MY SUN DAY NEWS
As family Bears parties go, this one would have been considered epic even without the tiny miracle that happened, because it was the first time that my entire family could all be together on the same day. There was my son Dave and three grandkids by him — Jack, Natalie and Olivia, all between 12 and 16 years old. And my daughter Jenny and grandkids Quentin, Evan and Johannah, all between 23 and 26 years old, with Quentin’s birthday only days away. And Johanna’s kids — my great-grandkids — Anastasia (Asia), who is three already, and Dakota, just barely a half-year old.
As family Bears parties go, this one would have been considered epic even without the tiny miracle that happened, because it was the first time that my entire family could all be together on the same day.
There was my son Dave and three grandkids by him — Jack, Natalie and Olivia, all between 12 and 16 years old. And my daughter Jenny and grandkids Quentin, Evan and Johannah, all between 23 and 26 years old, with Quentin’s birthday only days away. And Johanna’s kids — my great-grandkids — Anastasia (Asia), who is three already, and Dakota, just barely a half-year old.
Dance has been known to help you with footwork and footspeed. There’s a reason why football players, basketball players, and soccer players, take ballet. Sun City tennis players have taken the courts to improve their footwork with line dancing lessons with tennis player Nancy Fontana.
What gave her the idea for tennis line dancing?
“No formal rezoning application or development plan has been submitted” to the Village for Regency Square, announced Huntley Village Manager David Johnson at the September 22 Sun City board meeting.
Johnson was a guest speaker at the Board meeting and he carefully talked through the many steps that are needed to be completed before a project could even break ground in Huntley.
Parkside Pub located at 11721 E. Main Street announced via its Facebook page that kitchen staff shortages have made it impossible for the sports bar to continue to run at regular business hours. “With that said, in order to give our kitchen a break, we have decided to temporarily close on Mondays until further notice. Should we find the right fit, we will go back to serving you all on Mondays again,” an Oct. 2 Parkside Pub Facebook post said.
Parkside Pub located at 11721 E. Main Street announced via its Facebook page that kitchen staff shortages have made it impossible for the sports bar to continue to run at regular business hours.
“With that said, in order to give our kitchen a break, we have decided to temporarily close on Mondays until further notice. Should we find the right fit, we will go back to serving you all on Mondays again,” an Oct. 2 Parkside Pub Facebook post said.
According to the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI), “Diabetes can strike anyone, from any walk of life…in numbers that are dramatically increasing.” As stated also in my Part 1 on the subject, “Today, more than 34 million Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes.” Add to that figure, the fact that “Worldwide, more than 463 million people have diabetes.”
Breaking News: The Dining Duo finds Big Foot! Everyone was searching in the wilderness, but Big Foot was found just outside the city limits of Harvard. This is proudly proclaimed on a roadside sign on Northwest Highway. More evidence can be found as you drive past the Big Foot Cemetery. Venturing further on we discovered the place where all the Big Foot (Big Foots??? Big Feet???) dine and socialize. We are ecstatic to announce the discovery of the Big Foot Inn Supper Club and Restaurant in Harvard.
Early in the morning, I wrapped an oversized fleece plaid blanket around my shoulders just as the light of dawn was taking hold. I was in my favorite chair on my screen porch, looking out to my backyard. That’s when I saw him: a grey-and-rust colored coyote, walking slowly through my backyard! He stopped for long pauses to sniff the air and look around. He didn’t seem to notice me. He was in no hurry. He looked to be out on a Lazy Sunday stroll.
Early in the morning, I wrapped an oversized fleece plaid blanket around my shoulders just as the light of dawn was taking hold. I was in my favorite chair on my screen porch, looking out to my backyard.
That’s when I saw him: a grey-and-rust colored coyote, walking slowly through my backyard! He stopped for long pauses to sniff the air and look around. He didn’t seem to notice me. He was in no hurry. He looked to be out on a Lazy Sunday stroll.
Each of the past five mornings, I have managed to convince myself that there is enough toothpaste in the tube that justifies keeping it for one more day. I vacillate; I should throw this out? No, I should keep it. I am literally trying to squeeze the last little useable bit out of this common household item. It seems that as we transition from one season to the next, there is also the desire to get the most out of each season. We often want fall to last as long as possible before the cold harsh reality of winter sets in.
Well, this has been a long time coming. Six years, to be precise, but here we are. The granddaddy of franchises, James Bond, returns to cinemas. Billed as Daniel Craig’s final outing as the character, the build-up was palpable in many of the trades. All the speculation can be put to rest as this is both the most fitting end to this iteration as well as Craig himself. So, grab your martinis and strap in. Or in my case, Ricard and Limoncello LaCroix. Please, no judgments.
I’m concerned about my mother. She lives alone and is in her late 80s. She used to be somewhat active, especially for her age. She would volunteer in the kid’s ministry at her church, meet friends for lunch during the week, and participate in activities at the senior center where she lives. Since COVID, however, she has retreated to her home.
The Theatre Company of Sun City’s production of Beauty and the Beast is back at Drendel Hall following an 18-month break due to COVID-19. Linda Davis said, “We are happy that after a year and a half, all of our lead performers came back. We did have to find actors for the part of Chip. We have two grandchildren of the cast performing on alternate nights in that part. This group is a family, we have to work together, attend the rehearsals. There are so many parts and challenges to this play, but we have fun also.”
The Theatre Company of Sun City’s production of Beauty and the Beast is back at Drendel Hall following an 18-month break due to COVID-19.
Linda Davis said, “We are happy that after a year and a half, all of our lead performers came back. We did have to find actors for the part of Chip. We have two grandchildren of the cast performing on alternate nights in that part. This group is a family, we have to work together, attend the rehearsals. There are so many parts and challenges to this play, but we have fun also.”
The issues involving the Rutland Township Board of Trustees continued on Tuesday, September 24, with a special meeting called to appoint a new Township Supervisor and two new Trustees. The fifteen residents in attendance were fewer than half of the attendees at the regular Board of Trustees meeting that was held on September 14. This special meeting had a 48-hour advance notification, which is all that was required by State laws.
The issues involving the Rutland Township Board of Trustees continued on Tuesday, September 24, with a special meeting called to appoint a new Township Supervisor and two new Trustees.
The fifteen residents in attendance were fewer than half of the attendees at the regular Board of Trustees meeting that was held on September 14. This special meeting had a 48-hour advance notification, which is all that was required by State laws.
For the record, it wasn’t a cow that caused the Great Chicago Fire a century and a half ago. That fact was settled a long time ago, and you probably already knew that if you’ve read the stories that abound every October retelling the tale — and none more than this year, the 150th anniversary of the Great Fire.
Sun City will host its 20th annual Artisan Fair on Sunday, October 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Sun City Prairie Lodge. This is a big milestone for a Sun City event. “We are excited to once again showcase the talent of Sun City. The event team will provide safety measures so all will be able to enjoy approximately 80 artisan vendors,” said resident Marsha Geist.
Sun City will host its 20th annual Artisan Fair on Sunday, October 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Sun City Prairie Lodge.
This is a big milestone for a Sun City event.
“We are excited to once again showcase the talent of Sun City. The event team will provide safety measures so all will be able to enjoy approximately 80 artisan vendors,” said resident Marsha Geist.
These are supposedly our “golden years.” We looked forward to sleeping late, not going to work every day, and having plenty of free time to do whatever we want with no responsibilities. Thanks to Del Webb and our inability to “just say no,” we are busier now than we were before retirement. Our monthly calendars on our iPads are so full, we have resorted to putting post-it notes on their covers. We now find ourselves asking Alexa to set an alarm every morning, we have no free time whatsoever, and we have more responsibilities than ever before.
Last week, my daughter, a high school freshman, invited five of her friends over to our house to get together before their first homecoming dance. Each friend brought something to share: drinks, chips, fruit, and cookies. So. Many. Cookies! As each high schooler arrived, the voices went up a few decibels. The energy and excitement before the dance seemed to become more palpable by the minute.
Last week, my daughter, a high school freshman, invited five of her friends over to our house to get together before their first homecoming dance. Each friend brought something to share: drinks, chips, fruit, and cookies. So. Many. Cookies!
As each high schooler arrived, the voices went up a few decibels. The energy and excitement before the dance seemed to become more palpable by the minute.
My below report depicts the history of diabetes with its miracle discovery of insulin used to control and prolong the lives of the 34.2 million Americans living today with Diabetes 1 and Diabetes 2. I found Amanda Foreman’s Wall Street Journal column fascinating in its explanation of the discovery of insulin a century ago. Foreman refers to this event as one of the “greatest medical breakthroughs of the 20th century.”
Like all moms, I know most of my children’s likes and dislikes very well. Their food preferences though are something that I could never remember. Having three children in three years and three months, many nights I considered it an accomplishment if I simply put something that resembled dinner on the table, much less designed a menu that accommodated their requests. If my daughter felt the need to pick each and every diced tomato out of a casserole, as the saying goes, ‘that’s on her.’ Neither of us was offended and over time they all grew up into healthy adults.
Q. I’m in my mid-70s and suffer from chronic joint pain. It seems to be worse during the late afternoon and into the evening. I have difficulty engaging in my favorite leisure pursuits, such as knitting and baking because the pain is so extreme. At times, the sensation even wakes me up in the middle of the night. I take over-the-counter pain medication as needed, as prescribed by my doctor. I’m starting to feel a little down because the pain only seems to be worsening.
We’ve all had them: one of those days when it seems nothing’s going quite right. Sharon Little recently had a day when one thing after another tried to trip her up. Little said, “We were heading north to attend a wedding in Lake Geneva at the Grand Geneva Resort. The ceremony was at 2:30 and we left Sun City at 1:00, thinking we had plenty of time. It was an occasion to get dressed up for; heels and good jewelry.”
We’ve all had them: one of those days when it seems nothing’s going quite right. Sharon Little recently had a day when one thing after another tried to trip her up.
Little said, “We were heading north to attend a wedding in Lake Geneva at the Grand Geneva Resort. The ceremony was at 2:30 and we left Sun City at 1:00, thinking we had plenty of time. It was an occasion to get dressed up for; heels and good jewelry.”
As a critic, I have been prone to fawning over the occasional arthouse movie. That isn’t to say that mainstream fare is lost on me. After watching so many superhero blockbusters, one longs for some originality. No better place than the film festivals to showcase more unique entries. Most audiences roll their eyes at pretentiousness, but still really good movies come out of the fray. Here is just a few of the cream sieved out for your perusal.
Sun City Stingray members recently wrapped up the 2021 Senior Games season by participating in the Illinois State Senior Olympics Meet, September 17-19, in Springfield, IL.
On Aug. 8, friends and family of legendary WGN agribusiness broadcaster Orion Samuelson, gathered at Jameson’s Charhouse in Sun City to celebrate his retirement after 60 years on the air. Gloria Samuelson, Orion’s wife, explained that there were about 65 people in attendance at the celebration, which included other big-name guests like Emmy-Award-winning entertainment reporter and critic Dean Richards and WGN Radio AM 720 anchor Steve Alexander who was named as Orion’s successor back in January.
On Aug. 8, friends and family of legendary WGN agribusiness broadcaster Orion Samuelson, gathered at Jameson’s Charhouse in Sun City to celebrate his retirement after 60 years on the air.
Gloria Samuelson, Orion’s wife, explained that there were about 65 people in attendance at the celebration, which included other big-name guests like Emmy-Award-winning entertainment reporter and critic Dean Richards and WGN Radio AM 720 anchor Steve Alexander who was named as Orion’s successor back in January.
Recently My Huntley News’ ethics were called into question by a couple Facebook users who took issue with how we sourced quotes for a recent story. Their grievances generated some Facebook chatter, and as I watched the opinions roll in, I thought how opposite our critics’ actions were to how professional journalists pass information to the public. In this instance, MHN Lead Reporter Michelle Moreno, with permission, used a friend’s profile to post a question to a Facebook group for a recent story. Michelle clearly identified herself and her intentions. A couple respondents, though, were later shocked to find their words in print, assuming Michelle had “lifted” their comments without permission from a group chat, though Michelle was the author of the question and clearly stated it was for My Huntley News.
Recently My Huntley News’ ethics were called into question by a couple Facebook users who took issue with how we sourced quotes for a recent story. Their grievances generated some Facebook chatter, and as I watched the opinions roll in, I thought how opposite our critics’ actions were to how professional journalists pass information to the public.
In this instance, MHN Lead Reporter Michelle Moreno, with permission, used a friend’s profile to post a question to a Facebook group for a recent story. Michelle clearly identified herself and her intentions. A couple respondents, though, were later shocked to find their words in print, assuming Michelle had “lifted” their comments without permission from a group chat, though Michelle was the author of the question and clearly stated it was for My Huntley News.
The Rutland Township issue reached boiling point at the latest board meeting, but the debate began over the summer.
Carole Michalsen celebrated her birthday on March 16, 2020. Michalsen said, “The next day we went into a shut down.” On March 17, the U.S. tightened restrictions as coronavirus cases surged and stocks took their biggest plunge since 1987. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the United States reached 4,600 on March 17 with 85 deaths. Cities and states across the country announced increasingly tight restrictions to slow the spread of the flu-like virus. Sun City residents began their tenure of staying home.
Carole Michalsen celebrated her birthday on March 16, 2020. Michalsen said, “The next day we went into a shut down.”
On March 17, the U.S. tightened restrictions as coronavirus cases surged and stocks took their biggest plunge since 1987. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the United States reached 4,600 on March 17 with 85 deaths. Cities and states across the country announced increasingly tight restrictions to slow the spread of the flu-like virus. Sun City residents began their tenure of staying home.
Huntley Community Radio always had rhythm. And now it has blues. Mike Ptak hosts “Blues Is My Business” on Huntley Community Radio broadcasting as WHRU-LP on 101.5 FM, guiding his audience through a variety of blues songs and artists. He also entices the audience with the back story to those songs. Ptak said, “My musical sense and taste in music is the sum of varied experiences growing up in the city, working on Chicago’s South Side for some time, and an appreciation of all people and their contributions. I have played keyboards professionally in various bands in many different venues.”
Huntley Community Radio always had rhythm. And now it has blues.
Mike Ptak hosts “Blues Is My Business” on Huntley Community Radio broadcasting as WHRU-LP on 101.5 FM, guiding his audience through a variety of blues songs and artists. He also entices the audience with the back story to those songs.
Ptak said, “My musical sense and taste in music is the sum of varied experiences growing up in the city, working on Chicago’s South Side for some time, and an appreciation of all people and their contributions. I have played keyboards professionally in various bands in many different venues.”
After nearly two years of pandemic lockdown, it’s easy to let your world shrink to the little you can see outside the window, just this side of the trees at the back of the yard. TV is no help, stuck in an endless loop of fake news fighting real news, conspiracies battling confirmation, tucked in between messy hurricanes and war evacuations. That’s why it’s important for principled columnists — like me — to go that extra mile to keep your world expanded beyond the narrow bounds of your lockdown life, to keep you up-to-date firsthand on things that don’t sit just outside your window in Huntley.
After nearly two years of pandemic lockdown, it’s easy to let your world shrink to the little you can see outside the window, just this side of the trees at the back of the yard. TV is no help, stuck in an endless loop of fake news fighting real news, conspiracies battling confirmation, tucked in between messy hurricanes and war evacuations.
That’s why it’s important for principled columnists — like me — to go that extra mile to keep your world expanded beyond the narrow bounds of your lockdown life, to keep you up-to-date firsthand on things that don’t sit just outside your window in Huntley.
I search for just the right rock. It has to be a certain size and shape for me to even consider them. I have collected them from all over the country just to cover with paint and bring out the beauty that lies dormant. I have a varied selection of paints and brushes I use for my craft. Each rock is meticulously cleaned and inspected. Then the painting process begins. I select any number of ideas I have collected over the years. Memories from travels, friends, sceneries and loved ones. Some ideas are right under my nose, in my yard or house, a neighbor’s house or just from simple conversations. I collect and store my ideas way back in my head to retrieve at just the right time.
I search for just the right rock. It has to be a certain size and shape for me to even consider them. I have collected them from all over the country just to cover with paint and bring out the beauty that lies dormant.
I have a varied selection of paints and brushes I use for my craft. Each rock is meticulously cleaned and inspected. Then the painting process begins. I select any number of ideas I have collected over the years. Memories from travels, friends, sceneries and loved ones. Some ideas are right under my nose, in my yard or house, a neighbor’s house or just from simple conversations. I collect and store my ideas way back in my head to retrieve at just the right time.
My sixtieth birthday is quickly approaching, and I am starting to “feel my age.” My fifties were busy raising teenagers, carting them around to various activities, and preparing them to leave our nest. Now that my youngest is off at college, I finally have more time to focus on myself. While my career keeps me busy throughout the week, my mornings and evenings allow ample time to fine-tune my health. As I look forward to retirement in a few years, and hopefully grandchildren not too far behind, I want to enjoy my golden years.
