MY SUN DAY NEWS
After a nearly 30-year career as a teacher, athletic director, and coach, Jim Meyers received a top honor from the state-wide Illinois Association of Athletic Directors (IADA). Meyers was one of three members of the IADA Class of 2024 Hall of Fame, along with Terry Dobbs who worked at Palatine and Greg King of Sterling, at the May IADA meeting. Meyers explained that due to his retirement as Johnsburg High School Athletic Director in 2003, he is one of the elder statesman so honored. āI was nominated by the present Johnsburg High School Principal Kevin Shelton, and filled out an informational and career packet from IADA, including letters from colleagues (former tennis coach Rick Bailey), and that went to a committee,ā Meyers, a long-tine Sun City resident, said.
After a nearly 30-year career as a teacher, athletic director, and coach, Jim Meyers received a top honor from the state-wide Illinois Association of Athletic Directors (IADA).
Meyers was one of three members of the IADA Class of 2024 Hall of Fame, along with Terry Dobbs who worked at Palatine and Greg King of Sterling, at the May IADA meeting. Meyers explained that due to his retirement as Johnsburg High School Athletic Director in 2003, he is one of the elder statesman so honored.
āI was nominated by the present Johnsburg High School Principal Kevin Shelton, and filled out an informational and career packet from IADA, including letters from colleagues (former tennis coach Rick Bailey), and that went to a committee,ā Meyers, a long-tine Sun City resident, said.
One of the foods in the news lately is microgreens, as this February headline notes: āMicrogreens: Superfoods for the future, packed with nutrients and easy to grow.ā Since 2023, research studies on microgreens have risen sharply with more than 103 articles on microgreens published in PubMed, the national medical database. You may have heard of them, but wondered what they are and why you might want to add them to your diet.
This fall, Sun City’s Pencil and Palette Club is hosting an art gallery exhibit, and youāre invited. The exhibit will feature the work of resident artists.
Carolyn Gordon, the Chairman of the Exhibit, said, “We are featuring the work of our novice through experienced painters.”
If you havenāt seen me around for a while, blame the āvid. Thatās what my son called it when he phoned me to ask: āHow you doinā against the āvid?ā I had no idea what he was talking about, so I asked him ā three times ā what he said: āAre you saying āvidā? What the hell is a āvidā?ā Something in the corner of my mind hinted that it might be a term having to do with gambling, but I hadnāt placed any bets lately. Or at least I didnāt remember if I had.
If you havenāt seen me around for a while, blame the āvid.
Thatās what my son called it when he phoned me to ask: āHow you doinā against the āvid?ā
I had no idea what he was talking about, so I asked him ā three times ā what he said: āAre you saying āvidā? What the hell is a āvidā?ā Something in the corner of my mind hinted that it might be a term having to do with gambling, but I hadnāt placed any bets lately. Or at least I didnāt remember if I had.
The thing about a rainstorm is that it doesnāt wait.Ā Of all the things that can be canceled or delayed or rescheduled ā a meeting, a dentist appointment, even a tax deadline ā a storm moving in, chased by thunder and lightning, refuses to bend to anyone elseās schedule. Between the curtains on the window over my sink is when I first see the trees swaying wildly in the wind, then notice that the late afternoon sun is lighting up a huge thunderhead cloud. Fluffy white columns billow higher and higher. Below it, a blanket of dark gray clouds moved in.
The thing about a rainstorm is that it doesnāt wait.Ā
Of all the things that can be canceled or delayed or rescheduled ā a meeting, a dentist appointment, even a tax deadline ā a storm moving in, chased by thunder and lightning, refuses to bend to anyone elseās schedule. Between the curtains on the window over my sink is when I first see the trees swaying wildly in the wind, then notice that the late afternoon sun is lighting up a huge thunderhead cloud. Fluffy white columns billow higher and higher. Below it, a blanket of dark gray clouds moved in.
Kelly Bertrand, Prairie Lodge’s Fitness Coordinator, said, “Knowing the (Paris, France) Summer Olympics was coming up and knowing we have some competitive athletes here at Sun City, I thought it would be a great idea to celebrate that spirit of competition and doing your best with some events here at Sun City.”
Sun City Neighborhoods, united in their celebration, marked the 25th anniversary of their community on Sunday, August 25. Despite the heat, residents, brought their chairs and contributions and participated in the community event in a show of solidarity. The Neighborhood Advisory Council (NAC) invited each neighborhood to hold a community-wide Drinks on the Drive. Ā
Sun City Neighborhoods, united in their celebration, marked the 25th anniversary of their community on Sunday, August 25. Despite the heat, residents, brought their chairs and contributions and participated in the community event in a show of solidarity.
The Neighborhood Advisory Council (NAC) invited each neighborhood to hold a community-wide Drinks on the Drive. Ā
The healthiness of living things, at times, can be paramount. We spend a good portion of our lives either trying to remain healthy or fighting to become healthy again. We also worry about the health of those around us; our family, friends, neighbors and even, if applicable, our pets. As trivial as it seems, by comparison, we also want our lawn, flowers, shrubs and trees to remain healthy. This year unfortunately for many, our lawns are suffering from diseases. The symptoms of these diseases have become increasingly obvious over the past 4-5 weeks. This column focuses on identifying turf diseases as well as possible causes and treatments.
Iām hoping for some guidance on a topic thatās become increasingly important to my family: home care. My parents have recently started receiving home care services, and as their daughter, I want to ensure that theyāre receiving the best possible care and support. While weāre grateful for the assistance that home care provides, I must admit Iām quite new to this experience, and Iām feeling a bit overwhelmed about what to expect and how to best utilize the care services available to us.
Iām hoping for some guidance on a topic thatās become increasingly important to my family: home care. My parents have recently started receiving home care services, and as their daughter, I want to ensure that theyāre receiving the best possible care and support.
While weāre grateful for the assistance that home care provides, I must admit Iām quite new to this experience, and Iām feeling a bit overwhelmed about what to expect and how to best utilize the care services available to us.
Movie theaters, and viewers, have been holding out on a savior. Very little has clicked with audiences this summer, with family fare sequels and the occasion horror flick being glimmers of hope. That was until a certain superhero graced our screens and deemed himself to be our Jesus. That person I am speaking of is Ryan Reynolds. His Deadpool serves as a counterpoint to the usual gifted people in capes we normally see. But when he is co-opted, it comes as a bit of a mixed bag.
Now that beef prices are at an all-time high, of course, Nancy has a recurring taste for steak. To stop her incessant whining, I cleverly suggested that we go check out a steakhouse. We have passed by this restaurant a number of times, but never gave it a second thought until today. āTo the Mini-Mobile Nancy,ā and we headed out to Addisonās Steakhouse in McHenry. When we arrived in the strip mall, we were surprised that the restaurant had outdoor seating by the shopping centerās fountain. We decided to dine indoors due to the Florida like weather weāve been experiencing.
Now that beef prices are at an all-time high, of course, Nancy has a recurring taste for steak. To stop her incessant whining, I cleverly suggested that we go check out a steakhouse. We have passed by this restaurant a number of times, but never gave it a second thought until today. āTo the Mini-Mobile Nancy,ā and we headed out to Addisonās Steakhouse in McHenry.
When we arrived in the strip mall, we were surprised that the restaurant had outdoor seating by the shopping centerās fountain. We decided to dine indoors due to the Florida like weather weāve been experiencing.
The Sun City Marines Color Guard gets ready to post the colors at the Huntley Police Department against the Huntley Fire Protection District contest.
The ROMEOs, a unique group of Retired Old Men Eating Out, reside in Neighborhood 10A. They made a memorable entry in Sun City’s golf cart parade with their ROMEOs Breakfast Club cart, adorned in patriotic colors and a large sign. The club, consisting of ten current members, including Rich Gawlik, Tom Reichardt, Jim Saletta, Bob Sholiton, Mike Shehorn, Bob Wainscott, Gene Harrison, Steve Lindskoog, Clyde Sample, and Bill Berendt, is known for its weekly breakfast outings, marked by their distinctive shirts: āTeam Breakfast.ā
The ROMEOs, a unique group of Retired Old Men Eating Out, reside in Neighborhood 10A.
They made a memorable entry in Sun City’s golf cart parade with their ROMEOs Breakfast Club cart, adorned in patriotic colors and a large sign. The club, consisting of ten current members, including Rich Gawlik, Tom Reichardt, Jim Saletta, Bob Sholiton, Mike Shehorn, Bob Wainscott, Gene Harrison, Steve Lindskoog, Clyde Sample, and Bill Berendt, is known for its weekly breakfast outings, marked by their distinctive shirts: āTeam Breakfast.ā
Writing a book wasnāt even on Russ Kovarās radar for the longest time ā until suddenly it was. Kovar has worn many hats in his lifetime: a veteran of the U.S. Navy, an information management professional, a mentor to veterans searching for civilian employment; he is also a husband, father, and grandfather. Now retired and living in Sun City, Kovar has taken on yet another identity: author.
Writing a book wasnāt even on Russ Kovarās radar for the longest time ā until suddenly it was.
Kovar has worn many hats in his lifetime: a veteran of the U.S. Navy, an information management professional, a mentor to veterans searching for civilian employment; he is also a husband, father, and grandfather. Now retired and living in Sun City, Kovar has taken on yet another identity: author.
Cedar Cove, or Neighborhood 5 (N-5), held its annual neighborhood picnic on Saturday, August 10, at the Fountain View Pavilion from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. N-5 was one of the first neighborhoods opened in Sun City. James Harper said, “At the picnic, we recognized all our residents who have been here since Sun City opened.Ā The ‘originals’ began a tradition in 1999 when they moved in, lasting 25 years. They cared for each other, checking in on neighbors and being there for each other. They set the tone.Ā We wouldn’t be the kind of neighborhood we are without them.”
Cedar Cove, or Neighborhood 5 (N-5), held its annual neighborhood picnic on Saturday, August 10, at the Fountain View Pavilion from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. N-5 was one of the first neighborhoods opened in Sun City.
James Harper said, “At the picnic, we recognized all our residents who have been here since Sun City opened.Ā The ‘originals’ began a tradition in 1999 when they moved in, lasting 25 years. They cared for each other, checking in on neighbors and being there for each other. They set the tone.Ā We wouldn’t be the kind of neighborhood we are without them.”
Over the weekend, I found myself giggling with two longtime friends as we mugged at a bathroom mirror while trying on outfit after outfit. The clothes are from my friend Jenniferās closet. She called us over because she was ready to clear some space from her ample wardrobe and wanted us, her friends with similar figures, to get first dibs.
Over the weekend, I found myself giggling with two longtime friends as we mugged at a bathroom mirror while trying on outfit after outfit.
The clothes are from my friend Jenniferās closet. She called us over because she was ready to clear some space from her ample wardrobe and wanted us, her friends with similar figures, to get first dibs.
In case you were wondering, Iām that idiot you see on the bike most mornings, pedaling down Jim Dahmer and Sandwald roads, all the way to Big Timber and back. I freely confess that Iām an idiot, but Iām not stupid. My bike has flashing lights fore and aft, I wear a red helmet and sunglasses, and Iām dressed in either orange, yellow, or fluorescent green.
In case you were wondering, Iām that idiot you see on the bike most mornings, pedaling down Jim Dahmer and Sandwald roads, all the way to Big Timber and back.
I freely confess that Iām an idiot, but Iām not stupid. My bike has flashing lights fore and aft, I wear a red helmet and sunglasses, and Iām dressed in either orange, yellow, or fluorescent green.
The tranquility of those who reside on Lilly Lane in Neighborhood 36 has been disrupted by a growing number of individuals who are ignoring a no-fishing rule at the nearby area pond. This blatant disregard of the policy is causing concern among residents and management alike, raising questions about respect for community guidelines and the potential impacts on the environment and safety.
My spouse and I are at a bit of a crossroads, and we could use some guidance. Weāre in our early sixties, still working, and have recently become empty nesters. With our children having flown the coop, our once bustling home now feels a little too spacious for just the two of us. Weāre contemplating the idea of downsizing, yet are unsure about whether itās the right move for us and, if so, how to go about it.
My spouse and I are at a bit of a crossroads, and we could use some guidance. Weāre in our early sixties, still working, and have recently become empty nesters. With our children having flown the coop, our once bustling home now feels a little too spacious for just the two of us.
Weāre contemplating the idea of downsizing, yet are unsure about whether itās the right move for us and, if so, how to go about it.
Being a 90s kid, I never believed that films from our era would have sequels. These singular baubles that rolled through the multiplex back then seemed too unique to the time. The disaster films of the 70s were the template, for sure. But it was the advent of CGI that made updating those concepts possible. After the arrival of Jurassic Park (from a novel by Michael Crichton), studios aimed to capitalize on the fledgling technology. Post-9/11, the want for disaster fell off completely. It was almost as if something was rumbling in the air at the turn of the Millennium; we could sense it.
Itās been very hot and humid lately and we have been sweating like the pilot in the movie āAirplane.ā As long as we were sweating anyway, we decided to go out for some hot and spicey food at a Mexican restaurant. We consulted our super-secret list of restaurants to review and found No Manches Mexican Grill in Carpentersville.
Joann Miller, a Sun City resident, loves to garden, and her beautifully planned gardens are proof. At 94 years old, she confirms that gardening can be good for your health, happiness, and quality of life. Miller said, “In August, I will have lived in Sun City for 20 years. My next-door neighbor, Diane, moved in on the same day. We love gardening.”
Joann Miller, a Sun City resident, loves to garden, and her beautifully planned gardens are proof. At 94 years old, she confirms that gardening can be good for your health, happiness, and quality of life.
Miller said, “In August, I will have lived in Sun City for 20 years. My next-door neighbor, Diane, moved in on the same day. We love gardening.”
Donāt tell the other birds, but my favorite bird in the garden is the little house wren. While other birds are beautiful in some gaudy, outlandish way ā like cardinals, orioles, goldfinches, or even robins ā the tiny wrenās beauty lies in its simple, classical, dappled brown look, like a tiny refined Englishman in a tweed suit.
Donāt tell the other birds, but my favorite bird in the garden is the little house wren.
While other birds are beautiful in some gaudy, outlandish way ā like cardinals, orioles, goldfinches, or even robins ā the tiny wrenās beauty lies in its simple, classical, dappled brown look, like a tiny refined Englishman in a tweed suit.
As I write this, Iām at the beginning of an 11-day European tour as a member of a choir. Over the next week, we will sing concerts in the Czech Republic,Ā Austria, and Hungary. Tonight, our first concert is in Prague. We have rehearsed, but now that the performance is drawing near, tensions are high. Itās hot. The performance hall we are in does not seem to be air conditioned.Ā
As I write this, Iām at the beginning of an 11-day European tour as a member of a choir. Over the next week, we will sing concerts in the Czech Republic,Ā Austria, and Hungary.
Tonight, our first concert is in Prague. We have rehearsed, but now that the performance is drawing near, tensions are high. Itās hot. The performance hall we are in does not seem to be air conditioned.Ā
Sun City Concert Band is going to Rock the Ages on August 20. Rob Lindsey, President of the Concert Band charter club, said, āThe performance will be a lively, fun concert. We are celebrating our 21st anniversary and our director, Pam Jorgensen’s 10th anniversary.ā
My husband, Nick Koplos, who will be turning 88 years old on August 16, began the sport of running races for weight control and cardio-vascular exercise at 41 years of age.Ā He immediately began training for racing as a part of his nightly after-work-program of 40 miles weekly (for marathons) and 25 miles weekly (for other races).Ā He accomplished most of his 10-12 yearly races (with numerous medals won) under the auspices of CARA or Chicago Area Runner’s Association.Ā During the years of 1981, 1982, and 1983, at the ages of 45, 46, and 47, respectively, Nick became hyper-enthused with his newly discovered sport through his successful entrance and completion of three Chicago Marathons with an average time accomplishment of 3 hours and 26 minutes for the 26.2 mile races.Ā Ā
In a previous interview with Eric Thomas, Executive Director of 101.5 FM Huntley Community Radio (HCR), he informed readers of a format change to the programming.Ā Weekend programming on HCR includes live music shows, interview programs to spotlight local non-profit organizations, and many community features of Huntley.
The growing epidemic of obesity is hardly news, but the increasing rates of this growing problem are alarming. According to The US World News Report (March 2024), the US obesity rate increased to 44 percent for women and 42 percent for men. Even business-focused publications like Forbes are taking note, reporting that obesity rates have grown 10 times in the last decade. The magazine cited that āā¦medical costs for people with obesity in the US tend to be 30-40% higher than those without obesityā and noting that āobesity is often considered a cause of multiple comorbid and chronic health conditions, including type 2 disease, some forms of cancer and heart disease.ā
As the summer days stretch on and the heat of the season settles in, I find myself increasingly concerned about my momās well-being. Iām a teacher and I have less and less time to spend with my mom as I prepare for the upcoming school year. I worry that my mom may be feeling bored or lonely during the long days at home. My mom recently moved to the area so that I didnāt have to worry about her being alone after my dad passed away. While Iāve enjoyed all the quality time Iāve had with her, sheās yet to make friends here. Iām fearful about her well-being once school is back in session.
As the summer days stretch on and the heat of the season settles in, I find myself increasingly concerned about my momās well-being. Iām a teacher and I have less and less time to spend with my mom as I prepare for the upcoming school year. I worry that my mom may be feeling bored or lonely during the long days at home.
My mom recently moved to the area so that I didnāt have to worry about her being alone after my dad passed away. While Iāve enjoyed all the quality time Iāve had with her, sheās yet to make friends here. Iām fearful about her well-being once school is back in session.
Writers are always trying to grasp the hem of greatness, not immune to fads and popularity. Last yearās Barbenheimer is the most recent example of such. The zeitgeist is our goal as much as anyone. However, sometimes you have to look back at why we felt these trends deserved praise or be derided. In the spirit of a podcast called āRehashā I have been listening to, letās walk back over a couple months and talk about some topics we all got into a tizzy about. Maybe we can understand why they fascinated us in the first place.
