Injured crane stranded in Huntley rescued

A rescue group called ‘Chicago Bird Collision’ did come out to the wetland containing the injured sandhill crane I photographed in early December. Unfortunately, I had not seen the cranes for three or four days prior to their arrival. We did an extensive search of the area but did not spot either the injured male bird or its mate.

Board creates Strategic Planning Advisory Committee

On Wednesday, January 12, the Sun City Board introduced SPAC to the assembled audience. SPAC, the acronym for Strategic Planning Advisory Committee, is composed of Bill Berendt, Bonnie Bayser, John Brewer, Jim Senecki, Dennis O’Leary, Nancy Fontana and Roger Lambert.

The purpose of the January 12 meeting was to give the Board the opportunity to provide the members of this new advisory committee their views on the critical functions of SPAC and provide them with an overview of the breadth and scope of the committee’s functions.

Difficulties in using medical marijuana

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association informs us that “marijuana use comes with real risks that can impact a person’s health and life.” The association continues “Marijuana is the most commonly used (often) illegal substance in the U.S. and its use is growing. Marijuana use among all adult age groups, both sexes, and pregnant women (a terrible development for the unborn child) is going up. At the same time, the perception of how harmful marijuana use can be is declining.

Huntley restaurants face off against economic woes and other pandemic-related impacts

Even as Illinois officials begin to report early signs of decline from the omicron surge, businesses across the state have had to continue modifying the way they operate just to stay afloat amid inflation of goods and services and staffing shortages.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, quit rates on the last business day of November increased to 3.0%, with the largest quit rates being seen in the accommodation and food industries.

Huntley Fire Protection district focuses on mobile integrated health

The Huntley Fire Protection District is one of the largest fire districts in McHenry and Kane County. Over 6100 Fire Suppression, Emergency Medical Service, and Rescue calls are handled by five fire stations and full-time and part-time firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs. The Department is responsible for over 55 square miles in Huntley, Lake in the Hills, Union Gilbert, and Algonquin.

Board discusses new officers, solar panels

The three recently elected Sun City Board members were introduced and new Board officers were elected at the January 5 Sun City Board meeting.

Russ Howard, Barry Newman and Art Ryden were elected to the Board by acclamation in 2021. Marilynn Berendt was elected the 2022 Board President and Dottie Harrison was elected Vice President. Bob Wainscott was elected Treasurer and Art Ryder was elected Secretary. The new officers will be installed at the Associations annual meeting on January 26.

Fishing club offers sea of opportunity

The Sun City Angler’s Club was chartered on May 26, 2000, with 36 members on the roster. The club currently has over 140 members from all backgrounds and levels of fishing experience. Twenty-five new members have joined in just the last four months.

How different is the club now from its inception?

Medical marijuana: The legal use, part 1

This past year of 2021 saw record sales of $1.38 billion dollars in Illinois revenue from the state’s 110 recreational and medical marijuana dispensaries. One-third of the Illinois-approved purchases were made by out of state visitors.

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.

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