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News & Features Columnists Editorials Hang Your Hat Obituaries My Huntley News September 30, 2026
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Two birds in the gourd are worth a flock in the bush

Last week I told you about a stubborn robin that pecked at my bathroom window, defending a nest that didn’t exist against a foe that also didn’t exist. Well, that false-heroic bird finally declared victory and moved on — probably to the golf course to waste still more time pretending to be a winner in another meaningless exercise.

Well, now I have a different pair of stubborn birds taking the stage just outside my breakfast-nook window. But unlike that delusional robin, these birds are true go-getters, experts at getting things done.

A ‘Fischer’ among students

For 18 years, Dolores Fischer has called Sun City home. Like many residents, she initially moved here for a personal reason; to be closer to her children and grandchildren. However, what began as a move centered around her own family quickly developed into a serious commitment to the wider community. Over nearly two decades, Dolores has had a profound effect on local education, transforming the lives of many students and molding the fundamental fabric of our neighborhood through her passionate leadership and firm devotion. Her voyage here actually began with a blueprint from her own family history.

“My parents retired at 55 and moved to the original Sun City in Arizona,” Fischer shares. “They loved Sun City and truly lived their best life.”

Sun City kicks off new volunteering initiative

To promote a thriving volunteer community, the Sun City Community Association of Huntley Board of Directors unanimously approved a new volunteerism goal on March 25. The centerpiece of this project is a cross-functional Volunteer Committee composed of staff, board leaders, and representatives from Lifestyles, the Neighborhood Advisory Committee (NAC), and the Charter Club Presidents Council (CCPC).

Among those driving the effort are residents James Papak, Sheri Goldstein, and Amy Sanecki, as well as staff members Debby Seger and Liam Sullivan. The group is charged with breaking down barriers to resident engagement and creating implementable strategies to increase active participation—a mission that directly advances the Association’s wider Strategic Goal 5.

Catching up with old friends

Despite the weather, hopefully your Fourth was a good time to spend with friends and family. Possibly you got to see some all year round. Or maybe you get only fleeting moments with them. Recently, a close confidant from the city moved a suburb over. With the summer in full swing, your small group can go on a trip. Netflix’s The Four Seasons could give you some inspiration.

Standing for plants: An interview with Environmental Defenders

“Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed people to change the world. In fact, it is the only thing that ever has.” Although this quote is attributed to Margaret Mead it could very easily be the motto of the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County. For over 50 years they have worked diligently protecting our ecosystem and preserving our natural environment all while educating residents. They have successfully protected valuable areas such as Ryder’s Woods in Woodstock and the Volo Bog State Natural Area. They also assisted in the development of the Crystal Lake watershed protection ordinance and the McHenry County Stormwater ordinance.

All-star softball game nears

The Sun City Softball League is preparing for the annual all-star game.

You asked for it

Everywhere we went, people seemed to be coming out of the woodwork asking us if we’ve tried a new eatery in town. They all were bragging on how delicious it was, so much in fact, that they have been to it several times. We have never had so many people recommend a venue before. As a result, we moved this eatery to the top of our “to do list” and rushed off to Huntley’s Deli in, where else, Huntley.

Ask an Angel: July 16, 2026

I sometimes have trouble falling asleep, but the bigger issue is staying asleep. I’ll wake up around 2:00 a.m. and just lie there. Sometimes I need to use the bathroom, but most nights I’m restless for hours. By the time I drift off, it’s morning.

Birdwatching swoops into the lead at golf cart parade

The Sun City Birdwatching Club takes first place at this year’s competition.

Hang Your Hat: July 16, 2026

Letters for the week of July 16.

Behind the seams

When the house lights dim and the stage illuminates, the actors’ garments command the audience’s attention. The genuine magic of these theatrical wardrobes begins months earlier.

Sun City residents Donna Scott and Carol Burgett are behind every flawless silhouette, historically accurate bodice, and quick-change seam, transforming fabric into living art.

Growing up at summer camp

Having never been to summer camp myself, I’m living vicariously through my daughter, who is working this summer as a camp counselor. The camp she’s at could be right out of a Wes Anderson movie: picnic tables by the lake, tiny, brightly painted cabins with bunk beds and screen doors; a mess hall with huge serving platters and ladles and pitchers lined up, freshly washed.

We visited my daughter the other day, for a brief 30 minute-stopover while we happened to be driving through the quaint Wisconsin town where she works. As she met us on the gravel lane between the road and the camp, I could already detect a difference, the way her messy ponytail bounced with every step. She looks casual and comfortable, as if she’s recently discovered that her skin fits her perfectly. 

Remembering Tinker

Sun City bids a heartbreaking farewell to a tiny neighborhood icon, Tinker the Chihuahua, who passed away on Sunday, May 3, at the incredible age of 17.

Tinker came into Mary and Al Novak’s life when Mary retired. Mary said, “She only weighed half a pound when we got her.”

Annual GG&Me picnic reaches new milestone

The annual Sun City Grandma, Grandpa, & Me (GG&ME) Charter Club’s picnic once again brought energy, laughter, and cherished memories to our Sun City community. This beloved tradition continues to be one of the highlights of the summer, bridging generations through shared games, food, and quality time.

While the event is always a success, this year’s picnic featured a special milestone that highlights the lasting impact of this club.

A pane-pecked tale of woe

As I write this, a robin is pecking at my bathroom window. He’s been at it, off and on, since before 5 a.m. this morning.

And as irritating as that is, he has been pecking at my window every morning at dawn’s first blush since early May — more than two months now.

I have tried everything I know to stop him. Post-it notes on the glass. Even pictures of cats and wolves.

Pickleball proves fun for instructors, members

The Sun City pickleball season is in full swing, with lessons on all courts in the morning, for players rated 1.0 to 5.0 locally.

“The pickleball season is off to a fantastic start,” Sun City Pickleball Club President Pam White said.

The human microbiome – those bacteria we depend on

In the latest issue of My Sunday News, T.R. Kerth’s column “All roads lead to bugtown,” cited recent research on the importance of our “friendly microscopic buddies.” Mr. Kerth accurately and rather imaginatively described bacteria that reside in our body’s cells as “taking over,” making you more “bugs than body.”

While that thought might make some readers squeamish, looking at these microscopic bacteria from a medical perspective might prove reassuring. As Cleveland Clinic has reported, “The gut microbiome is a hot topic these days in medical and wellness communities, and it’s easy to see why. These critters seem to have so many tentacles in so many different body systems that it’s possible to imagine they might hold the key to understanding and treating a wide range of intractable diseases.”

Allerton Park: A garden retreat

A change of scenery, as they say, is good for us. Getting out of the house and experiencing new things offers emotional benefits such as reduced stress and physical benefits such as better sleep. It was with great excitement that I discovered Allerton Park and Retreat. Located in Monticello, Illinois, a short three-and-a-half hour drive away, it is the perfect combination of a Georgian Manor house and 14 formal gardens.

For this column, Micah Putman, the Associate Director of Park Operations, has graciously agreed to answer a few questions.

Suzaku field forever

Ahhhh, the circle of life. Restaurants close and new ones sprout up. This simple fact has allowed us to bore you with our reviews for the last 14 years. Nancy needed a piece of jewelry repaired, so we ventured out on Randall Road and lo and behold, what used to be Georgia’s Restaurant has been transformed into Suzaku Field Sushi Restaurant in Algonquin.

Proud to be an American

What’s sad about this year is that, in the 250th year of this great nation, there isn’t a plethora of films or television specials dedicated to its memory. True, there is a lot of coverage planned for by news outlets on July Fourth. However, very little has been present in the lead up. Larry David and co will have a program on just after the deadline of this article entitled HBO Max’s Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness on June 26. He and many others like Jerry Seinfeld and John Hamm created sketches lampooning various points in our history. As fitting as that is given the current state we are in now, I can’t help but feel like some mode of reverence in the Founding Fathers is deserved.

Ask an Angel: July 2, 2026

I’m an older adult who usually enjoys the change of seasons, but I’ll admit, summer has started to feel more like something to get through rather than something to enjoy.

Hang Your Hat: July 2, 2026

Letters for the week of July 2.

Walking dogs, doing laundry, writing grants: AHS volunteer has a serious case of puppy love

Jan Newman is a neighbor to both human and animal friends. She has been a dedicated member of Sun City and a key player at Animal House Shelter.

Newman began with a modest desire to help by walking dogs, but her dedication quickly deepened when she recognized a critical behind-the-scenes need. Her passion for animal welfare began nearly two decades ago. She started volunteering in 2007 at the Colorado Humane Society.

“I got hooked,” Newman recalled. “The more you volunteer, the more you want to give of yourself.”

Going out in a blaze of glory

I was home sick the other day with a migraine, when I emerged from under my cold cap and darkened room to scavenge for something to eat. Not interested in any type of cooking, I found a slightly freezer-burned box of mini quiches behind the ice trays. I sighed. It would have to do. Thank goodness they at least had bacon in them.

Spending a lifetime in a place like this

I spent about an hour this morning doing what I do almost every morning for at least half of the year – I ride my bike south along rural Sandwald Road as far as Big Timber Road, jingling my bike bell in happy greeting to the growing fields of corn.

I watch the corn spend its entire lifetime from mid-May until late October — from first germination to final harvest — and along the way I reflect upon my own life and the many roads that got me here. For me, it is a kind of church moment to take that bike ride each day.

MSDN addresses The Great Political Place Debate

It’s not often I personally address a public comment or argument. In fact, it’s only done when a reader submission disseminates incorrect or inaccurate information about My Sun Day News, as is seen in a letter appearing in this edition that presumes My Sun Day News is only distributed in Sun City. This presumption is in regards to the debate on whether or not My Sun Day News should publish Political Place letters.

Pull up a chair… and do some yoga

With more than 50 years of experience in wellness, kinesiology, and injury recovery, Steve Ferry, known to many as “MedicineMan2,” is sharing his deep knowledge and caring approach in a new book to help seniors stay active. In Chair Yoga For Seniors: A Safe and Effective Guide to Manage Joint Stiffness, Mobility Issues, and Regain Muscle Tone, Ferry provides a clear guide to aging with energy.

“I cover everything from breathing techniques and foundational poses to focused exercises for joint health, balance, and muscle tone. Each chapter is designed to help you move with confidence and purpose,” he said.

Northwestern clinic within Sun City provides hyperlocal health support

Sun City Huntley residents have access to quality healthcare through the Northwestern Medicine Wellness Center. This facility, right in the community, offers premier medical expertise and is a trusted asset for residents’ well-being. Upon arrival, residents are welcomed by a cohesive medical team ready to address everything from preventive wellness to acute concerns. The Wellness Center’s daily team includes: Elena Makris, patient services representative; Lori Marcantonio, RN, clinical support; Gennesia Crowley, expert in phlebotomy; and Matilda Lutaj, nurse practitioner, overseeing primary treatments.

Missing Sun City mailbox creates questions

People trying to mail letters at Meadow View Lodge have noticed that the familiar blue USPS drop box is gone. It has been missing for several months, and residents like Donna Bodzin are asking what happened.

Crazy for coupons

Nancy is crazy for coupons. Everybody knows that if you buy something you don’t need but you have a coupon for it, you’re saving money. She has saved us so much money over the years, we should be filthy rich! Nancy found in our mailbox the weekly sales flyers and in it was an envelope which contained a coupon for a local restaurant. We did hear good things about it, so we couldn’t afford not to go. We grabbed our coupon and with dollar signs in our eyeballs, we hurried off to The Annex Restaurant and Lounge in Lake in the Hills.