Woodstock Independent 1/6/2021 by Woodstock Independent

The

Woodstock

I NDEPENDENT

Jan. 6-12, 2021

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

Don’t be late to inoculate

COVID-19 vaccinations underway, but weeks away for the public By Larry Lough

LARRY@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

MARKETPLACE

Cooperative plans grocery store for local farm products PAGE 12

SCHOOLS

COVID-19 killed at least 191 people in McHenry County over the last nine months of 2020. That is what the numbers show on the year’s final report, posted Dec. 30, by the county’s Department of Health: 191 deaths, plus 17 “probable” deaths.

They were among 18,850 confirmed cases of the disease reported in the county from late March until last week. But a weapon to fight back has arrived. Health officials reported last week that the first allotment of COVID19 vaccines had been received in McHenry County and was being “safely distributed” to local hospital systems

and long-term care facilities, which are top priorities for vaccinations. Most group housing facilities, however, chose to get the vaccine directly from Walgreens or CVS pharmacies, according to Lindsey Salvatelli, community information coordinator for the health department. That group includes Valley Hi See VACCINE, Page 2

LAST BLAST OF 2020

WHS musicians in chorus, band, orchestra are All-State

PAGE 9

COMMUNITY

Woodstock nurse among first to receive COVID-19 vaccine

PAGE 13

INDEX

Obituaries

Opinion

Schools

A&E

Business

Community

Calendar

Classified

Puzzles

Public Notices

Sports

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

Layla and Kevin Backus (at left) and Jessica and Charlee Backus enjoy a quick ride in the snow at Emricson Park last Wednesday, the day after the first significant snow of the season hit Woodstock.

City weighs options on business loans By Larry Lough

LARRY@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Some Woodstock businesses have been “horribly affected” by COVID-19, City Councilman Jim Prindiville said. Some are getting “absolutely crushed,” Deputy Mayor Mike Turner agreed. That financial hardship suffered by local businesses during the ongoing

pandemic has led the council to consider forgiving $5,000 coronavirusrelief loans the city made last spring to more than 50 restaurants, retailers, and other merchants. After Mayor Brian Sager suggested earlier in the month that the council think about forgiving the $275,000 in outstanding loans, the council at its last meeting of 2020 discussed the matter at length – with no final decision.

Council members did decide to survey businesses that hold the loans to determine their interest in different options the council is considering n Forgiveness of the loan, which would make it a taxable grant n Rewriting terms to reduce the interest rate, now at 3 percent, and delay the first payment, now scheduled for May 1 See LOANS, Page 2

NEWS

Jan. 6-12, 2021

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

PUBLIC SAFETY LOG Woodstock Police Department

■ Nicholas A. Schmer, 20, Woodstock, was arrested Dec. 19 at Harvey Lane and Woodside Drive, on charges of driving without registration light, possession of controlled substance, possession of cannabis more than 100 grams, possession of nitrous oxide, possession of cannabis in a motor vehicle. Released after posting 10 percent of $15,000 bond. Court dates Dec. 30 and Feb. 5. ■ Amanda M. Noble, 28, Woodstock, was arrested Dec. 21 in the 200 block of South Madison Street on a charge of criminal damage to property. Bond $100. Released on personal recognizance. Court date Jan. 21. ■ Dwayne K. Spraggins, 28, Woodstock, was arrested Dec. 21 in the 500 block of West Greenwood Avenue on two counts of domestic battery. Taken to jail. Bond and court date to be set. ■ Kelly A. Shaevitz, 54, Woodstock, was arrested Dec. 22 at U.S. 14 and Lake Avenue on charges of disobeying traffic control device, driving while license suspended, possession of controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Taken to jail. Bond and court date to be set. ■ Manuel Troncoso, 18, Woodstock, was arrested Dec. 23 at Route 47 and U.S. 14 on charges of no registration light, no valid driver’s license, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Bond $2,500. Released on personal recognizance. Court date Jan. 28. ■ Paul E. Schieler, 54, Woodstock, was arrested Dec. 24 in the 500 block of West South Street on a charge of criminal trespass to land. Bond $100. Released on personal recognizance. See PUBLIC SAFETY, Page 3

VACCINE

Continued from page 1

Nursing Home in Woodstock, where administrator Thomas Annarella reported staff nurses would administer the vaccine on Thursday this week to residents and staff. A recent outbreak of the virus at Valley Hi infected more than 40 patients and caused one death 16 days after diagnosis, he said in an email. Last Wednesday, health department nurses and Medical Reserve Corps volunteers vaccinated 166 emergency service personnel and frontline workers who serve McHenry County, health officials said. “We couldn’t have asked for a better first clinic,” public health nursing director Susan Karras said in a news release. “We owe this all to the diligent planning of the [health department] staff and the cooperation and partnership of the organizations involved with this initial rollout. The initial rollout is going smoothly throughout McHenry County with no reports of any adverse reactions.”

CDC priorities followed

When the vaccine will be available to the public has not been determined, health officials said, but it’s likely several weeks away. “Our goal is to get everyone in McHenry County their vaccine doses,” public health Administrator Melissa Adamson said in a news release. “The first step is to get everyone in Phase 1a vaccinated. We ask for everyone’s patience as it will take time before the vaccine is available to the general public.” Following a three-phased vaccine priority recommended the Centers

n Repaying the debt according to the terms of the loan, which might have tax advantages

that COVID-19 relief for businesses had come mostly in the form of loans rather than grants. “They need to check with their accountants about what’s best for them and their businesses,“ Gulli said. “If the city is able to financially do it, that’s a great offering and a nice gesture.”

‘Good concept’

Federal relief funds

LOANS Continued from Page 1

Turner supported the survey of borrowers. “It might help us craft a solution that’s best for them,” he said. Councilman Darrin Flynn, himself a downtown business owners, said different retailers had different factors to consider, including the tax implications. “I think we might be surprised by how businesses respond,” he said. Danielle Gulli, president of the Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the proposal was a “good concept.” She noted

The city received more than $1 million in October from the federal CARES program – Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security – with flexibility on how to use the money. Garrett Anderson, the city’s director of Economic Development, said a survey of loan recipients could be done quickly, in time to consider the matter at the next council meeting, Jan. 19. Council members agreed to postpone action on the issue until then. The council also will have to decide how to deal with businesses that have

for Disease Control and Prevention, the health department is still in Phase 1. The first shipment of 4,000 doses of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine were being provided to all interested hospital personnel, emergency medical service personnel, and long-term care facility staff and residents as defined in Phase 1a. Next, vaccines will be available to the Phase 1b group, which includes essential infrastructure workers (e.g., education sector, food and agriculture, utilities, police, firefighters, corrections officers, transportation). The Phase 1c group includes adults with high-risk medical conditions and adults 65 years and older who do not reside in a long-term care facility. The health department will use an electronic registration system for all COVID-19 vaccine clinics. Health officials say the Phase 1b group will need to be further prioritized until vaccine allotments received locally can concurrently accommodate several priority workforces, the release said. The public will be notified when vaccine doses are available to the Phase 1b priority group and the priority levels within that group. But because COVID-19 vaccine availability remains limited, clinics will continue to include Phase 1a healthcare personnel to ensure the safety of healthcare workers and their patients. To receive updated information about the vaccine distribution in McHenry County, health officials advise, visit and sign up for e-notifications at mchenrycountyil. gov/services/enotification. Instructions on how to sign up and other frequently asked questions about the vaccine are available at bit.ly/ MCDHCovidVaccine. already begun to repay the loans. One loan has been repaid in full, Anderson reported, and another business has paid back $1,000. Consensus of council members seemed to be that those payments would be returned if the businesses chose to take the funds as grants, if that option is available.

Lobbyist retained

In other business at the Dec. 15 meeting, the council: n Extended the contract for $60,000 a year with Springfield lobbyist Joyce Nardulli, who has represented Woodstock at the Statehouse, including helping the city obtain $57 million to improve and widen Route 47. “Her services down in Springfield are absolutely invaluable,” Turner said. “Sixty thousand [dollars] sounds like a lot of money, but it’s absolutely necessary if you want that [highway] project done.”

WEEKLY COVID-19 CASES FOR McHENRY COUNTY Report Infections 03/29 04/05 04/12 04/19 04/26 05/03 05/10 05/17 05/24 05/31 06/07 06/14 06/21 06/28 07/05 07/12 07/19 07/26 08/02 08/09 08/16 08/23 08/30 09/04 09/11 09/18 09/25 10/02 10/09 10/16 10/25 11/01 11/08 11/15 11/22 11/29 12/6 12/13 12/20 12/23 12/30

52 133 (+81) 234 (+101) 348 (+114) 503 (+155) 703 (+200) 953 (+250) 1,175 (+223) 1,407 (+232) 1,584 (+177) 1,733 (+149) 1,849 (+116) 1,911 (+62) 2,002 (+91) 2,119 (+117) 2,268 (+149) 2,470 (+202) 2,703 (+233) 2,946 (+243) 3,210 (+264) 3,396 (+186) 3.598 (+202) 3,828 (+230) 4,002 (+174) 4,199 (+197) 4,343 (+144) 4,527 (+184) 4,705 (+178) 4,992 (+288) 5,298 (+306) *6,035 (+737) *6,906 (+871) *8,170 (+1,264) *10,301 (+2,131) *11,602 (+1,301) *12,432 (+830) *15,091 (+2,659) *16,176 (+1,085) *17,310 (+1,134) *17,971 (+661) *18,850 (+879)

* Change to state metrics

Deaths

2 3 (+1) 7 (+4) 16 (+9) 28 (+12) 39 (+11) 50 (+11) 61 (+11) 69 (+8) 73 (+4) 83 (+10) 87 (+4) 90 (+3) 96 (+6) 97 (+1) 101 (+4) 106 (+5) 108 (+2) 112 (+4) 113 (+1) 113 (+0) 113 (+0) 115 (+2) 116 (+1) 116 (+0) 118 (+2) 118 (+0) 119 (+1) 119 (+0) 120 (+1) 120 (+0) 120 (+0) 120 (+0) 120 (+0) 136 (+16) 147 (+11) 163 (+16) 176 (+13) 181 (+5) 189 (+8) 191 (+2)

n Heard a quarterly financial report that the city is doing “remarkably well” despite the pandemic. While Woodstock’s home rule sales tax is about $60,000 under budget because of lagging local retail sales, Finance Director Paul Christensen reported, state sales tax income for the city is up about $100,000, largely because of increased sales at Kunes Auto Group. But the dealership has a 100 percent sales tax abatement with Woodstock this year to help pay for expansion of its facility, so general sales tax revenue will be down about 20 percent, Christensen said. n Approved an inducement resolution to allow Pancor Construction of Elgin to begin tracking expenses in its proposal to build an apartment complex on the former Die Cast factory site north of the Metra Depot. That will allow reimbursement of soft costs of the project from the city’s tax increment financing district.

Pace expands area, hours through county

PUBLIC SAFETY LOG Continued from Page 2

By Larry Lough

LARRY@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Applications are due this week for deputy chief of the Woodstock Fire/ Rescue District as that position is being restored after being eliminated in a cost-cutting move a few years ago. And the search for a No. 2 will take place without an officer who would have been in contention for the job. When the Board of Trustees met in December to establish a timeline for the hiring, it was announced that Capt. Karen Bush had resigned to become deputy chief of operations Karen for the McHenry Bush Township Fire Protection District. WFRD Chief Mike Hill said Bush would have been “one of the top contenders” for the deputy chief position in Woodstock. Bush was hired into the local department in 1996 and later became a lieutenant before being promoted to captain in 2013. She led the effort to create

a four-year strategic plan for upgrading equipment and personnel after a successful tax referendum in the spring 2019 added about $1.25 million a year to the budget, effective this year. “I want to be a chief someday,” Bush told The Independent, and she felt she needed the experience as a deputy chief to reach that career goal. She said she had planned to apply for the position in Woodstock, but the McHenry job was offered after she tested for it during the fall.

Few meet requirements

Thursday, Jan. 7, is the deadline to apply for the local position. The board decided in November to limit the search to internal candidates, but Hill acknowledged “very few people” on the district roster met the qualifications of at least 10 years as a firefighter, five years as a lieutenant or higher, and at least an associate degree. “It’s a very small pool of people,” Hill said, “one or two.” Applicants will be interviewed by the board next week, be evaluated by the chief and an outside assessment firm, then be interviewed by the district’s three-member Board of Fire Commissioners, which will make the hire.

WOODSTOCK GROUNDHOG DAYS JANUARY 29 - FEBRUARY 2, 2021 It’s time to party again and again and again in Woodstock, IL at the annual 2021 Woodstock Groundhog Days Festival! The weekend celebration kicks off on Friday, January 29th with the Welcoming of the Groundhog at the historic Woodstock Opera House. On Tuesday, February 2nd, at approximately 7:07 AM, Woodstock Willie makes his prognostication on the charming Woodstock Square. Spend the weekend in Woodstock celebrating the 28th anniversary of Harold Ramis’ classic film, “Groundhog Day”. Enjoy events including free Groundhog Day movie memorabilia and memories at the Woodstock Library, free walking tours of film sites, a Groundhog Day Bags Tournament and more!

REAL TRADITION.

REAL FESTIVE.

NEWS

Court date Jan. 21. ■ Michael D. Richardson, 24, Woodstock, was arrested Dec. 26 in the 500 block of Clay Street on charges of possession of burglary tools, criminal damage to property (three counts), criminal damage to statesupported property, aggravated battery to a peace officer, and aggravated assault to a peace officer. Taken to jail. Bond and court date to be set.

■ Jonathan Juarez, 27, Beloit, Wis., was arrested Dec. 26 at Tryon Street and Lincoln Avenue on charges of no valid driver’s license and expired registration. Released after posting 10 percent of $2,500 bond. Court date Feb. 4. ■ Shawn R. Rainwater, 23, Crystal Lake, was arrested Dec. 29 at Church and Madison streets on charges of no registration light, driving while license suspended, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and possession of cannabis in vehicle by driver. Bond $2,500. Release on personal recognizance. Court date Feb. 5.

Fire deputy chief sought

Jan. 6-12, 2021

Pace Suburban Bus will expand diala-ride services in McHenry County, effective Jan. 1. The dial-a-ride services, previously provided in select cities and townships across the county, will now be offered countywide. The service also will expand hours of operation, making it available from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week. There will be no changes in fares. MCRide will offer seven destination

points outside McHenry County where users are able to start or end their ride. Those destinations are Advocate Good Shepard Hospital; Barrington Metra Station; Randall Oaks Park/Zoo/Golf Course; The Arboretum; Advocate Sherman Hospital; Spring Hill Mall; and Chain O’Lakes State Park. The service is available to anyone regardless of age, ability, trip purpose, or residency, and all MCRide buses are fully wheelchair accessible. The service is funded by Section 5310 federal transit grants administered by the Regional Transportation Authority. For more information, visit mchenrycountydot.org and click on “MCRide.”

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

IN BRIEF

NEWS

Jan. 6-12, 2021

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

OBITUARIES Richard G. Johnson, 88 Richard G. Johnson, 88, passed away peacefully at his home in Woodstock surrounded by his family on Dec. 31, 2020. He was born on Father’s Day June 19, 1932, in Ridgefield, Ill., the son of George and Elsie (Wille) Johnson. He married his beloved wife, Rita Richard G. Roberts, on Nov. Johnson 21, 1953, at St. Thomas church in Crystal Lake. They had just celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary this past November. He graduated from Crystal Lake High School in 1950 and then enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard. where he served for three years in North Carolina. After serving in the military, he returned to Crystal Lake to become owner and operator of Ideal Oil Co., the family business. Richard served on the board of directors of the Illinois Petroleum Marketers Association for several years. He was an active father with his sons’ Cub Scout troops, a Moose member, and for years was fondly referred to as the “Mayor of Ridgefield” by many. In his free time, he enjoyed camping, traveling, hunting, fishing, woodworking, and was an avid golfer. But most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family. Richard is survived by his wife, Rita (Roberts); son, Rick (Anita) Johnson;

Born: August 1936 Died: December 2020 Pat Kledzik died peacefully at Fair Oaks Health Center in Crystal Lake, where she has been a resident for 11 years. Patsy is survived by her only sister, Mary Ann Frazer of Cary, Ill.; her niece, Sarah (Jarek) Piskor of Oakwood Hills; and her nephew, Matthew Quin Frazer of Chicago. She is also survived by her two grandnephews, Aven Quin Piskor of Oakwood Hills and Matthew Gaspar Frazer of Merida, Mexico. She will be missed by her beloved first cousins, Karen Matson of Bartlett, Ill., Tom (Diana) Kledzik of Fort Wayne, Ind., and Ted (Barbara) Kledzik of Plainfield, Ill., and their families. Pat was born in Chicago to Walter and Antoinette Kledzik, but spent most of her life in Woodstock. She suffered from cerebral palsy from birth and her parents were

advised to place her in an institution as the doctors said she would never be able to walk or talk. She did both, exceedingly well. She attended St. Mary’s grade school in Woodstock from first to seventh grade, beloved and supported by her kind and caring classmates there. Pat lived a sheltered life with her family in Woodstock, and after their passing, with her wonderful aunt and uncle, Ted and Martha Kledzik and their family, in Burbank, Ill. Eleven years ago, when her health issues deteriorated, she was accepted at Fair Oaks Health Care in Crystal Lake to be near her sister. There she thrived and enjoyed the excellent care, love, and compassion of its wonderful staff. She took part in many activities, won so many Bingo games that she had no room for the prizes on her dresser, and became the caller out of numbers, as well as a kind of bossy caretaker for any residents she thought needed special attention. Perhaps Wordsworth described her best when writing of his own sister: A violet by a mossy stone, Half hidden from the eye Fair as a star, when only one Is shining in the sky. She lived unknown and few could know When Lucy ceased to be; But she is in her grave, and oh, The difference to me! All services for Patsy will be private. If you wish to send a gift, please donate to Fair Oaks Health Care in Crystal Lake. They are so in need of help for all the extra PPE and supplies needed to manage COVID. For information, contact the Schneider Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, 815-338-1710 or visit slmcfh.com

an abolition referendum was submitted to McHenry Township voters, who ultimately rejected it. A state pilot program approved by the General Assembly allows McHenry County voters to abolish individual township governments by referendum. Algonquin Township voters submitted a petition to put the binding question on the April 6 consolidated election ballot. An objection to the referendum is pending.

While state law requires county government to assume the responsibility of maintaining roads of an abolished township, the county must decide the disposition of township property and other services. The analysis will focus on how dissolution will be implemented should township voters approve it, the release said.If voters approve the referendum in April, Algonquin Township will cease to exist effective Dec. 31, 2021.

daughter, Kim (Dan) Ryan; son-in-law, Greg Bundgard; grandchildren, Camie Johnson, Courtney (Brian) Pramann, Megan Ryan, and Brie Ryan; and great-grandchildren, Lily and Ean Pramann. He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws; sister, Jewel Radloff; daughter, Susan Bundgard; son, Scott Johnson; and grandson, Robin Burton. Due to the pandemic, there will be a private service held for immediate family only. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org For online condolences, visit www.slmcfh.com or call Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home at 815-338-1710 for more information.

Pat Kledzik, 84

IN BRIEF

County preparing plan for township abolition McHenry County is again developing an analysis of its exact responsibilities should voters decide to dissolve a township – in this case, Algonquin Township. According to a news release, the county study, which is expected to be ready by February, will be similar to one developed by staff earlier this year when

Robert (Bob) McKim, 89 Robert (Bob) Phelan McKim passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020, at White Oaks in Huntley, Ill. He was born in Woodstock, Ill., on June 7, 1931, to Claribel Gertrude (Phelan) and George Francis McKim. He served in the Robert Phelan Air Force during the McKim Korean War. Bob married LuVerne Joyce Olson on June 27, 1959, in Woodstock. He worked at Harris Trust & Savings Bank and commuted by train to downtown Chicago until his retirement in 1990. During his retirement years, Bob enjoyed working at Marengo Ridge Golf Club. Bob is survived by a son, Douglas Robert; a daughter, Karin McKim Gerhke (Marshall); granddaughters, Karissa (Nate) and Karah (George); a great-granddaughter, Joan LuVerne; and his dear friend, Shirley. He was preceded in death by his wife, LuVerne, in March 1997; his brother, George (Bud) in March 2013; and his parents, Claribel Gertrude and George Francis McKim. Bob was happy to spend his time golfing, gardening, and watching Cubs and Bears games. He loved a good cocktail and spending the winters in Arizona. Bob was a quiet, kind man who will be dearly missed. The family thanks White Oaks and Kindred Hospice for caring for him during this difficult time. There will be no service at this time. A private celebration of his life will be planned at a future date. Should you desire, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Foundation or Kindred Hospice. Send obituaries to pr@thewoodstockindependent.com. You may also mail them or drop them off at 671 E. Calhoun St., Woodstock, IL 60098. There is a charge for publication of obituaries and photos. For more information, call The Independent at 815-33-8040

Traditional Burials • Cremations • Pre-Planning • Monuments At Saunders Funeral Home & Crematory, we take great pride in caring for our families, and will work tirelessly to provide you with a beautiful, lasting tribute to your loved one. We own and operate our own crematory, so whether you choose a traditional burial or cremation, your loved one never leaves our care. In addition to the services we offer, you will receive an online memorial that you can share with family and friends. While honoring your loved one is our top priority, we also want to help you through this difficult time. We have a wide range of resources to support you not only today, but in the weeks and months to come.

Woodstock • 815-420-3030 • www.saundersfhc.com

Take Advantage of the Hot Market and call to start the listing process today!

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

No one knows the Woodstock market better.

Jan. 6-12, 2021

NEWS

“I’m Selling Homes and Want to Earn your Business!”

JOLENE WHITE

SUBURBAN

Call/Text: 815-687-0329 or visit www.jolenewhite.realtor

OPINION

Jan. 6-12, 2021

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

Opinion

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

Publisher, Co-Owner

Paul Wormley Co-Owner

Woodstock, IL • 1987

After 2020, we can bear about anything in 2021

Football fans in northeastern Illinois must have noticed how similar the year 2020 was to the Chicago Bears’ season. The year started with the economy continuing to gain strength, shaking off the remnants of the Great Recession as the unemployment rate kept declining and the stock market kept climbing. It was the promising beginning of a great year. Likewise, the Bears started their season winning five of their first six games, prompting dreams of a Central Division title and a deep run in the NFL playoffs. But it was all too good to last. When the novel coronavirus arrived in our lives as winter turned to spring, we experienced anything but seasonal renewal. State leaders developed a mitigation plan, including the wearing of masks and an introduction to social distancing, while we had the cleanest hands of our lives, all to prevent the spread of the virus. A shelter-in-place order by the governor causes restaurants and retailers to shut their doors and try to survive on carry-out and

Cheryl Wormley

delivery business As the numbers of new cases eased by late June, restrictions were eased and the weather allowed ever-wary diners to enjoy a restaurant meal outdoors. That was before the climbing rate of infections and deaths from COVID19 led to orders that returned us to limited store capacity and a ban on indoor dining at restaurants. It turned life upside down – again. Same thing happened to the Bears. Their promising start was followed by a six-game losing streak, concluding with a late-game loss to the lowly Detroit Lions, that dashed those dreams of postseason play. But then things changed again – in regard to the virus and the Bears. We found we had gone from happy to hapless to hopeful. Late in the year, development of multiple COVID-19 vaccines – months earlier than expected – offered hope that returning to a semi-normal life was not only possible, but probable in the not-to-distant future. 2021 was looking better.

We don’t have ‘341 Mike formation on two.’ This is a breakfast restaurant, Coach Nagy.

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

Cheryl Wormley Larry Lough Sandy Kucharski Ken Farver

How about I get you some waffles with whipped cream and strawberries?

EDITORIAL CARTOON BY JIM MANSFIELD

And late in the season, the Bears found ... whatever it was that had been missing, leading to three consecutive victories that put them back into the playoffs conversation. All they had to do this past Sunday was to beat their primary rivals, the Green Bay Packers, in the final game of the regular season.

That’s all. Well, as Bears fans know, they lost. 35-16. Yet, still they made the playoffs when the Arizona Cardinals lost their final game of the season. Let’s hope 2021 holds such good fortune for the rest of us.

» GUEST COLUMN

Words, actions can provide hope that we need Hope to see you again. Hope you’re feeling better. Hope you find your lost dog. Hope you pass your final exam. And on and on, the expressions of hope continue. But, why do we hope? In our endeavors, in our dreams, and in many of life’s twists and turns, we look for hope. Some people describe hope as the “confident expectation of a positive outcome of unseen future events.” Perhaps a positive mindset, as we humans journey through daily tasks: some mundane, some enlightening, some tearful, and some joyful. But alas, there are those among us that may struggle with finding hope. A void that disables one’s ability to grabhold of something better, brighter, less severe, less despairing.

You may have come across some people who have little or even no hope at all. We need not look far throughout this vast world, but merely within our own communities, Ken neighborhoods, or Stoklosa even our homes. Guest Columnist So, what does one do? What does one say, if anything? My years have taught me to take the initiative in those fleeting moments, perhaps to start with a smile, or a simple greeting. Maybe, even going to the aid of a person in peril, or visiting a nursing home or perhaps even a

prison. A moment in time to step out of your comfort-zone and help another human being. Your action may be just what that person needed at that appointed time in history. On a more personal level, a recent experience will underscore this reality. One day, a mother of three children came into the food pantry seeking food for her family. Having traveled quite far, she was unaware the food pantry was closed that day. So, with a sad but composed look, she turned to leave with nothing but an updated food pantry schedule. Suddenly, as if on cue, there arose a spontaneous reaction from volunteers present to gather her food before she left that day.

After we helped her load the food into her car, she turned to me and said, “God bless you all.” For us volunteers, we were simply answering a request for help. But then again, I would rather like to think we enabled that “hoped-for positive outcome” to be fulfilled. So, the next time fate places you into that one special moment in time where you see someone in need, for whatever reason, offer to help and give that person a reason to hold on to their hope. After all, looking back on 2020, we Americans could all use a little hope for 2021. Kenneth Stoklosa is a retired banker who has lived in Woodstock since 1989.

When the song of the angels is stilled, When the star in the sky is gone, When kings and princes are home, When the shepherds are back with their flocks …

» YOUR VIEW

Give military credit in fight against COVID-19 I enjoyed reading [Cheryl Wormley’s] weekly column [Declarations, Dec. 30]. I am surprised that she did not mention the U.S. military in her expressions of gratitude for all who put their lives on the line to help others. Our military not only provided doctors and nurses, but built field hospitals on short notice in several cities and supplied two medical ships completely staffed to help during this pandemic. Glynn Bradley Woodstock

Email letters to the editor to news@thewoodstockindependent.com or mail them or drop them off at 671 E. Calhoun St., Woodstock IL 60098. Letters must be signed and include the writer’s address and phone number, for verification only.

Finding the lost, healing the broken, feeding the hungry, releasing the prisoner, rebuilding the nations, and bringing peace among the people. Oh, my, where to begin? I believe it all starts with making music in our hearts. A music-filled heart is a happy heart. When is your heart happy? Mine is happy when I am being kind to other people. Is the same true for you? It’s easy to be kind. And kindness begets kindness. I’m reminded of a commercial a few years ago of one act of kindness resulting in another, and another, and another. There was music in the heart of everyone who took a few seconds to open the door for another person, pick up a dropped item, offer a smile, let

someone in line … and on and on. One night, some years ago, while eating at a restaurant with our son Paul and daughter-in-law Rose, I noticed she took special note of our server’s name. Every time Rose spoke to the server, she used the person’s name. As the server handed us the check, Rose thanked her by name. There was music in Rose’s heart, then in the heart of the server, and in our hearts, too. Our granddaughter Cameron likes to create art with words. Several years ago, she made a sign with the words “Stay Humble, Work Hard, Be Kind.” Cameron exudes kindness, and there is music in her heart. The sign hangs in our dining room, and each time I look at it, my heart sings and I am reminded of the power of kindness. With kindness making music in our hearts, we can and we must commit ourselves to the work of Christmas: to find the lost, heal the broken, feed the hungry, release the prisoner, rebuild the nations, and bring peace among the people. The work of Christmas begins. Cheryl Wormley is publisher of The Woodstock Independent. Her email address is c.wormley@thewoodstockindependent.com.

CONTACT LOCALLY ELECTED OFFICIALS U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood Woodstock District Office 666 Russel Court, Suite 309 Woodstock, IL 60098 Woodstock office: 815-527-9533 State Rep. Steve Reick District Office 1072 Lake Ave. Woodstock, IL 60098 815-880-5340 State Sen. Craig Wilcox District Office 5400 W. Elm St., Suite 103 McHenry, IL 60050 815-455-6330

McHenry County Board Chairman Michael Buehler 1630 Quail Way Crystal Lake, IL 60014 815-334-4224 mjbuehler@co.mchenry.il.us Woodstock Mayor Brian Sager 121 W. Calhoun St. Woodstock, IL 60098 815-338-4302 mayor@woodstockil.gov Dorr Township Supervisor Susan Brokaw 1039 Lake Ave. Woodstock, IL 60098 815-338-0125 supervisor@dorrtownship.com

» FIRST AMENDMENT “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”

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OPINION

The Work of Christmas Begins ...

The work of Christmas begins: To find the lost, To heal the broken, To feed the hungry, To release the prisoner, Cheryl To rebuild the Wormley nations, Declarations To bring peace among the people, To make music in the heart.

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

Jan. 6-12, 2021

This column is all about keeping my word. Back on Dec. 9, I shared The Rev. Howard Thurman’s poem “I will light candles this Christmas.” That went well, because several of you wrote, texted, or emailed that you included it in your Christmas cards, had it printed in your church bulletin, or shared it with friends and family. The candles that were lit this Christmas at the Wormley house are now mere wax blobs of their original selves. But, oh, how they brightened our home and reminded us of the need for joy, hope, courage, peace, grace, and love in our lives and in the world. I promised in that second column in December to share with you another of Rev. Thurman’s poems, “The work of Christmas begins” sometime “later in the month.” Well, that month is now gone, and I apologize for the delay in sharing the poem as I had promised. That said, the poem is especially relevant today, the 12th day of Christmas – Epiphany. In fact, its message is good all year long.

Woodstock

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‘The work of Christmas begins’

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RUIZ

Sulema Ruiz is a sophomore at Woodstock High School. She is the daughter of Alejandra Hernandez and Hector Ruiz, Woodstock. “Sulema always reaches out when needed, actively participates in class, is kind to her teacher and peers, puts in 100% effort and in turn yields impressive results academically, and is a great leader,”said one of her teachers. Sulema has been on honor roll during her freshman and sophomore years. She is a member of LUCHA and head of community service. When asked who inspires her, Sulema said, “My best friend of seven years, Melany Cervantes, is someone who inspires me because she has been there for me through my worst times and my best times. Melany has always kept me motivated to do my best in school and in life.” When asked what makes her feel successful, Sulema said, “I feel as if I am successful because I have maintained a 4.0 GPA for most of my academic years. I sometimes help my parents out in their local/family restaurant Fastacos, and I am head of community service as a sophomore. Last but not least, I also try to clean my house while my family is at work.” SPONSORED BY

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The Boppart family goes sledding in Hartland Township in 1954. From left: Eugene (age 13), Marilyn (age 12), Phyllis (age 9), and Betty Lou (age 7). Their oldest brother, Loren, not pictured, is pulling his siblings on the sled he built.

The McHenry County Historical Society & Museum is offering free activity kits for third- through fifth-graders. The range of topics include pioneer, trains, and quilts. To get your kit, email Karolina Kowalczyk, MCHS volunteer and outreach coordinator, at karolina@mchenrycountyhistory.org.

Don Peasley Photo Collection, McHenry County Historical Society

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Lane will represent chorus on tenor. He began in choir while at Creekside Middle School and is now in Madrigal Singers, jazz choir, and varsity choir as junior. H`e also enjoys playing guitar and piano. “Ethan is witty, creative, hard-working, and passionate about choir and music in general,” Jozwiak said. “I am

proud of his achievement of making it to All-State.” Matthies, who has been in the district’s orchestra program for nine years, will represent orchestra on the double bass. “Ian worked so hard to make it into the district orchestra for the second year,” Bastian said. “This year he

81 inducted into National Honor Society Eighty-one students have recently been inducted into National Honor Society chapters at Woodstock and Woodstock North high schools. Students selected must demonstrate qualities of leadership, character, and service and be chosen by a board of faculty members. In Woodstock School District 200 chapters, students are also required to earn a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or higher. Jillian Barry and Patti Baltes, teachers and NHS advisers at Woodstock North, said they were amazed at the resilience of this year’s inductees despite the COVID-19 pandemic. “The foundation of NHS is built upon four pillars which include character, leadership, scholarship, and service,” Baltes said. “This year has

presented unprecedented challenges, yet our members have used their creativity, enthusiasm, and leadership to make a difference in both our school and the community. Similarly, Woodstock High School teachers and NHS advisers Lyndra Bastian and Rich Stiles remarked on how students have had to use ingenuity in their 2020 approaches to service. “The NHS students have really impressed us this year,” Bastian said. “They have stepped up to better our community in a time when things are difficult for everyone. Members are tutoring district students through Google Meets, writing cards for nursing home residents, donating clothing and food to locals in need, and volunteering in ways they feel comfortable

and safe.” The 2020 National Honor Society inductees are: WNHS: Allison Fansler, Jason Packard, Alexis Rogganbuck, Jayne Strang, Zach Wollerman, Jacob Baun, John Bigler, Zachary Blalock, Avery Crabill, Karla Cruz, Faith Eddy, Madeleine Fogarty, Jessica Forester, Billy Nolan, Marko Ortiz, Michael Rank, Mackenzie Rogers, Kaylee Smith, Anika Treadway, Eunice Vargas, Rieley Walsh, Katelynn Ward, and Sherry Yang. WHS: Brad Arnold, Audrey Baker, Larissa Beckman, Sara Berkebile, Kaeden Bogott, Vivian Broughton, Elena Bychowski, Cielo Cervantes, Benjamin Chapman, Sarah Colby, Evan Crenshaw, Marren Dougherty, Ireland Dunnett, Ethan Ewart, Marcos

Fernandez, Amelia Ferrarini, Kelly Fischbach, Caroline Fuller, Jon Cian Gross, Isabelle Halsall, Haley Halsall, Susan Hansen, Mac Heelein, Max Hodory, Alexander Iversen, Grace Karner, Matt Keyzer, Hunter Lisowski, Gavin Loiselle, Timothy Maidment, Kayla Martinez, Jake Murray, Evan Neuhart, Jack Novelle, Elizabeth Pape, Melisa Paredes, Jay Patel, Ava Primus, Sophia Raymond, Karyme Rodriguez, James Roush, Kyle Santos, Beth Sardelli, Caleb Sciame, Clark Shulfer, Chase Simonton, Miranda Stumpff, Abigail Swan, Kaia Sweet, Nicole VandeWalker, Jazmin Vazquez, Hailey Virella, Alex Walrod, Samantha Walsdorf, Abigail Weber, Alexander Wickersheim, Jose L Paredes, and Maddie Wienke.

SCHOOLS

COURTESY PHOTOS

IMEA All-State musicians are Ian Matthies (left), Ethan Lane, and Haley Chellberg.

Jan. 6-12, 2021

The Woodstock High School band, orchestra, and choral groups each had a student named to the 2021 Illinois Music Educators Association AllState Student Programs. Three students are moving on to All-State participation – Ethan Lane, Ian Matthies and Haley Chellberg – after many students participated via virtual auditions through the process of district and regional festivals. According to directors Lyndra Bastian (orchestra), Rich Stiles (band), and Brian Jozwiak (choral), District 7 is one of the most competitive districts in the state. Overall, 6,000 high school students auditioned, 4,700 students were selected for district festivals, and 1,500 students have been named into the 2021 ILMEA All-State Student Programs. That number includes musicians who applied for and were accepted into the Future Music Educators Seminar for those interested in pursuing careers as music educators. “A student has been selected to sing in the All-State Choir from WHS for each of the past 30 years, continuing a tradition that began under the direction of Paul Rausch,” Jozwiak said.

really wanted to make it into All-State Orchestra. He and I were both shaking out of excitement – I couldn’t be more proud of him!” Chellberg will participate in the Future Music Educators Seminar, the highest honor awarded to a high school music student. She has focused on the French horn from her start in fifth grade to her senior year. She is also an accomplished vocalist who has been to ILMEA District 7 for vocal performance in prior years. “Only two students from each of the nine districts in the state are selected to attend the Future Music Educators Seminar,” Stiles said. “This makes Haley’s accomplishment more amazing and is an outstanding opportunity for any student going into music education.” Conducting rehearsals for all students was a challenge during this pandemic year. The directors met with them virtually, in-person distancing either in the band room or outside, and used Google Meets when possible. “Brian, Rich, and I are excited to each have a student that made ILMEA state this year,” Bastian said. “With the pandemic, the hope is that all-state festivities can take place in May.”

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

WHS boasts all-state student musicians

Pet Week

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

“Jackie”

3-year-old female

Jan. 6-12, 2021

Meet Jackie! This gorgeous girl is a large mixed breed. Jackie is fun, spunky, and full of life! She loves running around in the yard with her zoomies, going on her daily walks, and getting lots of neck scratches. Her energy would thrive in an active household, and her happy and goofy spirit would make for the perfect adventure buddy! If you are interested in making Jackie a part of your family, contact Helping Paws Animal Shelter to stop by for a visit!

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Pam Burmeister and Shannon Bailey at Hattie & Myrt on the Square are “masked up” to help in preventing the spread of the coronavirus. The Independent wants you to join your neighbors by sending in a photo of members of your family, club, office, or other group wearing your masks. Please email it to woodstock4all@thewoodstockindependent.com. We’re all in this together, Woodstock.

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ARTS & ENTERTANMENT

Here is a glimpse of 2020 as seen through the editorial eye of local artist Luke Goins, who has been a regular contributor of cartoons to The Independent’s Opinion pages for about three years. Of course, issues and events of the past year were greatly influenced by the novel coronavirus, as were most of Luke’s cartoons. Although he often tailors his work to the topic of the weekly editorial, the drawings stand on their own.

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

Drawing on experience of 2020

Jan. 6-12, 2021

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

Business

‘This is a movement’

Food cooperative buys land for store to market local farmers’ products

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By Larry Lough

LARRY@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Think of it as a “farmers market with the convenience of a grocery store.” That’s how Scott Brix describes the Food Shed Co-op’s plan to build a food store at the northwest corner of of U.S. 14 and Lake Shore Drive on Woodstock’s east side. “We grow lots of food in McHenry County,” said Brix, co-op vice president, “but we don’t have access to it.” Small, specialty farmers often sell their products elsewhere, including co-ops in Chicago, Brix said. The Food Shed Co-op and its more than 760 members plan to change that, giving small local farms a store with regular hours to sell their products. The co-op, which started in 2014, announced last month it had bought land across from ShadowView Brewing where it hopes to break ground for the building in the spring of 2022. “The Food Shed Co-op proudly joins the growing number of community-owned grocers across the country focused on empowering their communities to make healthy food

choices for themselves and the environment,” the co-op announced in a news release. “The new store, offering local, organic, and healthy food options, will be open to the general public, but will provide significant benefits to co-op owners.”

Support for local farmers

Brix, a Marengo resident, said several such stores are in Chicago and northern Illinois, but none in McHenry County. He said the local co-op draws customers from Woodstock and Crystal Lake, so the store’s location will be convenient to both. The Scandinavian ethic of community in the upper Midwest has made Wisconsin and Minnesota “the co-op capital of the universe,” he said. Having such a store in Woodstock will “increase food security in the county,” he said, and be part of what he called “a restorative economy.” “The Food Shed aims to advocate for local farmers and artisans, support the local economy by circulating dollars within the immediate community, and benefit the environment by lessening their carbon footprint,” the news release said. “By choosing to support local and sustainable food businesses, co-op member-owners and shoppers will help build a stronger, more resilient local food system.” Brix explained the pandemic demonstrated the need for local food stores, which had to raise prices when the health crisis led to a global breakdown of the food chain. “This is a movement, not just us in McHenry County,” he said, “to take control of the food chain from corporations.”

MAP PROVIDED BY FOOD SHED CO-OP

This shows the proposed location of a Food Shed Co-op grocery store along Lake Shore Drive on the north side of U.S. 14.

Grow, fund, build

While the co-op’s website reported last week it had 764 owner-members, Brix said the building plan – “grow, fund, build” – had a goal of 1,200 by July, drawing from McHenry County and surrounding communities. People may became members for $200 – a payment plan is available – at foodshed.coop, the co-op’s website. Brix said the co-op had been “thrilled by the response” of its announcement. After an increase in membership will come financing in early fall, offering equity shares for member-owners and preferred stock for outside investors. Brix said the co-op would need about $3 million to build, hire a general manager and staff, and operate

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS Transactions filed in the McHenry County Recorder’s Office Oct. 8 to 19.

Presented by: Kim Keefe REALTOR® 110 1/2 N Benton St, Woodstock, IL 60098 815-333-0014 • 815.790.4852 (call or text) Kim@TeamOpenDoors.com

■ Residence at 9020 Robin Hill Drive, Woodstock, was sold by The Ann M, Kummerow Trust, Crystal Lake, to Brian Michael Freese, Woodstock, for $260,000. ■ Residence at 604 N. Rose Farm Road, Woodstock, was sold by James F. March, Baraboo, Wis., to Brian Berrettini, Woodstock, for $365,000.

■ Residence at 114 Schryver Ave., Woodstock, was sold by Edwin J. Sass Revocable Trust, Woodstock, to Rebekah Sass, Woodstock, for $80,000. ■ Residence at 13013 Pleasant Valley Road, Woodstock, was sold by Harvey A. Berninger, Woodstock, to Bill J. Kelley, Woodstock, for $294,000. ■ Residence at 1958 Joseph St., Woodstock, was sold by Constance Mittman, Muscatine, Iowa, to Brix and Stix Real Estate LLC, Naperville, for $105,000.

for the first year. If all goes according to that plan, he said, the building phase will begin next spring. That co-op store will give Woodstock two new grocery stores. Aldi has announced plans to build a new store on Lake Avenue, across from Walmart, that will be about 25 percent bigger than its present store on Route 47 just south of Country Club Road. The co-op’s announcement reported collaboration was already underway with the new Center for Agrarian Learning at McHenry County College as well as other programs. For more information, visit the website or email info@foodshed.coop.

■ Residence at 1007 Tappan St., Woodstock, was sold by Artistic Artistry, Inc., Wonder Lake, to Lance A. Grove, Woodstock, for $157,000. ■ Residence at 8804 Alden Road, Wonder Lake, was sold by Douglas S. Cicero, Mount Prospect, to Geoffrey T. Lee, Wonder Lake, for $190,000. ■ Residence at 800 Winslow Ave., Woodstock, was sold by Ray Jakubowicz, Woodstock, to Kathy Alvins, Woodstock, for $302,500.

Community

By Susan W. Murray

NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

On Oct. 5, Julia Kranenburg walked through the doors of Chicago’s Swedish Covenant Hospital as a newly hired operating room nurse. The 2016 Marian Central graduate said she had always liked science and “had the thought” of becoming a nurse in grade school, which turned into “a firm goal” in high school. “My parents taught me to take care of the people around me,” said Kranenburg, the fourth of nine children of Woodstock residents David and Gina Kranenburg. The COVID-19 pandemic complicated the past two months of her nurses’ training at George Williams College of Aurora University. All nursing classes went virtual, including clinicals, the in-person work with patients under the supervision of a facility’s nursing staff. Kranenburg, though, sees the positive in adversity. “We had to adapt to overcome,” she said of her fellow nursing students. “I actually think it improved our flexibility.”

First dose administered

As a circulating nurse, Kranenburg equips and supplies the operating room, interviews patients and goes through paperwork with them during pre-op, and is charged with retrieving additional supplies if needed during surgery. Her role with surgical patients puts Kranenburg in the first tier of Swedish Hospital’s employees who were eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved it for emergency use against COVID-19 on Dec. 11. “It felt a little unreal that it was happening after talking for so long about it,” Kranenburg said.

“It felt a littel unreal that it was happening after talking for so long about it.”

- Julia Kraneburg, nurse

COURTESY PHOTO

Julia Kranenburg, a 2016 Marian Central graduate, works as an operating room nurse at Swedish Hospital in Chicago. Kranenburg received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on Dec. 18. She was one of 190 Swedish Hospital employees who received the first dose of the vaccine on Dec. 18. Hospital staffers administered more than 350 vaccines the following Monday, accounting for over half of the first shipment of 975 doses that the hospital received. Three weeks after their first inoculation, 975 of the hospital’s more than 2,500 employees will each receive their second and final dose.

‘Like a flu shot’

As the end of the year approached, “we knew the vaccine was coming,”

said Kathy Donofrio, chief nursing officer at Swedish Hospital. Even with the imminence of the vaccine, questions remained, including the date of its arrival and the number of doses the hospital would receive. To address all contingencies, Donofrio and other staff members, following recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control, created a five-tier system, prioritizing frontline workers who consistently cared for COVID patients, patients who were on ventilators, and/or patients who needed oxygen. Those in the

After responding in the negative to all questions, Kranenburg received the shot. She was told to wait in the auditorium for 15 minutes in case of an immediate reaction. With observations and data from more than 1 million shots given nationally by Dec. 22, “only three people reported immediate side effects that were quickly resolved,” said Bill Ligas, director of corporate communication at Swedish Hospital. Kranenburg said the only side effect she experienced was injection site pain through the next day – “like a flu shot.” Kranenburg said that the hospital reminded each person who received the vaccine that they had not completed the two-part series and did not yet have the 95 percent level of immunity that Pfizer reported in its trials. Wearing masks and keeping social distance are still the order of the day. “The vaccine is going to better protect us from getting sick,” Kranenburg said, “but you still have to take the same precautions.”

Hope and excitement

As part of Swedish Hospital’s process, the planning team surveyed employees about whether they See VACCINE Page 14

COMMUNITY

lower tiers had less or no contact with those patients. Kranenburg said the process of getting the vaccine was simple. Having filled out her registration online, she reported to a conference room and took a seat at an empty station, a nurse asked several health screening questions: Was she pregnant or breastfeeding? Had she ever had a severe allergic reaction to a shot? Did she have any allergies? Had she tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 90 days?

Jan. 6-12, 2021

Marian grad among first local healthcare workers to receive COVID-19 vaccine

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

Shot in the arm arm against the virus

VACCINE

Continued from Page 13

wanted to be vaccinated. Donofrio said 42 percent wanted the vaccine immediately, 23 percent within the first month or two of availability, 28 percent after many months or a year, and 6 percent said “never.” Some, Donofrio said, have had COVID and wanted to let other

employees who have avoided the illness go first. Others, she said, are naturally cautious or are hesitant because of the speed at which the COVID-19 vaccine took to develop – one year versus other vaccines that typically take several years to a decade from the time research starts in a lab to being ready to market. The difference, Donofrio said, is that the COVID-19 research is

Jan. 6-12, 2021

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

government-funded, rather than corporation-funded. “When the studies said the vaccine was safe and effective, it could be produced immediately,” Donofrio said. “There’s no reason to believe that the vaccine is not safe.” As the chief nursing officer at a major Chicago hospital, Donofrio has seen COVID-19’s toll firsthand. “There are young patients we have

treated who, we believe, would still be here if it weren’t for this virus,” she said. Kranenburg said that the news she could receive the vaccine was “very hopeful, very exciting.” “The science is backing the vaccine,” Kranenburg said. “We trust science and healthcare workers in other areas; the vaccine is another important thing we trust them about.”

Voices of Swedish Hospital

COMMUNITY

Several members of Swedish Hospital’s staff shared their reflections on the importance of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

edish Jona Sorrisso of the Swpartment De cy en Hospital Emerg that indishows off the sticker ccinated. va cates she has been

Christopher Mur illo gency room tech , emerni Swedish Hospita cian at l Emergency Department, gets to cover the spot a bandage were he was vaccon his arm inated.

Alicia Juska, PharmD, BCPS, Director of Pharmacy Services –

“As a pharmacist, I have reviewed

the COVID-19 vaccine FDA authorization (EAU) information and Pfizer study data available for efficacy and safety to help make my decision to get the vaccine. It is highly effective and gives us the first great tool to help stop this pandemic. I urge everyone in our community to get the vaccine as soon as it’s available. It not only protects you but helps protect your family and friends, including the elderly, sick, and vulnerable you may see. Our hospital cares for many diverse minority patients, who may be essential workers, and therefore have been very hard hit by COVID-19. The vaccine is our best defense against this virus.”

COURTESY PHOTOS

Swedish Hospital physicians, nurses, and other staffers give a thumbs up last week after receiving their COVID-19 vaccines on the Dr. Eric Gluck, ICU Physician – first day of distribution to front line staff at the hospital.

Dr. Tatiana Batista –

“As a physician, I am getting the vaccine because I believe it is the right thing to do. We have been developing vaccines for hundreds of years to eradicate disease. I also have asthma and have a child with asthma. Getting as many people vaccinated will be the best chance we have to stop this . . . virus that has been taking so many lives and overwhelming our medical community, including the Latinx community.”

Sherrie Sherod-Benjamin, Nurse Manager –

“I am planning to take the vaccine as soon as I’m scheduled to because I feel it’s very important to help gain some control over this deadly disease. It’s a critical step we can take to protect ourselves, our families, and patients so we can get back to some semblance of our normal lives. I strongly encourage all members of my community to get the vaccine as soon as it’s available to the public.”

“As a front-line clinician, I have been forced to limit my patient exposures in the Intensive Care Unit because of my age and health issues. Taking the vaccine will allow me to rejoin the ICU team in an uncompromised manner. It will allow me to be more responsive to the needs of my patients and will help protect my family. As an evidencedriven physician, I have read the information regarding the safety and efficacy of the vaccine and have determined that it is a safe and effective treatment.”

IN BRIEF

Recycle your holiday trees for good of environment

Your can drop them off or have them picked up. Woodstock residents have options for recycling their Christmas trees to have them mulched and to keep them

I SHOULD PROBABLY GET A RIDE HOME. BUZZED DRIVING IS DRUNK DRIVING

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER

James Lejeune shovels the sidewalk in the Sonatas on New Year’s Day after the Woodstock area was hit by snow and ice to start off 2021. out of landfills. Through Jan. 15, trees may be dropped off at two area locations: n Rush Creek, 20501 McGuire Road, Harvard (at Twin Oaks parking area – west of pond) n Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood (off Harts Road parking lot) And Woodstock’s Department of Public Works will begin curbside collection for mulching from Jan. 4 through

29. Residents must have their trees in the parkway (between the sidewalk and street) by 7 a.m. on their regularly scheduled trash day to ensure collection. All ornaments, tinsel, lights, decorations, nails, bags. and stands must be removed before being dropped off or picked up. Branches, wreaths, roping and other greens will not be collected. For more information on collection, call 815-338-6118 or email pwdept@woodstockil.gov.

START YOUR

NEW YEAR WITH

NEW FLOORS!

Hours: Mon-Thurs 10-6, Fri 10-5, Sat 10-4 Sundays by appointment only Contractors Welcome! 2020 S. Eastwood Drive (Rt. 47) Woodstock, IL 815-334-5985

*based on credit approval

COMMUNITY

Holiday lights can be recycled at several places in Woodstock since they are not allowed in curbside recycling bins. Light strands create a tangling hazard at recycling centers, causing machine breakdowns and potential worker safety hazards. According to a news release from the McHenry County Health Department, the city of Woodstock will accept holiday lights during normal business hours until Feb. 12 at these locations: n City Hall, 121 W. Calhoun St. n Woodstock Police Department, 656 Lake Ave. n Woodstock Public Library – 414 W. Judd St. n Public Works – 326 Washington St. n Woodstock Recreation Center – 820 Lake Ave. For more information, call City Hall at 815-338-4300.

Jan. 6-12, 2021

The McHenry County Department of Health will be accepting single-use alkaline batteries for recycling until Jan. 29 at its Woodstock location. Battery sizes AA, AAA, C, D and 9-volt from residential sources will be accepted at no cost to residents. Only singleuse, non-rechargeable batteries will be accepted during this event. Batteries may be dropped off from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Division of Environmental Health office, 667 Ware Road, Suite 110, in Woodstock. In past years, batteries were accepted at other health department offices, but that was changed this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. MCDH is unable to accept other types of recyclable materials or waste for this recycling program. To recycle other types of batteries, review the McHenry County Green Guide for a list of recycling locations (fees may apply). The department reported it recycled about 1,800 pounds of alkaline batteries throughout 2020. For more information, visit bit.ly/MCDHsolidwaste or call 815-334-4585.

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

Five sites in Woodstock to Household batteries may be recycle holiday lights recycled through Jan. 29

Jan. 6-12, 2021

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

Happenings

•••PLEASE CHECK WITH SPONSORS OR VENUES ABOUT CANCELLATIONS OR POSTPONEMENTS OF EVENTS•••

calendar

6 WEDNESDAY

WOODSTOCK WEDNESDAY Singer-songwriter Connie Kaldor 7 p.m. woodstockfolkfestival.org

7 THURSDAY COMMUNITY

RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY

New Directions Retreat 14411 Kishwaukee Valley Road Noon

11 MONDAY PRIDE MEETING

21 THURSDAY

McHenry County Workforce Network 10 to 11 a.m. Find the link to register at https:// www.mchenrycountyil.gov/countygovernment/departments-j-z/ workforce-network

Woodstock Public Library 414 W. Judd St. 7 to 8 p.m. woodstockpubliclibrary.org

MICROSOFT POWERPOINT COMPUTER CLASS

16 SATURDAY

WINTER MARKET AT THE FAIRGROUNDS McHenry County Fairgrounds Building D 11900 Country Club Road 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. woodstockfarmersmarket.org

18 TUESDAY

Woodstock Chamber of Commerce 127 E. Calhoun St. 6 p.m.

MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY No school District 200

12 TUESDAY

DISTRICT 200 SCHOOL BOARD OF EDUCATION 7 p.m. Live-stream woodstockschools.org

13 WEDNESDAY

WOODSTOCK WEDNESDAY Bill Camplin 7 p.m. woodstockfolkfestival.org

15 FRIDAY

19 TUESDAY

MURDER & MAYHEM BOOK CLUB

26 TUESDAY

DISTRICT 200 SCHOOL BOARD OF EDUCATION 7 p.m. Live-stream woodstockschools.org

28 THURSDAY

20 WEDNESDAY

WOODSTOCK WEDNESDAY John Flynn 7 p.m. woodstockfolkfestival.org

121 W. Van Buren 6 p.m. woodstockgroundhog.org

GROUNDHOG TRIVIA

Woodstock Opera House 121 W. Van Buren 6:30 p.m. woodstockgroundhog.org

30 SATURDAY

WINTER MARKET AT THE FAIRGROUNDS McHenry County Fairgrounds Building D 11900 Country Club Road 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. woodstockfarmersmarket.org

Tour will end at the Cherry Tree Inn woodstockgroundhog.org

2 TUESDAY GROUNDHOG PROGNOSTICATION

Woodstock Square 7 a.m. woodstockgroundhog.org

GROUNDHOG MOVIE DISPLAY

Woodstock Public Library 414 W. Judd St. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. woodstockgroundhog.org

WALKING TOUR OF FILMING SITES

WOODSTOCK FIRE/ RESCUE DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING

GROUNDHOG DAY BAGS TOURNAMENT

7 p.m. wfrd.org

Ortmann’s Red Iron Tavern 101 E. Church St. Noon woodstockgroundhog.org

29 FRIDAY

GROUNDHOG DAY BINGO

WOODSTOCK CITY COUNCIL

FEBRUARY

6 SATURDAY

MICROSOFT WORD WOODSTOCK CITY COUNCIL COMPUTER CLASS 7 p.m. Onlline woodstockil.gov

To submit calendar items, email pr@thewoodstockindependent.com

McHenry County Workforce Network 10 to 11 a.m. Find the link to register at https:// www.mchenrycountyil.gov/countygovernment/departments-j-z/ workforce-network

WELCOMING OF THE GROUNDHOG Woodstock Opera House

Woodstock Moose Lodge #1329 406 Clay St. 5:30 p.m. woodstockgroundhog.org

1 MONDAY

WALKING TOUR OF FILMING SITES Meet at Moose Lodge 406 Clay St. 1:30 p.m.

Meet at Woodstock Opera House 121 Van Buren St. Noon Tour will end a Cherry Tree Inn woodstockgroundhog.org

7 p.m. Onlline woodstockil.gov

WINTER MARKET AT THE FAIRGROUNDS McHenry County Fairgrounds Building D 11900 Country Club Road 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. woodstockfarmersmarket.org

We Are Woodstock!

Your news, your business, your community

KNow what’s happening

IN WOODSTOCK EVERY WEEK! serving Woodstock for 32 years

Resurrection Catholic Church

2918 South Country Club Road Woodstock, IL 60098

We welcome all to join us at our Mass times: Saturday at 5:00 pm & Sunday at 8:00 am and 10:30 am.

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

■ The Woodstock School District 200 Board of Education voted to place two referendums before voters in February. A $37.4 million referendum would fund construction of new facilities and additions to existing facilities. The second referendum asked for funding to maintain the facilities. If both were approved, property taxes on a $100,000 home would increase $122 a year.

25 years ago – 1996

■ Helen Hogan Wright was surprised by friends who helped her celebrate her 90th birthday at the Tavern on the Square. She was credited with setting up Woodstock’s first Red Cross blood drive and being active in the Woodstock Fine Arts Association and Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.

20 years ago – 2001

■ The Woodstock High School Madrigal Singers and Jazz Choir made their annual holiday appearances on WGN radio.

15 years ago – 2006

■ For the second straight year, Marian

Central Catholic High School was ranked as one of the top 50 Catholic high schools in the nation by the Study of Religion and Liberty, Grand Rapids, Mich. ■ Woodstock City Council members and city staff used “electronic notebooks” for the first time at a regular council meeting. The data-keeping system eliminated the need for paper copies of reports and proposed actions.

Karwendel Mountain in Mittenwald, Germany; Rebecca Friedel to Machu Picchu, Peru; Mercedes Jamka to visit Queen Hatsupshut’s temple in Egypt; Bill and Dee Morris and Jan and Phil Parker to Omaha Beach in Normandy, France; and WHS ’04 graduates Katie DeVogelaere and Anna Lightcap to Atsuta Shrine, Nagoya, Japan.

10 years ago – 2011

■ After about seven years of falling and stagnant prices combined with an overall housing sales slump filled with foreclosures and shorts sales, the Woodstock housing market saw a resurgence in 2015. “Home sales in Woodstock ZIP code 60098 jumped more than 20 percent to 375 compared to 301 single-family homes sold the year before,” said Rick Bellairs, an agent with Berkshire Hathaway Stark Real Estate, Woodstock. The average sale price was $217, 905 compared to $199,597 in 2014. ■ Grace Lutheran Church presented $7,500 checks to Turning Point of McHenry County, Direct Assistance Program, and the Woodstock Wednesday night PADS homeless outreach. The money was raised during

■ O’Riley, a terrier and Rhodesian ridgeback dog, was found by a resident in Woodstock. Based on the dog’s microchip, it was determined the dog had gone missing two years prior from his home in Springfield, more than 200 miles away. His owners, the Fowler family, had no idea what happened to him after he went missing from their backyard. They eagerly reclaimed the approximately 6-year-old dog from McHenry County Animal Control. Debra Quackenbush, information coordinator at the McHenry County Department of Health, said of O’Riley, “Talk about the luck of the Irish.” ■ The Independent went on vacations with Beth and Mark Miller to

5 years ago – 2016

the church’s annual Mistletoe Magic Boutique. ■ The Independent highlighted the top sports accomplishments in 2015, including Marian Central’s girls volleyball team winning the IHSA Class 3A state championship; Marian’s Adam Pischke and Woodstock North’s Josh Jandron each hitting the 1,000point mark in boys basketball; and the induction of former Hurricanes and Blue Streaks football coach Ed Brucker into the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

1 year ago – 2020

■ The City Council discussed keeping the city pool financially afloat in the face of rising labor costs because of two minimum-wage increases scheduled for 2020. Minimum wage, which was $8.25 an hour, would increase to $10 on July 1. ■ For the first time in more than 20 years, Woodstock had no Colemans Tavern & Grill. Owner Barry Coleman closed the restaurant with an impromptu party Dec. 30. Coleman said the lease on the building was expiring, and he didn’t want to commit to another five or 10 years.

Your ad could sponsor this Flashbacks section! The

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30 years ago – 1990

Jan. 6-12, 2021

INDEPENDENT FILE PHOTO BY BILL DEAN

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

JAN. 2, 1991 – Woodstock High School’s 200-medley relay team of (from left) Matt Bowers, Eric Huebsch, Shane Burke, and Jason Magnani broke its own record. The team had lowered the school record time twice since the start of the boys swim season. Bowers and Burke added individual school records: Bowers in the 100 breaststroke and Burke in the 100 back.

Deadline: NOON Thursday for next week’s issue

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Jan. 6-12, 2021

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Jan. 6-12, 2021

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PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on DECEMBER 15, 2020 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 THE ECLECTIC CHAIR located at 14613 MANSION HEIGHTS DR., HARVARD, IL 60033. Owner Name & Address: DAYLE STOFFERAHN 14613 MANSION HEIGHTS DR., HARVARD, IL 60033. Dated: DECEMBER 15, 2020 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent December 23, 2020, December 30, 2020, January 6, 2021) L11124

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF CHANGE TO DBA ADDITION OF NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on DECEMBER 14, A.D. 2020, a Certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk of McHenry County, IL concerning the business known as WOODSTOCK DANCE ACADEMY located at 227 E. CALHOUN ST., WOODSTOCK, IL 60098 which certificate sets forth the following ADDITION OF NAME change in the DBA thereof: ENGLISH SWANSON, 22887 BURR OAK RD., HARVARD, IL 60033. Dated this 14TH day of DECEMBER, A.D., 2020 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock

Independent December 23, 2020, December 30, 2020, January 6, 2021) L11125

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWENTY-SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT MCHENRY COUNTY-IN PROBATE Case No. 20PR000209 In the Matter of the Estate of FRANK GLUTH Deceased CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of FRANK GLUTH Of: CARPENTERSVILLE, IL Letters of office were issued on: 8/5/2020 Representative: DEBORAH LABAZ 6004 SANDERS COURT CARPENTERSVILLE, IL 60110 whose attorney is: CLARK & MCARDLE 75 E. CRYSTAL LAKE AVE. CRYSTAL LAKE, IL 60014 Claims against the estate may be filed within six months from the date of 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 December 30, 2020, January 6, 2021)L11126

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on DECEMBER 21, 2020 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 LOTUS CAR COSMETIC located at 114 W. GREENWOOD AVE., WOODSTOCK, IL 60098. Owner Name & Address: GUADALUPE GRAJALES 114 W. GREENWOOD AVE., WOODSTOCK, IL 60098. Dated: DECEMBER 21, 2020 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent January 6, 2021)L11127

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on DECEMBER 21, 2020 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 LOTUS GROUP located at 114 W. GREENWOOD AVE., WOODSTOCK, IL 60098. Owner Name & Address: GUADALUPE GRAJALES 114 W. GREENWOOD AVE., WOODSTOCK, IL 60098. Dated: DECEMBER 21, 2020 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent January 6, 2021)L11128

PUBLIC NOTICES

STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 22nd JUDICIAL CIRCUIT MCHENRY COUNTY PUBLICATION NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE (ADULT) Request of Christine Marie Wollert Case No. 20MR001230 There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: Christine Marie Wollert to the new name of: Christmas Marie Wollert The court date will be held on March 4, 2021 at TBD at 2200 N. Seminary Ave. Woodstock, McHenry County in Courtroom # TBD. Dated at Woodstock, IL, December 4, 2020 /s/Christine Marie Wollert (Published in The Woodstock

Independent December 23, 2020, December 30, 2020, January 6, 2021) L11123

Jan. 6-12, 2021

ASSUMED NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on DECEMBER 10, 2020 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 JAG Real Estate located at 1710 S. Eastwood Dr., Woodstock, IL 60098. Owner Name & Address: Joshua Brown 1710 S. Eastwood Dr., Woodstock, IL 60098. Dated: DECEMBER 10, 2020 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent December 23, 2020, December 30, 2020, January 6, 2021) L11121

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWENTY-SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT MCHENRY COUNTY-IN PROBATE Case No. 20PR000347 In the Matter of the Estate of LYDIA K. CROSS Deceased CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of LYDIA K. CROSS Of: HARVARD, IL Letters of office were issued on: 12/9/20 Representative: NANCY SMITH 605 W. MCKINLEY ST. HARVARD, IL 60033 whose attorney is: WOLF, DAVID J., LAW OFFICE OF 244 N. THROOP ST. STE 100 WOODSTOCK, IL 60098 Claims against the estate may be filed within six months from the date of 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 December 23, 2020, December 30, 2020, January 6, 2021) L11120

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Jan. 6-12, 2021

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

Sports

Beattie prepares for life, final track season

WHS standout runner set to finish his final season at Utah State By Dan Chamness

NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Life is moving very quickly for Woodstock High School graduate and Utah State University senior Luke Beattie. This spring, he hopes to move much faster in the 10,000meter run on the track. Beattie, who recently got engaged to fellow Luke USU runBeattie ner (Presli Hutchison), is hoping not only to earn a trip to the NCAA Division I Finals in the 10,000-meter run, but he hopes to earn All-American status in that very event. The former Blue Streak runner will also run the 5,000-meter. For those not familiar with metric distances, the

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Former Woodstock High School runner Luke Beattie goes for a quiet morning run in Emricson Park Jan. 3 while home for the holidays. He is preparing for his final track season (inset) at Utah State University. 10,000-meter translates to 6.25 miles, while the 5,000-meter run is equivalent to 3.125 miles. “I love that Presli and I met similar to how my parents met,” Beattie said. “I met her when she transferred in my sophomore season. We started dating pretty soon after. “My parents also met as members of a college cross-country and track team. It is cool to have the same thing happen. We enjoy talking about all the memories we have shared on the road trips and

competing around the country.” Currently, Beattie has the third fastest USU times in the 10,000meter run and the 5,000-meter run, running in 29 minutes, .82 seconds and 14:08.28 respectively. His indoor time in the 5,000-meter was 14:04.21, which is the second best time of all time at USU. His 3,000-meter indoor race time of 8:09.45 is the fifth best of all time at USU. Beattie ran a personal best time of 14:00.00 in the 5,000-meter, but it was during the summer months, when he ran

unattached, therefore it is not part of the Utah State times. All of the other times were run as a part of the USU team and were his personal bests, other than the outdoor 5,000. “To be an All-American is my ultimate goal, but timewise, I would like to run around 28 minutes in the 10K,” Beattie said. “Athletically, it has been rough this fall. I was working at times close to 70 hours a week and running 85 miles a week. “I was quite tired many times, but I managed to stay healthy and motivated this fall. I have been training the way I normally do. I was doing hard workouts that my coach gave me until mid-October. I had a race in July and did a time trial at the end of my training period. I have been building up a good base, but I have been training alone for the most part, and I am really looking forward to being back in practice with my teammates.” If he achieves his goal in the 10,000-meter, he could very well be in U.S. Olympic Trials. The qualifying standard is 28:00.00. In the 5,000meter, the qualifying standard is 13:25.00. “I only have outdoor track remaining, and I am looking forward to getting back out there,” Beattie said. “I expect I will run my first outdoor meet sometime in March. With this COVID, there was no 2020 season at USU. I missed cross-country, but I felt extremely bad for my former teammates at USU that trained hard for a season and were deprived of it. “That is what happened to me last track season. I know firsthand the disappointment they were feeling.” A NOTE FROM DAN If anyone has story ideas that will focus on athletes competing at the collegiate level, please email me (Dan62801@aol.com). If you contact The Woodstock Independent or myself with a story idea, we will consider it. Finally, we are collecting names for the winter season. If anyone wants to make sure their son/daughter is on my list, please email me. Please put “Woodstock Independent” in the subject line. Dan Chamness writes The College Report for The Independent.

SNOW MUCH FUN

23 THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT Jan. 6-12, 2021

The first measurable snowfall of the season and ideal temperatures brought droves of sledders out to Emricson Park over the holiday weekend. Dan O’Brien (above) launches down the hill as his family looks on. Eight-year-old Weston Morey (left) sports matching gloves, jacket and sled. And Iris Vanderwiel, 8, pilots a deluxe inflatable sled. INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER

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Jan. 6-12, 2021

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