Carol of the ‘Bell’

Where does Santa live? It’s not always the North Pole. Who would have thought that he has a residence here in Sun City?

Chip Bell is in the exclusive club of men with real beards, and a white beard at that. But is he Santa?

Bell said, “I was working at Meijer’s and I was approached to put on the red suit. That was about nine years ago, and I have been professionally playing the part [of Santa] at shopping malls, stores, Lincoln Park Zoo, and private homes.”

Upcoming HAPL closure concludes construction

The Huntley Area Public Library (HAPL) announced that from Dec. 31 until Jan. 24 they will be closed to prepare for the final stages of their two-year building program.

“Parts of the collection are being relocated, new equipment is getting set up, staff are moving into their new spaces, and the countdown is on to explore your FRESH, new library,” said the HAPL.

It takes a village

The tradition of using tiny structures as Christmas decor can be traced back to the 17th century. But it was in the 1970s that charming ceramic houses began.

Jackie Pokorny’s love for Christmas village scenes began as child.

Pokorny said, “I grew up with the tradition of having a Christmas village. I helped my mother assemble and set up the little plastic homes and stores under the Christmas tree and it always had a train circling the tree. A Christmas village was a must in our home. It’s struck me as being so beautiful.”

Clubs come together to create holiday cheer

It’s the most wonderful time of the year in Sun City. When it comes to celebrating the holidays, the North Pole has nothing on Del Webb. Soak up the magical ambiance of the holidays at the lodge, where you’ll find elegant embellishments and festive décor. Thousands of lights wrap the trees lining the main drive and many other trees, menorahs, and sculptures decorate the hallways of the lodge.

In front of the lodge, festive decorations set the scene for photos. As you enter the lodge at the reception entrance, a dove made by the Woodshop of Sun City sits on the table. The Woodshop celebrates the season by providing handmade toys to children. Woodchuck Rich Escallier said, “We’re going to deliver them to the food pantry.”

Message from Ford about Woodchucks toy donation

Over the years, we have referred to the Woodchucks as our Holiday Elves … working hard behind the scenes to ensure that all the children receive a gift to call their own and make the holidays special for them. The priority has always been to provide toys for the children.

Use caution when eating and drinking and taking meds this holiday season

The pharmacy Update in “December, 2021 – Costco Connection” gives this strong advice from Lawrence Varga, B.Sc.Phm.: “Navigate your medications this holiday season.”

He cautions us not to be tempted to overindulge in alcoholic drinking now or at any other time during the year. Health professionals are aware of seniors possibly taking certain medications that need special treatment. The following information comes from this general manager of the store’s pharmacy operations in Canada. It concerns what happens on an empty stomach, on a full stomach, or when drinking.

Bell rings in the holidays with hand-crafted ornaments

Kathie Bell helped bring a little humor last Christmas when it was especially needed. She embroidered 2020 Coronavirus ornaments to commemorate the year of toilet paper and masks. One of them had the Grinch holding a face mask and embroidered across the top were the words, ‘Stink, Stank, Stunk.’

Bell said, “I have always sewed, I think I was in sixth grade when I started.”

Mining the future

At their November meeting, George Sebastian of the Symposium Club, gave a presentation on Crypto Currencies and the various versions of this digital currency.

Sebastian explained that “Bitcoin, developed in 2008 to be a private currency, was the first digital currency.”

Injured sandhill crane stuck in Huntley

There is an update to the Sandhill Crane predicament. I have been seeing the two birds in the wetland next to my house this afternoon. Below is that little writeup you requested.

Sadly, a Sun City male Sandhill Crane had broken its wing over the summer months and still appears to not be able to fly. Normally this species of bird begins its migration to our Southwestern states of New Mexico, Arizona, Texas and as far south as Mexico between late October and mid-December.

All hail the kings and queens of pickleball

Pickleball has been around for centuries, but one Sun Citian declared a royal change to the game.

Mark Schinler moved into SunCity in May 2019. He started playing pickleball in July 2019. And then, he was hooked.

Schinler has introduced a twist to Sun City’s Pickleball Courts. It’s called King/Queen of the Court, and it is a fun and competitive game variant for all levels. The pilot program started here in Sun City, and residents have taken to the new game. It quickly became a hit.

On November 1, the Sew N Sews presented 96 pairs of mittens, 180 hats, and 100 scarves to Grafton Food Pantry.

Ugaste hosts town hall

Illinois State District 65 Representative Daniel Ugaste (R) paid a visit to Sun City on Monday, November 1, for a Town Hall meeting in the Fountain View lodge. Approximately 35 Sun City residents attended.

Representative Ugaste was originally elected in 2018 and reelected in 2020. He commented that, “I may be mapped out of Huntley in the next election.” He explained that, “the new District 65 northern boundary might be Bowes Road in Elgin.”

Board discusses budget, elections, charter clubs

At the October Sun City Board meeting, Treasurer Bob McGouey reported that year to date third quarter revenue “was $5,887,583 which exceeded the budget by $95,211.” He added that, “expenses were $316,420 less than the budget which resulted in a $432,581 variance to the budget.”

McGouey added that “there have been 273 home sales in so far in 2021 which are 33 more than year-to-date in 2020.”

Holiday shows strut back into Sun City

Tis the season for holiday events and activities, and this year, they are back. Two Sun City Charter Clubs, the Strutters and Prairie Singers, are getting ready to entertain residents and guests with their talents for the holiday season. Mark the date, December 14, and enjoy the performance and an open bar. There will be two performances, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Hoeft, Johnson discuss village updates

The Birch Room in the Fountain View portion of the Prairie Lodge was filled to capacity for the Town Hall with Huntley Village President Timothy Hoeft and Village Manager Dave Johnson.

The duo spent more than 90 minutes with a presentation and fielding questions from the Sun City residents.

Pfizer’s experimental pill appears highly effective in trials

The latest encouraging info on an early virus treatment was given out by Pfizer Inc. very recently. Indeed, the Pharmaceutical House is planning to ask the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to authorize the drug, Paxlovid, for its use this month. A preliminary look at study results revealed that Pfizer’s experimental pill proved to be very highly effective at preventing people at high risk of getting severe Covid-19 symptoms.

1 down, just 999,999 to go

Apples are a good source of fiber and vitamin C. But at Goebbert’s, they’re also a great source of caramel.

The number of apples they produce is quite the feat.

Sam Skog, one of the employees who is charged with caramel apple production, said, “We are busy making apples every day. This week on Monday we made about 3000. 5600 on Tuesday and 3500 on Wednesday. Our goal is 10,000 for the weekend. We make the caramel apples here at the Pingree Grove location for our Barrington location also.”

Refuge for women

Chicago area shelter provides a safe haven for women escaping trafficking, sexual exploitation

On Refuge for Women’s homepage, a graduate is quoted: ““Having a chance to be in a safe place to heal means somebody thought I was worth it, even though I dared not believe I was.”

A heartwarming — and heartbreaking — memory of Ricky

It can be heartwarming when nostalgic memories pop to mind, especially when they involve people in your life that you love.

It can also be heartbreaking.

That’s the way I have felt recently when memories of my nephew, Ricky, pop to mind. Ricky died in late September of an opioid overdose—just one of more than 40,000 Americans in the past year to meet that fate. He was 40 years old.

Northwestern Medicine first in McHenry County to implant heart device preventing strokes caused by irregular heartbeat

Northwestern Medicine announced that physicians from the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital have successfully placed a WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) device in the heart of a patient to help prevent a stroke and discontinue the long-term use of oral blood-thinning medication.

“The WATCHMAN device is for patients who have atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat that is not related to problems with the heart’s valves. This is the first procedure using this device in a McHenry County hospital,” said an Oct. 20 statement from Northwestern Medicine.

Carving out his niche

Dennis Franzen is an accomplished artist — his work has been featured on billboards and commercials. His sculpture entitled “America’s Hero,” featuring the image of a firefighter, has even been featured prominently on several episodes of the hit TV show, Chicago Fire.

Franzen, based in Hanover Park, prides himself on being a versatile artist — he is an illustrator who also paints and works in metal, wood, and glass.

Three years ago, he discovered another medium for his art: pumpkins.

MCLE hosts Marine Corps birthday bash

On November 10, 1775, just eight months shy of the Declaration of Independence, a new corps was formed following the introduction of the Continental Marine Act. Having taken part in nearly every U.S. conflict, the Marine Corps has defended our country since America’s inception.

On Sunday, November 7, the Marine Corps League of Elgin invites veterans from all branches of service and the general public to come to the 246th birthday bash.

Safety 1st

Here is some excellent advice in these difficult times from Huntley’s Police Department’s Sergeant Kevin Keane. Seniors are especially popular targets of con artists who may pose as charity solicitors, grandchildren, home improvement providers and repair workers, romantic imposters, or internet scammers (just to name a few). It behooves us to learn how to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

Underwood speaks at Sun City

Representative Lauren Underwood of Illinois’ 14th Congressional District came to Sun City on October 18 for what was advertised as a “meet and greet” that would include time for resident questions and answers.

Underwood, who was introduced by Ken Kalscheur of the sponsoring Civics Committee, was met by a less than half-full ballroom. In his introduction Kalscheur announced Underwood’s appointments to the House of Representative’s Veteran Affairs and Appropriations Committees.

Will Chicago violence kill the theater?

The Chicago Theatre District is in a quandary. The reports of the daily shootings and car-jackings may give pause to theatre going Sun City residents. Should Sun City residents have concerns for their safety when they go to the Cadillac Palace Theatre for a show?

No trick, Halloween in Sun City is back

Last year there were a lot of missed celebrations, Halloween in Sun City being one of them.

Grandpa, Grandma, & Me (GG & Me) has held one of their biggest events, a Halloween Party for members, parents, and grandkids, the Sunday before every Halloween.

St. Mary’s and Village discuss new cemetery

St. Mary Church has approached the Village of Huntley with a proposal for a new parish cemetery on the church’s property between Kreutzer and Dundee Roads.

The proposed cemetery would use the vacant 2.45 acres that is adjacent to the south end of the church buildings. The cemetery would have 1,530 gravesites and 572 Columbarium Niches. Eighty-six infant graves would be included.

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