MY SUN DAY NEWS
Two serious cyclist accidents, caused each by auto rear end crashes in and about Sun City Boulevard, led to the formation of a local special interest group. With deep concerns about cycling and pedestrian safety, Walkers and Bicyclists for a Safer Community (WBSC) was formed in November, 2020. Then in April of 2021, a near miss of a pedestrian attempting to cross Del Webb Boulevard at Stonewater Crossing happened. The concerns of occasional encounters now had turned into a pattern of behavior necessary for reform action. Here is how WBSC met the challenge.
Thaw is on, and the buds are giving way to spring. For most, restrictions are alleviating. Wanderlust gives way to a sense of adventure. A vacation is in order after all we have been through. Only problem is where to go? What is better than somewhere more exotic. International voyages can be an option. Just make sure that the accommodations are safer than those conjured by a certain mystery writer.
Agatha Christie has long been the grand-dame of the genre ever since she put word to paper. Solving clues with each turn of the page, filmmakers never fail to resist adaptation of her most famous investigator: Hercule Poirot.
My elderly parents prefer that I order their groceries online and have them delivered to their home. They’ve always eaten rather healthy. Recently, I’ve noticed that their grocery lists have been filled with more processed foods than usual. My mom is in the early stages of dementia, and I know my dad has assumed the role of chef. His repertoire is not very deep, although he can follow recipes. I’m concerned about their overall diet.
The winter Olympics season comes with a lot of exciting events, and opportunities to cheer for the USA. But the cheering gets passionate when you have a relative in the game. Jo Geary, Sun City resident, is rooting for Savannah Harmon, a cousin once removed. Harmon is #15, and plays defense on the Women’s Hockey Team in the 2022 Olympics in Beijing.
A few nights ago, I was having a nighttime snack while looking through a newsfeed on my phone and this headline in The Atlantic caught my eye: “I’m afraid that I cannot be a journalist anymore.” For obvious reasons, I clicked on the headline and the very first thing that caught my attention when the page loaded was, of course, the illustration: a black silhouette of a fountain pen tip against a bright red background. I generally enjoy The Atlantic’s illustrations, but I immediately dismissed this as lazy.
A few nights ago, I was having a nighttime snack while looking through a newsfeed on my phone and this headline in The Atlantic caught my eye: “I’m afraid that I cannot be a journalist anymore.”
For obvious reasons, I clicked on the headline and the very first thing that caught my attention when the page loaded was, of course, the illustration: a black silhouette of a fountain pen tip against a bright red background. I generally enjoy The Atlantic’s illustrations, but I immediately dismissed this as lazy.
My childhood library stood directly across the street from the church where my father was a minister. When I wasn’t helping Dad in the church folding bulletins, or sharpening the pencils in the pews, I was across the street, exploring our local library. I spent hours there. Each time I entered the front doors and heard the soft trickle of water coming from the fountain in the lobby, I felt as though I’d walked into a space just as sacred as the sanctuary across the street.
New art instructor Abby Adams has arrived in Sun City, bringing her innovative energy with her. Adams said, “I’m excited to share my passion for FUN ART with residents of Sun City.” Do you ever wonder if there’s anything you could do with an empty wine bottle? Adams does.
New art instructor Abby Adams has arrived in Sun City, bringing her innovative energy with her.
Adams said, “I’m excited to share my passion for FUN ART with residents of Sun City.”
Do you ever wonder if there’s anything you could do with an empty wine bottle? Adams does.
It started with an innocent question from a high school student: Why did the Washington Football Team have to change its name? The answer, it turns out — at least in the judgment of some— w as less than innocent. Mary DeVoto, a Mother McAuley High School teacher of 41 years, was fired for violating a zero-tolerance rule of ever speaking a word that I assume I can’t print here for the same reason. (I won’t test that theory and put my editor in the uncomfortable position of deleting the word — or its writer — from this publication.)
It started with an innocent question from a high school student: Why did the Washington Football Team have to change its name? The answer, it turns out — at least in the judgment of some— w as less than innocent.
Mary DeVoto, a Mother McAuley High School teacher of 41 years, was fired for violating a zero-tolerance rule of ever speaking a word that I assume I can’t print here for the same reason. (I won’t test that theory and put my editor in the uncomfortable position of deleting the word — or its writer — from this publication.)
Hope you had a good Valentine’s Day. Movies about love lost and found abound. My go-to picks are usually Richard Linklater’s Before Trilogy and Wong Kar-Wai’s In The Mood For Love for instance. Even with the holiday out of the way, dear readers, you can check them out. However, the Oscar nominations are in, ready to be fomented over by pundits and neophytes of film alike.
THE WEEK, January 21, 2022, Volume 22 Issue 1062, admonishes the pandemic for having caused a great deal of the dramatic increase in speeding, reckless driving, and deadly crashes on America’s highways, city avenues, and even residential streets. The trusted magazine states these amazing and tragic facts: “In 2020, despite millions of workers staying home and traffic plummeting, there were an estimated 38,680 U.S. auto-related deaths – a 7 percent increase from 2019.”
We have been writing this column for over ten years. In that time, we have received our share of letters, both good and bad. These range from very complimentary letters, restaurant recommendations, and letters telling us, in rather unflattering terms, what we can do with our column. These letters are often peppered with comments about our taste and intelligence. We must admit we were apprehensive when we received a letter in the U.S. Mail. We nervously opened it up and were relieved when we discovered the contents were handwritten and didn’t have words pasted from a newspaper like you see on detective shows on TV.
Rose DeMay wasn’t looking for romance. But an online word game laid the groundwork for an unlikely friendship with a gentleman in Australia which, over time, developed into a second chance at love. Today, she wears a shiny new engagement ring given to her by Don Pritchard, who hails from Nambour, part of the Sunshine Coast Region in Queensland, Australia. At the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve, while visiting her in Huntley, Don asked Rose to marry him.
Rose DeMay wasn’t looking for romance. But an online word game laid the groundwork for an unlikely friendship with a gentleman in Australia which, over time, developed into a second chance at love.
Today, she wears a shiny new engagement ring given to her by Don Pritchard, who hails from Nambour, part of the Sunshine Coast Region in Queensland, Australia. At the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve, while visiting her in Huntley, Don asked Rose to marry him.
It never fails: I’ll walk into a room to see my husband hunched over, vigorously cleaning something: scrubbing grease splatters on the stove, attacking some muddy footprints on the entryway rug, or coaxing out the ginormous dust bunnies that collect in that little space between the oven and the refrigerator, peppered with stray popcorn seeds, or, if you’re lucky, some pocket change. He becomes so completely absorbed in the task at hand, that I’ll slowly, carefully approach him from the side. Align myself squarely in his peripheral vision. Avoid making sudden moves. “Are you … mad?” I’ll ask him.
It never fails: I’ll walk into a room to see my husband hunched over, vigorously cleaning something: scrubbing grease splatters on the stove, attacking some muddy footprints on the entryway rug, or coaxing out the ginormous dust bunnies that collect in that little space between the oven and the refrigerator, peppered with stray popcorn seeds, or, if you’re lucky, some pocket change. He becomes so completely absorbed in the task at hand, that I’ll slowly, carefully approach him from the side. Align myself squarely in his peripheral vision. Avoid making sudden moves.
“Are you … mad?” I’ll ask him.
It’s officially the beginning of the end of Huntley’s love/hate relationship with the Kreutzer Road’s “curve.” According to a village press release, the purpose of the January 20 open house was to “present the transportation needs, a description of the proposed improvements, and solicit input from the public.”
It’s officially the beginning of the end of Huntley’s love/hate relationship with the Kreutzer Road’s “curve.”
According to a village press release, the purpose of the January 20 open house was to “present the transportation needs, a description of the proposed improvements, and solicit input from the public.”
Barb Read, Special Events coordinator for the Village, received authorization to proceed with the implementation of the 2022 Special Events and Special Event Banner program. The events calendar includes the Indoor and Outdoor Farmers Market, a Fun Run for Special Olympics, a May 5 Ladies Night out on the Square, the Annual Memorial Day Parade, the Independence Day Fireworks, National Night Out, Huntley High School Homecoming Parade, Veteran’s Day Ceremony and Wreaths Across America.
Barb Read, Special Events coordinator for the Village, received authorization to proceed with the implementation of the 2022 Special Events and Special Event Banner program.
The events calendar includes the Indoor and Outdoor Farmers Market, a Fun Run for Special Olympics, a May 5 Ladies Night out on the Square, the Annual Memorial Day Parade, the Independence Day Fireworks, National Night Out, Huntley High School Homecoming Parade, Veteran’s Day Ceremony and Wreaths Across America.
Ed Richard, a retired music teacher and Sun City resident, began his musical career at the age of four. Richard said, “I started playing the accordion. In the fourth grade, I started playing the organ, and in fifth grade, I joined the band. In high school, I was the lead percussionist. I played all percussions. I sang in the choir. I have perfect pitch.”
Ed Richard, a retired music teacher and Sun City resident, began his musical career at the age of four.
Richard said, “I started playing the accordion. In the fourth grade, I started playing the organ, and in fifth grade, I joined the band. In high school, I was the lead percussionist. I played all percussions. I sang in the choir. I have perfect pitch.”
This love story began over 50 years ago in 1963 at Luther High school in Chicago. Why? That’s where Sun City residents Bill Kamphausen and Sue Schroeder first met. “You never forget your first love,” Bill said. However, the relationship had a few twists and turns.
This love story began over 50 years ago in 1963 at Luther High school in Chicago. Why? That’s where Sun City residents Bill Kamphausen and Sue Schroeder first met.
“You never forget your first love,” Bill said.
However, the relationship had a few twists and turns.
A 10,400 square-foot childcare center by Lighthouse Academy will be coming to Huntley in the near future. The building will be located directly east of Culver’s and Sherwin-Williams and south of Powers Road on Lot 9 in the Huntley Crossing subdivision. Charles Nordman, of the Village offices, said that the “Lighthouse Academy will require a Special Use Permit for a childcare center and that the two-acre lot would have 70 parking spaces.”
A 10,400 square-foot childcare center by Lighthouse Academy will be coming to Huntley in the near future. The building will be located directly east of Culver’s and Sherwin-Williams and south of Powers Road on Lot 9 in the Huntley Crossing subdivision.
Charles Nordman, of the Village offices, said that the “Lighthouse Academy will require a Special Use Permit for a childcare center and that the two-acre lot would have 70 parking spaces.”
Wednesday, January 26, brought Sun City residents a two-fer. The required annual meeting of the Association and the monthly Board meeting were held in Drendel. The annual meeting required a quorum of residents which was easily achieved with 305 of Proxies submitted along with approximately the 150 residents in attendance. The annual association meeting was a business meeting with reports from the Association Counsel, the outside Auditor, a representative of Northwestern Medicine and a 2021 review by First Services.
Wednesday, January 26, brought Sun City residents a two-fer. The required annual meeting of the Association and the monthly Board meeting were held in Drendel. The annual meeting required a quorum of residents which was easily achieved with 305 of Proxies submitted along with approximately the 150 residents in attendance.
The annual association meeting was a business meeting with reports from the Association Counsel, the outside Auditor, a representative of Northwestern Medicine and a 2021 review by First Services.
Just yesterday I got to the end of yet another binge-watched TV series — this one “Shameless,” on Netflix, an 11-season romp through Chicago’s South Side, with a title that describes all the characters and their behavior perfectly. If you haven’t seen it, tune in only if you have a high tolerance for vulgarity, sex, nudity, bodily functions and disfunctions of every stripe. Because if you’re OK with all of that, this show is a don’t-miss gem.
Just yesterday I got to the end of yet another binge-watched TV series — this one “Shameless,” on Netflix, an 11-season romp through Chicago’s South Side, with a title that describes all the characters and their behavior perfectly. If you haven’t seen it, tune in only if you have a high tolerance for vulgarity, sex, nudity, bodily functions and disfunctions of every stripe.
Because if you’re OK with all of that, this show is a don’t-miss gem.
On January 3, 2022, accomplished businesswoman Nancy Binger began her first day as Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce. She took an interest in the position because, as a Huntley resident since 2008, she has an invested interest in the success of the businesses in the area. Her husband is a small business owner and so, Binger has been involved near and around the Chamber for some time now.
Cold intolerance amongst animals varies depending on factors such as age, breed, and health, according to a Jan. 26 McHenry County Health Department news release, and should be taken into account, as well as signs of distress, to prevent frostbite and hypothermia. The signs of distress include shivering, tail tucked between legs, whining or anxiety, reluctance to move, lifting paws, and snow or ice buildup in paw pads or coat, according to the news release.
Cold intolerance amongst animals varies depending on factors such as age, breed, and health, according to a Jan. 26 McHenry County Health Department news release, and should be taken into account, as well as signs of distress, to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
The signs of distress include shivering, tail tucked between legs, whining or anxiety, reluctance to move, lifting paws, and snow or ice buildup in paw pads or coat, according to the news release.
The ever-vigilant Dining Duo is always on the lookout to find new restaurants for the loyal citizens of Huntley to try. Hopefully, there will be more and more new restaurants opening up to take the place of the casualties due to COVID. One such restaurant in the location previously held by Houlihan’s caught our eye while driving down Randall Road one day. We put it on our restaurant review “hit list,” and today we decided to “pull the trigger” and “shoot” for the Tap House Grill in Algonquin. SPOILER ALERT: The reason for our title will become clear at the end of our article.
After having read my two-part article on marijuana, one of my readers asked the question about whether I had heard about a mother in Texas having used the drug for treatment of her autistic child. The below info will inform Sun City residents of my recent exploration into this subject.
My husband and I are exploring care options as we plan for our future. We’re approaching our 70s and are having difficulty wrapping our minds around the terminology. We prefer to remain home and are willing to hire help should we need it. A good friend of ours recently had his knee replaced. After surgery, he received care in his home. A nurse looked after him, a caregiver helped give him a shower, and he had therapists work with him in his own living room. We were surprised to learn that this was all covered by Medicare. Yet, as my husband reviewed our Medicare benefits, it seems like Medicare will not cover home care should we need help as we age.
When scrolling endless catalogs on streaming services, it would seem that every film and show is broken neatly into categories. On further inspection, however, the case just isn’t so. See my reviews last year of I Care A Lot and Annette as examples of what I mean. A good movie, sometimes, defies easy genre confines. Here are two recent releases that do just that.
To steal from the Bard, “To travel or not to travel, that is the question?” Will 2022 be the time to travel again? Well, that depends. In some cases, YES, others NO, the rest – MAYBE.
Illinois native and pairs figure skater Alexa Knierim is headed to the Olympics again, this time performing with a new partner and encountering new protocols. Knierim, of Addison, competed with her husband, Chris, in the 2018 Winter Olympics in Seoul. After Chris’s retirement, Knierim continued to skate with a new partner, Brandon Frazier.
Illinois native and pairs figure skater Alexa Knierim is headed to the Olympics again, this time performing with a new partner and encountering new protocols.
Knierim, of Addison, competed with her husband, Chris, in the 2018 Winter Olympics in Seoul. After Chris’s retirement, Knierim continued to skate with a new partner, Brandon Frazier.
If you aren’t watching or haven’t watched Yellowjackets, you’re missing out, and I suggest you stop doing whatever you’re doing right now and start watching it. The show is absolute bananas but in a good way. It’s about a girls soccer team whose plane crashes in the American northwest wilderness on their way to a championship game and the savageness that ensues in their fight to survive. Basically, it’s Lord of the Flies meets Alive, and the fact that this show is so hugely popular, in my opinion, speaks volumes for the general mood and temperament of today’s angst among almost everyone.
A rescue group called ‘Chicago Bird Collision’ did come out to the wetland containing the injured sandhill crane I photographed in early December. Unfortunately, I had not seen the cranes for three or four days prior to their arrival. We did an extensive search of the area but did not spot either the injured male bird or its mate.
