MY SUN DAY NEWS
I recently learned that former MSDN reporter and Sun City resident Dwight Esau passed away. To put it bluntly (because Dwight wouldn’t have it any other way when it comes to things published in a newspaper) the news stung. News does that sometimes, often times. It stings.
I recently learned that former MSDN reporter and Sun City resident Dwight Esau passed away.
To put it bluntly (because Dwight wouldn’t have it any other way when it comes to things published in a newspaper) the news stung. News does that sometimes, often times. It stings.
Tragedy is the first thing that shows up when I turn on the news, or log in to social media. The cruelty that humans can perpetrate on other humans takes my breath away. In so many ways I want to retreat into the world that I believe existed when I was a young child, where everyone was a friend and anyone would offer help if you needed it.
Besides the spectacle of war, natural disaster, and crime broadcasted on our screens, tragedy has touched my own community, too. A 17-year-old boy’s life was cut short this week, and the high school where my daughter attends has been reeling from this senseless snuffing out of a beautiful life that was just getting started.
The 170th Illinois State Fair was a success for the Woodchucks this August. Members From Sun City’s Woodchucks Charter Club entered their hand-crafted pieces in the competition. Rich Escallier, Judy Escallier, and Ed Cuttle came back with winning ribbons.
Cuttle, who has been a member of Woodchucks for 17 years, not only won a blue ribbon and first place, but also took the honor of “Best in Show in All Crafts.” “Best in Show” includes categories of metal, wood, ceramic, and glass, and Cuttle won for his beautiful segmented vase. The vase was made with white ash, mahogany, wenge, and bloodwood cherry, with six coats of Minwax Tung Oil.
Many people visit the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Maybe one percent of those visitors make the trek to the bottom. A smaller percent do the hike known as the Rim-to-Rim (R2R). The percentage only gets smaller of those who do it in one day. Sun City residents Mike Grantham, Larry Lindahl, and Doug Jenks did just that on Thursday, September 7. What existed on avid hiker Doug’s bucket list, became a reality when Mike and Larry with their triathlete experience brought their endurance training knowledge to the adventure.
Director of Development Services Charlie Nordman had previously presented trustees with conceptual plans brought forward by petitioner Kelley Williamson and Bakley Development, LLC for the construction of a 6,000-square-foot gas station/convenience store at the northwest corner of Route 47 and Noah Avenue.
Seven years ago, when this NASA spacecraft was launched, my wife Mary and I witnessed its ascent into space at the Kenedy Space Center and wished it “Godspeed.” Along with thousands of cheering visitors that day and many in the country watching TV, we excitedly viewed and heard the spectacular, perfect, and right-on-time liftoff.
On Thursday, October 26, the Prairie Lodge in Sun City hosted their bi-annual consumer showcase for residents and the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is an opportunity for businesses to showcase their products and services and residents to do home renovations and plan the next stages of their life.
Years ago, when I taught high school English, I assigned students to write an essay about some real person they considered to be a hero, and why. I met with each student beforehand to discuss their choice, to ensure they understood the assignment and were going in the right direction. And when a boy named Jim said his hero was Jean-Claude Van Damme, I asked him why.
Years ago, when I taught high school English, I assigned students to write an essay about some real person they considered to be a hero, and why. I met with each student beforehand to discuss their choice, to ensure they understood the assignment and were going in the right direction.
And when a boy named Jim said his hero was Jean-Claude Van Damme, I asked him why.
On July 24, at Bowl-Hi Lanes, a 57-year-old bowler went into cardiac arrest. Bowlers began bystander CPR. Now, Robert McIntyre is alive and doing well because there were individuals who were trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). CPR can increase survival for cardiac arrest victims by up to four times.
On July 24, at Bowl-Hi Lanes, a 57-year-old bowler went into cardiac arrest. Bowlers began bystander CPR. Now, Robert McIntyre is alive and doing well because there were individuals who were trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
CPR can increase survival for cardiac arrest victims by up to four times.
To my Faithful Readers during the past two decades, due in large part to my personal family problems and to my fairly recent traumatic multi broken femur fall, I now conclude the writing of my last H & W Column. At this time, however, I do find it pertinent to advise all of you about some very important tips (from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center) on how to avoid these damaging and unnecessary falls.
My dad is a senior Veteran facing challenges in his life. Having served our country with pride and dedication, he’s now in a situation where he requires help and I’m unsure where to turn. He has some physical difficulties that are making it challenging for him to lead a comfortable and fulfilling life.
Once upon a time in Crystal Lake there was a family business called Frank’s Barber, Toy, and Hobby Shop. Think about it. You could get your son a model airplane, your daughter a Barbie doll, and get a haircut all in one place. This is one stop shopping at its finest. Curiously enough, this place is no longer in business. The Giangrande family took over the location and it is now da Baffone Cucina Italiana.
To paraphrase Jane Austen, there is no greater enjoyment like reading. Of course, she never lived to see the age of moving pictures on large screens nor the advent of cathode rays and LED.
To paraphrase Jane Austen, there is no greater enjoyment like reading.
Of course, she never lived to see the age of moving pictures on large screens nor the advent of cathode rays and LED.
Tucking our children into bed used to be a treasured ritual. It included snuggling and reading a book, a bath, combing their hair, brushing their teeth and, of course, hugs, kisses, and a made-up story about something fanciful. Our wonderful little ones are now fully independent and employed adults living in three different states, so the bedtime ritual in our home, while no less important, is not nearly so treasured. Taking medication, brushing one’s teeth, and setting out clothes for the next day just doesn’t hold the same appeal.
Sun City Resident Ken Lydecker is all ready for fall on Rocksprings Lane. His décor has caught the eye of many neighbors and residents.
Mark your calendars for the 22nd Sun City Artisan Fair on Sunday, October 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Prairie Lodge. The Artisan Fair will showcase 75 high-quality local talent vendors. There are 22 new exhibitors, along with favorite sellers from past fairs.
Mark your calendars for the 22nd Sun City Artisan Fair on Sunday, October 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Prairie Lodge.
The Artisan Fair will showcase 75 high-quality local talent vendors. There are 22 new exhibitors, along with favorite sellers from past fairs.
Jim Eggers, Sun City resident and Executive Director of Huntley Community Radio, said, “Here at the mighty 101.5 we are always looking for new talent. He’s four years old and won the DJ for a day contest run by the Huntley public library. Lochlan Pedersen redeemed his prize and got to cohost a show with 101.5 FM Huntley Community Radio.”
How much do you know about the history of Huntley? Do you know which minister called people to worship by hammering on the anvil? Did you know that the Latimer brothers manufactured a unique bike in Huntley? Or that Huntley, at one time, was the dairy capital of the United States? Karen Makowski, Sun City resident and board member of the Huntley Historical Society, said, “We are hoping to preserve this history of the Village of Huntley, which was founded in 1851 by Thomas Huntley. His home still stands here in Huntley.”
How much do you know about the history of Huntley? Do you know which minister called people to worship by hammering on the anvil? Did you know that the Latimer brothers manufactured a unique bike in Huntley? Or that Huntley, at one time, was the dairy capital of the United States?
Karen Makowski, Sun City resident and board member of the Huntley Historical Society, said, “We are hoping to preserve this history of the Village of Huntley, which was founded in 1851 by Thomas Huntley. His home still stands here in Huntley.”
Last night I tried a new recipe for dinner: Vegan Sloppy Joes. The “vegan” part of the recipe went straight out the window the moment I decided a trip to the grocery store for vegetable stock was out of the question: the beef stock in my cabinet would have to do. This is precisely why I’ll never embrace veganism. I’m simply too lazy and don’t have the discipline required.
Last night I tried a new recipe for dinner: Vegan Sloppy Joes.
The “vegan” part of the recipe went straight out the window the moment I decided a trip to the grocery store for vegetable stock was out of the question: the beef stock in my cabinet would have to do.
This is precisely why I’ll never embrace veganism. I’m simply too lazy and don’t have the discipline required.
At the Oct. 12 Village Board meeting, trustees will be presented with a proposal brought forward by petitioner, Vertical Bridge VB II, LLC., to construct a 50-foot by 50-foot wireless telecommunication service facility (WTSF) with a 175-foot-tall mobile service support structure built alongside it.
Whenever someone you know passes away and their name comes up in conversation, a mental image of that person will rush to the surface of your thoughts — and often it’s one very specific image of one very singular moment, before other images come flooding into your mind’s eye. It’s like that with me whenever I hear the name of Chicago Bears middle linebacker Dick Butkus — “the most feared tackler of all time” according to the NFL Network — who passed away two weeks ago on October 5.
Whenever someone you know passes away and their name comes up in conversation, a mental image of that person will rush to the surface of your thoughts — and often it’s one very specific image of one very singular moment, before other images come flooding into your mind’s eye.
It’s like that with me whenever I hear the name of Chicago Bears middle linebacker Dick Butkus — “the most feared tackler of all time” according to the NFL Network — who passed away two weeks ago on October 5.
Jim and Nancy do not disclose the fact that they will review a restaurant before they attend, ensuring their reviews are unbiased and uninfluenced by their position with the Sun Day. Fifty years ago, after dating for six weeks, I asked the moron to marry me. My parents said it was a “mistake,” and made us wait a year to marry. To celebrate us proving them wrong, we decided to commemorate our 49th year anniversary with an elegant meal at St. Charles Place Steakhouse in St. Charles.
Jim and Nancy do not disclose the fact that they will review a restaurant before they attend, ensuring their reviews are unbiased and uninfluenced by their position with the Sun Day.
Fifty years ago, after dating for six weeks, I asked the moron to marry me. My parents said it was a “mistake,” and made us wait a year to marry. To celebrate us proving them wrong, we decided to commemorate our 49th year anniversary with an elegant meal at St. Charles Place Steakhouse in St. Charles.
The last flashes of summer have given way to a chill that can only mean one thing; autumn is upon us. And as we settle into darker nights, our collective screens reflect a certain mood. Whether at home or in a theater, we seek out movies to give pause and even a slight tingle down our spine. Well, Disney Plus has just the ticket for you then.
My son, Christopher, graduated college in May. He lives in Tennessee, and we have been meeting virtually each Friday to discuss his job search. I can unabashedly say it is the highlight of my week. Our weekly chats give him an opportunity to let me know what he has accomplished and for me to give him feedback and ideas of where he should be focusing his efforts. The feeling that I am tangibly helping him to chart his future is very rewarding. As Elie Tahari observed “Sooner or later, you realize that real fulfillment comes only from helping others. All of the rest is just temporary.”
My aging parents recently experienced a fire scare in their home, and it’s left us all concerned about their well-being. My parents are at an age where certain physical limitations might pose challenges in the event of an emergency. I want to be proactive in helping them create a safer living environment, but I’m not sure where to start or what steps to take.
Into the night they gather and enter a cave from many directions, unseen by the naked eye. Only a few walk passed there. At times voices could be heard screeching sounds and wails of laughter. Hidden out of sight a brave man observed what went on there.
Below you find some reader submissions of 2023 that never made it into print, but we have a chance to print now. Some, most, may appear out of date or out of context, so they may demand some patience, but that doesn’t diminish their importance.
Letters for the week of October 19.
For the first time in over a decade, adults and children alike gather in the same performing room at Sun City to practice blocking, sing songs, and come together as a community for the upcoming fall musical The Sound of Music. For one cast member, Jocelyn Doden, The Sound of Music is extra special.
For the first time in over a decade, adults and children alike gather in the same performing room at Sun City to practice blocking, sing songs, and come together as a community for the upcoming fall musical The Sound of Music.
For one cast member, Jocelyn Doden, The Sound of Music is extra special.
Terri Pearl, a Sun City resident, rocked the audience at the Rock the Ages concert on August 29. Pearl performed four songs and a solo honoring the queen of rock ‘n’ roll, Tina Turner, with an explosive performance of Proud Mary. This is not Pearl’s first time taking the stage.
Terri Pearl, a Sun City resident, rocked the audience at the Rock the Ages concert on August 29. Pearl performed four songs and a solo honoring the queen of rock ‘n’ roll, Tina Turner, with an explosive performance of Proud Mary.
This is not Pearl’s first time taking the stage.
