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An Audience of One

I’m handling my heart with kid gloves this season. I’m typically a newshound, but for the past month or so, I’m choosing my news carefully. TV news is completely off the table for now, and I’m being selective with print news, too. This won’t go on forever, but for right now, my heart is too raw, too tender to take on the pain and hurt of the entire world. I’m giving myself a break.

Last weekend I sat in the very last row of a darkened auditorium, weeping at the sound of a finale to a holiday concert.

Waiting to exhale over holiday greetings

With Christmas lurking just behind the next snowflake, I find myself waiting in breathless anticipation for The Arrival.

No, it’s not Santa’s arrival that I find my heart a-flutter for. It’s not the Star of Bethlehem or midnight madness sales or Bing Crosby film reruns. “It’s a Wonderful Life” would have been a good guess, but it’s not that either.

It’s The Arrival of The Letter that has me all goose-pimply.

See, every year about this time I find a holiday letter in the mailbox from friends I have known for many years.

Waters’ perfect game highlights big bowling win

HUNTLEY — Huntley sophomore bowler Noah Waters etched his name in program history as he began a dual match with Marengo by gaining a perfect 300 score.

Waters' achievement took place Dec. 17 at Bowl-Hi Lanes and was the second perfect game for the Red Raiders in as many seasons. Nick Gaspari recorded a perfect game in a dual match last season.

Waters followed with 199 and 193 games for a 692 total. The total was good for third on the squad as seniors Matt Fishman contributed a 788 and Austin Tenglin had a 710.

Students’ generosity shines at Grafton Food Pantry

HUNTLEY — The holiday season tradition of Huntley Community School District 158 (D-158) students' donations to the Grafton Food Pantry is about 20 years old this year.

On Dec. 11, Huntley High School's National Honor Society (NHS) brought carloads of supplies to the Grafton Food Pantry, 11481 Allison Court in Huntley.

Students were upbeat as they brought in boxes of items collected over the past two weeks. They were thrilled to assist in holiday spirit in their two hours on a frigid day.

Cocoa, ice sculptures highlight Huntley’s event

HUNTLEY — A small group at Huntley Area Chamber of Commerce's Ice Sculpture Cocoa Crawl raised their mugs of cocoa and took a sip at the Huntley Square's Christmas tree.

“It's the best way to get into the Christmas mood,” Sun City resident Kathleen Rezendes said. She was present with Irene and Emory Myers and Sheila Klaratas.

A total of 27 ice sculptures were placed around the Town Square Dec. 14. The event, themed Holiday Animation, took place on a windy and chilly day, but the hundreds attending did not seem to mind.

Girls bowling effort rolls to league lead

HUNTLEY — Huntley's girls bowling team continued to collect Kishwaukee River Conference-Fox Valley Conference (KRC-FVC) wins and also gained a tournament championship.

Four Red Raiders bowlers topped the 500 pins total as Huntley beat Jacobs, 1,548 pins to 1,335 at Bowl-Hi Lanes Dec. 10.

Katie Scaletta led the way with a 573 series while Prianca Waters and Ashlyn Tenglin were close behind contributing a 569 and 566, respectively. Tenglin's match included a 224 team best game. Erica DeBello contributed a 563 series and Jana Boudreau added a 384 series.

Village Board to consider a special use permit for a drive-through Smoothie King

HUNTLEY — In 2023, Lot 6 in the Huntley Crossings Phase I Subdivision was approved for the development of a multi-tenant commercial building, which included a 1,395 square-foot drive-through unit that was slated to be used by “The Human Bean,” a drive-through coffee/expresso café.

According to village staff, Ordinance (O)2023-06.28 provided the final PUD (Planned Unit Development) approval and a special use permit for the drive-through food service establishment. However, circumstances have changed as the lot’s owner, Amit Patel, is no longer moving forward with The Human Bean in that tenant space.

Cocoa, Caroling event well attended

HUNTLEY — A cold mid-December wind was howling outside, but the holiday spirit flowed at Huntley Area Public Library for the Cocoa and Caroling event. Participants made holiday cards and crafts for Heritage Woods of Huntley Assisted Living residents. “I love Cocoa and Carling. It's a great way to give back to the community,” HAPL Youth Services Director Michele Whisenhunt said. The event was held in three sessions on Dec. 12 and 14. Two of the families participating were: Chris, Kacie and Sawyer Faurot from Lake in the Hills, and Keri, Sam and Quinn Peters of Huntley.

To the Dad Who Loves Us

I am fortunate to still have both my parents, who have been married for 66 years. Mom is 89 and Dad just turned 95.

Back in November, finishing up Dad’s birthday cake at my sister’s large dining room table, we reminisced about our childhoods. Many of my sister’s memories are from the years before I was even born, so listening to her stories is like hearing a story of a mythical land I’ve never visited. Because I was born when she was 12, I wasn’t around for one of her favorite stories about Dad: the time he heroically snuck back into their old house, which was being demolished, to retrieve a light fixture from her old bedroom.

When life gives you lemons, make mullets

Let’s face it, there’s really no excuse, is there? If you want to get from point A to point B, just follow the directions and everything will come out alright.

That turkey you want to roast? Just buy the right bird, season it according to the recipe, check the temperature and the time, and you’ll be fine.

That deck you want to add to the back porch? Just set the foundation to code, buy the right lumber and screws, measure twice and cut once, and you’ll be fine.

Girls hoops has strong start

HUNTLEY — An 8-0 start to the season for the Huntley girls basketball squad has featured a trio that's tough to beat.

There is the close-in attack, led by Paula Strzelecki's nine points per game average with a stellar effort in a non-conference clash against Mother McAuley.

Also, teams have to contend with the outside shooting of Anna Campanelli and her 20 points per game average with a 32-point career best contest. Fellow senior Ava McFadden is also a steady sharp-shooter.

Jolly Holiday Happenings Near Huntley

Welcome, December! Many new and exciting things are happening in and around the Huntley area. Create lasting memories during this wonderful season. Wishing everyone safe and happy Holidays!

Huntley is taking part in “Wreaths Across America”

Before (or instead of) the “Ice Sculpture Cocoa Crawl” as mentioned in my previous article, this “Wreathes Across America” event will: “honor local veterans in the Huntley Cemetery and St. Mary Cemetery with a fresh wreath at their grave.” Both events take place starting at noon on the 14th of December.

Christmas trees to Santa arrival make a merry day

HUNTLEY — Huntley welcomed the Christmas season with many activities on a breezy day for Very Merry Huntley Dec. 7.

The Saturday fun began with contestants in the Christmas tree display putting the finishing touches on their entrants. It ended just past sundown when Santa Claus made his grand entrance, followed by Huntley Mayor Tim Hoeft flipping the switch for the Christas light display and then fireworks rounded out the day.

The group of downtown Huntley residents, Friends of Downtown Huntley, who reside on Second Street and Church Street, were hopfeul to get the most votes on their tree.

Captains’ leadership helps strong FVC start

HUNTLEY — Basketball coaches often like to say a player has the talent "to be a coach on the floor."

Huntley senior Sheldon Aniagyei Bonsu made the adage true with a slam dunk as Huntley pulled away from Hampshire for a 60-53 win in Fox Valley Conference play Dec. 6. HHS was 2-4 overall, 2-0 FVC after the victory.

“It's one of our staple plays, but we originally were going to run it for Christian Wilson," Huntley coach Collin Kalamatas said.

Man charged with first-degree murder after stabbing a woman to death

ELGIN — In a joint statement by Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie Mosser and Elgin Police Chief Ana Lalley, it was announced that Pierre James French, 36, of the 700 block of Bluff City Boulevard was being charged with two counts of first-degree murder, a Class M felony.

Mosser alleges that on Dec. 7, at around 1 a.m., Elgin Police officers responded to French’s residence for a reported stabbing. Upon arrival at the scene, officers located the deceased body of DreAnna D.

Solid hoops, good will on display in FVC opener

HUNTLEY — The young girls basketball players, who play in the Huntley Park District program, lined up, with posters in hand, to obtain autographs of Huntley girls basketball team members Dec. 3.

The varsity team members took their Sharpies, signed their name and posed for photos. It was a good ending to a successful night after the Red Raiders dominated Cary-Grove, 50-38 to begin Fox Valley Conference play. HHS is off to a 5-0 start, 1-0 FVC.

The younger Huntley girls would do well to take a pointer on pressure defense and long range shooting from their elders.

Eight players earn all-FVC football team

HUNTLEY — The All-Fox Valley Conference 2024 football team, selected by the league's head coaches, was announced and eight Huntley players.

The eight Red Raiders selections were: senior quarterback Braylon Bower; junior wide receiver Wyatt Fleck; senior offensive and defensive lineman Carter Pope; junior defensive lineman Mason Maldonado; senior offensive lineman Kelley Gassner; senior linebacker Charles Condon III; junior offensive and defensive lineman Ryan Wabel and senior wide receiver Jordan Oruche.

The Red Raiders finished 5-4 FVC, 5-5 overall. Head coach Mike Naymola's team made the Class 8A playoffs for the third straight season.

Photos with Santa

HUNTLEY — Santa Claus smiled for families who participated in the Huntley Area Public Library Photo With Santa event Dec. 5. Families pre-registered and more than 100 children participated. The Chambers family, Reagan, Kennedy and baby Patrick enjoy the fun. Also coming up this holiday season is the Village of Huntley's Very Merry Huntley activities Dec. 7 at Huntley Town Square, and the Library Friends of the Library Foundation book sale and Santa visit.

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Girls bowling starts season strong

HUNTLEY — The girls bowling season may just be starting, but Huntley senior Erica DeBello already has a close battle in the books.

Erica DeBello, daughter of head coach Eric DeBello, edged Fremd's Lana Verseegh, with a 941-937 series score for top honors at the Schaumburg Invitational Nov. 30. The Red Raiders' 3,956 team pins total was third in the 18-team meet.

In addition to DeBello, senior Pria Waters rolled an 862 series for 12th place and senior Katie Scaletta had an 804 series for 20th.

Huntley High School earns AP Honor Roll and AP Access Award from the College Board

HUNTLEY — In a statement made by Huntley Community School District 158’s (D158) Director of Communications and Public Engagement Denise Barr, it was announced that Huntley High School (HHS) has been named to the College Board’s 2024 Advanced Placement (AP) School Honor Roll, earning a bronze distinction. The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools that have done outstanding work to welcome students into AP courses and support them on the path to college success.

Barr added that HHS was also recognized with the 2024 AP Access Award, which reflects a school’s commitment to encouraging low-income and underrepresented minority students to take AP courses.

Girls grapplers aim for state

HUNTLEY — Led by returning IHSA Girls State Wrestling runner-up Janiah Slaughter and third-place winner Aubrie Rohrbacher, hopes are high for Huntley in the early going this season.

Slaughter last season at 105 pounds, had a 29-3 final record, and advanced to the IHSA state championship final before a close loss. Slaughter, who was third at state as a freshman, expects to wrestle at 110 pounds this year.

Rohrbacher had a daunting task of five matches at state and was 4-1 at 130 pounds and brought home a third place medal.

First woman to serve as McHenry County’s state’s attorney sworn into office

MCHENRY COUNTY — On Dec. 12, Randi Freese was sworn in to become the county’s new state’s attorney. She is the first woman to serve in the role. Freese ran for the state’s attorney position unopposed after former McHenry County State’s Attorney Patrick Kenneally announced back in April that he would not be running for reelection in the November 2024 General Elections.

According to Freese’s campaign website, she comes from a family of first responders and law enforcement, with her father having served as both a firefighter and a police officer.

Huntley High School partners with MCC to help students earn new EKG certification

HUNTLEY — In a statement made by Huntley Community School District 158’s (D158) Director of Communications and Public Engagement Denise Barr, 12 students in the Huntley High School (HHS) medical academy have had an opportunity to learn about the heart this year through a new EKG certification course being offered in partnership with McHenry County College (MCC).

According to Barr, the EKG course is a non-credit certification program offered during the school day at the high school and at no charge to students.

Wrestling leaders ready to take charge

HUNTLEY — Depth and experience will be the calling cards for the Huntley boys wrestling squad this year.

“Experience will be our strength,” Huntley head wrestling coach BJ Bertelsman said. “We have lots of returning starters and will be good up and down the lineup. With two months of work, the kids did a good job coming in while also working with their wrestling clubs.”

Sophomore Radic Dvorak, who was an IHSA Class 3A State Qualifier last season at 157 pounds, 36-10 final record, returns.

A 75-year-old man dies after crashing into a tree

RUTLAND TOWNSHIP — At approximately 12:35 p.m., on Nov. 24, the Kane County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the area of Route 20, east of Route 47, for the report of a single-vehicle crash. The vehicle had significant visible damage after leaving the roadway and striking a tree.

Upon arrival at the scene, authorities discovered that the driver was unconscious.

The preliminary investigation shows that the vehicle, a Dodge Journey, was driven by Robert Skarbonkiewicz, 75, of the 200 block of E.

THE DOORWAY TO OUR COMMUNITY