MY SUN DAY NEWS
At locations near and far, those interested in birds joined in the annual Rutland Christmas Bird Count (CBC), which included Huntley and Sun City sites. The area for the ninth annual Rutland CBC, held Dec. 27, stretched to Pingree Grove in the south, Burlington-Hampshire in the west and east to Carpentersville.
At locations near and far, those interested in birds joined in the annual Rutland Christmas Bird Count (CBC), which included Huntley and Sun City sites.
The area for the ninth annual Rutland CBC, held Dec. 27, stretched to Pingree Grove in the south, Burlington-Hampshire in the west and east to Carpentersville.
I just returned from a trip to New Orleans, where my husband and I took in the local scenery, fabulous music, and of course…food. We ate our way through the city, gorging ourselves on all the fresh flavors of catfish, oysters, shrimp, jambalaya, red beans & rice, and gumbo.
“Oh, you must go to Cafe du Monde and have beignets!” said one person after another, almost word for word, which had me suspecting they were part of a mass marketing campaign aimed solely at me.
It’s getting hard to decide which global disaster is most likely to lay us low, you know?
Just when scientists had gotten me warmed up to the idea that global warming and Gulf oil leaks are bad for us, now they tell me that the latest doom we have to worry about is—well, they don’t have a name for it yet, but I suppose it would be called “global snickerdoodling”.
Lucy Tracy, a proud Sun City resident, can trace her ancestry back to the esteemed founder of Cornell University. She is the eleventh generation of the illustrious Cornell family tree. She recently received a published book that contains the genealogy of the Cornell family.
Lucy Tracy, a proud Sun City resident, can trace her ancestry back to the esteemed founder of Cornell University.
She is the eleventh generation of the illustrious Cornell family tree. She recently received a published book that contains the genealogy of the Cornell family.
John Summaria, a Sun City resident, wanted to live long enough to celebrate his 100th birthday. Marie Prester, also a Sun City resident and Summaria’s sister, believes it everything Summaria wished. “He did have many wonderful celebrations for his milestone birthday. Both his Bridge and Pinochle Charter Club card groups celebrated his birthday. There was a celebration at the VFW and another at a family gathering. He enjoyed them all tremendously. Summaria was born on December 5, 1925, in Chicago, Illinois. He was the third of six children.”
John Summaria, a Sun City resident, wanted to live long enough to celebrate his 100th birthday. Marie Prester, also a Sun City resident and Summaria’s sister, believes it everything Summaria wished.
“He did have many wonderful celebrations for his milestone birthday. Both his Bridge and Pinochle Charter Club card groups celebrated his birthday. There was a celebration at the VFW and another at a family gathering. He enjoyed them all tremendously. Summaria was born on December 5, 1925, in Chicago, Illinois. He was the third of six children.”
Increasing prices and inflation have forced many families to make difficult choices between essential needs such as groceries, rent, and medicine. The Grafton Food Pantry, similar to many organizations, is currently serving a record number of individuals. The Sun City Theatre company decided to play a role.
Increasing prices and inflation have forced many families to make difficult choices between essential needs such as groceries, rent, and medicine. The Grafton Food Pantry, similar to many organizations, is currently serving a record number of individuals.
The Sun City Theatre company decided to play a role.
A recent issue of AARP magazine included an article asking if you can improve your wellbeing by wearing “Your Heart on Your Sleeve.” Noting that the digital revolution has “now reached our bodies,” this article and many others in the news recently, focused on wearable health and fitness devices.
I’m writing because winter showed up early this year, and I’ll be honest, it caught me off guard. The snow and ice came sooner than usual, and just like that, my daily outdoor walks were off the table. Those walks were more than exercise for me; they were my fresh air, my routine, my mood booster. Losing them so suddenly has been harder than I expected.
New Year, New You. At least that is the slogan every person who greets the incoming year says, a hope for some prosperous future we can all attain. Hello all, hope your winter break was good, that the holidays were a moment of stress-free reprieve. I, for one, feel that now is the real escape. My day job being in retail, the month of December contains a different power over me than it once was. Although I don’t prescribe to the notion that Christmas/Holiday music is annoying. Unless it is “Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer.” But enough about that, here we are in the beginning of January. Possibly you are reflecting on what you didn’t do in 2025. Maybe a crisis came up that made you reevaluate your priorities, bring more focus to what is lacking. A crisis of faith, one might say. However, maybe it wasn’t that dramatic. That is just the dilemma at the emotional core of Rian Johnson’s latest in his Knives Out series.
New Year, New You. At least that is the slogan every person who greets the incoming year says, a hope for some prosperous future we can all attain. Hello all, hope your winter break was good, that the holidays were a moment of stress-free reprieve. I, for one, feel that now is the real escape. My day job being in retail, the month of December contains a different power over me than it once was. Although I don’t prescribe to the notion that Christmas/Holiday music is annoying. Unless it is “Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer.”
But enough about that, here we are in the beginning of January. Possibly you are reflecting on what you didn’t do in 2025. Maybe a crisis came up that made you reevaluate your priorities, bring more focus to what is lacking. A crisis of faith, one might say. However, maybe it wasn’t that dramatic. That is just the dilemma at the emotional core of Rian Johnson’s latest in his Knives Out series.
The holidays are finally over. Thank goodness the family gatherings are done for another year. All that is left is memories of the spirited dinner table discussions and thoughts of all the wonderful gifts. In all fairness, we should talk, since Rosie has an overflowing toy box already, we wrapped up her dog treats and told her Santa brought them. The best gift we received was a solid glass paperweight with a real crab encased inside. Needless to say, we decided to join the pajama clad, over caffeinated, exhausted people during the after Christmas rush and return this magnificent gift from whence it came and possibly get something else in exchange. To keep our strength up for this endeavor, we Googled restaurants in the Schaumburg area and found something interesting. This family-owned restaurant is JoJo’s Diner.
The N12 Cookie Exchange Christmas Party held on Tuesday, December 16, was truly a delightful evening and a wonderful way to celebrate the season.
This year again, Sun City elves from the Sun Flower Garden Club, the Shalom group, the Railroad Club, and other groups contributed to the festive decorating of the Prairie and Meadow View Lodge. Trees and holiday displays line the hallways of the Lodges. Paulette Carrion, a Garden Club member said, “The Garden Club has been decorating the lodges for 25 years. Since the tradition began, the number of trees and tablescapes has grown from an original three to 18 trees, three fireplaces, an atrium bar, and many tables and buffets you see decorated today. The Shalom Club contributes by providing the many Hanukkah decorations you see in both lodges.”
This year again, Sun City elves from the Sun Flower Garden Club, the Shalom group, the Railroad Club, and other groups contributed to the festive decorating of the Prairie and Meadow View Lodge. Trees and holiday displays line the hallways of the Lodges.
Paulette Carrion, a Garden Club member said, “The Garden Club has been decorating the lodges for 25 years. Since the tradition began, the number of trees and tablescapes has grown from an original three to 18 trees, three fireplaces, an atrium bar, and many tables and buffets you see decorated today. The Shalom Club contributes by providing the many Hanukkah decorations you see in both lodges.”
I’ve been retired from teaching for more than 20 years, yet I often dream that I am still (or maybe yet again will be) a teacher. But although I loved teaching, my teacher dreams always fall in the “bad dream” category. Oh, not because the kids are rebellious in the dream. No, in all my “bad” teaching dreams, it’s never the kids’ fault. It’s always me.
I’ve been retired from teaching for more than 20 years, yet I often dream that I am still (or maybe yet again will be) a teacher. But although I loved teaching, my teacher dreams always fall in the “bad dream” category.
Oh, not because the kids are rebellious in the dream. No, in all my “bad” teaching dreams, it’s never the kids’ fault.
It’s always me.
“Well, we are witnessing the downfall of society,” said my Gentleman Friend, as he kicked off his boots next to the front door and brushed snow out of his hair. Sometimes I’m not sure if he’s being funny or overly dramatic. So I wait.
“Well, we are witnessing the downfall of society,” said my Gentleman Friend, as he kicked off his boots next to the front door and brushed snow out of his hair.
Sometimes I’m not sure if he’s being funny or overly dramatic. So I wait.
For a handful of Sun City residents, a 5K run, the Running of the Elves, was the perfect way to start a chilly Saturday. The group included Linda Rizza, Nancy Fontana, Duane Fontana, Frank Eisler, and a few other Sun City residents. The Huntley Rotary Club fourth annual run was the start of the day of village sponsored 17th annual Very Merry Huntley activities Dec. 6. In addition to the 5K, kids could participate in a block long race down Coral Street and there was a walk for 1K.
For a handful of Sun City residents, a 5K run, the Running of the Elves, was the perfect way to start a chilly Saturday. The group included Linda Rizza, Nancy Fontana, Duane Fontana, Frank Eisler, and a few other Sun City residents.
The Huntley Rotary Club fourth annual run was the start of the day of village sponsored 17th annual Very Merry Huntley activities Dec. 6. In addition to the 5K, kids could participate in a block long race down Coral Street and there was a walk for 1K.
A holiday tradition for the Sun City Sunflower Garden Club is the House Walk for charity. Each homeowner who participates in the walk chooses a charity for which a portion of the sales will be donated. This year, the event took place on December 11 and featured six homes. Marsha Natkins, one of the committee chairs, said, “This tradition goes back fourteen years. I have two other co-chairs who have helped organize this event. Julie Shank handles publicity and Joey Begora recruits greeters for each home showcase. The greeters help with the flow of traffic and answer questions.”
A holiday tradition for the Sun City Sunflower Garden Club is the House Walk for charity. Each homeowner who participates in the walk chooses a charity for which a portion of the sales will be donated. This year, the event took place on December 11 and featured six homes.
Marsha Natkins, one of the committee chairs, said, “This tradition goes back fourteen years. I have two other co-chairs who have helped organize this event. Julie Shank handles publicity and Joey Begora recruits greeters for each home showcase. The greeters help with the flow of traffic and answer questions.”
Twelve residents from Sun City volunteered at a holiday event at Chesak Elementary School on Tuesday, December 2. Pat Janiga, Janet Andersen, Sharon Melbye, Gerry Saia, Linda Rizza, Nedra Reeves, Kathy Wendhack, Dawn Leonard, Bernice Wills, Sharon Rainey, Jesus Villa, and Janet Kargol were ready and dressed in their holiday attire. Their participation reflects Sun City residents’ strong community pride and support for local events, inspiring others to join in. They put on their reindeer headbands, identifying themselves as volunteers, and went to take on tasks at the cookie-decorating station, snacks and beverages sales, and three craft projects.
Twelve residents from Sun City volunteered at a holiday event at Chesak Elementary School on Tuesday, December 2.
Pat Janiga, Janet Andersen, Sharon Melbye, Gerry Saia, Linda Rizza, Nedra Reeves, Kathy Wendhack, Dawn Leonard, Bernice Wills, Sharon Rainey, Jesus Villa, and Janet Kargol were ready and dressed in their holiday attire. Their participation reflects Sun City residents’ strong community pride and support for local events, inspiring others to join in. They put on their reindeer headbands, identifying themselves as volunteers, and went to take on tasks at the cookie-decorating station, snacks and beverages sales, and three craft projects.
With another festive season upon us, that brings family drama and rambunctious youngsters. Maybe you need an escape, for you and your clan to just kick back and enjoy. You could check out that new Taylor Swift docuseries and concert on Disney Plus. Or you could also catch up with this year’s best. Sinners over on HBO Max, Frankenstein on Netflix. Hedda on Prime Video, just to name a few. And it’s always a great time introduce the grandkids to charming melancholy of A Charlie Brown Christmas. I will never get the sound of light piano underscored by Snoopy skating around the ice.
A tinge of nostalgia always passes through my mind now when I watch films taking place in institutions of higher learning. The chill in the air as I sip a coffee on the Quad and read Proust or Dostoevsky, people watching fellow students making their way toward class. What I never saw was a philosophy professor chewing out their honors student for all to see. However, that is the centerpiece of Luca Guadagnino’s latest. And this was in the trailer and is not really a spoiler. After The Hunt is the type of film that reeks of smug self-congratulatory curtain bows; the look at me, I know how to be topical. Only problem is the analysis is surface deep at best. This is not the fault of the filmmaker or his game cast.
Annette of Neighborhood 16 asked, “Recently my neighbor had a medical emergency and called 911. The response was quick as both a Huntley ambulance and firetruck arrived with lights flashing. Why were both trucks sent when there was no fire?”
As the holidays approach, I recognize that I need more help than in previous years. Although my children and grandchildren keep offering to help with shopping, cooking, decorating, and all the other little tasks that make the holidays special, I can’t shake this feeling of guilt. I truly appreciate my family’s willingness to support me, but it feels like asking for help only adds to their already busy schedules.
Snow is falling, eggnog lattes and milkshakes are in season, what could be better? Making cookies for Santa has remained a tried and true tradition for generations.
A Zoo to You of Huntley reindeer were one of the main attractions at Very Merry Huntley event Dec. 6.
Letters for the week of December 18
Photos provided.
Time really does fly by. It seems like only yesterday Nancy was careening out of Skip’s Drive-In in her Ford XL with a 429 cu. in. engine and drag racing down North Avenue. I was in a garage band playing all the high school sock-hops on the northwest side of Chicago. All of a sudden, cars are electric and people now listen to music with their phones and ear buds. But let’s not dwell on the good old days. Another year has gone by, and it’s time for our annual top ten winners of the coveted B.E.L.C.H. Awards (Best Eating Locations Close to Huntley).
Sun City has its very own elves located in Millgrove Woodshop. The Wooden Toy Makers are a group of residents who have been making toys to donate for two decades. Over the years, there have been cars, airplanes, doll cradles, lighthouses, puzzles, trucks, games, and more — each one unique. Al La Pelusa is the head elf who leads the Wooden Toymakers group. La Pelusa said, “In the beginning, we didn’t have a budget or funds to buy the materials that were needed to make the wooden toys. Construction was still underway at Del Webb, and the scraps of lumber were left on the curb; they were being discarded. We were told that we were welcome to take the lumber. That was our beginning.”
Sun City has its very own elves located in Millgrove Woodshop. The Wooden Toy Makers are a group of residents who have been making toys to donate for two decades. Over the years, there have been cars, airplanes, doll cradles, lighthouses, puzzles, trucks, games, and more — each one unique. Al La Pelusa is the head elf who leads the Wooden Toymakers group.
La Pelusa said, “In the beginning, we didn’t have a budget or funds to buy the materials that were needed to make the wooden toys. Construction was still underway at Del Webb, and the scraps of lumber were left on the curb; they were being discarded. We were told that we were welcome to take the lumber. That was our beginning.”
In the last issue of this paper, I wrote about some of those ear-worms that can drive you crazy. Not the musical ear-worms, like that song you hear once in the morning that still haunts you as you go to bed at night. No, I discussed those linguistic ear-worms that you hear other people say over and over again every time they open their mouths.
In the last issue of this paper, I wrote about some of those ear-worms that can drive you crazy.
Not the musical ear-worms, like that song you hear once in the morning that still haunts you as you go to bed at night. No, I discussed those linguistic ear-worms that you hear other people say over and over again every time they open their mouths.
The universe is conspiring to tell me something, to impart some wise lesson to remind me what this season is supposed to be about. I felt a twinge of it with the first snowfall of the season. I woke up to a beautiful wonderland blanketed with snow and something bubbled up inside me. Instead of checking the temperature and worrying about levels of antifreeze in my car, I poured a second cup of coffee, sat in my comfy chair, and swiveled to face my picture window. Everything was still and sparkling and bright, while I sat in jammies and slippers thinking how lucky we were to have a cozy house.
The universe is conspiring to tell me something, to impart some wise lesson to remind me what this season is supposed to be about.
I felt a twinge of it with the first snowfall of the season. I woke up to a beautiful wonderland blanketed with snow and something bubbled up inside me. Instead of checking the temperature and worrying about levels of antifreeze in my car, I poured a second cup of coffee, sat in my comfy chair, and swiveled to face my picture window. Everything was still and sparkling and bright, while I sat in jammies and slippers thinking how lucky we were to have a cozy house.
The Board of Directors unanimously approved a communitywide shoe drive for the organization Soles4Souls, initiated by Sun City N33 Resident Dave Nash on September 24. The motion approved the Neighborhood Advisory Council’s (NAC) plan to place two collection boxes in both the Prairie and Meadowview Lodges from October 13 through 27. Nash said, “Sun City residents Sandi Karnatz (N33) and Dolores Fischer (N35) greatly assisted in the coordination of the shoe drive.”
The Board of Directors unanimously approved a communitywide shoe drive for the organization Soles4Souls, initiated by Sun City N33 Resident Dave Nash on September 24. The motion approved the Neighborhood Advisory Council’s (NAC) plan to place two collection boxes in both the Prairie and Meadowview Lodges from October 13 through 27.
Nash said, “Sun City residents Sandi Karnatz (N33) and Dolores Fischer (N35) greatly assisted in the coordination of the shoe drive.”
