Woodstock Independent 5/8/24

The Woodstock

I NDEPENDENT

BUSINESS

New market on the Square marks the trifecta for D & A

SCHOOLS

District 200 recognizes soon-to-be teachers

City

asks

Water/sewer relocation costs for road widening have more than tripled since 2014

By Eileen Millard NEWS@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Woodstock Mayor Mike Turner and City Manager Roscoe Stelford went to Springfield on April 29 seeking additional state funding for the upcoming Route 47 widening project. The city is responsible for

relocating water, sewer, and utility lines before construction can start. The project will change Route 47 from two lanes to four lanes between Route 14 and Route 120.

Water/sewer costs tripled

When the city was given an estimate for water and sewer line

IT’S BACK...

relocation in 2014, the cost was between $3 and $3.5 million. Fast forward to 2019, and the Illinois Department of Transportation’s cost estimate was up to $6 million. In January of this year, that figure was quoted at $12 million, and by February, it had risen again to $13.2

The Woodstock Independent 671 E. Calhoun St., Woodstock, IL 60098

Phone: 815-338-8040

Fax: 815-338-8177

Thewoodstock independent.com

Hearthstone names new executive director

Springfield for $10M for Route 47 Ongoing

living units

By Susan W. Murray NEWS@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Three months after SAK Healthcare

took over Hearthstone Communities at 920 N. Seminary Avenue, the continuing care retirement community has a new executive director.

Leonard Koenig assumed his duties on April 4. He is the brother of Suzanne Koenig, SAK’s founder and

CEO.

He replaced Crystal Briggs, who had served as Hearthstone’s interim executive director and is now the facility’s business office manager.

Leonard Koenig has worked

in the senior living industry for 33 years, and once previously, a number of years ago, filled an administrative role for an SAK-managed property.

Establishing stability

SAK Healthcare took over management at Hearthstone on February 8, the result of an agreement with Hearthstone’s board and its lenders to allow for restructuring.

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

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

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

In Koenig’s first month on the job, all of the residents in the independent living homes, the assisted living facility, and the skilled nursing unit were invited to meet the new director.

“Our goal,” Koenig said in his biography that he provided to The Woodstock Independent, “is to restore and reaffirm the quality of care and excellence that Hearthstone Communities has been and will continue to be known for throughout the Woodstock community for many years to come.”

His number-one priority, Koenig said, is to meet the residents’ and their families’ needs and expectations.

He identified his second priority as guiding and supporting Hearthstone’s administrative team and its staff.

A background in senior living

Koenig is employed by Hearthstone, rather than by SAK Healthcare.

His decades in the business include a number of administrative roles, including positions in marketing and advertising, case management, fiscal oversight, regulatory compliance, contract negotiations, and operations, with a stint as a regional director of operations.

He is licensed in the state of Illinois as a nursing home administrator.

Seeing Hearthstone’s strengths

Asked what he saw as Hearthstone’s strengths, Koenig ticked off a list: “The people, the history, the stories, the commitment to the community and to the residents.”

He particularly praised the staff, many of whom, he said, “support their families with their income from Hearthstone.”

“The staff have been committed to Hearthstone and remain committed to the future,” he said.

Koenig said that his meetings with residents impressed upon him that “everyone shares the same hopes and desires. Everyone feels the same kinship. Everyone wants to be part of the growth

Leonard Koenig became the new executive director at Hearthstone on April 4. He said that he is “passionate” about his three-decadeslong career in the senior living industry and wants to “restore and reaffirm [Hearthstone’s] quality of care and excellence.”

and the improvements that we are striving for.”

Summing up, Koenig said that he likes “being part of this family.”

Improvements so far

Suzanne Koenig said that SAK’s focus is “taking care of the here-and-now and stabilizing the facility” that was established in Woodstock in 1891 and began caring for elderly residents in 1903.

At the end of February, SAK used $287,000 from a line of credit to redeem the 2021 and 2022 property taxes on eight parcels that had not been paid when Heritage Ministries of New York managed the senior living facility.

Chef Andy Ibarra continues in Hearthstone’s kitchen, while SAK has contracted with Sysco as the food provider, along with another vendor for additional support.

The facility has a contract with a landscaper to provide regular lawn mowing and maintenance, along with tending to the plants and shrubs on the grounds.

Hearthstone also recently hired a new marketing director.

Finally, Leonard Koenig reported that Hearthstone has seen a two percent growth in its occupancy rate since the beginning of April.

In the last two weeks, he said, two new residents have moved in, and three more are in the process of doing so, some to the independent units and

some to assisted living.

“We are continually admitting new residents to the skilled nursing facility,” he said.

Entrance fee refunds part of a courtsupervised process

For more than a decade, seniors who moved into either the independent living Prairie Homes or the Garden Homes paid for their duplexes with what was considered an entrance fee. The purchase price of a duplex in 2023 was $222,872 for a Prairie Home and $135,710 for a Garden Home.

“Our goal is to restore and reaffirm the quality of care and excellence that Hearthstone Communities has been and will continue to be known for throughout the Woodstock community for many years to come.”

Leonard Koenig, executive director Hearthstone

Residents who needed to transition to a higher level of care in assisted living or skilled nursing could tap into their entrance fee to help pay that cost if necessary. When a resident moved out or died, 80% of the entrance fee was to be refunded.

But Hearthstone, when it was managed by Heritage Ministries in Gerry, New York, struggled to repay those fees beginning in the fall of 2022. One family received its money in 10 equal installments, over the same number of weeks. Another family received the first installment of 10 promised, but then no more. In the last year, the number of families awaiting refunds has grown.

Suzanne Koenig said that the refunds are handled as part of the court-ordered process for receivership.

In legal parlance, those due refunds are considered “unsecured creditors.” They are second in priority to secured creditors, such as a company that has provided equipment to a facility.

Getting the refund means waiting for the legal process to play out.

A new model for the independent units

Hearthstone will proceed as a continuing care facility, Suzanne Koenig said, but no longer will seniors pay the large sum for a duplex as an entrance fee.

Instead, incoming duplex residents will lease their units and pay a “community fee,” similar to a security deposit, that approximates one month’s rent. Koenig said that the administrative team is working on the monthly price structure for the duplex units.

Leonard Koenig emphasized that duplex residents will still be able to transition to a different level of care while aging in place.

“It gives the residents flexibility,” he said.

“And it’s more affordable for people,” Suzanne Koenig said.

COURTESY PHOTO

DERBY FASCINATION

Fascinator hats were on display at Kim Keefe – Compass Real Estate’s Kentucky Derby event, affectionately dubbed “Church House Downs,” which was a fundraiser for the roundabout sculpture.

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY TRICIA CARZOLI

PUBLIC SAFETY LOG

Woodstock Police Department

■ Romarico Juarez-Ortiz, 37, Harvard, was arrested April 24 at Lucas Road and Route 47 on charges of driving under the influence and improper lane usage. Released on notice to appear. Court date May 16.

■ Sarah L. Nazario, 36, transient, was arrested April 28 at Main Street on charges of disorderly conduct. Cited and released. Court date June 6.

■ Sergio Barrera Galan, 36, Chicago, was arrested April 29 at North Seminary Avenue on charges of driving under the influence. Released on notice to appear. Court date June 6.

■ Travis R. Surma, 22, Woodstock, was arrested May 2, at South Eastwood Drive on charges of driving under the influence. Released on notice to appear. Court date June 6.

■ Manuel Franco, 47, transient, was arrested May 2 at South Eastwood Drive, on charges of trespassing. Cited and released. Court date June 6.

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

Woodstock Fire/Rescue District

Ambulance runs April 25-May 1: 78

Fire runs

Natural vegetation fire: 1

Electrical wiring/equipment problem: 1

Person in distress: 1

Public service assistance: 8

Wrong location/no emergency found: 1

System or detector malfunction: 1

Unintentional system/detector (no fire): 10

Total: 101

ROUTE 47

Continued from Page 1

million. That $10 million jump is what Stelford and Turner went to Springfield to talk about.

Stelford said one possible reason for the dramatic cost jump could have to do with increased demand after the American Rescue Plan Act was passed in 2021 to help communities rebound after COVID.

“It provided a significant amount of dollars given to municipalities around the country, as well as the states,” Stelford said. ”One of the easy paths to spend those dollars was on … water and sewer-related projects. That has likely created a large influx for demands for those.”

Route 47 project process

Although the current water and sewer lines are in the highway rightof-way along the sides of Route 47, once the road is widened, they would be underneath the actual highway. “IDOT … wants those moved out of the road,” said Stelford. “So basically, you just reconstruct all those water and sewer mains … move everything to the (new) right-of-way.“

The next step is road construction. “Bids are going out in August,” Stelford said. “(The state has) $52 million already set aside to fund the construction cost. What we are talking about to them is the ‘local share,’ what we need to put into the overall pot.”

Stelford said that Illinois State Representative Steve Reick and Illinois State Senator Craig Wilcox were supportive, “working on both sides of the aisle, to get this additional $10M for this in this budget.”

Stelford said that Woodstock will hear back about the request after the Illinois budget is passed, around the end of May. In the meantime, he added, “City staff is working on other avenues. Our grants person, Barb Szul, has submitted grant applications to both of our (US) senators, as well

Where to send obituaries

The intersection of routes 47 and 120 is

be addressed in when the route 47

as to U.S. Congressman Bill Foster, for assistance.”

Construction timeline

Stelford said that water and sewer line relocation could start by the fall of 2024, with roadway construction possibly starting in the spring of 2025.

“We are not anticipating any kind of complete (lane) closures, where you couldn’t go southbound, or couldn’t go northbound,” he added.

’The next Randall Road’

Stelford thinks that when the Woodstock portion of Route 47 is widened, and if the state proceeds at a later date with widening the remaining two-lane portion between Huntley and Woodstock, there will be a development corridor to rival the Randall Road corridor.

“That Randall Road corridor really developed,” he said. “Back in the day … it was a two-lane road, old-fashioned farm stuff. Now it has commercial development, it’s

Email obituaries to pr@thewoodstockindependent.com. You may also mail them or drop them woff at 671 E. Calhoun St., Woodstock, IL 60098. Obituaries are published online when received and in the next print issue.

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got homes around it. Woodstock, Lakewood and Huntley are the three fastest-growing communities in McHenry County based on the 2020 census. So that Route 47 corridor is ripe for economic development and growth.”

“That was one of the pushes we made downstate,” he added. “Look at what happened on Randall Road, look at how much money it has currently generated, how much economic development this has turned into, by making that investment. Consider making that investment here.”

Time to wait

”We’ve done what we can,” said Stelford. “I thought the mayor did a wonderful job, presenting our position, to both elected leadership as well as to important staff members of the state. I think we did a good job of explaining and defining the problem, trying to build a consensus, for us to attain the support that we need.” It’s not too

INDEPENDENT FILE PHOTO

one of the key areas that will

widening project gets underway.

IN BRIEF

Department of Health’s 5th Annual Operation Dropbox

The McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH), along with community partners, will launch the 5th Annual Operation Dropbox donation drive to support local veterans.

The month-long drive will run from May 1 to 31, taking place across McHenry County at participating businesses, churches, and organizations.

All supplies donated will directly support Veterans Path to Hope, a local organization whose purpose is to support local veterans in need in the areas of housing and employment assistance, transitional living, basic needs (food, furniture, household goods, etc.), peer support activities, caregiver training, and counseling.

To make this event possible, the MCDH has partnered with Veterans Path to Hope, McHenry County Veterans Assistance Commission, McHenry County Division of Transportation, and volunteers from the McHenry County Medical Reserve Corps.

Donations are collected at drop site locations throughout McHenry County by

Medical Reserve Corps volunteers and delivered to Veterans Path to Hope.

For a full list of accepted supplies and participating dropsite locations, please visit bit.ly/Operation-Dropbox-MCDH.

National Foster Care Month is May; awareness sought

The McHenry County Marine Toys for Tots Program is partnering with Kids in Need of McHenry County Children and Family Resources, McHenry, IL, as well as other stakeholders within the foster care community, to create foster care awareness.

Because the need for children is not just at Christmastime, the Marine Toys for Tots Program also supports families year-round experiencing challenges and exceptional circumstances, thereby fulfilling those in need beyond the holidays.

During the month of May 2024, instead of collecting toys, the organization is requesting clothing and personal hygiene items. These, and other items will be packed in backpacks and given to foster children in our communities.

For information, go to kinmc.org.

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY EILEEN MILLARD

Woodstock, IL • 1987

Volunteer and support Barndance

With summer close at hand, our calendars are filling up quickly. Don’t forget to save the evening of Saturday, July 20, for Gavers Barndance. Sponsored by The Gavers Community Cancer Foundation, this fundraiser has been a highlight of our summers in Woodstock for 23 years. Organizers bill it as the seven best hours of the summer, and judging by its large attendance, many people agree.

GCCF was founded by a small group of friends who had personal experience with cancer, either personally or with someone close to them. The foundation carries Steve Gavers’ name because, a cancer survivor himself, he has been the driving force behind it. But he would want you to know that a large, dedicated group of volunteers makes everything happen. A board of 16 directors, along with several committee chairs, provide the leadership.

Over the years, Barndance has grown steadily. Before the first one was held in 2000, Gavers hoped that 300 people would attend and that the event would raise $10,000. Those goals were shattered when 912 people showed up and $125,000 was contributed. He never set a monetary goal again.

Now, 23 years later, nearly $9.7 million has been raised, with every penny going to cancer awareness, education, treatment, and research. Barndance attendance had grown to 2,500 preCOVID and recently has been around 2000. It now takes more than 300 volunteers to put on the event.

Planning is well underway for this year. Now it is time to assemble a group of workers. An organizational meeting for volunteers will be held at 7 pm, Wednesday, May 15, upstairs at Oliver’s Bar & Grill, 228 Main Street. Anyone willing to help is welcome.

INDEPENDENT

Friends and neighbors gather under the big top at a previous Gavers Barndance, all with a common interest in supporting the Gavers Community Cancer Foundation.

A preview of Barndance 2024

This year’s Barndance will bring back everything that makes it so enjoyable. Again, there will be a barbecue pork chop and chicken dinner and a cash bar. Music for the evening will be provided by two bands: the Embry Brothers Band, from Florida; and The Spazmatics, who are back by popular demand.

Highlights of the live auction will include a week’s stay in St. Thomas, three days at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, and a fly fishing trip to Jackson Hole, WY, with Steve Gavers and Connor O’Leary. Other fundraising opportunities will include the

Bucket Raffle, offering gift baskets filled with restaurant gift certificates, golfing packages, and various services. There will also be a 50-50 raffle.

The emotional highlight of Barndance is always the presentation of the Never Be Defeated Awards to cancer survivors and/or their families. This year three recipients will be honored. They will join the 65 past honorees, some of whom have returned in the past and inspired everyone attending.

Tickets will go on sale Friday, May 17. The cost of $70 per person includes dinner and entertainment. To purchase tickets, or for information about volunteering, go to www.gavers.org.

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n Email letters to pr@thewoodstock independent.com or mail or drop them off at our office, 671 E. Calhoun St., Woodstock, IL 60098.

On the (Metra) road again

It’s Thursday, May 2, and I’m keyboarding the first part of Declarations on Metra.

Train No. 646 left Woodstock right on time – 10:33 a.m.

I’m on my way to Chicago for my semi-annual cardiology check-up.

Jim and I have Chicago Symphony Orchestra tickets tonight, so he will be on a train this afternoon after his workout at EW Training.

Now, it’s Friday, May 3, and Jim and I are on our way back to Woodstock on Metra train No. 603, which left Ogilvie Transportation Center on schedule – 10:35 a.m.

All of us who live in or near Woodstock are fortunate to have rail access to Chicago. For Jim and me, the Woodstock station is just a 20-minute walk from our Woodstock house, and for folks who don’t live close enough to walk to the station, there’s plenty of free parking – even overnight – in the station parking lot.

Metra is Jim’s and my preferred mode of transportation to Chicago. For us, it beats the hassle of driving and, as senior citizens with free RTA Reduced Fare Permit, it’s very cost effective – just $3.25 ($6.75 is full fare) one way.

We also use Metra when we’re going to or from O’Hare. Going, it’s Metra from Woodstock to Jefferson Park and then the CTA from Jefferson Park to O’Hare. Returning, it’s just the reverse.

The long talked-about Metra yard in Woodstock would increase the number of trains from Woodstock to Chicago and Chicago back to Woodstock, making it even easier for all of us headed either way. Time

» YOUR PUBLIC OFFICIALS

U.S. Rep. Bill Foster 11th Disrict Office

2000 W. Galena Blvd., Suite 303 Aurora, IL 60506 630-585-7672

will tell.

Woodstock

I NDEPENDENT

State Rep. Steve Reick District Office

1072 Lake Ave. Woodstock, IL 60098

815-880-5340

I always enjoy the vibrancy of downtown Chicago, and I enjoy the beauty and diversity of the people and the buildings. I’m a gawker. I’m always looking up and often astonished at the beautiful architectural and artistic elements at the tops of buildings. There’s no mistaking I’m a visitor.

Cheryl Wormley Declarations

And, I look forward to the food choices. Yesterday, I ate at the Greek Kitchen at Franklin and Wells. It was an eat-in or carryout counter-service restaurant. I chose the handheld lamb and beef gyro with tzatziki sauce, olives, tomato and cucumber. And Chicago never disappoints when it comes to flowers. The tulips in the planters on Michigan Avenue were past their prime, but the tulips, pansies, and hydrangeas and some other flowers I’m not able to name in planters on the sidewalks along Michigan Avenue were still at their best. The colors – especially blue, purple, lavender, pink, and yellow –said spring.

My walk from Ogilvie Transportation Center to the Northwestern Medical campus takes about 30 minutes. I usually choose to make my way on Chicago’s Riverwalk. Yesterday, it was being enjoyed by people of all ages. It was about noon. There were joggers,

people enjoying lunch, groups heading I don’t know where, and their was an urban fisherman, who caught a very large carp – easily 24-inches long. Some bystanders said it was an Asian carp. The CSO experience was delightful. We started with the preconcert talk – Classic Encounters – with Terri Hemmert, WXRT-FM radio personality and musicologist. She and Miles Maner, CSO’s second bassoonist, educated and entertained the room full of symphony enthusiasts, including Jim and me, for more than an hour. The CSO was magnificent, directed by Elim Chan in her CSO debut, and Paul Jacobs pulled out all the stops playing the Symphony Center organ in Barber’s “Toccata festiva, Op. 36.” Still the highlight for Jim and me was Rimsky-Korsakov’s ”Sheherazade, Op. 35.”

Our trip to the city was complete shortly after 7 a.m. this morning when we jogged and walked along the lakefront from Millennium Park to the Museum Campus. For decades that’s how we’ve capped off an overnight stay in the city.

Chicago has something for everyone. Let Metra get you there. One more thought: I felt safe the entire time. Not once did I see something frightening or out of context. Chicago is people like you and me – working, having fun, making a living, and raising families.

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

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Corrections

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

Staff

PUBLISHER EMERITA Cheryl Wormley c wormley@thewoodstockindependent com

PUBLISHER Rebecca McDaniel rebecca@thewoodstockindependent com

EDITOR Larry Lough larry@thewoodstockindependent com

ADVERTISING Jill Flores jill@thewoodstockindependent com

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Sandy Kucharski sandy@thewoodstockindependent.com

PHOTOGRAPHER Ken Farver ken@thewoodstockindependent com

COLUMNISTS

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

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Vicky Long

CORRESPONDENTS

Tricia Carzoli, Janet Dovidio, Susan W. Murray, Megan Ivers, Lydia LaGue, Eileen Millard, Ruth Raubertas, Juel Mecklenberg, Seth Rowe, Julian Senn-Raemont

EDITORIAL CARTOONIST Jim Mansfield

PROOFREADER Don Humbertson CIRCULATION

Beverly Meuch, Dennis Micheletti, Bill Schwerdtfeger, John Wickham

Deadlines & contacts

NOON WEDNESDAY Press releases and photos pr@thewoodstockindependent com

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR pr@thewoodstockindependent.com

State Sen. Craig Wilcox District Office

209 N. Benton St. Woodstock, IL 600098

McHenry County Board

Chairman Michael Buehler 1630 Quail Way Crystal Lake, IL 60014 815-334-4224 (work) mjbuehler@co.mchenry.il.us

Woodstock Mayor Mike Turner 121 W. Calhoun St. Woodstock, IL 60098 815-338-4302 mturner@woodstockil.gov

Dorr Township

Supervisor Susan Brokaw 1039 Lake Ave. Woodstock, IL 60098 815-338-0125 supervisor@dorrtownship.com

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Schools

Woodstock North Prom PromCourt

‘Whimsical Wonderland’

Front row: Brenna McConnell, Abby Manoso, Clara Klasek, Stella Splendoria, and Gwen Flores.

Back row: Anthony Bigler, Parker Hayes, Grant Schnulle, Liam McCauley, and Parker Neff.

COURTESY PHOTO

Lexi Hansen, Bella Borta, and Dani Hansen

Stella Splendoria and Liam McCauley

Seniors on the bus

INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY VICKY LONG

AJ Ringpis, Jon Suay, Jack Lanci, Parker Leonard, and Shane Buening.

Student of the Week

Nathan Sarfo

Nathan Sarfo, a senior at Marian Central Catholic High School, is the son of Nana Osei Sarfo, Lake in the Hills.

The guidance counselor that nominated him described him as a quiet leader who lives by example. “The sky is the limit for what Nathan strives to become!”

He is an honor roll student who received the Academic Excellence Award and the Discipleship Award. An athlete as well, Nathan was an All-Conference team captain for football, and

Our grads picked out the perfect gift for your grad. Stop in and pick it up!

PICTURE THIS

Join local historian and McHenry County cemetery expert Trudie Dryer as she takes guests on a walking tour of Oakland Cemetery at 9 a.m. May 18, where you will revisit the lives of Civil War soldiers and discuss the lives of some of those interred. The cemetery is located at 13707 W. Jackson St., Woodstock. Cost is $10. Preregistration is required. Visit gothistory.org to register.

Right on the Square!

Aerial view of Woodstock shows the intersection of Route 47 and McConnell Road in 1962. The Farm Bureau building and Farm Services property is in the background.

Don Peasley Photo Collection, McHenry County Historical Society

Soon-to-be teachers

A group of District 200 seniors who plan to study education in college were recognized by the college counselor Tanya Thomas and Educators Rising advisors Tami Robinette and Jennifer Rooney.

Woodstock School District 200 recognizes 28 seniors at Future Teacher Signing Day

By Kevin Lyons DISTRICT 200

While proud of all of its graduating seniors, Woodstock Community Unit School District 200 educators took a special morning to recognize 28 students who plan to follow in their career footsteps.

A Future Teacher Signing Day was held May 3 to encourage these soon-to-be graduates, many of whom brought family members and District 200 educators who’ve inspired their path toward studying education in college.

Most of the seniors have been involved in the Educators Rising program at their respective high schools. The event was organized by college and career counselor Tanya Thomas and Educators Rising advisors Tami Robinette and Jennifer Rooney.

“Starting our Educators Rising Chapter three years ago has been a game changer for our students,” Robinette said. “Students have many opportunities throughout their high school career to go into classrooms and observe, assist, and even teach mini-lessons with all the amazing D-200 educators throughout our schools.”

Woodstock High School senior Cassidy Ryan said she’s always wanted to eventually teach, which has only been reinforced during her time as a student, especially by observing some of her favorite teachers including Mark Jones from Prairiewood and Meghan Brown at WHS.

“I’ve just always known since I was little that I wanted to be a teacher. When I was young, I would play teacher,” Ryan said. Ryan will attend the University of South Carolina Beaufort next fall.

Superintendent Mike Moan addressed the students and shared his excitement about their chosen career path.

“One great part of every school year is having a great class of graduating seniors who it’s hard to say goodbye to, but you have a bright future and so many things to be excited about — doubly so today because you’re entering education. For everyone in this room who works for us, that’s near and dear to our heart,” Moan said.

He told them about starting his first day as a teacher eager to share his deep passion for history.

“That first day, I was drained. I was wiped out. What I realized was that eighth-graders didn’t love history as much as I did. But what I also realized right away is that it’s not about what I love and what I do, or what my passions were. All

that really matters is that I love kids. I want to try to make a difference every day,” Moan said.

“I don’t know that I have that impact on people all of the time, but that’s always the goal. That’s why you’re an educator.”

Woodstock North High School senior Casey Jo Vermett will study education at the University of Wisconsin - Parkside next year where she has also committed to play softball.

Vermett said she realized her interest in education as a high school sophomore in Rooney’s preschool education class. “The preschool class gave us a lot of hands-on work. That was significant to me to realize that I really enjoyed working in the teaching field.”

She brought her mother and teacher Mickey Olhava to Friday’s event as another career role model who has inspired her career journey.

Rooney said she was thrilled to celebrate this group of future educators. “They are all passionate about their future as teachers and have been working hard this year with our new Dual Credit Intro to Education course and in their elementary internship placements. They are going to be excellent educators, and I would love to see them come back here to Woodstock after college and teach in this community.”

Bronte Borter, WHS chair of the world languages department, attended the event at the request of senior Antonia Osorio Reyes, who will start her post-high school education at McHenry County College. Borter said Osorio Reyes only spoke Spanish just a few years ago.

“Her English is now superior. She’s got the (Illinois State) Seal of Biliteracy. She’s worked so hard. She’s just a good person with strong character, and she’s what we need in this profession,” Borter said. “She’s a future teacher I’d want to hire for my building.”

INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY KEN FARVER

Woodstock School District 200 superintendent Mike Moan offers advice to graduating seniors on Future Teacher Signing Day.

A & E

‘I love playing in listening-rooms’

Nine-time Grammy-elected artist Michael Charles coming to Stage Left

By Tricia Carzoli NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Michael Charles has toured the world playing to sold-out venues and performing alongside legends like Buddy Guy, James Cotton, Eddy Clearwater, and Junior Wells, but the singer-songwriter and musician will feel perfectly content playing at the Stage Left Café.

“I love playing in listeningrooms,” he said. “They are intimate, and you can really interact with your audience. I really enjoy playing in [smaller venues].”

It was in small venues where Charles got his start. As a young child, he played his father’s guitar for the perfect supportive audience – his family.

“My father was an excellent guitar player in his own right,” he said. “And he influenced me a lot.”

His father was influenced by a host of country artists who were inspired by blues artists. So, when Charles began playing, there was a distinctive blues flavor to his craft.

“I remember listening to Glen Campbell and asking my dad if he thought I’d ever play that good,” he said. “And he said one word – practice.”

Charles did just that.

“I never stopped,” he said. “I was really blessed with wonderful parents.”

While playing his father’s guitar as a young child, his dad would tell him to be careful, because it was his guitar. When he was seven or eight, Charles said got his first acoustic guitar, and was excited to finally say, ‘this is mine.’

But Charles’ father remains his “hero,” he said. “He died when I was only 21, but he was such a big part of my life. I remember him every day.”

Also influenced early on by musicians like Eric Clapton,

B.B. King, and Carlos Santana, Charles performed both electric and acoustic guitar and wrote songs while making a name for himself in Australia. Very quickly he was noticed by Buddy Guy’s management team and was invited to appear at Legends in Chicago.

After two weeks, he said, “I returned home to Australia, and I realized I needed to go back to the U.S. … I bought a one-way ticket, and I never looked back.”

His father, a businessman, had always told him, “Never work for anyone else. Be your own man.”

Taking that advice to heart, Charles said, “I can honestly say that I’ve only had one job my entire life.”

He toured with Jimmy Dawkins, performed at Chicago Blues Fest,

Philadelphia Jazz and Blues Fest, and was inducted into the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame. He is a ninetime Grammy-elected artist with 37 albums and CDs released as well as a double-CD 30-year anthology.

Charles will be bringing his seventeenth consecutive international tour – “40th Anniversary Tour” – to Stage Left Café.

This won’t be the first time he’s been to Woodstock. The rock and blues artist has played in the gazebo on the Square twice and at Woodstock Harley-Davidson once as well.

“Woodstock area is spectacular,” he said. “The cobblestones and the Square are so cool to look at.”

He indicated that he was excited to play inside at Stage Left Café.

Charles and his three-piece power trio of guitar, drums, and bass will bring a bit of his acoustic music, some electric guitar, rock, and, of course, blues to the stage.

He rarely plays cover songs, explaining that new songs are an integral part of music, delivering creativity and ingenuity to the business.

“Bringing it back to my dad and Glen Campbell,” he said. “I recorded my own version of ‘Wichita Lineman.’ I made it my own, and people really love it. I’ll play that one in Woodstock.”

With a lifetime of music in his bones and what he calls “pockets of followers” around the world, he will give Woodstock a “minestrone” of his musical talent through his sets where his father’s musical influence lives on in the music he plays.

“It’s been a helluva ride,” Charles said of his 60-year career. “And I love what I do and the people who come out to listen to me.”

Charles will perform at Stage Left Café, Saturday, May 18 at 8 p.m. For tickets visit woodstockoperahouse.

Friends of the Old Courthouse present ‘The Masked Courthouse Singer’

The Woodstock Opera House will host Friends of the Old Courthouse’s production, “The Masked Courthouse Singer,” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 11. Can you correctly guess who the Woodstock singers are?

Looking to repeat the success of 2019’s sold-out “Dancing with the Courthouse Stars” show, Woodstock residents are once again invited to vote with dollars for their favorite acts online at https://friendsoftheoldcourthouse. org/support/online-voting-for-themasked-courthouse-singer/. Voting will be open until midnight May 9.

Short singing samples are currently posted online with an image of the costumed singers. The singers will perform live on May 11 at the Opera House. Attendees will have a last chance to vote at intermission after all of the singers have performed. The exciting unmaskings will follow.

Tickets are $20 and can be ordered online at https://www.etix.com/ ticket/p/52148227/the-maskedcourthouse-singer-woodstockwoodstock-opera-house or in person at the Woodstock Opera House Box Office.

For information, contact Julie Miller at friendsofoldcourthouse@gmail.com.

COURTESY PHOTO

Michael Charles will perform at Stage Left Café May 18.

Nan came to Helping Paws from Arkansas. At two years of age, she weighs about 45 pounds. A bit shy, she’s still getting used to different sounds and new people. While she still has more to learn, she has come a long way. She walks on a harness, meets new people, and is gaining confidence walking around vehicles. Nan is good with cats and other dogs and she loves to play chase in the yard. She is a very sweet and kind gal, looking for a home that will have patience and show her TLC. Call Helping Paws if you would like to meet Nan!

Business

Co-owners Darrin Flynn and Alberto Perez stand behind the counter at The Market by D & A, open six days a week at 107 N. Benton Street. One customer said that the addition of The Market to D & A Salon and Curated by D & A, both on N. Benton Street, comprises “the D & A trifecta.”

Filling ‘a missing puzzle piece’ for Woodstock

The Market by D & A opens on North Jefferson Street

By Susan W. Murray NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Two-and-a-half years in the making, The Market by D & A opened on Friday, April 26, and rapidly drew customers, recording over 200 weekend transactions by the time the door closed at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday.

The market, located at 107 N. Jefferson Street, carries staples and prepared foods sourced locally and even internationally.

Co-owner Darrin Flynn, who also serves Woodstock as a city council member, has high aspirations for the market - as a grocery where downtown residents can pick up ingredients for a meal, as a shop reminiscent of those in Italy or rural France, as the go-to spot for

putting together a gift basket, and as the place where the insecure cook can get advice on ingredients and preparation.

“It’s a missing puzzle piece for Woodstock,” Flynn said.

For the love of cooking

The Market is the third Woodstock business for Flynn and his husband, Alberto Perez. D & A Salon opened in May 2016, followed by Curated by D & A in February 2021.

Flynn described The Market as his new “day job” after a long corporate career.

“It’s what I’ve always wanted to do,” he said. “I love food, love to cook, love to experiment and try new ingredients.”

“Everything we do is centered around food,” Perez said.

In the 10 years that Flynn and Perez have lived in McHenry County, they have often driven closer to Chicago to source ingredients for dishes or have ordered the ingredients online.

When company comes over, everyone gathers in the kitchen, Flynn noted.

“This is the pantry,” he said, gesturing to The Market’s wellstocked shelves.

From sauces to nuts

The Market invites browsing, lingering, and asking questions.

Snacks include varieties of crackers and nuts, truffle chips, and Big Cheese popcorn. Oils and vinegars, sauces, and condiments make up a large portion of the stock,

See D & A Page 14

Transactions filed in the McHenry County Recorder’s Office April 2 to 8 .

■ Residence at 518 E. Judd St., Woodstock, was sold by The Peterson Family Trust, Crystal Lake, to Martin Blanco Quinones, Woodstock, for $125,000.

■ Residence at 310 Chestnut St., Woodstock, was sold by R & B Enterprises, Woodstock, to Linda K. Bernhagen, Woodstock, for $254,500.

■ Residence at 2436 Aspen Drive, Woodstock, was sold by Deborah G. Malrino, Crystal Lake, to Israel Martinez, Woodstock, for $215,000.

■ Commercial building at 1258 N. Rose Farm Road Unit 5, Woodstock, was sold by 1258 Rose Farm Road LLC, Woodstock, to CKS LLC, Woodstock, for $251,000.

■ Residence at 540 Washington St., Woodstock, was sold by Grandview Capital LLC, Saint Charles, to Joel Koenig, Woodstock, for $270,300.

■ Residence at 418 S. Jefferson St., Woodstock, was sold by Chicago Title Land Trust Company, Chicago, to Doughboy Capital LLC VI, Crystal Lake, for $210,000.

■ Residence at 431 W. Judd St., Woodstock, was sold by The Cencula Living Trust, Woodstock, to Megan Liebetrau, Woodstock, for $185,000.

■ Residence at 124 N. Madison St., Woodstock, was sold by Megan Liebetrau, Woodstock, to Ryan Smith, Woodstock, for $229,000.

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER

D & A

Continued from Page 13

including single-source olive oil, a bacon and whiskey barbecue sauce, and multiple varieties of mustard and mayonnaise. After tasting them while on business travel in Milan, DOP San Marzano tomatoes made Flynn’s inventory list. Ready-toeat foods include uncured salamis, plenty of Wisconsin cheeses, cookies, biscotti, and, on a playful note, the famous (or infamous) Stuckey’s Pecan Log Rolls.

Dish towels, cooking tools, bowls, and plates round out the inventory.

“There’s something here for everyone,” Flynn said.

Classes and demonstrations

A polished wood table with metalfront drawers that sits on casters has migrated downstairs from Curated and will be the gathering spot for classes and demonstrations that will allow customers to sample food and ingredients.

“We’ll teach people how the ingredients go together,” Flynn said. By doing so, Flynn hopes to “make

cooking so it’s not so intimidating.”

Remaking a cluttered space

While The Market’s entrance is on Jefferson Street, the store is a level below Curated by D & A and previously served as storage and the delivery location for the men’s and women’s clothing store, as well as the salon. It was last used as a retail space in 2017 when it was Urban Gypsy, the forerunner of Hattie & Myrt, and had acquired a decidedly “old basement” vibe.

“I couldn’t see past the clutter,” Perez said.

To boot, he was not wild about the board that Flynn showed him with the proposed color scheme.

That changed as the space came together.

Work included tearing down walls, fixing the two steps that lead down from the entry into the store, new flooring, paint, and building the fixtures.

Inspiration for the shelving came from an 1860s bench that was unearthed from Hattie & Myrt’s basement while a new furnace was being installed.

Flynn used the wood to create the

It’s more than a grocery store - It’s a community

base of one shelving unit, including three drawers, and based the rest of the fixture design off that piece.

The exposed pipes and ceiling were painted black, while the vintage 1940s fluorescent lights remain in place.

“I wanted it to look like it’s always been here, and it was right for the building,” Flynn said.

A vision of community

In two-and-a-half years of dreaming what The Market would look like and be for Woodstock, Flynn envisioned people coming in to shop while music played in the background.

The live playlist, curated by Perez, features selections from the Great American Songbook, as well as traditional tunes from the countries where some of the store’s stock originates.

In Flynn’s mind’s eye, shoppers would engage in conversation and ask for advice about food and preparation, thereby creating a sense of community.

“I love when people ask questions about food and want to try something new,” he said.

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER

The entrance of The Market by D & A located on Jefferson Street.

Community

‘Make the world a more loving and kind place’

The Blue Lotus Temple plans festivities for Vesakha Day May 11

By Julian Senn-Raemont NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Lavender incense and layers of tranquility fill the high ceilings of the Blue Lotus Temple. A massive statue of the Buddha, seated in calm repose, eyes mostly closed, hovers at the end of the Dhamma Hall. Bhante Rahula, resident monk of The Blue Lotus, sits patiently beneath stained glass windows in anticipation of Buddhism’s most sacred celebration, Vesakha Day.

“What you think is who you are,” he says with a serene grin. “That’s why it’s so important to have clear, meaningful thoughts in your mind.”

On Saturday, May 11, from 4 to 7 p.m., the Blue Lotus Temple will be celebrating Vesakha Day, a holiday traditionally observed around the globe commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and ultimate passing of the Buddha.

The event begins with a short loving kindness meditation and dhamma talk at the temple, followed shortly by traditional Vietnamese flower dancing. At 6 p.m., a procession lines up around the Woodstock Square and parades with drums, flags, and paper lotus lanterns.

Afterwards, all are welcome to gather at Blue Lotus Temple for tea, snacks, and coffee.

The Buddhist way of life

Vesakha Day is the most important Buddhist festival.

“Buddha’s first teachings after enlightenment was gratitude,” says Bhante Rahula. “He showed us the path to enlightenment and all we have to do is follow his teachings.”

But the Blue Lotus Temple doesn’t like to say they “teach” Buddhism, or any -ism, for that matter. Buddhism is not a religion or belief system; it’s a way of life, a practice. It has no

label, and anybody of any faith or religious background is welcome.

“If you have a mind and you breathe, you can meditate,” says Bhante Rahula.

Bhante Sujatha, most venerable Abbot of Blue Lotus International, founded the temple with this message in mind. Everyone is accepted as they are.

One doesn’t convert to Buddhism or take any tests. It’s more akin to a diet or exercise where the unhealthy

things you’re kicking are distracting thoughts, and the training is for the most important muscle, your mind.

“The Buddha never said come and believe,” says Bhante Rahula. “He said come and see.”

Every person is welcome without judgment at the Blue Lotus Temple to see, feel, investigate, and experience what they may. The guided meditations are easygoing, chock full of giggles, and imbued with a vibrant sense of community.

Bhante Sujatha and the rest of the Sri Lankan monks are aware of the American culture they’re living amongst, and respect that first and foremost.

“Our mission is to make the world a more loving and kind place, and more accepting of everyone,” Bhante Rahula says. “We can all live together peacefully and the only way to do so is to look inward.”

Mental health benefits

As per the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in five Americans suffer from some form of mental health condition. In today’s fast-paced and media-crowded world, depression and anxiety are affecting more people than ever.

Meditation has received a lot of attention from neuroscientists over the past two decades as a means for reducing these all too common stressors. According to the Wharton Neuroscience Initiative, behavioral studies have found that mindfulness practice provides beneficial effects on memory, executive function, attention, and cognitive flexibility.

That means practicing meditation helps you live more happily, focused, and with better understanding and acceptance of life’s hardships.

Sitting anywhere for a few minutes to concentrate on our breathing is the easiest thing to do in the world. And it’s free.

“We all have Buddha qualities,” says Bhante Rahula. “We’re all subject to growing old, getting sick, and losing loved ones. Meditation gives us the responsibility and ownership of our own lives, and we’re all capable of it as long as we put in the effort.”

Rahula invites the public to join the Sri Lankan monks and friends of Blue Lotus to celebrate Vesakha Day, and begin a path to enlightenment

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY JULIAN SENN-RAEMONT

Bhante Rahula, resident monk of the Blue Lotus Temple, stands in the Woodstock Square, where the Vesakha Day parade will take place Saturday, May 11 .

Jack Johnson takes Jim Jones’ 1939 Farmall H and plow for a drive Saturday morning just outside of Woodstock for the McHenry County Antique Farm Equipment Association of Illinois’ annual spring plow day. Eleven antique tractors and plows were available that morning to plow.

IN BRIEF

MCDOT hosts inaugural Touch-a-Truck May 19

The McHenry County Division of Transportation announces its inaugural Touch-a-Truck event, to be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 19, at Blain’s Farm & Fleet, 11501 US Route 14.

Touch-A-Truck is a free, familyfriendly event open to the public, offering attendees the opportunity to explore and learn about a variety of vehicles and equipment. Attendees will be able to get up close and personal with the machines and learn how they operate, making it an educational and fun experience for all ages.

In addition to the interactive exhibits, the event will feature a “Load the Loader” initiative, where attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations. These donations will be collected in a large loader and later sent to the Woodstock Food Pantry to help support local families in need.

Touch-A-Truck features a wide variety of vehicles and equipment not limited

to the McHenry County Division of Transportation fleet with participating government agencies and private industry. McHenry County Sheriff’s Office will be participating in the event, which will include a demonstration from their K9 team at 12:30 p.m.

Bull Valley Garden Club to host plant sale May 11

Just in time for Mother’s Day shopping, Bull Valley Garden Club will host their annual plant sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 11, at 84 N. Eastwood Drive, in Woodstock. Most of the plants for sale are dug from members’ gardens. Including native and unusual plants. Professionally grown plants from Intrinsic Perennial Gardens will also be available.

A free kids activity will also be held during the sale. Proceeds from the event will benefit scholarships for horticultural students and civic projects.

Creekside Best Buddies earn chapter, advisor of year

By Kevin Lyons DISTRICT 200

While much effort is put in, the reason Creekside Middle School’s Best Buddies program is one of the best in Illinois is simple: These friendships are real.

Creekside’s program was named Illinois Middle School Chapter of the Year for the fifth time, while teacher Julie Stone was also selected as Chapter Advisor of the Year during festivities celebrated on April 28 in Chicago.

“I think this program is so special because the members really do form friendships with people they would never otherwise become friends with,” Stone said.

Best Buddies is a nonprofit organization that matches students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in one-to-one friendships with students without those disabilities. They play games, eat lunch together, take on service projects and do a lot of socializing and laughing together.

The Creekside chapter has 62 students this year. Students connect each week along with monthly social events under the supervision of Stone, special education teacher Alyssa Niemic, and literacy teacher Megan Nelson.

CMS Principal Ryan Doyle said the entire school community takes great pride in the success of the Best Buddies chapter and the ripple effect it has in

Representatives of Creekside Middle School’s Best Buddies chapter were recognized April 28 at a Chicago ceremony as the Illinois Middle School Chapter of the Year. Pictured (from left) are: Olive Schreiber, Gretchen Sebastian, teacher and chapter advisor Julie Stone, Josh Ingemen and Rachel Ingeman.

the building.

“The positive impact these one-to-one friendships have extends far beyond the 60+ students involved. Our Best Buddies program is the backbone of the inclusive environment we have at Creekside. I couldn’t be more proud to walk through the hallways and witness these

connections on a daily basis. The time and energy Julie puts forth is key to the success of Best Buddies. She is a rockstar!” Doyle said.

In addition to the individual relationships formed, the Buddies also learn to be advocates for inclusivity, which organization representatives hope is something they continue into high school and beyond.

Stone has overseen the CMS Chapter, one of 28 in the state, since one year after it began in 2008. She traced her passion for inclusivity back to her time in a service sorority while she attended Northern Illinois University.

“One of my favorite places to volunteer was a tutoring club. There was a little girl who had Down syndrome who stayed after school for extra help. I remember the other kids avoiding her. I told myself that one day, I would prevent that from happening in my classroom,” Stone said.

Stone and three students from the Creekside chapter — Olive Schreiber, Gretchen Sebastian, and McKenna McAdow — will attend the Best Buddies International Leadership Conference from July 19-22 at Indiana University.

Creekside was named International Chapter of the Year in 2012, something Stone and this year’s Best Buddies students are hoping to repeat.

“My favorite thing about the program is the kids. I love to see the smile on their faces when they make a new friend or when I see them at an event or in the hallway,” Stone said.

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY TRICIA CARZOLI

DISTRICT 200 PHOTO

‘...Incredible experience to start school with a brand new facility’

Anne Panos

By Jan Dovidio NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Anne Panos is retiring after 26 years with District 200. Her path in the district provided many unusual experiences.

Her Woodstock connection began before joining the district when she was a floral designer at Busse Flowers for 13 years. She designed several flower arrangements that were used for the filming of “Groundhog Day” and ended up in

Woodstock North principal’s

secretary Anne Panos

the movie itself.

Her district connection began accidentally, when she volunteered to create the monthly birthday bulletin board outside the main office at Dean Street Elementary School. One day when she went in to change the board, the principal’s secretary mentioned she was moving on to another job. Panos

applied for the job and got it, even though she hardly knew how to turn on a computer at that time. That experience resulted in 10 years as principal’s secretary at Dean, followed by 16 years as principal’s secretary at Woodstock North High School from its opening in 2008.

“It was such an incredible experience to start a school with a brand new facility and create a home for all of the new staff and students,” Panos said. “I have so many vivid memories of those first years. When we finally were able to get into the new building just a few days before the first day of school, the fire alarm was going off for several days in a row all day long. We had tasks to accomplish, so Principal Brian McAdow bought a large container of ear plugs which allowed us to work through the noise.”

The most challenging years of her job were during the pandemic, trying to solve issues arising from online learning, getting things delivered to students by the school

bus drivers every day, and creating a graduation that properly celebrated the students’ achievements.

“That took some real thinking outside the box but we made it happen,” Panos added.

Panos’ retirement begins with a trip to Walt Disney World in the fall with her three grandkids and their parents. She will also travel to several Maine and Boston areas to see fall foliage. Additional goals include visiting family in Minnesota more often, improving gardening skills, enjoying more antiquing, and continuing her creative pursuits of paper crafting, watercolor painting and upcycling old furniture. She may even open a small business to help people to organize their spaces.

“I can’t wait to see what I find in my next chapter. I feel so blessed and thankful to have found my way into working at District 200,”concluded Panos. “The work has helped me grow in incredible ways, introduced me to numerous people and given me thousands of fond memories.”

815-337-2509

5211 Swanson Road Woodstock, IL (sw corner of Rt. 47 & 176) www.gardensofwoodstock.com

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER

Happenings

woodstockfarmersmarket.org

Music: Megan Jay, Keylay Hawkins

8 WEDNESDAY

MCC SPRING PLANT SALE

McHenry County College 8900 Hwy. 14

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

9 THURSDAY

MCC SPRING PLANT SALE

McHenry County College

8900 Hwy. 14

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

SLC TRIVIA NIGHT - PUB

TRIVIA USA

Stage Left Café

125 W. Van Buren St.

7 p.m.

woodstockoperahouse.com

10 FRIDAY

OPEN MIC NIGHT

Stage Left Café

125 W. Van Buren St.

7 p.m.

To sign up, email keith@ offsquaremusic.org

ACAPELLA ON THE SQUARE

Woodstock Opera House

121 W. Van Buren St.

7 p.m.

$10 adults, $5 students woodstockoperahouse.com

11 SATURDAY

WOODSTOCK FARMERS MARKET

Woodstock Square

8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

BULL VALLEY GARDEN CLUB ANNUAL PLANT SALE

84 N Eastwood Dr. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

BLUE LOTUS VESAKHA DAY CELEBRATION AND PARADE

Blue Lotus Buddhist Temple 221 Dean St. 4 to 7 p.m.

YOUTH OPEN MIC NIGHT

Stage Left Café

125 W. Van Buren St.

7 p.m.

$5 See event at woodstockoperahouse.com to sign up

THE MASKED COURTHOUSE SINGER

Woodstock Opera House

121 W. Van Buren St.

7:30 p.m.

$20

woodstockoperahouse.com

12 SUNDAY MOTHER’S DAY

13 MONDAY

GENEALOGY RESEARCH ASSISTANCE

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

Kishwaukee Trail Chapter DAR 815-245-6944

COFFEE WITH THE CHIEF

Woodstock Police Department

656 Lake Ave.

7 p.m.

815-338-6787

14 TUESDAY

WOODSTOCK FARMERS MARKET

Woodstock Square

8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

woodstockfarmersmarket.org

Music: Nate Bjorn

DISTRICT 200 BOARD OF EDUCATION

Woodstock High School

501 W. South St.

7 p.m.

woodstockschools.org

15 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

16 THURSDAY

SLC TRIVIA NIGHT - PUB TRIVIA USA

Stage Left Café

125 W. Van Buren St.

7 p.m.

woodstockoperahouse.com

17 FRIDAY

PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION FEATURING 3RD COAST BRASS

Woodstock Opera House

To submit calendar items, email pr@thewoodstockindependent.com

121 W. Van Buren St.

7:30 p.m.

$30 A seats, $25 B seats woodstockoperahouse.com

JAZZ NIGHT

Stage Left Café

125 W. Van Buren St.

8 p.m.

woodstockoperahouse.com

18 SATURDAY

WOODSTOCK FARMERS MARKET

Woodstock Square

8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

woodstockfarmersmarket.org

Music: Aaron Kelly

WAX POETIC POETRY OPEN MIC

The Records Department

North Johnson St. 6:30 to 8 p.m.

MARTIN METZGER FLAMENCO ENSEMBLE

Woodstock Opera House

121 W. Van Buren St. 7:30 p.m.

$20 woodstockoperahouse.com

STAGE LEFT SESSIONS FEATURING MICHAEL CHARLES

Stage Left Café

125 W. Van Buren St. 8 p.m.

$20 advance, $25 at the door

19 SUNDAY

TOUCH-A-TRUCK

Farm and Fleet parking lot 11501 Hwy. 14

Resurrection Catholic Church

11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Non-perishable food donations sought for “Load the Loader”

OPEN MIC STORYTELLING

Stage Left Café

125 W. Van Buren St.

2 to 4 p.m.

Hosted by Jim May

21 TUESDAY

WOODSTOCK FARMERS MARKET

Woodstock Square

8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

woodstockfarmersmarket.org

Music: Pierce Crask

WOODSTOCK CITY COUNCIL

Council Chambers, City Hall

121 W. Calhoun St.

7 p.m.

woodstockil.gov

23 THURSDAY

SLC TRIVIA NIGHT - PUB TRIVIA USA

Stage Left Café

125 W. Van Buren St.

7 p.m.

woodstockoperahouse.com

WOODSTOCK FIRE/RESCUE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

2900 Raffel Road

7 p.m.

24 FRIDAY

ORIGINAL OPEN MIC NIGHT

Stage Left Café

125 W. Van Buren St.

7 p.m. offsquaremusic.org

FLASHBACKS

35 years ago – 1989

■ More than 150 people walked, jogged, and skated along a course that started at the Square to raise money to benefit the hungry.

■ Lt. Gov. George Ryan met with Sunset Manor residents in recognition of Older Americans Month.

■ City Attorney Michael Caldwell installed Jim Shoemaker as mayor, Nancy Irwin as clerk, and Frank Gosser and Brian Sager as councilmen

30 years ago – 1994

■ The Woodstock City Council unanimously approved an ordinance to increase salaries of elected officials: mayor from $4,200 to $5,800; clerk from $1,800 to $3,000; and council members from $1,800 to $2,400. The pay increases would be in effect after a new election for each seat.

■ Thatcher Tubes broke ground for a new 100,000-square-foot plant on McConnell Road that would employ 150 to 200 workers.

25 years ago – 1999

■ Broadacre Management met with city staff to begin contract negotiations for the redevelopment of the former Die Cast site.

■ Construction of a major addition to St. Ann’s Episcopal Church on West Jackson Street was underway.

20 years ago – 2004

■ The Congregational Unitarian Church of Woodstock approved a resolution supporting the rights of same-sex couples to marry in civil ceremonies.

■ More than 1,100 members of the Red Hat Society were in Woodstock for the first “Red Hat Day on the Square.” Activities included a fashion show, musical entertainment, and a parade.

15 years ago – 2009

■ Woodstock Fire/Rescue District officials dedicated Station 3 on Raffel Road. Instead of cutting a ribbon, Fire Chief Ralph Webster and Board President Bob Kristensen uncoupled a hose. Other members of the board of

trustees present were Lloyd Shaw, Ken Marunde, and John Kunzie.

■ In his Perspectives column in The Independent, Don Peasley announced that Woodstock resident Mal Bellairs would receive the Regional Pioneer Broadcaster award from the National Radio Hall of Fame. Bellairs, owner of two local radio stations from 1969 to 1982, was a prominent Chicago broadcaster, most notably with WBBM from 1950 to 1969.

■ Marian Central runners Mike Olenek, Jacob Tonkin, Nick Kacena, and Adam Olsen broke the school record in the 4x400 relay with a time of 3 minutes, 26 seconds. The previous record was 3:31.

10 years ago – 2014

■ The city of Woodstock received two bids for the purchase of the Old Courthouse Building and Sheriff’s House. Williamson County Investments, a Texas-based developer, bid $1 and planned to turn the property into eight residential units while maintaining room for a restaurant, art gallery and other studio space. Investor John Busse of North Barrington bid $10,000 to buy only the Sheriff’s House. He planned to renovate the building for LaPetite Creperie & Bistrot, the thencurrent tenant of the building.

■ Amy Reinhard, the valedictorian of the WHS Class of 1992, was named president of worldwide television and home media acquisitions for Paramount Home Media Distribution. “Every time you see a Paramount movie on FX or Netflix or Amazon Prime…, I’m doing the business deals,” she said.

■ Woodstock Little League’s opening day of its 61st season was dedicated to Don Peasley, who had been a 60-year member of the WLL board, longtime Woodstock photographer, and journalist. The dedication also included the unveiling of a new Peasley Field scoreboard and granite monument.

5 years ago – 2019

■ Lisa Lohmeyer, Wendy Piersall, and Darren Flynn were sworn in as new Woodstock City Council members. They succeeded incumbents who chose not to seek re-election. Maureen Larson bowed out after 12 years on the council; Mark Saladin had served a little more than eight years; and Dan Hart had

MAY 25, 1994

Woodstock mail carriers process the more than 1,200 pounds of nonperishable food donated by Woodstock residents during the mail carriers’ food drive. Pictured are, from the left: Mark Peasley and Bob Fosse, city mail carriers; Bob Watts, Woodstock Food Pantry president; and Bob Berna, director of customer services at the Woodstock Post Office.

INDEPENDENT FILE PHOTO BY

DON PEASLEY

■ The Independent won 24 awards in 14 categories in the Illinois Press Association’s annual Best of the Press competition. Reporting projects on the opioid crisis and homelessness in Woodstock earned eight awards. The opioid series, written by Susan W. Murray, won three firsts and a third. The homeless series reported by Murray and Tricia Carzoli won four seconds. The Independent also won the coveted General Excellence award.

1 year ago – 2023

■ Deb Beyer Klein, a long-time volunteer with many Woodstock organizations and activities, posthumously received the Harold Buschkopf Award at the annual meeting of the Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

■ Building senior housing as part of Chicago Hubs Realty’s proposed development of the former Die Cast factory site had some strong support despite the Plan Commission’s 4-1 vote recommending CHR not be awarded the special use zoning permit needed to develop four apartment buildings –two for seniors – along with restaurant/ retail space and a four- or five-story parking garage.

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT MCHENRY COUNTY

PUBLICATION NOTICE OF COURT

DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE (ADULT)

Request of KELSEY ANN BOWEN

Case No. 2024MR000054

There will be a court hearing on my Request to change my name from:

KELSEY ANN BOWEN

To the new name of: RHODE ANN KELSEY BOWEN

The court date will be held on June 14, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. at 2200 N. Seminary Ave. Woodstock, McHenry County in Courtroom 201.

Dated at Woodstock, IL April 17, 2024 /s/Kelsey Ann Bowen

(Published in The Woodstock Independent April 24, 2024, May 1, 2024, May 8, 2024)L11780

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWENTY-SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT MCHENRY COUNTY, ILLINOIS-IN PROBATE

Case No. 2024PR000109

In the Matter of the Estate of NEIL S. BASELEY

Deceased CLAIM NOTICE

Notice is given of the death of NEIL S. BASELEY

Of: LAKEMOOR, IL

Letters of office were issued on: 4/15/2024

To Representative: CHRISTOPHER J. BASELEY

808 PAUL ST. MCHENRY, IL 60051 whose attorney is: WAGGONER LAW FIRM

4 N. WALKUP AVE.

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 April 24, 2024, May 1, 2024, May 8, 2024)L11781

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME

Public Notice is hereby given that on APRIL 19, 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 NASH & RALEIGH located at 9 ROYAL OAK COURT LAKE IN THE HILLS, IL 60156. Owner Name & Address: IVY MOYER 9 ROYAL OAK COURT LAKE IN THE HILLS, IL 60156.

Dated: APRIL 19, 2024

/s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk)

(Published in The Woodstock Independent May 1, 2024, May 8, 2024) L11782

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice of Self-Storage Sale

Please notice Red Dot Storage 6Woodstock located at 2105 S. Eastwood Dr, Woodstock, IL 60098 intends to hold an auction of the goods stored in the following units in default for non-payment of rent. The sale will be an online auction via www. storageTreasures.com on 5/22/2024 at 9:30 am. Unless stated otherwise the description of the contents is household goods and furnishings. Denise Denman Unit #611. All property is being stored at the above self-storage facility. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice.

Certain terms and conditions apply. See manager for details.

(Published in The Woodstock Independent May 1, 2024, May 8, 2024) L11784

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWENTY-SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT MCHENRY COUNTY, ILLINOIS-IN PROBATE

Case No. 2024PR000124

In the Matter of the Estate of JOYCE B. SHOOK

Deceased

CLAIM NOTICE

Notice is given of the death of JOYCE B. SHOOK

Of: WOODSTOCK, IL

Letters of office were issued on: 4/18/2024

To Representative: ROBIN R. GIBBS

529 STEWART AVE. WOODSTOCK, IL 60098

whose attorney is: MICHLING LAW FIRM

101 N. THROOP ST. WOODSTOCK, IL 60098

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 May 1, 2024, May 8, 2024) L11785

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME

Public Notice is hereby given that on APRIL 23, 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 FRITZ’S CATERING located at 3535 N. RICHMOND RD. JOHNSBURG, IL 60051. Owner Name & Address: WAYNE FRITZ AND ANGIE FRITZ 3535 N. RICHMOND RD. JOHNSBURG, IL 60051.

Dated: APRIL 23, 2024

/s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk)

(Published in The Woodstock Independent May 1, 2024, May 8, 2024) L11788

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWENTY-SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT MCHENRY COUNTY, ILLINOIS-IN PROBATE Case No. 2024PR000119

In the Matter of the Estate of GLORIA J. HAEGER

Deceased

CLAIM NOTICE

Notice is given of the death of GLORIA J. HAEGER

Of: LAKE IN THE HILLS, IL Letters of office were issued on: 4/29/2024

To Representative: SUSAN E. CHAPMAN 2122 PRESWICK LN. WOODSTOCK, IL 60098 whose attorney is: MICHLING LAW FIRM 101 N. THROOP ST. WOODSTOCK, IL 60098

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 May 8, 2024)L11789

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME

Public Notice is hereby given that on MAY 2, 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 DataViewz located at 1345 S. Shore Dr. Village of Lakewood, IL 60014. Owner Name & Address: Derek Rauchenberger 13445 S. Shore Dr. Village of Lakewood, IL 60014.

Dated: MAY 2, 2024

/s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk)

(Published in The Woodstock Independent May 8, 2024)L11790

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice of Self-Storage Sale

The Storage Space LLC, 945 Dieckman St., P.O. Box 1873, Woodstock, IL 60098, must receive the delinquent amount of $790.00 for rental of unit #6 at 945 Dieckman St.. Woodstock, IL 60098 name Andrew Kelley. Or contents will be sold (no auction) or disposed of on 5/24/24 at 10:00 a.m. at 945 Dieckman St., Woodstock, IL 60098.

Contents: Books, Magazines, Video tapes, Encyclopedias, TV, Tape deck, Suitcases, Desk lamp, Shoes, Coffee maker, Newspapers, Crib mattress, Paper towels, Cookbooks, Pictures and Frames, Misc. items, and Bags, tubs and boxes contents unknown and other general household.

(Published in The Woodstock Independent May 8, 2024)L11791

By Leigh Rubin HEATHCLIFF

Peter Gallagher

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

COLLEGE REPORT

Evan Bridges named All-Conference for Carroll University

Evan Bridges most likely knew that he was all-conference when he finished his third round of golf at the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin Championships.

Dan Chamness

The College Report

The former Woodstock golfer, now a Carroll University graduate student taking advantage of his additional year awarded due to COVID, had shot a 222 for 54 holes. What he most likely did not know is that he was going to be the Carroll Pioneers recipient. According to the CCIW Website, the award recognizes one athlete in each sport in the nine schools in the CCIW. It acknowledges the intangible traits that each student-athlete possesses, exemplifying great character and encouraging inclusiveness and a positive culture. It celebrates qualities such as sportsmanship, leadership and respect for others both on and off the field.

At the championships, which were held at the Weaver Ridge Gof Course in Peoria, Bridges also showed his consistency on the course. He opened the three-round tournament with a 73. In the second round he shot a 75 and then finished up with 74. The 222 earned him 10th in the tournament and CCIW all-conference status for the second consecutive year. He helped the Carroll Pioneers take sixth as a team. They shot a 929. Illinois Wesleyan University won the team title with an 847.

BASEBALL

See COLLEGE REPORT, Page 25

INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY KEN FARVER

The D-200 All-Stars look on in awe as Harlem Wizard Bakari Copeland (aka. Glitch) dunks the ball May 3 at Woodstock High School.

WHS Backers Club pitted the Harlem Wizards against D-200 All-Stars Wizards deliver magical entertainment

By Sandy Kucharski NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Nothing about the basketball game that took place May 3 at Woodstock High School was typical. The home team, referred to as the District 200 All-Stars, was made up of district teachers and staff. The visitors were the world-famous Harlem Wizards.

The crowd of nearly 600 was treated to an interactive game, a comedy show, and a dance party all in one.

“I loved being there, cheering on my teacher and watching them have fun,” said 6-year-old William Triplett, a kindergartener in Jessie Justice’s class at Verda Dierzen. “I liked seeing the cool tricks and getting to dance with them at the end.”

From the pre-game warm-up –when Wizards Wizard’s Kamil Brown (aka. Dragon) hung upside down from the rim after he slam-dunked, to the

tip-off when the 6-foot, 7-inch player picked up 5 foot, 2-inch WHS English teacher Lisa Kunzie and carried her around the court – everyone knew

Harlem Wizard Eric Jones (aka Broadway) toys with WHS English teacher Lisa Kunzie as she attempts to guard him flanked by Verda Dierzen’s Jessie Justice and Creekside principal Ryan Doyle.

they were in for a fun evening.

The players showed their basketball prowess as they played dazzling

Continued on NEXT Page

Dragon signs a young fan’s jersey, and hangs from the net (right).

pranks on the D-200 All Stars. They engaged the crowd, especially the children, by bringing guests on the court, climbing into the bleachers, and shooting amazing trick shots.

At the end of the game they invited the kids and parents onto the floor and ran out the clock with a full court dance party.

“I loved that it was a fun family night,” said Jennett Triplett, William’s mom. “I felt like it had the perfect amount of entertainment for both the adults and kids.”

“Playing on the D-200 All Stars was a ton of fun,” said Rob Mecklenburg, a district physical education teacher who will be retiring from District 200 at the end of the school year. “I was laughing while I was on the court playing and laughing with my

COLLEGE

Continued from Page 24

Mason Hege (Marian Central Catholic), a Carroll University senior, had multiple hit games in a pair of wins over Illinois Institute of Technology and a loss to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. In a 14-7 victory over IIT, he was 3-for-5 with a two-run homer and a double. He scored three times and drove home a pair. He was 2-for-3 with a double in the 6-4 win. In the 10-2 loss to Wisconsin-Whitewater, he was 2-for-3 with a double. He scored one of two Carroll runs. Carroll is 5-10 overall.

SOFTBALL

Ellie Thurow (Woodstock North) earned two more wins and a save recently as she was the pitcher of record in both shutout wins over Loras College. She earned a save for

I was honored to a part of it.”

Wizard magic

The Harlem Wizards is a professional basketball team whose focus is not on winning games, but instead, their aim is to entertain the crowd using a variety of basketball tricks. They bring their game to schools throughout the country for fundraising.

The WHS Backers Club was the recipient of the fundraising efforts this game provided.

“There are so many people involved in a night like that,” said WHS athletic director Al Baker. “ We are extremely grateful to everyone who helped to make it a great event.”

Coe College in their 6-2 win over Illinois Wesleyan University. In the 4-0 win over Loras, she allowed only two hits. She struck out four and walked one. In the 9-0 victory over Loras, she worked five innings. She allowed them six hits, fanned a pair and walked two. She worked three innings in the save. allowing one lone hit. Once again she fanned two and walked two. Thurow’s record stands at 12-3 overall with two saves. Coe is 25-7.

Meghan Nixon (Woodstock) was 1-for-3 with a double as her college team, Augustana College, was topped 4-1 by the University of WisconsinPlatteville. Norah Mungle (Woodstock North), a Wisconsin-Platteville freshman, walked in the contest. Augustana is 19-11 overall and 7-3 in the College Conference of Illinois.

Dan Chamness writes The College Report for The Independent.

Adriana Wrzos is a junior at Marian Central Catholic High School. Over the course of the last four Lady ’Canes soccer games, Adriana has had 15 goals and one assist. She has been a great leader on and off the field throughout the season.

A new season underway for Woodstock Little League

By Sandy Kucharski NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

The summer season of Woodstock Little League kicked off April 20 with opening day festivities held at Woodstock North High School.

Founded in 1952, Woodstock little League is a chartered member of Little League Baseball, based in Williamsport, PA, offering divisions for boys and girls from ages 7 to 18.

The league is fielding nearly 275 players this season, playing on five little league teams, seven Heat travel baseball teams and one Elite team.

In addition to regular season play, WLL will have several teams participating in the 2024 McHenry County Youth Sports Association Summer International Tournament July 18-21.

Run exclusively by volunteers on all levels – from the Board of Directors, managers and coaches, to people maintaining the fields and running the concession stands – the league is dependent on all those who spend countless hours to ensure a successful program.

The league is always looking for additional volunteers. They are also in need of umpires.

For more information, email woodstockillittleleague@gmail. com or visit woodstocklittleleague.org.

SLIDING CROSSTOWN

KINGS GAMBIT

School

Ben

goal in the final moments of the game and scores for the JV 1 Kings High School Hockey Club April 29 at Crystal Ice House. The team won their game against Barrington.

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY VICKY LONG

Players and parents remove their hats during the National Anthem during Woodstock Little League opening ceremonies April 20 at Woodstock North High School.

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER

Woodstock North’s Zaiden Vess waits for the ball while Woodstock’s Noah Rodriguez slides in behind. The Streaks fell to the Thunder 11-3 in crosstown action May 1.

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY TRICIA CARZOLI

Woodstock High

junior

Ulanowski (left), takes a shot on

Woodstock girls track and field wins KRC conference championship

By Sandy Kucharski NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

In what could be termed a three-peat, the Woodstock High School girls track and field team won their third Kishwaukee River Conference championship title in four years last week. After two consecutive titles, the Blue Streaks fell to a very talented Richmond-Burton team in 2023, only to top the conference again this year.

This year was expected to be a battle between Richmond-Burton and WHS again.

“When the coaching staff scored it out based off of the regular season, we knew it would be extremely close, with RB being the favorite,” said head coach Jon Brown. “The girls got off to a hot start in the field events and started flipping points in our direction.”

The key was the depth of the Streaks, allowing for the majority of the girls to be fresh for their best

BASEBALL

■ April 29 - Woodstock (7-12) fell to Woodstock North (6-14-1) 8-6.

■ April 29 - Marian (6-16) fell to Chicago Hope Academy (18-7) 9-2.

■ April 30 - Marian (6-17) fell to Chicago Hope Academy (19-7) 7-3.

■ May 1 - Marian (6-17-1) tied with St Edward (7-15-1) 10-10.

■ May 1 - Woodstock (7-13) fell to Woodstock North (7-14-1) 11-3.

■ May 2 - Woodstock (7-14) fell to Sandwich (11-9) 13-1.

■ May 2 - Woodstock North (7-15-1) fell to Wilmot (5-8) 3-2.

SOFTBALL

■ April 29 - Woodstock (0-15-1) fell to Richmond-Burton (18-6) 12-1.

■ April 30 - Woodstock (0-16-1) fell to Plano (3-19) 9-5.

■ April 30 - Marian (9-9) defeated Wheaton Academy (3-12) 5-0.

■ April 30 - Woodstock North (13-7) defeated Harvard (8-10) in extra innings 2-1.

events.

“On the track, the sprinters and hurdlers did their job and the distance crew stepped up big time to flip the meet in our direction and have it won after the 1600,” Brown said.

The meet resulted in two Woodstock conference champions in three events: Hallie Steponaitis won long jump (5.12m ), and Amina Idris won both the 100 high hurdles (17.26) and 300m hurdles (47.57).

Seven girls earned all-conference honors: Steponaitis for long and high jump; Idris- 100m hurdles, 300m hurdles and the 4x400 relay; Anna Crenshaw- shot, discus; Sophia Mendoza- 400m; Sophie Sarabia, 800m and 4x400; Yaxiri Juarez, 4x400; Savannah Griffin, pole vault.

Brown also recognized additional standout efforts including Lily Novelle and Maggie Adams in the 3,200m. Novelle then came back to run third in the 1,600. He also named Addy Walker, who stepped up

NN SCOREBOARD NN

■ May 1 - Marian (10-9) defeated Wheaton Academy (3-13) 10-6.

■ May 2 - Woodstock (0-17-1) fell to Sandwich (12-6) 15-0.

■ May 2 - Woodstock North (14-7) defeated Richmond-Burton (19-7) 12-2.

■ May 4 - Woodstock (1-17-1) defeated Crystal Lake South (0-22) 11-9.

■ May 4 - Woodstock (1-18-1) fell to Crystal Lake South (1-22) 10-7.

GIRLS SOCCER

■ April 29 - Woodstock (8-9-1) fell to Richmond-Burton (11-2-1) 1-0.

■ April 29 - Woodstock North (8-9) fell to Johnsburg (12-3) 5-2.

■ April 30 - Marian (8-3-1) defeated Bishop McNamara (6-7) 4-1.

■ May 1 - Woodstock (9-9-1) defeated Woodstock North (8-10) 3-2.

■ May 3 - Woodstock North (8-11) fell to Boylan Catholic (12-3-2) 4-0.

■ May 4 - Woodstock (9-10-1) fell to Crystal Lake South (9-9) 8-1.

LACROSSE

■ May 1 - Marian (2-7) fell to Boylan Catholic (1-1) 10-2.

■ May 3 - Marian (2-8) fell to Kaneland (7-6) 11-6.

■ May 4 - Marian (2-9) fell to IC Catholic Prep (10-4) 9-5.

BOYS TRACK AND FIELD

■ May 3 - Woodstock North finished thirteenth at the Conant Gummerson Invitational, scoring 35.5 points. Junior Dominion Okwong got a PR and finished eighth in the 400m (52.78 sec).

in shot put, finishing third and earning much needed additional points early in the meet.

They did not earn All Conference for their efforts but they definitely contributed to the win.

Post-season outlook

“We are looking forward to a fun sectional on Wednesday [May 8] and looking to take the most girls to state since I have been a head coach,” Brown said. State hopefuls include:

- Hallie Steponaitis: high jump, long jump

- Anna Crenshaw: shot put, discus

- Sophia Mendoza: long jump, 400m

- Savanna Griffin: pole vault

- Amina Idris: 100m hurdles, 300m hurdles

- Lily Novelle: 1,600m

- Sophie Sarabia: 800m

- The 4x400 relay team of Mendoza, Idris, Mia Foss, and Sarabia

■ May 4 - Woodstock won the GenoaKingston Invitational, scoring 139 points. Event winners included: Nolan Van Hoorn, 100m (11.65); Aryan Patel, 800m (2:02.87); Jakob Crown, 3,200 (10:24.93); 4x800 relay (Ellery Shutt, Aryan Patel, Cohen Shutt, Ishan Patel) (8:17.65); Tyler Moon, shot put; Secondplace: Ellery Shutt, 1,600m; 4x100 relay (Van Hoorn, Charlie Gilmore, Jonathan Gomez, Dominic Vogel); 4x400 relay (Cohen Shutt, Sam Tafoya, Aryan Patel, Ishan Patel); Ty Steponaitis, triple jump.

■ May 4 - Marian finished twelfth at the Genoa-Kingston Invitational, scoring 15 points. Senior Andrew Dovidio got a PR and finished fourth in the triple jump (11.92m). Abel Arce, Nathan Sarfo, Wilson Jakubowicz, Michael Schmid got a PR and finished fifth in the 4X200 (1:37.43 sec).

GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD

■ April 30 - Woodstock won the Kishwaukee River Girls Conference Championships, scoring 145 points. Conference champions included: Amina Idris, 100m hurdles (17.26) and 300m hurdles (47.57); and Hallie Steponaitis, long jump (5.12m)

■ April 30 - Woodstock North finished fourth at the Kishwaukee River Girls Conference Championships, scoring 60 points. Conference champions included: Ashley Janeczko, shot put (11.32m) and discus (35.33); Lauren Bieszczad, high jump (1.57m).

■ May 1 - Marian finished fifth at the 1st Annual Chicagoland Christian

Conference Girls Championships. Freshman Kalia Parris finished third in the 100m sprint. Senior Amelia Reiche won the long jump (5.05m).

■ May 4 - Marian finished sixth at the Genoa-Kingston Invitational, scoring 39 points. Junior Kaitlyn Remke got a PR and finished fourth in the 300m hurdles (50.78 sec). Senior Amelia Reiche finished second in the long jump (4.90m).

CORRECTION

In the May 1 edition of The Woodstock Independent, the above photo was incorrectly identified as the Lauren Bieszczad. The athlete in the photo should have been identified as Woodstock North’s Bella Borta.

Borta finished second in 100m and 300m hurdles in the KRC championship.