McHenry County News
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Volume 7 Issue 6
FEBRUARY 2, 2017
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Woodstock VFW moves to Historic Square By Anne Eickstadt REPORTER
“This is our new beginning for VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) Post 5040,” says Commander Dave Grote at the Grand Opening of the new VFW site at 201 Main St. Woodstock, Ill. Grote is a retired Navy man, veteran of Vietnam and the South China Sea. “We moved to reduce our footprint on the environment,” VFW member Matt Klos tells me. “The other building was very large and took a lot of energy and manpower. We wanted to start fresh and establish a presence on the Square. We have the lower level of this building (the former site of The Public House). We are focusing on the values of the VFW, making it smaller and more manageable. We are about bringing the community in and giving back to the community.” Mayor Sager joined the veterans at the ribbon cutting ceremony and the open house festivities following. “Thank you all for joining us as we celebrate the opening of the new VFW on the Square. It is most appropriate for it to be on the Square. If not for the veterans, the brave men and women, who put their lives on the line in service to our country, we would not be where we are today.” “Our main purpose is fundraising to support veterans and their families. We need all the help we can get,” Grote says. “Come and join us at the VFW. The Woodstock Post has a full honor Guard. Anyone who has served and wants an Honor Guard for their funeral can call us. We can take care of that. “The VFW Auxiliary has opened up to both men and women. People should check and see if they have someone in their direct lineage who has served - father, mother, grandparents.” A direct ancestor who served in any branch of the military from Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, or National Guard is eligible. Manager Lisa Lang informs me that, “At some point in the near future, we will be serving Friday dinner specials catered by Waverly House/Pour House.”
ANNE EICKSTADT PHOTOS McHenry County News
Woodstock Mayor Sager joined the veterans at the ribbon cutting ceremony and the open house festivities.
Chris Gehrke, president of the VFW auxiliary, tells me, “Some of the things we do are supporting veterans’ hospitals around the world; we sponsor the ‘Voice of Democracy’ and ‘Patriots Pen’ contests in middle schools and high schools. The kids can win prizes and scholarships. “At the local level the winner receives $100 and goes on to the District level where they can win $500.
The new VFW Hall in Woodstock is decorated with VFW memorabilia.
That winner goes to State where they can win upwards of $1000. The State winner continues on to the National level and can receive $10,000.” Gehrke is at the VFW Open House at the raffle table which offers baskets and tickets for the Big Win 50/50 drawing on May 21. Anyone who is interested in entering the Big Win raffle or in joining the VFW Auxiliary can call (815) 338-3533 or email Chris at gochristine@att.net.
McHenry County Conservation District announces upcoming events
Guided Tours of Volo Bog Most Saturdays & Sundays @ 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. Try a Colors Scavenger Hunt this winter! Red osier dogwood twigs stand out among the dominant grays of poison sumac and winterberry holly. A few stray winterberry berries remain, missed by autumn’s robins and waxwings. Evergreen ferns, lichens, and moss protrude here and there, adding unexpected shades of green to the show,while the golden bark of yellow birch presents a splash of brightness. Look for rich brown leatherleaf leaves which remain until spring, then turn green again before being pushed off as the new leaves emerge. And pitcher plants! They’re easy to see this winter without snow! The slushy eye of Volo Bog awaits a freeze and a fresh cover of snow to again betray the comings and goings of the bog’s secretive mammals. Out in the marsh moat a northern harrier has been spotted coursing above the cattails in search of voles. So stop on by to see who’s here! Our one-hour public tours are ideal for individuals, families and small groups of nine or fewer. No reservations are needed, except iffy weather necessitates phoning ahead, and groups of 10 or more, please phone (815) 344-1294 to arrange a private group tour. Habitat Restoration & Stewardship Team - Volunteer Days: Mon-
days, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays – lots of opportunities to help Come Prepared: Please dress for the weather and bring work gloves and drinking water. Reply or phone (815) 344-1294 to register. Volo Bog State Natural Area 9:30 a.m. to noon * Mondays: March 13; April 10 at VBSNA’s Chipmunk Woods * Thursdays: Feb. 2, 16; March 2, 16, 30; April 13, 27 Meet in the Visitor Center * Saturdays: Feb. 25; March 25; April 22 Meet in the Visitor Center Moraine Hills State Park 9:30 a.m. to noon Meet by the Northern Woods Playground * Tuesdays: Jan. 31; Feb. 14, 28; March 14, 28 * Saturdays: Feb. 4, 18; March 4, 18 Bird Walks at Volo Bog State Natural Area LNCI Saturdays and Sundays 8 a.m. Feb. 5, March 5, 18, April 1, 15, 30, May 21, 27 - Always more to come. With prairie restorations, woodlands, old fields, marshes and of course Volo Bog itself, VBSNA affords birders the opportunity to see a variety of species - 193 species have been documented on site! A northern harrier has been working the marsh! The bird feeders are full of the regulars – downy & red-bellied wood-
See EVENTS, Page 3