MY SUN DAY NEWS
As the dog days wind to a close, the season’s electricity still flits in the air. Last gasps of summer present themselves in the form of action films, attempts to keep an August sun shining. Strangely, one of my favorite action stars has a connection with two of them: Michelle Yeoh. Better known for working with Jackie Chan, she went on to be in “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and recently, “Crazy, Rich Asians.” Here though, she plays supporting roles.
Letters for the week of September 23.
February and March of 2021 saw the coming together of Walgreens and Osco in Sun City’s Prairie and Fountain View lodges. The lines made it look like they were giving away free food, but the reality was that the Pfizer and Moderna Covid-19 were, in fact, being giving away to all Sun City residents that wanted one or the other.
The news that the FDA and CDC were considering authorizing boosters to address the growing havoc of the Covid-19 Delta Variant has become a topic of discussion inside Sun City.
In early July my friend Carol and I headed down to Wilmington, Illinois, for the annual Catfish Festival held there. The Festival was scrapped last year (like everything else) because of the pandemic, but this summer it was back in full force, thanks to effective vaccines that most sensible Illinoisans have taken advantage of. It was fun to see the Festival back in fine form — deep fried catfish and country-blues bands in the beer garden of the Rustic Inn, mud volleyball out behind the Route 66 Bar and Grill, carnival rides and booths in the North Island Park surrounded by the Kankakee River, flea market on Water Street, and more. It’s the kind of “redneck roundup” Carol and I both love, with laughter, lowbrow entertainment and cheap beer.
In early July my friend Carol and I headed down to Wilmington, Illinois, for the annual Catfish Festival held there. The Festival was scrapped last year (like everything else) because of the pandemic, but this summer it was back in full force, thanks to effective vaccines that most sensible Illinoisans have taken advantage of.
It was fun to see the Festival back in fine form — deep fried catfish and country-blues bands in the beer garden of the Rustic Inn, mud volleyball out behind the Route 66 Bar and Grill, carnival rides and booths in the North Island Park surrounded by the Kankakee River, flea market on Water Street, and more. It’s the kind of “redneck roundup” Carol and I both love, with laughter, lowbrow entertainment and cheap beer.
The 48-acre site known as Regency Square is owned by BO2 Investments, LLC, which has plans to sell the property to an unnamed contractor who has plans for a multi-family development in the space. The development would include single family homes, townhomes and rental apartments. The implementation of this planned development is blocked by the current zoning of the property. Presently 30 acres are zoned “BP” for Business Park and the remaining acres are zoned “C2” commercial. BO2 is seeking a rezoning of the property to “MF2” multi-family so that BO2 will be able to sell the property to this unnamed contractor.
The 48-acre site known as Regency Square is owned by BO2 Investments, LLC, which has plans to sell the property to an unnamed contractor who has plans for a multi-family development in the space. The development would include single family homes, townhomes and rental apartments.
The implementation of this planned development is blocked by the current zoning of the property. Presently 30 acres are zoned “BP” for Business Park and the remaining acres are zoned “C2” commercial. BO2 is seeking a rezoning of the property to “MF2” multi-family so that BO2 will be able to sell the property to this unnamed contractor.
What does it take to get a Rookie of the Year, home run hitter, Ron Kittle to come to Huntley? Kittle said, “After Glenn sending 6000 emails, the White Sox decided the only way to stop it was to have me come out. I am Ambassador for the White Sox. I represent the team in and around the community.”
What does it take to get a Rookie of the Year, home run hitter, Ron Kittle to come to Huntley?
Kittle said, “After Glenn sending 6000 emails, the White Sox decided the only way to stop it was to have me come out. I am Ambassador for the White Sox. I represent the team in and around the community.”
Sun City resident Jess Chipkin never thought she’d follow a complete stranger out to a parking lot to enlighten her about the cruelties of factory farming, but that’s exactly what she did one afternoon in 2015. Chipkin had just learned about gestation crates: small, confined spaces where pigs being raised for pork are kept during their four-month pregnancies. “These crates are so small that [the sow] can’t even stretch her limbs, let alone turn around or walk. If we did that to dogs, it would be animal cruelty and someone would be going to prison for it.”
Sun City resident Jess Chipkin never thought she’d follow a complete stranger out to a parking lot to enlighten her about the cruelties of factory farming, but that’s exactly what she did one afternoon in 2015.
Chipkin had just learned about gestation crates: small, confined spaces where pigs being raised for pork are kept during their four-month pregnancies.
“These crates are so small that [the sow] can’t even stretch her limbs, let alone turn around or walk. If we did that to dogs, it would be animal cruelty and someone would be going to prison for it.”
Early in the pandemic my husband starting cutting our son, Christopher’s hair. It started out of necessity and grew into something that they both enjoyed. As Christopher was preparing to go back for his junior year in college, he decided that he wanted to try something different and go to a hair salon. He read multiple reviews and booked an appointment online with a master stylist. His new trendy look gave him the confidence needed to enjoy in person, on campus classes for the first time in 18 months.
Nancy heard through the grapevine about a place that had excellent pizza. As it turned out, we’ve all passed by this establishment at one time or another. As you drive east on Route 20, in the middle of nowhere there’s a curve in the road. As you round the bend you will see a crooked post with a sign on it for the Outpost Tavern and Grill in Pingree Grove. Honestly, the outside of this tavern was not very inviting. It resembled a place that could have been featured on Guy Fieri’s “Diner’s, Drive-Ins, and Dives” TV show. We parked Jim’s Mercedes amongst the pick-up trucks, looked at each other, mustarded up our courage, and sauntered in.
Nancy heard through the grapevine about a place that had excellent pizza. As it turned out, we’ve all passed by this establishment at one time or another. As you drive east on Route 20, in the middle of nowhere there’s a curve in the road. As you round the bend you will see a crooked post with a sign on it for the Outpost Tavern and Grill in Pingree Grove.
Honestly, the outside of this tavern was not very inviting. It resembled a place that could have been featured on Guy Fieri’s “Diner’s, Drive-Ins, and Dives” TV show. We parked Jim’s Mercedes amongst the pick-up trucks, looked at each other, mustarded up our courage, and sauntered in.
Today’s rising rates of depression and anxiety among all ages of people may be a result of our brains’ messengers getting hooked on pleasurable activities. This is especially true in the Covid-19 Era where more and more people are spending an extreme amount of hours at home in pursuit of video games. Dr. Anna Lembke, a psychiatrist and professor at Stanford University, gives us this essay adapted from her new book: “Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence.” Dopamine is the brain’s chemical that functions as a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. In the past 75 years, it has been discovered, however, that pain and pleasure are processed in the same part of the brain.
Today’s rising rates of depression and anxiety among all ages of people may be a result of our brains’ messengers getting hooked on pleasurable activities. This is especially true in the Covid-19 Era where more and more people are spending an extreme amount of hours at home in pursuit of video games.
Dr. Anna Lembke, a psychiatrist and professor at Stanford University, gives us this essay adapted from her new book: “Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence.” Dopamine is the brain’s chemical that functions as a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. In the past 75 years, it has been discovered, however, that pain and pleasure are processed in the same part of the brain.
Science fiction is a rather malleable genre, one that can be used to fit any given story. It is, first and foremost, seeing how technology affects us as humans. This can be about said future leaps forward changing ourselves in a singular sense or how we interact with each other. One particular style of film has cropped up again and again: the future film noir. That was typified back in 1982(my birth year) with “Blade Runner,” the quintessential sci-fi noir. Many films have tried to evoke its singular brand of gumshoe voice-over and heady visual spectacle. The latest of which just dropped in theaters and HBO Max.
My elderly mother-in-law lives in an apartment complex specifically for seniors. Her apartment is furnished with a full-sized kitchen. My mother-in-law used to enjoy cooking, but her age is slowing her down. I’m concerned about her because she seems disinterested in cooking and is losing weight. When I casually ask her about what she had for dinner, she says she doesn’t have much of an appetite or the will to cook for herself.
Woodstock, Illinois is known for its role as the location for Groundhog Day, home for Orson Welles in his formative years at the Woodstock’s Todd School for Boys, and home to Dick Tracy. Although it is not an entry in the Outdoor Club. Chuck Little, an environmentalist, Sun City resident, and educator, started an outdoor club over 50 years ago at Woodstock High School, changing lives of students.
Woodstock, Illinois is known for its role as the location for Groundhog Day, home for Orson Welles in his formative years at the Woodstock’s Todd School for Boys, and home to Dick Tracy.
Although it is not an entry in the Outdoor Club.
Chuck Little, an environmentalist, Sun City resident, and educator, started an outdoor club over 50 years ago at Woodstock High School, changing lives of students.
Huntley Little League head coach Scott Crowe announced via a July 26 press release, that Huntley Little League’s tournament team, the Huntley Senators, would be representing the Minor Division of players comprised of kids ages 8 through 10 at the Little League World Series (LLWS). Crowe explained to My Huntley News that the Minor Division can only compete at the state level versus being able to play against international teams in the LLWS, an event that is televised. The international games are reserved for kids ages 10 to 12 that are in the division above the Minors.
Huntley Little League head coach Scott Crowe announced via a July 26 press release, that Huntley Little League’s tournament team, the Huntley Senators, would be representing the Minor Division of players comprised of kids ages 8 through 10 at the Little League World Series (LLWS).
Crowe explained to My Huntley News that the Minor Division can only compete at the state level versus being able to play against international teams in the LLWS, an event that is televised. The international games are reserved for kids ages 10 to 12 that are in the division above the Minors.
My favorite spot to sit and think — or sometimes just to sit — is in a lawn chair on the berm at the back of my yard, where the ridge rolls down through the oak trees to the meadow below. Because the ridge is shaped like an airplane wing, a gentle breeze always flows up through the shady oaks. The nearest homes are a half mile distant, past the meadow, which is home to deer, coyotes, pheasants, and other wild-welcome neighbors.
The Huntley Police department announced that on Friday, Aug. 20, from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m., officers will take to the rooftops at the Dunkin Donuts located at 12090 Princeton Drive and the Dunkin Donuts at 9800 Route 47. The reason why residents will find police officers on the rooftops of these two establishments has to do with the Huntley Police Department’s support of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Illinois.
The Huntley Police department announced that on Friday, Aug. 20, from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m., officers will take to the rooftops at the Dunkin Donuts located at 12090 Princeton Drive and the Dunkin Donuts at 9800 Route 47.
The reason why residents will find police officers on the rooftops of these two establishments has to do with the Huntley Police Department’s support of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Illinois.
Nothing beats a good fish story, and the Anglers Charter Club now has a great one. Lori Lindahl might not have swam upstream, but she made to the top. Lindahl moved to Sun City right before the pandemic hit and all activities were curtailed. But Wildflower Lake was open, and Lindahl was thrilled that there was a lake where she could enjoy fishing.
Nothing beats a good fish story, and the Anglers Charter Club now has a great one.
Lori Lindahl might not have swam upstream, but she made to the top.
Lindahl moved to Sun City right before the pandemic hit and all activities were curtailed. But Wildflower Lake was open, and Lindahl was thrilled that there was a lake where she could enjoy fishing.
At the Aug. 12 village board meeting, Huntley High School sophomore Alexandria “Alex” Johnson was recognized for her state championship in the long jump at the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) track and field state meet held on June 12. Alex was also recognized at the July 15 Huntley Community School District 158 (D158) Board of Education meeting, where Jennifer Garza, one of the track and field coaches, spoke of Alex’s accomplishments.
At the Aug. 12 village board meeting, Huntley High School sophomore Alexandria “Alex” Johnson was recognized for her state championship in the long jump at the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) track and field state meet held on June 12.
Alex was also recognized at the July 15 Huntley Community School District 158 (D158) Board of Education meeting, where Jennifer Garza, one of the track and field coaches, spoke of Alex’s accomplishments.
After twenty years Sun City finds itself with one less safety feature. The lightening alert system that was located on the Whisper Creek golf course and served the adjacent neighborhoods is gone. “It’s not ours,” said Dominic Flood, General Manager of Whisper Creek. “Ask the Association” was his response to the status of the lightening alert system.
After twenty years Sun City finds itself with one less safety feature. The lightening alert system that was located on the Whisper Creek golf course and served the adjacent neighborhoods is gone.
“It’s not ours,” said Dominic Flood, General Manager of Whisper Creek. “Ask the Association” was his response to the status of the lightening alert system.
My closest neighbor installed solar panels on his home approximately two years ago and I was curious regarding any benefits he was receiving. The first questions I asked him were somewhat obvious. “Why did you decide to go solar? Are they expensive? Are they worth it?”
My closest neighbor installed solar panels on his home approximately two years ago and I was curious regarding any benefits he was receiving. The first questions I asked him were somewhat obvious.
“Why did you decide to go solar? Are they expensive? Are they worth it?”
The Sweet Repeats Thrift Shoppe located at 10514 West Route 47 in Huntley, announced on Aug. 4 that the store will be officially closing for business on Wednesday, Sep. 15. A Sweet Repeats press release revealed that the reason for the closure is due to the store losing its lease.
The Sweet Repeats Thrift Shoppe located at 10514 West Route 47 in Huntley, announced on Aug. 4 that the store will be officially closing for business on Wednesday, Sep. 15.
A Sweet Repeats press release revealed that the reason for the closure is due to the store losing its lease.
I’m finding it more and more challenging to pursue outdoor recreation in the heat of summer. I’m seeking recommendations on how to maintain my active lifestyle, despite the hotter weather.
Saturday night, my husband and I enjoyed a rare and delightful night out at a neighbor’s home. Laughter filled the air while we caught up on each other’s lives. During the evening I noticed a folded newspaper on the coffee table in their living room. I was filled with nostalgia. Reading a newspaper is one of my true pleasures in life.
This is going to be a somewhat different travel story. We’ve all had trips where, if we had actually established a plan, things didn’t go as we expected or wanted. This is kind of like that but with teens in tow. Our daughter took her two boys to San Francisco. Their spring trip had been canceled by Covid so now (July 4 weekend) seemed a good time to travel. Little did she know that many of the past restrictions, due to Covid, were still in place and counter to any differing news reports. They flew to SF and stayed the first two nights downtown. Yes, we all know a lot of SF is crazy but she wanted them to see the ‘real’ SF.
This is going to be a somewhat different travel story. We’ve all had trips where, if we had actually established a plan, things didn’t go as we expected or wanted. This is kind of like that but with teens in tow.
Our daughter took her two boys to San Francisco. Their spring trip had been canceled by Covid so now (July 4 weekend) seemed a good time to travel. Little did she know that many of the past restrictions, due to Covid, were still in place and counter to any differing news reports. They flew to SF and stayed the first two nights downtown. Yes, we all know a lot of SF is crazy but she wanted them to see the ‘real’ SF.
We received an email from Nola telling us about a restaurant she stumbled upon and thought it was a gem. Being the ever-vigilant food critics that we are, we searched the website of the restaurant she recommended. The first item on the menu caught Jim’s eye. Putting our own concerns for our health aside (we will explain shortly), we hopped into the Mini-mobile and sped out, leaving Del Webb in the dust, and headed northwest to the Tavern on Clark in Rockford.
In addition to global warming and climate change with its rising sea levels, Dr. Tim Sanborn of Chicago Life Magazine (Summer 2021) addresses the importance of heart issues resulting from air pollution. Now acknowledged by the American Heart Association and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (along with many other organizations), air pollution has become a dangerous health hazard for heart trouble. More than smoking, obesity, and elevated blood glucose, air pollution is linked to over 3 million worldwide cardiovascular deaths annually. Only hypertension has led to greater cardiovascular mortality.
Having worked in the book business for years, my livelihood has always depended on the guilty pleasure. A piece of fiction (although sometimes non-fiction), where outrageousness and drama are the key draws, really fly off the shelves. The intense salacious fury of it all overtakes readers. Like we all say, sex sells. Books (and film) like “50 Shades” and television shows like “Real Housewives” seem trashy and naughty. Sometimes more literary forms are available. A good beach read is nothing to scoff at. And there is nothing sandier than HBO’s latest craze.
Huntley High School Boys Golf Senior Josh Good at the Crystal Lake South Invite. Good is entering his final year on the boys golf team at HHS.
The ever-active Sun City group, Sew N Sews, has recently launched their latest endeavor. Their newest mission is to contribute to the world-wide foundation, “Dress a Girl.” Since 2006, Dress a Girl has provided new dresses for girls around the World. The goal, as stated on their website, is “We dream of a world in which every girl has at least one new dress.” To date, the organization has delivered over two million dresses to 81 countries. People from the United States, Canada, Uganda, the UK, Philippines, Australia, Sweden, Costa Rica, South Africa, Germany, Norway, Okinawa, Japan, and Hong Kong are making dresses.
The ever-active Sun City group, Sew N Sews, has recently launched their latest endeavor. Their newest mission is to contribute to the world-wide foundation, “Dress a Girl.”
Since 2006, Dress a Girl has provided new dresses for girls around the World. The goal, as stated on their website, is “We dream of a world in which every girl has at least one new dress.” To date, the organization has delivered over two million dresses to 81 countries. People from the United States, Canada, Uganda, the UK, Philippines, Australia, Sweden, Costa Rica, South Africa, Germany, Norway, Okinawa, Japan, and Hong Kong are making dresses.
Throughout the Sun Day’s 11 years, the paper has gone through numerous changes in appearance and a few revamps of its overall look, but the August 26 edition will present the biggest and most noticeable to date when we officially change its name.
