Woodstock Independent 12/13/23

The

Woodstock

I NDEPENDENT

Dec. 13-19, 2023

Published every Wednesday | Est. 1987 | Serving Woodstock, Wonder Lake and Bull Valley, Ill. | www.thewoodstockindependent.com | $1.50

Voting options worth a look Few contests on primary election ballot might not justify driving to polls

By Larry Lough

LARRY@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Next March’s primary election didn’t cause a great rush last week on the final day for candidates to file their campaigns with the office of McHenry County Clerk Joe Tirio.

“And no rush on the first day, either,” Tirio noted.

COMMUNITY

Moccasins offer a glimpse of Native American history PAGE 14

A&E

Voters in the Woodstock area will have few decisions to make – whether they take a Democratic or Republican ballot – in the March 19 primary election.

“I think it’s probably going to be a low [voter] turnout,” Tirio said.

Although 2024 will be a presidential election year, the Democratic and Republican candidates are pretty well

decided at this point, barring a “February surprise,” the clerk said.

And while some state-level races will be on the ballot, next year will have no campaign for governor to get voters to the polls.

“It’s hard for people to to get excited about down-ballot races,” Tirio said.

See ELECTION, Page 2

CLOP, CLOP, CLOP ...

WHS grad flies in to hear his tune conclude school concert

PAGE 11

BUSINESS

Combine jazz with exercise for motivation, inspiration

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INDEX

Obituaries

4

Opinion

6

Schools

9

A&E

11

Business

13

Community

14

Calendar

18

Service Directory 20 Puzzles

22

Public Notices

23

Sports

24

The Woodstock Independent

671 E. Calhoun St., Woodstock, IL 60098 Phone: 815-338-8040 Fax: 815-338-8177 Thewoodstock independent.com

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER

Carriage rides on the cobblestone streets of the Square, under a blanket in the cool air of December, is a Woodstock holiday tradition that endures. Rides will be resumed from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 17 and 23.

Water line work is going to cost you

By Larry Lough

LARRY@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

About 1,300 buildings in Woodstock need to have lead water-service lines replaced under a federal mandate at a cost of more than $10 million.

And your water rates are going to go up – once now, and again later – as the city works to comply with state and federal deadlines to fix the

health-related problems in the water supply system.

The City Council last week approved a formal Lead Service Line Replacement Program that will meet the federal deadline to complete full replacement by April 15, 2042.

City staff members are now working to meet a state deadline of April 15, 2024, to submit a plan to replace all lead service lines as well as any

galvanized pipes connected to lead services.

Property owners will share in the cost of the project, since water service lines are privately owned.

But the city plans a reimbursement program that will provide up to $8,000 for each single-family residential property that is owner-occupied and $4,000 for commercial See WATER LINES Page 3

NEWS

Dec.13-19, 2023

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

2

ELECTION

Continued from Page 1

Few primary races

Only one contest will appear on the Democratic ballot locally. Congressman Bill Foster, a scientist from Naperville who is seeking an eighth two-year term in the U.S. House of Representatives, is being challenged for his party’s nomination in the 11th District by Rashid Qasim of Warrenville, a civil rights attorney who was a congressional candidate when he lived in Virginia.

Local Republicans will have twice as many races to decide – for Congress and for a County Board seat.

Three candidates seek the party’s nomination for the Nov. 5 ballot.

Two of them, Jerry Evans of Warrenville and Susan Hathaway-Altman of Geneva, ran unsuccessfully in 2022 for the nomination. The third GOP hopeful in March will be physician/lawyer O Kent Mercado of Bartlett.

Woodstock was placed at the far north end of the 11th District when the Legislature reapportioned Illinois’ 17 seats in Congress after the 2020 census. Six Republican candidates sought the nomination in 2022, when Catalina Lauf of Woodstock won.

How the Democratic Legislature drew the new districts might have deterred more Republicans from filing for the 11th District seat. The nonpartisan Princeton Gerrymandering Project, in its analysis of Illinois’ partisan redistricting, classified none of the state’s 17 congressional districts as competitive. Democrats currently hold

NO PARKING

Driving through the South Street tunnel under the Union Pacific tracks can be tricky with oneway traffic, but maybe other factors were involved when this eastbound SUV ended up in an odd parking spot in front of a house on Seminary Avenue.

PHOTO FOR THE INDEPENDENT BY TOM NIERMAN

14 of those seats.

Local Republicans will also choose a candidate to challenge County Board member Louisett “Lou” Ness in the Seventh District, which covers most of Woodstock. She won a two-year term in 2022.

Paul Thomas and Peter Suffield have filed for the Republican nomination to face Ness in the general election in November.

Ballot vacancies

Few Democrats will even appear on local ballots in the primary election.

Democrat Mary Mahady, McHenry Township assessor, filed to challenge Republican state Rep. Steve Reick, a retired tax attorney who will seek a fifth two-year term next November.

And County Board member Kelli Wegener, a Democrat, has filed to run against board Chairman Mike Buehler, a Republican who was elected in 2020.

But no Democrats filed to run against four Republicans who hold countywide offices: State’s Attorney Patrick D. Kenneally, Coroner Michael Rein, Courts Clerk Katherine M. Keefe, and Auditor Shannon Teresi.

The Democratic Party may fill their ballot vacancies after the primary election.

Voting options

With few decisions to make in the primary election, Woodstock area voters might choose an alternative to driving to the polls on March 19.

An increasingly popular option in

Woodstock-area ballot for March 19 primary

County Auditor Shannon Teresi – R No Democrat filed

Congress 11th District Bill Foster, Naperville – D Rashid Qasim, Warrenville – D Jerry Evans, Warrenville – R Susan Hathaway-Altman, Geneva – R O Kent Mercado, Bartlett – R

State’s Attorney Patrick D. Kenneally – R No Democrat filed

Illinois General Assembly House District 63 Mary Mahady – D Steven Reick – R

County Board District 4 Brian Dean Meyers – D Mike ‘Shorty’ Shorten – R

McHenry County County Circuit Clerk Katherine M. Keefe – R No Democrat filed

District 7 Louisett ‘Lou’ Ness – D Paul Thomas – R Peter Suffield – R

County Coroner Michael Rein – R No Democrat filed

District 8 Dawn Milarski – D Tracie Von Bergen – R

voting by mail.

“Or even early voting,” Tirio suggested, “if they’re out and about doing errands.”

Early voting sites and times will be announced in February.

A year ago, about 27,000 McHenry County voters had registered for permanent vote-by-mail status, but Tirio says that number now is “closer to 30,000.” Each will receive a ballot in the mail a few weeks before the election, which they may return by mail; drop off at the ballot mailbox at the county Administration Building in

County Board Chairman Kelli Wegener – D Mike Buehler – R

Woodstock; or surrender at the polls and vote in person.

People may still apply to vote by mail – for the March election or permanently – by downloading a form on the clerk’s website (mchenrycountyil. gov/departments/county-clerk/elections/vote-by-mail), filling it out, and mailing it in.

“We need a signature,” Tirio said in explaining why the form could not be submitted online.

The form also can be obtained from or dropped off at the clerk’s office, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

IN BRIEF Winter graduates at MCC in 68 different programs

Nearly 800 students were part of the McHenry County College Class of 2023, for which winter commencement was held Saturday morning.

The ceremony included remarks from MCC Presdient Clint Gabbard; a student presentation by new graduate Kathleen Escobar; and the presentation of degrees and certificates.

Students graduated from 68 different programs, the most popular being Associate in Arts, Basic Nursing Assistant Certificate, Associate in Science, Emergency Medical Technician Certificate, and Firefighter Basic Certificate.

The class included 48 honors graduates (cumulative GPA of 3.50-3.74) and 60 with high honors (GPA 3.75 or higher).

Two students earned the voluntarism award for completing at least 100 hours of community service while attending MCC.

Continued from Page 1

Second increase higher

Alert system approved

In other action at the Dec. 5 meeting, the council: n Authorized administrators to contract with the Everbridge/Nixle Alert Notification System, for about $12,000, to allow police and firefighters to

INDEPENDENT FILE PHOTO BY KEN FARVER

Residents could get community-wide alerts for emergencies such as the Oct. 9 explosion and fire on Lincoln Avenue. employ a “mass notification of important information” to residents through text and voice messages, on landlines as well as smartphones. While the emergency message system can also be used as a city marketing tool, residents may opt out of those promotional messages. n Extended a special use permit, scheduled to expire this month, to allow continued operation of a gravel

pit on Lily Pond Road just north of U.S. 14. Although petitioner Jack Pease of Super Aggregates asked for a 15-year extension, the council approved three additional years of mining and excavation and five more years of asphalt and concrete recycling and site reclamation. City officials believe that property along the eastern gateway to Woodstock has long-term development potential.

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NEWS

The council will be asked to approve a 3.76 percent water rate increase effective this Jan. 1. Another increase is anticipated in two years. “... [A]n additional rate increase, equal to or higher than the first amount, would be needed once the costs of the program increase to approximately $500,000 annually,” which is expected to begin in fiscal year 2026-27, according to a staff report.

To meet the 2042 deadline to

complete replacements, the city expects to take on about 7 percent of the total project each year, beginning no later than April 15, 2027. The city will budget about $505,000 a year in the water and sewer/capital improvements program that year, but inflationary pressures are expected to increase that cost as the project progresses, thus the second rate increase.

A final inventory of lines will need to be submitted once the city is able to access nearly 900 buildings that are not yet included. The city submitted a preliminary inventory last spring to the Illinois Department of Public Health, which is coordinating the state response to the national mandate of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Little federal money and no state money has been available to help communities comply with the mandate. Congress banned use of lead water pipes, which can lead to brain damage, in 1986.

Dec. 13-19, 2023

properties and residences that are not owner-occupied.

Councilman Darrin Flynn questioned the requirement that landlords will have to register for the city’s otherwise voluntary registration program if they apply for reimbursement. Registration is now required only of landlords with a record of violating the city’s rental code.

City Manager Roscoe Stelford said the requirement would involve only the act of registering.

“It’s not inspections; it’s not training,” Stelford said. “It’s not things we talked about in a full-blown [registration] program.

3 THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

WATER LINES

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NEWS

Dec.13-19, 2023

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

4

OBITUARIES

Rita R. Johnson, 91 Rita R. Johnson, 91, passed away peacefully Nov. 29, 2023, at Northwestern Medicine in McHenry surrounded by her family.

She was born on March 8, 1932, in East St. Louis, Ill., the daughter of George and Ruth (Harrison) Roberts.

Rita graduated Rita R. Johnson from Crystal Lake Community High School in 1950, then went on to graduate from St. Francis School of Nursing in 1953. She married Richard G. Johnson on Nov. 21, 1953, at St. Thomas Church in Crystal Lake.

Her passion for sewing and crafts led her to opening her store, My Little Room Antiques & Crafts, in Crystal Lake. She was an avid golfer, Chicago Bulls fan, philanthropist, and was always hoping for a good pull on the slot machines.

Rita is survived by her children, Rick (Anita) Johnson and Kim (Dan) Ryan; grandchildren, Camie Johnson, Courtney (Brian) Pramann, Megan Ryan, and Brie (A.J.) Lohens; great-grandchildren, Lily

PUBLIC SAFETY LOG

Woodstock Police Department ■ Peter Fallaw, 48, transient, was arrested Nov. 27 in the 900 block of Country Club Road on a charge of trespassing. Cited and given notice to appear in court. Court date Dec. 15.

■ Joo H. Lee, 54, Woodstock, was arrested Nov. 27 in the 200 block of North Benton Street on a charge of battery. Cited and given notice to appear in court. Court date Dec. 28.

■ Giovanny Rosales-Salinas, 34, North Chicago, was arrested Nov. 27 in the 3700 block of Doty Road on a charge of battery. Cited and given notice to appear in court. Court date Jan. 4.

■ David Nicchia, 47, Woodstock, was arrested Nov. 29 in the 800 block of South Eastwood Drive, on charges of improper display of license plate and driving with revoked registration.

and Ean Pramann; and son-in-law, Greg Bundgard.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard, in 2020; her parents; a daughter, Susan Bundgard; a son, Scott Johnson; and grandson, Robin Burton.

There will be a private service held for immediate family only.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org.

For online condolences, visit slmcfh. com or call Schneider-Leucht-Merwin & Cooney at 815-338-1710 for more information.Cooney Funeral Home at 815338-1710 or visit slmcfh.com.

Terry McQueen, 73

Terry McQueen, 73, passed away on Nov. 25, 2023, in McHenry.

He was born on Nov. 7, 1950, to Dorothy and Walter McQueen. Terry was a proud Navy veteran. He had a love for fishing, hunting, and cooking, especially when it came to Sunday family dinners.

He also had a love for gardening.

Terry was a hardworking man who was a lifelong resident of Woodstock. He was a loving husband to MaryAnn McQueen, who preceded him in death. Terry was also preceded in death by his parents and his brother Gary McQueen.

Released after posting 10 percent of $1,500 bond. Court date Dec. 13.

■ Julian Acevedo, 18, Woodstock, was arrested Nov. 18 on charges of driver’s license expired more than a year, vehicle theft conspiracy, unlawful possession of cannabis 30-100 grams, aggravating fleeing/property damage, and resisting a peace officer. Released with notice to appear in court. Court date Dec. 28.

■ Juvenile arrested Nov. 28 on charges of vehicle theft conspiracy and unlawful possession of firearms/ammo (four counts). Taken to Kane County juvenile center. Court date Nov. 29.

■ Lorico Washington, 31, Aurora, was arrested Nov. 28 in the 1900 block of Sheila Street on charges of obstructing identification, driving more than 35 mph over limit, and failure to notify of damages to unattended vehicle. Taken to jail. No bond. Court date Dec. 28.

■ Zaruma Jose Espinoza, 23, Woodstock, was arrested Nov. 26 at Calhoun Street and Seminary Avenue on charges of expired registration and never having had a driver’s license.

Released with notice to appear in court. Court date Dec. 21.

■ Kyla Youmans, 24, Woodstock, was arrested Nov. 25 at Cass and Main streets on charges of expired registration third/subsequent time within a year, and operating an unlicensed motor vehicle. Released with notice to

He is survived by his brother Alan McQueen (Denise); sister, Robin Fuzzell (Gary); son, Greg McQueen; daughter, Teresa Fudala (Jeff); his beloved grandchildren, Koby, Kevin, Colin, McKenna, Alex, Kendra, Kasondra, Dakota, Caden, and bonus grandson, Tommy; and greatgrandchildren, Braelyn, Maximus, Charlotte, Kota, and Lux. He also had many close friends, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is also survived by his beloved cats, Duncan and Dusty, whom he loved dearly.

Terry will be remembered for his kind heart, sense of humor, and his love for his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A funeral service will be held at a later date to honor Terry’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society in Terry’s memory. His legacy will live on through his family and the memories they shared together.

How to submit obituaries Email obituaries to pr@thewoodstockindependent.com. You may also mail them to or drop them off at 671 E. Calhoun St., Woodstock, IL 60098.

appear in court. Court date Dec. 21.

■ Francisco Galendo, 49, was arrested Nov. 24 at U.S. 14 and Dean Street on a charge of driver’s license expired more than a year. Released with notice to appear in court. Court date Dec. 28.

■ Marcos Barren, 38, Woodstock, was arrested Nov. 25 in the 700 block of Flagg Lane on charges of domestic battery/physical contact and domestic battery/bodily harm. Taken to jail. No bond. Court date Dec. 19.

■ Jermaine Wilson, 40, Woodstock, was arrested Nov. 27 at Lake Avenue and U.S. 14 on a warrant. Held without bond. Court date to be set.

■ Juvenile was arrested Nov. 27 on a charges of domestic battery/bodily harm and domestic battery/physical contact with previous conviction. Released with notice to appear in court. Court date to be set.

■ Irin Ponce, 20, McHenry, was arrested Nov. 26 at McHenry and Seminary avenues on charges of driving under the influence/alcohol and driving under the influence with blood alcohol over 0.08 percent. Taken to hospital.

Court date Dec. 21.

■ Katherine Fees, 58, Union, was arrested Nov. 26 at Church and Madison streets on charges of driving under the influence/license suspended, seatbelt violation, and revoked/canceled registration. Released after posting 10 percent of $3,075 bond. Court date

IN BRIEF Sheriff says jail deaths get outside investigation Deaths of four inmates who died while in the custody of the McHenry County jail this year are being investigated by an independent agency, Sheriff Rob Tadelman announced in a news release.

Three inmates have died in the past month, one of whom was hospitalized.

The other death occurred in July, but that investigation is still underway five months later.

Tadelman said the cases had been turned over to the county’s Major Investigation Assistance Team, but no details of the deaths will be released until the cases are concluded.

Tadelman said all inmates are given a medical examination on arrival and their health is continuously monitored.

Corrections/clarifications

In last week’s edition, we reported that Seleta Scents was named for the late mother of owner Julienne Samuels, but the mother’s name was incorrectly reported. It was Wilma Seleta Samuels.

We regret the error.

Dec. 15.

■ Brittney Hall, 22, Woodstock, was arrested Nov. 27 at Eastwood Drive and U.S. 14 on charges of improper turn signal, possession of cannabis by driver, and driving with suspending/ revoked license. Released with notice to appear in court. Court date Dec. 28.

■ Jacqueline Tornstenson, 31, McHenry, was arrested Nov. 21 at Church and Madison streets on charges of driving with suspended/ revoked license and expired registration/third or subsequent arrest.

Released with notice to appear in court. Court date Dec. 21.

Charges are only accusations of crimes, and defendants are presumed innocent until proved guilty.

Woodstock Fire/Rescue District

Ambulance runs Nov. 30-Dec. 6: 80 Fire runs Structure fire: 1 Electrical wiring/equipment problem: 1 Person in distress: 1 Smoke/odor problem: 1 Public service assistance: 13 Cover assignment/standby: 2 Dispatched/canceled en route: 3 Wrong location/no emergency found: 3 Steam/gas mistaken for smoke: 1 System/detector malfunction: 1 Unintentional system/detector: 3 Total: 110

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OPINION

Dec.13-19, 2023

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

6

Opinion

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

Cheryl Wormley Publisher, Co-Owner

Paul Wormley Co-Owner

Woodstock, IL • 1987

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

Cheryl Wormley Larry Lough Sandy Kucharski Ken Farver

Delicate balance of ‘rights’

As a family-friendly community, we wouldn’t want a visitor to be ticketed for asking someone on the street for the time if standing within three feet of the Woodstock resident.

Or not being allowed to ask for directions within 20 feet of a bus stop.

Or from working in pairs to collect signatures for a petition.

But those acts, the American Civil Liberties Union suggested in 2019, could have been prohibited under the city’s solicitation ordinance. At the ACLU’s urging, the City Council repealed that code.

In a related move, a relatively new public policy in Illinois seeks to ensure that people charged with minor crimes are not held in jail awaiting trial merely because they cannot afford to post bail. The state’s Pre-Trial Fairness act eliminated cash bail, putting the responsibility on the state’s attorney and the courts to identify those criminal defendants who should be held because they represent a flight risk or a danger to the community.

The city’s former ordinance to control panhandling and the state’s cash bail system were wellintentioned but flawed policies that needed reform.

The repealed city code had sought to prevent citizens from being harassed, but the best efforts of the city staff couldn’t craft language that wouldn’t collide with the free speech rights of not only lost tourists but panhandlers and petitioners.

In short, City Attorney Ruth Schlossberg advised

» YOUR VIEW

Two residents who believe in Hearthstone speak out Maybe it’s time for some positive comments instead of all the negativity Hearthstone has been getting. We are two people, Carol and Donna, who reside at Hearthstone. We each have lived in a duplex at least nine years.

It is upsetting to read the comments of the Village, that it’s dirty and that the food is bad. Our experience has been different; we are allowed to pick up several meals per month that are prepared in the kitchen to take home to eat. We also have a couple of meals a month to be able to enjoy in the dining room with the residents. We have enjoyed the meals.

Because we also volunteer twice a month running night bingo for the residents, we feel we have seen for ourselves the good care people receive there. It gives us great pleasure to see how many people come and enjoy themselves. We are often asked to play more often. In fact, all of the activities that are offered in the Village are also open to the residents in

the City Council in 2019, courts had determined solicitation ordinances could not be content-based.

That is, “if you have to look at the content of speech in order to know how to regulate it, then such regulation is almost always prohibited under the First Amendment.”

And cash bail was intended to ensure defendants showed up for trial, so the more serious offenses brought the higher bonds designed to discourage flight. Of course, the risk a criminal defendant posed to the public also had to be considered.

All of this has left police with few options for dealing with problem panhandlers, Woodstock Chief John Lieb says.

Police can still enforce criminal laws “when panhandling behavior rises to the level of threats, intimidation, extortion or assault. The ACLU’s letter acknowledged police could enforce unwanted touching (battery), blocking a person’s way, blocking the entrance to a building, or threatening someone (intimidation or extortion).

How about approaching a driver stopped in traffic and pounding on her window to ask for money?

That action recently earned a citation on a charge of disorderly conduct, but it’s a minor offense for which someone these days cannot be held in jail – unless the suspect fails to comply days or weeks later with a notice to appear in court.

Call it a classic clash of rights – where the constitutional right of free expression trumps the desire of

the duplexes.

The building is an old one that has been around for a lot of years. Because the elevator is so old, a part needed to be made to repair it, which took longer than expected. Also, there were other elevators available in the facility to get people where they needed to go. It is a solid, clean, old building.

The friendly staff servers in the dining room for breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all very pleasant. Our Chef Andy is doing a marvelous job feeding the residents nutritious good food for everyone’s liking. We also want to say we have a good crew of maintenance men that are willing to help us with the problems that arise, even extra little things. They have also been helping to do some of the lawn work.

We have had our concerns about how the financial mismanagement with Heritage occurred. One area they could have improved is by providing us with more information throughout the process. But if we all have patience, believe in the system, and give Hearthstone a chance, we’ll be back on our feet again.

There isn’t another place as unique as

INDEPENDENT FILE PHOTO

Route 47 and U.S. 14 is a popular spot to appeal to motorists for assistance.

people not to be bothered by requests they feel to be harassing. That doesn’t mean all requests – people generally don’t mind being approached to buy Girl Scout cookies.

But how do you write that into law or ordinance?

And here we are.

this one – to feel like you are living in your own home, without all the work involved.

It’s a place we love and are glad we live here.

Carol Greenawalt Donna Freeman Hearthstone residents

Too many red flags with Riverwoods development I write to voice my opposition to the Riverwoods 320-unit high-density proposed development – as one born and raised in Woodstock and who still lives here, having my business in our town.

My concerns stem from anything but a not-in-my backyard rationale. Most of us long-term Woodstock residents are fine with residential growth – so long as the growth serves one of two needs: 1) affordable housing or 2) high-quality housing in keeping with our community’s character.

The proposed development along Lucas and Doty Roads in Woodstock is within an area deemed by Woodstock’s long-term land-use plan as a Resource

Conservation Area. The developer proposes zoning to allow the highest density of a planned development within all zoning groups allowed in Woodstock. The single-family homes would have a typical lot size of 0.18 acres. The developer has proposed setbacks of less than the Woodstock zoning minimums: six-foot side-yard setbacks, cramming the single family houses and duplexes within 12 feet of one another.

This proposed high-density development is more than “challenging.” This is because the Natural Resource Information Report by McHenry County Soil and Water points to the “severe limitations” for both basement and slabs on 88.5 percent of the acreage. Among the official soil and water reports in McHenry County for the past eight years involving residential zoning changes of more than 10 acres, no other proposed development had the percentage of hydric soil (saturated, flooded, or ponded) in the range of the proposed development. And no other proposed development had “severe” limitations for slabs even close to the limitations

Continued on Next page

“Thank you NIE for telling us about stuff going on in our city and, instead of going on the TV, we can read and learn about the city.” Celeste “Thank you for donating the paper Continued from Previous page

involving the proposed 74 duplexes that would face Lucas Road.

The report warns against installing basements given the “severe” building limitations. And it points to the potential for “cracked foundations, wet basements” and “lower structural integrity” for buildings on the vast majority of the planned urban development. Nevertheless, it appears that the developer may flout these red-flags, continuing to insist that all 244 houses would have partial basements.

Another challenge is that 42 acres are on a sensitive aquifer recharge area, including the area where the developer would build 74 duplexes. Building along the unique topography of the Kishwaukee River watershed presents long-term dangers of contamination of Woodstock’s water supply and area wells as noted within the report. The development would also destroy most of the substantial remnant oak woodlands within this acreage.

Finally, consider the area where this proposal would be built: between Woodstock and Crystal Lake and between U.S. 14 and Route 47. This change to

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Cheryl Wormley

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Cheryl Wormley is publisher of The Independent. Her email is c.wormley@ thewoodstockindependent.com.

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Corrections

We strive for accuracy. To suggest corrections or clarifications, email news@ thewoodstockindependent.com.

Staff

Cheryl Wormley

PUBLISHER

c.wormley@thewoodstockindependent.com

EDITOR

Larry Lough

larry@thewoodstockindependent.com

Jill Flores

ADVERTISING

jill@thewoodstockindependent.com

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Sandy Kucharski

sandy@thewoodstockindependent.com

Ken Farver

PHOTOGRAPHER

ken@thewoodstockindependent.com

ADMINISTRATION/SUBSCRIPTIONS

Rebecca McDaniel

subs@thewoodstockindependent.com

COLUMNISTS

Paul Lockwood, Lisa Haderlein, Dan Chamness, Patricia Kraft, Nancy Shevel, Julie Peters PHOTOGRAPHERS

Vicky Long

CORRESPONDENTS

Tricia Carzoli, Janet Dovidio, Susan W. Murray, Megan Ivers, Lydia LaGue, Eileen Millard, Ruth Raubertas EDITORIAL CARTOONIST

Woodstock’s land-use plan would not promote smart growth but urban sprawl.

The proposed high-density development along the banks of the Kishwaukee River would be out of character with Woodstock’s historical charm. The Plan Commission and the City Council should retain this acreage as a natural resource area while rejecting this ill-advised development. We can do better!

Gunnar J. Gitlin Woodstock

Looking for contributions to help Crossroads Care We are trying to do what we did for all the people at the old Crossroads Care Center here in Woodstock.

We have about 130 people we want to give a small gift, such as stocks, gloves, scarves, slippers, games, puzzles, candies, and Christmas cards.

So, we are asking businesses and people to give what you can to make their people have a nice Christmas.

Last year we gave all these people a gift and card and made them all happy to give

them a Christmas. Many of these people don’t have families, and some have families that they never see.

So, let’s give them a Christmas to remember.

Thank you, and God bless, and Merry Christmas.

John Cole Bruce Thatcher Woodstock

Jim Mansfield PROOFREADER

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Peaceful place to dine, and no big-screen TVs

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

I would like to give a shout-out to one of our favorite restaurants, the Green Garden. They serve a wide variety of Chinese food, usually in serving sizes that ensure you’ll have enough to take home for lunch the next day.

They do a busy takeout business, but we always like to eat in their dining room, where it is peaceful and devoid of large screen TVs. What a perfect place to enjoy a meal.

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Marian Weiss Woodstock

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OPINION

“Hi, I’m one of the students in Mrs. Griffin’s WIN class. We wanted to thank you for donating the newspaper.”

Margaret

“I learned about an Arctic explorer. I learned about schools. I hope you guys keep making newspapers like this, because it tells me about a lot of things and is very entertaining.” Hunter

and letting us learn about the community.” Sophia

671 E. Calhoun St. • Woodstock, IL 60098 Phone: 815-338-8040 www.thewoodstockindependent.com

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Dec. 13-19, 2023

The impact of a handwritten thank you is well documented.

Imagine the joy in The Independent office last week when we received handwritten “thank you” letters from 15 third-graders.

All 15 are students in Kecia Griffin’s W.I.N. class at Westwood Elementary School, and they are part of The Independent’s Newspaper in Education program. That means they receive each week’s newspaper just like our subscribers do.

Mrs. Griffin uses The Independent each week to challenge her students during the W.I.N. (What I Need) reading intervention time.

That’s enough background. What follows are excerpts from each of the letters. If you donated to the NIE program when you renewed your subscription, the students are thanking you, too. Enjoy!

Woodstock

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

Dear Woodstock Independent ...

The

I NDEPENDENT

SCHOOLS Dec. 13-19, 2023

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

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Schools

9

By Janet Dovidio

Greenwood pre-kindergarten teacher Julie Zay sits on the storage container seat that will be replaced by a Buddy Bench, thanks to an Impact Grant she received from the D200 Education Foundation.

COURTESY PHOTO

Eight Marian Central students named Illinois State Scholars Staff Report

NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Eight students at Marian Central Catholic High School have been chosen as 202425 Illinois State Scholars by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.

They are Max Astacio, Cody Brockner, Alexander Burdzy, Amanda Demiglio Clarkson, Samuel Hoover, Michaela Johnson, Fiona Morris, and Maja Tryba.

The Illinois State Scholar designation is a nonmonetary award. Each scholar will receive a congratulatory letter and a certificate of achievement, and awardees can download an official Illinois State Scholar Program badge to display on their online profiles and social media platforms and to share with their high school counselors,

colleges, employers, family members, and others.

“This is a clear example of how the level of rigor our faculty provides our students, the perseverance and commitment of our students and their families, and the focus that our school has on the whole student, together inspire the incredible achievements of all students at Marian Central,” school curriculum director Debra Cunico said in a news release. “I know that I speak for the entire staff when I say how proud we are of these students. They are definitely on their way to a bright, successful future.”

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission is the state’s college access and financial aid agency. This year it recognized nearly 16,700 honorees statewide.

IN BRIEF MCC speech team members earn places in regional tournaments Mark Luchsinger from McHenry and Elsbeth Haylock from Hebron placed in recent competition for the McHenry County College speech and debate team in tournaments at Elgin Community College and UW-Whitewater.

Luchsinger, a first-time debater, was a semifinalist in international public debate and Elsbeth earned a fourth in individual Haylock speaker sweepstakes.

Haylock placed sixth in persuasive speaking and third in persuasive speaking.

MCC’s team competes in a variety of oral interpretation and public speaking events throughout the year.

The group focuses on the performance of literature, platform speaking, and debate to enhance the development of communication skills.

SCHOOLS

Greenwood Elementary School teacher Julie Zay felt there was a need for a special bench at her school.

“I applied for a 2023-2024 D200 Education Foundation Impact Grant for a Buddy Bench at Greenwood, which would provide our D-200 students, families, and the wider community a place to sit and refuel and provide a time to enjoy the outdoors,” she said.

Zay wasn’t confident she would get the grant because she had previously received one for an author visit to her school.

“I was so excited to benefit by this grant program again,” she said.

According to the free online encyclopedia Wikipedia, a Buddy Bench is a seat in a safe space on a school playground where a child can go to talk to someone.

The bench also encourages children to ask for help when they are troubled.

Dec. 13-19, 2023

Zay indicated she was inspired by seeing Buddy Benches at other schools. Fellow staff members at Greenwood also saw the need for a sitting spot on the playground.

They do have a temporary one now – a large storage container built by a custodian that serves as a sitting space.

Zay felt it was the right time to have a ready-made one. She researched the costs and designs before applying for the grant. She hopes to have the bench purchased and installed by April.

From her point of view as a teacher, Zay added, “a playground bench also encourages collaboration with others, language development, socialization opportunities, and promotes friendship.”

NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

‘Buddy Bench’ will offer a seat at Greenwood Elementary

Student of the Week

Max Astacio

Max Astacio, a senior at Marian Central Catholic High School, is the son of Mario and Connie Astacio, West Dundee.

He was nominated by his guidance counselor who wrote ”Max is a selfless person. He helps and volunteers for so many different things ... being a great leader in many ways.”

In the top 10 percent of his class, Max has ISAC recognition, is an Academic Excellence Award and IHSA All State Award recipient, and is on high honor roll and the Principal’s List. He is a member of National and Spanish Honor societies, Mentor Program, Green Club, Business Club and on the wrestling team.

In the community, Max volunteers through NHS tutoring and supporting bake sales. “I use my ability to cook to help and heal others,” he said.

He is inspired by his grandfather, Michael Donatelli, a kind, humble man with a good work ethic, who has found the key to a fulfilling life.

He finds success through hard work and holding himself accountable.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

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2023 Limited-Edition Ornament

• Designed locally by The Woodstock Independent staff

• Produced locally by R.W. Graphix • Sold locally at The Thoughtfulness Shop, 104 Cass St. and The Woodstock Independent

The iconic Cherry Tree Inn Bed and Breakfast was featured in the 1993 classic ‘Groundhg Day’ and this year’s holiday film ‘Reporting for Christmas.’

The Cherry Tree Inn is available for overnight stays, quaint gatherings, intimate events, and small weddings.

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A&E

11

‘Across the Universe’

WHS alumnus comes from L.A. to hear school concert finalé he composed Kevin Lyons DISTRICT 200

A former Woodstock High School music student flew across the country to see students perform his original composition at the high school’s “Across the Universe” collage concert.

Alex Riak, an award-winning, Los Angeles-based composer, graduated from WHS in 2014. This past February, Woodstock music educators Lyndra Bastian and Brian Jozwiak had an idea to commission Riak for a piece to be performed by WHS choir, orchestra, and band students.

“I’m so glad we reached out to Alex last year and were able to do this,” Bastian said. “Our kids really enjoyed this piece. It really challenged us all musically and technically which led to many great classes dissecting the piece and its intricacies.”

Riak, who composes for television shows such as “Family Guy,” among other projects, spent several months working on the piece, titled “Unknown,” before delivering it to his alma mater.

He first got a text from his younger brother Aidan, a sophomore orchestra student at WHS, telling him that the faculty was interested in a commissioned piece. They had a Zoom call in February to talk about what they were looking for as a finale for the “Across the Universe” concert.

“I was really honored and excited.

It’s a huge opportunity,” Riak said.

“I’m really happy to be working with Woodstock High School students again. It’s very nostalgic to be back here.”

Riak titled the piece “Unknown.”

“It was just a vague enough concept to be interesting,” he said, “and to have a lot of realms of possibility to explore.”

Working with students

Risk caught a red-eye flight from L.A. and was able to work with students as they rehearsed Thursday morning before the concert. He also spoke about his career journey from winning a first-place Illinois Music Education Association award to his studies at Illinois Wesleyan and See COMPOSER Page 12

“I was really happy to be working with Woodstock High School students again,” said Alex Riak, a member of the WHS class of 2014.

“It’s very nostalgic to be back.”

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

DISTRICT 200 PHOTO

Composer Alex Riak, a Woodstock High School graduate, watches rehearsal for the WHS “Across the Universe” concert. Musicians are led by educator Lyndra Bastian and Brian Jozwiak.

Several weeks ago, this newspaper reported on the District 200 musicians who were recognized for their achievement in the annual Illinois Music Education Association District 7 competition.

Nine of the musicians have advanced to All-State recognition for their perforWill mances. They will participate Madigan and perform with the Illinois All-State ensembles in January at a three-day festival at the Carver Arena in Peoria.

Will Madigan, for choir, and MackMackinzee inzee CarpenCarpenter ter, for music composition, advanced from the Woodstock North High School competitors.

Woodstock High School will send seven musicians on to the All-State performances.

Alfredo Alfredo Cabera Cabrera will play bass clarinet for the band.

Julian Hoak (Tenor 2) and Hunter Johanson (Bass 2) will sing in the All-State Chorus. The AllState Honors Chorus will include See ALL-STATE Page 12

Dec. 13-19, 2023

By Janet Dovidio

NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

District 200 musicians to play in state ensembles

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Dec. 13-19, 2023

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

12

ALL-STATE

Continued from Page 11

Maggie Adams (Alto 2), Tyler Beckman (Tenor 2), Kamila Kay (Soprano 2), and Kennedy Treliving (Soprano 1).

“These students ranked in the top 90th-95th percentile among all auditions on their part,” WHS Choral Director Brian Jozwiak said.

The high school choral directors are Jozwiak (WHS) and Paul Rausch (WNHS), who is filling in for Megan Kim while she is on sabbatical. Orchestra directors are Lyndra Bastian (WHS) and Stacie Savittieri (WNHS). Band directors are Kevin Fredrick (WHS) and Bill Simpson-Kraemer (WNHS).

“This is the first year that Woodstock North has entered a student in the category of composition,” Kraemer-Simpson said. “Mackinzee is being recognized in the category of music arranging for her piece, Vivaldi’s ‘Concerto

for Four Violins,” now arranged for clarinet choir.”

“Alfredo Cabrera is the first band student from WHS to attain All-State recognition since 2017,” Fredrick added.

Students were selected for All-State recognition from their October video auditions for the District 7 competition.

While at the January festival, students in Honors Chorus will sing under the direction of Eugene Rogers from the University of Michigan.

Julie Yu from Oklahoma City University will direct students in the All-State Chorus. Students will rehearse five or six songs for their performance over the course of the three days.

“All the directors are proud of the musicians for their dedication to excellence in music,” Jozwiak added. “We are especially excited for the experience they will have in Peoria in January.”

COMPOSER

DISTRICT 200 ALL-STATE MUSICIANS

Julian Hoak

Hunter Johanson

M A K E T H E H O L I DAYS

S PA R K L E W I T H T H E S E G R E AT G I F T I D E AS !

Maggie Adams

Tyler Beckman

Kamila Kay

Kennedy Treliving

Continued from Page 11

winning a composing award at an independent film festival as a professional musician.

Both Riak and the music faculty said they hope students got something valuable from the experience of working together on “Unknown.”

“I hope they just continue their love for music,” Riak said. “I know that D-200 as a whole has been really good about fostering a healthy attitude toward music and supporting the arts in general. I just really hope they enjoyed it. I just want them to have a small fun memory that will last for a long time.”

Bastian said the experience was wonderful for her, choir director Brian Jozwiak, band director Kevin Fredrick, and all of the music students.

“It was absolutely worth it,” she said, “and we hope the audience enjoyed it and appreciated all the work Mr. Riak and our students have poured into it.”

Kevin Lyons is communications director for Woodstock School District 200.

Business

13

Woodstock Jazzercise provides ‘support, motivation, inspiration’

By Janet Dovidio

NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Woodstock Jazzercise, the local franchise of a nationwide fitness franchise, whose name stands for “jazz” and “exercise.”

The business was founded in 1969

by Judi Sheppard Missett in Carlsbad, Calif. It combines dance-based cardio exercise and strength training in every class to provide a fullbody workout with dance music in one hour.

“I started my Jazzercise journey over 27 years ago,” Karen Grassly said. “After being a customer for over 7 years, I finally decided to take the leap and became an instructor in 2004. I became the owner of Jazzercise Crystal Lake Fitness Center in 2012 and then

Jazzercise Woodstock in 2017.”

The anniversary year of 2023 stems from the start of Jazzercise classes in Woodstock by Jennie Morefield (Houlette) in 2003.

At that time she offered six classes a week at rented space at Woodstock’s First United Methodist Church before moving to St. John’s Lutheran Church. Since then there have been several owners before the purchase by Grassly.

“There are several current members who have been with Woodstock Jazzercise from its beginning,” Grassly added.” Our fitness community is like no other, and we cannot imagine not having Jazzercise in our lives.”

More than exercise

The Woodstock location offers 16 classes a week at its location at

1690 S. Eastwood Drive with nine regular instructors.

A 20th anniversary celebration took place Nov. 18 at its location with an 8:10 a.m. special anniversary class conducted by two of the original instructors, Carrie Berner and Marisa Cincola, with a party afterward.

“Finding Jazzercise over 27 years ago completely changed my life,” Grassly added. “I not only found a fitness program that was fun and effective. I also found a community of people that support, encourage, motivate, and inspire me every day.”

Jazzercise currently has more than 8,300 franchises in 32 countries.

For more information, call Grassly at (815) 404-1112 or email jazzincary@ yahoo.com.

LOVE WHERE YOU GIVE. Kim Keefe REALTOR® 815.790.4852 (call or text) LoveWhereYouLive.World

111 West South Street, Woodstock, IL 60098 Team Open Doors is a team of real estate agents affiliated with Compass, a licensed real estate broker and abides by federal, state and local Equal Housing Opportunity laws.

BUSINESS

‘Completely changed my life’

Dec. 13-19, 2023

COURTESY PHOTO

Jazzercise Woodstock’s 20th anniversary party in November had an early start – an 8:10 a.m. special class conducted by two of the franchise’s original instructors.

Transactions filed in the McHenry County Recorder’s Office Nov. 22 to 30.

■ Vacant land on Sunset Drive, Wonder Lake, was sold by Orbis Construction Company Inc., Wausau, Wis., to William S. Farr, Trevor, Wis., for $1,000.

■ Residence at 8504 White Oaks Court, Wonder Lake, was sold by CalAtlantic Group LLC, Schaumburg, to Jacob Michael Smith, Wonder Lake, for $324,900.

■ Residence at 8559 Stillwater Road, Wonder Lake, was sold by CalAtlantic Group LLC, Schaumburg, to Auricelia Wetzel, Wonder Lake, for $249,900.

■ Residence at 8423 White Oaks Court, Wonder Lake, was sold by CalAtlantic Group LLC, Schaumburg, to Jeremy D. Wood, Wonder Lake, for $319,900.

■ Residence at 4705 Redbud Court, Wonder Lake, was sold by CalAtlantic Group LLC, Schaumburg, to Bernard Bates II, Wonder Lake, for $259,165.

■ Commercial building at 1166 Lake Ave., Woodstock, was sold by SHJ Development LLC, Thomaston, Ga., to Suds II Landlord (Multi) LLC, New York, N.Y., for $5,215,000.

■ Residence at 800 Prairie Ridge Drive, Woodstock, was sold by Kimberly McCallister, Woodstock, to Richard D. Hartwell, Woodstock, for $425,000.

■ Vacant land, approximately 1 acre, on Borden St., Woodstock, was sold

by Larry O’Connor, Austin, Texas, to New Directions Addiction Recovery Services, Woodstock, for $60,000.

■ Vacant land, approximately 1 acre at 118 Bull Valley Drive, Woodstock, was sold by George Pieracci, Highland Park, to Ruza Peric, Woodstock, for $34,500.

■ Residence at 8413 Memory Trail, Wonder Lake, was sold by Timothy J. Lechner, McCullom Lake, to Arthur Carpenter, Wonder Lake, for $172,000.

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

Community

BUSINESS

Dec. 13-19, 2023

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

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Robert Hall’s birchbark toy canoe, fixed with pitch by his grandmother, that Hansen donated to the Stockbridge Arvid E. Miller Library and Museum.

INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY TRICIA CARZOLI

A headdress belonging to Robert Hall that Hansen donated to the Menominee Tribal Historic Preservation over Memorial Day weekend.

Belonging to history

Local librarian arranges new home for family’s native heirlooms

By Tricia Carzoli

the State Historical Museum – the same moccasins he had donated 70 years before and the ones he had rediscovered when they were on loan to another museum.

“They were so much tinier than I ever thought they’d be,” she said. “It was incredible to be able to hold them.”

Reading her late father’s manuscript, Hansen knew other items in the family’s possession needed to also be preserved for others.

NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

For Martha Hansen, assistant director of the Woodstock Public Library, collecting history – both in physical form and in oral form – has been a generations-long passion.

Throughout much of her life, Hansen has listened to stories from her father, the late Robert L. Hall, professor emeritus of archeology and anthropology at the University of Illinois Chicago, as he talked about life growing up in Green Bay – with four generations of family sitting around a single kitchen table.

In an unfinished manuscript – “Touching History: 400 Years of Indian-White Relations Told as a Family Story” – Hall described his early life spent at Green Bay’s Neville Public Museum. It was there he viewed various objects: a carved wooden bowl that had belonged to his Menominee great-great-great-great-grandmother Wapanukiew; a quill-embroidered buckskin pouch owned by her French and Ottawa husband, Augustin Ashwaubomay; and a silk ribbon applique wedding costume worn by his granddaughter Nekickoqua, or OtterWoman (Theresa Rankin), when she married fur trader John Lawe.

His manuscript recalled conversations about historical relatives from more than a century prior, “as if they were subjects of current gossip.”

Family history collected Moccasins made for Robert Hall by his grandmother that Hansen donated to the Stockbridge Arvid E. Miller Library and Museum.

Legacy preserved

With such vast ancestral history, he wrote, “I early came to look on museums as a kind of annex of the family attic to which one surrendered the heirlooms and collectibles which belonged to history more than to any one individual.”

It was with that viewpoint that a high-schoolage Hall donated a pairs of buckskin moccasins his grandmother had made for him as an infant to the State Historical Museum in Madison, now the Wisconsin State Historical Society.

Martha Hansen was given the opportunity to hold her father’s infant moccasins on a visit to

Hall’s great-grandmother, Elsie Jane Bennett (born in 1820), was an enrolled member of the Stockbridge-Munsee Community through her mother and the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin through her father.

As a young child, Hall heard his great-grandmother talk about the trip she had made from Stockbridge, N.Y., to Kansas, eventually ending up in Wisconsin in the 1860s.

Hall passed down stories about his childhood to Hansen. One of the stories she shared was about a bath toy – a birchbark canoe – that his great-grandmother had bought for him, and she told him stories of her traveling with her Stockbridge father and Menominee mother by birchbark canoe from Green Bay, through the Wisconsin waterways to the Mississippi, to Iowa, and back.

He recalled how his grandmother shared stories of how the “Indians and French voyageurs Continued on Next page

Continued from PREVIOUS page

repaired birchbark canoes with pine pitch.”

His love for ancestral research translated into a career where he could teach others about the importance of artifacts because of the stories they tell. According to the University of Illinois Chicago Anthropology webpage, “Professor Hall was known for his work in the areas: Symbolism and Ritual, Chronological methods, Mesoamerican Connections; Plains and Midwestern Archelogy and Ethnology.”

Memories teach lessons

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The Stockbridge Arvid E. Miller Library and Museum received the toy canoe, adult moccasins, a porcupine quill basket, sweet grass basket, two purses, a pair of Elise Jane’s leather gloves, and a waistbelt. And the woman who met with Hansen, Virginia Terrio, was surprised to learn that the items were from the Bennet line.

“I met a cousin I never would have met,” Hansen said. “We were related, so the items were part of her history, too.”

The Menominee Tribal Historic Preservation received a headdress, a beaded waistbelt, a toy lacrosse stick, and beaded armbands made by a Menominee cousin of Hall’s mother.

“I think we knew how important it was to help support history of nations and tribes and tell their stories,” Hansen said.

Perhaps parting with the heirlooms wasn’t quite as difficult as one might think, because she learned at an early age that the Mississippian period bowl she found as a child had a larger role to play in telling the story of the indigenous people who settled and lived in the Cahokia area.

Robert Hall, who passed away in 2012, leaves an unfinished historical manuscript; a published work, “Archeology of the Soul”; and an oral history that lives on through his children and grandchildren.

COMMUNITY

“Something of great value can be destroyed by a leaking pipe in the basement, or it can be carefully preserved in a museum. The bowl I was so proud of went to others to learn and study, and I think mom knew what we had to do.”

Hansen first contacted the Field Museum, but she was asked to speak with the native nations first.

“As soon as we offered the pieces,” she said, “they were wanted.”

Hansen set about having the items photographed to preserve them in her family history, then she worked to arrange the donation.

Family connection

15

Dec. 13-19, 2023

“My dad had a passion for history all his life,” Hansen recalled. “Our vacations were often on excavation sites – Cahokia, Starved Rock. We were part of archeological digs as children.”

She recalled poring over the pits that had already been excavated by university students at the mounds in Cahokia, the largest preColumbian settlement north of Mexico.

“My sister and I were young,” Hansen said.

“The safest places for us were in the [already dug] pits where we couldn’t wander off. We were allowed to dig for buried items, and I found a bowl that the university students had overlooked. It was jokingly called Martha’s bowl.”

That bowl, she said, is likely in the warehouses of the University of Illinois Chicago.

When Hansen thought about the artifacts of history that were lying in her mother’s home, she felt they needed to be somewhere where they could be appreciated by many people.

“History is fragile,” Hansen explained.

She, with her children, mother, and sister, traveled to Wisconsin over Memorial Day weekend in May.

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

Photos show a porcupine quill basket donated to the Stockbridge Arvid E. Miller Library and Museum and a beaded waistbelt made by a Menominee cousin of Robert Hall’s mother.

IN BRIEF Holiday gift guide lists two Woodstock shops to visit

COMMUNITY

Dec. 13-19, 2023

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

16 SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY BEVERLY MEUCH

John and Ruth Levander as Santa and Mrs. Claus give residents of Hearthstone Village a small Christmas ornament and candy cane during the noon meal in the dining room last week. True to Free Methodist beliefs, they included a message on the importance of the true meaning of Christmas.

Two Woodstock businesses were mentioned in this year’s Illinois Made Holiday Gift Guide, the annual holiday gift guide put out by the Illinois Office of Tourism.

Casting Whimsy, 203 N. Madison St., a tea blend shop, and Hempstock Pharms, 14023 W. South St., a locally grown CBD product farm and shop, are among 20 small businesses featured in this year’s guide.

The guide identified Eight Nights of Whimsy Tea Set as a perfect Hanukkah gift for tea lovers, and Hempstock Pharms’ joint and muscle ointment as a great gift for loved ones who are into sports.

Both also have been among 48 inducted into the Illinois Made program, the largest class of businesses since the program’s inception in 2016.

Casting Whimsy and Hempstock Pharms are also featured in Naturally McHenry County’s local shopping guide.

Simple things keep holiday spirit alive year-round I was going to tell you about the Christmas gift drive for residents of Sheltered Village. Then I was going to ask whether you could find it in your heart to donate to the cause.

Sheltered Village is an intermediate care facility for developmentally disabled adults, located right here in Woodstock. Most of the residents don’t have family members who are able to visit them or send them presents. Some have no family at all. So, the Christmas gifts they receive from donations are usually the only ones they get to open.

But then something wonderful happened. Within two weeks of me posting the wish list on Facebook, it was done. People I know and people I don’t know answered the call. They took care of every single resident on the list. They also donated enough money to pay for a Christmas party.

The good people from Christmas Clearinghouse offered to find funding to support the gift drive if we needed it. But this year, I got to tell them that we didn’t need their help.

Amazing. Eighty-seven presents.

Done, just like that.

That meant I had to ask myself: What was I going to write about?

As it often happens, the question contained the answer.

Giving Christmas presents to

people in need is fun and gratifying, and it should be. But what about when it’s over? What about those dreary days in March? Or rainy, boring days in Julie late August? It’s Peters easy to forget Guest Column about people on days that are ordinary and unremarkable.

Staff members at Sheltered Village do everything they can to make every day special for the people who live there. They celebrate birthdays.

Play games. Organize activities. They fill in, as best they can, for family who can’t visit.

But on a hunch they might welcome ongoing support from the community, I reached out to the activity director at the facility, Emily Witt. We talked about how supporting Sheltered Village could become a year-round thing, not just something that happens at Christmas.

“A lot of people don’t even know we exist,” Witt said. “People who’ve lived in Woodstock their whole lives say, ‘I didn’t even know that was there’ because we’re kind of hidden

off on a dead-end street that not many people go down.”

Being isolated from the community is common for people with disabilities. Many of the residents at Sheltered Village go out to shop and eat, and some have jobs in workshop settings. Yet they generally live their lives in the margins, outside of the awareness of others. How might individuals and the community might reach out and embrace the residents throughout the year.?

“Any little thing makes them happy,” Witt said. “That’s all they’re looking for – a friend, somebody to do something with.”

For a time, the pandemic shut down all public access to the facility. But Witt assures me the public is welcome to come and interact with residents. Service groups could come to play games. Choirs could sing. Theater groups could perform.

Others could sit and visit, one on one. Residents love getting mail, she said. People are welcome to send birthday cards or notes to say hello.

Simple things. Small acts of kindness. None of it is necessary, but it’s easy to imagine how much it might mean to someone whose life and interactions are limited by circumstance. The staff of Sheltered Village is dedicated to providing a loving

home for those who live there, but imagine how much more they could do with the help of the community.

If you’d like to send birthday cards or other mail to residents, the address is 600 Borden St., Woodstock IL 60098. To reach out to Emily Witt directly about ways you can get involved, email her at ewitt08@gmail.com.

I’ve written about Sheltered Village several times over the past few years, and there’s a reason. As the parent of an adult son with profound special needs, the facility holds an important place in my thoughts.

I assume my son will always be surrounded by extended family members who will make sure he is safe, cared for, and loved. But life can take turns you don’t expect. In case plans don’t turn out as I envision, I’d like to think he will still be embraced by people who will do their best to make his life happy and enjoyable.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to reach out to the people at Sheltered Village at Christmas, and on birthdays, and on all the ordinary days in between.

Julie Peters and her husband, Kevin, former Woodstock residents, live in Twin Lakes, Wis., with their son, a young adult with fragile syndrome and autism.

By Janet Dovidio

NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Property owners can take advantage of the Advance Tax Program this month to make a prepayment toward next year’s property taxes.

Until Dec. 29, taxpayers may make an early payment on their tax bill that

COMMUNITY

IN BRIEF Early payment possible for 2024 property taxes

Dec. 13-19, 2023

Christ the King Catholic Church in Wonder Lake invites the community to experience its new prairie restoration area dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of ecology and animals.

Twenty-two years ago, parish member John Shiel and friend Dave Zeiger began restoring a portion of the church property. Over that time, they maintained a 2-acre area of the church’s 23 acres by clearing out unwanted, non-native shrubs and trees to allow more sunlight over the area. Yearly burns also helped to control unwanted growth.

“We believe this part of the property was located about 75 yards from where a 1920s farmhouse once stood, so that area was never plowed and never used for crops or grazing,” Shiel said. “This remnant of land had never been cultivated for possibly 1,000 years.”

Shiel and Zeiger were qualified to judge what plants to keep and which to destroy. These longtime friends each have many years of environmental study and work.

Shiel has a master’s degree in forestry and served as educational services manager for 15 years for the McHenry County Conservation District. Zeiger is a retired earth science teacher and serves as Oak Conservation outreach specialist for the Land Conservancy of McHenry County.

“In August of 2022 we led 30 members of the McHenry County Wildflower and Preservation group on a walking tour at their request,” Shiel said. “I pointed out an unusual pink flower that turned out to be a very rare native plant. A soil expert confirmed that it was growing in virgin soil, intact topsoil of natural native Illinois prairie. ”

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

Christ the King parish to share restored prairie

17

PHOTO BY THE ROCKFORD DIOCESE OBSERVER

The Rev. Carlos Saligumba of Christ the King Church in Wonder Lake stands with preservationists John Shiel and Dave Zeiger at the entrance to the St. Francis prairie restoration.

‘Like a neighborhood park’ Shiel and Zeiger began to observe the area more carefully and have seen many more rare species from time to time. They also noticed the presence of more species of birds constantly collecting seeds, which has naturally attracted the attention of many local birders who walk the mowed path for their observations and

take time to rest on a bench placed halfway into the path.

“Our goal for the next 10 years is to provide full sunlight and practice careful and judicious planting of only native species in the area,” Shiel said. “We would like it to function like a neighborhood park and welcome all to come and explore the area.

“This project is a good example

of neighborhood and church joining forces on a work in progress.

They can continue by working together to further restore the natural area. Our pastor, Father Carlos Saligumba, calls it the ministry of St. Francis of Assisi.”

Christ the King Catholic Church is at 5006 E. Wonder Lake Road in Wonder Lake. Parking is available in the church lot.

will be due in 2024, Treasurer Donna Kurtz said. Early payment might accommodate personal or financial objectives taxpayers might have.

Advance Tax Agreement can be found at mchenrycountyil.gov/departments/treasurer/advance-tax, which can be signed and returned to the treasurer’s office with a check payable

to the McHenry County Collector.

A separate check and agreement is required for each parcel.

Payments can also be made in person or mailed, but must be received by the treasurer’s office by Dec. 29.

Envelopes must be addressed to McHenry County Collector, 2200 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock, IL 60098,

ATTN: Karla Mejia.

Prepayment is not recommended for people who are selling or planning to sell their homes.

For questions regarding the program, call 815-334-4260 or go to the treasurer’s website and select the “Advance Tax” menu item.

Dec. 13-19, 2023

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

18

Happenings

calendar ONGOING

SANTA ON THE SQUARE

Rotary Hut at Van Buren and Benton streets Monday-Friday, 4:30-7:30 p.m.

Saturday-Sunday, 1-5 p.m.

Dec. 1 to 23

COMMUNITY

CHRISTMAS TREE WALK

Woodstock Opera House 121 W. Van Buren St. Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Sunday, noon-4 p.m.

Nov. 24 to Dec. 31

14 THURSDAY

CREATIVE LIVING: LAURA DOWLING Woodstock Opera House 121 W. Van Buren St. 10 a.m. $22 woodstockoperahouse.com

SLC TRIVIA NIGHT - PUB TRIVIA USA Stage Left Café 125 W. Van Buren St. 7 p.m. woodstockoperahouse.com

‘WHITE CHRISTMAS’ - A MOVIE SING-ALONG Woodstock Opera House 121 W. Van Buren St. 7 p.m. $8 woodstockoperahouse.com

15 FRIDAY

WHS MADRIGAL DINNER Bull Valley Golf Club 1311 Club Road 6:15 to 8:30 p.m.

Reservations due Nov. 30 815-206-2283

JUDITH SVALANDER DANCE THEATRE ‘THE NUTCRACKER BALLET’ Woodstock Opera House 121 W. Van Buren St. 7 p.m. $20 $45 Front row balcony woodstockoperahouse.com

JAZZ NIGHT

Stage Left Café 125 W. Van Buren St. 8 p.m. woodstockoperahouse.com

16 SATURDAY

INDOOR WOODSTOCK FARMERS MARKET

McHenry County Fairgrounds 11900 Country Club Road 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. woodstockfarmersmarket.org

CHRISTMAS CLEARING HOUSE DELIVERY DAY

Woodstock Opera House 1191 Lake St. 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Pancake breakfast for all volunteers and drivers at the Woodstock Moose, 406 Clay St.

RED MILL TAVERN OPEN HOUSE TOY DRIVE AND VISIT SANTA 1040 Lake Ave. Noon to 5 p.m.

BOWLING WITH SANTA

Kingston Lanes 1330 Eastwood Dr. $25/hour/lane Call for reservations 815-338-2105

JUDITH SVALANDER DANCE THEATRE ‘THE NUTCRACKER BALLET’ Woodstock Opera House 121 W. Van Buren St. 2 and 7 p.m. $25 $45 Front row balcony woodstockoperahouse.com

5TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY WISHES CONCERT

Stage Left Café 125 W. Van Buren St. 3 and 7 p.m. $25 woodstockoperahouse.com

17 SUNDAY

JUDITH SVALANDER DANCE THEATRE ‘THE NUTCRACKER BALLET’ Woodstock Opera House 121 W. Van Buren St. 2 and 6 p.m. $25 $45 Front row balcony woodstockoperahouse.com

HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDES ON THE SQUARE Woodstock Square 2 to 4:30 p.m.

WHS MADRIGAL DINNER Bull Valley Golf Club 1311 Club Road 6:15 to 8:30 p.m.

Reservations due Nov. 30 815-206-2283

19 TUESDAY

SLC - MAKING A LIST: THE SECULAR SONGS OF CHRISTMAS - CHARLES TROY Stage Left Café 125 W. Van Buren St.

To submit calendar items, email pr@thewoodstockindependent.com

Noon $15 presentation only $25 presentation with Cesaroni’s lunchbox woodstockoperahouse.com

MOVIES AT THE OPERA HOUSE: ‘NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION’ Woodstock Opera House 121 W. Van Buren St. 7 p.m. $8 woodstockoperahouse.com

WOODSTOCK FIRE/RESCUE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

2900 Raffel Road 7 p.m.

woodstockoperahouse.com

21 THURSDAY

MOVIES AT THE OPERA HOUSE: ‘ELF: THE MOVIE’

Woodstock Opera House 121 W. Van Buren St. 7 p.m. $8 woodstockoperahouse.com

SLC TRIVIA NIGHT - PUB TRIVIA USA Stage Left Café 125 W. Van Buren St. 7 p.m. woodstockoperahouse.com

22 FRIDAY

WOODSTOCK CITY COUNCIL SLC - ORIGINAL OPEN MIC Council Chambers, City Hall 121 W. Calhoun St. 7 p.m. woodstockil.gov

SLC TRIVIA NIGHT - PUB TRIVIA USA Stage Left Café 125 W. Van Buren St. 7 p.m. woodstockoperahouse.com

20 WEDNESDAY

MEMORY MAKERS STORYTELLING GROUP Woodstock Public Library 414 W. Judd St. (in person) 9:30 a.m. to noon 815-338-0542, ext. 14125

MOVIES AT THE OPERA HOUSE: ‘THE MUPPETS CHRISTMAS CAROL’ Woodstock Opera House 121 W. Van Buren St. 7 p.m. $8

Resurrection Catholic Church

Stage Left Café 125 W. Van Buren St. 7 p.m.

To sign up, email: keith@offsquaremusic.org woodstockoperahouse.com

STEAM IRISH QUARTET - A CELTIC CHRISTMAS Woodstock Opera House 121 W. Van Buren St. 7:30 p.m. $25 A seats, $20 B seats woodstockoperahouse.com

23 SATURDAY

INDOOR WOODSTOCK FARMERS MARKET

McHenry County Fairgrounds 11900 Country Club Road 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. woodstockfarmersmarket.org

HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDES ON THE SQUARE Woodstock Square 2 to 4:30 p.m.

2918 South Country Club Road Woodstock, IL 60098

We welcome all to join Woodstock, us at our Mass times: Saturday at 5:00 & Sunday at 8:00 10:30 a.m.

The Sunday a.m.9:30 Mass is mass livestreamed We welcome all top.m. join us at our Mass times:a.m.

Sat.and 5 p.m. & Sun. 9:30 a.m.

The8:00 Sunday a.m. is livestreamed.

2918 South Country Club Road, IL 60098

We, the members of the Resurrection Catholic Church, are a prayerful, loving community formed by the Holy Spirit, striving to be a sign of the Gospel values of Jesus Christ: justice, truth and love.

FLASHBACKS

19 THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

35 years ago – 1988

■ After twice rejecting the conceptual plan for Castleshire townhomes on Borden Lane, the Woodstock Plan Commission recommended the City Council approve the revised proposal.

■ A sister-city relationship between Woodstock and Woodstock, England, grew from a suggestion made by Jim Keefe after he visited Woodstock, England’s, Rotary Club.

Dec. 13-19, 2023

30 years ago – 1993

COMMUNITY

■ Bill Thompson and his son-in-law, Brian Knoll, of Thompson’s Flowers and Greenhouses, were busy making balsam and spruce Christmas wreaths.

Wreath-making was a Thompson family tradition.

■ Comments about Woodstock School District 200’s property on Raffel Road had Board of Education members beginning to think about choosing a new site for a proposed elementary school before scheduling another referendum.

25 years ago – 1998

■ 10-year-old Jessie Rigby’s handmade Christmas angels were so popular with Cobblestone’s customers that her first delivery of 36 had sold out.

■ The McHenry County Independent Riders motorcycle group donated $7,500 to the Adult & Child Rehab Center.

■ The Marian Central Catholic High School basketball season started with a bang for its two freshman teams. The girls opened 5-0 and the boys started 4-0.

20 years ago – 2003

■ Lee Muto, owner of Colonial Antique Mall, donated a 15-foot Christmas tree to the Challenger Learning Center for Science & Technology. Westwood Elementary School students made more than 500 ornaments for the tree.

■ The VFW Auxiliary honored Chris Strong and Vincent Malek as Teachers of the Year.

■ The Woodstock High School varsity girls basketball team won the Johnsburg Thanksgiving Tournament behind the shooting of Jen Nichols.

15 years ago – 2008

■ The Woodstock Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s 13th limited-edition pewter ornament was being sold at Studio 2015. Chamber Executive

INDEPENDENT FILE PHOTO BY DON PEASLEY

DEC. 8, 1993 – Members of the Auxiliary for Memorial Hospital really know how to create a delightful event and raise money at the same time. During the auxiliary’s annual Holiday House Walk, ticket holders were invited into five homes in the area and welcomed at a tea-and-gift sale at the Woodstock Square Mall. Checking out the doughnuts for the tea are Cheryl Michling, Jaci Krandel, and Lorraine Weisz.

Director Quinn Keefe added a bit of humor to the 2008 ornament by recreating an 1880s photograph taken in front of 110 Benton St. The horse in the photo appeared to be headless, having moved its head during the long-exposure time required for photos of the era.

■ Kathleen Leinweber wrote “From the Hill,” a monthly column about happenings at WHS. She featured news of T.A.T.U. – Teens Against Tobacco Use. She described the group as “diligent students aiming to make a difference in young children’s lives.”

■ Tom Burns, a 1995 WHS graduate, was the new chef at the Courthouse Bar and Grill. Burns had previously been chef at Hop Leaf in Chicago

10 years ago – 2013

■ Terry Leonard and his horse, Doc, were contributing to holiday charm on the Woodstock Square for the 16th year by providing horse-drawn carriage rides. The Woodstock Chamber contracted with Leonard to provide complimentary rides Friday and Saturday

Your ad could sponsor this Flashbacks section!

afternoons and evenings.

■ An 11th-hour change in a Bull Valley zoning ordinance caused a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility to withdraw its petition to open in the community. The ordinance eliminated group dwellings as a special-use option. Lemont-based La Voie Inc. was proposing a facility on Route 120 for young men.

■ The family of Walter Thomas invited the community to his 90th birthday party at the Moose Lodge. Two years later, Mr. Thomas gained worldwide fame for fulfilling a bucket-list dream of backing a car through a garage door.

5 years ago – 2018

■ Woodstock citizens asked questions and commented for 75 minutes during a public hearing about a new tax increment financing district. But there were more who wanted to speak, so Mayor Brian Sager announced the hearing would resume at the next council meeting.

■ Michelle Bidwell was sworn in as a D-200 board member. Bidwell was

chosen by the board to fill the seat vacated by David Shinherr, who had stepped down due to a job opportunity.

Bidwell, a parent of two young children and a licensed clinical psychologist, was a resident of Seneca Township.

1 year ago – 2022

■ For the second time in 16 months, Woodstock was prominently featuring on the NBC “Today Show.” In the summer of 2020, Woodstock was chosen as the recipient of the nationwide T-Mobile Hometown Techover. On Dec. 9, the historic Woodstock Square had a featured spot on the Merriest Main Street segment of the “Today Show.”

■ Eric Hunt, new wrestling coach at Woodstock High School, was “excited to return” to his alma mater “and give back to my local community and help us build a strong wrestling program.”

Hunt brought 10 years of wrestling coaching experience at various schools in the area, including Prairie Ridge and Huntley high schools.

Your ad could sponsor this Flashbacks section!

The

Woodstock

I NDEPENDENT

Call 815-338-8040 today. thewoodstockindependent.com

Join us for worship at 9:30 on Sundays -- in person or online!

Facebook: fb.com/fpcwoodstock

2018 N Il Route 47 · Woodstock, Illinois · 815-338-2627

services are live-streamed at fpcwoodstock.org/worship

Thur, Dec 21 at 7pm: Longest Night (Blue Christmas) service Sun, Dec 24 at 5pm: Christmas Eve service

All are welcome!

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

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THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

SERVICE DIRECTORY

RUBES By Leigh Rubin

HEATHCLIFF By Peter Gallagher

PUZZLE PAGE

Dec. 27-Jan. 2, 2017

Dec. 13-19, 2023

WORD SEARCH

1 THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

22

PUZZLE & GAMES

SUDOKU

Rules: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as 9x9 grids, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box.

SOLUTION

ANGEL BELLS

INFLATABLE

CHRISTMAS TREE

MENORAH

BOUGH

CRYPTO FUN

DECORATE

MISTLETOE

STOCKINGS

STRINGED LIGHTS

GARLAND

POINSETTIA

WREATH

The

Catering • Homemade Soups • Homemade Desserts

STAND

NUTCRACKER ORNAMENTS

WORD SCRAMBLE

1110 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock • 815-337-8230 Sunday-Thursday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

SLEIGH

SNOWMAN

DISPLAY

FIREPLACE

ENJOY J&J GAMING

SANTA

MANTEL

WINDOW

GUESS WHO?

Woodstock

I NDEPENDENT solution

OUR FARM TO TABLE

HOLLY

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on NOVEMBER 6, 2023, 2023 An Assumed Name Business Certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk in McHenry County, IL under the following business name and address, and setting forth the names and addresses of all persons owning, conducting and transacting business known as KAREN EVENSON DBA KATHERINE MICHAEL ASSOCIATES located at 1303 BOULDER CT. WOODSTOCK, IL 60098. Owner Name & Address: KAREN A. EVENSON 1303 BOULDER CT. WOODSTOCK, IL 60098.

Dated: NOVEMBER 6, 2023 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent December 6, 2023, December 13, 2023)L11707

ASSUMED NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on DECEMBER 4, 2023, 2023 An Assumed

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on DECEMBER 5, 2023, 2023 An Assumed Name Business Certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk in McHenry County, IL under the following business name and address, and setting forth the names and addresses of all persons owning, conducting and transacting business known as BELDEN

FARMS located at 7610 RT. 173 RICHMOND, IL 60071. Owner Name & Address: DAVID POPENHAGEN 7610 RT. 173 RICHMOND, IL 60071.

Dated: DECEMBER 5, 2023 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent December 13, 2023)L11709

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice of Self-Storage Sale The Storage Space LLC, 945 Dieckman St., P.O. Box 1873, Woodstock, IL 60098, must receive the delinquent amount of $1,145.00 for rental of unit #39 at 945 Dieckman St., Woodstock, IL 60098, name Stefan Fraser. Or contents will be sold (no auction) or disposed of on 12/29/23 at 10:00 a.m. at 945 Dieckman St., Woodstock, IL 60098. Contents: Fluorescent lights, Flower pots, Jars, Car ramps, Desk, Table, TV, Camping chair, Round table, Craftsman snowblower, Vacuum, Golf clubs, Tools, Tool box, Air Compressor, Table saw, Stuffed animals, Misc. items, and Bags, tubs & boxes contents unknown and other general household.

(Published in The Woodstock Independent December 13, 2023)L11710

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on DECEMBER 8, 2023, 2023 An Assumed Name Business Certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk in McHenry County, IL under the following business name and address, and setting forth the names and addresses of all persons owning, conducting and transacting business known as Q & A REPORTING located at 1819 QUAIL COURT WOODSTOCK, IL 60098.

Owner Name & Address: KATHLEEN E. PHILLIPS 1819 QUAIL COURT WOODSTOCK, IL 60098.

Dated: DECEMBER 8, 2023 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent December 13, 2023) L11711

PICTURE THIS

Bud Swartout with his wife, JoAnn, and children Jerry and Nancy in front of their Christmas tree in 1957. Swartout came to Woodstock in the mid-1950s and served as football coach and teacher until the late 1990s.

Don Peasley Photo Collection, McHenry County Historical Society

The McHenry County Historical Society’s one-of-a-kind vintage Christmas display, compiled by Golden Glow of Christmas past members Dave and Lynne Harms, is now available for viewing 1 to 4 p.m., Tuesday to Friday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays, now through Dec. 21, and Dec. 26 through 28. The museum is closed to visitors every Sunday and Monday. This year’s theme is “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.”

For more information, call 815 923-2267 or visit GotHistory.org.

Kitchens • Baths • Windows • Millwork • Lumber • Doors 815-338-0075 • 1101 Lake Ave., Woodstock • www.woodstocklumber.com

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE

Name Business Certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk in McHenry County, IL under the following business name and address, and setting forth the names and addresses of all persons owning, conducting and transacting business known as VMZ AUTO located at 720 S. EASTWOOD DR. UNIT 109 WOODSTOCK, IL 60098.

Owner Name & Address: MAXIMILIANO BARCENA ROBLES 1129 N. MADISON ST. WOODSTOCK, IL 60098.

Dated: DECEMBER 4, 2023 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent December 13, 2023)L11708

Dec. 13-19, 2023

ASSUMED NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on NOVEMBER 15, 2023, 2023 An Assumed Name Business Certificate was filed ASSUMED NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on NOVEMBER 15, 2023, 2023 An Assumed Name Business Certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk in McHenry County, IL under the following business name and address, and setting forth the names and addresses of all persons owning, conducting and transacting business known as GOLDEN BIRD located at 4301 SIOUX LN. APT. 2 MCHENRY, IL 60050. Owner Name & Address: MARCO A. MORALESHILDAGO 4301 SIOUX LN. APT. 2 MCHENRY, IL 60050.

Dated: NOVEMBER 15, 2023 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent November 29, 2023, December 6, 2023, December 13, 2023) L11706

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

PUBLIC NOTICES

23

SPORTS

Dec. 13-19, 2023

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

24

Sports

COLLEGE REPORT

Michael Purkey ends season with a ‘W’ for Concordia University Michael Purkey, a Concordia University-Wisconsin quarterback and Woodstock graduate, might not have ever had a better game than the one he played against Rockford University.

In the 66-21 Dan Chamness victory over the The College Regents, Purkey not only completed Report 19-of-21 passes for 271 yards, he completed four touchdown passes to four different Falcon wide receivers.

He completed the first one to Jason Leonard with 3:20 to play in the opening quarter. The four-yard pass gave CU-Wisconsin a 21-0 lead. The second and third touchdown passes, a 20-yard pass to Mason Knueppel and a 29-yard pass to Al’Jarius Kelly, gave CU-Wisconsin respective leads of 28-0 and 38-0.

In the third quarter, he hit Nick Crowell with a 24-yard TD pass to end a fourplay, 52-yard drive in 1:18. It gave the Falcons a lead at 52-7 with 11:58 to play in the third quarter.

Concordia-Wisconsin finished the year with a 7-3 mark overall and 6-2 in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference, good for third. Aurora University won the league with a perfect 8-0 mark, while St. Norbert College took second at 6-2 with a victory over CU-Wisconsin Thor Paglialong (Marian Central Catholic) and Jayden Thiergood (Marian Central Catholic) started for the Air Force Academy as the Falcons were topped by Army 23-3.

Paglialong, the starting center, helped Air Force post 259 yards of offense, 155 rushing and 104 passing. The Falcons also had 19 first downs and one field goal. Thiergood, a starting defensive lineman, had two assisted tackles.

In Air Force’s 27-13 loss to the University of Hawaii on the road, Paglialong See COLLEGE REPORT, Page 26

‘This amazing opportunity’

Jandron takes the court in first season as WNHS head coach

By Sandy Kucharski

– for the support, encouragement, and knowledge they shared to help him get to this point.

Drawing inspiration from his dad, he said, “I would have never even thought of [coaching] if it were not for [my dad] spending countless hours and days coaching and inspiring an entire generation of basketball players, male and female, to want to play the game of basketball.”

SANDY@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

A new head coach, but a familiar face, is calling the shots on the sidelines for the Woodstock North boys basketball team this season. Josh Jandron was basically raised on basketball in Woodstock and is somewhat of a legend in Thunder history.

While still quite a young man, Jandron has about 20 years of basketball experience on his résumé, including playing on the WNHS team from 2011 to 2015. During his high school career, he set several school records, including most career points, totaling 1,113.

After high school, he was recruited to play at North Central College. When an opportunity to coach alongside his father, former Thunder coach Dale Jandron, Josh said he couldn’t pass it up. He has been an assistant coach at North for the past six years, coaching with his dad and brother.

The father-son coaching arrangement was already a proven partnership, as Josh been an assistant coach for his dad for seventh- and eighthgrade travel basketball.

“We built a lot of success down there, and I learned from my father on how to be a better coach,” he said. “I also coached at Fundamental University [AAU program], where I learned a lot alongside a great coaching staff, including Michael Weinstein and Dontae Johnson, to name a few.”

INDEPENDENT FILE PHOTO

New Thunder head coach Josh Jandron is shown during the Hoops for Healing tournament.

Following footsteps Last year, based on his years of experience, Jandron began to feel like it was time to seek a head coaching position at the high school level, and it just so happened that his dad had made the decision to retire.

“After he retired, everyone kept asking me if I was going to put my name in for the position,” Jandron said. “I think it was obvious I wanted to. You don’t get the opportunity to coach at the school you played at every day, and especially one where your father created traditions and memories that will last you a lifetime.”

Expressing his excitement for this new opportunity, Jandron credited his entire family – dad, mom, and brother

Going for the goals Coach Jandron is looking forward to continuing the success that Woodstock North has seen during the past six years, promoting daily improvement as the goal for the squad.

Seeking a third straight conference title, he is also eyeing a shot at a regional title.

“We have a great group of guys,” Jadron said, “that are willing to do the dirty work and grind each and every game for victories. … They don’t want the easy way out, and they love to be challenged.”

His coaching style is influenced by a quote his dad often cited: “A coach always gets too much of the blame in a loss, and too much of the credit in a win, … so don’t get too high on the highs, and too low on the lows.”

Jandron said, “I would really like to thank my family, my coaching staff, the kids, and Woodstock North for this amazing opportunity.”

NN SCOREBOARD NN GIRLS BOWLING ■ Dec. 4 - Woodstock co-op (3-1) defeated McHenry 2,582-1,803.

Junior Torin Deacon rolled a 537 series with a 213 in the first game.

■ Dec. 5 - Woodstock co-op (4-1) beat Jacobs 2,300-1,934.

■ Dec. 8 - Woodstock co-op (4-2) fell to Grayslake Central 2,211-1,966.

Woodstock North sophomore Cierra McNamara sends a ball down the alley Dec. 8 when the Woodstock co-op team hosted Grayslake.

INDEPENDENT PHOTO

BY KEN FARVER

25 THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

NN SCOREBOARD NN BOYS BASKETBALL ■ Dec. 5 - Woodstock (4-2) defeated Harvard (0-3) 73-43.

■ Dec. 5 - Woodstock North (3-2) beat Marengo (0-7) 56-42.

■ Dec. 8 - Woodstock (5-2) defeated Marengo (0-8) 79-53.

■ Dec. 8 - Woodstock North (4-2) beat Plano (3-5) in a close game 54-53.

■ Dec. 9 - Woodstock North (4-3) fell to Crystal Lake South (9-1) 77-34.

Woodstock North High School senior Kayden Bracken swims freestyle Dec. 7 for the boys co-op swim team triangular.

3,286-3,238. Junior Noah Rodriguez bowled a 613 series.

■ Dec. 6 - Woodstock co-op (5-7) fell to Harvard 3,142-2,655.

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER

Woodstock High School freshman Max Beard goes up for a shot Dec. 8 when the Blue Streaks defeated Marengo 79-53.

Pet Week of

the

SAVING JUST ONE PET WON’T CHANGE THE WORLD BUT, SURELY, THE WORLD WILL CHANGE FOR THAT ONE PET.

“Piper” Terrier mix

It’s nice to meet you! I am named Piper, a terrier mix. I came to Helping Paws two months ago from a kill shelter in Hazard, Kentucky. I am waiting for my home to find me. I am spayed, microchipped, and fully vaccinated. I am a friendly and super happy girl! One of my favorite things to do is to cuddle and give kisses. The staff says I am spunky and love my human and doggy friends here. I am great at walking on the leash and I have fun when I get to find new toys to play with!

If you think you want me to be your new family member, call Helping Paws to meet me!

To see this pet or others or to volunteer to help walk dogs, call the shelter at:

815-338-4400

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BOYS SWIMMING ■ Dec. 7 - Woodstock co-op hosted a triangular meet against Jacobs and D-155.

The co-op varsity relay team of Kacper Bandura, Logan Riley, Michael Smith and Nate Shirley finished third.

This space available for a SCOREBOARD SPONSOR Contact Jill 815-701-9258

Jill@thewoodstock independent.com

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Max Astacio- wrestling

Max Astacio, a senior at Marian Central High School, is a senior leader and captain of the wrestling team. His leadership and work ethic, along with his high character and academic prowess, represent the very best of the Hurricane wrestling program. Max has begun his senior year with an undefeated record in duals and a runner-up finish at one of the premier national wrestling tournaments, the Dan Gable Donnybrook. Max is currently ranked No.1 in the state at 165 pounds.

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SPORTS

BOYS BOWLING ■ Dec. 4 - Woodstock co-op (5-5) fell to McHenry 3,266-2,959.

■ Dec. 5 - Woodstock co-op (5-6) lost to Grayslake North in a close game

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER

Dec. 13-19, 2023

GIRLS BASKETBALL ■ Dec. 2 - Woodstock North (3-4) defeated North Boone (1-7) 58-31.

■ Dec. 4 - Marian (7-1) beat Chicago Christian (2-5) 61-19.

■ Dec. 4 - Woodstock (3-4) defeated North Boone (1-8) 59-27.

■ Dec. 6 - Woodstock North (3-5) fell to Johnsburg (4-4) 46-31.

■ Dec. 7 - Woodstock North (3-6) lost to Antioch (6-3) in a close game 62-61.

■ Dec. 7 - Marian (7-2) fell to Bishop McNamara (8-1) 46-40.

■ Dec. 9 - Marian (8-2) defeated Byron (5-3) 47-36.

MARIAN ON THE MATS

STREAK SPIRIT

SPORTS

Dec. 13-19, 2023

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

26

INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY VICKY LONG

Marian Central sophomore Josh Gawronski, 150 (above), and senior Chandler Gardner, 113, take on opponents from St. Edwards Dec. 5 at home.

Woodstock High School senior dance team member Kierstin Carey (above) and freshman cheerleader Mallory Lyons perform Dec. 8 at the Blue Streak boys basketball game.

INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY KEN FARVER

COLLEGE

Continued from Page 24

helped the offense post 315 yards, 201 rushing and 114 passing. The Falcons had 17 first downs and one rushing touchdown.

The Air Force Academy is 8-2 overall and 5-1 in the Mountain West Conference.

CROSS-COUNTRY Peter Walsdorf (Marian Central Catholic) finished 31st at the NCAA Division I Midwest Regional, which was hosted by Oklahoma State University and held at the Greiner Family/Oklahoma State Cross Country Course in Stillwater, Okla. The University of Kansas junior finished the 10,000-meter race in 31 minutes, 26.8 seconds. A total of 196 runners were in the race.

Kansas took ninth with 322 points.

Oklahoma State won the 28-team regional, scoring 19 points.

TRACK & FIELD Reagan Kelley (Marian Central Catholic) helped the Butler University 1,600-meter relay team take fifth in the University of Notre Dame Blue and Gold Invitational. The outing was held at the Loftus Center at the University of Notre Dame in Notre Dame, Ind. Kelly ran the opening leg of the relay that finished in 4:05.48. Individually, she competed in the 400-meter dash, taking 10th in :59.42. The meet was not scored on a team level.

VOLLEYBALL Kaitlyn Wickersheim (Woodstock North) had 17 digs for Western Illinois University in a 3-1 loss to Eastern Illinois University. Western Illinois split its final four matches of the regular season. In the other loss to the EIU Lady Panthers, this 3-2, Wickersheim had nine digs, a team-leading five service aces, and three assists.

WIU managed to dump Tennessee State University in two matches. In a 3-1 triumph, the freshman had six digs and five service aces, a team-high. She

finished with six digs in the 3-0 blanking of Tennessee State.

Western Illinois will enter the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament at 9-20, finishing the OVC schedule with an 8-10 record.

Sophie Wicker (Woodstock) posted double-digit digs for Southwestern University in 3-0 losses to Oklahoma Wesleyan University and Kansas Wesleyan University. In the loss to Oklahoma Wesleyan, she finished with 14 digs and two assists. She had 11 digs and two assists in the loss to Kansas Wesleyan. Southwestern is 9-14 overall and 2-9 in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference.

Brooke Amann (Woodstock North) finished her junior volleyball season at Tennessee Tech University with 56 digs, 36 kills, seven blocks (two of which were solos), four service aces, and three assists. Tennessee Tech finished 13-17 overall and 9-9 in the Ohio Valley Conference.

SWIMMING Haley Halsall (Woodstock North),

an Indiana State University swimmer, competed in four events in a swimming outing against three other teams.

Each outing was scored as a dual meet between teams. ISU topped the University of Southern Indiana (250-50), the University of Evansville (241-49), and the University of Illinois-Chicago (232-68).

Individually, Halsall won the 200yard butterfly, touching the wall in 2:05.93. The Sycamores sophomore also took fourth in the 500-yard freestyle at 5:09.52.

She was also a member of two ninth-place relay teams, the 200-yard medley relay (1:51.91) and 400-yard freestyle relay (3:44.22).

Isabelle Halsall (Woodstock North) swam to a fifth-place finish in the 200yard freestyle for St. Norbert College in defeating Lawrence University (148-71) and Milwaukee School of Engineering (147-39). The sophomore finished her race in 2:09.42.

Dan Chamness writes The College Report for The Independent.

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SPORTS

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Dec. 13-19, 2023

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THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

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We are now a Janome Outlet store!

Come see our special pricing on select machines STORE HOURS M-F 10 AM - 5:30 PM | SA 9 AM - 4 PM | Closed Sunday

SPORTS

Dec. 13-19, 2023

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

28

$25 SAYS YOU CAN WINTER’S BLUES.

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Come see how you can beat winter’s ice and isolation blues with a quick, smart move to Cedarhurst. We offer a heart-warming, socialization-rich, engagingly active and frost-free lifestyle, and we bet you’ll like it!

TAKE A TOUR AND GET A $25 GIFT CARD*.

After your tour, tell us how we did, and we’ll send you a $25 gift card.

Visit CedarhurstLiving.com or call to schedule a tour.

MCHENRY • 815-322-7091 WOODSTOCK • 815-322-1760 Warm and friendly • How you like your winter days *Offer expires 1/31/24. Only one gift card per household, please.

THE CEDARHURST PROMISETM We promise. If you’re not satisfied and decide to move out within your first 60 days, we’ll completely refund your rent.* *Cedarhurst Promise™ program is only available at advertised community. Not applicable for respite or other short-term stays. Refund is available only if move out is a result of dissatisfaction with Cedarhurst community as documented throughout stay. Complete rent refund includes base rent only. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Please see Resident Agreement for additional details. Void where prohibited.