MY SUN DAY NEWS
Even as Illinois officials begin to report early signs of decline from the omicron surge, businesses across the state have had to continue modifying the way they operate just to stay afloat amid inflation of goods and services and staffing shortages. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, quit rates on the last business day of November increased to 3.0%, with the largest quit rates being seen in the accommodation and food industries.
Even as Illinois officials begin to report early signs of decline from the omicron surge, businesses across the state have had to continue modifying the way they operate just to stay afloat amid inflation of goods and services and staffing shortages.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, quit rates on the last business day of November increased to 3.0%, with the largest quit rates being seen in the accommodation and food industries.
When we bought a little teardrop camper in 2019, we had no idea how much weâd love it. And, much to our surprise, our winter camping outings became even more cherished than in the summer: something about the near-vacant campsites, the icy glare of the moonlight reflected in the snow. With fewer humans around, we became more intensely aware of the hooting of an owl, or the skitter of deer as they ran to a stand of trees.
Chilly winds are setting in. Itâs a good time to bundle up on the couch with family. And the best way to enjoy is with some escapism. With Disney hitting it out of the park, letâs check out what going on over at their streaming service.
The hustle and bustle of the holidays is done, and we are left with nothing to do. The Midwest has now plunged into the dull, gray, deep freeze of winter. On the plus side, we don’t have to see our relatives for another year. On the minus side, Jim and I are together in a 1,200 square foot home with nothing to do, and it’s getting ugly.
The Huntley Fire Protection District is one of the largest fire districts in McHenry and Kane County. Over 6100 Fire Suppression, Emergency Medical Service, and Rescue calls are handled by five fire stations and full-time and part-time firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs. The Department is responsible for over 55 square miles in Huntley, Lake in the Hills, Union Gilbert, and Algonquin.
I have an old turtle shell, bleached white by the sun, that I found near a canal in Florida and now sits displayed on a shelf in my home. Larger than a football, it must once have been a whopping snapping turtle, the terror of the canal that could relieve you of a finger if you ever messed with it.
The three recently elected Sun City Board members were introduced and new Board officers were elected at the January 5 Sun City Board meeting. Russ Howard, Barry Newman and Art Ryden were elected to the Board by acclamation in 2021. Marilynn Berendt was elected the 2022 Board President and Dottie Harrison was elected Vice President. Bob Wainscott was elected Treasurer and Art Ryder was elected Secretary. The new officers will be installed at the Associations annual meeting on January 26.
The three recently elected Sun City Board members were introduced and new Board officers were elected at the January 5 Sun City Board meeting.
Russ Howard, Barry Newman and Art Ryden were elected to the Board by acclamation in 2021. Marilynn Berendt was elected the 2022 Board President and Dottie Harrison was elected Vice President. Bob Wainscott was elected Treasurer and Art Ryder was elected Secretary. The new officers will be installed at the Associations annual meeting on January 26.
The Sun City Anglerâs Club was chartered on May 26, 2000, with 36 members on the roster. The club currently has over 140 members from all backgrounds and levels of fishing experience. Twenty-five new members have joined in just the last four months. How different is the club now from its inception?
The Sun City Anglerâs Club was chartered on May 26, 2000, with 36 members on the roster. The club currently has over 140 members from all backgrounds and levels of fishing experience. Twenty-five new members have joined in just the last four months.
How different is the club now from its inception?
As much as I love the idea of New Yearâs Resolutions, I rarely make them. Many folks choose a word of the year, and Iâm one of those people. I choose a word rather than making a goal that I know, at a cellular level, that I canât reach. Behind me, I leave a trail of unrealized New Yearâs resolutions.
As much as I love the idea of New Yearâs Resolutions, I rarely make them.
Many folks choose a word of the year, and Iâm one of those people. I choose a word rather than making a goal that I know, at a cellular level, that I canât reach. Behind me, I leave a trail of unrealized New Yearâs resolutions.
There are several skills that all seniors must master in their âGoldenâ years. The first one is arriving at a restaurant five minutes before the seniorâs early bird special ends. The second is collecting and managing coupons and gift cards, so along with your senior discount, the restaurant ends up owing you money when the bill arrives.
This past year of 2021 saw record sales of $1.38 billion dollars in Illinois revenue from the state’s 110 recreational and medical marijuana dispensaries. One-third of the Illinois-approved purchases were made by out of state visitors.
Well, a new year brings new entertainment. But with all the options, it is good to have help sifting through them. Well as a resolution for 2022, my pledge is to be a guide to the world of film. So let me be your Virgil through the plethora of divine comedies and tragedies coming your way. And this is anything but funny.
I celebrated my 70th birthday this year. Leading up to it, Iâve taken drastic steps to get my health back on track. Iâve lost over 40 pounds this year. I exercise regularly. I no longer need to take my blood pressure medication and have reduced my risk for type 2 diabetes. I feel amazing, even at my age. However, Iâm concerned about the holiday season sabotaging my healthy lifestyle.
Where does Santa live? Itâs not always the North Pole. Who would have thought that he has a residence here in Sun City? Chip Bell is in the exclusive club of men with real beards, and a white beard at that. But is he Santa? Bell said, âI was working at Meijerâs and I was approached to put on the red suit. That was about nine years ago, and I have been professionally playing the part [of Santa] at shopping malls, stores, Lincoln Park Zoo, and private homes.â
Where does Santa live? Itâs not always the North Pole. Who would have thought that he has a residence here in Sun City?
Chip Bell is in the exclusive club of men with real beards, and a white beard at that. But is he Santa?
Bell said, âI was working at Meijerâs and I was approached to put on the red suit. That was about nine years ago, and I have been professionally playing the part [of Santa] at shopping malls, stores, Lincoln Park Zoo, and private homes.â
As the last Happy Trails of the year, I ordinarily give the many thanks to our readers and advertisers they deserve for their commitment to this publication, and while that still applies here, my focus in this Happy Trails is our new print readers. This year, we launched the print edition of My Huntley News, giving the Huntley community for the first time in many years a local news source beyond the digital variety, and so far as we can see, itâs been widely accepted throughout the village.
As the last Happy Trails of the year, I ordinarily give the many thanks to our readers and advertisers they deserve for their commitment to this publication, and while that still applies here, my focus in this Happy Trails is our new print readers.
This year, we launched the print edition of My Huntley News, giving the Huntley community for the first time in many years a local news source beyond the digital variety, and so far as we can see, itâs been widely accepted throughout the village.
The Huntley Area Public Library (HAPL) announced that from Dec. 31 until Jan. 24 they will be closed to prepare for the final stages of their two-year building program. âParts of the collection are being relocated, new equipment is getting set up, staff are moving into their new spaces, and the countdown is on to explore your FRESH, new library,â said the HAPL.
The Huntley Area Public Library (HAPL) announced that from Dec. 31 until Jan. 24 they will be closed to prepare for the final stages of their two-year building program.
âParts of the collection are being relocated, new equipment is getting set up, staff are moving into their new spaces, and the countdown is on to explore your FRESH, new library,â said the HAPL.
In the Beginning, I am told, God created man from a lump of clay â which may explain why men are prone to dirty thoughts. Then, as an afterthought, He yanked out a rib from the man and created woman. I have no idea how that in any way explains the way that women are, but then who understands women anyway? Many have tried, but every time men think deeply about women, they get dirty thoughts. I blame God. As a further afterthought â or maybe as a way to escape blame â God gave man and woman free will. âWhat could possibly go wrong?â I imagine He might have said.
In the Beginning, I am told, God created man from a lump of clay â which may explain why men are prone to dirty thoughts.
Then, as an afterthought, He yanked out a rib from the man and created woman. I have no idea how that in any way explains the way that women are, but then who understands women anyway? Many have tried, but every time men think deeply about women, they get dirty thoughts. I blame God.
As a further afterthought â or maybe as a way to escape blame â God gave man and woman free will. âWhat could possibly go wrong?â I imagine He might have said.
The tradition of using tiny structures as Christmas decor can be traced back to the 17th century. But it was in the 1970s that charming ceramic houses began. Jackie Pokornyâs love for Christmas village scenes began as child. Pokorny said, âI grew up with the tradition of having a Christmas village. I helped my mother assemble and set up the little plastic homes and stores under the Christmas tree and it always had a train circling the tree. A Christmas village was a must in our home. Itâs struck me as being so beautiful.â
The tradition of using tiny structures as Christmas decor can be traced back to the 17th century. But it was in the 1970s that charming ceramic houses began.
Jackie Pokornyâs love for Christmas village scenes began as child.
Pokorny said, âI grew up with the tradition of having a Christmas village. I helped my mother assemble and set up the little plastic homes and stores under the Christmas tree and it always had a train circling the tree. A Christmas village was a must in our home. Itâs struck me as being so beautiful.â
Itâs the most wonderful time of the year in Sun City. When it comes to celebrating the holidays, the North Pole has nothing on Del Webb. Soak up the magical ambiance of the holidays at the lodge, where youâll find elegant embellishments and festive dĂ©cor. Thousands of lights wrap the trees lining the main drive and many other trees, menorahs, and sculptures decorate the hallways of the lodge. In front of the lodge, festive decorations set the scene for photos. As you enter the lodge at the reception entrance, a dove made by the Woodshop of Sun City sits on the table. The Woodshop celebrates the season by providing handmade toys to children. Woodchuck Rich Escallier said, âWeâre going to deliver them to the food pantry.â
Itâs the most wonderful time of the year in Sun City. When it comes to celebrating the holidays, the North Pole has nothing on Del Webb. Soak up the magical ambiance of the holidays at the lodge, where youâll find elegant embellishments and festive dĂ©cor. Thousands of lights wrap the trees lining the main drive and many other trees, menorahs, and sculptures decorate the hallways of the lodge.
In front of the lodge, festive decorations set the scene for photos. As you enter the lodge at the reception entrance, a dove made by the Woodshop of Sun City sits on the table. The Woodshop celebrates the season by providing handmade toys to children. Woodchuck Rich Escallier said, âWeâre going to deliver them to the food pantry.â
Over the years, we have referred to the Woodchucks as our Holiday Elves … working hard behind the scenes to ensure that all the children receive a gift to call their own and make the holidays special for them. The priority has always been to provide toys for the children.
As the bustle of the holiday season and the chilly winds start to blow, we all can use a break for a while. On my first idea for this final review my plans were dashed by, unfortunately, release dates. Some of the more hyped features like âSpiderman: No Way Homeâ and âThe Matrix Resurrectionsâ among others arenât out until later. That being said, there is a smattering of good films not in theaters but at a screen for home viewing. Some of which may be just the ticket.
EVERYBODY SING ALONG… âIt’s the most wonderful time of the year. With the restaurants open, and appetizers flowing, and drinks of good cheer, it’s the most wonderful time of the year…â This is the column that we know you all have been waiting for with baited garlic breath and grumbling tummies. We are referring to the semi-finalists in our Top 10 list of âBURPSâ (Best Unknown Restaurant Picks) culminating in the big âBELCHâ (Best Eating Location Close to Huntley) of 2021.
EVERYBODY SING ALONG… âIt’s the most wonderful time of the year. With the restaurants open, and appetizers flowing, and drinks of good cheer, it’s the most wonderful time of the year…â
This is the column that we know you all have been waiting for with baited garlic breath and grumbling tummies. We are referring to the semi-finalists in our Top 10 list of âBURPSâ (Best Unknown Restaurant Picks) culminating in the big âBELCHâ (Best Eating Location Close to Huntley) of 2021.
The pharmacy Update in âDecember, 2021 – Costco Connectionâ gives this strong advice from Lawrence Varga, B.Sc.Phm.: “Navigate your medications this holiday season.” He cautions us not to be tempted to overindulge in alcoholic drinking now or at any other time during the year. Health professionals are aware of seniors possibly taking certain medications that need special treatment. The following information comes from this general manager of the store’s pharmacy operations in Canada. It concerns what happens on an empty stomach, on a full stomach, or when drinking.
The pharmacy Update in âDecember, 2021 – Costco Connectionâ gives this strong advice from Lawrence Varga, B.Sc.Phm.: “Navigate your medications this holiday season.”
He cautions us not to be tempted to overindulge in alcoholic drinking now or at any other time during the year. Health professionals are aware of seniors possibly taking certain medications that need special treatment. The following information comes from this general manager of the store’s pharmacy operations in Canada. It concerns what happens on an empty stomach, on a full stomach, or when drinking.
Ever feel like a phony? I have been feeling like an imposter for the last few days. I pride myself in being a minimalist, talk about simplifying life, and blog about wanting lessâŠyet, if you were to come to my house today, youâd see that a corner of my bedroom has overflowing stash-and-dash boxes filled with who-knows-what miscellany, and I have laundry in various stages of dirty, clean, sorted, unsorted, folded, and yet-to-be folded throughout my house. Thereâs a suspicious-looking potato lurking in the very back of my fridge. Iâm overdue to go through my closet and drawers to get rid of clothes I donât want/need anymore.
Ever feel like a phony?
I have been feeling like an imposter for the last few days. I pride myself in being a minimalist, talk about simplifying life, and blog about wanting lessâŠyet, if you were to come to my house today, youâd see that a corner of my bedroom has overflowing stash-and-dash boxes filled with who-knows-what miscellany, and I have laundry in various stages of dirty, clean, sorted, unsorted, folded, and yet-to-be folded throughout my house. Thereâs a suspicious-looking potato lurking in the very back of my fridge. Iâm overdue to go through my closet and drawers to get rid of clothes I donât want/need anymore.
It has been a long-standing tradition that we all gather for Christmas dinner. Last year, we forwent this tradition considering the COVID pandemic. This year, however, many are planning to participate. My elderly parents have hosted Christmas dinner for this group since my siblings and I moved out of their home as adults. As I was helping my mom make plans for Christmas, I sensed she was feeling stressed and anxious.
Kathie Bell helped bring a little humor last Christmas when it was especially needed. She embroidered 2020 Coronavirus ornaments to commemorate the year of toilet paper and masks. One of them had the Grinch holding a face mask and embroidered across the top were the words, âStink, Stank, Stunk.â Bell said, âI have always sewed, I think I was in sixth grade when I started.â
Kathie Bell helped bring a little humor last Christmas when it was especially needed. She embroidered 2020 Coronavirus ornaments to commemorate the year of toilet paper and masks. One of them had the Grinch holding a face mask and embroidered across the top were the words, âStink, Stank, Stunk.â
Bell said, âI have always sewed, I think I was in sixth grade when I started.â
Thanksgiving morning, as the turkey breast roasted outside on the barbecue grill, I picked up my cell phone and sent a few âHappy Thanksgivingâ texts to people who make me thankful that they are in my life. My son and daughter, of course, and old friends like Bill and Mike with whom I worked for more than 30 years. And Alejandra and Margaret, loving stroke caregivers I havenât seen since my wife died almost four years ago.
Thanksgiving morning, as the turkey breast roasted outside on the barbecue grill, I picked up my cell phone and sent a few âHappy Thanksgivingâ texts to people who make me thankful that they are in my life.
My son and daughter, of course, and old friends like Bill and Mike with whom I worked for more than 30 years. And Alejandra and Margaret, loving stroke caregivers I havenât seen since my wife died almost four years ago.
At their November meeting, George Sebastian of the Symposium Club, gave a presentation on Crypto Currencies and the various versions of this digital currency. Sebastian explained that âBitcoin, developed in 2008 to be a private currency, was the first digital currency.â
At their November meeting, George Sebastian of the Symposium Club, gave a presentation on Crypto Currencies and the various versions of this digital currency.
Sebastian explained that âBitcoin, developed in 2008 to be a private currency, was the first digital currency.â
There is an update to the Sandhill Crane predicament. I have been seeing the two birds in the wetland next to my house this afternoon. Below is that little writeup you requested. Sadly, a Sun City male Sandhill Crane had broken its wing over the summer months and still appears to not be able to fly. Normally this species of bird begins its migration to our Southwestern states of New Mexico, Arizona, Texas and as far south as Mexico between late October and mid-December.
There is an update to the Sandhill Crane predicament. I have been seeing the two birds in the wetland next to my house this afternoon. Below is that little writeup you requested.
Sadly, a Sun City male Sandhill Crane had broken its wing over the summer months and still appears to not be able to fly. Normally this species of bird begins its migration to our Southwestern states of New Mexico, Arizona, Texas and as far south as Mexico between late October and mid-December.
Pickleball has been around for centuries, but one Sun Citian declared a royal change to the game. Mark Schinler moved into SunCity in May 2019. He started playing pickleball in July 2019. And then, he was hooked. Schinler has introduced a twist to Sun Cityâs Pickleball Courts. Itâs called King/Queen of the Court, and it is a fun and competitive game variant for all levels. The pilot program started here in Sun City, and residents have taken to the new game. It quickly became a hit.
Pickleball has been around for centuries, but one Sun Citian declared a royal change to the game.
Mark Schinler moved into SunCity in May 2019. He started playing pickleball in July 2019. And then, he was hooked.
Schinler has introduced a twist to Sun Cityâs Pickleball Courts. Itâs called King/Queen of the Court, and it is a fun and competitive game variant for all levels. The pilot program started here in Sun City, and residents have taken to the new game. It quickly became a hit.
