MY SUN DAY NEWS
Father Bakkelund passed away on Thursday, January 25, 2024, while under hospice care in Batavia. He was born on April 5, 1984, in Rockford, IL, to Gary D. Bakkelund and Pamela L. May. His first assignment in 2011 was at St. Mary Parish, Huntley. Father Bakkelund will be missed by many residents who remember him fondly. Chris Wojtas, Sun City resident, and a St. Mary’s Parish member, said, “His personality was bigger than life, and you always felt welcome around him as if he opened his arms to receive you.”
Since February is National Heart Health Month, it seems fitting to focus on what’s new for our hard-working, blood-pumping muscle and one common condition that makes those hearts work even harder: hypertension (high blood pressure). That is why the announcement about a drug that could treat high blood pressure with a twice-a-year injection is big news.
In fact, the American Heart Association (AHA) listed research on this drug, Zilebesirin, as number one on its annual list of top advances in cardiovascular disease research for 2023. The announcement, though, is somewhat of the good news/bad news variety.
Plans for a Tacos Jerez Mexican Restaurant are being finalized to take over the former Burger King building located at 12262 Route 47. With the new business anticipating the utilization of the existing dual drive-thru lanes, it can make one wonder if the increase in traffic and congestion really makes the convenience worth it.
During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the only way many food establishments thrived was through drive-thrus since indoor seating areas were shut down. According to a CNN article, drive-thru sales hit $133 billion in 2022, which was reported as a 30% increase from 2019 pre-pandemic levels.
Sometimes social media can be a good thing. We discovered that there was a new Portillo’s open on Randall Road in Algonquin. We are addicted to their chocolate cake and have waited in the drive through for half an hour just to get a couple of slices. While in line, we noticed that right next door was another new restaurant called Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant. It was lunch time and we were hungry, so after buying our cake, we went next door for lunch.
As a rather recent widow, I find myself grappling with a sense of profound loneliness as Valentine’s Day approaches. The holiday serves as a stark reminder of my spouse’s absence. The world around me seems to amplify the focus on romantic love, and although I recognize that others deserve a day to celebrate their love, it only accentuates the feelings of loneliness of emptiness in my heart.
Nice weather, huh? This meteorological turbulence sends me for a loop, no matter how many times I have been through it. Just the perils of living in the Chicagoland area, I guess. When this happens, my first thought is turning to more comfortable activities. Good food and warm tea; another pastime crops up in the form of older movies. And given the time of year, I yearn for warmer months and films that reflect those seasons. Enter La piscine.
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, now is the time to find some ways to celebrate love, yourself, and others!
It came to our immediate attention that many readers misunderstood a notice in the January 25 edition about My Huntley News switching to a subscription-based news service. Before I can continue, I need to clarify that White Silo Media, which is the parent company that owns My Sun Day News, owns two publications: My Sun Day News and My Huntley News.
It came to our immediate attention that many readers misunderstood a notice in the January 25 edition about My Huntley News switching to a subscription-based news service.
Before I can continue, I need to clarify that White Silo Media, which is the parent company that owns My Sun Day News, owns two publications: My Sun Day News and My Huntley News.
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.
Tuning into Huntley Community Radio may sound different than you remember. The station now features music from the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s provides news and weather reports, and shares information about local community organizations and businesses. Weekend programming includes live music shows, extended-form interview programs to spotlight local non-profit organizations, and many features of the Huntley community. Eric Thomas is the new Executive Director of Huntley Community Radio. Thomas is a radio professional working for Salem Media (AM 560 The Answer and AM 1160 Hope for Your Life) and manages several stations. He has been involved with Huntley Community Radio for fourteen years, since the beginning, as Operations Manager.
Tuning into Huntley Community Radio may sound different than you remember. The station now features music from the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s provides news and weather reports, and shares information about local community organizations and businesses. Weekend programming includes live music shows, extended-form interview programs to spotlight local non-profit organizations, and many features of the Huntley community.
Eric Thomas is the new Executive Director of Huntley Community Radio. Thomas is a radio professional working for Salem Media (AM 560 The Answer and AM 1160 Hope for Your Life) and manages several stations. He has been involved with Huntley Community Radio for fourteen years, since the beginning, as Operations Manager.
I was surprised and delighted to be asked to cat sit for the week over the holidays. Being in charge of two felines — two portly black and white kitties named “Chicken” and “Waffles” — sounded like fun to me. I accepted the gig, and promptly received an email detailing their requirements for the week. Unsurprisingly, they required food, water, and clean litter boxes.
Seemingly overnight, Christmas elves decorate the Prairie and Meadow Lodges with the magic and whimsy of the holiday spirit. This year, these elves decorated over twenty trees at the lodges. Those elves are members of the Sun City Garden Club, the Shalom Group, the Railroad Club, and other groups that decorate the numerous trees, tabletops and put up the festive greenery around the lodges. Overnight, the holiday magic came down just as quickly on January 4. How did this all begin?
Seemingly overnight, Christmas elves decorate the Prairie and Meadow Lodges with the magic and whimsy of the holiday spirit. This year, these elves decorated over twenty trees at the lodges. Those elves are members of the Sun City Garden Club, the Shalom Group, the Railroad Club, and other groups that decorate the numerous trees, tabletops and put up the festive greenery around the lodges.
Overnight, the holiday magic came down just as quickly on January 4. How did this all begin?
A few weeks ago, when a town-hall questioner lobbed a softball question to Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley, she answered in what many pundits now claim could be the death blow to her candidacy. “What was the cause of the Civil War?” she was asked. And rather than giving the answer that any ten-year-old American could give, she opted instead for nuance.
A few weeks ago, when a town-hall questioner lobbed a softball question to Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley, she answered in what many pundits now claim could be the death blow to her candidacy.
“What was the cause of the Civil War?” she was asked.
And rather than giving the answer that any ten-year-old American could give, she opted instead for nuance.
Back in January 2004, the Village of Huntley approved a boundary agreement with the Village of Gilberts. According to the Jan. 11 Village Board meeting agenda packet, the agreement established the jurisdictional boundary for both planning and annexation purposes with it set to expire in 20 years.
Back in January 2004, the Village of Huntley approved a boundary agreement with the Village of Gilberts.
According to the Jan. 11 Village Board meeting agenda packet, the agreement established the jurisdictional boundary for both planning and annexation purposes with it set to expire in 20 years.
Having worked for the Village of Huntley since July 2006, Executive Assistant/Special Events Manager Barb Read is set to conclude this chapter in her life in preparation for retirement come mid-January. “My family is spread over three states and this grandma just wants to spend more time with my kids and grandkids. I have worked for municipalities for about 28 years and full-time totally for 44 years — it is time,” Read told My Huntley News.
Having worked for the Village of Huntley since July 2006, Executive Assistant/Special Events Manager Barb Read is set to conclude this chapter in her life in preparation for retirement come mid-January.
“My family is spread over three states and this grandma just wants to spend more time with my kids and grandkids. I have worked for municipalities for about 28 years and full-time totally for 44 years — it is time,” Read told My Huntley News.
At the Jan. 11 Village Board meeting, trustees unanimously approved all consent agenda line items including an ordinance that will amend Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Restrictions for traffic on Hennig Road. According to the Village Board meeting agenda summary for line item 5.8, the Village Board previously approved Ordinance (O) 2022-04.21, which updated truck weight roadway restrictions throughout Huntley. Before the approval of that ordinance, a limited number of roadways had posted weight restrictions, with the remaining roadways being labeled as “undesignated” or having had a 12,000 pounds or less GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Restriction).
At the Jan. 11 Village Board meeting, trustees unanimously approved all consent agenda line items including an ordinance that will amend Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Restrictions for traffic on Hennig Road.
According to the Village Board meeting agenda summary for line item 5.8, the Village Board previously approved Ordinance (O) 2022-04.21, which updated truck weight roadway restrictions throughout Huntley. Before the approval of that ordinance, a limited number of roadways had posted weight restrictions, with the remaining roadways being labeled as “undesignated” or having had a 12,000 pounds or less GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Restriction).
A new racquet sport, padel, is gaining popularity and is taking the title of the US’s fastest-growing sport. It was invented by the Mexican industrialist Enrique Corcuera. Padel blends racket games with elements of tennis, racquetball, and squash. There are over 25 million active padel players in over 170 countries.
A new racquet sport, padel, is gaining popularity and is taking the title of the US’s fastest-growing sport. It was invented by the Mexican industrialist Enrique Corcuera. Padel blends racket games with elements of tennis, racquetball, and squash.
There are over 25 million active padel players in over 170 countries.
With the new year the scammers are out with a new batch of scams designed to take your money or your personal and financial information. They contact you by email, text message, or phone. They can easily disguise their caller ID, so don’t believe what you see.
McHenry County Treasurer Donna Kurtz is launching a series of presentations countywide to explain and promote the Senior Real Estate Tax Deferral Program, which offers tax relief for qualified senior citizens.
Due to the massive winter storm and deep freeze, it is unfortunate to say that I was not able to go out to the theaters of late. My plan was to present to you another group of films, now that Oscar season is in full swing. A silver lining has come in the form of various steaming services. Your television can be your cinema. This is especially so if your screen is big enough to resemble a theater. Who needs the multiplex? Here are a couple of films for your consideration.
The new year is a time for planning ahead as well as reminiscing about the “good ol’ days.” Our thoughts wandered to our youth when there were drive-in restaurants and hot cars. Nancy grew up in Franklin Park and was the proud owner of a Ford XL with a 429 cu. in. engine with dual quad Holley carburetors. This was her pride and joy and her parents’ worst nightmare.
I’m writing to seek your advice regarding a matter close to my heart. During the holiday season, I noticed a subtle yet concerning shift in my elderly loved one’s behavior and health. Previously a vibrant and social person, my aunt seemed more withdrawn and fatigued, displaying a noticeable decline in her usual enthusiasm for family gatherings and festive activities.
Last year, on August 30, 2023, at a Sun City Softball game, one of the players, Dave Rodiek, collapsed. Laurie Pokorny, watching the game, said, “I remember it being a beautiful day, with the bleachers packed with fans for both teams. The teams got one inning in, and then, before they could start the second inning, Dave collapsed in the dugout.”
Last year, on August 30, 2023, at a Sun City Softball game, one of the players, Dave Rodiek, collapsed.
Laurie Pokorny, watching the game, said, “I remember it being a beautiful day, with the bleachers packed with fans for both teams. The teams got one inning in, and then, before they could start the second inning, Dave collapsed in the dugout.”
Blame the cold of January or the bleak sun-less days that zap me of my energy and motivation, but I have become a full-time seeker of pleasures. Throughout the day, I’ll do what I need to do, whether it’s work or household chores, but if I don’t have a carrot dangling right before my nose, then what is it all for?
After the New Year’s celebrations wrap up, many will make their resolutions for 2024. In Sun City, many opportunities for volunteerism are available. The Sun City Sew N Sews charter club has groups that provide community and worldwide services. In 2023, one of the club groups, Sun City Project Linus, reached a milestone to celebrate.
About a week before Christmas, my daughter came to my house and noticed a worn, beat-up plastic water bottle on the nightstand next to my bed. “How long has that been there?” she asked. “Probably four or five years,” I said. “I refill it in case I get thirsty through the night.”
About a week before Christmas, my daughter came to my house and noticed a worn, beat-up plastic water bottle on the nightstand next to my bed. “How long has that been there?” she asked.
“Probably four or five years,” I said. “I refill it in case I get thirsty through the night.”
Sun City Residents Sue and Ed Birth are proud of their son, Eddy, who is coming into his own as a singer-songwriter. Sue said, “We have a talented singer-songwriter son. He has an EP and two albums to his credit. Eddy releases a new song every five weeks for his next album. He writes all the music and lyrics for his original portfolio of over 100 songs. Eddy performs regularly in Madison, Chicago, and the tri-cities. He plays guitar, harmonica, piano, accordion, theremin, ukulele, and pretty much any instrument he picks up. His musical story is amazing.”
Sun City Residents Sue and Ed Birth are proud of their son, Eddy, who is coming into his own as a singer-songwriter.
Sue said, “We have a talented singer-songwriter son. He has an EP and two albums to his credit. Eddy releases a new song every five weeks for his next album. He writes all the music and lyrics for his original portfolio of over 100 songs. Eddy performs regularly in Madison, Chicago, and the tri-cities. He plays guitar, harmonica, piano, accordion, theremin, ukulele, and pretty much any instrument he picks up. His musical story is amazing.”
For the past several months the headlines have heralded the news about weight loss drugs containing semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy). Their popularity has skyrocketed being featured on tv and the internet with endorsements by doctors and celebrities. As one local pharmacist I spoke with said Wegovy is “flying off the shelves.”
3…2…1…Happy New Year! After all the bottles pop and the ball drops, the new year is already underway. But what if by the time you read this, a New Year’s resolution has not yet been made. It is not too late, so do not give up!
Following a public hearing at the Dec. 21 Huntley Community School District 158 (D158) Board of Education (BOE) meeting, board members agreed in a vote of 7-0, to adopt the 2023 tax levy.
