1 • Thursday, June 4, 2020 - McHenry County News
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VOL. 10 • NO. 24
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THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020
Huntley president reaches out
The following is a message from Huntley Village President Charles H. Sass “The COVID-19 pandemic, described as unprecedented and uncharted, is certainly something not experienced in our lifetime. “To those of you who have lost loved ones or friends to this virus, we extend our sincere condolences. We know others may be battling the virus, dealing with a job loss, looking after elderly parents, or just trying to buy groceries and stay safe. We have all been impacted in various ways. Face coverings, social distancing, cancelled public events and no haircuts have become the new normal for now. “Due to Governor Pritzker’s Stay-At-Home Executive Order, all Village buildings have been closed to the public, an idea that just a few weeks ago was unimaginable. “However, I am very proud of how our employees have responded during this crisis and have continued to provide a high-quality level Charles H. Sass of service to our residents and those seeking to do business here. You may notice some changes at Village Hall when we once again open our doors. These include safety measures such as sneeze guards at the front counter, social distancing markings, signage reminders to not enter the building if you are sick, hand sanitizer dispensers, and staff wearing face coverings and gloves. “While this may not seem to fit with being the friendly Village with country charm, these measures will be necessary as we move forward. “We want to say a special thanks to all of those on the frontlines of this battle–the healthcare workers, police and fire first responders, grocery store and pharmacy employees, and others making sure we are safe and have access to food, medicine and other necessary supplies. “Also, thank you for supporting our local restaurants and breweries by continuing to visit the drive-through, ordering for delivery or picking up for takeout. Without you, these businesses may not survive. Please continue to support all of our local businesses. “Lastly, we thank you all for your many acts of kindness such as making and donating face masks, shopping or running errands for neighbors and many others too numerous to name. “The outdoor Farmers Market is defined as an Essential Business under the Governor’s Executive Order. The weekly market began on May 23rd and we continue to improve how the market can be conducted safely and meet social distancing requirements. We anticipate this popular community event will continue to take place throughout the summer. Updates regarding events will be posted on the Village website at www.huntley.il.us and on our Facebook page. “Regular updates and resources related to COVID-19 are also posted on the website and Facebook. Business resources can be found on the Huntley First website at www.huntleyfirst.com. “As we all look forward to warmer weather and the opportunity to get outside, please remember to do so safely while following social distancing and face covering guidelines.”
Board chairman urges caution as Phase 3 begins With restrictions under the Restore Illinois plan loosening, County Board Chairman Jack Franks is urging residents to support local businesses as they start to re-open. McHenry County and the rest of Illinois are set to enter Phase 3—”Recovery”—of Gov. Pritzker’s five-phase Restore Illinois plan to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional businesses will be able to open, and additional activities will be permitted, under safety guidelines such as physical distancing and wearing a mask. “Local businesses are the heart and soul of our communities,” Franks (D-Marengo) said. “They’ve always been there to support us—our schools, our amateur sports teams, our civic organizations—when we needed them. They, and their employees who rely
on them to provide for their families, now need our support more than ever, and it’s our turn to be there for them.” The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has created online tool kits to help businesses and employers safely reopen and keep employees and customers safe. Each of these tool kits include health guidelines, posters, signage, social media graphics and other helpful items. The new guidelines under Phase 3 span 10 different categories of industry. The embedded links will take you straight to each individual tool kit: • Restaurants and Bars: Full-service restaurants, limited-service restaurants, taverns, and other food
See PHASE 3, Page 3
COURTESY PHOTO McHenry County News
Social and physical distancing measures will allow visitors to enjoy nature and programming with the McHenry County Conservation District this summer.
Conservation district adapts programming McHenry County Conservation District is cautiously and optimistically moving forward with summer programs in small groups with social and physical distancing measures in place. These summer program offerings are loaded with both indoor and outdoor nature enthusiast adventures. Choose your backyard or theirs for nine different self-guided adventures with Conservation Kids, Activities in a Box. Come out for a sensory hike on A Night with Nature, learn a new skill of pond dipping or bug netting on a Family Adventure Hike. People of all ages will enjoy
sights of summer with Beautiful Blooms, or listening to the sounds of nature’s Summer Symphony. Go on a Luminary Bike Ride or learn more about Native and Natural Landscaping, check out the Outdoor Discover Lab! series or float down the Nippersink on a Family Kayak Trip. There is something for everyone. Many programs are free. Everyone attending a program needs to register, both adult and child (except for Roving Naturalist). Space is limited to allow for social distancing. District staff will have a “cruise director” for each program, to meet cars and direct parking. Participants will
meet spread out, then disperse in staggered groups with individual leaders, or where appropriate set up stations for guests to rotate through in small groups. Participants will wear a face mask according to current social guidelines. Visit the conservation district’s website at www.MCCDistrict.org to view the programs in greater detail and save them to your wish list. Registration is now open for county residents and June 6 for non-residents. Register online, by phone (free programs only) at 815479-5779 or by mail-in at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road in Crystal Lake.
Thank you to our very own nursing staff and all other essential workers for your dedication and commitment!
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