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 7 Issue 36
AUGUST 31, 2017
To Advertise In This Space Call 815-654-4850
Free Guitars for Future Stars enhances education By Anne Eickstadt REPORTER
“This program is for kids who can’t afford it,” said Jim…They can get free guitars and free lessons. As long as they complete their classes and pass the test, they get to keep their guitar and can move on to an electric guitar and advanced education. “We have a number of sponsors but can always use more sponsors and more donations. “The kids can go as far as they want. We will continue to support them as long as they continue to be interested. The program is well accepted and more schools are offering it as a credit class. Kids can set up a garage band and get educational credit at their school. Harvard, McHenry, Woodstock, and Crystal Lake are all tied in with the organization over the past few years.” Research has shown the many benefits that music education has on the brain. To learn to play an instrument is considered the equivalent of a total workout for the brain. Benefits for children may include increased self-esteem, self-worth, confidence, leadership skills, social skills, teamworking skills, studying skills, and grade improvement. Study upon study has shown a connection to music and long-term health. Music is locked into the core of the brain, and provides a way to sometimes reach people when they can be reached no other way. Alzheimer, Autism, and people with traumatic brain injuries are often treated with music therapies. At Free Guitars for Future Stars, we feel that learning to play an instrument should be available to everyone, not just those who can afford it. Families that are struggling to put meals on their tables cannot consider the purchase of an instrument, let alone the cost of a weekly lesson. These are the children Free Guitars for Future Stars is trying to reach. Starting with a basic acoustic guitar, children will join a group of around 1015 children to receive free weekly group lessons. Each child is “loaned” an acoustic guitar, which they will be responsible for. The first lesson will explain this responsibility, plus teaches them the proper care and maintenance for their guitar. The group lessons are taught by an experienced teacher, with the assistance of 1 or 2 other guitar players. After successful completion of the program, students receive “ownership
SUBMITTED PHOTO McHenry County News
Starting with a basic acoustic guitar, children will join a group of around 10-15 children to receive free weekly group lessons. Each child is “loaned” an acoustic guitar, which they will be responsible.
papers” to their guitar. Current lesson locations are in Crystal Lake, McHenry, Marengo, Woodstock, and Harvard Ill. completing our basic program can apply for advanced lessons. These lessons are oneon-one lessons taught at local music stores that we have teamed with. Check out our website at www.fg4fs.org. The McHenry County Community Foundation has given you the opportunity to have twice the impact with your donation. All donations made to Free Guitars for Future Stars between July and December 2017 will be matched by the Foundation (up to $5,000). Thank you everyone for your support and thank you to the Community Foundation for matching that support!
Free Guitars for Future Stars (FG4FS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was formed in January, 2009, by Scott Neumann, Cheryl Neumann, and Matt Mickelsen. FG4FS is working to supply free guitars and guitar lessons to children, ages 10-17, from low-income McHenry County (IL) families. Many schools that are in financial trouble begin “fixing” their funding problems by eliminating programs. Music and Art programs seem to always be the first to feel the pinch. But even in a healthy school system, music programs rarely include applied lessons on the guitar. This leaves many children from low-income families without ever getting the chance to experience the joys of playing the guitar. Our mission is to help “Free Guitars for
Future Stars” fill this void by making free guitars and lessons available to children from low-income families Mission Statement: Working to supply free guitars and guitars lessons to children, ages 10-17, from lower-income McHenry County families. Music can have a powerful impact on children. Music can help build a child’s selfesteem, confidence, and self-worth. Study, social, memory, and teamworking skills are also enhanced. It’s been said that learning an instrument is the equivalent of a full workout for the brain because it involves so many parts of the brain. Children interested in music whose families cannot afford lessons or instruments have access to guitars and lessons thanks to the work of FG4FS.
Woodstock Police Department investigating fatal crash On Tuesday, Aug. 15, at approximately 7:33 p.m., the Woodstock Police Department responded to the intersection of S. Eastwood Dr. (IL Rte. 47) and U.S. Rte. 14 in reference to a motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian. Upon the arrival of responding officers and members of the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District, they located and attempted to treat a 25-year-old male subject, who subsequently died. The Major Crash Assistance WOODSTOCK PD PHOTO McHenry County News Team (MCAT), a multijurisdictional team consisting of experienced and trained crash investiga Last week, on duty members of the Woodstock Police Department said goodbye to Sgt. Dan Latham tors from several McHenry County as he completed his last shift after 26 years of outstanding service to the City of Woodstock and its citi- law enforcement agencies, includzens. ing the Woodstock Police Depart-
Fond farewell
ment, was activated. The preliminary results of the investigation indicate that the victim, who was riding a bicycle, was traveling northbound on Rte. 47 and was struck in the intersection by a 2007 Chevy Tahoe, which was traveling eastbound on Rte. 14. Preliminary witness statements indicated the Tahoe was traveling through the intersection and had a solid green light. No citations have been issued based on this preliminary information. This crash remains under investigation by the Woodstock Police Department, MCAT, and the McHenry County Coroner’s Office.