MY SUN DAY NEWS
Many years ago, while driving home from a Canada fishing trip, my buddy Jim and I ran into some road construction in Minnesota. “Right lane closed 3 miles ahead,” the sign said. Car after car politely pulled into the crowded left lane—and because I was the one driving at the time, I zipped past in the now-much-faster right lane. “This lane is closing,” Jim said. “Right,” I confirmed. “In three miles.”
Many years ago, while driving home from a Canada fishing trip, my buddy Jim and I ran into some road construction in Minnesota.
“Right lane closed 3 miles ahead,” the sign said. Car after car politely pulled into the crowded left lane—and because I was the one driving at the time, I zipped past in the now-much-faster right lane.
“This lane is closing,” Jim said.
“Right,” I confirmed. “In three miles.”
The little shed in my backyard was built for me, back when “She Sheds” were featured in magazines and Pinterest boards. I wanted to give it a cute name, something that made it sound like a sprawling estate instead of an 80 square-foot shed kit we bought from Costco. I played around with calling it “Daisy Hill” or “Western Prairie,” but none of those stuck; ultimately it settled into its unassuming identity as “The Writing Shed” or “The Thinking Hut.”
I don’t spend a lot of time out there during the coldest winter months. It’s not too great spending time in there when it’s blisteringly hot, either.
Veterans Memorial Field is set and practices have been in earnest for the new Sun City Softball Club season’s opening day, with the first pitch at 5:30 p.m. May 12.
“We’re ready for the new year and hope we won’t be hindered by the weather on opening night,” Sun City Softball Club President Chuck Hund said. “We have a great field crew, led by John Roccosanto, who has worked on leveling the field.”
Several Sun City residents and quilters donate their time and talent to recognize veterans of all service branches. They honor them by presenting them with a valor quilt to thank them. 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.
Several Sun City residents and quilters donate their time and talent to recognize veterans of all service branches. They honor them by presenting them with a valor quilt to thank them.
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.
Stamp Out Hunger is almost here. Saturday, May 10, marks the 33rd anniversary of one of America’s great days of giving: the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. This is a large-scale food collection effort, where letter carriers and their partners collect non-perishable food donations from residents nationwide.
As April’s health report concluded, while the benefits of supplements are often not proven or exaggerated, there are times when individuals may have medical conditions that increase their individual need for supplementation of specific vitamins.
One of the toughest challenges in any sport is to repeat as champion. Sun City’s top pickleball player, John Schwan, accomplished that feat at the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships in Naples, Florida, on April 27. He took on four challengers in the mens singles 75-79 age bracket, 4.0 rating, and defeated them all, returning as a repeat national champ.
One of the toughest challenges in any sport is to repeat as champion.
Sun City’s top pickleball player, John Schwan, accomplished that feat at the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships in Naples, Florida, on April 27. He took on four challengers in the mens singles 75-79 age bracket, 4.0 rating, and defeated them all, returning as a repeat national champ.
The Senior Care Volunteer Network (SCVN) exists to empower seniors and enrich the lives of those who live independently in their own homes. For 25 years, SCVN volunteers have provided services to older adults who encounter challenges with aging in place but still live independent and active lives. SCVN has significantly impacted the lives of seniors in McHenry County, providing essential services and fostering a sense of community and support.
We are two adult daughters with aging parents in their late 70s, and we’re starting to explore senior living options for them. Our parents are still very active, but they’re both starting to need a little more help around their home. We’re doing our best to be proactive, but it’s a big decision.
Change is perhaps the only constant as humans mature and age. While this natural process can bring many unwanted or unwelcomed consequences there are also numerous benefits. Developing a healthy routine, creating stability, and reducing life conflicts are often part of the maturation process. With age comes wisdom is an adage that is actively demonstrated time and time again. Mature adults often have more time to explore interests or hobbies than their younger counterparts. The daily activities of a 70-year-old are often very different than a 30-year-old, and that is a good thing!
Please help with a disagreement my husband and I have. Recently, while walking around Wildflower Lake, we noticed a few rectangular picnic tables. I don’t remember seeing them last year, but my husband claims they have been there ‘forever.’ Who’s right?
As we get our first whiff of summer with eighty degrees (too early I might say), it is hard to determine what the season has in store for us. No Brat Summer this year, unless you count the state of politics. After watching Coachella from the confines of my home, one thing became abundantly clear. Well, besides live entertainment being way too expensive and overrated for what you are paying for at times, that would make it three things. And that last one is that impending humidity will be oppressive. Watching all the concertgoers sweltering in the heat made me think, I bet they wish they had a pool.
When we pulled into the strip mall parking lot and we finally located the restaurant, Jim seemed less than excited. It looked like a very small venue and Jim pooh-poohed it and didn’t want to go in. I, not being a pompous moron, dragged him in kicking and screaming. When I opened the door, we were surprised to see a restaurant that seemed to go on forever with no less than 22 tables. Now his attitude changed and like I always told him, never assume because we all know what happens when we assume…
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.
Dozens of supporters for efforts of area Special Olympics of Illinois Torch Run gathered in cold conditions early, but it was a good day for a local 5K run-walk. April 5 was the Huntley Police Department (HPD) hosted Fourth Annual “Don’t Be Fooled by a Disability” 5K run-walk event. It is held in support of Special Olympics of Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run. According to HPD Deputy Chief Amy Williams, about 140 runners participated Saturday morning at Huntley Town Square. Special Olympic athlete Jim Williams is happy because he is able to add another sport to his state competition list, which also includes track and field and basketball.
Dozens of supporters for efforts of area Special Olympics of Illinois Torch Run gathered in cold conditions early, but it was a good day for a local 5K run-walk.
April 5 was the Huntley Police Department (HPD) hosted Fourth Annual “Don’t Be Fooled by a Disability” 5K run-walk event. It is held in support of Special Olympics of Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run. According to HPD Deputy Chief Amy Williams, about 140 runners participated Saturday morning at Huntley Town Square.
Special Olympic athlete Jim Williams is happy because he is able to add another sport to his state competition list, which also includes track and field and basketball.
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.
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.
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.
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.
