MY SUN DAY NEWS
This year, Sun City is marking a significant milestone: the 25th anniversary of the Golf Cart, Classic Car, and Car Parade. The Fitness & Lifestyle Department, Northwestern Medicine, and the Lifestyle Committee have come together to plan a memorable celebration: Sun City’s Summerfest on June 21. This is not just an event; it’s a community gathering where everyone, including family and friends, is welcome to join in on the fun.
This year, Sun City is marking a significant milestone: the 25th anniversary of the Golf Cart, Classic Car, and Car Parade.
The Fitness & Lifestyle Department, Northwestern Medicine, and the Lifestyle Committee have come together to plan a memorable celebration: Sun City’s Summerfest on June 21. This is not just an event; it’s a community gathering where everyone, including family and friends, is welcome to join in on the fun.
Iâve written before about the singing group Iâm in, a 60-voice choir that sings mostly classical literature. This choir has become âmy thingâ the past several years, as I emerge from my mommy cocoon and start to spread my wings as a woman with adult children. This choir has given me my voice back, in more ways than one.
Tuesday night rehearsals have become a sacred space for me. During these evenings, nothing else gets scheduled, and I often trudge into rehearsal still carrying the burdens from the day. As I climb the steps to the second-floor choir room, the dayâs headlines swirl around in my head, bumping into family worries, missed deadlines, and things I wish I hadnât said. But as soon as 7 p.m. hits, our director plays a full chord on the piano and we begin our vocal warmups. For the next two and a half hours, my entire focus is on deep breaths, reading notes, and counting rests.
I rode my bike in the rain today.
Oh, that wasnât my intention, I assure you. When I started out, it was a cool and cloudy day, perfect for a bike ride of 12 miles or so. But the drizzle began by the time I hit mile four, so I turned around. By the time I got home, I was pretty wet.
The month of May brings the many golf leagues for seniors to take over morning tee times at Sun City’s Whisper Creek Golf Club, in time for the longest days of sunlight. The Sun City golf course offers, for the women include Ladies in the Sun, Birdie Bunch, and Whisper Lites (handicap and non-handicap). Also, for the men, Early Birds, Niners, Flying Aces and Prime Time. One informal men’s golf group is Sin City.
The month of May brings the many golf leagues for seniors to take over morning tee times at Sun City’s Whisper Creek Golf Club, in time for the longest days of sunlight.
The Sun City golf course offers, for the women include Ladies in the Sun, Birdie Bunch, and Whisper Lites (handicap and non-handicap). Also, for the men, Early Birds, Niners, Flying Aces and Prime Time. One informal men’s golf group is Sin City.
The Huntley Rotary Club awarded four scholarships to Huntley High School students this year. As always, the Rotary Club supports efforts to further one’s education. The primary way in which the Club supports its goal of further education is through the annual scholarships it awards.  This year, Mackenzie Billard, Kate Burkey, Brooke Rogers, and Sara Willis received $500 scholarships from the Rotary Club at a breakfast celebration with the students and families. These scholarships symbolize a recognition of their hard work and dedication. The scholarships will help prepare them for the future and fuel their passion for a specific career, making a significant difference in their lives.Â
The Huntley Rotary Club awarded four scholarships to Huntley High School students this year. As always, the Rotary Club supports efforts to further one’s education. The primary way in which the Club supports its goal of further education is through the annual scholarships it awards. Â
This year, Mackenzie Billard, Kate Burkey, Brooke Rogers, and Sara Willis received $500 scholarships from the Rotary Club at a breakfast celebration with the students and families. These scholarships symbolize a recognition of their hard work and dedication. The scholarships will help prepare them for the future and fuel their passion for a specific career, making a significant difference in their lives.Â
A recent case of measles reported in Cook County has officially made Illinois the 30th state to join the alarming new measles epidemic which began in late 2024 in California, followed by the outbreak in Texas early this year. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), in 2025 there have been 4 confirmed cases of measles to date in Illinois. Measles, declared eliminated due to effectiveness of the measles vaccine, in 2000, is now making an aggressive comeback nationally.
A recent case of measles reported in Cook County has officially made Illinois the 30th state to join the alarming new measles epidemic which began in late 2024 in California, followed by the outbreak in Texas early this year.
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), in 2025 there have been 4 confirmed cases of measles to date in Illinois. Measles, declared eliminated due to effectiveness of the measles vaccine, in 2000, is now making an aggressive comeback nationally.
The âCop on a Rooftop Special Olympicâ event took place at the two Huntley Dunkin locations on May 16. 2025 marks the 22nd Anniversary of Dunkinâs partnership with the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Illinois. This fun and unique event aims to raise funds to support the Illinois Special Olympics, with 100% of the proceeds going to the organization. This partnership has been a massive success, raising $10 million in Illinois. Â Our very own Sun City resident, Maria Chakos, was among the active participants. She shared her thoughts, saying, “I’m so proud to be a part of it. I love the CPA (Citizen Police Academy) and supporting Special Olympics. It’s a wonderful cause.”
The âCop on a Rooftop Special Olympicâ event took place at the two Huntley Dunkin locations on May 16. 2025 marks the 22nd Anniversary of Dunkinâs partnership with the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Illinois. This fun and unique event aims to raise funds to support the Illinois Special Olympics, with 100% of the proceeds going to the organization. This partnership has been a massive success, raising $10 million in Illinois. Â
Our very own Sun City resident, Maria Chakos, was among the active participants. She shared her thoughts, saying, “I’m so proud to be a part of it. I love the CPA (Citizen Police Academy) and supporting Special Olympics. It’s a wonderful cause.”
Most weeks Nancy cooks six out of seven days. Iâm very lucky to be married to a great cook. She can be fancy (beef bourguignon), comforting (homemade chicken noodle soup), and old school (German rouladens). What better way to show my appreciation for all of her hard work than to take her to a restaurant where you have to cook your own food. This DIY restaurant is the Melting Pot in Schaumburg.
Anonymous asks âWill the mile markers be repainted along the Wildflower pathways?â
Well, we are here again on the brink of another summer season and left with more questions than answers. Not that there are ever any certainties in this world at large, let alone in the world of entertainment. With the state of the world being what it is, maybe it would be fun to jump on a plane for any destination. Films have a way of making travel always seem glamorous, even as the characters and situations become unpleasant or divisive. And then there are some movies which leave such little impression that you canât even be mad at them. Must be yet another streaming movie.
Letters for the week of June 5.
Gunnar Hanson, a Sun City resident, has penned a book titled Tomorrow, a poignant reflection of his life. It was the unwavering encouragement of his family that spurred him to embark on this literary journey. With their support, the time during Covid, and the invaluable assistance of his daughter, Rhonda Holycross, Hanson brought his life’s story to life, culminating in its publication in November of 2024. âI wrote the story in my own words. It was from my heart. When a book is edited, you lose the substance. My daughter Rhonda, a teacher, accepted how I wanted to write it.â Holycross said, âItâs in his voice.â
Gunnar Hanson, a Sun City resident, has penned a book titled Tomorrow, a poignant reflection of his life. It was the unwavering encouragement of his family that spurred him to embark on this literary journey. With their support, the time during Covid, and the invaluable assistance of his daughter, Rhonda Holycross, Hanson brought his life’s story to life, culminating in its publication in November of 2024.
âI wrote the story in my own words. It was from my heart. When a book is edited, you lose the substance. My daughter Rhonda, a teacher, accepted how I wanted to write it.â
Holycross said, âItâs in his voice.â
The graduation gown is hanging in the closet, patiently waiting for its one day in the sun. In a few days, my youngest child will walk across the stage and officially end her years in school. As she receives her diploma, she will be tipping the scales, closing a chapter and beginning a new one. The scale tips for me, too. Iâm far removed from my season of firsts: First apartment, first home, first pet, first job. From now on, there will still be firsts, but they will slow considerably. From now on, I will have to seek out new experiences intentionally, because they will no longer be coming at me like water from a firehose.
The graduation gown is hanging in the closet, patiently waiting for its one day in the sun. In a few days, my youngest child will walk across the stage and officially end her years in school. As she receives her diploma, she will be tipping the scales, closing a chapter and beginning a new one.Â
The scale tips for me, too. Iâm far removed from my season of firsts: First apartment, first home, first pet, first job. From now on, there will still be firsts, but they will slow considerably. From now on, I will have to seek out new experiences intentionally, because they will no longer be coming at me like water from a firehose.
Penmanship is dead. Well, thatâs what I wrote in a column almost 20 years ago, as Americans â particularly young Americans â used text messages and emails when they wrote.
Penmanship is dead.
Well, thatâs what I wrote in a column almost 20 years ago, as Americans â particularly young Americans â used text messages and emails when they wrote.
Sun City residents Grandmaster Gedo Chang and his daughter, Master Laura Paarmann, are introducing Hapkido to the community. Paarmann said, “Hapkido, a martial art, teaches kicks, punches, joint manipulation, pressure points, free fighting, throws, and meditation. All Hapkido skills are designed to subdue an opponent without causing serious injuries.â
Sun City residents Grandmaster Gedo Chang and his daughter, Master Laura Paarmann, are introducing Hapkido to the community.
Paarmann said, “Hapkido, a martial art, teaches kicks, punches, joint manipulation, pressure points, free fighting, throws, and meditation. All Hapkido skills are designed to subdue an opponent without causing serious injuries.â
Arlene Terdina, known to most Sun City residents for her skilled tennis games and killer serve, has another talent. Terdina’s art, a reflection of her self-taught journey, is a testament to the beauty of nature. Her watercolor paintings, particularly those of flowers, are a sight. As she puts it, âI have done other paintings, but I always find myself drawn back to the beauty of flowers.â
Arlene Terdina, known to most Sun City residents for her skilled tennis games and killer serve, has another talent.Â
Terdina’s art, a reflection of her self-taught journey, is a testament to the beauty of nature. Her watercolor paintings, particularly those of flowers, are a sight. As she puts it, âI have done other paintings, but I always find myself drawn back to the beauty of flowers.â
Many came outfitted in Kentucky Derby themed outfits, while others also brought their knowledge and passion for horse racing. The setting was the first Village of Huntley and Huntley Area Chamber of Commerce Derby Day at the Huntley Town Square. Sun City residents Sue Wallace and Mary Schulee spoke with a background of horse racing knowledge, before Sovereignty won the run for the roses at Churchill Downs in Lexington, Ky., on May 3. Sovereignty beat favored Journalism on a wet race track in the Kentucky Derby’s 151st annual race.
Many came outfitted in Kentucky Derby themed outfits, while others also brought their knowledge and passion for horse racing. The setting was the first Village of Huntley and Huntley Area Chamber of Commerce Derby Day at the Huntley Town Square.
Sun City residents Sue Wallace and Mary Schulee spoke with a background of horse racing knowledge, before Sovereignty won the run for the roses at Churchill Downs in Lexington, Ky., on May 3. Sovereignty beat favored Journalism on a wet race track in the Kentucky Derby’s 151st annual race.
Horror of horrors!!! Jimâs worst nightmare has become a reality. The only TV in our house finally broke after ten years. He will be missing his favorite shows: My 600 Pound Life, Hoarders, and Dr. Pimple Popper. I prefer more intellectual shows like the soap opera The Young and the Restless. With nothing to occupy our time, we would have to actually talk to each other, meaning we would wind-up in a big argument. So, the decision was unanimous, we had to get a new TV and we had to get it now!!! No âloafingâ around. Into the Mini-Mobile we went and sped off to that large appliance store in Glenview. After finalizing our purchase, we were hungry and broke. We remembered a nearby restaurant that has been in business for 85 years. They were known for their burgers and the ever popular âloafâ of onion rings. Can you guess which venue we are talking about? If you think itâs Hackneyâs, you are correct.
Hosting family gatherings is something that I truly love to do. The more the merrier. Yes, it can be exhausting, but creating those family memories is so important. The part of hosting for which I need the most help is preparing the food. Cooking does not come naturally to me. For each family gathering I have a stack of recipes that I follow explicitly. Whether I am cooking for two or twenty, I cannot make anything without a piece of paper by my side that leads me through the process.
Well, that was weird what happened within the religious world in the last few weeks. I was surreptitiously drawn into it last month when I met a friend of my uncle at a party, who grew up with a certain pontiff. At the time of this conversation, Robert Provost was just a cardinal. But while watching television on Thursday May 8th, my mother and I watched as Pope Leo XIV was ushered in as the new leader of the papacy. It got me thinking about holiness and its counterpart; and the tenuous relationship between them. This, of course, leads me into the movie Sinners.
Iâm writing with a heavy heart and a lot of uncertainty. My sister and I recently had to step in to care for our dad after our mom was unexpectedly hospitalized. It all happened so fast, and honestly, we were unprepared. In just a few days, we began to see how exhausting it must have been for our mom. Dad is showing signs of memory loss. Heâs confused, repeats himself, and canât seem to complete basic tasks. Itâs clear now that sheâs been holding it all together longer than we realized.
Iâm writing with a heavy heart and a lot of uncertainty. My sister and I recently had to step in to care for our dad after our mom was unexpectedly hospitalized. It all happened so fast, and honestly, we were unprepared.
In just a few days, we began to see how exhausting it must have been for our mom. Dad is showing signs of memory loss. Heâs confused, repeats himself, and canât seem to complete basic tasks. Itâs clear now that sheâs been holding it all together longer than we realized.
Note: The views expressed in these political submissions do not reflect those of the Sun Day, its staff, or those associated to the Sun Day.
Sun City resident Bob Hartman’s has family lore that his grandfather made a guitar for Gene Audrey. Hartman said, “My story begins when I got my first guitar when I was 12. I knew my grandfather made it, but that was about it.” In 1978, Hartman’s sister gave him her harp mandolin, and his uncle gave him an 8-string ukelele, both made by Hartman’s grandfather, Carl Larson. Hartman said, “All of them were like new. They probably hadn’t been played since 1920. We had all three hanging on the wall.”Â
Sun City resident Bob Hartman’s has family lore that his grandfather made a guitar for Gene Audrey.Â
Hartman said, “My story begins when I got my first guitar when I was 12. I knew my grandfather made it, but that was about it.”
In 1978, Hartman’s sister gave him her harp mandolin, and his uncle gave him an 8-string ukelele, both made by Hartman’s grandfather, Carl Larson.
Hartman said, “All of them were like new. They probably hadn’t been played since 1920. We had all three hanging on the wall.”Â
Many years ago, while driving home from a Canada fishing trip, my buddy Jim and I ran into some road construction in Minnesota. âRight lane closed 3 miles ahead,â the sign said. Car after car politely pulled into the crowded left laneâand because I was the one driving at the time, I zipped past in the now-much-faster right lane. âThis lane is closing,â Jim said. âRight,â I confirmed. âIn three miles.â
Many years ago, while driving home from a Canada fishing trip, my buddy Jim and I ran into some road construction in Minnesota.
âRight lane closed 3 miles ahead,â the sign said. Car after car politely pulled into the crowded left laneâand because I was the one driving at the time, I zipped past in the now-much-faster right lane.
âThis lane is closing,â Jim said.
âRight,â I confirmed. âIn three miles.â
The little shed in my backyard was built for me, back when âShe Shedsâ were featured in magazines and Pinterest boards. I wanted to give it a cute name, something that made it sound like a sprawling estate instead of an 80 square-foot shed kit we bought from Costco. I played around with calling it âDaisy Hillâ or âWestern Prairie,â but none of those stuck; ultimately it settled into its unassuming identity as âThe Writing Shedâ or âThe Thinking Hut.â I donât spend a lot of time out there during the coldest winter months. Itâs not too great spending time in there when itâs blisteringly hot, either.
The little shed in my backyard was built for me, back when âShe Shedsâ were featured in magazines and Pinterest boards. I wanted to give it a cute name, something that made it sound like a sprawling estate instead of an 80 square-foot shed kit we bought from Costco. I played around with calling it âDaisy Hillâ or âWestern Prairie,â but none of those stuck; ultimately it settled into its unassuming identity as âThe Writing Shedâ or âThe Thinking Hut.âÂ
I donât spend a lot of time out there during the coldest winter months. Itâs not too great spending time in there when itâs blisteringly hot, either.
Veterans Memorial Field is set and practices have been in earnest for the new Sun City Softball Club season’s opening day, with the first pitch at 5:30 p.m. May 12. âWe’re ready for the new year and hope we won’t be hindered by the weather on opening night,â Sun City Softball Club President Chuck Hund said. âWe have a great field crew, led by John Roccosanto, who has worked on leveling the field.â
Veterans Memorial Field is set and practices have been in earnest for the new Sun City Softball Club season’s opening day, with the first pitch at 5:30 p.m. May 12.
âWe’re ready for the new year and hope we won’t be hindered by the weather on opening night,â Sun City Softball Club President Chuck Hund said. âWe have a great field crew, led by John Roccosanto, who has worked on leveling the field.â
Several Sun City residents and quilters donate their time and talent to recognize veterans of all service branches. They honor them by presenting them with a valor quilt to thank them. Recently, the group lost a member, Joan Ausbury, who passed away unexpectedly in her home. Ausbury was an avid quilter and volunteered at Gazebo Valor Quilters of Huntley, making quilts for veterans.Â
Several Sun City residents and quilters donate their time and talent to recognize veterans of all service branches. They honor them by presenting them with a valor quilt to thank them.
Recently, the group lost a member, Joan Ausbury, who passed away unexpectedly in her home. Ausbury was an avid quilter and volunteered at Gazebo Valor Quilters of Huntley, making quilts for veterans.Â
Stamp Out Hunger is almost here. Saturday, May 10, marks the 33rd anniversary of one of America’s great days of giving: the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. This is a large-scale food collection effort, where letter carriers and their partners collect non-perishable food donations from residents nationwide.
As Aprilâs health report concluded, while the benefits of supplements are often not proven or exaggerated, there are times when individuals may have medical conditions that increase their individual need for supplementation of specific vitamins.
One of the toughest challenges in any sport is to repeat as champion. Sun City’s top pickleball player, John Schwan, accomplished that feat at the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships in Naples, Florida, on April 27. He took on four challengers in the mens singles 75-79 age bracket, 4.0 rating, and defeated them all, returning as a repeat national champ.
One of the toughest challenges in any sport is to repeat as champion.
Sun City’s top pickleball player, John Schwan, accomplished that feat at the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships in Naples, Florida, on April 27. He took on four challengers in the mens singles 75-79 age bracket, 4.0 rating, and defeated them all, returning as a repeat national champ.
