Huntley Navy veteran welcome delayed
The Navy has an unofficial motto, "Non sibi sed patriae" (Not self but country), that is learned by all new recruits.
There's another slogan -- "hurry up and wait" -- that started with the Army, but is frequently applied to all branches of the military.
Tuesday night, both of those adages were equally appropriate, when the homecoming of Huntley veteran Joshua Homuth was delayed by nearly four hours, while dozens of local residents, a police and fire department escort, and a contingent of Patriot Guard riders stood by to welcome him.
It was an arrival that was worth waiting for.
Homuth, a Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class, has served in the Navy for four years, including two tours of active duty in the Persian Gulf.
His older brother, Jeremiah, an Army veteran, returned last month after a year's treatment for debilitating injuries he suffered on patrol in Afghanistan.
For Huntley residents Jeff and Sandy Homuth, it must be a welcome relief to have both of their boys finally home and safe.
To celebrate Josh Homuth's return, local well-wishers gathered Tuesday evening on the downtown square for a candlelight vigil. By 9 p.m., a small crowd had arrived, including Huntley Chamber of Commerce Director Rita Slawek and several chamber members who brought candles and a large sign to welcome the young sailor back home.
"We wanted to make it nice, and we waited a long time," Slawek said. "Lots of people came by; then they went to wait inside at the Parkside (Pub) or over at the Legion."
After two delays, Josh Homuth's plane finally arrived at O'Hare airport a little after 11 p.m., said Gary Bogolin of Woodstock, who helped organize the Patriot Guard motorcycle escort of around 40 motorcycles, cars and trucks that accompanied Homuth back to Huntley. The group waited for several hours at the Des Plaines oasis before the young veteran arrived.
"We didn't mind waiting," Bogolin told me.
"We say our motto is 'Semper Gumby' -- always be flexible!"
Around 20 people were still waiting when the parade arrived at the Huntley Town Square with Josh Homuth and his mother, Sandy, both riding on the back of Patriotic Guard motorcycles.
To Josh Homuth -- and all of our other local veterans -- here's one more "Thank you!" for a job well done.
Homuth quilt raffle: Huntley's Gazebo Quilters are hoping to sell more raffle tickets for Jeremiah's Quilt, the handmade, queen-size creation the group will be auctioning off in three weeks to benefit the Homuth family.
The quilt will be on display until Sept. 11 at the FNB Huntley Banking Center 11700 Route 47 in Huntley. The winning ticket will be drawn at the Huntley Fall Fest Sept. 15.
Sales are going well, said Jan Meyer of the quilting club. "Everyone I have talked to has had a good response," she said this week. "We printed 3,000 tickets and we're hoping to sell around $15,000 worth. That's our goal, and I hope we're going to reach it."
Bank officer Janet Schweig invites the public to view the beautiful quilt during regular business hours at the bank. So far, over 600 raffle tickets have been sold, she said.
Tickets are $5 each or 6 for $25 and are available at the bank, from any Gazebo Quilters members, or from these local merchants or groups: Vicaro's Deli, Sammy's Restaurant & Bar, Niko's Grill & Pub, Parkside Pub, Offie's Tap and the Huntley American Legion. For details, call Schweig at (847) 669-1000 or Meyer at (224) 569-6862.
Kids open house: Kim's Black Belt Academy will host a free Back to School Health, Fitness & Safety open house from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday at its facility on Ruth Road, across from the Huntley Area Public Library, 11000 Ruth Road. School-age kids can visit free fingerprinting, dental impression and spinal screening clinics and learn some self-defense during the day. Call (847) 669-6030.
Cruise Night: Culver's of Huntley will have its Classic Cruise Night next Tuesday, inviting owners of vintage cars and trucks to join the fun, in the restaurant parking lot next to the Jewel-Osco on Route 47. The monthly rally runs from 5:30 to 8 p.m. and the public is invited to stop by and see the cars. The final Cruise Night of the summer season will be Sept. 11. Call (847) 669-3554.
Bell ringers wanted: Bell master Helen Marlowe invites anyone in the community to join the bell choirs at First Congregational Church. Beginners are welcome at an introductory practice at 6 p.m. Sept. 6 at the church, Church and Main streets in downtown Huntley. For experienced ringers, the advanced adult choir practice starts at 7 p.m., with bells and music provided. Call (847) 669-3691.
Book fair set at mall: The Huntley Area Public Library will have a book fair on Sept. 6 at the Barnes & Noble store at Spring Hill Mall in West Dundee. Librarians will read children's stories at 3 and 4 p.m., and the store will provide activities for youngsters.
After the storytimes, Huntley illustrator Richard McFarland will have a special reading and book-signing session across the hall at Old Country Buffet, featuring his new release, "Grandfather's Wrinkles." Parents may stop by the library's children's room in advance of the event to pick up Barnes & Noble Book Fair vouchers and coupons for free kids' meals at Old Country Buffet. A 10-to-20 percent portion of all of the day's sales will be donated to the library's building fund.
Library raffles cruise: The Friends of the Huntley Area Public Library are now selling raffle tickets for a 7-day, 2-person Crown Princess Caribbean Cruise. Tickets are $10 each or three for $25, available from Friends members or at the library's reference desk. A lucky winner will be drawn at 6 p.m. Sept. 15 at the Huntley Fall Fest. The vacation package was provided by an anonymous donor, so all proceeds will directly benefit the library's building fund. To learn more, visit www.huntleylibrary.org or call (847) 669-5386.