my bike in the rain today.
Oh, that wasn’t my intention, I assure you. When I started out, it was a cool and cloudy day, perfect for a bike ride of 12 miles or so. But the drizzle began by the time I hit mile four, so I turned around. By the time I got home, I was pretty wet.
The month of May brings the many golf leagues for seniors to take over morning tee times at Sun City’s Whisper Creek Golf Club, in time for the longest days of sunlight. The Sun City golf course offers, for the women include Ladies in the Sun, Birdie Bunch, and Whisper Lites (handicap and non-handicap). Also, for the men, Early Birds, Niners, Flying Aces and Prime Time. One informal men’s golf group is Sin City.
The month of May brings the many golf leagues for seniors to take over morning tee times at Sun City’s Whisper Creek Golf Club, in time for the longest days of sunlight.
The Sun City golf course offers, for the women include Ladies in the Sun, Birdie Bunch, and Whisper Lites (handicap and non-handicap). Also, for the men, Early Birds, Niners, Flying Aces and Prime Time. One informal men’s golf group is Sin City.
The Huntley Rotary Club awarded four scholarships to Huntley High School students this year. As always, the Rotary Club supports efforts to further one’s education. The primary way in which the Club supports its goal of further education is through the annual scholarships it awards. 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.
The Huntley Rotary Club awarded four scholarships to Huntley High School students this year. As always, the Rotary Club supports efforts to further one’s education. The primary way in which the Club supports its goal of further education is through the annual scholarships it awards.
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.
A recent case of measles reported in Cook County has officially made Illinois the 30th state to join the alarming new measles epidemic which began in late 2024 in California, followed by the outbreak in Texas early this year. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), in 2025 there have been 4 confirmed cases of measles to date in Illinois. Measles, declared eliminated due to effectiveness of the measles vaccine, in 2000, is now making an aggressive comeback nationally.
A recent case of measles reported in Cook County has officially made Illinois the 30th state to join the alarming new measles epidemic which began in late 2024 in California, followed by the outbreak in Texas early this year.
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), in 2025 there have been 4 confirmed cases of measles to date in Illinois. Measles, declared eliminated due to effectiveness of the measles vaccine, in 2000, is now making an aggressive comeback nationally.
The “Cop on a Rooftop Special Olympic” event took place at the two Huntley Dunkin locations on May 16. 2025 marks the 22nd Anniversary of Dunkin’s partnership with the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Illinois. This fun and unique event aims to raise funds to support the Illinois Special Olympics, with 100% of the proceeds going to the organization. This partnership has been a massive success, raising $10 million in Illinois. 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.”
The “Cop on a Rooftop Special Olympic” event took place at the two Huntley Dunkin locations on May 16. 2025 marks the 22nd Anniversary of Dunkin’s partnership with the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Illinois. This fun and unique event aims to raise funds to support the Illinois Special Olympics, with 100% of the proceeds going to the organization. This partnership has been a massive success, raising $10 million in Illinois.
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.”
Most weeks Nancy cooks six out of seven days. I’m very lucky to be married to a great cook. She can be fancy (beef bourguignon), comforting (homemade chicken noodle soup), and old school (German rouladens). What better way to show my appreciation for all of her hard work than to take her to a restaurant where you have to cook your own food. This DIY restaurant is the Melting Pot in Schaumburg.
Anonymous asks “Will the mile markers be repainted along the Wildflower pathways?’
Well, we are here again on the brink of another summer season and left with more questions than answers. Not that there are ever any certainties in this world at large, let alone in the world of entertainment. With the state of the world being what it is, maybe it would be fun to jump on a plane for any destination. Films have a way of making travel always seem glamorous, even as the characters and situations become unpleasant or divisive. And then there are some movies which leave such little impression that you can’t even be mad at them. Must be yet another streaming movie.
Letters for the week of June 5.
Gunnar Hanson, a Sun City resident, has penned a book titled Tomorrow, a poignant reflection of his life. It was the unwavering encouragement of his family that spurred him to embark on this literary journey. With their support, the time during Covid, and the invaluable assistance of his daughter, Rhonda Holycross, Hanson brought his life’s story to life, culminating in its publication in November of 2024. “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.”
Gunnar Hanson, a Sun City resident, has penned a book titled Tomorrow, a poignant reflection of his life. It was the unwavering encouragement of his family that spurred him to embark on this literary journey. With their support, the time during Covid, and the invaluable assistance of his daughter, Rhonda Holycross, Hanson brought his life’s story to life, culminating in its publication in November of 2024.
“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.”
The graduation gown is hanging in the closet, patiently waiting for its one day in the sun. In a few days, my youngest child will walk across the stage and officially end her years in school. As she receives her diploma, she will be tipping the scales, closing a chapter and beginning a new one. The scale tips for me, too. I’m far removed from my season of firsts: First apartment, first home, first pet, first job. From now on, there will still be firsts, but they will slow considerably. From now on, I will have to seek out new experiences intentionally, because they will no longer be coming at me like water from a firehose.
The graduation gown is hanging in the closet, patiently waiting for its one day in the sun. In a few days, my youngest child will walk across the stage and officially end her years in school. As she receives her diploma, she will be tipping the scales, closing a chapter and beginning a new one.
The scale tips for me, too. I’m far removed from my season of firsts: First apartment, first home, first pet, first job. From now on, there will still be firsts, but they will slow considerably. From now on, I will have to seek out new experiences intentionally, because they will no longer be coming at me like water from a firehose.
Penmanship is dead. Well, that’s what I wrote in a column almost 20 years ago, as Americans — particularly young Americans — used text messages and emails when they wrote.
Penmanship is dead.
Well, that’s what I wrote in a column almost 20 years ago, as Americans — particularly young Americans — used text messages and emails when they wrote.
Sun City residents Grandmaster Gedo Chang and his daughter, Master Laura Paarmann, are introducing Hapkido to the community. Paarmann said, “Hapkido, a martial art, teaches kicks, punches, joint manipulation, pressure points, free fighting, throws, and meditation. All Hapkido skills are designed to subdue an opponent without causing serious injuries.”
Sun City residents Grandmaster Gedo Chang and his daughter, Master Laura Paarmann, are introducing Hapkido to the community.
Paarmann said, “Hapkido, a martial art, teaches kicks, punches, joint manipulation, pressure points, free fighting, throws, and meditation. All Hapkido skills are designed to subdue an opponent without causing serious injuries.”
Arlene Terdina, known to most Sun City residents for her skilled tennis games and killer serve, has another talent. Terdina’s art, a reflection of her self-taught journey, is a testament to the beauty of nature. Her watercolor paintings, particularly those of flowers, are a sight. As she puts it, “I have done other paintings, but I always find myself drawn back to the beauty of flowers.”
Arlene Terdina, known to most Sun City residents for her skilled tennis games and killer serve, has another talent.
Terdina’s art, a reflection of her self-taught journey, is a testament to the beauty of nature. Her watercolor paintings, particularly those of flowers, are a sight. As she puts it, “I have done other paintings, but I always find myself drawn back to the beauty of flowers.”
Many came outfitted in Kentucky Derby themed outfits, while others also brought their knowledge and passion for horse racing. The setting was the first Village of Huntley and Huntley Area Chamber of Commerce Derby Day at the Huntley Town Square. Sun City residents Sue Wallace and Mary Schulee spoke with a background of horse racing knowledge, before Sovereignty won the run for the roses at Churchill Downs in Lexington, Ky., on May 3. Sovereignty beat favored Journalism on a wet race track in the Kentucky Derby’s 151st annual race.
Many came outfitted in Kentucky Derby themed outfits, while others also brought their knowledge and passion for horse racing. The setting was the first Village of Huntley and Huntley Area Chamber of Commerce Derby Day at the Huntley Town Square.
Sun City residents Sue Wallace and Mary Schulee spoke with a background of horse racing knowledge, before Sovereignty won the run for the roses at Churchill Downs in Lexington, Ky., on May 3. Sovereignty beat favored Journalism on a wet race track in the Kentucky Derby’s 151st annual race.
Horror of horrors!!! Jim’s worst nightmare has become a reality. The only TV in our house finally broke after ten years. He will be missing his favorite shows: My 600 Pound Life, Hoarders, and Dr. Pimple Popper. I prefer more intellectual shows like the soap opera The Young and the Restless. With nothing to occupy our time, we would have to actually talk to each other, meaning we would wind-up in a big argument. So, the decision was unanimous, we had to get a new TV and we had to get it now!!! No “loafing” around. Into the Mini-Mobile we went and sped off to that large appliance store in Glenview. After finalizing our purchase, we were hungry and broke. We remembered a nearby restaurant that has been in business for 85 years. They were known for their burgers and the ever popular “loaf” of onion rings. Can you guess which venue we are talking about? If you think it’s Hackney’s, you are correct.
Hosting family gatherings is something that I truly love to do. The more the merrier. Yes, it can be exhausting, but creating those family memories is so important. The part of hosting for which I need the most help is preparing the food. Cooking does not come naturally to me. For each family gathering I have a stack of recipes that I follow explicitly. Whether I am cooking for two or twenty, I cannot make anything without a piece of paper by my side that leads me through the process.
Well, that was weird what happened within the religious world in the last few weeks. I was surreptitiously drawn into it last month when I met a friend of my uncle at a party, who grew up with a certain pontiff. At the time of this conversation, Robert Provost was just a cardinal. But while watching television on Thursday May 8th, my mother and I watched as Pope Leo XIV was ushered in as the new leader of the papacy. It got me thinking about holiness and its counterpart; and the tenuous relationship between them. This, of course, leads me into the movie Sinners.
I’m writing with a heavy heart and a lot of uncertainty. My sister and I recently had to step in to care for our dad after our mom was unexpectedly hospitalized. It all happened so fast, and honestly, we were unprepared. In just a few days, we began to see how exhausting it must have been for our mom. Dad is showing signs of memory loss. He’s confused, repeats himself, and can’t seem to complete basic tasks. It’s clear now that she’s been holding it all together longer than we realized.
I’m writing with a heavy heart and a lot of uncertainty. My sister and I recently had to step in to care for our dad after our mom was unexpectedly hospitalized. It all happened so fast, and honestly, we were unprepared.
In just a few days, we began to see how exhausting it must have been for our mom. Dad is showing signs of memory loss. He’s confused, repeats himself, and can’t seem to complete basic tasks. It’s clear now that she’s been holding it all together longer than we realized.
Sun City resident Bob Hartman’s has family lore that his grandfather made a guitar for Gene Audrey. 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.”
Sun City resident Bob Hartman’s has family lore that his grandfather made a guitar for Gene Audrey.
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.”
