Good job getting to the bottom of most of the story about the Flags on Fire Plugs in Sun city. Your story answers all the what and who behind the story.
If you look closely though there is NOT a flag from various nations on the other side; they are all the same and look like the Dutch (the Netherlands) flag to me, with the dark blue stripe at the bottom. Luxembourg has a lighter blue at the bottom.
So why are there any other flags on these markers and at an equal level and size of the American flag?
There are similar markers and flags on the fire plugs in the Del Webb complex in Mundelein but both sides have been painted a bright red, no flags.
So I disagree that the 2015 flagpole mystery has been completely solved. Would put you in the Sherlock Holmes level if you could find out why there is one other flag on the markers besides the American flag. And why this particular flag?
Good hunting.
Frank Dennis
Sun City
Good job on the McRide story. Two details were omitted, though, that are part of the story.
– The Village of Huntley is contributing $2 per Huntley resident this year to the McRide program. Huntley’s population is about 25,000.
– Since Grafton Township is discontinuing its previous transportation service, it is contributing $10,000.00 this year to Huntley, which will reduce Huntley’s expense. Huntley’s net contribution to McRide will then be about $40,000.000
Jim Darow
Neighborhood 5
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I want to thank you for keeping us so well informed and entertained about Huntley and our beautiful Sun City community. The features amuse and enlighten us.
I would like to say a special word of âthanksâ to Jim Darrow for his compassionate article about Jim Van Fleet. Jim is missed by many
The Dining DuoâŚ.you are my âGo Toâ  culinary humorists and critics when we are looking for a new dining experience.Â
The WoodchucksâŚ.help solve our housing problems and save us money, we appreciate your expertise
I know I speak for many, if not , all of the readers. THANK YOU for a wonderful neighborhood newspaper..
Jill King
Sun City resident
During the Fall and Winter seasons, the real estate market slows down considerably, but doesnât stop. There is always some one who has to sell and some one who needs to buy because of life changing situations. The same occurs in Sun City. Re sales may slow down, but donât stop and Spring is just around the corner. Past Sun City resale activity confirms that in 2008, undaunted by the recession, 115 resales were recorded. During 2013, 348 resale transactions occurred. 2014 resales were a little over 300.
Sun Cityâs CAM [Community Association Management] Board has directed its Marketing Committee to develop a plan focusing on creating an ongoing awareness and visibility of Sun City Huntley as the premier 55+ years community for active adults. The Boardâs stated mission, goals and purpose for the Committee are very clear.
Successful marketing of Sun City occurs when a prospect arrives on our premises as a result of hearing or seeing something about the community . The sales process then begins and is usually conducted by a real estate agent or by a resident as a FSBO [For Sale by Owner]. Sun City is not in the sales business. Encouraging prospects to âcheck us out â is the challenge of the Marketing committee. Marketing and SALES are two different functions. Marketing feeds Sales. The primary task of the Marketing Committee is to arouse a curiosity in potential prospects. Selling them is an entirely different matter. In addition to locating the ideal house, on site sales tools such as brochures, handouts, maps, the hospitality center, and visible physical amenities are just that âŚ.sales tools.
In a very subtle, unsophisticated and inexpensive manner, marketing Sun City has been happening for years. Thousands of current and past Sun City residents, their families and friends talk about Sun City, and therefore market the community. Add to that all of the vendors and staffs serving Sun City, Jameson patrons, Whisper Creek golfers, travelers on Route 47, Real Estate agents, Banks, Attorneys, previous corporate TV and print ads, etc, etc. Sun City is not and never will be in some type of marketing vacuum. Click on 55.com for an interesting website to see how a national company promotes 55+ communities including Sun City Huntley..
You Tube, Facebook, Twitter, and our own Website are also available at no cost to get the message out. So before any grandiose media marketing campaigns are launched we can hopefully anticipate that the Committee will take advantage of the âfreebiesâ and not break the bank with many other costly promos.
The 55 year old and over potential Sun City resident has been exposed to entirely different marketing and selling techniques than those that existed 10 and 15 years years ago when Sun City was being marketed at those times.
Aggressive, contemporary and savvy marketing techniques are the industry norm. Sun Cityâs marketing efforts can be best served by following the leaders and following the current technology driving current marketing techniques .
Jim Darow N5
