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Murder Mystery Dinner
Stories
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Warm Coats for Christmas Rotary Club of Huntley donated dozens of new coats to the Grafton Food Pantry for pantry patrons who needed to keep warm. This was the second year the pantry requested coats for adults. All hooded coat/jackets were sizes Large to XXL and members of the community assisted by also donating new coats. From left, Rotarians Karen Hutchings, Jim Uszler, Jim Drendel plus Sandy Domek, Grafton Food Pantry manager. |
Wreaths Across America in HuntleyHuntley’s Mayor, Tim Hoeft’s, opening statement at the December 16th Wreaths Across America ceremony, included “We celebrate the mission to Remember the fallen, Honor those that serve and their families, and Teach the next generation the value of freedom.” Over 4,000 cemeteries across the country celebrated at about the same time as we honored over 400 veterans in the Huntley and St. Mary’s cemeteries. Many families arrived with children of all ages to help them understand that the veterans helped us retain our freedom.  |
Running of the ElvesThe Running of the Elves Miles Dill of South Elgin and Emma James of Genoa, each 14 years old, were the top runners. Miles Dill’s time was 20:46.6 and Emma James clocked in at 22.32.7 at Very Merry Huntley’s 5K, Saturday, December 2, 2023, starting at downtown Huntley Square. Very Merry Huntley and Running of the Elves will return the first Saturday of December 2024.    |
Coats for Christrmas |
2023-2024 officers After the Installation of officers at the home of Kathy and Jim Uszler, members made plans including fun and fundraisers. |
Pollinator Garden - 2023 The Rotary Club of Huntley, working with the Village of Huntley and the Huntley Park District, planted a pollinator garden at Borhart Park, to increase locations for pollinators, birds, butterflies, insects and bees, to live and for beauty and enjoyment for park visitors. |
Pollinator Week June 19-25You an help save the birds, Monarch butterflies, insects and other pollinators by creating a garden at your business or planting a pot of flowers on your deck.
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Why Walk 160 miles? For fun & challenge Greg Alexander spent two weeks in northern Spain last year walking the Trail to El Camino Santiago. Greg hiked 260 kilometers of the 500-kilometer trail with severe blisters from his third day, along with beautiful scenery along the Mediterranean Sea |
Scholarship AwardsStudents and parents chattered about community service accomplishments and lofty goals for university classes at the Huntley Rotary Scholarship breakfast, held May 11th at Village Inn on Huntley Square. Six scholarships, totaling $3,000, were awarded for academic assistance, including our annual Thom Palmer Parks & Recreation scholarship.  |
Operation PollinationOperation Pollination is an emerging global effort that engages you in pollinator habitat restoration, preservation and education. You can join and make a difference in support of the environment. Any person or organization can get involved in Operation Pollination. It doesn’t cost anything to join, aside from the time and resources you devote to achieving your pollinator project. Want to know which plants to use for your garden? We will send you a recommendation. June 19-25, 2023 is Pollinator Week - by then you could have your garden planted. Be a part of something big - Operation Pollination. Pollinator |
New year - New membersDenise Pitcher and Paula Yensen joined the Rotary Club of Huntley January 19, to help our community grow, prosper, and continue to serve people in need.  Consider connecting for service opportunities through HuntleyRotary.org or HuntleyRotary@yahoo.com. From left: Jim Uszler, Paula Yensen, Denise Pitcher and District Governor E.D, Marlene Frisbie. Frisbie installed both Paula and Denise on January 19 at their Village Inn breakfast meeting.
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Running of the ElvesBUTTON FOR RACE SIGN UP: https://tinyurl.com/RunningofElves  Save the date - December 3, 2022 and enjoy all the events during Very Merry Huntley, beginning with signing up for an Elf 5K, dash or run.
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Huntley's Pollinator GardenLovely flowers for bees and butterflies are flourishing at Parisek Park. The Village of Huntley, Huntley Park District and Rotary Club of Huntley joined together to create the garden with the guidance of William Ruth Landscaping. Visit the gardens at Parisek Park, located east of the Huntley Library and enjoy.
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Huntley Pollinator Garden is Here A planting crew for Huntley Pollinator Garden at Parisek Park, from left: Wesley Peete, Karen Hutchings, Dan Ruggles, Scott Crowe, Colin Riley, Alex Gilland, Ben Schnulle, Monique Mahon, and Jason Irving. Jason Irving is Assistant Director of Public Works and Engineering for the Village of Huntley, Monique Mahon, and Karen Hutchings are with Huntley Rotary, and Scott Crowe, Executive Director and the others are with Huntley Park District. |
Scholarships awardedSix graduating seniors from Huntley High School each received a $500 unrestricted scholarship May 5, 2022 from Rotary Club of Huntley. Students were joined by their parents at Village Inn on Huntley square for breakfast along with Thom and Nancy Palmer, Ken and Karen Black, plus Laura Martens and Dr. Marcus Belin from the high school. From left: Dr. Belin, Seth Kardys, Thom Palmer, Ken Black, Laura Martens and Monique Mahon in rear. Front: Madeline Meucci, Madalyn Marino, Breanna Westberg, Riley Chadwick & Emma Fries.  |
Help others - Donate at BloodDrive |
Scholarships Thom Palmer, a charter member of the Rotary Club of Huntley, was a contributing participant, club President and Paul Harris Fellow. Thom retired December 2021 from the Huntley Park District after 23 years as the first Executive Director. In honor of Thom, a $500 scholarship is offered for a student pursuing a career in Parks and Recreation. Help make dreams come true. Scholarships for graduating seniors, at Huntley High School or living in Huntley, are offered for vocational and academic studies. Apply for a four-year program, such as the Thom Palmer Parks & Recreation, or trade school one-or-two year training options. We will send the application, information and instructions to you – simply email www.HuntleyRotary.org and return before the end of March. . |
RYLA Leadership trainingRYLA – Rotary Youth Leadership Awards – a 3-day fun, educational training for high school students. Held in Wisconsin, with bus transportation provided from local communities, RYLA is an interactive motivational and educational program in a camping atmosphere. Learn teamwork, meet new friends, express opinions and enjoy at either session: March 10-14 or April 7-10, 2022. Information and application at RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) | Rotary District 6440 (rotary6440.org). Send your application to: www.HuntleyRotary.org ASAP to be selected. |
Village update Dave Johnson, Village Manager and Tim Hoeft, Mayor of Village of Huntley joined our club February 3 to update us on the new restaurant and apartments planned for downtown, the re-routing of Kreutzer Road at the RR curve and other news, such as the delay on opening our new hotel. We are fortunate to have approachable and friendly people in our local government. Yes, Huntley is a great place to live. |
When does $1,000 = $8,000 Harriet Ford of the Grafton Food Pantry accepted $1,000 from Monique Mahon, President of the Rotary Club of Huntley, then thanked Rotarians for $8,000, which is the buying power she has with the Northern Illinois Food Bank. |
Huntley Helps Donate a basket or bucket of necessities by December 10th to help local families with items not readily available at the food pantry. Needed are Cleaning supplies and personal care products. Thank you for caring for others. |
Honor Veterans Every Veteran's grave should have a wreath for the holidays. The Village of Huntley, American Legion Post 673 and Rotary Club of Huntley hope to meet our goal of placing a lovely fresh wreath with red ribbon on every Veteran's Grave at Huntley, St. Mary Parish, Union, Riley and Harmony Cemeteries. You are invited Saturday, December 18 at noon to a Veteran Celebration at Huntley Cemetery. Wreaths are $15 each payable to American Legion Post 673, P O Box 389, Huntley, IL 60142. Order today and honor a veteran who helped keep you free. |
Christmas Elves The Sparrow's Nest, McHenry, received decorating help from Wally & Kelly Kochan of General Kinematics Corp and Huntley Rotarian members and friends, Larry Graf, Karen Hutchings and Carl Schorsch over the weekend. Acting as Christmas Elves, they polished, decorated trees, and arranged Christmas ornaments, decorator pillows, strings of lights, toys, wreaths and garlands so the Sparrow's Nest will be ready for busy shoppers. When you shop at the Sparrow's Nest, you are supporting local women to secure jobs and gain more tools to raise, and care for their families.
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More the merrier The Taste of Jamaica & Southern Cooking Food Truck entrees were enjoyed by Woodstock, Crystal Lake and Cary-Grove Rotarians who joined Huntley Rotarians at Sew Hop'd Brewery on Route 47, Thursday, for fun and a chance to bounce ideas off a diverse group of networking and service oriented friends. |
Support our First Responders |
End Polio Now Exhibit Did you know the polio virus is still in Afghanistan and Pakistan? The Salk and Sabin vaccines helped eradicate the disease from the Americas by 1994 but it is only a plane ride away from coming back to us. Join us at Deicke Park Fall Fest September 25 and 26 and see the traveling Iron Lung educational exhibit presented by Rotary Club of Huntley. |
Corn Roast - Labor Day weekend Local sweet corn roasted to perfection at LITH Summer Sunset Festival. See you there! |
2021-2022 Board of Directors District Governor, Lyle Staab. installed the 2021-2022 Board of Directors of Rotary Club of Huntley at Deicke Park, June 24, 2021. |
Steve Capes - newest member District Director, Lyle Staab, recognized Steve Capes as a member of the Rotary Club of Huntley. Steve was welcomed by his sponsor, Jim Drendel and President, Monique Mahon. |
Scholarship - Huntley High School Nathan Dudzinski, Michael King, Josey Hackemack, Raquel Radermacher and Jacob Richardson, graduates of Huntley High School, accompanied by their families, received scholarships from the Rotary Club of Huntley, May 20, 2021 during a breakfast meeting at Pinecrest Golf Club. |
Roasted Sweet Corn Sign up at Huntley Corn Roast to have fun, support scholarships, help our community, and enjoy delicious roasted sweet corn. Select a spot and ask a friend or your family to join you as we welcome summer activities back into our lives. Join us: Huntley Corn Roast |
Successful Variety Show    Happy and upbeat variety from Operator portraid by Zack Barnvos to gymnastics, piano selections, dance and to Sweet Home Chicago by Angela Walker - the 2nd annual Huntley's Got Talent 2021 was a success. Look for us early next year to be on stage so you can be in the audience. Virtual works, but it is better to all be in the same theater - up front and personal.
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Huntley's Got TalentAUDITIONS EXTENDED to January 30th. You are invited on Valentine's Day weekend to enjoy a virtual variety show streaming on You Tube through the HuntleyRotary.org website to support Huntley High School Scholarships.  |
Community All Star Awards
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Nominate a Community All Star.png) Nominate A Community All Star For the 20th Anniversary of the Rotary Club of Huntley you are invited to nominate someone who lives or works in Huntley for a Community All Star Award. There are many deserving people in our community who help others, make an outstanding contribution to their organization, or put in extra effort to make a difference. Nominations must be received by February 29, 2020. These awards will be presented at the 20th Anniversary Dinner in April. Click here to make your nomination: https://form.jotform.com/92845016580156
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Filling the Kettles This year District 6440 Rotarians will be at all the doors at Woodfield Mall for one day, including several members of the Rotary Club of Huntley. Each year Huntley members of our club and friends ring the bell at Drendel's Corner on Route 47. You can join us, Friday, December 13th as we wave to our friends and neighbors and collect much needed funds for the Salvation Army. We are proud of the good work the Salvation Army does in our communities. Funds raised in McHenry County, stay in the county. Even though the day might be a little chilly, a cup of hot chocolate and friendly faces will help everyone have a good time. For a time slot convenient for you on December 13, call 858.876.8279 or email HuntleyRotary@yahoo.com.
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Fill the KettleRotarians ring the bell for the Salvation Army each year and this year we will be at Woodfield for a District 6440 Bell Ringing project, then again we ring the bell at Drendel Corner on Route 47 on Friday, December 13. Volunteers are welcome to join us to raise funds for the good work the Salvation Army does each year. Funds raised in McHenry County, stay in the county. For a convenient time call 858.876.8279 or email HuntleyRotary@yahoo.com. |
Corn RoastThanks for visiting our Corn Roast Booth at Rockin' Ribfest, for fresh, roasted sweet corn again this year! Have a wonderful summer and look for us at events around town.  2019-2020 Board of Directors  |
Students Recognized for Community ServiceSending a big shout out to four Huntley High School students with outstanding community service. These Red Raider seniors embody the true spirit of Service Above Self with a combined total of 2,240 hours of service. Pictured from the left: Rutva Bhatt - 900 hours, Nicolas Reese - 600 hours, Jim Uszler - club president, Jonathan Lee - 350 hours, and Marissa Vasques - 390 hours.
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Youth Exchange Students
Education is a gift that keeps on giving. The Huntley Rotary Club is thrilled to be able to partner with other local Rotary clubs to sponsor and help inspire the future leaders of the world. Our club's inbound and outbound students presented to our club this week - WOW! Looking forward to seeing all the great things they will accomplish!
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Illinois Holocaust Museum
We were thrilled to organize a trip for all Rotarians and Youth Exchange Students to visit the Illinois Holocaust Museum. It was wonderful to see how involved the youth were in actively learning and thinking about what they can do #TakeAStand against violence, hate, prejudice, and racism.
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Battle of the Books 2019
Each year our club participates in the Huntley ISD's Battle of the Books programs and each year we are more and more amazed out how smart these kiddo's are. Way to go kids and way to go teachers!
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Salvation Army Bell Ringing
Braving the cold for a few hours, our club members took turns ringing the bell for The Salvation Army again this year. Thanks to Drendel's Corner Mobil for hosting us.
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2018 Pancake Breakfast
Rise and Shine Campers! Once again our club members were up early to prepare pancakes at this local event. We love seeing the all the messy hair and glazed over eyes turn into laughter and smiles as the campers eat their breakfast.
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Eradicate Polio
Its hard to believe that Polio is still a disease that needs to fought against. While the US has not seen any cases of the disease in many years, there are are still parts of the world where Polio is a threat. The Huntley Rotary club is proud to join with Rotary International to help stop Polio This year our club displayed a real Iron Lung at the Huntley Fall Fest as part of our clubs ongoing effort to eradicate the disease. As a whole, Rotary International made nearly $100 million grants to support the global effort.
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Members Ring the Bell for Salvation Army
Members of the Huntley Rotary Club braved cold temperatures to ring the bell for the Salvation Army at Drendel's Corner Mobil.
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Club Donates to Huntley Library Tumblebooks Program
The Huntley Club donated $1,000 to the Huntley Area Public Library to support Tumblebooks, an online literacy tool for students. Library Director Frank Novak was present to receive the check and give an update on the library.
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Club Supports Battle of the Books at Conley Elementary School
Huntley Club Members again sponsored the Battle of the Books Literacy Project at Conley Elementary School. For the third year running the Huntley and Lake in the Hills Rotary Clubs have shared the cost of the program to provide new materials for students. Both clubs will participate in the "battle" in the spring.
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Annual Pancake Breakfast a Success
The club greeted hungry campers on Saturday, September 9 with a hearty pancake breakfast. This annual event is fun for club members, gives us a way to participate in a local event, and provides a few dollars for our coffers. |
Club Member Donates Tree for Preschool
The Huntley Rotary Club past president, Karen Hutchings purchased a tree and donated it for planting at Little Journey Preschool. During Huntley's annual Green & Clean Day, Little Journey was selected as the recipient of the tree donation as part of a new Rotary International initiative. |
Welcome Hana from Japan!
The Huntley Club is excited to welcome our new Foreign Exchange Student, Hana from Japan! Her host family was on hand to greet her at the airport when she arrived. Welcome, Hana! We're glad you're here! |
Corn Roast Fundraiser a Success!
The annual corn roast fundraiser held at the Lake in the Hills Ribfest was a great success. Funds raised are used toward local and international projects including donations to Grafton Food Pantry, School District 158 and Huntley Library literacy programs, Scholarships, Polio eradication and Shelterbox. Thanks to all who were involved for helping raise over $5,000 toward these great initiatives. |
Exchange Student from Mexico Visits Club
Juan Pablo, our Exchange Student from Mexico, shared his experiences with the club at our meeting on June 6, 2017. It has been a pleasure to get to know you over this past year, JP! |
District Awards Received
The Rotary Club of Huntley is proud to announce that we have received three awards at the Rotary District Conference! Congratulations to all members on achieving goals to earn a Club Service Award, Community Service Award, and Polio Plus Award. Additionally, our own Tetyana Torzhevska was recognized as a District "Rookie Of The Year" for the Huntley Club. Well done! Pictured are club members: Stacy Thompson, Karen Hutchings, Jim Drendel and Tetyana Torzhevska |
Club Welcomes New Members
The Rotary Club of Huntley would like to welcome two new members, installed at its March 14 meeting. Please join us in issuing a warm welcome to Gardner and Susan! |
Rotary Carnival Coming Memorial Day Weekend
Mark your calendars for the 3rd Annual Spring Fling Carnival, coming May 26 - May 29, 2017. Celebrate the Memorial Day weekend with rides, games, food and some family fun. The carnival will be located in the Huntley Walmart Parking Lot. Unlimited ride passes available! The carnival will be held: Friday, May 26: 6:00 p.m. - Close Saturday, May 27: 1:00 p.m. - Close Sunday, May 28: 1:00 p.m. - Close Monday, May 29: 1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. See you there! |
Members Ring Bell for Salvation Army
Members of the Huntley Club stood in the bitter wind to ring the bell for the annual Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign. Working in shifts, Rotarians kept the bell ringing from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, December 16.
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Pay It Forward!
Have you paid it forward? Have you done a good deed for a neighbor, friend, or stranger?
Remember to pass along the Random Act of Kindness card we had printed. (Thank you, Margo!) Be sure to share your stories at the next Rotary meeting.
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Club Donates to TLS Veterans
Laura Franz, Executive Director of TLS Veterans visited the club to discuss the organization, services they provide to local veterans, and their success at helping veterans get back on their feet. The club donated $100 to TLS Veterans to help in their ongoing mission to provide resources to veterans while they assimilate back into civilian life.
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Concert Benefit Held for End Polio Now Campaign
Professional musicians Sofiya Kyrylyuk & Lyudmila Kakisova performed Bach, Brahms and Bartok at a special event to raise $1,000 toward the End Polio Now Campaign.
Special thanks to Sofiya and Lyudmila for sharing their time and talents for such a worthwhile cause, and our hostess Solange Sior for donating the use of her lovely home for the event. We're this close!
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Donation Made to Grafton Food Pantry
The Huntley Rotary Club donated $1,500 to the Grafton Food Pantry at its March 15 meeting. Food Pantry Representative, Harriet Ford, was present to give an update on the pantry and accept the generous donation. Funds are raised through the club's many fundraisers and special events.
Pictured: Harriet Ford, Club President Jim Uszler, and Food Pantry Board Member, Jim Drendel
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President-Elect Meets Rotary Legend
Pictured here, President-elect Karen Hutchings met Dr. Sylvia Whitlock at the PETS Conference.
Dr. Whitlock has been in Rotary for over 25 years, but when she first joined her club in California the club's charter was revoked because they had admitted a woman. At the time, women were not permitted to be members of Rotary International. She and her club sued Rotary International and changed the face of Rotary forever. She went on to be the first woman Rotary President and served as District Governor for District 5300 in 2012-13.
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Club Welcomes Two New Members
On Tuesday, February 9 the Huntley Rotary Club welcomed two new members. Pictured are Kevin Vaughn and Stacy Thompson with Club President, Jim Uszler.
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Huntley, Lake in the Hills Clubs Partner to Bring Books to District 158 Students
Huntley and Lake in the Hills Rotary Club Members partnered to supply funds for new books to students at Conley Elementary School. Teachers in charge of the Battle of the Books Program requested the funds to update the collection used each year for this student event.
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District Governor Visits Huntley Rotary Club. District Governor Rodney Adams met with the Huntley Rotary Club and shared ideas for a new direction for the club. The club is moving to the Brunch Cafe on November 3rd with a new meeting time of Tuesdays at 7:30am.
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Pancake Breakfast Served to Hungry Campers!
Hungry campers were served a hot pancake and sausage breakfast by rotarians after the annual Huntley Park District camp-out held on Friday, October 2 at Deicke Park.
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Rockin' Rotary Ribfest a Huge Success!
Huntley Rotary joined in the fun at the Rockin' Rotary Ribfest this year to sell roasted corn and raise money for local charity. The best ribs in the Midwest were featured during this four-day festival located at Sunset Park in Lake in the Hills. Live bands and great food made for a spectacular weekend of fun. Thanks to all who came out to support local Rotary clubs and Rotary International.
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Club Awards Scholarships
Huntley Rotary Club President Thom Palmer presented three $750 scholarships to HHS Students, pictured left to right: Jacob Kohley, Jasmin Dhillon, Rachel Bratcher and President Palmer. Congratulations! |
Club Partners with High School Entrepreneurs Group
The Huntley Rotary Club is partnering with School District 158 as part of their entrepreneurial class for students in high school. The first presentation to the class focused on Rotary International, and how Rotary and service organizations make a difference in their community. Club members Kevin Vaughn and Jim Uszler presented information to the students, and will continue to work in concert with Mrs. Eibl, Teacher and Advisor to the Future Business Leaders of America group. |
Club Wins Distinguished Awards
Rotary District Governor Sarah Oliver visited the Huntley Rotary Club on Tuesday, April 29 to present three awards to the club, which earned distinction within Rotary District 6440. |
Club Supports Huntley Library and Children's Literacy
The Huntley Rotary Club presented a check today for $1,000 to the Huntley Area Public Library to support children's literacy initiatives. The donation will fund one year of TumbleBooks, a subscription based online program to help preschool aged children learn to read, and school aged children increase reading levels.
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Download the website sponsorship guide
Download the website sponsorship guide