McHenry County News FRE
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11512 N. 2nd ST. • MACHESNEY PARK, IL 61115 • (815) 654-4850 • www.McHenrycountynewspaper.com Display Advertising & Classifieds: 815-654-4850 • Circulation: 815-654-4854 • E-mail:McHenrynews@rvpublishing.com
Volume 6 Issue 9
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WOODSTOCK CAR WASH N O W
• 3 Heated Bays • Brand New Vacuums • Truck Wash Opening This Spring • Automatic Wash Coming Soon
O P E N
218 Fair Street, Woodstock, IL
February 25, 2016
(Behind McDonalds)
234423
Diva’s Attic
By Anne Eickstadt, Correspondent
I love this shop,” says Rayanne Lee. “Great, unique finds at reasonable prices. I really like to shop local and this place is a terrific spot that meets my regular shopping needs for gifts and personal treasures.” Diva’s Attic originally opened eight years ago in Woodstock, at a location on Main Street. It remained there for a year and a half before the three partners who owned it moved the shop to 106 N. Benton Street on the historic Woodstock Square. This move was made to improve its retail location. Two years ago Stephanie Drougas became its sole owner. Her former partners opened a shop just up the street. “I’m leaning more toward new apparel, home furnishings and home décor,” says Drougas. “I work with local artisans, jewelry, furniture and unique consignments.” Customer Julie Caldwell Downie says, “Stephanie was wonderful! So nice to come in and feel like we’ve been friends for years. I bought two lovely necklaces that I love.” She also promises to return soon. “There are some new lines coming in for spring,” Drougas tells me. “There’s some really fun stuff like Sanuks sandals which are made from recycled yoga mats. The ‘Dear John’ line is new. It comes with a note.” The note is actually a ‘Dear John’ letter. The gal is breaking up with him because he has “ruined every nice pair of denim I’ve ever owned.” Whether you are looking for clothing that truly expresses your personal style or home décor items that elevate your surroundings to the next level, Diva’s Attic is definitely worth checking out. Diva’s Attic can be found online on Facebook. Or you can reach the store by phone at 815.338.3482.
photos by Anne Eickstadt
Above: Diva’s Attic is located on the historic Woodstock Square at 106 N. Benton Street. Left: The ‘Dear John’ line of denim and tops can be found at Diva’s Attic.
Pioneer Center for Human Services imperiled By Anne Eickstadt, Correspondent
MCHENRY — Pioneer Center for Human Services is a 501(c)3, non-profit charitable organization that provides direct services to more than 4,800 individuals. The organization also provides education and outreach to schools and community organizations reaching over 10,000 additional individuals. The Pioneer Center has several locations in both McHenry and Woodstock. “We engage people of all abilities through innovative, effective, compassionate services. We employ, develop and support
exceptional people to achieve individual and organizational excellence. We are committed to being progressive industry leaders. We govern our resources with integrity to realize our mission & vision.” The lack of an Illinois State budget has had a crippling effect on the Pioneer Center. Approximately 78% of the Center’s funding comes from government institutions. Because of the state budget issues, only a small part of that revenue has gotten to the Pioneer Center and it has quite often been delayed. Currently, the State of Illinois owes millions of dollars to the
Pioneer Center. Some of the programs crippled by this situation are: respite care, group homes and at-risk youth mental health services. In many cases, this means that the Pioneer Center has been providing services to thousands of people for months without payment. Although they have been trying to absorb the financial blow gracefully, the programs and the clients are starting to be affected. *As of February 15, the Madison Group Home clients have been merged with the Wheeler Group Home and the Madison Group Home will be closed. * On March 2, Traumatic Brain
Injury Services will be transitioned to the Epilepsy Foundation of North Central Illinois. * On March 18, adult psychiatric services will close and over 1200 people will need to find new providers. * With each change or closure, the Pioneer Center will be reducing staff. If the State budget impasse continues much longer, these changes are only the beginning. The Pioneer Center is asking for your help to keep the 18 behavioral health programs and the 14 developmental disability programs open. You can help by contacting
your local legislator and by writing to your State legislator. The Pioneer Center is offering templates for postal mail and email for your letters to your representatives in local and State positions. These templates can be found at www.SavePioneer.org, a community campaign to raise awareness and funds to keep vital services and programs alive during the State budget crisis. They are also asking for donations of any size to help the Pioneer Center though this difficult situation. Further information can be located online at www.pioneercenter.org or call 815.344.1230.