Woodstock Independent 2/21/24

The

Woodstock

I NDEPENDENT

Feb. 21-27, 2024

Published every Wednesday | Est. 1987 | Serving Woodstock, Wonder Lake and Bull Valley, Ill. | www.thewoodstockindependent.com | $1.60

‘I will not throw them to the wolves’ Steven’s Home is one woman’s ‘boots on the ground’ effort to help local homeless

BRIDAL SECTION

By Julian Senn-Raemont

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SCHOOLS

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BUSINESS

NEWS@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

It’s gonna take a whole lot more than financial obstacles, inhospitable weather, and repetitive trauma to the cervical spine to stop Nada Lunsford in her crusade to provide aid for the homeless in Woodstock and beyond.

Seated over a steaming plate of huevos rancheros at Isabel’s Family

Restaurant, with her neck in a restrictive brace, she shares one of her many mission statements for friends in need.

“This is what I tell them,” she said. “I wanna be eating in your kitchen a year from now.”

Her outreach program, Steven’s Home, which is 100 percent selffunded and run, has assisted McHenry County’s homeless for the past year.

She refers to those people in need

as friends, not clients, and supplies meals, housing assistance, tent repair, shoes, phones, and just about anything else one living on the street needs.

But to ask Nada, the greatest resource she gives is “trust, compassion, and respect.”

“When someone feels empowered, they begin to work for themselves,” she added.

See HOMELESS, Page 2

MORE THAN TENNIS

Buzz: downtown bike shop closes, smoke shop expands PAGE 15

COMMUNITY

Local Boys Scouts’ camping in January a cold experience

PAGE 25

INDEX Obituaries

4

Opinion

6

Schools

9

A&E

13

Business

15

Community

25

Calendar

30

Service Directory 32 Public Notices

35

Puzzles

34

Sports

36

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

Workers from DK Contractors of Pleasant Prairie, Wis., tear into tennis courts at Emricson Park, where the courts will be resurfaced and restriped. The project will use the two north tennis courts in Emricson and one in Olson Park for pickleball, with pickleball nets installed. That will leave Emricson with three tennis courts and Olson with one. The completion target is June 28.

‘New beginning’ seen at Hearthstone

By Susan W. Murray

NEWS@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

In a hopeful development for Woodstock’s Hearthstone Communities, SAK Healthcare – headquartered in Riverwoods, Ill. – took over management of the continuing care retirement community on Feb. 8.

Residents were introduced to

members of the new management team at a meeting six days later.

The Hearthstone complex on North Seminary Avenue includes 28 independent living duplexes; assisted living in Hearthstone Village; skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and memory care at Hearthstone Manor; daycare, preschool, and before- and afterschool care at Hearthstone Learning

Center; and several brick duplexes at Serenity Creek off South Street.

SAK Healthcare “specializes in advising distressed healthcare facilities that require strategic redirection and turnaround management services,” according to the company’s website.

The move resulted from a See HEARTHSTONE, Page 3

NEWS

Feb. 21-27, 2024

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

2

HOMELESS

Continued from Page 1

Steven’s Home began its first iteration as The Red Tote Project in March 2023.

Nada, after getting encouragement from her prayers in church, took a red tote to a site in Woodstock where many people lived together in tents.

The tote was filled with items such as food, clothes, and water, as well as a notepad for writing down other kinds of help needed, such as transportation to medical appointments or assistance with personal documents.

In addition to facing the barrier of soaring rent prices, many people who suffer homelessness cannot find a place to live because they don’t have the required documents (e.g., Social Security card and personal identification). According to the Social Security Administration, it is as if these people “don’t exist.”

Steven’s story

“But the question I get a lot is ‘Who is Steven?’” Nada said, shrugging.

“Sometimes, when people text me, they address me as Steven.”

Nada met Steven in 1984, and by 1985 they were married and had their first child. He was a journeyman electrician and provided well for his family, even making a little extra cash for dirt bikes, weekends in the Dells, and trips to Six Flags. Two more children followed, but after much strife, the two were separated in the early 1990s.

Though separated, the two remained friends and treated each other as family. Tragically, about a decade later, Steven’s struggle with alcohol addiction led him to losing his job and, eventually, to being homeless.

He lived on the streets for 17 years, at first in Illinois, then in Texas. Meanwhile, Nada found lucrative success as an executive chef – until what her doctor’s called “repetitive trauma to the cervical spine” that made her unable to work.

“I’m living the event that causes homelessness,” she said, cleaning her plate of delectable rancheros. Nada rents a home and owns a car, both of which she uses to manage Steven’s Home.

Around the same time as her medical diagnosis, Nada received a call from Steven’s sister saying that he had cancer. Those are the circumstances that laid seeds for what would eventually become Steven’s Home. Nada took it upon herself to fly to Texas and drive Steven back to Illinois so he could receive the care he needed.

After a month, in which Steven reconnected with his family, he died, but in his passing a new chapter was born.

INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY JULIAN SENN-RAEMONT

Nada Lunsford, who runs Steven’s Home, is pictured in her Woodstock home among donated clothing and supplies she will distribute to the homeless. But she says the greatest resource she gives is “trust, compassion, and respect.”

Building trust Steven’s Home is successful because of its “boots on the ground” outreach style and focus on “trust-building engagement.” Many “unhoused” people do not trust resources, Nada said, because they’ve been abused at times by the systematic bureaucracies of some agencies.

“These are very intelligent individuals we’re talking about,” Nada said, “who are just so beaten down.”

The purpose of Steven’s Home is to help the homeless feel empowered and capable again.

Nada meets the striving individuals in their tents and at their outdoor sites.

“The large majority of these people live in the woods, a scant handful live in a vehicle, and a few calls come from those temporarily sheltered in a hotel,” she reported. “If the unhoused person is in McHenry County, we will go!”

She drives them to appointments, accompanies them to meet landlords and doctors, and listens to them for hours, either in person or on the phone, making contact daily or every other day for most.

She can be reached at 815-995-8681.

Her 2011 Ford Escape is often loaded with supplies of clothing, tents/camp gear, and meals for distribution, she said. Many times the “friends of Steven’s Home” load up the SUV on Fridays with their packs for a ride to Community Resource Day, where they can do laundry and obtain additional supplies.

And when one is ineligible for

public assistance or needs more time, she is patient, even going so far as to embrace these people to show her support.

“We all need someone who lays awake thinking of us,” she said, smiling.

Housing shortage

Steven’s Home is an L3C charitable foundation. It has low-profit status, is 100 percent self-funded, and donation based. Nada receives no paycheck for her service.

But with her outreach gaining steam, and more people needing help, more resources are required.

There are pressures to shift to a notfor-profit organization, but for now, Nada refuses to sit in an office “writing grants all day,” insisting that the only way to help the homeless is face to face and with the utmost care and understanding.

“I will not throw these people to the wolves,” she said. “I’d rather do everything myself.”

Another principle of Steven’s Home is to focus on the work, not on the workers, and there is a whole lot of work to be done.

A challenge facing the homelessness, besides absurd rent prices, is no apparent plan in sight to build more low-income housing.

‘People can be very judgy’

Diane, one of the friends of Steven’s Home, who has been homeless for three years, asserts that many

Steven’s Home began as The Red Tote Project in March 2023.

people are “kicked out” because of gentrification.

“We can’t seem to get away from these dumps,” she said. “And people end up camping in marshes, trees, and fields because they give up on paying rent and being mistreated by slumlords.”

The societal morés fuel a general mistrust between those with and without homes. The homeless are often harassed, told to vacate certain premises, and treated as lesser people.

Judgmental attitudes, and even fear, widen the divide from prosperity for people struggling with homelessness.

“People act like nuns but can be very judgy,” Diane said. “You can help not just by offering food and things, but by offering us an opportunity to tell our stories, so that we can be heard and respected.”

A chronically homeless person, one who has lived on the streets for two to 10 years and has endured betrayals from fellow humans, faces a rare type of institutionalization.

“Being outside is what they understand,” Nada says. “Their turf is outside, and new things [like an apartment] can be terrifying.”

Ed, a man who lived homeless with his sister and their yorkie for nearly four years, was recently helped by Nada into an apartment. They are not addicts, nor do they suffer any mental illness. Rent is simply too high, and the fact that they have a service dog made finding a home extra challenging.

“To get their feet through the threshold of that door was hard,” Nada says.

“After two to 10 years, one doesn’t know or want any other life.”

‘Speak up, judge fairly’

Difficulties aside, Ed maintains that “things seemed to get better” for him and his sister once they moved into their new place. Their yorkie, with its fluffy face and adoring eyes, is also alive and well, supplying the two with regular love and kisses.

“If it wasn’t for this little yorkie, I don’t know what we would’ve done,” Ed said.

Nada said there is a stigma to homelessness.

“These people are not just drunks and drug addicts,” she said. “And yet, they are told they smell or are scary, but they are human beings.”

After breakfast, she clips her neck brace back on. It limits her movements and digs into her skin, but Nada is resolute, quipping, “It’s Sunday; dust off your Bibles” and reads a passage from Proverbs 31 8:9.

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves for the rights of all who are destitute.

Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

Amen.

Continued from Page 1

“consensual” agreement with Hearthstone’s board and its lenders to allow for restructuring, said SAK’s founder and CEO, Suzanne Koenig.

“The residents and the community will have a new beginning,” Koenig said, “that will bring Hearthstone back to its glory days.”

Difficult situation

Suzanne Koenig, SAK Healthcare founder, CEO Heritage terminated its relationship with Hearthstone and with The Kenney, a senior living community in West Seattle.

Placed in receivership

As grim as that sounds, Koenig has nothing but enthusiasm for the turnaround that she believes is not only possible, but highly likely.

Officially, SAK Illinois LLC is Hearthstone’s court-appointed receiver.

A receivership is a tool that helps companies avoid bankruptcy and return to profitability.

“This is not negative at all,” Koenig said. “It allows the company to restructure and helps the residents get what they need and the care they need.”

SAK has been in the business of advising distressed healthcare facilities since 1987 and has worked with more than 300 healthcare facilities in 44 states.

‘Very positive vibes’

Koenig said that while residents were understandably nervous about change, they were also “very excited.”

Koenig spent her workday last Thursday at Hearthstone.

“Once they heard how long I’ve been in the business, they were relieved and thankful,” Koenig said.

“There were very positive vibes today.”

“Woodstock Groundhog Days would not exist if it were not for The Woodstock Independent. Former publisher Cheryl Wormley is one of a couple of people who thought that the making of the movie should be celebrated on Feb. 2nd every year. Since 1994 the Groundhog Day festivities have grown every year.

“The Independent offers in-depth weekly coverage of everything around town, including pictures of me with my fans.”

-Woodstock Willie The

Woodstock

Woodstock’s resident spokes-groundhog

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671 Calhoun St., Woodstock, IL, 60098 • 815-338-8040

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3

NEWS

In 2017, Heritage Ministries of Gerry, N.Y., began providing management services to Hearthstone, part of an expansion into other states, including Pennsylvania and Washington. Within three years, the negative gap between expenses and revenue had widened. In 2020, expenses exceeded revenue by $1.1 million, by $1.3 million in 2021, and by $2.5 million in 2022.

The financial strain meant that Hearthstone was tardy or unable to pay some vendors, had not refunded entrance fees to some families of residents who had lived in the independent Garden or Prairie homes, and did not pay 2021 or 2022 property taxes on eight parcels.

The property taxes have been sold to investors; the amount to redeem all eight parcels is about $287,000.

In a July 5 letter, Heritage Ministries informed Hearthstone residents that Heritage would “cease providing funds above what is contractually required.” In mid-November,

The process relies on a team made up of specialists, including licensed nursing home administrators, registered nurses, clinical dietitians, and financial advisers.

“Specialists have been in the building since last Friday [Feb. 9],” Koenig said in a telephone interview.

Their immediate priorities were to assess resident care, look at the facility’s environment, and verify that dietary needs are being met, she said.

After that, SAK will work to ensure that vendors are paid going forward and that unpaid bills are addressed.

“Rome was not built in a day,” Koenig cautioned. “We are looking to see positive changes in the next few months.”

While SAK provides the management services, Crystal Noble – a longtime Hearthstone employee – has been named Hearthstone’s interim executive director.

Feb. 21-27, 2024

Senior facilities that provide skilled nursing care are struggling throughout the country, partly the result of lower occupancy rates during and after COVID-19. Illinois facilities that provide care for Medicaid patients, such as Hearthstone, receive about $200 a day, an amount that the JAMA Network journal from the American Medical Association says is below the cost of patient care.

Summarized below, The Woodstock Independent reported on the difficulties that Hearthstone faced in articles on Aug. 22 and Nov. 28.

The full tax filings posted on the Pro Publica website indicate Hearthstone’s financial challenges over the past decade.

In 2015, expenses exceeded revenue by $172,452; in 2016, expenses outpaced revenue by $114,514.

“Hearthstone means so much to this community. We encourage the community to come visit Hearthstone and to continue to support its programs and services that it provides to its residents and to the community.”

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

HEARTHSTONE

NEWS

Feb. 21-27, 2024

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

4

OBITUARIES

Robert (Bob) Koehler, 87 Robert (Bob) Phillip Koehler passed away on Feb. 13, 2024, at JourneyCare Hospice in Barrington, Ill., from complications related to Parkinson’s disease.

He was born in Chicago on Feb. 18, 1936. He was the fifth son of Orlo and Berniece (Sweet) Koehler.

In 1939, his family moved to a farm at the corner of South Street and Robert (Bob) Franklinville Road P. Koehler in rural Woodstock.

He was one of the first 4-H members to exhibit at the McHenry County Fair when it was held at Woodstock High School.

Later, as a teacher, he was invited to judge 4-H woodworking projects.

Bob was in the first class to attend Westwood Elementary School when it opened. Bob graduated from Woodstock High School (class of 1954), Northern Illinois University, and he held a master’s degree from the University of Illinois. He proudly served in the U.S. Army’s Sixth Armored Division – the “Super Sixth.”

Bob was on the first faculty of Northwood Middle School in 1970, where he established the industrial arts program.

He was a member of both the Woodstock Jaycees and Lions Club. Bob enjoyed gardening, cycling, woodworking and model railroading. He loved music, especially classical music, and he was a supporter of the Woodstock Mozart Festival.

He also enjoyed sports and was a lifelong NIU Huskie fan.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Jane; daughters, Clare (Todd) Fagan and Beth (Patrick) Koehler-King; and grandchildren, Iris and Rowan King and Jackson Fagan.

He was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Blanche Thompson Koehler; and his brothers, Richard, Forbes, Ward, and Don. A celebration of his life will be Saturday, March 9, 2024, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. at Maples at the Sonatas Club House, 645 Handel Lane, Woodstock, IL 60098.

Gifts in his memory may be made to the Woodstock Fine Arts Association

Scholarship Fund at P.O. Box 225, Woodstock, IL 60098.

Douglas Keith Kottke, 72

Douglas Keith Kottke, 72, of Woodstock, passed away after a valiant battle with cancer.

Born in Harvard on April 10, 1951, to the late Elgart and Elzora (née Gregory) Kottke, Doug lived a full life marked by dedication, love, and service.

On April 15, 1972, he married his high school sweetheart, Trudy Rousey. His kind, gentle, and loving soul shone through Douglas Keith in his patience, Kottke respect, and willingness to help wherever needed. Known for his great laugh and loyalty to his family and his Lord, Doug’s sons were his pride and joy. He also treasured trips to Disney World and over 40 years of camping traditions in Mercer, Wis., with relatives.

Doug’s career spanned 30 years at R&L Spring Co., where he served as a plant manager and later as a consultant.

He cherished the friendships made there, enjoying golfing, trips to Canada fishing and snowmobiling with his boss, Scott Forsythe, and friends.

A faithful member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Woodstock for over 60 years, Doug served as a Board of Trustees member, chairman of the congregation, and an elder.

Doug is survived by his wife, Trudy; sons, Bradley (Rebecca) and Eric (Alexis); grandchildren, Reagan, Michael, and Christopher; siblings, Dale (Marianne) Kottke and Melody (Dave) Gieseke; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, from 9 a.m. until the funeral service at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 401 St. John’s Road, Woodstock. Burial will follow at Alden Cemetery, Harvard.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Doug’s name may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the caring staff of JourneyCare Hospice in Barrington for their support and compassion during Doug’s final journey, truly celebrating his life.

Please visit davenportfamily.com to leave a fond memory of Doug, or for more information.

O

PUBLIC SAFETY LOG Woodstock Police Department

■ Peter J. Fallaw, 48, transient, was arrested Jan. 28 in the 400 block of South Eastwood Drive on warrants charging failure to appear in court on

Nancy (Downing) Ryan, 77

Nancy L. (Downing) Ryan, 77, of Woodstock, died Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, at her home in Janesville, Wis. She was born in Woodstock on March 20, 1946, to Eugene and Irma (Austin) Downing.

She was the former owner of Klub Bub in Milton, Wis. She was a bookkeeper for Century Title Co., and a beautician for many years. She was Miss Moose Lodge in Woodstock in 1962.

In a world filled with endless distractions and fastpaced lifestyles, Nancy there is one thing (Downing) Ryan that remained constant – the bond and love between a mother and her children. She was always the happiest when spending time with her daughters, grandchildren, and her furry companion, Sophie Sue. She had a love for traveling, gambling, camping, and animals, especially horses.

She is survived by her lifelong partner, James Ryan; her three daughters, Renee (Christopher) Wangrow, Roxanne Johnson, and Rikki (Shane) Gibbs; eight grandchildren, Corissa Westman, Christopher Wangrow, Michael (Jaclyn) Olsen, Zachary Olsen, Nicholas Olsen, Jacob Anderson, Brandon Anderson, and Kylee Anderson; one great-grandson, Gavin; her sister, Patsy (Leo) Nellessen; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents and four brothers Dale Downing, Eugene Downing Jr., Richard Downing, and Robert Downing.

Memorial service will be held on Thursday Feb. 29, 2024, at 1 p.m. at Oakland Cemetery, 700 W. Jackson St., Woodstock. Following the service there will be a gathering at the Woodstock Moose Lodge, 406 Clay St. Memorials may be made to Hooved Animal Humane Society in Woodstock, 10804 McConnell Road, Woodstock, IL 60098, or an animal rescue of your choice.

David (Dave) Stone, 80

It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my beloved husband, David “Dave” Nathanial Stone (July 20, 1943-Feb. 5, 2024).

Dave was born to Charles and Bernadette Stone in Fox River Grove, Ill. He graduated from Barrington High School in charges of criminal trespass to property (two counts) and disorderly conduct. Taken to jail. No bond. Court date to be set.

■ Raymundo Gomez, 27, Woodstock, was arrested Jan. 30 at Judd and Jefferson streets on charges of driving

1961. He continued his education at the University of Illinois, and earned his JD from the University of Wisconsin in 1968.

Dave began his law career with Motorola in 1968 and moved to Woodstock in 1970 to work at a local law firm. He operated his own practice for over 40 years, first in Woodstock and ultimately in McHenry. For the entirety of that time, he also worked as an assistant state’s attorney for McHenry County. David (Dave) As retirement age N. Stone neared, Dave was offered an opportunity to complete his professional career by helping to lead the civil division of the State’s Attorney’s Office of McHenry County. He was honored to accept and later retired from there in 2009.

After retirement, Dave continued doing pro bono work for Prairie State Legal Services for several years and served the community as a Planning and Zoning Commission member. Ultimately, he served as chairman until his health prevented continued service in 2022.

Dave was a dedicated husband, father, sibling, uncle, and friend to many. He married Jill in 1991, and they spent the next 33 years together traveling the world.

They were fortunate to make several trips abroad and enjoyed an annual holiday in Cabo San Lucas. Dave and Jill were Willow Creek Community Church members, active participants in a small prayer group for over 30 years, and more recently, they joined The Chapel in McHenry. Dave spent spare time volunteering at The ReStore in McHenry, was an avid golfer, studied Spanish, and enjoyed watching the Chicago Bulls with his dog by his side.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Robert and Thomas; and sister; Leona.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Jill; five children, Matthew (Kimberly), Mark, Ryan (Marnie), Shawn (Jackie), and Robin (Gigi); 11 grandchildren: Autumn (David), Zachary (Emily), Paiton, Zoe, Sydney, Piper, Ray, Stella, Bo, Blu, and Maple; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for Dave was held at The Chapel in McHenry on Saturday, Feb. 17, at noon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Journey Care Hospice of Barrington or the ReStore in McHenry. while license suspended, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, and expired vehicle registration. Released with notice to appear in court. Court date Feb. 15.

■ Nicholas A. Mallow, 33, transient, Continued on Next page

Continued from Previous page

5 THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT Feb. 21-27, 2024

Woodstock Fire/Rescue District Ambulance runs Feb. 8-14: 73

Fire runs Public service assistance: 16 Unauthorized burning: 1 Dispatched/canceled en route: 7 Wrong location/no emergency found: 2 Steam/gas mistaken for smoke: 1 Bomb scare: 1 System/detector malfunction: 3 Unintentional system/detector: 8 Total: 112

NEWS

was arrested Jan. 31 at South and Throop streets on charges of driving under the influence, driving uninsured motor vehicle, and no registration light. Released with notice to appear in court. Court date March 8.

■ Jacob P. Bolme, 29, Palatine, was arrested Feb. 1 at Lake Avenue and Eastwood Drive on warrants charging failure to appear in court on charges of retail theft and possession of cannabis.

Released after posting $1,000 bond.

Court date Feb. 20.

■ Carley K. West, 38, Rockford, was arrested Feb. 2 in the 2800 block of Verdi Street on charges of residential burglary, armed robbery, and aggravated identity theft. Taken to jail. No bond. Court date March 5.

■ Graziella Hildebrandt, 38, McHenry, was arrested Feb. 3 at Church and Madison streets on charges of driving while license suspended, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and disregarding a stop sign. Released with notice to appear in court. Court date March 7.

■ Amy S. Ramirez, 24, Woodstock, was arrested Feb. 2 at Church and Madison streets on charges of driving while license suspended and expired registration. Released with notice to appear in court. Court date March 7.

■ Calvin D. Johnson, 28, Rockford,

was arrested Feb. 2 in the 2000 block of Verdi Street on charges of home invasion, residential burglary, armed robbery, aggravated assault, and aggravated identity theft. Taken to jail.

No bond. Court date Feb. 9.

■ Oscar G. Lopez Ratoni, 23, Sun Prairie, Wis., was arrested Feb. 3 at Washington and Main streets on charges of no valid driver’s license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and disobeying a stop sign. Released with notice to appear in court. Court date March 7.

■ Jacqueline L. Young, 33, Woodstock, was arrested Feb. 3 in the 1200 block of Lake Avenue on charges of driving under the influence, aggravated battery to a police officer, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Released with notice to appear in court. Court date Feb. 13.

OPINION

Feb. 21-27, 2024

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

6

Opinion

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT Woodstock, IL • 1987

Prudent proposal for that location

In case there was any question that 10-acre property on Clay Street north of the train station is a former industrial site, the city is still negotiating with developer Chicago Hubs Realty about an NFR – no further remediation – a designation by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for once-contaminated sites.

CHR wants to make sure the site is acceptably clean before it builds senior housing on the property, possibly breaking ground by September on the first of two – maybe three – phases of construction.

Woodstock Die Casting was the last manufacturer in the factory, built by the city in 1893 at a cost of $15,000. It has been home to, among others, Oliver Typewriter Co., Electric Autolite, and Allied-Signal. The building was demolished in 1997.

But CHR plans to build senior housing in the first two phases of its project, with the City Council having voted 5-0 for a redevelopment agreement that gives tentative approval to proceed.

While senior housing was not envisioned by city leaders when the factory was torn down – or by present city leaders just a few years ago – the plan makes a lot of sense.

Affordable senior housing, assisted living, and memory care units would not put a strain on a parking-challenged downtown area that most apartment complexes would. Nor would they contribute, in any significant way, to traffic on adjacent streets that are not equipped to handle more.

Those were two concerns of the city’s Plan Commission, which voted 4-1 to not recommend a special use permit that would allow CHR to proceed with its plan. But members of the elected City Council disagreed with the appointed commission, and they are accountable to voters.

Even if it’s not the high-density, rail-oriented

» YOUR VIEW

Woodstock’s town square ‘perfect just the way it is’

I was raised in Woodstock, and after living abroad for over a dozen years, I chose Woodstock to once again call home. A large part of my joy and pride in this town is the Square. Its beauty and peacefulness is a rare and important aspect of the nature of our town.

It was bad enough that Santa’s house was taken from the middle of the Square, where people could access it from all sides, and stuffed into a corner (conveniently located next to both the candy shop and the Anime store!) so that only the back of the hut faced the Square.

People waiting had to mill around near

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

Rebecca McDaniel Larry Lough Sandy Kucharski Ken Farver

I know a guy at Ford.

Maybe we can put at auto parts factory over here.

And how about a tavern there so a guy could get a beer after work.

EDITORIAL CARTOON BY JIM MANSFIELD

Déja vu on Clay Street: Developers with a fresh look at the former Autolite site development that caters to hundreds of commuters as once envisioned, it’s a practical plan.

And it has another advantage.

“We think it will bring jobs,” Steve Sandholtz, CEO of WellQuest, one of CHR’s partners in the venture, told the plan commission last April, estimating 80 to 150 positions. A recent city staff report indicated 75 full-time jobs in the assisted living/memory care building with an annual payroll of $4.6 million.

Building phases one and two are expected to cost about $78 million, which also will provide an

traffic, and parking near it was limited. I hope that next year this lovely new hut is once again restored to the center park.

Now I hear that moving the Civil War Memorial statue and/or the bandstand is also being discussed. I am opposed! The bandstand might need a bit of a facelift, but it’s supposed to be in the center!

This gives concert-goers the maximum lawn space in which to set up their picnic and enjoy the performance. This location also enhances the safety of children playing on the Square in a way that placing the bandstand in a corner would not.

It also spaces it equally to all the available parking spaces on the Square. Moving it serves no advantage whatsoever. As for the Civil War statue, what advantage does moving it serve? Are we taking it down out

economic boost locally.

As for phase three … well, we’ll see. CHR’s preliminary guess is 80 units, maybe as many as 150; with hopes for 25,000 square feet of retail/restaurant space; and a four-, maybe five-story parking garage.

Not to mention a city-built performance venue – an amphitheater or pavilion – once suggested by Mayor Mike Turner.

But let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves.

For what it is, and where it is, the plan seems prudent and doable. We’ll see.

of political pressure? Why? Our soldiers were on the side of right, anti-slavery, and maintenance of the Union.

Our town Square is perfect just the way it is. If you want to invest in beautification, you could add rosebushes or flowers or more benches, maybe even a picnic table.

But please don’t go destroying what is already there.

Julie Hoag Woodstock

Many residents around here love the Square the way it is I wanted to just send a quick note letting you know that I am one of many who opposes moving the bandstand and the

Civil War statue in the Square. It seems disrespectful, because I can’t imagine it being moved to a more prominent spot in the Square, and it is a part of our country’s history.

The Square has created a lot of memories for probably millions of people. If any of them were to return and find things vastly different, it would be a disappointment to not only them, but to residents of Woodstock as well. I am not opposed to Woodstock making things more ADA compliant/accessible, but it is a fact to say that it can still be done exactly where it is, with modifications.

There will always be people who want to change things because they believe Continued on Next page

their vision is better, or they’re so egotistical that they have to change things for their own legacy. But there are plenty more of us around who actually love the town and Square the way it is, and that’s the way it should stay. Newer does not always mean “better.” Practically the entirety of Woodstock is a historical landmark, especially to tourists. To change it would be to spit in residents’ and tourists’ faces.

Kari Green Woodstock

Housing subdivision would irreparably damage lifestyle Ever since I bought my first horse, I knew I wanted to buy a home where I could walk out my back door and spend

time with my horses. After some 20 years driving up to 50 miles a day, my dream of having my horses on my property was realized.

My husband and I bought our little piece of horse heaven on Lucas Road in Woodstock about 20 years ago. Many of our neighbors keep horses, chickens, goats, donkeys, and other assorted animal friends. Lucas Road is a little piece of country heaven. In addition to my own horses I have rescued three horses from Hooved Animal Humane Society. They lived here in comfort until their passing.

Lennar now wants to turn it into a suburb by building an overcrowded subdivision. Our country lifestyle will be irreparably changed and damaged. The environmental impact has been pointed out in Jeff Tipps’ letter to the editor (The Independent, Jan 23). Our little piece of country will likely be destroyed due to our

intersections with signs or traffic lights. In the story, Police Chief John Lieb acknowledged in that story that officers who have a strong suspicion, or personal knowledge, about an unlicensed driver might find a reason to make a stop.

Our Public Safety Log, which reports those traffic arrests, as well as the volume and type of emergency runs by the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District, is a well-read feature of this newspaper. That’s consistent with the newspaper axiom, “Names make the news.”

But maybe the arrests are too well-read.

The Independent’s Newspapers in Education program offers the newspaper to local school teachers for free to use however they can in their classrooms. That is made possible by our generous readers who voluntarily pay a little extra for their subscriptions so teachers have that exclusively local resource.

Some time ago, a middle school teacher who was using the newspaper for lessons abruptly asked that we stop delivering it to her. She explained that the part of the paper some students turned to first was the Public Safety Log, where they searched for the names of classmates’ family members, which led to teasing of those students whose relatives were suddenly “famous.”

Kids!

Larry Lough is editor of The Woodstock Independent. His email is larry@ thewoodstockindependent.com. wells being contaminated by irreparable damage to the aquifer.

At the recent Dec.14 Woodstock Plan Commission meeting, when the issue of groundwater contamination and damage to existing home wells was discussed, Lennar representatives were asked what remediation they would provide to existing homeowners for damage resulting from their proposed build. The Lennar representative responded, they take no responsibility. Clearly, the environmental impact is of no importance to Lennar, nor is the impact to existing homeowners (many long-term residents).

We urge the Woodstock City Council to carefully consider the harmful environmental impact of the proposed subdivision. Please reject this project.

Cari and Isaac Papier Woodstock

“Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost..” – Thomas Jefferson

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OPINION

Continued from Previous page

a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31, at Throop and South streets.

Not many cars are on the road at that time of the morning. The motorist was also charged with driving under the influence and Larry driving an uninsured motor vehi- Lough Declarations cle. Go figure.

Our Public Safety Log last week reported an arrest that I had not seen before. The offense wasn’t unusual; the location was: Woodstock’s only roundabout, where Lake Avenue meets Madison and South streets.

That arrest on Jan. 18 involved a charge of failure to yield at an intersection. But wait – there’s more!

The driver also was ticketed for driving with a suspended license.

While other drivers might have been cited for offenses involving failure to yield at the roundabout, that was the first to make it into print.

Some people continue to complain about cars going too fast through our circular intersection, more than 14 months after it opened to traffic.

Seems drivers are still getting used to how a roundabout works, so much so that others have said they go out of their way to avoid it.

The Independent published a story more than a year ago about drivers who get arrested with lapsed licenses and registration because they foolishly drive too fast or fail to stop at

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

7

Feb. 21-27, 2024

Have you broken any laws lately?

If you drive, you probably went a few miles over the speed limit, nothing that would cause your name to show up among Woodstock Police Department’s arrests in the Public Safety Log, published weekly in The Independent.

Those of us who drive east on Calhoun Street toward Route 47 almost always exceed the speed limit if we cross the Union Pacific tracks with any momentum. That steep grade might take your speed into the mid30 mph range unless you use your brakes, which seems like an unreasonable strain on your pads and rotors. So, unless cars are crossing on Seminary Avenue, I just take my foot off the accelerator and let the car glide to the speed limit.

Besides the speed limit, jaywalking on the Square is a common offense, also minor. Does Woodstock even have a jaywalking ordinance?

While we read about speeders, Public Safety Log hasn’t reported on the arrest of any pedestrian scofflaws. And during the summer Farmers Market, walking in the street is required.

Unless it’s excessive, speeding alone won’t usually get your name in the paper. Speeding along with an expired license or registration probably will.

For example, we occasionally read of arrests of drivers whose cars have a nonworking license plate light, but it’s “news” only if other, more serious infractions are involved.

Police made such a stop at 1:52

Woodstock

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

Look for better ways to get ‘famous’

The

I NDEPENDENT

Feb. 21-27, 2024

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

8

Landlord & Property Manager Resource Seminar

INTRODUCING

Presentations by: HOPE Fair Housing McH. Co. Housing Authority Future Vision Properties

SCHOOLS

Receive $15 for every $100 spent at Studio D Jewelers.

Purchases from Black Friday 2023 through the end of February 2024 qualify. If you have already made a purchase, Studio D will notify you about your Bling Bucks. Current purchasers will receive Bling Bucks when they check out at the store. Bling Bucks are valid from now through the end of April 2024 on new purchases or custom orders.

studiodjewelers.com On the Woodstock Square!

This promotion cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. BlingBuck use caps at $500.

Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024 9 a.m. to Noon Heartland REALTOR® Organization 405 E. Congress Parkway, Crystal Lake, IL

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Earn a bachelor’s or advanced degree close to home (in downtown Woodstock) from one of our educational partners:

*pending final approval

Scan the QR code to check out the University Center’s full list of partnerships and opportunities, or visit www.mchenry.edu/ucenter.

Bachelor’s and advanced degree programs within reach.

Live Here. Learn Here.

Schools

9

Life Connections internships prepare students for life after school

Good morning

The Wake-Up Call coffee cart is one of the most popular internships.

Using an actual cart on wheels, students serve a cup of coffee and sometimes bagels to high school faculty and staff between 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. The charge is $2 for a large cup and $1.50 for small. Two students together stock the cart and

deliver to those classrooms that display a hang tag indicating the teacher would like a cup that day.

“This is the first year we have turned a profit,” transitional/low incidence facilitator Jenny Cellucci reported. “This is by far the most coveted internship. The students keep track of ordering needs and restock the cart as needed.”

Several additional internships are located at the school. One is assisting the custodial staff with tasks needed around the building. Students are excited to see the results of their cleaning job. Another is occasionally helping the theater department when there are productions.

For the remaining internships, students are transported to a community business or service and are accompanied by a teacher or staff member. Associate Christina Schaffter assists Loser and Cellucci in these activities.

One of the most popular outside internships is at Helping Paws Animal Shelter in Woodstock. Students are asked first whether they enjoy

COURTESY PHOTOS

Life Connections students Christopher Bernardi and Madison Kniola are prepared to deliver from the Wake-Up Call coffee cart.

Leading the Life Connections program at Woodstock North High School are (from left) transitional/ low incidence facilitator Jenny Cellucci; lead job coach Kathi Loser; and assistant Christina Schaffter with the Wake-Up Call coffee cart.

It takes a village

Additional internships have taken place at Snap Fitness, Sparrows Nest, Read Between the Lynes, and Silver Prairie. All of the internship host locations are part of the “village” the students need to learn valuable job skills.

The Life Connections staff is especially grateful to the D200 Education Foundation for the award of a 2023-24 Impact Grant, which will be used to replace the original 10-yearold coffee pot for the coffee cart.

“I love helping our families and students in transition to help them plan out their future after school is done,” Cellucci said. “It is incredibly rewarding working with our students with developmental disabilities. I feel like I get as much out of working with them as they do with us.”

Any local business interested in participating as an internship location can email Cellucci at jcellucci@ wcusd200.org or call 815-334-2100 ext. 2435.

SCHOOLS

The mission of Woodstock School District 200 does not end for all students at the end of 12th grade. D-200 continues to educate students with developmental disabilities long after graduation.

They are young adults ages 18-22 who receive vocational training, social programming, and skills for greater independence and integration into the community. The students are enrolled in Life Connections, a transitional program for exceptional learners.

The program, which was started more than 10 years ago by Karla Nussbaum and the late Nancy Schuette, is housed at Woodstock North High School and several offsite locations.

The students meet their high school graduation requirements and earn a high school diploma before they enter the Life Connections program.

Vocational training takes place within the school and through the community. A series of internships at local businesses and services are offered to students each semester. The students rotate; every Life Connections student completes an internship each semester. They spend two hours each day at their locations, where all are asked to “think like an employee.”

“Watching our interns enhance and add to their skills is an incredible experience, not only for our young adults but for me as well,” lead job coach Kathi Loser said. “I believe I have learned just as much if not more from each one I have had the pleasure to work with.”

being around pets, mainly cats and dogs. The tasks onsite include drying paws, mopping floors and cleaning glass.

At Fresh Thyme in Crystal Lake, students bag groceries, organize shelves, and bring carts inside. At Antioch Pizza in Woodstock, students learn to take directions and work with others while packing foods.

The Woodstock Public Library internship has one or two Life Connections students each semester who clean DVDs, clip coupons, prepare crafts for the Youth Services department, and more.

“It is always amazing to see the progression of the students from the start of the semester or school year to the end,” volunteer coordinator Katie Bradley said.

Library Director Nick Weber added: “The library is happy to be a small part of this program. The library is truly for everyone, and our partnership with D-200 is just another way we can be there for our community.”

Feb. 21-27, 2024

By Janet Dovidio

NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

Transition to the future

SCHOOLS

Feb. 21-27, 2024

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

10

Creekside is cooking with help from D200 Impact Grant

By Janet Dovidio

NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Special education students at Creekside Middle School perfected their cooking skills with equipment paid for by funds from the District 200 Education Foundation Impact Grant program.

“I have purchased ingredients with the grant money to make class meals,” Creekside Target special education teacher Alyssa Niemic said.

“We will complete cooking recipes throughout the year. The class has made a spaghetti meal and Thanksgiving meal as well as a Super Bowlthemed meal prior to the big game.”

Trisha Schoeneberg is the occupational therapist for this classroom. The cooking curriculum combines classroom lessons and occupational therapist activities.

Target refers to a self-contained special education classroom that serves students with autism and other disabilities. Niemic uses the Unique Learning System and the Learn ’n Cook curriculum. The latter is modified for students with disabilities, requiring smaller steps and visuals to aid them to be as independent as possible.

“Spaghetti is always a class favorite and is easy for the students to make,” Niemic said. “They have also made sandwiches. Holiday cookies are enjoyed by most of the students as well.”

Students work on completing sensory recipes as part of their occupational therapy. Examples are playdough, slime, dyed rice and pasta, indoor

COURTESY PHOTOS

Allyah and Danny try the cake in a cup they made as part of Creekside Middle School’s special education cooking skills program. snow, and stress balls.

Students also work on the steps for purchasing supplies needed. They make a list, find the items in the store, and follow multistep directions to complete the recipes. They also learn kitchen safety, measurements, and cleaning.

“My students greatly benefit from being able to cook within my classroom,” Niemic said. “Cooking provides access to so many skills for them to work on to become independent. We are grateful our students have the opportunity to practice essential life skills.”

Student of the Week Cassidy Jeschke

Cassidy Jeschke, a senior at Woodstock High School, is the daughter of Heather and Chad Jeschke of Woodstock.

Her nominating teacher described Cassidy as a reliable and hard-working student, and said, “She is a role model for other students, and is a joy to work with.”

A high honor roll student, Cassidy is a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, and Dino Club, and she plays in the orchestra. Outside of school she is an officer in her 4H club and is a 4H ambassador.

She volunteers with Feed my Starving Children, fun fairs, Stuff the Bus, Christmas Clearinghouse and community blood drives.

Drawing inspiration from her nana who went back to school to get her degree in psychology, Cassidy said, “Watching her do that was extremely inspiring.”

With so many outside interests, she finds it a mystery that she is able to be successful in tough classes. She said, “I am able to stay organized and get a million things done every day and still keep a smile on my face.”

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degrees in December with the winter graduating class at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

They are: • Andrea Sanchez, Woodstock, who graduated summa cum laude with a BA degree in communication • Colby Truckenbrod, Wonder Lake, who graduated with a BBA degree in management

Two from Wonder Lake on UW-La Crosse dean’s list

Catherine Kruse graduates with physical therapy degree

Local students graduate from UW-Whitewater

Catherine Kruse of Woodstock has graduated with a doctor of physical therapy degree from The College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minn.

Two local residents were among more than 600 students who received their

Pet Week of

the

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

“Pixie”

of the Month

Follow us at: www.d200MusicBoosters.org Facebook: D200 Music Boosters • Twitter @d200mboosters

Brantlee Sheridan Greenwood Elementary, 5th Grade

What music activities are you involved in at school and what instruments do you play?

I play the trombone, piano, and the guitar. I’m also in chorus and now I’m one of the musicians of the month.

What got you interested in music?

I like the beat behind it and the messages in the different types of songs.

What is your favorite part of participating in band?

I like the crowd clapping and my parents smiling.

What is your favorite song or musical artist?

Imagine Dragons

Delaney Schneider

Greenwood Elementary, 5th Grade What music activities are you involved in at school and what instrument do you play?

I play cello, played recorder in third grade, sing, and I participate in orchestra, choirs, and music class.

What got you interested in music?

I got into orchestra because I really liked how the cello felt and how the notes sounded beautiful. I got into chorus because my sister told me to do it because it was fun.

What is your favorite part of participating in orchestra and chorus? In orchestra, playing fast songs. In chorus, singing hard words slow, but the melody is fast.

What is your favorite song or musical artist?

My favorite musical artist is Lainey Wilson and favorite songs are “Up Down” by Morgan Wallen and “Wildflowers and Wild Horses” by Lainey Wilson.

Layla J. Luebke

Greenwood Elementary, 5th Grade

5-month-old retriever mix Meet Pixie, a five-month retriever mix weighing around 20 pounds. Pixie came to Helping Paws from a kill shelter in Hazard, Kentucky, and is available to be adopted. She’s spayed, microchipped, and fully vaccinated. The staff describes her as sweet and gentle, always sharing her toys. Playing with toys and getting attention are two of her favorite things, so be ready to play. She is quite calm, compared to other puppies. She can be a bit bashful when first meeting people, but it does not last long.

If you are interested in Pixie as your new bestie, call Helping Paws!

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Lydia Ferretti

What music activities are you involved in at school and what instrument do you play?

I play clarinet and cello. Both are amazing instruments. I also sing in chorus at school.

What got you interested in music?

My love of singing and music got me the most interested in the idea of doing music.

What is your favorite part of participating in band?

I like getting to play the clarinet and learning how to play new things whenever I can.

What is your favorite song or musical artist?

Honestly, I do not have a favorite musical artist because I just can’t choose. I love many musical artists, particularly singers that play pop music, because that is the type of music I like.

Greenwood Elementary, 5th Grade

What music activities are you involved in at school and what instrument do you play?

I am in the Greenwood orchestra and I play the viola.

What got you interested in music?

I tried different instruments in the fourth grade intro to orchestra and I was going to play the violin but since there were going to be lots of violin players, I decided on the viola.

What is your favorite part of participating in orchestra?

I like to listen to all the other orchestra players at after school practice when we are all together, and I like to practice with my friend.

What is your favorite song or musical artist?

I like to play “Into the Midnight Forest” right now and I also like to play “The Fifth Grade Blues.”

SCHOOLS

Two students from Wonder Lake have been named to the dean’s list at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse for the fall semester of the 2023-24 academic year.

The honor requires a GPA of at least 3.5 with a minimum of 12 credits.

They are Ceri Deacon, a psychology major, and Mackenzie Rogers, a biology major with a concentration in molecular genetics and cell biology.

Musicians

Feb. 21-27, 2024

Several local students have been named to Aurora University’s dean’s list for the fall 2023 semester, which requires a GPA of 3.6 or higher.

They are: Wonder Lake – Gabrielle Brodzik, elementary education Woodstock – Alejandra Almanza, biology/secondary education; Jasmin Carbajal-Cruz, early childhood special education with ESL/bilingual; Naxali Cervantes, English/secondary education; Edgar Dominguez, physical education K-12 teaching licensure; Laura Dorantes, elementary education; Jocelyn Eisenmenger, business administration; Hailey Gavers, elementary education; Daniela Gomez, nursing; Delaney Heidtke, elementary education; Jonathan Mickle, history/secondary education; Eduardo Miranda, business administration; Melisa Paredes Lopez, nursing; Emily Pickering, elementary education; Jori Svitak, social work; Lucia Zaragoza, social work

D-200

11 THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

COLLEGE CURRENTS Aurora names students to fall semester dean’s list

W

s y a D g o h Ground

rs o s n o p S o our t s k n a h T

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Feb. 21-27, 2024

oodstoc

k

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

12

City of

WOODSTOCK

Carrigan Design • CGA Promotions • Cherry Tree Inn Copy Express • Courthouse Square • Fox Frames • Jim May McHenry County Living • Tom & Gale Trausch • Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce • Woodstock Community Choir Woodstock Public Library • Woodstock Recreation Center

Antioch Pizza • 815-334-2620 WoodstockGroundhog.org

WoodstockGroundhog.org • 815-334-2620

See you next year!

Sunday, February 2, 2025

City of

WOODSTOCK

Pipa performance

Celebrated international musician to meet, perform with WHS students DISTRICT 200

Music of different culture

Bastian was able to persuade Hong to visit Woodstock to work with her students in person during the school day before the evening concert.

WHS Choir Director Brian Jozwiak said choir students had learned Gao’s composition “Coming of Spring,” and that students are eager to perform other selections with her.

“I am most excited that our students will have gained a rich, firsthand exposure to music of a different culture,” Jozwiak said. “Gao is a master at sharing her talents on the

Kevin Lyons is communications director for School District 200.

Gao Hong, a graduate of Beijing’s Central Conservatory of Music, poses with her pipa, a traditional Chinese stringed instrument similar to a lute. She will perform with music students at Woodstock High School on Monday, March 4.

COURTESY PHOTOS

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Woodstock High School orchestra and choir students will perform with a world-renowned Chinese musician, composer, and educator in a public concert at 7 p.m. Monday, March 4, in the high school auditorium.

Gao Hong, a graduate of Beijing’s Central Conservatory of Music, has performed on the pipa at Carnegie Hall and festivals at Lincoln Center, San Francisco, Paris, Milan, and Perth among many other cities around the world.

The pipa is a traditional Chinese stringed instrument similar to a lute.

Gao has won countless awards as a performer and composer in China and the U.S., where she now resides, including Gold Medals from the Global Music Awards.

Lyndra Bastian, WHS choir director, said she was able to connect with Gao after Bastian was nominated for a Grammy Award as a music educator.

“We had Gao come perform and talk to our WHS music students last year via Google Meet and really enjoyed learning from her,” Bastian said. “We found out that she is also a composer and has written many works for orchestra/ pipa and choir/pipa.”

pipa, and we are grateful she is collaborating with us.”

Bastian said the piece the orchestra students will play is very difficult and unique.

“It’s led to many great classes diving into the counting and different sound effects we will be playing,” she said. “We are really enjoying the challenge and excited for a concert focused on Chinese music and the pipa.”

Tickets for the March 4 concert cost $5 and will be available at the door.

Feb. 21-27, 2024

By Kevin Lyons

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

A&E

13

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Feb. 21-27, 2024

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

14 IN BRIEF

activities to teach the process of turning sap from maple trees into maple syrup.

Attendance is free, but preregistration is required. Register online at MCCD.me/ FSM. All ages are welcome, but not pets.

Tours begin every 15 minutes. Participants can expect to learn the history of maple sugaring and the evolution of the sap collection process, and can even try their hand at tapping their own tree.

Maple syrup and other maple products will be available on site for purchase.

This year’s event is made possible in part by support from Carmichael Construction Inc.

MCC planetarium shows explore space, solar eclipse

Explore the wonders of outer space with a series of upcoming shows in the state-of-the-art planetarium at McHenry County.

The first show, “Tales of a Time Traveler,” will begin at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, when audience members are guided through ancient civilizations.

“National Parks Adventure” will follow at 7:30, when audiences have the ultimate off-trail adventure through Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, Yosemite, and Arches.

At 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, the planetarium will show “Dinosaurs of Antarctica,” followed by another showing of “National Parks Adventure” at noon.

On March 8 and 9, and April 5, MCC will run several showings of “Eclipses of the Sun,” which will explore the Broker 245 McHenry Ave. Woodstock, IL 60098

mechanisms behind an eclipse and discuss what to expect during the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8.

Full descriptions of each show can be viewed at mchenry.edu/planetarium.

Each show is open to the public and

costs $15 a person ($10 for students).

All shows are appropriate for children.

Reservations are required and can be made at mchenry.edu/planetarium.

Conservation District plans Festival of Sugar Maples

The annual Festival of the Sugar Maples event will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on March 9-11 and March 16-17 at Coral Woods Conservation Area, 7400 Somerset Drive in Marengo.

The McHenry County Conservation District hosts the event of hour-long tours and hands-on demonstrations and

Shamrock Streetfest will offer music, heated tent

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day a day early with the annual Shamrocked Woodstock Streetfest from 11 a.m. to midnight Saturday, March 16.

Three Benton Street establishments – D.C. Cobb’s, Benton Street Tap, and The Cabin – will host the event with live music and a large heated tent.

Benton Street will be closed north of Judd Street for set-up on Friday before the event.

Starting at 2 a.m. Saturday, Benton will be closed at Cass Street and East Judd Street.

Sidewalks on both side of the affected streets will remain open.

WOODSTOCK COUNTRY CLUB

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2024 Golf Memberships Available

1ST YEAR NO MINIMUMS Contact Michelle wccclub@wccbv.com (815) 338-2191

Business

15 THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

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

LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE.

Feb. 21-27, 2024

Transactions filed in the McHenry County Recorder’s Office Feb. 1 to 8 . .

■ Residence at 822 Irving Ave., Woodstock, was sold by KenCam Group LLC, Marengo, to Victoria M. Bean, Woodstock, for $262,000.

■ Residence at 1250 Tara Drive, Woodstock, was sold by Wade Allen Bartley, Woodstock, to Brandon Hlad, Woodstock, for $323,000.

■ Residence at 4200 W. Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake, was sold by Chicago Title Land Trust Company, Bradenton, Fla., to The Jonathan A. Lavoy and Rebecca E. Lavoy Joint Trust, Wonder Lake, for $680,000.

■ Residence at 8411 White Oaks Court, Wonder Lake, was sold by CalAtlantic Group LLC, Schaumburg, to Ryan C. Kaufman, Wonder Lake, for $309,294.

■ Residence at 1818 Woodside Drive, Woodstock, was sold by Clinton Campbell, Woodstock, to Debra L. Lloyd, Woodstock, for $279,900.

■ Residence at 857 N. Madison St., Woodstock, was sold by Fructuoso Escorza Escorza, Woodstock, to Erick Flores, Woodstock, for $262,500.

■ Office at 129 E. South St., Woodstock, was sold by Joeleen Stanard, Woodstock, to Victor Pacini, Woodstock, for $203,000.

■ Residence at 1677 Woodside Court, Woodstock, was sold by The Berry Living Trust, Sycamore, to Christopher Haeffele, Woodstock, for $290,000.

■ Residence at 1117 Wheeler St., Woodstock, was sold by Bruce E. Schneiderman, Hebron, to Augusto Landa Calderon, Woodstock, for $213,000.

■ Residence at 900 Serene Trail, Woodstock, was sold by Hearthstone At Serenity Creek Inc., Gerry, N.Y., to The Mary Lou Lamos Revocable Trust, Woodstock, for $95,000.

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER

A “closed” sign on the front door of the former Avant bicycle shop on Cass Street in Woodstock refers customers to stores in McHenry and Lake Geneva, Wis.

Picking up Business Buzz Bicycle shop found downtown location didn’t work for rides, repairs

By Susan W. Murray

NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Just two weeks ago, The Woodstock Independent’s quarterly “Business Buzz” hummed with details of openings, closings, and new ownership.

Since then, a few new items have come to our attention.

Not quite two years ago, Avant Cycles took over The Bike Haven’s spot at 132 Cass St. The store, which exclusively sold the Trek brand, closed on Jan. 31.

Ann Esarco is Avant’s founder and owner.

“The [Cass Street] location is not the best for a bike shop,” she said.

Without a dedicated parking lot, getting bicycles in and out for repair was difficult, Esarco said.

Customers who wanted to take a test ride had to either navigate the Square’s cobblestone streets or carefully steer through one of the busy city-owned parking lots off Throop Street.

Avant’s McHenry and Lake Geneva locations remain open.

Woodstock’s economic development manager, Cathleen Tracy, said she has not yet heard whether the prime spot on the Square has been leased.

Bigger location

The Woodstock Tobacco Hub opened in a new location earlier this month.

Situated for two years between the Benton Street Tap and The Cabin, owner Zia Siddiqui moved his shop across the street to a

larger location at 220 N. Benton St., formerly the home of Hart Jiu Jitsu.

In addition to his smoke shop offerings, Siddiqui said the new store sells non-alcoholic drinks, snacks, and candy.

“I’m trying to give the best service to the people of Woodstock,” Siddiqui said.

Fitness, early and late

Last week, a Facebook post announced the opening of Olivia Sanchez’s Optimal Nutrition and Fitness at 105 E. Church St. The studio offers classes at 5 a.m. and 7 p.m. on weekdays, including circuit training, step classes, and partner workouts. The studio is also open on Saturday mornings.

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Local wedding resources

CELEBRATE WEDDINGS COURTESY PHOTOS BY SABRINA SIEGERS

They say rain on your wedding day is lucky

By Sandy Kucharski CELEBRATE WEDDINGS

A

bout seven years ago, my daughter, Lisa, got engaged. The wheels began to turn and we each – individually – started thinking about something we had both dreamed of … a country wedding at our farm.

I was careful not to push my ideas, but soon enough she started talking about the possibility of a wedding here, at our home.

Unable to hide my enthusiasm, I jumped wholeheartedly into supporting the proposition, and our dreams began to become a reality.

As country girls at heart – even

when country wasn’t cool – we knew it would be country chic themed, which just happened to be the current trend.

Drawing on ideas that we’d had for years, and hundreds of ideas from Pinterest, we developed a plan.

Not everyone could picture our vision – including the groom-to-be – but we assured him that this would be an event to remember. Our family is no stranger to hard work, and it’s amazing what we can accomplish given a hard deadline.

Running the numbers

It’s no secret that weddings can be quite pricey, especially if the guest list is large. We rationalized that instead of putting a lot of money into a venue for a one-day use, why not invest it into upgrades and improvements to our own property for a home wedding.

Those improvements could be enjoyed for years to come.

That’s what we did.

With a hayfield for parking, shade

Bride and groom Lisa Kucharski and Logan Kunzie head to the barn to finish their wedding ceremony after rain forced them to move inside. trees for outdoor summer comfort, and a rustic working farm setting to fit the country theme, we just needed to pin down the main reception/eating area. While going all open-air was an option, it would leave us totally reliant

on favorable weather, which was just too much of a gamble.

There was talk of renting a tent, but we finally settled on the horse barn and indoor arena. It was a solid structure, and it totally fit the theme, but we had to convince the doubters how we were going to fancy it up and how we would deal with shuffling across sand footing. Some new indoor fencing, a lot of strands of cascading white holiday lights, and construction of a large temporary plywood floor, and we had a fitting reception hall.

Rustic décor – from wild flower bouquets and homegrown sunflowers, to old barn doors, tractors, wagon wheels and straw bales – brought everything together beautifully. Add nearly 300 casually dressed guests who gathered to celebrate with the special couple, and the stage was set for the memorable event we promised.

While we were hoping for a beautiful sunny day like those we had all

See HOME WEDDING Page 24

CELEBRATE WEDDINGS

The Kunzie wedding party assembled in the Kucharski family barn to finish the ceremony that started outside but was forced by rain to seek shelter.

Feb. 21-27, 2024

WEDDINGS

17 THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

A special publication of The Woodstock Independent

18

CELEBRATE WEDDINGS

Feb. 21-27, 2024

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Michael Sacco and Kelly Kempf are married on the steps of the Old Courthouse Center on Groundhog Day. City Councilwoman Melissa McMahon presides at the ceremony while Woodstock Willie is an official witness The couple own The Records Department in one of two business incubator spaces inside the renovated Old Courthouse.

CELEBRATE WEDDINGS PHOTO BY KEN FARVER

‘Something incredible’

Memorable marriage Feb. 2: ‘What is more Woodstock than Groundhog Day?’

By Tricia Carzoli

CELEBRATE WEDDINGS

G

roundhog Day can become repetitive – but for one local couple, it will be welcome repetition.

“What other day would you want to replay more than your wedding day?” bride Kelly Kempf Sacco said. “Especially when it was as perfect as this!”

Kelly and Michael Sacco married on the Old Courthouse Center steps at 2:22 p.m Feb. 2 to a delightfully small crowd of family and friends.

“It was exactly as we wanted it,” Kelly explained.

“We were going to just have a small wedding in our store, but as people surrounded us with support, it grew, and our officiant, Councilwoman Melissa McMahon, told us we would need to move the ceremony to the steps – and that was perfect, too.”

Kelly and Michael own The Records Department, one of two incubator businesses within the Old Courthouse Center, 101 N. Johnson St., in addition to their own full-time jobs. Kelly is the Woodstock Farmers Market manager, and the couple opened their store on the Square last year.

They knew that the place where they had launched their business was going to be the place

they started a new journey – as husband and wife.

“From the minute we came here,” Kelly said, “Woodstock felt like home.”

Michael agreed. He said Kelly took him to the Blue Lotus Temple and, when the two left, they walked into the Farmers Market.

“It really felt like this was where we were supposed to be,” he said. “It felt right. … When we moved here, we just met a bunch of beautiful people. And we never wanted to leave.”

About the Groundhog

When Michael proposed to Kelly this past Oct. 31, he asked her what it would take for them to get married.

“I said we’d, of course, need the Groundhog,” Kelly said. “I was joking, but Michael made this happen – on Groundhog Day. Really, we’ve loved everything about Woodstock, and what is more Woodstock than Groundhog Day?” In true Groundhog Day fashion, the community became the pair’s biggest fans – just like Phil and Rita from the 1993 movie that was filmed in Woodstock.

“We met so many people that we would see over and over again,” Kelly said. “And they became friends. And then, they rallied around us and offered to do things for our wedding.”

Lisa and Pat Connolly, Farmers Market vendors with their Bloom Shroomery, gave the couple

mushrooms to put in Kelly’s flower bouquet, which was created by Hannah and Jonah Bass of Bass Organics. The Basses even included Lego flowers because of Michael’s Lego passion.

Angie Graziano, an Opera House employee whom Kelly had met at the market, offered to embroider her wedding dress.

“I didn’t know it needed embroidery,” she said.

“But it did. And I am so grateful.”

Photographer Lindsay Tullar, who owns Redwood & Sage on the Square, photographed the wedding.

With not nearly as much planning as Phil Connors had – roughly three months to be exact – Kelly and Michael, with the help of their community and friends, pulled off the wedding of a lifetime.

“When I think about Groundhog Day,” Michael said, “I think of me last year, getting out, singing some polka songs and me looking forward to it again this year. People are in a good mood, and it is a light at the end of the tunnel – you are getting ready to head into spring, and people are happy. It is great. Why not get married on Groundhog Day?” The couple have watched the movie, “enough to know the important lines,” Michael said.

When they approached McMahon, she agreed to officiate, bring Woodstock Willie, and make it as special as it could be.

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THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT Feb. 21-27, 2024

CELEBRATE WEDDINGS PHOTO BY TRICIA CARZOLI

Just-married couple Michael and Kelly Sacco share a smooch after the ceremony on the stops of Woodstock’s Old Courthouse Center, as Woodstock Willie joins the celebration on Groundhog Day.

&

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When it is time to commit to Woodstock’s No. 1 source for news and information, Contact Jill@thewoodstockindependent.com or 815-701-9258

CELEBRATE WEDDINGS

“As soon as they mentioned this possibility,” McMahon said, “I started to work on getting my officiant license. … I wanted to be ready, just in case.”

McMahon said the Feb 2 wedding was her first as officiant.

“I couldn’t imagine two better people to have done it for,” she said. “I was tickled to be asked.”

The Saccos were just as tickled.

“Melissa is an amazing human,” Kelly said. “She turned this into something incredible. I truly don’t know how she did it.”

McMahon sprinkled the ceremony with Groundhog Day references, a Jameson toast (with a fruit punch alternative), flowers, laughs, and love, incorporating a quote from Phil Connors that, the couple said, embodied everything they embraced about Woodstock.

“That was really all we wanted to make sure was a part of the day,” Kelly said. “Melissa used the line from the movie – with a small change – that meant so much. Phil says: ‘When Chekhov saw the long winter, he saw a winter bleak and dark and bereft of hope. Yet we know that winter is just another step in the cycle of life. But standing here among the people of [Woodstock] and basking in the warmth of their hearths and hearts, I couldn’t imagine a better fate than a long and lustrous winter.’

“And that described what meant so much to us,” Kelly added, “the people who have welcomed us and embraced us and who came here to be with us as we joined our lives together.”

CELEBRATE WEDDINGS

Feb. 21-27, 2024

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CELEBRATE WEDDINGS PHOTO BY KEN FARVER

Organist/pianist Barb Klein is pictured at the organ of St. Thomas Church in Crystal Lake, where she has played for many weddings.

Power of music at weddings

‘Whenever you fill a dance floor and everyone is having a good time, it’s good’

By Eileen Millard

CELEBRATE WEDDINGS

T

he musical choices that a couple make for their wedding and reception go a long way toward setting the mood for the day and making the memories people will still have years later.

“The brides take a lot of time thinking about what they want, and I am happy I can do that for them,” said Barb Klein of Woodstock, whose 70-year career as a pianist and organist includes playing for many a wedding.

Klein gave an example from last year, when a bride wanted Debussy’s “Clair de Lune” while the parents and grandparents walked, as well as “I Will Always Love You.” For the bride’s entrance music, she chose “Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini” by Rachmaninoff.

“She said she always dreamed of walking in to that song,” Klein said.

(Note: fans of the movie “Groundhog Day” will recognize that classical piece as the one Bill Murray’s character learns to play on the piano.)

“There was a time years ago when I was playing [songs like] ‘What Are You Doing for the Rest of Your Life,’ ‘Sunrise, Sunset,’ and ‘You Light Up My Life,’ but not so much anymore,” Klein said.

Current ceremony music leans more to traditional pieces, she said, such as “Canon In D by Pachelbel.”

At the reception

“Wedding reception music is one of the more important parts [of the event],” said Brian Cantrell of BR Entertains, DeKalb.

“It can make the event or bring down a reception,” he added. “You have to cater to the whole crowd, all age groups, likes and dislikes. I read the room, take requests, go by the reaction that I get.

Whenever you can fill a dance floor and everyone is having a good time, it’s good.”

Cantrell said different age groups have their favorites, but added, “There are some songs, no matter what the age group, they all like … ’70s and ’80s disco … ’90s pop favorites,” he said. “People love group dance songs. ‘The Macarena’ is one.

There was one song [recently] that I had never heard before, called ‘Church Clap,’ by KB. The whole dance floor knew the moves; even the priest was dancing to it!”

His best advice to couples: “Work with the DJs,

COURTESY PHOTO

Brian Cantrell and his wife, Rhonda, are shown at a wedding where his company, BR Entertains, supplied the music.

give them as large a list as you can … [things] you definitely want to hear, and also if there are any songs you do not want to hear.”

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Wedding planner Bijou Diamvutu poses with some of the tools of her trade: planning books and current bridal magazines.

Feb. 21-27, 2024

CELEBRATE WEDDINGS PHOTO BY KEN FARVER

danced to that with my dad at my wedding! ”For the mother/son dance, the one I like very much is ‘Mama,’ by Boyz II Men. … It is so emotional,” she added. “And for the couple’s first dance, a current favorite is ‘You,’ by Dan + Shay.”

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she said, “Those are generational … to enjoy and remember, dance to the beats you had growing up in the ’80s, ’90s, like … ‘[I’ve Had] The Time of My Life,’ by Bill Medley” [and Jennifeer Warnes].

“People still do the Macarena,” she added. “[Line dances] like ‘The Cha Cha Slide’ – that gets them on

the floor for sure. I also saw this one recently, ‘Diamond Girl,’ by Nice & Wild; the dance floor was packed.”

No matter what style of ceremony or reception, one thing the wedding professionals agreed on: the emotional memories of the music will remain a long time after the special day.

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“I believe music is very crucial, just as important as the food or the decorations,” said wedding planner Bijou Diamvutu of Belissima Events, Woodstock. “Music sets the mood for people for the entire event.”

No matter what style of wedding ceremony, traditional, religious or, secular, the wedding service is always enhanced by the musical choices, she said.

“From the moment the bride is walking in … to the exchange of vows, you have special music … the lighting of the candle, the unity ceremony, etc. I think it also helps keep that event or ceremony … in people’s memories. Even when we are not aware, you hear that song later on, it triggers memories, brings them to mind.”

For the tossing of the bouquet at the reception, Diamvutu said a crowd pleaser is Beyoncé’s “Singe Ladies (Put a Ring On It).”

“That never gets old,” she said with a laugh.

“For the father/daughter, dance ‘Stand by Me’ is a favorite,” she said.

“And also ‘Butterfly Kisses.’ It’s been around for a while. I love that one, really. I would have loved to have

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Special musical moments

Picture perfect

CELEBRATE WEDDINGS

Feb. 21-27, 2024

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22

‘So many red flags’ to avoid in hiring a wedding photographer

By Tricia Carzoli

CELEBRATIE WEDDINGS

“Y

ou are going to experience day with your photographer,” said Lindsay Tullar, a wedding photographer and owner of Redwood+Sage, 121 E. Calhoun St. “Don’t forget to make sure it is the perfect fit.”

While there are guides galore for brides-to-be, none, perhaps, are more important than those that advise on what not to do.

First, Tullar said, a bride must not forget to vet the photographer.

“There are so many red flags that I encourage my potential clients to avoid,” she said. “I’ve been in the business for a while, and I’ve seen a lot. I never want my couples to have to experience those if they don’t have to.”

So, what should cause a bride to run – from a potential photographer?

“You should never book a photographer without a face-to-face meeting or at least a Zoom meeting,” Tullar said. “You are going to spend the entire day with that person; you want to be sure that you are totally comfortable with the professional you are hiring and that your personalities work well together.”

CELEBRATE WEDDINGS PHOTO BY TRICIA CARZOLI

Wedding photographer Lindsay Tullar works through the crowd to get an angle on the Groundhog Day wedding of Kelly Kempf and Michael Sacco on the steps of the Old Courthouse Center.

Do not do

• “Don’t book a photographer who doesn’t have a full gallery to show you,” she cautioned. “If you can’t see what the finished product looks like from beginning to end, you don’t know what moments that photographer has missed or how the photographer captures the memories.”

• Don’t hire a photographer who doesn’t offer a contract. “If what the photographer offers sounds too good to be true,” she continued, “it probably is.”

• “Don’t let a photographer pressure you into paying in full [in advance],” she said. “That is a sign you should run.”

• Don’t ask a wedding photographer

PHOTO FOR CELEBRATE WEDDINGS BY MICHAEL KELLY

Tricia Carzoli, a photographer and writer for The Woodstock Independent, who also is a wedding photographer, gets a close-up of the bouquet of Kelly Kempf. to “change their editing style,” Tullar said. “Hire a photographer FOR their style – and let them do what they do best – or look for another one.”

Wedding day

Tullar also reminded couples not to delay when booking a photographer.

“Your options are better when you

have more time to book.”

On the big day, though, there are a few pro-tips Tullar shared.

• Don’t focus too much on photos or perfection. “When you micromanage, or when you are only working to get your shots for social media accounts, you aren’t enjoying the moment,” she said. “If you hired the right photographer, they will get your social media shots. If you saw full galleries, you should be able to trust that your photographer will capture the special moments – and do it well.”

• “Don’t forget to clear your [ceremony] space,” Tullar said. “If you have a disheveled space, your photos are going to reflect that. It shouldn’t be up to your photographers to clean up.”

• Don’t forget to finalize your bridal timeline. “If you don’t give your photographer a timeline -- or if you don’t stick to it, your photographer might not be in the right place at the right time,” she said.

• “Don’t try to organize the people and photo arrangements yourself,” she explained. “That job should be given to a friend or family member so you can Continued on NEXT page

Continued from PREVIOUS page

23

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One more pro-tip?

Don’t forget to feed your photographer. “They will be working 10 to 12 or more hours,” Tullar said. “They will be hungry. If it isn’t in their contract, it should be. Don’t let them go without a meal.”

Tullar’s Redwood + Sage photography studio has been located on the historic Woodstock Square since November 2022. She has photographed more than 250 weddings across the country and specializes in weddings that are “a little non-traditional.” Her favorite tools to work with are prisms, fractals, and copper pipes as she creates artful images that are as unique as her clients.

Feb. 21-27, 2024

Hungry for work

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enjoy the moment.”

• Don’t forget to use your accessories. “When you don’t know what to do with your hands, play with your hair, use your jewelry, your bouquet, your clutch – your partner. You can use your partner as a puzzle piece – you fit together!”

• Don’t be afraid to “tell your photographer what areas you are still working on loving,” she said, “so the photographer can focus on the assets you love.”

CELEBRATE WEDDINGS

Feb. 21-27, 2024

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24

she had caught the school bus HOME WEDDING where for so many years.

Continued from Page 17

summer while preparing for the wedding, the ceremony was set for midJuly, and the chances were good that we could be dealing with heat, high humidity, storms and rain.

We got it all.

The week of the wedding we watched the forecast slowly fall apart as Saturday approached. High temperatures made for some sweaty days and nights as we worked to finish major projects, including laying the plywood floor, finishing new roadside wood fencing, sprucing up the yard, and building a deck on our house.

Lots of luck

The sun came up the morning of the wedding and beautifully showcased everyone’s hard work. The humidity made getting dressed a little difficult. The guests arrived, parked in the hayfield, and strolled over to the front yard where the chairs were set in the shade of the maple trees. The guitarist began to play, and the bridesmaids, dressed in coral summer dresses and cowboy boots, met the groomsmen in their khaki pants and coral suspenders.

My husband and I walked our beautiful little girl down the aisle/driveway

The ceremony began, and the dark clouds that had been gathering on the horizon since about noon started moving in. The minister, the groom’s aunt, paused and looked up as if getting a special weather bulletin from above. Then she calmly announced, ‘We need to move in … now.” She asked the guests to take their chairs, if able, and head to the barn, where the ceremony would resume.

As soon as most of the crowd had made their way into the barn, the heavens opened up and the downpour began. The ceremony resumed, but most of the words said were drowned out by the sound of the rain on the barn’s metal roof. It was a little hard to follow along, but the smiles on the bride and groom’s faces said it all.

They say rain on your wedding day is good luck. The ceremony ended, but the rain didn’t. The photographer did her best to gather groups for photos. The caterers continued grilling pork chops and chicken in the rain, and everyone was served. Intermittent lightning and rain continued throughout the evening, bringing the unexpected blessing of cool breezes as a welcome relief to the intense humidity of the past several days.

The drinks flowed, speeches were made, and the dance music started.

CELEBRATE WEDDINGS PHOTO BY TRICIA CARZOLI

Dark clouds gather as the ceremony begins at the Kucharski-Loch farm wedding, Sept. 3, 2022.

The happy couple and their guests danced into the night under the twinkling lights hung from the rafters of the barn. The plywood floor was rockin’ when the DJ played “Footloose,” and one of the guests, experiencing an aha moment, commented, “I’m dancing to ‘Footloose’ … in a barn!”

So many plans went out the window that night, but so many more things went right. No one mingled in the back yard eating the pre-dinner snacks, the seating chart became a mere suggestion, and the bridal party hay ride and photo session were canceled, but the roll-with-whatever-life-sendsyou country lifestyle we embrace was shared by everyone that night.

We ended up with four inches of rain and my son Kevin spent most of the evening on his Allis Chalmers 185 pulling stuck wedding guests and even the party bus out of the mud in the usually well-drained hayfield. Soaking wet and covered with mud, he was literally responsible for pulling the wedding off.

We fondly referred to Kevin as the foreman of the event, spearheading most of the projects we did and jumping in to save the day when things started going off the rails. He knew first-hand how much work a home wedding was.

Lightning strikes twice

A few years later, Kevin had a place of his own, an old farm in Marengo in need of a lot of TLC to bring it back to life. He met a wonderful girl and asked her to be his wife. She said yes.

He shared his dream of a farm wedding with his fiancé, and another home wedding was planned. We worked all summer spiffing up the old farm and farmhouse, making for another beautiful wedding. The newlyweds began their life together with some muchneeded home improvements and special memories to last a lifetime.

Oh, and a spectacular cloud show and a brief shower provided a dose of good luck as well.

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25

Boy Scout Troop 153 does Klondike Derby for the first time

By Janet Dovidio

NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

In January, with that temperature at one degree above zero and a wind chill of minus 16 degrees, five adult leaders and seven Boy Scouts from Troop 153 went camping – in the same tents they use in the summer.

The boys were at Camp OH-DAKO-TA near Burlington, Wis., to compete in the Tall Grass District Klondike Derby.

“To me the most challenging part of the event was the morning after the overnight camp out, when the boys realized they didn’t freeze to death and could survive in these conditions with the right planning and preparations,” Assistant Scoutmaster Don Heelein said. “Every time these Scouts surprise me at how well they shine through and

overcome the challenges. I could not be more proud of them for that.”

Klondike Derby is an annual Scouts BSA event based on the heritage of the Klondike Gold Rush.

Patrols must complete several challenges that show their skills and leadership abilities. Each unit must transport gear on a homemade sled pulled by the Scouts.

“This was the first time we participated in this Klondike Derby, which was hosted by a different Scouts BSA Council [Three Harbors Council], which means we are competing out of our council area [Blackhawk Area Council],” Heelein said. “In effect, we were the new kids in school. The challenge is to quickly learn all the nuances of a new course, the lay of the land, and in general not stick out like a sore thumb!”

Team successes Boys in each patrol develop a theme for their sled, decorate the sled, and dress in the character of their theme. They are judged on their competency, proficiency, teamwork, and leadership.

Troop 153 had two patrols. One was The Boy Scout Postal Service, a theme used because they can deliver, like the post office motto says. The other local team was Kings Royal Swimmers, whose members did wear swim suits – on the outside of their snow pants.

The participants set up camp on Jan. 19, then early the next morning they competed in the eight different skill stations of fire building, first aid, knots, rifle range, water rescue, and several team-building stations “The last event of the day is an actual sled race, which was by far

the most competitive event of the day,” Heelein said. “The course was roughly a mile long up a significant hill, which is done while wearing snow boots and winter gear. The average race time was between six and seven minutes. It was apparent that there were several patrols that compete at this location’s race each year.”

The postal service patrol took first place at the water rescue station. The “swimmers” patrol was the overall event winner among the 16 competing patrols.

Heelein indicated there was a little bit of disbelief that the new kids came in and did so well. He felt their secret was that they were competitive at each station, but at the end of the day, it was their Scout spirit that put them over the top.

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Cold camping

Feb. 21-27, 2024

COURTESY PHOTO

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This photo shows Boy Scout Troop 153 Scouts and adults inside and warm at the Klondike Derby last month at Camp OH-DA-KO-TA near Burlington, Wis. But January camping was outside and cold. Members are Assistant Scoutmasters Kevin Riley, Don Heelein, Tom Dillon, Stevie Wirkuty, and Henry Klich and Scouts Jacob Fifer, Zach Micho, Logan Riley, Cooper Brown, Charlie Burns, Simon Dillon, Tim Nellessen, and Kyle Klich.

26 PHOTO DETECTIVE

COMMUNITY

Feb. 21-27, 2024

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

Photo Detectives, your February challenge is to put names with faces in a Don Peasley photo from 2010.

This happy group is celebrating a $500,000 donation from the Gavers Community Cancer Foundation to Centegra Health System’s Gavers Breast Center. The donation brought the total Gavers contributions to Centegra to $1.1 million.

We know that Denise Graf Ponstein, co-founder of The Woodstock Independent, is standing on the far left. Standing on the far right is then-Centegra Health System CEO Mike Easley. Seated second from left is American Community Bank’s then-president, now CEO, Andy Hartlieb. Seated on the far right is Steve Gavers, president of the Gavers Community Cancer Foundation.

If you can help fill in the details, please contact our Intrepid Photo Detective, Maggie Crane, at Maggiec@woodstockil.info.

-Susan W. Murray

COURTESY PHOTO

beat

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Kelly Kempf Sacco

By Janet Dovidio

NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

The Knights of Columbus Council 776 based at St. Mary Catholic Church enjoyed a golden experience last fall.

Each year council members collect donations to support people with intellectual disabilities. That effort, which is the Tootsie Roll Drive, began in Illinois in 1970 and has spread across the country since then.

The Woodstock community always contributes. Last September, during a K of C shift at Jewel-Osco, a donor gave a one-ounce gold Buffalo coin with a value of about $1,900.

“We are very thankful and blessed to have such generous support from the community every year,” Deputy Grand Knight Frank Falbo said.

The total collected was sent to NISRA, the Pioneer Center, and the St. Mary School MOSAIC program.

Treasurer Bob Stroh was chairman of the drive.

“As pastor of St. Mary parish, I can always count on the Knights to come and offer help for our church needs as they give countless hours of service,” the Rev. Burt Absalon said.

Council 776’s calendar included many community outreaches. During the recent Christmas holiday season, member Greg Rokus was chairman of a Seasons of Giving blood drive at the church. A food g to Know drive coordinated by Grand Knight Tony Lemont collected more than -338-8040 400 pounds of food and $500 cash

n sponsor

for the Woodstock Food Pantry. The group provided financial support to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, 1st Way of McHenry County, and Woodstock Rotary Club Christmas Clearing House.

The Knights recently revived their Ladies Auxiliary, which allows wives, daughters, mothers, and others to participate in many of the council’s activities.

An annual free-throw championship took place Feb. 4 at Marian Central for boys and girls ages 9 to 14. According to Falbo, that free program provides an athletic outlet through which the values of sportsmanship and healthy competition are encouraged as a way to bring families together.

Other efforts will include a “40 cans for Lent” food drive to benefit the Woodstock Food Pantry.

The group’s second annual meat raffle is scheduled for May 4 at Kishwaukee Brewing Co. The event, whose chairmen are Ray Bock and Stroh, will benefit parish ministries and community charities.

“Each program that the Woodstock Council 776 conducts exemplifies the principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism, which are the founding principles of the Knights of Columbus,” Lemont said. “We are a Catholic men’s family-based fraternal organization.”

Council 776, founded in the winter of 1902-03, was the first Knights of Columbus council in McHenry County. Meetings are held at St. Mary Catholic Church on the first and third Thursdays of each month.

For more information, email kofc@stmary-woodstock.org.

COMMUNITY

Fundraiser turns golden for Knights at St. Mary

Where did you grow up?

Bradley, Illinois, a small town about two hours from here First job for a paycheck?

I scooped ice cream at the local Baskin Robbins when I was 15 years old.

How long have you called Woodstock home?

We moved to Woodstock about 2 years ago.

What do you like best about living in Woodstock?

The most unique, creative, generous, and kind folks live here.

What is your favorite event in the Woodstock area?

The Farmers Market is what made me love and eventually move to this town, even before I managed it. I am pretty fond of Groundhogs Day, too.

If you could change one thing about Woodstock, what would it be?

I’d like to see new folks open new businesses and take on leadership roles to represent the true demographics of the community.

Favorite spectator event (live or on TV)?

Live music. I am looking forward to seeing my son Gavin perform as a member of the University of Michigan Symphony Orchestra in April. I doubt anything will ever top that.

When you want to eat at a local restaurant, where do you go, and what are you most likely to order?

Duke’s Inferno. The entire experience is so well thought out. They support local farms, and music is pretty great too.

What item do you keep in your home for a quick snack?

I’m a big fan of the granola bites from Mentoring Gardens, What did you learn from the COVID-19 pandemic?

I don’t wait for tomorrow anymore. I’m living all those dreams and big ideas? I’m living them.

What personal interest are you most passionate about?

I recently learned that there was a term for my favorite pastime. To hurkle-durkle is “to lie in bed or lounge about when one should be up and about.” I am really passionate about this. Rest is underrated.

Last movie you watched (at home or in a theater)? How do you rate it, 1 to 10?

We watched “Saltburn” twice! I rate it 9/10.

What kind of content in The Independent interests you most?

I really enjoy reading about our high school musicians. It’s exciting when I recognize some of the kids from the record shop.

Feb. 21-27, 2024

COURTESY PHOTO

Knights of Columbus Council 776 members (from left) Frank Falbo, Bob Stroh, Ray Bock, and Tony Lemont show the gold coin that was donated to their Tootsie Roll Drive, which raised money for people with intellectual disabilities.

Co-owner of The Records Department and manager of the Woodstock Farmers Market

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

Getting to Know

27

COMMUNITY

Feb. 21-27, 2024

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

28

Life lessons learned outside of a workplace “In January 2024, the unemployment rate was 3.7 percent for the third month in a row. The rate has been within the range of 3.4 percent and 3.8 percent since February 2022.”

– Bureau of Labor Statistics website “Work gives you meaning and purpose, and life is empty without it.”

– Stephen Hawking “Ultimately your economy has to be measured in the real eyes of real people, not simply in statistics that appear in newspapers about the unemployment rate and so forth.”

– Marco Rubio If my column didn’t have to be several hundred words in length, those three quotes would suffice to identify the environment and mindset I’ve been in since my fulltime proposal-writing job of 12 years ended in early June of last year. The U.S. unemployment rate has been extremely low, but as I write this column on Valentine’s Day, I haven’t found a full-time

job yet. Hawking is right: my life has been missing the meaning and purpose I found at work.

In the past, if I left a job – because my employer decided to save money by eliminating my role, for example – it took me no longer than 4½ months to find Paul a new, equally Lockwood good or betA Musing ter position.

That has not been the case this time. I’m one of those “real people” Rubio is talking about in his above quote: every month that the unemployment rate is reported, if you look at my “real eyes,” you see me alternating between frustration (“With my skillset, why are most employers not wanting to interview me?”) and sadness (“The unemployment rate is low, but so is my mood.

Am I no longer employable?”).

The “constant punster” that I call myself in the bio at the bottom of my monthly column may still be around – I haven’t entirely lost my sense of humor – but if I look at my displays of wit over the past 8½ months, they haven’t been “constant” by any means.

What lessons have I learned in this extended absence from employment? In no particular order: n Spread the word. The more people who know you’re looking, the more people who can be keeping their eyes and ears open. Just make sure they know your skills and the kinds of positions you’re seeking. (In my case, because of my skills in writing, public speaking, attention to detail, etc., I’ve been applying for proposal writing, technical writing, editing, and communications/PR positions.) n Don’t bother applying for jobs that you won’t be happy with.

Happiness isn’t just based on the

size of the paycheck. If job security and benefits are key, for instance, a short-term contract position or a position without a base salary may not be a good fit. After one brief phone interview, I made the mistake of driving to Janesville, Wis., for an in-person meeting, where I found out all openings at a particular company were totally commission-based. n Use any/all resources you can find. A perfect example is the McHenry County Workforce Network, with people like the amazing Bruce Bennett. MCWN can provide help with a résumé, interviewing skills, LinkedIn tips, etc. n When you get an interview, psych yourself up beforehand. If your résumé, application, cover letter, and/or writing samples have gotten you this far, you can now show the kind of winning personality that will convince a hiring manager that you’re worth Continued on NEXT page

PICTURE THIS

This 1968 view of the Woodstock Square shows Wien’s Clothing Store on the northeast corner of Cass and Main Streets.

Don Peasley Photo Collection, McHenry County Historical Society

The McHenry County Historical Society has established an annual $1,000 college scholarship to honor its former administrator, Nancy Fike. The Nancy Fike Scholarship is open to graduating seniors and first-year college students who have graduated from a McHenry County high school and are – or plan on – studying history, education, or the social sciences. Applications are due April 5.

Email info@mchenrycountyhistory.org for more information.

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

Continued from PREVIOUS page

Paul Lockwood is an enthusiastic storyteller, singer, constant punster, occasional local theater actor (e.g., McHenry County College’s upcoming March production of Noel Coward’s “Present Laughter”), active Grace Lutheran Church and Toastmasters member, theater reviewer, and more.

Paul has lived in Woodstock for over 23 years with his wife, Diane.

COMMUNITY

n Make sure you don’t lose sight of the “life” part of “work/life balance” (aka “Count your blessings”). I’m lucky enough to have some savings, a compassionate wife, caring relatives/friends, and an adoring and adorable cat. I also have hobbies/interests like acting, theater reviews, Toastmasters, and a book study at church that

n Don’t let frustration and sadness overwhelm you. Easy to say, but I realize it’s not easy to do.

I just try to remember that the Hawking quote isn’t 100 percent true. Even without a job, I know that my life – like a glass of water – isn’t empty or even half-empty.

It’s half-full and fully ready to be topped off with work.

Feb. 21-27, 2024

n Reach out to former co-workers and friends on LinkedIn. I was able to get some excellent recommendations for my profile page from people who know first-hand why I’d be an asset to a future employer. I was also able to find people already working at places I was applying to, so they could directly contact HR or at least be listed as an internal reference.

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

bringing on board. And be prepared for those tough questions (e.g., “Why did you leave that employer?”) so you’re not stumbling over words during your conversation.

29

can help me not focus 24/7 on my job search woes. A Chicago radio station even invited me to be their unpaid “special correspondent” at Woodstock’s Groundhog Day prognostication on the Square, talking with me about our festivities several times that morning.

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Feb. 21-27, 2024

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

30

Happenings

calendar

21 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

COMMUNITY

22 THURSDAY

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

BEN BAILEY

Woodstock Opera House 121 W. Van Buren St. 7 p.m. $35 VIP seats; $25 A seats woodstockoperahouse.com

23 FRIDAY

KIDS CARNIVAL

Woodstock Square Mall 110 S. Johnson St. 6 to 8 p.m.

Free

ALL-ORIGINAL OPEN MIC NIGHT Stage Left Café 125 W. Van Buren St. 7 p.m. offsquaremusic.org

‘MAMMA MIA’ - A MOVIE SING-ALONG Woodstock Opera House 121 W. Van Buren St. 7:30 p.m. $10 all seats woodstockoperahouse.com

24 SATURDAY

SLC LOVE LETTERS: VOL. 1 - A CABARET Stage Left Café 125 W. Van Buren St. 3 and 7 p.m. $25 woodstockoperahouse.com

THE PRINCESS STRIKES BACK & STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE Woodstock Opera House 121 W. Van Buren St. 7 p.m. $15 woodstockoperahouse.com

25 SUNDAY

JIGSAW PAW-ZZLE PAW-LOOZA Kishwaukee Brewing 1900 Dillard Court 2 to 5 p.m. $50 for a team of 4

27 TUESDAY

DISTRICT 200 BOARD OF EDUCATION Woodstock High School 501 W. South St. 7 p.m. woodstockschools.org

WOODSTOCK FIRE/RESCUE BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2900 Raffel Road 7 p.m.

29 THURSDAY

SLC TRIVIA NIGHT - PUB TRIVIA USA Stage Left Café 125 W. Van Buren St.

7 p.m. woodstockoperahouse.com

MARCH

1 FRIDAY

ARTISANS ON MAIN 2ND ANNIVERSARY, CLAYWORKERS’ GUILD 45TH ANNIVERSARY 220 Main St. 5 to 8 p.m.

2 SATURDAY

INDOOR WOODSTOCK FARMERS MARKET

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

GENEALOGY RESEARCH ASSISTANCE

Woodstock Public Library 414 W. Judd St. 10 a.m.

Kishwaukee Trail Chapter DAR 815-245-6944

OPERA HOUSE TOURS

Woodstock Opera House 121 W. Van Buren St. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Free woodstockoperahouse.com

CHICAGO COMEDY TAKEOVER

Stage Left Café 125 W. Van Buren St. 8:30 p.m. $15 online, $20 at the door

TARTAN TERRORS

Woodstock Opera House 121 W. Van Buren St. 7:30 p.m. $75 VIP; $40 A seats; $35 B seats

To submit calendar items, email pr@thewoodstockindependent.com

woodstockoperahouse.com

4 MONDAY

GAO HONG PIPA CONCERT Woodstock High School 501 W. South St. 7 p.m. $5

5 TUESDAY

WOODSTOCK CITY COUNCIL Council Chambers, City Hall 121 W. Calhoun St. 7 p.m. woodstockil.gov

7 THURSDAY

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

8 FRIDAY

OPEN MIC NIGHT

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

To sign up, email keith@ offsquaremusic.org offsquaremusic.org

9 SATURDAY

FROM BROADWAY TO OBSCURITY

Woodstock Opera House 121 W. Van Buren St. 7:30 p.m. $50 VIP; $35 A seats; $25 B seats woodstockoperahouse.com

10 SUNDAY

Resurrection Catholic Church

ROMANTIC PIANO QUARTETS

Woodstock Opera House 121 W. Van Buren St. 3 p.m. $25 A seats; $20 B seats woodstockoperahouse.com

11 MONDAY

COFFEE WITH THE CHIEF Woodstock Police Department 656 Lake Ave. 7 p.m.

815-338-6787

14 THURSDAY

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

SHAMROCKED STREET FESTIVAL

219 N. Benton St. Terry Byrne:, Noon to 1:30 p.m.

Interstate 90: 2 to 4 p.m.

Wild Fire: 5 to 7 p.m.

Bella Cain: 7 to 10 p.m.

DJ Marc Esses and Danny Vintage: 10 to 11 p.m. $15

BOY BAND REVIEW

WoodstockOpera House 121 W. Van Buren St. 7:30 p.m. $50 VIP; $35 A seats; $25 B seats woodstockoperahouse.com 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

31 THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

35 years ago – 1988

Feb. 21-27, 2024

■ Marian Central Catholic High School selected senior Kevan Mecklenburg as the school’s Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award winner.

■ In his column “That’s just Dean …”, Bill Dean, sports editor of The Independent, wrote that “the future looks good” for Woodstock High School wrestling with top finishers in the regional tournament and “all those freshmen coming up from Fred Tessler’s undefeated freshmen team.”

30 years ago – 1994

25 years ago – 1999

■ Dean Street Elementary School students collected 270,177 pop-tops as part of a drive to benefit a home for children with HIV/AIDS. ■ Members of Create Awareness for Responsible Environment Planning were organizing a protest against a proposal to build a peaker power plant in rural Woodstock.

■ Robert Thurow was installed as president of the Woodstock Chamber of Commerce and Industry, succeeding Frank Gosser.

20 years ago – 2004

■ The city unveiled its new five-year capital improvements plan. The biggest single item was a $10 million public works facility on a new 7-acre site. The plan called for a 70,000-square-foot space plus a new storage building for salt for streets in the winter.

■ Senior citizens pinochle groups announced their January winners. Taking top honors in the Woodstock Fire/ Rescue group were Bob Hunt, Ken Reed, Alice Banet, and Irene Kuhlman.

Topping the Home State Bank group were Nancy Pravda, Rich Graf, Helen Brasie, Minnie Peterson, and Ella Nienhuis. Radio Pinochle winners were Wes Peterson and Betty Wesemann.

15 years ago – 2009

■ Woodstock resident Barbara Bundick was one of 50 knitters who helped to

INDEPENDENT FILE PHOTO BY DON PEASLEY

FEB. 9, 1994 – Friends gather at the Chester Gould/Dick Tracy Museum in the Old CourtHouse on the Woodstock Square to celebrate Flattop’s 50th birthday. The Dick Tracy comic strip character was a notorious criminal in the early 1940s. Attending the celebration (from the left) were Joan Horne, museum director; Tracy O’Connell, Gould’s grandson; Jean Gould O’Connell, Gould’s daughter; Flattop; Bev Fletcher, widow of Rick Fletcher, who was a principal designer of the strip from 1974 to 1983; and Sue Sanders, Gould’s granddaughter. complete a traveling shawl to raise funds for the fight against breast cancer.

One knitter from each state was chosen to add six to eight rows of intricate lace knitting to the shawl. Bundick was the 25th knitter.

■ Alan Belcher, a therapist with Cornerstone Counseling Center in Woodstock and executive director of Transitional Living Services, was leading an effort to build a rehabilitation center for seriously wounded soldiers in Woodstock. The facility was to be established in conjunction with Pioneer Center for Human Services and Centegra Health System.

10 years ago – 2014

■ Developers applied for permits for 59 housing units to be built within the Woodstock city limits in 2013, an increase over the numbers of permits each year since 2008. More than 250 permits were requested in 2007.

■ Woodstock School District 200 announced that some students would be part of a pilot for the new

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Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers exam. All students were to take the exam instead of ISAT beginning the next school year.

■ The “Groundhog Day” house, owned

by Everton and Karla Martin, on Freemont Street was on the market for $985,000. The Martins bought the house in 2008, made major renovations, and operated it as the Victorian Manor Bed and Breakfast beginning in 2010.

5 years ago – 2019

■ Eight Marian Central wrestlers qualified for the state meet, setting a record for the Hurricanes. Junior Daniel Valeria (29-7) won the 132-pound weight class, and sophomore Dylan Connell topped the competition at 160. Four sophomores took second: Elon Rodriguez, 133; Bryce Shelton 138; Kaden Randazzo, 152; and Mason Schwalbach, 220. Also qualifying were freshman Josh Glover and senior Thor Paglialong.

■ After nearly 50 years on the Square, Swiss Maid Bakery closed. The store at

122 N. Benton St. had sold baked goods made at Swiss Maid’s bakery in Harvard. The news was met with shock and sadness in Woodstock.

■ Classes in D-200 schools were canceled four times over the past nine days of January because of heavy snow and brutal cold. Combined with a snow day Nov. 27 – the Monday after Thanksgiving – D-200 used up the five “emergency days” that were built into the calendar. As a result, the 2018-19 school year was extended until May 31.

1 year ago – 2023

■ Eric Iverson of Woodstock Heating, Lisa Jesse of Re/Max Plaza, Arlene Lynes of Read Between the Lynes, and Geanna Mulvhill of Advia Credit Union were named to three-year terms on the Board of Directors of the Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Lynes was elected president.

■ Woodstock High School added five former athletes to its Hall of Fame: Maura Beattie, Brandon Benda, Bob Brasile, Steve Erwin, and Rob Wirth.

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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

Lent schedule at fpcwoodstock.org/lent

All are welcome!

COMMUNITY

■ Judi Wett was honored by St. Mary School for more than 20 years as the school’s cafeteria manager. Her cinnamon rolls were touted as being “the best.”

■ The Woodstock Musical Theatre Company was staging “The Fantastics,” starring David Carroll as Matt and Amy Garlanger as Luisa.

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

32 •

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THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

SERVICE DIRECTORY

SERVICE DIRECTORY

RUBES By Leigh Rubin

HEATHCLIFF By Peter Gallagher

PUZZLE PAGE

Dec. 27-Jan. 2, 2017

Feb. 21-27, 2024

WORD SEARCH

1 THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

34

PUZZLES & 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.

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Woodstock

I NDEPENDENT solution

OUR FARM TO TABLE

CONTEXT

FILES

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on JANUARY 31, 2024 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 HOUSE REVITALIZE located at 713 W. METZEN ST. HARVARD, IL 60033. Owner Name & Address: LUIS MERCADO MAYA 713 W. METZEN ST. HARVARD, IL 60033.

Dated: JANUARY 31, 2024 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent February 7, 2024, February 14, 2024, February 21, 2024)L11738

PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWENTY-SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT MCHENRY COUNTY, ILLINOIS PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO. 2023PR000128 ESTATE OF FRANCISCO JAVIER CAMORLINGA PONCE, deceased NOTICE OF FILING ANNUAL REPORT – INDEPENDENT ADMINISTRATION Notice is given to Francisco Camorlinga Elizalde, c/o Luz De Lourdes Elizalde Martinez, personal fiduciary, who is an heir or legatee in the above proceeding to probate a Foreign Will and whose name or address is not stated in the

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWENTY-SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT MCHENRY COUNTY, ILLINOIS-IN PROBATE Case No. 2024PR000025 In the Matter of the Estate of DARLENE MAE OLSON Deceased CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of DARLENE MAE OLSON Of: CRYSTAL LAKE, IL Letters of office were issued on: 2/1/2024 To Representative: DAWN LEVITAN 8916 WHEATLAND RD. BURLINGTON, WI 53105 RORY OLSON 16102 DURKEE RD. HARVARD, IL 60033 whose attorney is: WILBRANDT LEGAL 65 S. VIRGINIA ST. CRYSTAL LAKE, IL 60014 Claims against the estate may be filed within six months from the date of the first publication. Any claim not filed within six months from the date of first publication or claims not filed within three months from the date of mailing or delivery of Notice to Creditor, whichever is later, shall be barred.

Claims may be filed in the office of the Clerk of Circuit Court at the McHenry County Government Center, 2200 North Seminary Avenue, Woodstock, Illinois, 60098, or with the representative, or both. Copies of claims filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to his attorney within ten days after it has been filed. /s/KATHERINE M KEEFE (Clerk of the Circuit Court) (Published in The Woodstock Independent February 14, 2024, February 21, 2024)L11740

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on

FEBRUARY 9, 2024 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 GNJ CONSULTING located at 470 ESSEX LANE CRYSTAL LAKE, IL 60014. Owner Name & Address: GARY STOFCHECK 470 ESSEX LANE CRYSTAL LAKE, IL 60014.

Dated: FEBRUARY 9, 2024 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent February 14, 2024, February 21, 2024)L11741

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on FEBRUARY 9, 2024 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 BORROWED AND BLUE located at 7305 STIRLINGSHIRE CT. BULL VALLEY, IL 60050. Owner Name & Address: LORI WEMBER 7305 STIRLINGSHIRE CT. BULL VALLEY, IL 60050.

Dated: FEBRUARY 9, 2024 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent February 14, 2024, February 21, 2024)L11742

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF CHANGE TO DBA CLOSING THE BUSINESS FILE #21617 Public Notice is hereby given that on FEBRUARY 12, A.D. 2024, a Certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk of McHenry County IL concerning the business known as THE PET SITTER OF CRITTERS located at 6813 CHILLEMS DR. SPRING GROVE IL 60081 which certificate sets forth the following change: CLOSING THE BUSINESS in the DBA thereof: WENDY G. GREEN CLOSING BUSINESS OF THE PET SITTER OF CRITTERS LOCATED AT 6813 CHILLEMS DR. SPRING GROVE, IL 60081.

DATED this 12TH day of FEBRUARY, A.D., 2024 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent February 21, 2024)L11743

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given to the public pursuant to 47 U.S.C. § 546(h) that the Woodstock City Council will hold a public hearing to discuss the proposal for a renewed and revised cable franchise agreement submitted to the City by Comcast of California/ Colorado/ Illinois/ Indiana/ Michigan, L.L.C.(“Comcast”).

The hearing will be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at or shortly after 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at Woodstock City Hall, 121 W. Calhoun St., Woodstock, Illinois.

The public is invited to attend and take part in the public hearing. /s/ Jane Howie, City Clerk City of Woodstock (Published in The Woodstock Independent February 21, 2024)L11744

PUBLIC NOTICE INVITATION TO BID

The Board of Education, Woodstock Community Unit School District No. 200 will receive sealed bids until 10:00 a.m. prevailing time on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 for copier paper for the 2024-2025 school year.

All bidders are required to execute a Certificate of Eligibility to Bid pursuant to Section 33E-11, 33E-3 and 33E-4 of the Illinois Criminal Code of 1961 as amended.

Bid specifications and forms can be obtained from the District 200 website at www.woodstockschools.org and questions can be answered by Jennie Morefield at 815-338-8204.

The Board of Education reserves the right to award the contract in accordance with its best interest and to waive any informalities, irregularities, and errors in the bidding to the extent permitted by law.

This includes the right to extend the date and time for receipt of bids.

No bidder may withdraw his bid within 30 days after the actual date of the bid opening.

Bids will be opened on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. prevailing time and read aloud in the Woodstock Community Unit School District No. 200 Business Services Office at 2990 Raffel Road, Woodstock, Illinois, 60098, by Julie Dillon, Chief Financial Officer.

(Published in The Woodstock Independent February 21, 2024)L11745

PUBLIC NOTICE

INVITATION TO BID FOR WOODSTOCK NORTH HIGH SCHOOL PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM WOODSTOCK, ILLINOIS The Board of Education of Woodstock Community Unit School District No. 200 (“Board”) is seeking bids for the construction of a photovoltaic system at Woodstock North High School, which is located at 3000 Raffel Road Woodstock, Illinois 60098. The project includes a solar array to supplement the full energy needs of Woodstock North High School. Construction is to begin on or after July 1, 2024, with Substantial Completion by July 25, 2025.

Interested bidders are encouraged to obtain the bid documents and submit a bid as detailed below.

A MANDATORY PREBID MEETING IS SCHEDULED FOR 9:00 A.M. ON FEBRUARY 26, 2024, AT WOODSTOCK NORTH HIGH SCHOOL. INTERESTED BIDDERS ARE TO MEET AT THE AUDITORIUM ENTRANCE OF THE HIGH SCHOOL. FAILURE TO ATTEND WILL PRECLUDE SUBMISSION OF A BID. Sealed bids will be received at the Administrative Services Center located at 2990 Raffel Road, Woodstock, Illinois 60098 (“Administrative Service Center”) until 2:00 p.m.,

March 14, 2024. Bids will be opened and read publicly on March 14, 2024, at 2:01 p.m. at the Administrative Service Center. Facsimile and emailed bids are prohibited.

Bid security in the form of a bid bond or certified check for five percent (5%) of the base bid made payable to the Board shall accompany the bid.

Questions regarding the bid should be submitted in writing to Justin Wendt at Wold Architect and Engineers via email at jwendt@woldae.com no later than March 5, 2024 at 4:00 p.m.

The bid documents may be obtained from ARC Document Solutions, 640 North La Salle Street, Chicago, Illinois, 312-372-8600, on, February 15, 2024, after 10:00 a.m.

Additional locations to obtain contract documents are listed below. A nonrefundable deposit of $30.00 is required for each printed set. There is no cost to download the bid documents, however, prospective bidders must provide all requested information when completing the download process to ensure they receive any updates to the bid documents.

Construction Data Company (ConstructConnect) (800) 652-0008 www.cdcnews.com Construction Market Data (ConstructConnect) (800) 424-3996 www.cmdgroup.com Dodge Data & Analytics (877) 784-9556 www.construction.com Greater Peoria Contractors & Suppliers Association (309) 692-5710 www.gpcsa. org iSqFt (ConstructConnect) (800) 364-2059 www.isqft.com Master Builders of Iowa (800) 362-2578 www.mbionline.com Northern Illinois Building Contractors Association (815) 229-5636 www.nibca. build The Board will award a contract, if at all, to the lowest responsible bidder considering conformity with specifications, terms of delivery, and quality and serviceability, as determined by the Board.

The Owner will be utilizing federal tax credits to offset the cost associated with the construction of the project as provided under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (“IRA”).

Thus, the successful contractor and all its subcontractors are required to comply with the prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements of the IRA, which requires all contractors pay all laborers and mechanics, employed or working on the site, the appropriate prevailing wage as determined by the Wage & Hour Division of the Department of Labor and meet the Registered Apprenticeship Requirements. Full details on the Prevailing Wage & Apprenticeship Requirement of the IRAct are included in the Project Manual.

The Owner reserves the right to reject any and all bids and bidders and to waive technicalities.

(Published in The Woodstock Independent February 21, 2024)L11746

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE

petition to admit the Foreign Will to probate, that on January 31, 2024 a final report was filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Mc Henry County, Illinois, in the herein cause.

If no objection to this final report is filed within 42 days after the date that the report was filed, the Executor will be discharged and the estate closed.

In the absence of fraud, accident, or mistake, an Order discharging the Executor and declaring the estate closed is binding on each person whose receipt or approval was filed with the report and on each person to whom notice thereof was given in compliance with 28-11(e) of the Probate Act of 1975, as amended, except a ward for whom no personal fiduciary is acting.E-filing is now mandatory for documents in civil cases with limited exemptions. To e-file, you must first create an account with an e-filing service provider. Visit http:// efile.illinoiscourts.gov/service-providers. htm to learn more and to select a service provider. If you need additional help or have trouble e-filing, visit http://www. illinoiscourts.gov/FAQ/gethelp.asp.

(Published in The Woodstock Independent February 7, 2024, February 14, 2024, February 21, 2024)L11739

Feb. 21-27, 2024

STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWENTY-SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT MCHENRY COUNTY, ILLINOIS-IN PROBATE Case No. 2024PR000011 In the Matter of the Estate of BEVERLY BOYNE Deceased CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of BEVERLY BOYNE Of: WOODSTOCK, IL Letters of office were issued on: 1/26/2024 To Representative: MARLA AMICI 3905 ANNE ST. MCHENRY, IL 60050 whose attorney is: STUSOWSKI KRAFT 380 N. TERRA COTTA RD. UNIT C CRYSTAL LAKE, IL 60012 Claims against the estate may be filed within six months from the date of the first publication. Any claim not filed within six months from the date of first publication or claims not filed within three months from the date of mailing or delivery of Notice to Creditor, whichever is later, shall be barred.

Claims may be filed in the office of the Clerk of Circuit Court at the McHenry County Government Center, 2200 North Seminary Avenue, Woodstock, Illinois, 60098, or with the representative, or both. Copies of claims filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to his attorney within ten days after it has been filed. /s/KATHERINE M KEEFE (Clerk of the Circuit Court) (Published in The Woodstock Independent February 7, 2024, February 14, 2024, February 21, 2024)L11737

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

PUBLIC NOTICES

35

Sports

Feb. 21-27, 2024

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

36

Marian Central Catholic High School junior Brayden Teunissen staands with the referee (left) and tops the medal stand (right) in the 120-pound division at the class 1A Individual State Wrestling Finals Feb. 17.

Below, Marian freshman Jimmy Mastny wins the 157-pound division.

SPORTS

INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY DAN CHAMNESS

Marian wrestlers win two state titles Teunissen (120, Mastny (157) win individual championship titles; Hurricanes claim four more medals

Hurricanes freshman Jimmy Mastny is in action in a finals round.

By Dan Chamness

NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Marian Central Catholic freshman Jimmy Mastny will probably not work by the hour when he gets a fulltime job in a few years.

He certainly likes to end it quickly on the wrestling mat. The freshman went through the state finals like a Hurricane, winning four matches en route to claiming the Illinois High School Association Class 1A State Championship at 157 pounds. In the title match, Mastny pinned Fithian Oakwood’s Bryson Capansky at the 3:23 mark.

It was the fourth win of the tournament as he finished the year with a 28-1 mark. The freshman’s toughest match was most likely against Murphysboro’s Liam Fox. The top-ranked wrestler at 157 pounds lost only one match this year as he was 51-1. However, he could not handle Mastny, who downed him at the 5:57 mark.

Mastny earned victories in the first two rounds in the first period in each case. In the opening round, he downed Shelbyville’s Tyne Peavler in 1:20. Mercer’s Eli Burns lasted even less time, losing in 57 seconds.

Brayden Teunissen has more

in common with Mastny than the opportunity to defend his title next year. While Mastny defeated an undefeated wrestler in the semifinals, Teunissen accomplished the feat in the finals. He topped Carlyle’s Tyson Waughtel, who entered the

120-pound weight class as theNo. 1ranked wrestler. It was well-earned as the junior had already won two state titles. one at 106 pounds and another at 113 pounds, in his first two years of competition.

Continued on NEXT Page

SPORTS

Teunissen earned the title when he and the Carlyle Indian, who is also a junior, wrestled into overtime. He earned a sudden victory win, earning two points in overtime to win a 7-5 decision.

The Hurricanes junior earned a spot in the championship match by besting his first three opponents, two by technical falls and one by a major decision. In the semifinal round, he downed Unity Christian’s Clinton VerHeecke 23-8 at the 4:19 mark, when the match was called as a technical fall. He also earned a tech fall win in the opening round, beating LeRoy’s EJ Chaon at the 4:32 mark when he boasted a 17-2 lead.

He topped Anna-Jonesboro’s Drew Sadler 17-7, a major decision win.

Two other Marian Central Catholic wrestlers earned top three medals as well. Vance Williams advanced to the title match at 132 pounds, but lost to Taylor Ridge-Rockridge junior Jude Finch 7-4. Williams, also a junior, almost earned every type of wrestling win you can earn, save tech fall.

He topped Farmington senior Keygan Jennings by major decision, 8-0, to earn a spot in the title match. Williams opened the tournament by topping Chicago King’s Moses Pittman by pinfall at the 1:41 mark. He then earned a 6-2 win over Roxana sophomore Brandon Green in the second round.

Anthony Alanis, the Hurricanes’

North’s Kaden Combs medals

Combs downed Chicago Brother Rice freshman Dan Costello by pinfall after the two grappled for 3:14.

The win allowed Combs to finish his career with a fifth-place medal.

“When I lost in the blood rounds of the sectional as a sophomore and a junior motivated me,” Combs said after earning fifth place. “I have been waiting to get to the podium for a long time. Competing at the state finals was a unique experience. Even though the crowd at State Farm Center might rattle some athletes, once I was on the mat, I was able to focus on the athlete in front of me and the match. It was great to finish my high school career in front of so many people and with a pinfall win. It was amazing.”

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER

Marian Central’s Christian Bentancur makes his 2,000th career point, a slam dunk Feb. 13 when the Hurricanes faced Marengo. Marian won the game 88-62.

NN SCOREBOARD NN BOYS BASKETBALL ■ Feb. 8 - Marian (6-22) defeated Timothy Christian (9-19) 71-63.

■ Feb. 10 Marian (6-23) fell to Bishop McNamara (17-8) in a close game 73-71 in the Chicagoland Christian Conference Tournament.

■ Feb. 12 - Woodstock (19-10) defeated Streamwood (2-28) 61-34.

■ Feb. 12 - Woodstock North (11-16)

37

Feb. 21-27, 2024

Continued from PREVIOUS Page

2,000TH POINT DUNK

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

Jimmy Mastny is declared the winner.

113-pound grappler, earned a win in the final individual match of his career, beating Stanford Olympia’s Dylan Eimer 8-0. The major decision earned him third place. Coincidentally, he also faced Eimer, a junior, in the second round, topping him 8-1 in that round. Alanis, who wrestled in five matches, lost only one match of the five he wrestled. In the semifinal match, he was topped by eventual state champion Preston Waughtel of Carlyle. The 5-2 loss sent him to the consolation bracket. Alanis opened the tournament with a technical fall win over Vandalia’s Elijah Mabry. The match was called at the 5:00 mark when Alanis had pushed his lead to 22-7. In the consolation semifinal, he topped Coal City’s Cooper Morris 9-3.

Austin Hagevold (106 pounds) and Max Astacio (165), as well as Woodstock North’s Kaden Combs (175), also earned medals in Class 2A. Hagevold took fourth. In the thirdplace match, he was topped by Chicago DeLaSalle’s Jeremiah Lawrence 12-4. He finished the tournament with a 3-2 mark, losing only to the state champion and Lawrence. Astacio had to medically forfeit the fifthplace match to Tolono Unity’s Ryan Rink, but earned a medal by getting sixth place.

beat Harvard (2-26) 71-33.

■ Feb. 13 - Marian (7-23) defeated Marengo (4-26) 88-62.

■ Feb. 14 - Woodstock (20-10) beat Woodstock North (11-17) 55-43.

■ Feb. 15 - Woodstock North (11-18) fell to Antioch (15-16) 52-45.

GIRLS BASKETBALL ■ Feb. 13 - Woodstock (16-11) fell to

Crystal Lake Central (20-9) 55-23.

■ Feb. 13 - Woodstock North (15-12) lost to Burlington Central (15-15) 64-39.

■ Feb. 13 - Marian (26-4) defeated Winnebago (11-21) 60-49 at the IHSA Rockford Christian Regional Semi-Finals.

■ Feb. 16 - Marian (27-4) beat Bryon (218) 73-68 at the IHSA Rockford Christian Regional Semi-Finals.

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

Jill@thewoodstock independent.com

Blue Streaks boys basketball wins final crosstown game

By Juel Mecklenburg

NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Woodstock boys basketball ended their regular season with a sweet Valentine’s Day crosstown win on Feb. 14, marking the final rival matchup of the year.

Continued on NEXT Page

SPORTS

Feb. 21-27, 2024

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

38

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY VICKY LONG

North senior Trevor Mark attempts a hook shot over a Woodstock defender.

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER

Woodstock’s Spencer Cullum (center) navigates through two North defenders during the WHS vs. WNHS crosstown game at Woodstock’s Shipley Auditorium.

“It’s so beautiful. Let’s live here.”

(From the movie Groundhog Day)

Rick Bellairs 815-382-8400 Rick@RickBellairs.com www.RickBellairs.com

COME SEE OUR LARGE INVENTORY OF STOCK CARPET ROLLS READY FOR IMMEDIATE INSTALL!

2020 S.

THUNDER LADIES COMMIT

39 THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT Feb. 21-27, 2024

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER

Woodstock dancer Kaghan True demonstrates team spirit.

COURTESY PHOTO

Continued from PREVIOUS Page

Postseason begins

At the season’s close, the Thunder regular season record was 11-18 (7-7

KRC). The Streaks ended with a 20-10 (11-3 KRC) record.

Going into the postseason, both teams will play in the IHSA Maple Park Sectional. The Streaks earned the third seed and will play fifth seed

ATHLETE

OF THE WEEK

Zach Canaday • Wrestling Zach Canaday, a senior at Woodstock High School, is the son of Bruce and Laura Canaday.

Zach is a strong leader both on the mat and in the classroom. A team captain, Zach led the Blue Streaks to 16 dual wins this season and a second-place finish in conference.

Individually, Zach has a record of 42-5. He placed first at the Harvard tournament, and was a 190-pound 2A Regional Champion. Zach is the first in the room and last out, always mops and stays after to clean, and was a strong leadership presence to the freshmen, setting the tone for the future of the program.

Zach plans to pursue collegiate athletics in the fall. Zach could not be a better representative of our community and we are all so proud of him!

Congratulations Athlete of the Week!

815.919.8348

Rochelle on Wednesday, Feb. 21, at Rockford Boylan Catholic. Tip off is set for 7:30 p.m. With a higher seed, the Streaks are favored win.

The Thunder are seeded seventh and will play No. 4 seed Sycamore

on Feb. 21. The game will be played at Belvidere North High School, with tip off at 7:30 p.m. Woodstock North will be in a dog fight, as the Sycamore Trojans are 12-17 in their regular season (3-6 Interstate Eight).

SPORTS

Earlier in the season, the Thunder defended home court and won 59-58.

This time, the Streaks came out on top, winning 55-43.

Streaks highlights included Spencer Cullum scoring 23 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and dishing out 5 assists for Woodstock.

On Feb. 8, four Woodstock North High School athletes signed to continue with collegiate-level sports.

Pictured (from left) are Ashley Janeczko, who will be on the track and field team at the University of Dubuque.

Delaney Rogge will play volleyball at Carthage College.

Emilia Markuson has committed to cheer and dance at Clarke University.

JoJo Vermett will play softball at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside.

Feb. 21-27, 2024

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

40

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT US ONLINE AT: WOODSTOCKIL.GOV

OGRAM R P G N I M O WITH UPC

BUNNY BASKETS

S

The Easter Bunny will deliver a basket including a treat from Rosie’s Gluten Free Sweets. The bunny will stay for a quick outside photo opportunity before the bunny hops on. Be sure to find the eggs that are dropped in your yard. AGE: 1+

SPECIAL EVENTS

The visit will last approximately 5 minutes.

Daddy Daughter Dance

AVAILABLE FOR 60098 AND 60097 ZIP CODES

Sat, Feb 24 | 6:00 PM | LIMITED SPACE

YOUTH PROGRAMS

FEE: First Child $25 $13 Each additional child

Fishing Classes Sun, Apr 7–28

Saturday, March 23 Sunday, March 24 Friday, March 29

LEARN TO FISH AGE | AGE: 6+ | 6:00 PM | $62 R / $82 NR FISHING 101 | AGE: 8+ | 6:00 PM | $75 R / $95 NR

Soccer Skills Sat, Mar 2–30 | $100 R / $120 NR AGE: 7-10 | 10:00 AM

9:30A-3:00P 11:00A-3:00P 9:30A-3:00P

320141-A 320141-B 320141-C

Additional details available online!

AGE: 11-13 | 11:00 AM

Young Rembrandts: Drawing Classes Wed, Mar 6 – Apr 17 | 5:30 PM | $80 R / $100 NR | AGE: 6-12

ADULT PROGRAMS

Paint n Sip Wed, Mar 6 | 6:00 PM | $45 | AGE: 21+

SIGN UP FOR CLASSES & VIEW THE CITY SCENE ONLINE!

Saturday, May 25

Registration Information at WoodstockRecreation.com

COMING SOON

121 VAN BUREN ST. | 815-338-5300 WOODSTOCKOPERAHOUSE.COM

24

FEBRUARY

Ben Bailey – Comedy Show STAR OF HIT SERIES “CASH CAB” WINNER OF DAYTIME EMMY AWARDS

22

FEBRUARY

The Princess Strikes Back & Star Wars: A New Hope COMEDY, COSTUME CONTEST & ORIGINAL MOVIE