The Cary Park District reported that it is in the process of developing an 18-hole disc golf course at Hoffman Park. The course will consist of 18 holes and a 6-hole “short course,” with the first tees situated near the adjacent dog park. (Photo by Stephen James Hall)

McHenry County

Arellano named to MCC’s 2017 Hall of Fame

McHenry County College (MCC) announced that Class of 1995 graduate Rafael Arellano recently was inducted as a member of its 2017 Hall of Fame. Arellano, a resident of Woodstock and a graduate of Woodstock High School, was a member of the MCC men’s soccer team in 1994 and ’95. He was named to the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference (ISCC) First Team and All Region IV First Team in 1995, and was also named team MVP in ‘95 after helping the squad capture its first conference championship. In addition, Arellano played a vital role as co-founder of MCC’s Latinos Unidos, a club that promotes Latino cultural awareness, ongoing support and assistance. Arellano went on to graduate from Northern Illinois University with a major in Spanish Translation/Business. He currently owns RAF Enterprising and Rafael Real Estate & Brokerage.

Fox Lake

Elf-Tastic Children’s Holiday party on tap

The village announced that the Fox Lake Parks and Recreation Department will host the Elf-Tastic Children’s Holiday Party from 1-4 p.m. Dec. 17 at Lakefront Park, 71 Nippersink Blvd. The event, intended for ages 12 and under, includes cookie decorating, ornament making and a showing of the popular 2003 holiday film, “Elf” (rated PG), starring Will Ferrell. Admission is free. For more information, call (224) 225-1404 or visit www.foxlake.org.

Woodstock

Woodstock High to host benefit concert for theater dept.

Woodstock Community High School District 200 announced that Woodstock High School, 501 W. South St., will present, “Home for the Holidays,” a benefit concert for the school’s theater department, at 7 p.m. Dec. 15. The show, a 70-minute review suitable for all ages, features five professional entertainers from the greater Chicago area: Ben Dicke, Jennifer Mather, Eric Parker, keyboardist Bob Kresz and longtime Woodstock resident Flora Ann McIntyre, who serves as the production’s creative director. “Home for the Holidays” is inspired by the classic films, “White Christmas” and “Holiday Inn,” and features 30 songs from the 1940s and ‘50s. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students (advanced online sales), and $20 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for students (at the door). To purchase tickets in advance, visit www.seatyourself.biz/woodstock or call (815) 206-4309. For more information, visit www.woodstockschools.org.

Lake in the Hills

‘Pack The Bus’ food drive highlight of Flurry Fest

The village announced that it will host Flurry Fest from 4-6 p.m. Dec. 16 at Village Hall, 600 Harvest Gate. The family-oriented event includes a “Pack The Bus” food drive. A village bus will be parked in front of Village Hall for attendees to pack with donations of non-perishable food items to aid local food pantries. The Candy Cane Hunt, offering children an opportunity to hunt for candy canes outside of Village Hall, will begin promptly at 5 p.m. (for ages 5 and under) and continue at 5:30 p.m. (ages 6-10). There is a limit of 10 candy canes per child. Family Crafts features craft-making, holiday music, hot chocolate and cookies inside Village Hall. The village’s Deck the Deer entries will be on display as well. Admission to Flurry Fest is free. For more information, call (847) 960-7400 or visit www.lith.org.

Crystal Lake

Paralympic champ to speak at community breakfast 

The Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce announced that Sage YMCA, 701 Manor Road, will host Holiday Inspirational Celebration, a community breakfast featuring nationally renowned inspirational speaker Brad Snyder, from 7-9 a.m. Dec. 8. Snyder, a retired U.S. Navy lieutenant who lost his vision during combat in Afghanistan, in 2011, is a U.S. Paralympic swimmer. A five-time gold medalist and two-time silver medalist at the 2012 London Paralympic games, Snyder also set a world record in the 100-meter freestyle during the 2016 Rio Paralympic games. As the featured speaker, Snyder will share his inspiring story of overcoming adversity to become a Paralympic champion. Tickets are $15 (adults) and $10 (children). For more information, call (815) 459-1300 or visit www.clchamber.com.

Cary

Park Dist. reports progress on disc golf course

The Cary Park District reported that it is in the process of developing an 18-hole disc golf course at Hoffman Park. The course will consist of 18 holes and a 6-hole “short course,” with the first tees situated near the adjacent dog park. Overall, the course will be laid out across 35 to 40 acres on the southeast side of the park site and is designed to take advantage of the natural site and terrain. Tree and brush removal work has been completed, along with the seeding of the fairways. Small, concrete tee pads and target inserts were installed as well. The Park District anticipates the course to be open for play in August 2018. Resident interest for a disc golf (also known as Frisbee golf) course — along with other park revitalization projects — came out of the 2016 Comprehensive Master Plan Update development. For more information, call (847) 639-6100 or visit www.carypark.com.

Huntley

Village offers Ladies Night Out: Holiday Edition

The village announced that Ladies Night Out: Holiday Edition will be held from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 7 in downtown Huntley. The event, designed as an evening of food, pampering, special promotions and more, begins with registration and check-in at the Village Inn Restaurant, 11713 Main St., starting at 5 p.m. Participants will receive a “game board” and map of participating businesses, and will receive a stamp for each purchase at various locations in the downtown area. At the end of the evening, participants can return to the Village Inn with game boards and receipts from purchases to enter a series of free drawings. For more information, contact Barb Read at (847) 515- 5262 or via email at bread@huntley.il.us — or visit www.huntley.il.us.       

–McHenry County News Briefs–