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THURSDAY, JAN. 13, 2022
Blue Star program Honors military personnel
Quilts bring history to life
COURTESY PHOTO McHenry County News
Historic quilts from the McHenry County Historical Society’s collection will be on display through Jan. 31 in the Woodstock Opera House Community Room. The quilts date from the 1860s to the 1940s, and highlight a variety of patterns from the Society’s collection–which consists of more than 160 quilts. One of the quilts featured is a Friendship Chain quilt made in 1887 by a group of neighbors who lived on South Jefferson and Dean streets in Woodstock, as well as their relatives. More than 38 signatures appear on this Friendship Chain quilt that records the names of cherished friends and family members. This quilt was donated to the McHenry County Historical Society in 1976 by Ida Brink Howell, whose grandmother’s name appears on one of these quilt blocks. Ida’s grandmother was Amy Schryver Brink, the wife of Simon Brink. Simon, a carpenter, was hired to oversee construction of the Woodstock Opera House. The quilts are free for public viewing during regular box office hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Call 815-923-2267 for more information.
The Blue Star Banner Program honors Crystal Lake residents and government employees who actively serve in the United States military. The program recognizes these individuals for their service and sacrifice and helps bridge the gap between the civilian and military community. Personalized banners featuring the names and branches of service are displayed along a section of Route 14, between Dole Avenue and to near Keith Avenue, known as Heroes Row. When banners are removed to be replaced by another group, they are presented to honoree families. To date, almost eighty service members who defended our country have had banners along this stretch of roadway. In December, a Presenta-
tion Ceremony was held at City Hall, where Mayor Haig Haleblian participated in giving 20 honorees and/or their families the banners honoring them. Anyone wishing to nominate an active duty member of the military or to donate to the program, may go to the city’s website at www. crystallake.org/ our-community/ blue-star-bannerprogram or the Chamber of Commerce website at www.clchamber. com/blue-starbanner-program to complete an application or sponsorship form. Completed forms can be mailed, dropped off, or emailed to: Crystal Lake Chamber, ATTN: Blue Star Banner Program, 427 W. Virginia Street, Crystal Lake, IL 60014. Email: info@clcham ber.com.
Food Shed hires general manager The Food Shed Co-op has announced the hiring of Peter Waldmann as the first general manager to manage its up-and-coming community owned grocery store. Waldman joined the project full time effective Jan. 3. Food Shed board member Kim Brix, who led the GM search committee, said, “Besides finding our ideal building site, hiring a general manager is right up there as one of the most important decisions start up co-ops make before opening. “We are excited about
bringing Peter onto our team to help guide us through the building stage of our project as well as Peter ultimately Waldmann opening and managing the store. We are thrilled to have hired Peter and we can’t wait to introduce him to our community and our 1,350-plus owner-members.” Waldmann brings a wealth
of experience and knowledge in building grocery and natural food stores. He and his wife Amy will be moving to Woodstock from Seattle, Wash., where he was most recently director of operations for PCC Community Markets. His career experience also includes Green’s Natural Foods based in Westchester County, N.Y., and Lucky’s Market of Colorado. He gained early career experience at Sunflower Farmers Markets, Wild Oats Market and Whole Foods Market. During his 30 years of expe-
rience in grocery markets, Waldmann has held numerous positions, ranging from bagger to chief executive officer. To date, Waldmann has opened over 20 retail grocery locations in 15 different states. Waldmann is passionate about community food access, supporting local vendors and bringing affordable, healthy, natural foods and products to the community. The Food Shed Co-op was incorporated in April, 2014 and currently has just over 1,350 owner-members. Food Shed Co-op membership has
grown dramatically since the store site in Woodstock was announced in late 2020. Since then, the co-op has secured approximately $4.3 million that will allow construction to begin in early 2022. Approximately $1.75 million of the $4.3 million total was raised through investments by members of the community. The co-op is a strong advocate for local farms using sustainable agricultural techniques. Owner-members also value supporting the local economy, providing access to healthy local food and protect-
ing the environment by reducing the carbon footprint caused by the distance’s food travels to grocery store shelves. The store will be a model for sustainable living and help build a stronger, more resilient local food system. The Food Shed is one of several startup food co-op’s in the area including Whitewater, Chicago, Rockford, Elgin, Racine, Rogers Park and Lombard. Learn more about the Food Shed Co-op and the Community Investment Campaign at www. foodshed.coop/cic.
McHenry High School announces Illinois State Scholars A total of 46 McHenry High School District 156 seniors were recognized as Illinois State Scholars for superior academic achievement by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) . ISAC annually selects Illinois State Scholars from eligible high schools throughout the state, based on a formula that includes class rank and performance on ACT and
SAT testing. About 10 percent of Illinois high school students are selected for the program. “We are very proud that these students, particularly given the challenges of the past few years,” said Dr. Ryan McTague, superintendent for District 156. “Their efforts in high school are setting the stage for successful futures.”
Illinois State Scholars are awarded certificates from the state commission and a digital badge to display online and share. District 156 officials are planning a recognition event soon, and Illinois State Scholars are also typically honored at Senior Awards events prior to graduation. Illinois State Scholars are: Cyrus Alcala, Alison Antho-
ny, Ryan Borchardt, Anahi Castilla, Katrina Cronin, Sara Dabbagh, Conner Daehler, Sarah Doherty, Alexandra Fogleman, Alyssa Franklin, Logyn Frapolly, Jillian Galuszka, Megan Goff, Megan Gordon, Katelyn Hanley, Steven Hansen, Laine Hanson, Molly Harrison, Lissette Hernandez, Joseph Hissem, Abbie Honkala, Samantha Hoskins, Alexis Ka-
plan, Emma Keesey, Hunter Kirk, Skyler Kunetka, Jeff Lin, Caroline Maye, Anna McLaughlin, Aspen O’Brien, Claudia Quint, Giana Ramel, Kristina Robinson, Connor Rodgers, Ella Ruppenthal, Alexis Schwartz, Sawyer Shea, Shane Spatol, Catherine Storlie, Riley Tobin, Arianna Vallianatos, Jack Waters, Renee Wise, Lydia Zancho and Jorryn Zelek.
The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), the state’s college access and financial aid agency, presents this important recognition of academic achievement to exceptional Illinois high school students annually. This year, more than 17,340 honorees join the other outstanding students who have been honored since the designation was first introduced in 1958.