MY SUN DAY NEWS
Letters for the week of June 4.
Following his run for the Sun City Board of Directors last fall, familiar face Jim Fatigato is taking on a new position in community governance. The Board recently has appointed the Sun City resident to the Election Committee.
But Fatigato has another role, too. Last Halloween, he stepped in and brought Mickey Mouse to Grandma, Grampa & Me’s traditional Halloween party. Fatigato has brought delight to children’s lives for 20 years, giving them the opportunity to meet Mickey Mouse through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
The statistics around bomb threats rank right up there with The Boy Who Cried Wolf. 90-95% are hoaxes. And yet, even these threats have to be taken seriously when innocent lives are at stake.
That’s how I found myself helping to direct community members out of my workplace — a public library — on an impossibly beautiful spring day. A suspicious call came through to a public desk. The caller spoke through a voice changer and made threats to the building and the people inside. Immediately, staff called 911 to report the threat, and the dispatcher advised that the building be evacuated.
I never imagined that Jeff Bezos and I would have much to talk about over a beer, but when I learned that he was a bit dissatisfied with the size of his “super yacht,” I had to give it a second thought. Because, like Jeff, I am also a boat owner. So I feel his pain. My first boat is a hundred-year-old 17-foot wooden canoe I’ve owned since 1973, and although I honor its natural beauty, it clocks in at almost a hundred pounds.
I never imagined that Jeff Bezos and I would have much to talk about over a beer, but when I learned that he was a bit dissatisfied with the size of his “super yacht,” I had to give it a second thought.
Because, like Jeff, I am also a boat owner. So I feel his pain.
My first boat is a hundred-year-old 17-foot wooden canoe I’ve owned since 1973, and although I honor its natural beauty, it clocks in at almost a hundred pounds.
In a society increasingly dominated by digital screens, there is something remarkably timeless about the sound of a hammer hitting a nail. Recently, the Woodchucks Charter Club and the Grandma, Grandpa, & Me (GG&Me) Charter Club teamed up to bring that hands-on experience to the grandkids. The event showed that the best way to bridge a generation gap is through a shared project. The GG&Me spring event proved to be more than simply a craft workshop; it displayed the Woodchucks’ mentorship. The Woodchucks Charter Club supplied not merely the physical tools and materials but also the expert-level patience to teach young children the fundamentals of woodworking.
In a society increasingly dominated by digital screens, there is something remarkably timeless about the sound of a hammer hitting a nail. Recently, the Woodchucks Charter Club and the Grandma, Grandpa, & Me (GG&Me) Charter Club teamed up to bring that hands-on experience to the grandkids. The event showed that the best way to bridge a generation gap is through a shared project.
The GG&Me spring event proved to be more than simply a craft workshop; it displayed the Woodchucks’ mentorship. The Woodchucks Charter Club supplied not merely the physical tools and materials but also the expert-level patience to teach young children the fundamentals of woodworking.
Sun City’s Fitness Department is filling a vital gap in local programming with its new Brain & Body fitness class. Led by Kelly Bertrand, Sun City Fitness Director, the session is every Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. in Studio A at Meadowview Lodge. The initiative sparked after a Kay Osborn and Marilyn Gustafson, Sun City residents, along with a local support group, noticed a lack of specialized resources for people navigating life after a stroke or living with Parkinson’s. “There was a clear need for fitness tailored specifically to neurological challenges,” says Osborn, who helped advocate for the program.
Sun City’s Fitness Department is filling a vital gap in local programming with its new Brain & Body fitness class. Led by Kelly Bertrand, Sun City Fitness Director, the session is every Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. in Studio A at Meadowview Lodge. The initiative sparked after a Kay Osborn and Marilyn Gustafson, Sun City residents, along with a local support group, noticed a lack of specialized resources for people navigating life after a stroke or living with Parkinson’s.
“There was a clear need for fitness tailored specifically to neurological challenges,” says Osborn, who helped advocate for the program.
Sun City is preparing to celebrate the heart the community: volunteers. Join in on Wednesday, June 10, from 4-6 p.m. at the Fountain View Pavilion for a special Volunteer Social Pop-Up Event.
A group of Sun City Tall Oaks Tennis Club (TOTC) members would like to have additional court time at Tall Oaks Courts. Spearheading the current tennis club’s campaign is TOTC member Nancy Fontana, with the main purpose a chance to grow the sport’s initiatives.
A group of Sun City Tall Oaks Tennis Club (TOTC) members would like to have additional court time at Tall Oaks Courts.
Spearheading the current tennis club’s campaign is TOTC member Nancy Fontana, with the main purpose a chance to grow the sport’s initiatives.
I’m writing as a very concerned daughter who is feeling a little stuck when it comes to my dad. He’s in his upper 60s, extremely active, and generally healthy, which I’m grateful for. However, recently he had a spot removed from the upper part of his left ear. Thankfully, it turned out to be benign, but it shook me more than it did him.
Nancy’s hip replacement is now ancient history. Despite the best efforts of a local hospital, she is now doing really well. While she was rehabbing, her physical therapist recommended a buffet style restaurant. Since Nancy no longer requires a cane, she was free to run around the buffet grabbing copious amounts of food with both hands. The restaurant he recommended was one that has two of Nancy’s weakness’, shrimp and crab. With empty tummies we ventured out to Umi Sushi and Seafood Buffet in Niles.
Almost every movie season, there is an actor that is in everything. Usually this is some newly touted talent or ingenue. But sometimes, it is just a familiar face. Anne Hathaway has been out of the spotlight a bit, sporadically turning up in projects from time to time. However, she has five major projects that will be hitting screens throughout 2026. All of which are wildly different in tone and context. Here are just the first two on display at the present moment.
I was in a car accident 10 weeks ago. It wasn’t my fault. I know that I was lucky. My car was totaled and my ankle was broken in two places but at the time I thought I was going to die. I am now the proud owner of seven screws, two plates and a rod.. For seven weeks I was not allowed to put my right foot down. I lived in my bed, a wheel chair and a recliner. I could not live alone. My kids and sisters were wonderful taking turns stopping their lives so they could take care of me. Like I said, I was lucky.
I was in a car accident 10 weeks ago. It wasn’t my fault. I know that I was lucky. My car was totaled and my ankle was broken in two places but at the time I thought I was going to die. I am now the proud owner of seven screws, two plates and a rod..
For seven weeks I was not allowed to put my right foot down. I lived in my bed, a wheel chair and a recliner. I could not live alone. My kids and sisters were wonderful taking turns stopping their lives so they could take care of me. Like I said, I was lucky.
Often when someone dies, we are left with one lingering question, “Why?” Sometimes the answer is painfully obvious; a terminal illness or a devasting accident. In other instances, though, the answer is illusive and never fully reveals itself. The question looms large “Why?” and the survivors may struggle with coping.
Letters for the week of May 21.
Sun City residents Dick Bosold and Claudia Millington recently joined a delegation of 25 travelers for a 10-night pilgrimage through Rome, Assisi, and Florence. Led by Father Julius of St. Mary’s in Huntley, the group’s itinerary featured a momentous highlight: a Papal audience with the first American-born pontiff, Pope Leo XIV. Elected in May 2025, Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, holds a special place in the hearts of the Midwest travelers. Born at Mercy Hospital in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood on September 14, 1955, the Holy Father’s roots are firmly planted in Illinois. He grew up in the south suburb of Dolton and attended school at St. Mary of the Assumption on the far south side, making this international pilgrimage feel like a visit with a local hero.
Sun City residents Dick Bosold and Claudia Millington recently joined a delegation of 25 travelers for a 10-night pilgrimage through Rome, Assisi, and Florence. Led by Father Julius of St. Mary’s in Huntley, the group’s itinerary featured a momentous highlight: a Papal audience with the first American-born pontiff, Pope Leo XIV.
Elected in May 2025, Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, holds a special place in the hearts of the Midwest travelers. Born at Mercy Hospital in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood on September 14, 1955, the Holy Father’s roots are firmly planted in Illinois. He grew up in the south suburb of Dolton and attended school at St. Mary of the Assumption on the far south side, making this international pilgrimage feel like a visit with a local hero.
A core value of mine is this: Everyone is just doing their best. I really do believe this, and it plays out during the day when there are minor infractions committed against me, like getting cut off in traffic, or seeing when someone hasn’t cleaned up after their dog in the neighborhood, or the cashier forgets to scan a coupon.
A core value of mine is this: Everyone is just doing their best.
I really do believe this, and it plays out during the day when there are minor infractions committed against me, like getting cut off in traffic, or seeing when someone hasn’t cleaned up after their dog in the neighborhood, or the cashier forgets to scan a coupon.
“Well, here we are,” said the frog, to nobody in particular. It just seemed like the right thing to say, given the situation he was in. And that situation, of course, was that he was in water — which should come as no surprise to anybody. Frogs love water, and this frog was no exception. Like all frogs, this frog could think of no place he would rather be than to be sitting in water, which he was.
“Well, here we are,” said the frog, to nobody in particular. It just seemed like the right thing to say, given the situation he was in.
And that situation, of course, was that he was in water — which should come as no surprise to anybody. Frogs love water, and this frog was no exception. Like all frogs, this frog could think of no place he would rather be than to be sitting in water, which he was.
Sun City’s John Schwan began his pickleball season on the sport’s biggest stage. Schwan competed in the age 75-59 bracket at the US Open Pickleball Tournament. He faced four players with a higher rating than his 4.0, and won three matches. He lost to Ed Klarman, of Naples, Fla., a 4.5 rated player, 16-14 for gold, on April 12. This year marked Schwan’s third time to qualify for the US Open, and he won his rating bracket’s gold medal the last two years.
Sun City’s John Schwan began his pickleball season on the sport’s biggest stage.
Schwan competed in the age 75-59 bracket at the US Open Pickleball Tournament. He faced four players with a higher rating than his 4.0, and won three matches. He lost to Ed Klarman, of Naples, Fla., a 4.5 rated player, 16-14 for gold, on April 12. This year marked Schwan’s third time to qualify for the US Open, and he won his rating bracket’s gold medal the last two years.
The Huntley Community School District D-158 Huntley Hurricanes Special Olympics teams have had success in several sports this season. Advisor Crystal Miguel explained some of the highlights for the participants, ages 8-22. “Many athletes do multiple events at once,” Miguel said. “Some were in soccer skills and participated in track-and-field, or on the soccer and track-and-field teams. Every year our program keeps growing. There are 22 athletes on the track-and-field team, 12 in soccer skills and 12 are on the high school soccer team.”
The Huntley Community School District D-158 Huntley Hurricanes Special Olympics teams have had success in several sports this season.
Advisor Crystal Miguel explained some of the highlights for the participants, ages 8-22.
“Many athletes do multiple events at once,” Miguel said. “Some were in soccer skills and participated in track-and-field, or on the soccer and track-and-field teams. Every year our program keeps growing. There are 22 athletes on the track-and-field team, 12 in soccer skills and 12 are on the high school soccer team.”
The ninth season of the Sun City Huntley Pickleball Club (SCHPC) officially kicked off with a social on May 2. Pickleball players of all ability levels will take to the 12 courts daily from now to Halloween. Officials said the club is about 600 members strong, with a steady growth from 164 members back in 2017.
The ninth season of the Sun City Huntley Pickleball Club (SCHPC) officially kicked off with a social on May 2. Pickleball players of all ability levels will take to the 12 courts daily from now to Halloween.
Officials said the club is about 600 members strong, with a steady growth from 164 members back in 2017.
I’m writing because I’m worried about my mom and her ability to manage her finances. My dad always handled the bills and finances before he passed away about five years ago. Since then, I’ve stepped in to cover some of the bigger expenses, like paying utility bills online and other housing costs. My mom doesn’t really know what I’ve been doing, she trusts me completely, but I’m realizing that this arrangement isn’t sustainable.
Tuesday, December 23, 2025, our family gathered to celebrate a birthday. As the party was coming to a close, I looked at my phone and gasped. There were 18 unread texts all offering the same message: “Congratulations!” A two-year journey, that included reading a transcript of a Salem witch trial, learning that an ancestor was scalped by Native Americans in the War of 1812, and discovering that there are plaques throughout New York bearing the names of my ancestors, had come to a close.
According to the calendar (if not the weather), spring would be upon us. And at this time of year, we older folk have a saying about birds and bees. I don’t pretend to know everything about that, but I was surely stung by this latest film The Drama.
The Annual USPS STAMP OUT HUNGER effort is Saturday, May 9.
Jim has been bugging me to try a restaurant for months now that he repeatedly saw on a Facebook ad. He said it looked really good, and the owner owns a farm nearby and they offer farm to table ingredients. I wasn’t too excited about the restaurant, but I finally gave in since we had to make a stop at the DMV which was nearby. So, with high hopes we made our way to Isabel’s Family Restaurant in Woodstock.
You’ve got rhythm…and it’s based on light, not music! Since the 70s, scientists have been discovering how human bodies are designed to follow the rhythm of the sun, rising and setting every day. This is the body’s natural 24-hour clock, keeping you operating on a healthy wake-sleep cycle.
The Sun City Strutters return to the Drendel Ballroom on June 9 and 10 at 7:00 p.m. for their upcoming show, “Thank You for the Music.” Nancy Kutska said, “This year’s performance is special. The show is dedicated to the group’s founder, Jackie Cesarone, who passed away last July, and to Mary Wyatt, who passed on March 17. Mary was the Strutters’ Artistic Director and Ballet instructor for 14 years.”
The Sun City Strutters return to the Drendel Ballroom on June 9 and 10 at 7:00 p.m. for their upcoming show, “Thank You for the Music.”
Nancy Kutska said, “This year’s performance is special. The show is dedicated to the group’s founder, Jackie Cesarone, who passed away last July, and to Mary Wyatt, who passed on March 17. Mary was the Strutters’ Artistic Director and Ballet instructor for 14 years.”
During the cold months, I pass through our front porch longingly, lingering for a moment to run my hands over the backs of the comfy chairs that wait patiently. “We’ll be together again, I promise,” I whisper to them, while I go back and forth from the house to the driveway, from the driveway to the house, over and over. Once that first warm day hits, it instantly becomes Porch Season at our house. I defy rain, cold, or wind to keep me from my porch, no matter how heartbreaking midwest springs can be with their inconsistent mood swings. My front porch serves as a fort where I feel completely safe and cloistered without constraints.
During the cold months, I pass through our front porch longingly, lingering for a moment to run my hands over the backs of the comfy chairs that wait patiently. “We’ll be together again, I promise,” I whisper to them, while I go back and forth from the house to the driveway, from the driveway to the house, over and over.
Once that first warm day hits, it instantly becomes Porch Season at our house. I defy rain, cold, or wind to keep me from my porch, no matter how heartbreaking midwest springs can be with their inconsistent mood swings. My front porch serves as a fort where I feel completely safe and cloistered without constraints.
Yesterday I went digging through my “Random Stuff” kitchen drawer, looking for some obscure item so random and rarely used, I had to dig deep into the back of the drawer to find it. You probably have a drawer like that, although maybe you use a different word than “stuff” to describe what’s in there. So do I, but this is a family newspaper, so “stuff” it shall be.
Yesterday I went digging through my “Random Stuff” kitchen drawer, looking for some obscure item so random and rarely used, I had to dig deep into the back of the drawer to find it.
You probably have a drawer like that, although maybe you use a different word than “stuff” to describe what’s in there. So do I, but this is a family newspaper, so “stuff” it shall be.
As a relatively new owner of a home, I distinctly remember the overwhelming feeling that comes with the process of moving from one residence to the other. There are an inordinate number of decisions that need to be made as well as physical demands to be met. Navigating through a process can sometimes be daunting, especially if it is a process that is new or unfamiliar. When help is available, it can become infinitely easier. Thankfully, in our community, there are many resources and help is readily available.
