MY SUN DAY NEWS
Hope everyone had a great Labor Day as the weather was quite exceptional. Now with the official end of summer behind us, some are heading back to work and others to school. Retirees, your endless summer has been spared. Often this time of year reminds me of notebooks and syllabuses, much to the chagrin of my friends. The perpetual student in me always sees the changing of the leaves as study season. However, I sometimes wonder what it would be like on the other side of the school desk.
I’m reaching out because I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed and could use some guidance on how best to support my mom as she navigates the challenges of aging, particularly her increasing anxiety.
Mom is in her late 70s now, and while she’s always been incredibly independent and strong-willed, I’ve noticed a significant shift in her emotional well-being recently. She seems more anxious and restless, and it’s starting to affect her daily life. Small things that never used to bother her now seem to cause her a lot of stress, and I’m at a loss about how to help her through this.
Letters for the week of September 19.
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.
After a nearly 30-year career as a teacher, athletic director, and coach, Jim Meyers received a top honor from the state-wide Illinois Association of Athletic Directors (IADA). Meyers was one of three members of the IADA Class of 2024 Hall of Fame, along with Terry Dobbs who worked at Palatine and Greg King of Sterling, at the May IADA meeting. Meyers explained that due to his retirement as Johnsburg High School Athletic Director in 2003, he is one of the elder statesman so honored. “I was nominated by the present Johnsburg High School Principal Kevin Shelton, and filled out an informational and career packet from IADA, including letters from colleagues (former tennis coach Rick Bailey), and that went to a committee,” Meyers, a long-tine Sun City resident, said.
After a nearly 30-year career as a teacher, athletic director, and coach, Jim Meyers received a top honor from the state-wide Illinois Association of Athletic Directors (IADA).
Meyers was one of three members of the IADA Class of 2024 Hall of Fame, along with Terry Dobbs who worked at Palatine and Greg King of Sterling, at the May IADA meeting. Meyers explained that due to his retirement as Johnsburg High School Athletic Director in 2003, he is one of the elder statesman so honored.
“I was nominated by the present Johnsburg High School Principal Kevin Shelton, and filled out an informational and career packet from IADA, including letters from colleagues (former tennis coach Rick Bailey), and that went to a committee,” Meyers, a long-tine Sun City resident, said.
One of the foods in the news lately is microgreens, as this February headline notes: “Microgreens: Superfoods for the future, packed with nutrients and easy to grow.” Since 2023, research studies on microgreens have risen sharply with more than 103 articles on microgreens published in PubMed, the national medical database. You may have heard of them, but wondered what they are and why you might want to add them to your diet.
This fall, Sun City’s Pencil and Palette Club is hosting an art gallery exhibit, and you’re invited. The exhibit will feature the work of resident artists. Carolyn Gordon, the Chairman of the Exhibit, said, “We are featuring the work of our novice through experienced painters.”
This fall, Sun City’s Pencil and Palette Club is hosting an art gallery exhibit, and you’re invited. The exhibit will feature the work of resident artists.
Carolyn Gordon, the Chairman of the Exhibit, said, “We are featuring the work of our novice through experienced painters.”
If you haven’t seen me around for a while, blame the ‘vid. That’s what my son called it when he phoned me to ask: “How you doin’ against the ‘vid?” I had no idea what he was talking about, so I asked him — three times — what he said: “Are you saying ‘vid’? What the hell is a ‘vid’?” Something in the corner of my mind hinted that it might be a term having to do with gambling, but I hadn’t placed any bets lately. Or at least I didn’t remember if I had.
If you haven’t seen me around for a while, blame the ‘vid.
That’s what my son called it when he phoned me to ask: “How you doin’ against the ‘vid?”
I had no idea what he was talking about, so I asked him — three times — what he said: “Are you saying ‘vid’? What the hell is a ‘vid’?” Something in the corner of my mind hinted that it might be a term having to do with gambling, but I hadn’t placed any bets lately. Or at least I didn’t remember if I had.
The thing about a rainstorm is that it doesn’t wait. Of all the things that can be canceled or delayed or rescheduled — a meeting, a dentist appointment, even a tax deadline — a storm moving in, chased by thunder and lightning, refuses to bend to anyone else’s schedule. Between the curtains on the window over my sink is when I first see the trees swaying wildly in the wind, then notice that the late afternoon sun is lighting up a huge thunderhead cloud. Fluffy white columns billow higher and higher. Below it, a blanket of dark gray clouds moved in.
The thing about a rainstorm is that it doesn’t wait.
Of all the things that can be canceled or delayed or rescheduled — a meeting, a dentist appointment, even a tax deadline — a storm moving in, chased by thunder and lightning, refuses to bend to anyone else’s schedule. Between the curtains on the window over my sink is when I first see the trees swaying wildly in the wind, then notice that the late afternoon sun is lighting up a huge thunderhead cloud. Fluffy white columns billow higher and higher. Below it, a blanket of dark gray clouds moved in.
Kelly Bertrand, Prairie Lodge’s Fitness Coordinator, said, “Knowing the (Paris, France) Summer Olympics was coming up and knowing we have some competitive athletes here at Sun City, I thought it would be a great idea to celebrate that spirit of competition and doing your best with some events here at Sun City.”
Sun City Neighborhoods, united in their celebration, marked the 25th anniversary of their community on Sunday, August 25. Despite the heat, residents, brought their chairs and contributions and participated in the community event in a show of solidarity. The Neighborhood Advisory Council (NAC) invited each neighborhood to hold a community-wide Drinks on the Drive.
Sun City Neighborhoods, united in their celebration, marked the 25th anniversary of their community on Sunday, August 25. Despite the heat, residents, brought their chairs and contributions and participated in the community event in a show of solidarity.
The Neighborhood Advisory Council (NAC) invited each neighborhood to hold a community-wide Drinks on the Drive.
The healthiness of living things, at times, can be paramount. We spend a good portion of our lives either trying to remain healthy or fighting to become healthy again. We also worry about the health of those around us; our family, friends, neighbors and even, if applicable, our pets. As trivial as it seems, by comparison, we also want our lawn, flowers, shrubs and trees to remain healthy. This year unfortunately for many, our lawns are suffering from diseases. The symptoms of these diseases have become increasingly obvious over the past 4-5 weeks. This column focuses on identifying turf diseases as well as possible causes and treatments.
I’m hoping for some guidance on a topic that’s become increasingly important to my family: home care. My parents have recently started receiving home care services, and as their daughter, I want to ensure that they’re receiving the best possible care and support. While we’re grateful for the assistance that home care provides, I must admit I’m quite new to this experience, and I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed about what to expect and how to best utilize the care services available to us.
I’m hoping for some guidance on a topic that’s become increasingly important to my family: home care. My parents have recently started receiving home care services, and as their daughter, I want to ensure that they’re receiving the best possible care and support.
While we’re grateful for the assistance that home care provides, I must admit I’m quite new to this experience, and I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed about what to expect and how to best utilize the care services available to us.
Movie theaters, and viewers, have been holding out on a savior. Very little has clicked with audiences this summer, with family fare sequels and the occasion horror flick being glimmers of hope. That was until a certain superhero graced our screens and deemed himself to be our Jesus. That person I am speaking of is Ryan Reynolds. His Deadpool serves as a counterpoint to the usual gifted people in capes we normally see. But when he is co-opted, it comes as a bit of a mixed bag.
Now that beef prices are at an all-time high, of course, Nancy has a recurring taste for steak. To stop her incessant whining, I cleverly suggested that we go check out a steakhouse. We have passed by this restaurant a number of times, but never gave it a second thought until today. “To the Mini-Mobile Nancy,” and we headed out to Addison’s Steakhouse in McHenry. When we arrived in the strip mall, we were surprised that the restaurant had outdoor seating by the shopping center’s fountain. We decided to dine indoors due to the Florida like weather we’ve been experiencing.
Now that beef prices are at an all-time high, of course, Nancy has a recurring taste for steak. To stop her incessant whining, I cleverly suggested that we go check out a steakhouse. We have passed by this restaurant a number of times, but never gave it a second thought until today. “To the Mini-Mobile Nancy,” and we headed out to Addison’s Steakhouse in McHenry.
When we arrived in the strip mall, we were surprised that the restaurant had outdoor seating by the shopping center’s fountain. We decided to dine indoors due to the Florida like weather we’ve been experiencing.
The Sun City Marines Color Guard gets ready to post the colors at the Huntley Police Department against the Huntley Fire Protection District contest.
The ROMEOs, a unique group of Retired Old Men Eating Out, reside in Neighborhood 10A. They made a memorable entry in Sun City’s golf cart parade with their ROMEOs Breakfast Club cart, adorned in patriotic colors and a large sign. The club, consisting of ten current members, including Rich Gawlik, Tom Reichardt, Jim Saletta, Bob Sholiton, Mike Shehorn, Bob Wainscott, Gene Harrison, Steve Lindskoog, Clyde Sample, and Bill Berendt, is known for its weekly breakfast outings, marked by their distinctive shirts: “Team Breakfast.”
The ROMEOs, a unique group of Retired Old Men Eating Out, reside in Neighborhood 10A.
They made a memorable entry in Sun City’s golf cart parade with their ROMEOs Breakfast Club cart, adorned in patriotic colors and a large sign. The club, consisting of ten current members, including Rich Gawlik, Tom Reichardt, Jim Saletta, Bob Sholiton, Mike Shehorn, Bob Wainscott, Gene Harrison, Steve Lindskoog, Clyde Sample, and Bill Berendt, is known for its weekly breakfast outings, marked by their distinctive shirts: “Team Breakfast.”
Writing a book wasn’t even on Russ Kovar’s radar for the longest time — until suddenly it was. Kovar has worn many hats in his lifetime: a veteran of the U.S. Navy, an information management professional, a mentor to veterans searching for civilian employment; he is also a husband, father, and grandfather. Now retired and living in Sun City, Kovar has taken on yet another identity: author.
Writing a book wasn’t even on Russ Kovar’s radar for the longest time — until suddenly it was.
Kovar has worn many hats in his lifetime: a veteran of the U.S. Navy, an information management professional, a mentor to veterans searching for civilian employment; he is also a husband, father, and grandfather. Now retired and living in Sun City, Kovar has taken on yet another identity: author.
Cedar Cove, or Neighborhood 5 (N-5), held its annual neighborhood picnic on Saturday, August 10, at the Fountain View Pavilion from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. N-5 was one of the first neighborhoods opened in Sun City. James Harper said, “At the picnic, we recognized all our residents who have been here since Sun City opened. The ‘originals’ began a tradition in 1999 when they moved in, lasting 25 years. They cared for each other, checking in on neighbors and being there for each other. They set the tone. We wouldn’t be the kind of neighborhood we are without them.”
Cedar Cove, or Neighborhood 5 (N-5), held its annual neighborhood picnic on Saturday, August 10, at the Fountain View Pavilion from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. N-5 was one of the first neighborhoods opened in Sun City.
James Harper said, “At the picnic, we recognized all our residents who have been here since Sun City opened. The ‘originals’ began a tradition in 1999 when they moved in, lasting 25 years. They cared for each other, checking in on neighbors and being there for each other. They set the tone. We wouldn’t be the kind of neighborhood we are without them.”
Over the weekend, I found myself giggling with two longtime friends as we mugged at a bathroom mirror while trying on outfit after outfit. The clothes are from my friend Jennifer’s closet. She called us over because she was ready to clear some space from her ample wardrobe and wanted us, her friends with similar figures, to get first dibs.
Over the weekend, I found myself giggling with two longtime friends as we mugged at a bathroom mirror while trying on outfit after outfit.
The clothes are from my friend Jennifer’s closet. She called us over because she was ready to clear some space from her ample wardrobe and wanted us, her friends with similar figures, to get first dibs.
In case you were wondering, I’m that idiot you see on the bike most mornings, pedaling down Jim Dahmer and Sandwald roads, all the way to Big Timber and back. I freely confess that I’m an idiot, but I’m not stupid. My bike has flashing lights fore and aft, I wear a red helmet and sunglasses, and I’m dressed in either orange, yellow, or fluorescent green.
In case you were wondering, I’m that idiot you see on the bike most mornings, pedaling down Jim Dahmer and Sandwald roads, all the way to Big Timber and back.
I freely confess that I’m an idiot, but I’m not stupid. My bike has flashing lights fore and aft, I wear a red helmet and sunglasses, and I’m dressed in either orange, yellow, or fluorescent green.
The tranquility of those who reside on Lilly Lane in Neighborhood 36 has been disrupted by a growing number of individuals who are ignoring a no-fishing rule at the nearby area pond. This blatant disregard of the policy is causing concern among residents and management alike, raising questions about respect for community guidelines and the potential impacts on the environment and safety.
My spouse and I are at a bit of a crossroads, and we could use some guidance. We’re in our early sixties, still working, and have recently become empty nesters. With our children having flown the coop, our once bustling home now feels a little too spacious for just the two of us. We’re contemplating the idea of downsizing, yet are unsure about whether it’s the right move for us and, if so, how to go about it.
My spouse and I are at a bit of a crossroads, and we could use some guidance. We’re in our early sixties, still working, and have recently become empty nesters. With our children having flown the coop, our once bustling home now feels a little too spacious for just the two of us.
We’re contemplating the idea of downsizing, yet are unsure about whether it’s the right move for us and, if so, how to go about it.
Being a 90s kid, I never believed that films from our era would have sequels. These singular baubles that rolled through the multiplex back then seemed too unique to the time. The disaster films of the 70s were the template, for sure. But it was the advent of CGI that made updating those concepts possible. After the arrival of Jurassic Park (from a novel by Michael Crichton), studios aimed to capitalize on the fledgling technology. Post-9/11, the want for disaster fell off completely. It was almost as if something was rumbling in the air at the turn of the Millennium; we could sense it.
It’s been very hot and humid lately and we have been sweating like the pilot in the movie “Airplane.” As long as we were sweating anyway, we decided to go out for some hot and spicey food at a Mexican restaurant. We consulted our super-secret list of restaurants to review and found No Manches Mexican Grill in Carpentersville.
Joann Miller, a Sun City resident, loves to garden, and her beautifully planned gardens are proof. At 94 years old, she confirms that gardening can be good for your health, happiness, and quality of life. Miller said, “In August, I will have lived in Sun City for 20 years. My next-door neighbor, Diane, moved in on the same day. We love gardening.”
Joann Miller, a Sun City resident, loves to garden, and her beautifully planned gardens are proof. At 94 years old, she confirms that gardening can be good for your health, happiness, and quality of life.
Miller said, “In August, I will have lived in Sun City for 20 years. My next-door neighbor, Diane, moved in on the same day. We love gardening.”
Don’t tell the other birds, but my favorite bird in the garden is the little house wren. While other birds are beautiful in some gaudy, outlandish way — like cardinals, orioles, goldfinches, or even robins — the tiny wren’s beauty lies in its simple, classical, dappled brown look, like a tiny refined Englishman in a tweed suit.
Don’t tell the other birds, but my favorite bird in the garden is the little house wren.
While other birds are beautiful in some gaudy, outlandish way — like cardinals, orioles, goldfinches, or even robins — the tiny wren’s beauty lies in its simple, classical, dappled brown look, like a tiny refined Englishman in a tweed suit.
As I write this, I’m at the beginning of an 11-day European tour as a member of a choir. Over the next week, we will sing concerts in the Czech Republic, Austria, and Hungary. Tonight, our first concert is in Prague. We have rehearsed, but now that the performance is drawing near, tensions are high. It’s hot. The performance hall we are in does not seem to be air conditioned.
As I write this, I’m at the beginning of an 11-day European tour as a member of a choir. Over the next week, we will sing concerts in the Czech Republic, Austria, and Hungary.
Tonight, our first concert is in Prague. We have rehearsed, but now that the performance is drawing near, tensions are high. It’s hot. The performance hall we are in does not seem to be air conditioned.
Sun City Concert Band is going to Rock the Ages on August 20. Rob Lindsey, President of the Concert Band charter club, said, “The performance will be a lively, fun concert. We are celebrating our 21st anniversary and our director, Pam Jorgensen’s 10th anniversary.”
My husband, Nick Koplos, who will be turning 88 years old on August 16, began the sport of running races for weight control and cardio-vascular exercise at 41 years of age. He immediately began training for racing as a part of his nightly after-work-program of 40 miles weekly (for marathons) and 25 miles weekly (for other races). He accomplished most of his 10-12 yearly races (with numerous medals won) under the auspices of CARA or Chicago Area Runner’s Association. During the years of 1981, 1982, and 1983, at the ages of 45, 46, and 47, respectively, Nick became hyper-enthused with his newly discovered sport through his successful entrance and completion of three Chicago Marathons with an average time accomplishment of 3 hours and 26 minutes for the 26.2 mile races.
