MY SUN DAY NEWS
It was time for the early arriving Cubs fans to settle in and get used to the 20-degree wind chill temperatures at Wrigley Field. It was April Fool’s Day, my group’s first 2026 game, but there wasn’t anything funny about the howling wind right off Lake Michigan. A family of five walked up the concourse, wearing New York Yankees gear. They soon had their “First game at Wrigley Field” cards.
It was time for the early arriving Cubs fans to settle in and get used to the 20-degree wind chill temperatures at Wrigley Field. It was April Fool’s Day, my group’s first 2026 game, but there wasn’t anything funny about the howling wind right off Lake Michigan.
A family of five walked up the concourse, wearing New York Yankees gear. They soon had their “First game at Wrigley Field” cards.
Letters of kindness found in the Sun City Community.
If you’re living in Del Webb and reading this, you’ll probably remember TV westerns from the 1950s to the early 1960s. There were such classics as Have Gun Will Travel, Bonanza, and the most iconic western of all, Gunsmoke. As it turns out, Jim and I are gradually turning into the characters on that show. We are constantly talking to a “Doc,” Jim is walking more and more like “Chester,” and every day I am looking more like “Miss Kitty.” In keeping with the TV western theme, we decided to hitch up the 189 “horse”-power mini-mobile and gallop off to Texas Roadhouse in Crystal Lake.
I’m a few months away from retiring after more than three decades in the classroom. Teaching has been more than a job; it’s been a calling. I’ve spent my adult life investing in young people, watching them grow, and (I hope) leaving a small but meaningful mark. As I get closer to this next chapter, I find myself both grateful and uneasy.
I’m a few months away from retiring after more than three decades in the classroom. Teaching has been more than a job; it’s been a calling. I’ve spent my adult life investing in young people, watching them grow, and (I hope) leaving a small but meaningful mark.
As I get closer to this next chapter, I find myself both grateful and uneasy.
March 31, Orion Samuelson’s birthday, was always a special day for Sun City resident Jo Geary, a family friend. “I would bake cupcakes for his birthday every year,” Geary said. “One year, he wanted to surprise his wife Gloria on her birthday and asked if I would make centerpieces and I said, ‘yes.’” Samuelson, who first became an agriculture reporter for WGN Radio in 1960, died at age 91 March 16 at his Sun City home. Funeral services were held April 9 and April 10, at DeFiore Funeral and Cremation April 9 for public visitation and the funeral service at Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church.
March 31, Orion Samuelson’s birthday, was always a special day for Sun City resident Jo Geary, a family friend.
“I would bake cupcakes for his birthday every year,” Geary said. “One year, he wanted to surprise his wife Gloria on her birthday and asked if I would make centerpieces and I said, ‘yes.’”
Samuelson, who first became an agriculture reporter for WGN Radio in 1960, died at age 91 March 16 at his Sun City home. Funeral services were held April 9 and April 10, at DeFiore Funeral and Cremation April 9 for public visitation and the funeral service at Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church.
For the past four days, I’ve been on a coach bus with high school band students as a chaperone on a trip to Colorado. The crick in my neck insists the trip was longer than that, but (checks calendar) it was really only four days. This trip was a bit of a homegoing for me, since I lived in Colorado a long time ago, when I was a newlywed and my husband was studying for a master’s degree. Now, my husband is a high school band director in Illinois. Colorado has become part of the rotation of band trips, which also includes Disney World, New Orleans, and Memphis.
For the past four days, I’ve been on a coach bus with high school band students as a chaperone on a trip to Colorado. The crick in my neck insists the trip was longer than that, but (checks calendar) it was really only four days.
This trip was a bit of a homegoing for me, since I lived in Colorado a long time ago, when I was a newlywed and my husband was studying for a master’s degree. Now, my husband is a high school band director in Illinois. Colorado has become part of the rotation of band trips, which also includes Disney World, New Orleans, and Memphis.
You can’t walk through the world without leaving a few footprints behind, and some of them last a lot longer than those snow-prints that finally melted away. My words in this column are footprints like that. It’s always fun to meet someone who still remembers words I stomped into a story long ago.
You can’t walk through the world without leaving a few footprints behind, and some of them last a lot longer than those snow-prints that finally melted away.
My words in this column are footprints like that. It’s always fun to meet someone who still remembers words I stomped into a story long ago.
Perhaps you’ve seen headlines about a promising new study in national and local newspapers: “Walking may reduce Alzheimer’s risk” and wondered about the science of this claim. While the link between exercise and dementia is well-established, the recent headlines referred to a new study in the journal Nature Medicine. The new research focused on walking and cognition and has been heralded as groundbreaking. As Kirk Erickson, chair of neuroscience at the Adventist Health Research Institute, explained, this new study “is really quite important and quite unique,” identifying how walking might be influencing some of the proteins implicated in Alzheimer’s.
Perhaps you’ve seen headlines about a promising new study in national and local newspapers: “Walking may reduce Alzheimer’s risk” and wondered about the science of this claim. While the link between exercise and dementia is well-established, the recent headlines referred to a new study in the journal Nature Medicine.
The new research focused on walking and cognition and has been heralded as groundbreaking. As Kirk Erickson, chair of neuroscience at the Adventist Health Research Institute, explained, this new study “is really quite important and quite unique,” identifying how walking might be influencing some of the proteins implicated in Alzheimer’s.
Following a massively successful event last year, the annual Charter Club Crawl is returning, promising to be bigger, better, and more festive than ever before. Scheduled for April 28, from 4-6 p.m., this year’s event is embracing a lively Cinco de Mayo theme, offering residents the perfect opportunity to socialize, enjoy themed treats, and discover the diverse Charter Clubs available in Sun City. Organizers have listened to feedback from last year’s packed house and are re-arranging the space to ensure more room for everyone to move, mingle, and meet new neighbors.
Following a massively successful event last year, the annual Charter Club Crawl is returning, promising to be bigger, better, and more festive than ever before. Scheduled for April 28, from 4-6 p.m., this year’s event is embracing a lively Cinco de Mayo theme, offering residents the perfect opportunity to socialize, enjoy themed treats, and discover the diverse Charter Clubs available in Sun City.
Organizers have listened to feedback from last year’s packed house and are re-arranging the space to ensure more room for everyone to move, mingle, and meet new neighbors.
The Tall Oaks Tennis Charter Club held a pre-season gathering of court time and fellowship March 21 at The Racquet Club in Crystal Lake. “Our playgroup season starts the week of May 11,” Sun City Tennis Club President Robin Chambers said. “We also have tennis and master tennis lessons scheduled all season.”
The Tall Oaks Tennis Charter Club held a pre-season gathering of court time and fellowship March 21 at The Racquet Club in Crystal Lake.
“Our playgroup season starts the week of May 11,” Sun City Tennis Club President Robin Chambers said. “We also have tennis and master tennis lessons scheduled all season.”
Ever wonder exactly how your tax dollars are being put to work? Gain a firsthand perspective from Huntley Community School District 158 presenters. Shannon Smith, Sun City Lifestyle Assistant, said, “On Tuesday, April 21, Superintendent Jessica Lombard and CFO Mark Altmayer will host a special presentation in the Drendel Ballroom from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.”
Ever wonder exactly how your tax dollars are being put to work? Gain a firsthand perspective from Huntley Community School District 158 presenters.
Shannon Smith, Sun City Lifestyle Assistant, said, “On Tuesday, April 21, Superintendent Jessica Lombard and CFO Mark Altmayer will host a special presentation in the Drendel Ballroom from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.”
Master Laura Paarmann is responsible for introducing hapkido to the community. The classes have expanded and have been adapted for seniors. For many, the image of martial arts is one of high-flying kicks and explosive power, but for a growing number of seniors, the Korean art of hapkido is a preferred path to aging with strength and purpose. Hapkido emphasizes coordinated power instead of brute force, making it uniquely accessible to older adults. Emphasizing circular movements and redirecting an opponent’s energy allows practitioners to maintain effective self-defense skills without undue stress on aging joints.
Master Laura Paarmann is responsible for introducing hapkido to the community. The classes have expanded and have been adapted for seniors.
For many, the image of martial arts is one of high-flying kicks and explosive power, but for a growing number of seniors, the Korean art of hapkido is a preferred path to aging with strength and purpose. Hapkido emphasizes coordinated power instead of brute force, making it uniquely accessible to older adults. Emphasizing circular movements and redirecting an opponent’s energy allows practitioners to maintain effective self-defense skills without undue stress on aging joints.
I’m 72 years old, widowed, living on my own, and doing my best to stay independent. I have type 2 diabetes, which I’ve managed fairly well for the past 15 years with medication and exercise. My A1C has been steady, and my doctor has generally been pleased. At my last appointment, though, she surprised me by saying I need to eat more protein. Suddenly, it feels like protein is everywhere. I see it advertised on cereal boxes, in yogurt ads, and even in coffee drinks. I’m unsure whether this is just another food trend or something I should take seriously.
I’m 72 years old, widowed, living on my own, and doing my best to stay independent. I have type 2 diabetes, which I’ve managed fairly well for the past 15 years with medication and exercise. My A1C has been steady, and my doctor has generally been pleased.
At my last appointment, though, she surprised me by saying I need to eat more protein. Suddenly, it feels like protein is everywhere. I see it advertised on cereal boxes, in yogurt ads, and even in coffee drinks. I’m unsure whether this is just another food trend or something I should take seriously.
As one great thespian once said, “Space, the final frontier…” So many great works of literature and film have tackled what lies outside of our own atmosphere. Whether it’s fantastic like Star Wars or the Dune series (more to come on that later in the year) or reality like Gravity, our collective amazement at the cosmos continues to fuel our imagination. Some of my personal favorites are 2001, Arrival, Interstellar, and The Martian, the latter of which has a connection to a feature in theaters now.
We always appreciate recommendations from our loyal readers. We recently received a letter from Michael telling us about one of his favorite Mexican restaurants, Cheo’s House Mexican Family Restaurant in Bartlett. Since we had a taste for Mexican food, off we went.
For Sun City resident Pat Janiga, family history isn’t just found in old photo albums; it’s built into the very frame of almost every home in America. Janiga is the granddaughter of Edmond Michel, the visionary inventor who revolutionized the construction industry with the creation of the first portable electric handsaw. Janiga lovingly refers to him as “Pepere.”
For Sun City resident Pat Janiga, family history isn’t just found in old photo albums; it’s built into the very frame of almost every home in America.
Janiga is the granddaughter of Edmond Michel, the visionary inventor who revolutionized the construction industry with the creation of the first portable electric handsaw. Janiga lovingly refers to him as “Pepere.”
The word “whimsy” has popped up in my inbox and social media feeds several times recently, which feels like a not-so-subtle sign from the universe. Whimsy, rooted in the word “whim” and also attributed to a now-obscure term from the early 16th century, “whim-wham,” which was a word to describe an ornamental object or trinket or an eccentric interest, even sounds fun when you say it.
One of these days, I’m going to get myself a chicken. I’ll put it on top of my head and I’ll walk into a bar. I’ll order a pint, then I’ll sit on a barstool and drink the beer slowly. Maybe I’ll eat a few peanuts or watch a bit of the game on the TV above the bar. When my glass is empty, I’ll tip the bartender and walk out.
One of these days, I’m going to get myself a chicken.
I’ll put it on top of my head and I’ll walk into a bar. I’ll order a pint, then I’ll sit on a barstool and drink the beer slowly. Maybe I’ll eat a few peanuts or watch a bit of the game on the TV above the bar. When my glass is empty, I’ll tip the bartender and walk out.
Many Sun City residents have been remembering one of their most famous neighbor, as legendary agriculture broadcaster Orion Samuelson died on March 16 at age 91. Samuelson is well-known for his generations long career spanning six decades on farm reports on WGN-AM Radio 720 and WGN-TV. The Ontario, WI native, who was born March 31,1934, came to Chicago in 1960 after working in Green Bay radio and TV, as WGN Radio and TV’s Farm Director.
Many Sun City residents have been remembering one of their most famous neighbor, as legendary agriculture broadcaster Orion Samuelson died on March 16 at age 91.
Samuelson is well-known for his generations long career spanning six decades on farm reports on WGN-AM Radio 720 and WGN-TV. The Ontario, WI native, who was born March 31,1934, came to Chicago in 1960 after working in Green Bay radio and TV, as WGN Radio and TV’s Farm Director.
The Theatre Company of Sun City will bring laughter, music, and some audience participation to the theater with the upcoming production of Nunsense II. The show features five Little Sisters of Hoboken, Catholic nuns who are bitten by the showbiz bug after putting on their first successful benefit revue. Itching to get back in the spotlight and thank their audience for their support, the sisters take to the stage yet again for a hilarious “thank you” show that goes haywire.
The Theatre Company of Sun City will bring laughter, music, and some audience participation to the theater with the upcoming production of Nunsense II.
The show features five Little Sisters of Hoboken, Catholic nuns who are bitten by the showbiz bug after putting on their first successful benefit revue. Itching to get back in the spotlight and thank their audience for their support, the sisters take to the stage yet again for a hilarious “thank you” show that goes haywire.
The Sun City Strategic Planning Committee (SPAC) is hosting a special Town Hall. The meeting will discuss the future of the land next to Sun City’s Veterans Memorial Softball Field. Residents are encouraged to attend on April 9 at 5:30 p.m. in the Drendel Ballroom to help shape the next chapter for these community assets. The committee values feedback from community members.
The Sun City Strategic Planning Committee (SPAC) is hosting a special Town Hall. The meeting will discuss the future of the land next to Sun City’s Veterans Memorial Softball Field. Residents are encouraged to attend on April 9 at 5:30 p.m. in the Drendel Ballroom to help shape the next chapter for these community assets.
The committee values feedback from community members.
On Saturday, April 11, the Huntley Police Department will be hosting the 5th annual “Don’t Be Fooled By A Disability” 5K run-walk to benefit the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics Illinois.
After serving as the mayor of Roselle from 1993 to 2017, totaling 24 years, Gayle Smolinski has traded the gavel for a quieter life in Sun City, bringing a lifetime of public service experience with her. Smolinski’s path to leadership actually began in the newsroom. “I graduated from Bowling Green University with a degree in journalism and public relations,” she noted. Initially, her career focused on writing, but her ambitions soon evolved. “I did do some writing, but I became interested in helping my community,” she said, marking the start of her public service journey.
After serving as the mayor of Roselle from 1993 to 2017, totaling 24 years, Gayle Smolinski has traded the gavel for a quieter life in Sun City, bringing a lifetime of public service experience with her.
Smolinski’s path to leadership actually began in the newsroom. “I graduated from Bowling Green University with a degree in journalism and public relations,” she noted. Initially, her career focused on writing, but her ambitions soon evolved. “I did do some writing, but I became interested in helping my community,” she said, marking the start of her public service journey.
One trio of Chicago sports trivia experts ended as the winner of the monthly Chi-Town Sports Trivia Group gathering March 6 at Huntley Area Public Library. The winning team for the monthly gathering was John Hudal and Jim Suerth of Sun City and Gary Konca of Pingree Grove. They answered the most questions correctly on Chicago Cubs, Bears, Blackhawks, Bulls and the wildcard category, college sports nicknames.
One trio of Chicago sports trivia experts ended as the winner of the monthly Chi-Town Sports Trivia Group gathering March 6 at Huntley Area Public Library.
The winning team for the monthly gathering was John Hudal and Jim Suerth of Sun City and Gary Konca of Pingree Grove. They answered the most questions correctly on Chicago Cubs, Bears, Blackhawks, Bulls and the wildcard category, college sports nicknames.
For more than a dozen years, alumni of the Huntley Citizens Police Academy have been assisting at village events. Civic groups represented included the Huntley Police Department Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association (CPAAA), was on hand at the Huntley Area Chamber of Commerce’s EXPO to get the word out on their efforts.
For more than a dozen years, alumni of the Huntley Citizens Police Academy have been assisting at village events.
Civic groups represented included the Huntley Police Department Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association (CPAAA), was on hand at the Huntley Area Chamber of Commerce’s EXPO to get the word out on their efforts.
I’m a 68-year-old guy who used to be proud of my walking streak. I’d head out every morning, rain or shine (well, almost every morning), and I was logging two to three miles a day. My blood pressure improved, I slept better, and I just felt more like myself. Then this past winter hit hard. Snow, wind, and cold temperatures made it almost impossible for me to head out, even if only for a short walk around the block. I told myself I’d just take a short break and wait for conditions to improve. Well, that “short break” turned into months.
So, we are in the midst of another wild bout of weather, as we glade through turbulence into April. As of writing this, we have been through summer, fall, winter…and hopefully spring. But as no doubt your grandkids are about to take a midseason break, maybe we should set aside some time for beach vacations and parties ourselves. I, on the other hand, am going to a lake house a couple days after this is turned in for much needed rest and relaxation. Just because we are all older, that doesn’t mean that Spring Break shenanigans are off the table. And that goes for the characters in these shows.
Nancy has been having an intense craving for a good burger. Believe it or not, she heard that Applebee’s has added some very creative burgers to their menu. She suggested to me that we give it a try. I, being the restaurant snob that I am, reluctantly agreed. Years ago, Applebee’s was in every neighborhood. Now not so much. As luck would have it, there is one on Randall Road in Elgin. We decided to give it a try and headed out with visions of hamburgers dancing in Nancy’s blonde head.
On a recent sunny day, Chris and I sat out on our paver patio. We felt the sunshine on our faces as we threw the ball for our English Springer Spaniel. This time on our patio offered us a few moments of pure bliss. Patios are often used as an extension of our home. Outdoor rooms, created through the use of landscaping or hardscaping, are used for entertaining, eating or simply relaxing. These outdoor spaces, though, do need to be maintained. Just as we maintain the inside of our homes through regular cleaning, painting and redecorating, our outdoor areas require maintenance. This column details the steps to evaluating and maintaining patios and other surfaces created using pavers (bricks).
On a recent sunny day, Chris and I sat out on our paver patio. We felt the sunshine on our faces as we threw the ball for our English Springer Spaniel. This time on our patio offered us a few moments of pure bliss.
Patios are often used as an extension of our home. Outdoor rooms, created through the use of landscaping or hardscaping, are used for entertaining, eating or simply relaxing. These outdoor spaces, though, do need to be maintained. Just as we maintain the inside of our homes through regular cleaning, painting and redecorating, our outdoor areas require maintenance. This column details the steps to evaluating and maintaining patios and other surfaces created using pavers (bricks).
