The
Woodstock
I NDEPENDENT
Nov. 18-24, 2020
Published every Wednesday | Est. 1987 | Serving Woodstock, Wonder Lake and Bull Valley, Ill. | www.thewoodstockindependent.com | $1.50
‘We’re all struggling here’
City sets rules designed to protect people, businesses during pandemic By Larry Lough
LARRY@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM
COMMUNITY
Woodstock’s Jackie Speciale goes out looking for trouble PAGE 13
SCHOOLS
After many local bars and restaurants ignored the most recent state prohibition on inside dining, Woodstock has created its own restrictions in search of a “balance” between public safety and the survival of small businesses during
the COVID-19 pandemic. “In an effort to find a balance, we are trying things,” Mayor Brian Sager said. “... We’re all struggling here.” With the release last Friday of guidelines that the Woodstock Police Department will now be involved in enforcing, Sager said the city was still urging businesses to comply with the
COVID-19 mitigation orders of Gov. J.B. Pritzker. “If they determine not to do that,” Sager said, “… we are extending these [city] restrictions across the board.” In a news release, the mayor said the city’s hospitality business guidelines included: See GUIDELINES, Page 5
THANKSGIVING FILL-UP
D-200 expanding diversity for Advanced Placement exams PAGE 8
MARKETPLACE
Trainer, nutritionist offers online wellness program
PAGE 11
INDEX
Obituaries
4
Opinion
6
Schools
8
A&E
10
Marketplace
11
Community
13
Calendar
18
Classified
20
Puzzles
22
Public Notices
23
Sports
24
The Woodstock Independent
671 E. Calhoun St., Woodstock, IL 60098 Phone: 815-338-8040 Fax: 815-338-8177 Thewoodstock independent.com
INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY TRICIA CARZOLI
Martha Hansen, assistant director of the Woodstock Public Library, packs cans of fruit and jars of gravy into a Thanksgiving meal bag at the Woodstock Public Library as part of a holiday meal program for local families in need. Distribution of the food will begin this coming Saturday. See story on Page 16.
Mailed votes boost local Democrats By Larry Lough
LARRY@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM
Vote-by-mail ballots in McHenry County heavily favored Democratic candidates in the Nov. 3 election. And they apparently helped to save first-term U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood. When local voting results were updated last week, more than 6,000 ballots were added to the election night
totals in McHenry County. In Underwood’s 14th Congressional District, the incumbent received 60 percent of the 4,135 votes that were added. By comparison, Democrat Joe Biden won 63 percent of 5,681 additional votes counted countywide in the presidential election. Although Underwood’s Republican challenger, Jim Oberweis of Sugar Grove, had declared victory the
day after the election based on early returns that showed him leading in the count, the Associated Press last Thursday afternoon projected Underwood as the victor. At the time, her lead was more than 4,000 votes, which included mailed and provisional ballots that were counted after Election Day. Shortly after AP called the race, Underwood, 34, released a statement See VOTES, Page 2
NEWS
Nov. 18-24, 2020
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
2
Corrections and Clarifications
WEEKEND WALK Salacnib “Sonny” Molina gets support from friends Rey Dulay and Johnson Fragante while attempting to beat his own world record for distance walking on Legos. He had hoped to complete a half marathon on Saturday, but slipped, stepping outside the track, ending his walk at 16,673.24 feet on the track at Snap Fitness in Woodstock. His last record, set exactly one year ago, was 12,696 feet. Molina currently holds nine world records. His last Lego walk appears in the print edition of the 2019 Guinness Book Of World Records.
n In the Nov. 11 edition, a report on Woodstock’s Restaurant Relief Grant Program had the wrong deadline for applications. Completed applications must be returned via email to twillcockson@woodstockil.gov no later than 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18. Awards will be distributed to qualified applicants the week before or after Thanksgiving. We regret the error.
Please call factual errors to our attention by calling 815-338-8040.
INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY TRICIA CARZOL
VOTES
Continued from page 1
acknowledging the campaign was “a tough race under some very difficult circumstances.” “We face urgent challenges as a community and a country,” she said in a news release. “I remain focused on getting results: protecting our families, ensuring a robust economic recovery, and lowering the cost of health care. “Whether you voted for me or not, I pledge to represent every member of this community. That’s my responsibility, and I take it seriously.”
Still votes to be counted
It still seemed likely that McHenry County would be the only county Oberweis won, as he still led here by more than 7,000 votes after last week’s update. In 2018, Underwood won more than 51 percent of the vote and all seven counties in unseating four-term incumbent Republican Randy Hultgren. As of last Thursday, Underwood had a reported 50.5 percent of the districtwide vote. Oberweis, 74, has said he expects to seek a recount if Underwood is declared the winner once all votes are counted. Illinois gave local election authorities until Tuesday this week to complete their counts. As of last week, McHenry County still had more than 1,850 votes to count: 1,211 provisional ballots and 642 mailed ballots, according to the county clerk’s office. And 14,967 vote-by-mail ballots had not been returned. They will be counted if they arrived by Nov. 17 with a postmark by Election Day, Nov. 3.
“I remain focused on getting results: protecting our families, ensuring a robust economic recovery, and lowering the cost of health care.”
- 14th District U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood
Updated vote counts were expected to affect only one race in McHenry County, that for a District 3 seat on the County Board. Last week’s report from the office of County Clerk Joe Tirio showed Democrat Tanya Jindrich edging ahead of Republican Mike Shorten by 100 votes for a second district seat on the ballot. Incumbent Republican Joe Gottemoller was leading that three-way race; Democrats failed to field a second candidate.
Chairman’s race decided
Additional vote-counting was not going to affect the race for County Board chairman, in which Republican Mike Buehler last week still led incumbent Democrat Jack Franks by more than 7,000 votes. Although Franks picked up 54 percent of the votes added last week, Buehler still had nearly 53 percent of the overall vote. Franks conceded the race to Buehler a week after Election Day. In a statement released last Thursday,
Buehler thanked the voters “for their overwhelming support … in agreement that it is time for a new County Board chairman.” Franks, 57, a lawyer and former state legislator, was seeking a second fouryear term as chairman. He had several conflicts with the County Board, a 24-member board with a 19-member Republican majority. Buehler said he was dedicated to bringing about the change voters wanted. “Going forward, I am focused on building trust and collaboration among all members of the board, our county employees, and other governmental bodies and elected officials throughout this area,” he said in the statement. “I promise that I will approach every one of you with the respect and dignity that you deserve.” Buehler ran an aggressive campaign, outspending the incumbent. In a swipe at Franks, Buehler’s statement promised “no more self-serving cutthroat politics.”
“As a team, we will work to support lower taxes, sensible budgeting policies, and job creation by supporting our communities and businesses.”
- Mike Buehler, McHenry County Board chairman-elect
“As a team, we will work to support lower taxes, sensible budgeting policies, and job creation by supporting our communities and businesses,” the statement said. “... I want you to know that I look forward to listening and working with you so we can build a better McHenry County in the years ahead.” Buehler, 51, from Crystal Lake, was in his first campaign for public office. He has owned a construction company for 25 years.
Democrats vote by mail
With few exceptions, Democratic candidates on the McHenry County ballot picked up votes on their opponents in last week’s updated totals. The only exception among Republican candidates with Democratic opponents was incumbent Circuit Clerk Katherine Keefe, who won nearly 59 percent of the added votes in her race against office employee Renee Overlee. Two Republican candidates with Libertarian opponents, Michael Rein for county coroner and Shannon Teresi for county auditor, also increased their leads with the mailed ballots. If Jindrich’s lead in County Board District 3 holds up after the final update this week, Democrats seem likely to pick up three seats on the County Board, cutting the Republican majority to 16-8. Based on referendums approved by voters in earlier elections, the County Board will shrink to 18 members effective with the 2022 election, after new districts are drawn using 2020 census numbers. Also effective with that election, board members will be limited to 12 years in office and the board chairman to two four-year terms.
3
Take Advantage of the Hot Market and call to start the listing process today!
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
No one knows the Woodstock market better.
Nov. 18-24, 2020
NEWS
“I’m Selling Homes and Want to Earn your Business!”
JOLENE WHITE
SUBURBAN
Call/Text: 815-687-0329 or visit www.jolenewhite.realtor
NEWS
Nov. 18-24, 2020
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
4
OBITUARIES
LaVerne J. Armiger, 97
LaVerne J. Armiger, age 97, passed away Nov. 10, 2020 in McHenry, Ill. She was born on March 5, 1923, in Chicago to Frank and Josephine (Marsalek) Trcka. She married David Armiger in West Chicago. LaVerne worked in the purchasing department for American Medical
PUBLIC SAFETY LOG
Woodstock Police Department
■ Gabriel Victoria L. Dal Compo, 36, Woodstock, was arrested Oct. 24, at Routes 47 and 120 on charges of improper lane usage and driving under the influence. Released after posting 10 percent of $1,000 bond and surrendering driver’s license. Court date Dec. 18. ■ Craig J. Whittington, 37, Woodstock, was arrested Oct. 25 in the 200 block of Donovan Street on a charge of assault. Bond $100. Released on personal recognizance. Court date Nov. 19. ■ Joshua S. Johnson, 43, Woodstock, was arrested Oct. 25 on charges of no rear registration light, obstructing identification, driving while license revoked, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle and a Lake County warrant charging failure to appear. Taken to jail. Bonds of $250,000, $100, and $2,500. Court dates Nov. 19 and to be set. ■ Victor L. Mena, 32, Woodstock, was arrested Oct. 25 in the 200 block of Benton Street on a McHenry County warrant charging failure to appear. Released on personal recognizance with notice to appear. Court date Oct. 30. ■ Delmar J. Clayton, 33, Woodstock, was arrested Oct. 26 in the 1500 block of North Seminary Avenue on two counts of domestic battery. Taken to jail. Bond and court date to be set. ■ Dylan R. Brown, 25, Woodstock, was arrested Oct. 27 at Washington and Main streets on charges of disobeying a stop sign and illegal transportation of cannabis by driver. Bond $2,500. Released on personal recognizance. Court date Dec. 18. ■ Christopher M. Hayes, 35, Woodstock, was arrested Oct. 29 in the 3700 block of Doty Road on a McHenry County warrant charging failure to appear. Held on $35,000 bond. Court date to be set. ■ Melinda A. Betters, 34, Woodstock, was arrested Oct. 29 on Division Street at Schryver Avenue on charges of improper lane usage and driving while license suspended. Bond $2,500. Released on personal recognizance. Court date Dec. 17.
Association. She and her husband, David, owned E-Zee Rental in Sycamore, Ill. She was an animal lover, owning dogs and two horses. She lived in Winfield, Ill., for over 45 years before moving to Woodstock for the past several years. She enjoyed fishing, boating and water skiing at the family’s summer home on Lauderdale Lakes in Wisconsin. She is survived by her daughter, Patricia (Gregory) Eriksen, and grandchildren,
Keith and Rachel Eriksen. She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Robert McConkey; husband, David; a son, Craig McConkey; brother, Richard Trcka; sister-in-law, Helen Trcka; and nephew, Glenn Trcka. The funeral service will be private due to COVID-19 restrictions. The service will be live streamed on the website at slmcfh. com starting at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 19. Burial will be at Chapel Hill Gardens West
in Oakbrook Terrace, Ill. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to ASPCA (aspca.org), Defenders of Wildlife (defenders.org) or Humane Society International (donate.hsi. org). For information, call the Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home at 815-338-1710 or see the funeral home’s website at slmcfh.com.
■ Justin A. Schulze, 31, Woodstock, was arrested Oct. 31 in the 1800 block of Wicker Street on a McHenry County warrant charging failure to appear. Bond $10,000. Released on personal recognizance. Court date Nov. 5. ■ Grant E. Caudill, 28, Woodstock, was arrested Nov. 1 in the 200 block of Church Street on two McHenry County warrants charging failure to appear. Released on personal recognizance with notice to appear. Court dates Dec. 4 and Dec. 7. ■ Anton Abdulai, 28, Woodstock, was arrested Nov. 1 in the 200 block of North Benton Street on a charge of obstructing justice. Taken to jail. Bond and court date to be set. ■ Edgar Lopez, 25, Woodstock, was arrested Nov. 1 in the 200 block of Benton Street on charges of obstructing justice and aggravated assault on a peace officer (two counts). Taken to jail. Bond and court date to be set. ■ Destiny D. Ortiz, 23, Woodstock, was arrested Nov. 1 in the 200 block of Benton Street on charges of obstructing justice and aggravated assault on a peace officer (two counts). Taken to jail. Bond and court date to be set. ■ James T. Kees, 55, Woodstock, was arrested Nov. 3 at Throop and Washington streets on charges of driving with license revoked, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and improper lane usage. Released after posting 10 percent of $2,500 bond. Court date Dec. 17. ■ Yenise A. Rosado, 19, Elgin, was arrested Nov. 3 at Church and Main streets on charges of disobeying a stop sign and no valid driver’s license. Bond $2,500. Release on personal recognizance. Court date Dec. 18. ■ Joshua A. Brown, 20, Woodstock, was arrested Nov. 4 in the 600 block of South Eastwood Drive on a charge of theft and a McHenry County warrant charging failure to appear (four counts). Taken to jail. Bonds $9,500 and $100. Court dates Dec. 4 and to be determined. ■ Yaraldy A. Estrada, 19, Woodstock, was arrested Nov. 4 in the 2500 block of South Eastwood Drive on charges of speeding, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and no valid driver’s license. Bond $2,500. Released on personal recognizance. Court date Dec. 3.
■ Edel Castaneda-Carreno, 19, Woodstock, was arrested Nov. 4 in the 200 block of South Throop Street on charges of failure to signal when required and resisting a peace officer. Released after posting $100 bond. Court date Dec. 17. ■ Joe R. Schultz, 29, Algonquin, was arrested Nov. 4 in the 11000 block of U.S. 14 on a Kane County warrant charging failure to appear. Released after posting 10 percent of $3,000 bond. Court date Nov. 23. ■ Amari S. Wade, 22, Woodstock, was arrested Nov. 5 at Kimball and Lake avenues on charges of improper lighting and no valid driver’s license. Bond $2,500. Released on personal recognizance. Court date Dec. 18.
brush truck, shift commander 3:17 p.m. – Tryon and South streets, traffic accident with no injuries; engine, shift commander, ambulance 6:51 p.m. – 300 block of South Eastwood Drive, traffic accident with injuries; truck, shift commander, ambulance 7:52 p.m. – 100 block of Queen Anne Road, malfunctioning smoke detector activation; shift commander, truck, engine, tender
McHenry County Sheriff’s Office
■ Tom E. Svensson, 67, Woodstock, was arrested Nov. 4 on two charges of aggravated driving under the influence. Charges are only accusations of crimes, and defendants are presumed innocent until proved guilty.
Woodstock Fire/Rescue District EMS calls for Nov. 5-11: 74 Fire Runs Nov. 5
3:04 p.m. – 4800 block of Sunnyside Road, public service assistance/other; ambulance, truck, shift commander Nov. 6
12:11 p.m. –4100 block of Thomas Road, unauthorized burning; engine, shift commander, brush truck 2:45 p.m. – 2700 block of Country Club Road, authorized controlled burning; truck, shift commander 6:23 p.m. – McHenry Avenue and Newell Street, traffic accident with no injuries; truck, ambulance, shift commander Nov. 7
9:59 a.m. – Davis and Steig roads, traffic accident with no injuries; engine, ambulance, shift commander 2:12 p.m. – 400 block of North Madison Street, malfunctioning smoke detector activation; shift commander, truck, engine, ambulance 2:16 p.m. – 10600 Arabian Trail, brush/ brush-and-grass mixture fire; engine,
Nov. 8
1:16 a.m. – 1700 block of South Eastwood Drive, unintentional smoke detector activation, no fire; shift commander, engine, ambulance, truck 2:09 a.m. –1200 block of Walden Oaks Drive, lockout; truck 11:01 a.m. – 14500 block of Kishwaukee Valley Road, passenger vehicle fire; engine, shift commander 2:21 p.m. – 4200 block of Thompson Road, Wonder Lake, assist police or other agency; ambulance 3:38 p.m. – 400 block of North Madison Street, lockout; truck 5:41 p.m. – 17000 block of Lincoln Road, Harvard, assist police or other agency; brush truck Nov. 9
4:25 a.m. – Route 120 west of Thompson Road, motor vehicle/pedestrian accident; engine, ambulance, shift commander 11:48 a.m. – 4000 block of Country Club Road, electric wiring/equipment problem, other; truck, brush truck, shift commander 4:38 p.m. – 1800 block of West Lake Shore Drive, malfunctioning alarm system sounded; engine 7:30 p.m. – 2200 block of Lake Shore Drive, unintentional alarm system activation, no fire; shift commander, engine Nov. 10
9:35 p.m. – 900 block of Wheeler Street, electrical wiring/equipment problem, other; truck Nov. 11
8:20 a.m. – 500 block of West Kimball Street, power line down; engine 3:14 p.m. – Charles and Nelson roads, traffic accident with injuries; engine, ambulance, shift commander 3:45 p.m. – First block of North Street, power line down; truck 6:06 p.m. – 2500 block of South Route 47, traffic accident with injuries; truck, shift commander, ambulance, engine
By Larry Lough
LARRY@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM
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
Deaths
52 2 133 (+81) 3 (+1) 234 (+101) 7 (+4) 348 (+114) 16 (+9) 503 (+155) 28 (+12) 703 (+200) 39 (+11) 953 (+250) 50 (+11) 1,175 (+223) 61 (+11) 1,407 (+232) 69 (+8) 1,584 (+177) 73 (+4) 1,733 (+149) 83 (+10) 1,849 (+116) 87 (+4) 1,911 (+62) 90 (+3) 2,002 (+91) 96 (+6) 2,119 (+117) 97 (+1) 2,268 (+149) 101 (+4) 2,470 (+202) 106 (+5) 2,703 (+233) 108 (+2) 2,946 (+243) 112 (+4) 3,210 (+264) 113 (+1) 3,396 (+186) 113 (+0) 3.598 (+202) 113 (+0) 3,828 (+230) 115 (+2) 4,002 (+174) 116 (+1) 4,199 (+197) 116 (+0) 4,343 (+144) 118 (+2) 4,527 (+184) 118 (+0) 4,705 (+178) 119 (+1) 4,992 (+288) 119 (+0) 5,298 (+306) 120 (+1) *6,035 (+737) 120 (+0) *6,906 (+871) 120 (+0) *8,170 (+1,264) 120 (+0) *10,301 (+2,131) 120 (+0)
* Change to state metrics
GUIDELINES Continued from Page 1 n A “no mask, no service” campaign n Limited hours of service, with a 10
p.m. closing time n Mandatory reservations for dining, with groups limited to six household members n Table service only, with tables 8 to 10 feet apart, with no sitting or standing in the bar area n No standing, dancing, or group congregating.
Uneven compliance
Sager said he had been working with other communities and county officials to develop a “best practices model” for mitigation efforts with specific details on educating businesses about the guidelines and on how those guidelines would be locally enforced. “We are making every effort to support the survival of our dining and drinking establishments, whose livelihoods are now clearly in danger due to weather conditions and canceled
IN BRIEF
Positive COVID-19 tests close township offices Dorr Township’s office, 1039 Lake Ave., was expected to reopen this week after being closed since Nov. 9 after a staff member tested positive for COVID-19.
Other offices on ballot
Filing also started this week and will end Monday for township offices. Petitions for Dorr Township are available at the township office, 1039 Lake Ave., for candidates running for supervisor, clerk, assessor, highway commissioner, and four members of the township board. Candidates must be residents of Dorr Township. For more information, call the township office, 815-338-0125. The April 6 ballot also will include four seats on the seven-member Board of Education in Woodstock School District 200. Filing for those four-year terms will occur from Dec. 14 to 21. On the ballot will be seats filled in the 2017 election by Bruce Farris, Carl Gilmore, Jacob Homuth, and John Parisi. Dec. 14 to 21 also is the filing period for candidates for the Rural Woodstock Public Library District. public seasonal events, while ensuring the safety of all Woodstock residents and visitors,” Sager said in the news release. “The cooperation of every business owner, their employees, and patrons is absolutely essential for the success of these guidelines, in order to avoid further infection increases and resulting lockdown directives.” The mayor told The Independent that uneven compliance with the state order had been “problematic” among bars and restaurants. “Some businesses have not shown the appropriate degree of responsibility,” Sager said. “Others are, and they wonder why [restrictions are not enforced].” He also noted lapses in “personal behavior” of individuals at local taverns, mostly late in the evening.
‘Options for businesses’
Sager acknowledged the “rapid” spread of the virus as the number of cases in McHenry County surges. Although the Department of Public Health reported no new deaths in the past week, more than 2,100 new cases The township’s website said the office would reopen Monday, Nov. 16, “As long as there are no additional positive tests.” Phones and emails were being monitored remotely for messages. “We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause,” the note said, “but are taking this action for the safety or our employees and residents.”
Five trustees will be elected in 2021: three to fill six-year terms and two to fill two-year terms. Librarian Nick Weber said the board would have at least one opening for a non-incumbent. Candidates must live within School District 200 but outside the city limits of Woodstock. The board acts in an advisory capacity to the Woodstock Public Library Board of Trustees and contracts with the library for services to rural citizens. Petitions are available at the library, 414 W. Judd Street, during regular library hours. For more information, call Weber at 815-338-0542 or email nweber@woodstockil.info. Also on the April 6 ballot will be two seats on the five-member Board of Trustees of the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District. Filing for that position also will be Dec. 14 to 21. Information is available on the district website, wfrd.org. Information on elections is available on the website of the Illinois State Board of Elections, elections.il.gov/. were confirmed. The mayor decried “some really strong disparities” in the state’s mitigation orders, such as the allowance for video gambling but not for inside dining. City staff will work with businesses to ensure their set-ups adhere to the local restrictions, the city news release said, and the police department will perform random checks for compliance. Repeat violations by liquor license holders could result in fines or license suspension. Violations by food service businesses may be referred to the health department. Additional guidelines for group meetings limit events, indoors or outdoors, to 10 people, the news release said. Recreational activities are capped at 25 guests or 25 percent of room capacity, and workout groups of 10 or fewer. “We’re trying to find a balance between the health and safety and welfare of the community and mitigate the spread of COVID-19,” the mayor said, “while simultaneously being able to support options for small businesses.”
Wonder Lake to post signs about flushing this week The village of Wonder Lake water department is flushing the water system this week. Signs will be posted during the flushing. Residents may experience some water discoloratio and pressure variation. For more information, call 866-371-5699.
NEWS
WEEKLY COVID-19 CASES FOR McHENRY COUNTY
815-338-4301.
Nov. 18-24, 2020
Woodstock might have a race for mayor in 2021. Deputy Mayor Mike Turner filed his candidacy for mayor Monday, along with two candidates for three seats open on the City Council. Mayor Brian Sager, who is completing his fourth four-year term, chose not to seek re-election. City staff said another man who had picked up a candidate packet indicated he planned to run for mayor, which is a voting member of the council. But only Turner and the two council candidates – Thomas Nierman and Robert Seegars Jr. – had filed by 9 a.m. Monday, the first day for filings. Petitions must be filed in the city manager’s office at City Hall by 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 23. All council members are elected at-large to four-year terms. Councilman Jim Prindiville said he did not plan to run for re-election after completing his second term, the first in
2001-05. But incumbent Gordie Tebo said he would seek a second consecutive term. “I enjoy it,” Tebo said. “I like the idea that I can still be of service, I think.” He also indicated his four years of experience on the council would be helpful to new members being elected. With Turner running for mayor, the council is assured of at least two new faces. Two years ago, three members – Darrin Flynn, Lisa Lohmeyer, and Wendy Piersall – were elected to their first terms from a field of five candidates. Woodstock is unlikely to have enough candidates to force a primary election Feb. 23. A primary will be held only if four people file for mayor or 12 for council seats. The consolidated election is April 6. Nomination petitions are available in the city manager’s office at City Hall, 121 W. Calhoun St., during regular business hours. Candidates must be city residents. For more information, call
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
2021 election filings underway for city, township
5
OPINION
Nov. 18-24, 2020
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
6
Opinion
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
Cheryl Wormley Publisher, Co-Owner
Paul Wormley Co-Owner
Woodstock, IL • 1987
THE EDITORIAL BOARD
Cheryl Wormley Larry Lough Sandy Kucharski Ken Farver
For the holidays, spread cheer, not a virus As of last Friday, the Illinois Department of Public Health had recorded more than half a million cases of COVID-19 since spring, including more than 10,500 deaths statewide. Of more than 5,362 people in Illinois who were reported to be hospitalized with the disease at the end of last week, nearly 1,000 patients were in the ICU and almost 500 were on ventilators. Confirmed cases continue to climb at a frightening pace, hospital capacity is shrinking – and health experts are telling us the worst is yet to come. If that scares you, it should. For the skeptics, denialists, and conspiracy theorists, the presidential election has come and gone – and the virus did not disappear. Its spread has worsened, with no relief in sight. Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signaled he’s likely to issue a stay-home order, as he did last spring, in an attempt to limit the spread. That could come this week. We are where we are because, in part, of the reckless behavior of too many citizens in ignoring months of warnings about wearing masks and social distancing. For some reason, they seem unconcerned about the possibility that their conduct could mean they – or someone they know – might end up with a breathing tube shoved down their throat as the medical profession tries to save their life. That virus does not travel alone, you know. It doesn’t circulate itself. People do that. When people stay home, so does the virus. We appreciate the efforts of city officials in Woodstock to seek, amid a public health crisis, a “balance” between the safety of our citizens and the economic survival of local businesses, particularly bars and restaurants. Newly announced city restrictions – a compromise between the governor’s ban on inside dining and widespread defiance of the order – offer enforceable guidelines that city police and county health officials can monitor. (See story on Page 1.) Restaurants have been, mostly, diligent in
Whddya mean the speakeasy is closed?
We’re not closed. We’re only doing takeout.
EDITORIAL CARTOON BY LUKE GOINS
requiring mask-wearing by employees and customers as much as practical in a setting where people are eating and drinking. Individuals may decide how much risk they wish to take, but they must understand they also are taking risks for people they come in contact with at home, at work, and elsewhere. In announcing the local restrictions, the city cited a study by Northwestern and Stanford universities, as published recently in Nature magazine, that found a correlation between rising rates of infection and group settings – such as hotels, restaurants, bars, and gyms. Full-blown lockdowns aren’t necessary to limit the spread of the virus, the study indicated, but enforced use of masks, social distancing, and
capacity limits in public gatherings are considered economically viable ways to control transmission of the virus, but only if everyone follows the rules. Everyone. With Thanksgiving next week, and Christmas just a month away, everyone needs to consider a different approach this year to interactions with friends and family. While our traditions are important to our social and emotional well-being, we must do what we can to ensure that this is not the last year we all have the opportunity to celebrate together. While exercising reasonable precautions, enjoy the holidays.
» YOUR VIEW
Van Landuyt’s work helped to make Woodstock unique This letter of appreciation goes out to Jeff Van Landuyt, who will be retiring from director of Public Works for the city of Woodstock. As chairman of Woodstock’s Transportation Commission, it has truly been an honor and pleasure to work with him on the many issues the commission faced to include revision of the Transportation Plan for the city, the preparation for the Route 47 reconstruction, and the forthcoming bicycle plan and map. He has provided guidance to make the
commission more meaningful, effective, and efficient. That leaves out patience with our propensity to believe (in the beginning) that everything can be done at once and with little or no cost. With his knowledge, we avoided mistakes that come with the lack of understanding of logistics unique to a municipality. Eight years ago Jeff bought into the concept that the commission can work with [Woodstock School] District 200 engineering students on projects and problems that face the city. The district created an elective capstone class for Project Lead the Way students to bring
together their accumulated engineering skills over their first three years. He joined us in helping the students select a project, spent the time to make sure it was relevant fitting into future city plans, and introducing the students to experts for specialized help. Everyone involved benefited. At the end of the school year, he arranged for the students to make their presentations to the City Council and the Transportation Commission. I have been told that this continuing cooperation between a municipality and school district occurs only in Woodstock. Jeff has helped make Woodstock the
very unique and special place that it is to live, and [I] wish him only the best as he retires. Andrew Celentano Woodstock
Just caring about others makes you a philanthropist On Nov. 15, the board and staff of The Community Foundation for McHenry County celebrates National Philanthropy
Continued on Next page
Day. Last year, so many in the McHenry County community joined us at the Woodstock Opera House for a wonderful presentation and celebration of National Philanthropy Day. Sadly, this type of celebration didn’t happen this year, but the events since last year’s celebration have given us many reasons to reflect on and be thankful for philanthropy. The word itself, philanthropy, can be intimidating. But when you take the time to acquaint yourself with the word, it becomes much more warm and approachable. I just asked Siri what philanthropy means, and she told me “the desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially by the generous donation of money to good causes.” That tells me that any one of us can be philanthropists. There is no minimum donation to be a philanthropist, generosity is relative, and so you just have to care about others and give, to be a philanthropist. There are more than 990 community foundations throughout the United States, and we have been blessed to have our
host, said we’d keep it short. Instead of an all-afternoon affair or one that went into the evening, we arrived at 11:30 a.m. and departed at 2:30 p.m. There’s more to Thanksgiving than a big dinner with friends and family. Thanksgiving is a time to share and help. Grocery stores are featuring frozen turkeys for less than $1 a pound. So why not buy a couple? You could keep one and donate the other to a food pantry. The same goes for the trimmings. Cans of sweet potatoes, green beans, corn, gravy, cranberries, and more could be given to a food pantry or the free pantry at the library. If you can’t begin to eat a whole turkey, think of someone who would enjoy a bit of already-roasted turkey. Call and arrange a time for drop-off. That would work for other trimmings, including pies. Technology is sure to play a significant role in Thanksgiving 2020. Creative minds will find ways to meet, eat, and catch up via Zoom, FaceTime, and the like. Now that I have poured out some of my thoughts on the topic, I’m curious about what you are planning. Email me at c.wormley@thewoodstockindependent.com or call me at 815-5197402. I’ll share as many of your creative plans as possible the next week or so in Declarations. Cheryl Wormley is publisher of The Woodstock Independent. Her email address is c.wormley@thewoodstockindependent.com.
very own in McHenry County since 2001. As I step into the role of chairman next month, I look forward with gratitude for all of the McHenry County philanthropists from the past, present and future, who have and will help The Community Foundation for McHenry County continue to support not-for-profits with a multitude of missions in McHenry County for generations to come.
Church streets and take it far, far away. OK, so much for super heroes. But wouldn’t it be nice to be able to call them in times like this? What were our city fathers thinking? Was anyone thinking of the people across on Madison? How would you like to live there and have to look at that every day? Oh, wait. Maybe that’s where all the rumors come from that are all over town, how down the road comes Phase II, when the city would like to buy several homes (top dollar, I’m sure), take them down, and put up a parking garage. Hmmm, Ridiculous II. Only time will tell. P.S. Please don’t shut off the Batlight. I’m sure we can use their help on the Die Cast property.
Tamara Marshall vice chairwoman The Community Foundation for McHenry County
Woodstock has some big jobs for a few superheroes We need help. Someone please climb the stairs to the top of the Opera House tower and turn on the switch to call Batman and have him bring Superman with him. Between both of them they can pick up the ridiculous [five-story apartment] building on the corner of Madison and
Della Busch 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.
Subscription rates/year $75 in Woodstock, Bull Valley and Wonder Lake. $77 in McHenry County. $82 for snowbirds and $90 outside McHenry County.
Corrections
We strive for accuracy. To suggest corrections or clarifications, email news@ thewoodstockindependent.com.
Staff
Cheryl Wormley
PUBLISHER
c.wormley@thewoodstockindependent.com
EDITOR
Larry Lough
larry@thewoodstockindependent.com
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Sandy Kucharski
sandy@thewoodstockindependent.com
Ken Farver
PHOTOGRAPHER
ken@thewoodstockindependent.com
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Dianne Mitchell
dianne@thewoodstockindependent.com
ADVERTISING MANAGER
Jen Wilson
jen@thewoodstockindependent.com
ADVERTISING
Katy O’Brien
katy@thewoodstockindependent.com
ADMINISTRATION/SUBSCRIPTIONS
McDaniel
Rebecca
subs@thewoodstockindependent.com
COLUMNISTS
Paul Lockwood, Lisa Haderlein, Dan Chamness, Patricia Kraft, Jeff Cook, Cynthia Kanner, Nancy Shevel PHOTOGRAPHERS
Vicky Long, Margie Paffrath, Alex Vucha CORRESPONDENTS
Tricia Carzoli, Janet Dovidio, Susan W. Murray, Megan Ivers, Lydia LaGue EDITORIAL CARTOONISTS
Jim Mansfield, Luke Goins PROOFREADER
Don Humbertson
Deadlines & contacts NOON WEDNESDAY
Press releases and photos
pr@thewoodstockindependent.com
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
news@thewoodstockindependent.com
NOON THURSDAY
Display advertising
ads@thewoodstockindependent.com
NOON FRIDAY
Legal notices
subs@thewoodstockindependent.com
Classified Ads
classifieds@thewoodstockindependent.com
OPINION
Continued from Previous page
and the trimmings, but inviting or joining others from outside your bubble may not be wise. Not gathering in person inside may be the most loving Cheryl thing families can do for one another Wormley this Thanksgiving. Declarations There’s a full week between now and turkey day. That’s plenty of time to plan safe observances filled with food, friends, family, and gratitude. Gatherings outside, limited to 10 people, seem to be more favorable in the eyes of health professionals. After our record-setting warm first week of November, the weather is more seasonable, but folks tailgate at 45 and 50 degrees. Maybe a tailgate Thanksgiving would work for some of us. Might be really pleasant with a fire. Should there be a really nice day, in the 60s or better, a spur-of-themoment Thanksgiving picnic is a possibility. Thanksgiving can be any day. It doesn’t have to be the fourth Thursday of November. The Wormleys decided to take advantage of the warm weather Nov. 7 to gather for our Thanksgiving. Actually, we called it our Gratitude Day. Our plan was to keep the menu simple, but we let everyone bring a favorite dish, so it was quite a spread. Son Paul, our
671 E. Calhoun St. • Woodstock, IL 60098 Phone: 815-338-8040 www.thewoodstockindependent.com
7
Nov. 18-24, 2020
When Woodstock schools closed early for spring break last March with the hope of curbing the spread of the COVID-19 virus, I titled that week’s Declarations, “This, too, shall pass.” Even my most pessimistic thoughts wouldn’t have had us hunkering down again as Thanksgiving nears. Sometime in the past two weeks, I read a piece about the importance of not dwelling on what we are giving up. Instead, it suggested there is energy, satisfaction, and joy in creating something new and safe. Seems to me that’s where we need to be with Thanksgiving 2020. This week, The Scientific American reported that Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, who many of us came to admire and trust for his calm presence and wisdom regarding COVID-19, will not celebrate Thanksgiving as usual. He, his wife, and three adult daughters, decided, due in part to his age, 79, they would not gather as a family. Rather, Dr. Fauci and his wife will enjoy “a nice, quiet dinner.” It was a family decision made out of love and concern for others. With positive cases at record highs in McHenry County, Illinois, and across the United States, gathering inside isn’t wise – even wearing masks and adhering to physical-distancing standards. Like Dr. Fauci and his wife, people who live under the same roof all the time aren’t increasing their risk by sitting down together with turkey
Woodstock
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
Thanksgiving 2020 – be creative
The
I NDEPENDENT
Schools
AP exams see sharp increase in District 200
SCHOOLS
Nov. 18-24, 2020
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
8
DISRICT 200 PHOTO
Students listen to a lecture in an AP history class at Woodstock High School in the spring of 2020. Students at both Woodstock and Woodstock North high schools have taken more than 4,500 AP exams over the past four years, representing a 42 percent increase.
Policy now stresses diversity to increase program numbers By Kevin Lyons DISTRICT 200
The Illinois State Board of Education this month announced a large increase in the number of high school students taking Advanced Placement exams, but that positive trend in Woodstock School District 200 dates back a few more years. Across the state, Illinois high school students took 14,500 more AP exams in 2020 than in the previous year. However, District 200’s increase is best shown over a longer period of time with a spike of 42 percent more AP exams from 2016 through 2020, when more than 4,520 exams were administered. The number of students taking AP exams at both high schools in
District 200 also increased by 45 percent over that same time period, from 443 students to 643. District 200 high schools now offer 32 different AP courses in disciplines ranging from math and computer science to music, art, and world languages. Starting with the 2014-15 school year, high school administrators at Woodstock and North high schools sought to create more educational opportunities for underrepresented minority and economically disadvantaged students, among others. They looked to identify additional students who hadn’t been taking AP classes but demonstrated the aptitude for the academic rigor. “Our data showed there was a disproportionate number of minorities and students from lower-income brackets that were not enrolling in AP classes, and we wanted our AP program to be inclusive for all,” said Justin Smith, assistant superintendent for middle and high school education.
“We’ve worked hard to become one of a few districts nationally where our AP classes are as diverse as our student population. It’s imperative for us that all students in District 200 have the opportunity to open doors and excel at the highest level.” - District 200 Superintendent Mike Moan AP classes have typically been populated by students who have been tracking in honors and advanced courses since middle school. Placement is based on a combination of assessment scores and grades. But District 200 educators knew there were other students who could benefit from and have success in AP courses.
Teachers are asked to identify students each year who likely could handle the challenge of AP courses, and those students were encouraged to enroll in one AP course. Priorities became helping students to take advantage of the state’s reduced fees for AP testing for low-income families and considering factors that might have impacted a student’s middle school tracking, such as English proficiency development or cultural factors such as students who didn’t come from families with college backgrounds. “We were removing barriers for these students, whether financial or otherwise,” Smith said. District 200 Superintendent Mike Moan said expanding the student population in AP classes was a matter of equity. “We’ve worked hard to become one of a few districts nationally where our AP classes are as diverse as our student population,” he said. “It is imperative for us that all students in District 200 have the opportunity to open doors and excel at the highest level.” Perhaps the best indicator, Smith said, is that significantly increasing the number of students taking AP courses and exams has not affected the percentage of students who are passing the AP exams, which remains around 70 percent district-wide. “Many of these students who’ve been identified by their teachers are taking AP tests and earning potential credit for college,” Smith said. “We’re seeing that success.” Moan said the benefits of AP courses were both tangible and intangible. Students are exposed to more rigorous coursework, which makes them confident about more academic challenges and better prepares them for college. They also get credit at most colleges for their AP coursework, assuming they pass the exams, which carries a financial benefit. “The college credit that our students are earning is saving families in our community hundreds of thousands of dollars a year,” he said.
Remote learning plan will go into effect after Christmas holiday By Tricia Carzoli
NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM
Pre-Thanksgiving
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
ELIZABETH KITA
Elizabeth Kita is a senior at Marian Central Catholic High School. She is the daughter of Patricia Meyers-Kita and James Kita, Cary. “Elizabeth is a true go-getter. She is a mature, young woman who consistently achieves at high levels. She balances academics, the arts, and giving back to her Marian community with grace,” said one of her teachers. Elizabeth has ranked in the top 10 percent of her class every year of high school. She is a member of the National Honor Society, the Tri-M Music Honor Society, and the Thespian Honor Society. Elizabeth is involved with theater club, the pit orchestra, and the mentor program at Marian. She is also a leader of the Friends of Rachel club. Outside of school, she has been involved with the youth group at Saints Peter & Paul Church for a few years. When asked who inspires her, Elizabeth said, “My older brother is someone who really inspires me. He has taught me a lot of important life lessons over the years, and he always pushes me to be a better person. His leadership skills and ambition motivate me to always do my best.” When asked what makes her feel successful, Elizabeth said, “I feel I am successful because I’ve had so many academic achievements while being involved in many extracurricular acitivties. I’ve managed to stay in the top percentile of my class while also giving my time and effort to other things that I love to do.” SPONSORED BY
Sale
ROLLS AND ROLLS OF IN-STOCK CARPET READY TO BE INSTALLED!
STUDENT OF THE WEEK
111 E. Van Buren Street Woodstock, IL 60098 (815) 206-5967 readbetweenthelynes.com
SCHOOLS
the region’s COVID-19 infections rising, Marian students’ parents also are affected at an increasing rate. “We are seeing four or five parents affected every day,” he explained. “That affects our students as far as needing to quarantine. But the positive thing is that we are not seeing contact tracing happening within our school. Most of the contact tracing is happening from ride-sharing and extra-curricular activities. We have seen about three or four students who have been contact traced within the school, and
“I don’t know why the diocese did not require a two-week break after Thanksgiving,” Shukis said, “but finals will be coming up and are very important to us. … Taking finals in-person is the best option.” He said he was happy with how things had gone so far, but also indicated that it was “hard, because we know people who are sick.” He credited the office staff and teachers for their hard work, explaining that the staff is teaching remotely and in-person simultaneously and the office staff is monitoring the health and safety of the students and faculty. “We don’t want to go remote,” Shukis said. “It has been working well. Our students are doing well. We work with the McHenry County Department of Public Health daily. We take the guidelines seriously.” Shukis confirmed that Marian would not be playing basketball this season. He did hope that, if IHSA changes the sport to spring, Marian would play.
Nov. 18-24, 2020
Students at Marian Central Catholic High School will return after Thanksgiving, but they will learn remotely for two weeks after Christmas break. Superintendent Mike Shukis said the Diocese of Rockford decision to delay the return to school in January was based on input from school administrators. “It was a hard decision, I am sure, with so many varied stances among the administrators,” Shukis said, “but I agree with the decision, and we are looking at this as a way to take a break and clean the school as well as we can – to make school as safe as it can be.” Shukis reported that, along with
about 30 who have been contact traced outside of school.” He said the school was committed to in-school learning as much as possible. “I have told my teachers from the beginning that we need to think on our feet,” Shukis said. “Educators, in general, like everything in a box and structured, but we must be smart enough to change course.” That happened early this year after contact tracing forced the school to go fully remote after starting the academic year with five days of in-school instruction. After two weeks, Marian students returned to a hybrid model and have remained in school since. That hybrid model is what students are scheduled to return to after Thanksgiving break as decided by the diocese. Half of the student body attends in-person class every other day, while the other half attends remotely, but all class periods are taught both in-person and remotely every school day.
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
Diocese dictates Marian school calendar
9
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Nov. 18-24, 2020
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
10
A&E
IN BRIEF
Families can win holiday faire by playing bingo Woodstock Public Library cardholders and family members can play for Thanksgiving-related prizes and pieces of the feast in a virtual bingo game from 2 to 3 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 21. The library will host virtual turkey bingo via Zoom. Email katieb@woodstockil.info for the link. Prize pickup will be Monday, Nov. 23. Visit woodstockpubliclibrary.org.
Library offers virtual DIY holiday gift seminars
In a year where people find themselves spending more time at home, making holiday gifts from the kitchen might be the perfect option. The Woodstock Library is ready to help, offering two virtual programs, DIY Holiday Gifts and Treats from the Kitchen. Tune in from 7 to 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 7, for a virtual bread-making class with Andrea Pracht of My Kitchen Clatter. Andrea will share her recipe for sugar cardamon bread. The class will cover the basics of yeast bread making, shaping, and packaging for a special presentation. Pracht will also be the instructor for a second class from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9, where she will share her recipe for a sweet, slightly spicy holiday jam that will work on sandwiches or morning toast. In addition to teaching the basics of water-bath canning, Pract will share ideas on how to package preserves for gift giving. The bread and jam will pair together nicely for a personal, homemade holiday gift. Email katieb@woodstockil.info for the link.
It’s not too late to join the annual Christmas Parade
The annual Woodstock Christmas Parade will step off at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29, from Woodstock Water Works. Individuals and groups interested in participating can contact the Woodstock Opera House for details at 815-338-4212. Register online at woodstockil.gov/community/page/ woodstocks-annual-christmas-parade.
Engineering student has artist’s touch By Jan Dovidio
NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM
One local student has combined his engineering studies with success in art. Benjamin Reuter, a 2020 graduate of Marian Central Catholic High School, is now a freshman at RoseHulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, Ind. “I am a chemical engineering major,” he said, “a very broad field of work in practically every industry where chemical processes are involved in the manufacturing process. I don’t know which industry I want to go into yet.” Reuter’s studies are going well with a mix of in-person and online classes while living on campus. From an early age, his interest in science existed alongside a talent in art. “I got my first set of watercolor paints, paper, and brushes for my 11th birthday,” Reuter said. “My desire to paint simply did not die out. When I was in eighth grade, my mom signed me up to take lessons from Gale Trausch, a professional artist in Woodstock. This was my first real instruction in watercolor.” Trausch soon recommended that Reuter take a class taught by her husband, Thomas Trausch, also a professional artist and art instructor. Those lessons continued through high school. “He taught me ‘plein air’ [outdoor] lessons during the summer,” Reuter explained. “This experience of painting outdoors from direct observation offers many new challenges and opportunities for growth. This continues to be the single most effective way for me to hone my skill.” He paints exclusively in watercolors, including landscapes and florals. The peacefulness, simplicity, and familiarity of ordinary scenes inspire him. Reuter has sold several of his paintings in a variety of ways. He has used shows and events, friends and family, and a website called Artzipper.com that displays some of his work. “Many people see art and science
COURTESY PHOTO
2020 Marian Central graduate Benjamin Reuter, now an engineering student at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, shows one of his watercolor paintings. as two entirely unrelated subjects, but I notice similarities between them.” Reuter said. “Both practices are based on observations for the
purpose of gathering information and using it to create something new. The result of each painting inspires me to create another one.”
Marketplace
11 THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS
Transactions filed in the McHenry County Recorder’s Office Sept. 15 to 22..
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
MARKETPLACE
See REAL ESTATE, page 12
Nov. 18-24, 2020
■ Vacant land, approximately 2 acres, on Castle Road, Woodstock, was sold by The Gerald J. Rizza Living Trust, West Dundee, to Mastwaar Real Estate LLC - Mastwar-1D, Gilberts, for $90,000. ■ Residence at 822 Bunker St., Woodstock, was sold by Jeffrey A. Hays, Woodstock, to Ronald Madoch, Woodstock, for $127,000. ■ Residence at 2438 Fairview Circle, Woodstock, was sold by D.R. Horton, Inc. - Midwest, Vernon Hills, to Brandon Michael Cook, Woodstock, for $295,000. ■ Residence at 770 Regina Court, Woodstock, was sold by The Estate of Michael James Rowell, Woodstock, to William and Jacqueline Sherman, McHenry, for $122,000. ■ Residence at 8514 Concord Drive, Woodstock, was sold by Richard T. Paul, Huntley, to The Michael S. Brown Revocable Trust, Bull Valley, for $295,000. ■ Residence at 1235 Pond Point Road, Woodstock, was sold by The Luisi Living Trust, Woodstock, to Jonathan Mendoza, Woodstock, for $125,000. ■ Commercial building at 10310 Country Club Road, Woodstock, was sold by Woodstock Country Club, Inc., Bull Valley, to Woodstock Country Club of Bull Valley LLC, Bull Valley, for $300,000. ■ Residence at 1782 Roger Road, Woodstock, was sold by Brent J. Baseggio, Crystal Lake, to Eloy Bernal Tapia, Woodstock, for $239,000. ■ Residence at 10407 Saddlebred Trail, Woodstock, was sold by The Kathleen M. Jensen Revocable Living Trust, Woodstock, to Joe Michael Bottalla, Woodstock, for $412,340.
INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER
Irene Kok works in her home office, charting clients’ progress. Kok spends 20 to 30 minutes talking to each new client, via a Zoom call, to get to know his or her goals and explain the program. “I really get to know people,” Kok said. “That connection makes a difference.”
Be patient, go slowly
She aims to ‘change people’s lives’ with fitness, nutrition help By Susan W. Murray
NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM
Spending time with Woodstock resident Irene Kok can leave one feeling a bit breathless. The wife, mother of four, life coach, fitness trainer, and nutritional therapist runs her own online wellness programs for 400 clients, helping them set “realistic, sustainable” goals to take weight off and keep it off. She hosts “Getufit with Irene,” a weekly radio show on Huntley Community Radio, WHRU-LP 101.5, and has written “The Girlfriends’ Guide to Weight Loss,” published in 2019. In pre-COVID days, Kok was a health and wellness consultant to the Huntley
Fire Department. Her Getufit and Getugreat programs incorporate education, advice, stories, workouts, and meal planning to transform clients’ attitudes and behavior regarding food and exercise as a pathway to improved overall health. “It will go slowly,” she warns them. “People are not patient; they want weight loss fast,” said Kok, who blames the media for fostering unrealistic expectations by touting quick-fix diets. Frustration can set in because “everybody loses differently,” Kok said. Some lose weight and reach a stubborn plateau; others are discouraged when they see their weight fluctuate from day-to-day. Kok encourages her clients to keep their food and exercise plans realistic so they can be sustained over the long term. “Some people need their wine,” she said.
Change in career
Kok did not set out to be a fitness professional. But when the secondgrade teacher gained 40 pounds while working on her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, she knew something had to change. “[The weight gain] geared me to pay attention to my own health,” Kok said. Over the past two decades, Kok has earned certifications as a personal trainer, group fitness instructor, nutritionist, and life coach. “Everyone knows how to lose weight,” Kok said. “No one knows how to keep it off.” Kok, who retires at 9 p.m., rises at 3 a.m., ready to help her Getufit and Getugreat clients in a dozen states and even Europe. Most clients live in the Midwest, but because “the entire thing has spread through word-of-mouth,” Kok
See NUTRITION, page 12
MARKETPLACE
Nov. 18-24, 2020
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
12
IN BRIEF Sales indicate suburbs benefit from Chicago flight Third-quarter real estate sales in Woodstock and McHenry County soared 42 percent compared to the previous year, Keefe Real Estate reported in a news release. COVID-19 migration patterns affected by the pandemic apparently led to the boom, Tom Keefe, company president and CEO, said in the release. “Historically, the only comparison we can find to the outward migration of Chicagoans was the Chicago fire of 1871,” he said. “The confluence of disruption caused by COVID-19 and social unrest, along with new workfrom-home technology, has set the stage for a migration out of cities and into suburbs and more rural markets. … Smaller communities like Woodstock, and other parts of McHenry County, find themselves as a refuge from the difficulties of city life.” In Woodstock, sales volume was up 42 percent to $31.4 million, and transactions were up 35 percent to 152 in
REAL ESTATE
Continued from Page 11
■ Residence at 425 W. Todd Ave., Woodstock, was sold by Christopher Seegers, Woodstock, to Andrew Robert Metcalf, Woodstock, for $172,500. ■ Residence at 3760 Twin Oaks Drive, Wonder Lake, was sold by James J. Konieczski, McHenry, to Jeffrey Borta and Dana Borta, Wonder Lake, for $285,000. ■ Residence at 2432 Waterleaf Lane, Woodstock, was sold by Brandon M. Cook, Woodstock, to John Kois, Woodstock, for $220,000. ■ Residence at 9210 W. Wonder Lake Road, Woodstock, was sold by Todd Bates, McHenry, to Bradley Baird, Woodstock, for $378,000. ■ Residence at 327 Lincoln Ave., Woodstock, was sold by Inter County Judicial Sales Corp., Chicago, to Rick Miller, Harvard, for $81,901. ■ Residence at 327 Lincoln Ave., Woodstock, was sold by Richard Miller, Harvard, to Hometown Ltd., Woodstock, for $95,000. ■ Residence at 2570 Verdi St., Woodstock, was sold by Maples At The Sonatas LLC, New Lenox, to Walter E. Marquardt Jr. and Danelle L. Marquardt, Woodstock, for $246,999. ■ Residence at 745 Anne St., Woodstock, was sold by John S. Sutherland, Marengo, to Richard M. Hall, Woodstock, for $267,000.
the quarter while the median sales price was up 4.5 percent to $198,450 year over year, although down a bit from the second quarter. In McHenry County, total sales volume was up 47 percent to $567 million, while total sales rose 30 percent to 2,200 with a median sales price up 13 percent to $247,000.
Dental office offers free care for military veterans City Square Dental reported providing more than $8,500 in free dental care to military veterans during its second annual salute to veterans According to a news release, the dental practice of Dr. Whitney Behm saw patients who reported they hade been in pain for years and had difficulty eating “It was truly an honor to provide veterans with much-needed dental care,” Behm said. “Each one was so grateful. We look forward to hosting our third annual event next year.”
■ Residence at 1820 Sebastian Drive, Woodstock, was sold by Rony A. Lopez, Woodstock, to Robert J. Glascott, Wonder Lake, for $225,000. ■ Residence at 922 Victoria Drive, Woodstock, was sold by Michael Schmidt, Wilmot, Wis., to Charles F. Bremer, Woodstock, for $147,000. ■ Residence at 1770 Rolling Hills Drive, Woodstock, was sold by The Kent R. Seaver and Kristin A. Seaver Declaration of Trust, Woodstock, to Mark A. Rainey Jr., Woodstock, for $355,000. ■ Residence at 604 McHenry Ave., Woodstock, was sold by Marc Christensen, Yorkville, to Hayley C. Marola, Woodstock, for $168,000. ■ Residence at 2010 Greenview Drive, Woodstock, was sold by D.R. Horton, Inc. - Midwest, Vernon Hills, to Vito Angelo Chieco, Woodstock, for $310,000. ■ Residence at 331 Martin Drive, Woodstock, was sold by Joseph A. Johnson, Crystal Lake, to Alexander Paul Pflanz, Woodstock, for $254,000. ■ Residence at 4129 W. Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake, was sold by Maureen Sweeney, McHenry, to Aimee Rose Collins, Wonder Lake, for $145,000. ■ Residence at 2256 Preswick Lane, Woodstock, was sold by D. R. Horton, Inc., - Midwest, Vernon Hills, to Jay Paul Werner, Woodstock, for $279,990. ■ Residence at 220 E. South St., Woodstock, was sold by Sara K. Nicole L. King, Elgin, to Renee Gallo, Woodstock, for $272,500.
INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER
Kok demonstrates a simple workout using drumsticks. On her wrist is a bracelet with the words “Trust the process,” which Kok says involves setting realistic goals that can be sustained over the long term.
NUTRITION
Continued from Page 11
said, she has a cluster of followers in Pennsylvania. From her home office, she does a check-in with each one, whom she requires to weigh-in daily and keep a food log. From her kitchen, she creates and posts videos on the group’s private Facebook page that guide clients through making healthful recipes. And from her basement workout space, Kok films weekly workout videos, utilizing eight formats: yoga, spin, core, cardio, treadmill, drumsticks, interval training, and weights. Sharing recipes is particularly important to Kok, whose clients often tell her they don’t have time for meal preparation. In response, she began creating short videos while preparing dinner. She might throw chicken, beans, tomatoes, and onions into her Instant Pot and instruct those watching to serve the result with rice or potatoes. “Until they see me do it, it’s not concrete enough,” Kok said. She thinks of her clients as students, each with individual needs, goals, and expectations of Kok as an instructor. “What I’m doing right now is the same as teaching,” Kok said.
Clients’ goals
Kok said that she had seen a progression in her clients’ goals from people in their 30s who want a beach body; women in their 40s who want to lose pregnancy weight; those in their 50s who are worried about
their cholesterol levels; and people in their 60s who have seen their friends develop serious illnesses or might have had their own health scare. People have come to an understanding that physical wellness is more important than accomplishments or possessions, Kok said. Even so, some need that message reinforced. “They want me to say: ‘You’re walking on thin ice, and I’m here to help you,’” Kok said. Some of her clients have succeeded in losing more than 100 pounds, Kok said, but she cautioned that success is more likely when someone freely chooses to enroll in one of her programs. Some people receive the gift of a Getufit program, but when “it’s not their idea,” Kok said, “it’s always a fail.”
COVID’s side benefit
The COVID-19 pandemic has meant that people stay home and cook more, and Kok felt it was important to “make the best of it.” With gyms closed, Kok increased her presence on Facebook Live and Zoom. “Before COVID,” she said, “I didn’t know what any of my clients looked like. I love the face-to-face!” Her greatest reward Is in “changing people’s lives,” Kok said. She especially delights in receiving random texts from clients who rejoice that they feel comfortable in a pair of shorts or are confident in making food choices. “I absolutely love what I do,” Kok said.
Community
13
By Lydia LaGue
NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM
Florida, Alabama, California
The Red Cross tries to help people to salvage what they can from disasters, Speciale explained. “You’re there for that emotional support,” she said. “That’s a big deal. It’s a gift to help people that way.” Speciale was also in Panama City, Fla., two years ago for Hurricane Michael. “That was the most destructive,” she recalled. “We actually had almost no cell service, no power.
Jackie Speciale (left) of Woodstock snaps a selfie during a September mission to Alabama where she joined volunteers in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. The Red Cross crew (below) stops working in Alabama long enough to pose for a group photo. Speciale is at the far left.
COURTESY PHOTOS
If something wasn’t destroyed or broken, it stuck out. I was staying in a major population area, with no potable water. I did that for two weeks.” In September, she had just returned from Hurricane Sandy in Alabama when the next call went out for help. “I was there for a week, and then residents from the Creek Fire in California were able to return to their homes, so I flew to California,” she said. “I was gone for 16 or 17 days.” It was in California that Speciale was involved in the distribution of emergency supplies. Her team went to impacted neighborhoods and distributed different tools that people needed to get back on their feet. “We stay in different types of
See RED CROSS Page 15
COMMUNITY
One person can change the world – and Jackie Speciale is a perfect example. A McHenry County native, Speciale has been a longtime volunteer for Woodstock Rotary Club and the Independent Health and Therapy Board of Directors, among other agencies. Her efforts also go beyond Woodstock, even around the country as a volunteer for the American Red Cross, having joined online in January 2012. “I was one of five red heads, so I’ve been training for disaster and response my whole life,” Speciale chuckled. “But it spoke to me.” One of Speciale’s first missions was in Texas to help those affected by Hurricane Harvey in 2017. “I was leaving three kids and a family business,” she said. “It was a lot for me to go for two weeks. But I knew that was one of those times where they needed all hands on deck.” The first week there, Speciale was a shelter manager for 400 evacuees. In the second week, a levee let go and flooded an area of homes, with water rising above the first level. “I was part of a mobile feeding crew, and it was an incredible experience,” she said. “It’s you and 15 other teams of people you’ve never met before. And we worked together to deliver thousands of meals to people.”
Nov. 18-24, 2020
‘Being able to be there for people is a gift,’ Red Cross volunteer says
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
Help a Neighbor, Help the World
Season for giving allows for generosity higher than $15,000! In Illinois, the total lifetime gift exclusion from tax is $4 million. (Note: if you use up this exclusion by making large gifts during your lifetime, you are also reducing your death time estate tax exclusion, so it is worth getting professional tax advice if you are making large gifts.) Why do so many people believe that $15,000 is the annual gift limit? Because that dollar amount of gift must be reported on a gift tax return. If a single gift is $15,000 or less per donee, then you don’t have to count it in your total or report it on an annual gift tax return. So if you have four children and you give them each $15,000 for Christmas, none of those gifts need to be reported on a federal gift tax return, even though it is a total of $60,000 in gifts. If you are married, you and your spouse can each use the annual exclusion, for a total movement of cash or assets in the amount of $120,000 – and still no gift tax return is required to be filed. If the gift is going to your brother, niece or neighbor, the rules are the same. Now, if your business is having a really good year, or you win the lottery, or you just are tired of having so much wealth, you can, at any time, make a
The approach of the holidays can lead us to consider making gifts. I discuss gifting with my clients all year round, and I find that most have a completely mistaken understanding about the gifting “rules.” Some basics: When a gift is made, if there is a tax to be paid, it is paid by the giver, and not the receiver (unless there is a state that taxes the receipt of a gift, but I am not aware of one). Whether there is a tax due for the giver Patricia C. depends mostly on Kraft the size of the gift. I Estate Planning bet you think I am Demystified going to say that gifts over $15,000 are subject to tax – right? No! This is a commonly held error in thinking. The $15,000 “annual per donee exclusion” from gift tax is just the beginning of the analysis on whether a tax is due. Under current federal law, the value of all of your reportable lifetime gifts, added together, must exceed $11.4 million during your lifetime for you to incur federal gift tax. That’s way
gift larger than $15,000. Go ahead! Make someone’s day! But if you do, talk to your accountant about filing a gift tax return. No tax will be due until you have hit the $11.4 million threshold.
About that estate plan
On another topic, I recently met with a friend whose brother had died without an estate plan. The brother wasn’t wealthy, but there were several accounts and some personal property and the total value is believed to be over $100,000 – (we aren’t sure, but the banks won’t talk to us) so a probate will be necessary. The friend was surprised and not too happy about the need to open a probate and the costs and fees involved. I said to him that I should be filming his reaction – it would make a great commercial for getting your estate plan done instead of leaving it to some unsuspecting relative to come along after you and put the pieces together. Patricia C. Kraft is a Woodstock attorney in general practice, including estate and succession planning. Her column provides information, not legal advice. Like other lawyers, she offers free initial consultation. You may contact her at Pat@PatriciaKraftLaw.com.
IN BRIEF
Hazard mitigation plan review set for this week The annual review of the county’s Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan will be conducted virtually at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19. The county’s Emergency Management Agency will conduct the review online at Go-toMeeting, global.gotomeeting. com/join/856523957 or by calling 224-501-3412, access code 856-523-957. The plan was completed as a partnership among local government entities within the county. The plan committee will determine whether additional mitigation issues or efforts, based on any natural hazard occurrences or input from communities or the public, should be added to the plan. For more information, call 815338-6400 or email ema@mchenrycountyil.gov.
Pet Week of the
SAVING JUST ONE PET WON’T CHANGE THE WORLD BUT, SURELY, THE WORLD WILL CHANGE FOR THAT ONE PET.
“Whip”
1-year-old female
To see this pet or others or to volunteer to help walk dogs, call the shelter at:
Hi there! My name is Whip. I am a domestic shorthair mix available for adoption at Helping Paws Animal Shelter. I was brought in as a stray along with my one kitten and am now ready to find my forever home! I am a curious and friendly girl who loves attention. My favorite things consist of chasing after my toys, following around my human friends, and getting lots of pets. I can guarantee that my sweet and sociable disposition will make for the purrfect companion. If you want a snuggle bug and playmate like me, call Helping Paws to set up a visit!
815-338-4400
Temporary hours: M/W/F/SA 12 PM - 4 PM by appointment only 2500 Harding Lane, Woodstock (Off Rt. 14 at the Lake Shore Dr. traffic light)
SPONSORED BY
COMMUNITY
Nov. 18-24, 2020
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
14
M/TH: 8am -12am • F/SA: 8am - 2am • SU: 10am - 9pm Whiskey | Wine | Eats | Gaming
$10 FREE GAME PLAY Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Must bring in ad to receive offer
150 S Eastwood Dr, Woodstock, Illinois
Continued from Page 13
Volunteers needed
COURTESY PHOTO
Helping hurricane victims in need in Alabama came with an extra reward: a bucket of pecans.
Compassion for Campers moves indoors for winter Compassion for Campers, a program that provides supplies and gear for the McHenry County homeless who have no steady shelter, will move indoors this winter at three locations, including one in Woodstock. Warp Corps, 114 N. Benton St., will host Nov. 25, Jan. 4, Feb. 15, and March 29. Distribution will be from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on each of those days. Clients will be COVID-19 screened outside with a temperature check and standard screening questions. No one failing the test will be turned away but supplies will be brought out to them. All clients are required to be masked. Volunteers are needed to help with the distribution, especially younger folks in good health. Email Patrick Murfin at pmurfin@sbcglobal.net or call 815 814-5645. Donations to continue this work can be made by sending a check made out to Tree of Life UU Congregation, 5603 Bull Valley Road, McHenry, IL 60050, with Compassion for Campers on the memo line to the church.
PROMOTE SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY WITH AN AD IN THE INDEPENDENT! REACH THE ENTIRE WOODSTOCK COMMUNITY WITH
AN AD IN THE
NOV. 25TH TOTAL MARKET EDITION!
WANT YOUR BUSINESS TO REACH 17,000 HOMES, BUSINESSES AND P.O. BOXES IN THE WOODSTOCK COMMUNITY? We are Woodstock - Your news, your business, your community. Woodstock, Bull Valley & Wonder Lake Weekly print & digital editions Daily website ads • Monthly print total market publications
ADVERTISING DEADLINE: Ads designed by The Independent: NOV 17, 2020 @ NOON Camera-ready ads: NOV 19, 2020 @ NOON
ADVERTISE WITH US!
Jen Wilson: 815.701.9258 • jen@thewoodstockindependent.com Katy O’Brien: 815.701.9268 • katy@thewoodstockindependent.com
15
COMMUNITY
People interested in joining the American Red Cross can sign up by visiting redcross.org. A Red Cross volunteer will contact you, followed by a background check, an interview, and training. “The training is one of my favorite parts,” Speciale said. “It’s rewarding to watch somebody else become the best of themselves to help other people. You’re with other volunteers, people with the same moralistic compass as you. You’re in it together to help folks.”
IN BRIEF
Nov. 18-24, 2020
shelters like the folks impacted,” Speciale explained. “We talk with different people and make sure they’re heard. We connect them with resources. It’s a lot of work, but it’s very rewarding.” Speciale posts information on Facebook about her missions to tell the stories of the Red Cross relief efforts. “You need so many different people and skills to come together in an organized way to do what our mission is,” she said, “which is to help people in the face of emergencies.”
She explained that Red Cross also helps people locally; one of the biggest relief efforts is to help people displaced by home fires. “This has been a big disruption in their lives, and we can offer emotional support, along with resources,” she said. “We say, ‘Here’s a card with money; make sure you can get what you need. Here’s some clothes. Do you have a place to stay? Use my cell phone.’ “We pair people up with resources, medications, find out what their needs are. There’s a lot of different things you can do.” Whether it be Red Cross or the local community, Speciale commended the team effort to help others. “You see how connected the community is,” she said. “You work with a lot of nonprofits, the police and fire departments. You see how they all work together.” Speciale said he volunteer work as setting an example for her kids, but, “You learn a lot about yourself.” “You make some lifelong bonds,” she said. “You feel like you’ve known them your whole life. “I think being able to be there for people is a gift.”
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
RED CROSS
COMMUNITY
Nov. 18-24, 2020
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
16
Library helps to feed mind, body
Thanksgiving meals assembled for distribution starting Saturday By Tricia Carzoli
NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM
Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for what we have, but many people in the Woodstock community are in need, according to Martha Hansen, assistant director of the Woodstock Public Library. The library already has provided a wealth of assistance through its food pantry, which is set up in the entryway of the building as well as in an outdoor shed. “We restock the pantry shelves with food donated by the community about three or four times a day,” Hansen said. “We have 20 to 30 people a day who use the pantry.” With Thanksgiving around the corner, Hansen knew the library could facilitate a similar community-based program. The library will offer Thanksgiving dinner in a bag for families. “With organizations such as Christmas Clearing House and area churches planning assistance during Christmas time, we knew Thanksgiving was going to be tough enough,” she explained. “We wanted to do something. Tables will be different this year. People won’t be going to family for dinner, … which means they might not be able to eat. We wanted to help if we could.”
IN BRIEF
Conservation district’s hiking, skiing trails open McHenry County Conservation District has canceled or rescheduled all programs and volunteer/stewardship workday activities through Dec. 4 to comply with guidelines that urge residents to stay home for a three-week time frame in an effort to decrease the spread of the coronavirus. Conservation trails and restrooms will stay open, with some seasonal closures in place. Visitors should check the alerts/closures list on the front page of the district’s website, MCCDistrict.org. The district has two solar-lit trails that are pen until 9 p.m. for hiking or cross-country skiing through March 13. One is a half-mile loop at Pleasant Valley Conservation Area, 13315 Pleasant Valley Road, Woodstock, and the other is a 1-mile loop trail through a restored savanna at Hickory Grove Highlands, 500 Hickory Nut Grove Lane, Cary (trail head located at shelter 2).
SOME FEED FOR THOSE IN NEED
Turkey and trimmings
The concept grew, from being able to offer a couple of meals to now packing 100 bags with everything needed to make a Thanksgiving meal, including the turkey – thanks to the generosity of the Woodstock community, organizations, and businesses. Volunteers and library staff began packaging bags last weekend. Each bag includes a coupon for fresh ingredients – a three-pound carved roasted turkey, celery, two pounds of carrots, two onions, and a dozen eggs – that can be picked up at an area restaurant, plus canned corn, cranberries, pumpkin, sweet potatoes or yams, and green beans; instant mashed potatoes; mixes for stuffing, rolls/muffins, and cupcake/cake; among other items. A limited number of gluten-free meal bags will be available. “It really has been a group effort,” Hansen said. “We had people dropping off items – some have sent us Instacart deliveries. We even had someone send gift cards from Colorado.” Kristin Thurow, a social worker at Woodstock School District 200, has been working to help identify families
INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY TRICIA CARZOLI
Kate Tripp, head of youth services at the Woodstock Public Library, assembles a Thanksgiving meal bag during a packing day Saturday at the library. in need, but the bags will be available to anyone on a first-come, first-served basis.
Individuals, businesses help
Meal bags will be available for pickup from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 23-24, at the library, 414 W. Judd St. “Jackie Speciale worked hard for us,” Hansen said. “She knows how to get things done. She has a special gift for that. She makes things happen. She works for the Red Cross, Mac Automation, and the Rotary Club, so she has a different perspective. She knows people are in need, and she helped a lot. In fact, many businesses and organizations helped to support the effort, along with several individual citizens of Woodstock.
Woodstock has always been incredibly generous, Hansen said. For nearly 30 years, the library has organized a coat program where anyone who needs a coat can take one. Eight years ago, Hansen noticed a man wearing socks on his hands during frigid weather. She said she knew they could do better. Today, patrons will find a coat rack in the entryway along with a hat, mitten, and warm socks bin – right next to the Food Pantry “Take what you need, leave what you can,” Hansen said. “We are always in need of and welcome donations of food and warm clothes.” Coats and cold-weather items can be put on the rack or bin in the entryway; food items may be left in the blue bin outside, or on the gray cart in the entryway.
COURTESY PHOTO
The Rev. Burt Absalon joins members of St. Mary’s Men’s Club to distribute food to families in need. Their efforts helped 114 families and fed 373 people. Northwestern Medical Group and the men’s group co-sponsored the event in cooperation with the Northern Illinois Food Bank.
Nov. 11, 2020
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
Celebrating our vets
17
Nov. 18-24, 2020
COMMUNITY
VFW Post 5040 in Woodstock celebrated Veterans Day with a 21-gun salute at 11:11 on Nov. 11. The small group then enjoyed a lunch provided by local businesses. On display (top) at the post were the hat and belt of Army Capt. Glynn Bradley, a veteran who served in 1963-68. Army veteran John Widmayer (far right) plays taps after, he said, being “drafted for the second time” for the ceremony. The Woodstock resident served in 1965-67. This flag disposal box (right) was recently refurbished and dedicated in September to World War II veteran Don Sword.
We Are Woodstock!
Your news, your business, your community
KNow what’s happening
IN WOODSTOCK EVERY WEEK! serving Woodstock for 32 years
INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY TRICIA CARZOLI
Nov. 18-24, 2020
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
18
Happenings
•••PLEASE CHECK WITH SPONSORS OR VENUES ABOUT CANCELLATIONS OR POSTPONEMENTS OF EVENTS•••
calendar
19 THURSDAY
HISPANIC CONNECTIONS MEETING Woodstock Chamber of Commerce Noon 127 E. Calhoun St.
COMMUNITY
VIRTUAL CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP
Zoom meeting open to the public 4 to 5 p.m. Visit woodstockilchamber.com for website, meeting ID, and password.
WOODSTOCK WEDNESDAYS Tune in to Facebook at Woodstock Folk Festival Mustard’s Retreat (David Tamulevich and Libby Glover) performs at 7 p.m.
WOODSTOCK FIRE/RESCUE DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
7 p.m. Zoom meeting ID 95276278102 passcode 017028
20 FRIDAY JAZZ NIGHT
Stage Left Café 124 Van Buren St. 8 p.m. Tune in on Facebook at Woodstock Opera House.
21 SATURDAY
WINTER MARKET AT THE FAIRGROUNDS McHenry County Fairgrounds Building D 11900 Country Club Road
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. woodstockfarmersmarket.org
YONDER PRAIRIE WORKDAY
1150 S. Rose Farm Road 9 a.m. to noon conservemc.org
VIRTUAL: TURKEY BINGO
2 to 3 p.m. Woodstock Public Library program Email katieb@woodstockil.info for the Zoom link.
22 SUNDAY YONDER PRAIRIE WORKDAY
1150 S. Rose Farm Road 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. conservemc.org
23 MONDAY
BLOOD DRIVE VERSITI BLOOD CENTER
4 to 7 p.m. Woodstock Public Library All donors must show a photo ID prior to donating. Register at: https://donate.illinois.versiti.org/ donor/schedules/city
26 THURSDAY THANKSGIVING DAY
27 FRIDAY
VIRTUAL LIGHTING OF THE SQUARE 7 p.m. See https://www.woodstockil.gov/community/page/ lighting-square-virtual-2020
28 SATURDAY
WINTER MARKET AT THE FAIRGROUNDS McHenry County Fairgrounds Building D 11900 Country Club Road 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. woodstockfarmersmarket.org
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
Shop at local small businesses. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
29 SUNDAY
WOODSTOCK’S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARADE
Emricson Park to Dean Street 2 p.m. Call 815-338-4212 to participate.
DECEMBER
1 TUESDAY WOODSTOCK CITY COUNCIL MEETING Woodstock City Hall 121 W. Calhoun St. 7 p.m.
3 THURSDAY
LADIES NIGHT OUT ON THE SQUARE Woodstock Square 5 p.m. https://woodstockilchamber.wellattended.com/events/ ladies-nite-out
4 FRIDAY
STANDARD JAZZ PROJECT Stage Left Café 124 Van Buren St. 8 p.m. Tune in on Facebook at Woodstock Opera House.
To submit calendar items, email pr@thewoodstockindependent.com
5 SATURDAY
14 MONDAY PRIDE MEETING
WINTER MARKET AT THE FAIRGROUNDS
Woodstock Chamber of Commerce 6 p.m. 127 E. Calhoun St.
McHenry County Fairgrounds Building D 11900 Country Club Road 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. woodstockfarmersmarket.org
COFFEE WITH THE CHIEF Woodstock Police Department 656 Lake Ave. 7 p.m.
7 MONDAY
DIY HOLIDAY GIFTS AND TREATS FROM THE KITCHEN-Sugared Cardamon Bread
GRIEFSHARE
Woodstock Public Library virtual event 7 to 8 p.m. Email katieb@woodstockil.info for the link
8 TUESDAY
7 p.m. Livestream at woodstockil.org
Woodstock Chamber of Commerce Noon 127 E. Calhoun St.
Woodstock Public Library virtual event 7 to 8 p.m. Email katieb@woodstockil.info for the link
WINTER MARKET AT THE FAIRGROUNDS McHenry County Fairgrounds Building D 11900 Country Club Road 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. woodstockfarmersmarket.org
Resurrection Catholic Church
WOODSTOCK CITY COUNCIL MEETING
HISPANIC CONNECTIONS MEETING
9 WEDNESDAY
12 SATURDAY
17 TUESDAY Woodstock City Hall 121 W. Calhoun St. 7 p.m.
D-200 BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
DIY HOLIDAY GIFTS AND TREATS FROM THE KITCHEN-Holiday Jam
Grace Fellowship Church Register at griefshare.org for online sessions.
LADIES NIGHT OUT ON THE SQUARE Woodstock Square 5 p.m. https://woodstockilchamber.wellattended.com/events/ ladies-nite-out
18 FRIDAY JAZZ NIGHT
Stage Left Café 124 Van Buren St. 8 p.m. Tune in on Facebook at Woodstock Opera House.
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.
Worship: 1 p.m. Sunday ■ JEWISH REFORMED CONGREGATION TIKKUN OLAM 503 W. Jackson St. (St. Ann’s Episcopal Church building) Call 815-455-9236 or email tikkunolam@ hotmail.com for service information. n McHENRY COUNTY JEWISH CONGREGATION 8617 Ridgefield Road, Crystal Lake 815-455-1810 Worship: 7 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m. Saturday n NEW LIFE CHRISTIAN CENTER 5115 Dean St. • 815-337-4673 Worship: 10 a.m. Sunday ■ RESURRECTION CATHOLIC 2918 S. Country Club Road 815-338-7330 Worship: 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Sunday; 5 p.m. Saturday; 8:30 a.m. weekdays ■ ST. ANN’S EPISCOPAL 503 W. Jackson St. • 815-338-0950 Worship: 10 a.m. (indoors); noon (outdoors) ■ ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN 401 St. John’s Road • 815-338-5159 Worship: 5 p.m. Saturday; 9 a.m. Sunday ■ ST. MARY CATHOLIC 313 N. Tryon St. • 815-338-3377 Worship: 7:30 a.m. Monday - Saturday; 12:15 p.m. Monday-Friday; 5 and 6:30 p.m. (Spanish) Saturday; 7:30, 9 and 10:30 a.m., noon (Spanish), 5 p.m. Sunday ■ THE BRIDGE CHRISTIAN 2620 Bridge Lane • 815-496-0548 Worship: 10 a.m. Sunday ■ THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS 2016 Hartland Road • 815-334-1703 Worship: 10 a.m. Sunday ■ THE VINE CHRISTIAN CHURCH 1132 N. Madison St. • 815-338-3380 Worship: 10 a.m. Sunday ■ UNITY SPIRITUAL CENTER 225 W. Calhoun St. • 815-337-3534 unitywoodstock.org Worship: 10 a.m. Sunday ■ UPPER FOX VALLEY QUAKER MEETING 4614 Pioneer Road, McHenry 815-385-8512 Discussion and singing, 9 a.m. Sunday Worship, 10 a.m., fellowship, 11 a.m. Sunday ■ WOODSTOCK ASSEMBLY OF GOD 1201 Dean St.• 815-338-1316 Worship: 10 a.m. Sunday ■ WOODSTOCK BIBLE CHURCH 118 Benton St. Worship: 10:30 a..m. Sunday
30 years ago – 1990
■ The Woodstock Lions Club, in its 50th year, raised a record $3,250 with its annual candy days.
25 years ago – 1995
■ Woodstock School District 200 voters approved a nearly $21-million building referendum, but rejected a 43-cent increase in the education fund that would have given the district money needed to staff the additions and the new elementary school. ■ Evalyn Johansen, Woodstock, was honored as “Someone You Should Know,” by the McHenry County Retired Teachers Association.
20 years ago – 2000
■ As a result of recounts in Florida, The Woodstock Independent’s election wrap-up edition did not include the names of the new president-elect and vice president-elect. ■ First United Methodist Church, 201 W. South St., celebrated its 150th anniversary.
15 years ago – 2005
■ Walmart announced construction of its new store on Lake Avenue near Route 14 would be postponed to spring 2006. ■ BJ’s, a group of Woodstock people who share their gifts with others less fortunate, announced it would hold its 14th annual Thanksgiving dinner for people who wouldn’t have family or friends to join with and for shutins. The cost of the dinner was “a prayer of thanks.”
10 years ago – 2010
■ Hearthstone Communities began planning for the construction of eight senior living duplexes at North Seminary Avenue and Christian Way. ■ Plans for Woodstock’s minor league baseball stadium slowed to a crawl in part because of the struggling economy. The stadium was to be part of a multipurpose event center on the north side of Route 14 at Doty Road. ■ Vietnam veteran Jerry Havens was the keynote speaker at Northwood Middle School’s 10th annual Veterans Day assembly.
5 years ago – 2015
■ Marian Central Catholic High School’s varsity girls volleyball won the IHSA Class 3A state
19 championship. The Lady ’Canes defeated Joliet Catholic Academy 16-25, 25-18, 25-12 in the title match to finish the year 39-3. “When we were down, we just believed,” said 6-foot senior middle blocker Norah Cetera. “We picked each other up and continued to play hard.” Cetera made the final point, a slashing kill from left to right that landed in a split second. ■ Silgan Plastics Corp. announced it would close its facility at 1005 Courtlands Drive by spring 2016, leaving 150 employees without jobs. A source close to the company, based in Chesterfield, Mo., said the plant was being closed because it lost a major contract with Johnson & Johnson. ■ Woodstock Musical Theatre Company was in final rehearsals for “A Christmas Carol.” Directed by Beth Davis, the cast included Matt Hallstein as Scrooge, Jeff Cook as Jacob Marley/Old Joe, and Charlie Martin as Tiny Tim.
1 year ago – 2019
■ Senior volleyball standout Brooke Aman was the first Woodstock North High School student to sign with a Division I school. South Dakota State University offered her a full tuition scholarship. Aman was a four-year varsity letter winner, a three-time member of the Kishwaukee River Conference all-star team, and KRC player of the year in 2018. ■ Dozens of city of Woodstock employees received raises following a wage study that reported their positions were being underpaid. Not every position received a raise – only those with pay below the minimum for the job classification. In a tight labor market, with unemployment rates a record lows, the city has to be competitive with pay to attract, retain and motivate employees, said City Manager Roscoe Stelford. The raises would cost the city about $167,800 a year. ■ Eighty-five Woodstock High School orchestra students traveled to Florida to play a concert at Give the Kids the World Village in Orlando and to participate in a 2½-hour clinic at Disney World. “Our clinician said we were in the top 3 to 4 percent of groups he has worked with, and he has done over 1,500 clinics for Disney Performing Arts Youth Programs,” said Lyndra Bastian, WHS orchestra director.
Your ad could sponsor this Flashbacks section! The
Woodstock
I NDEPENDENT
Call 815-338-8040 today. thewoodstockindependent.com
COMMUNITY
■ BAHA’I COMMUNITY OF WOODSTOCK Gatherings are open to the public the second Saturday of each month. For information: 815-337-0126 woodstock.bahais@gmail.com ■ BLUE LOTUS TEMPLE & MEDITATION CENTER 221 Dean St. • 815-337-7378 Meditation: 10 a.m. Tuesday, Saturday; 7 p.m. Monday, Wednesday ■ CASA DE BENDICION 8015 Ridgefield Road, Crystal Lake (Crystal Lake Christian Church) Worship: 1 p.m. Sunday, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday ■ CHRIST LIFE 13614 W. Jackson St. • 815-338-4934 Worship: 10:30 a.m. Sunday ■ COVENANT REFORMED BAPTIST CHURCH 4609 Greenwood Road P.O. Box 463 • 815-575-9612 Worship: 10 a.m. Sunday ■ EDEN BAPTIST 1903 N. Seminary Ave. • 815-814-7847 Worship: 3 p.m. Sunday (Spanish) ■ FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST 111 W. South St. • 815-338-2731 Worship: 10 a.m. Sunday ■ FIRST PRESBYTERIAN 2018 N. Route 47 • 815-338-2627 Virtual worship: 9:30 a.m. Sunday ■ FIRST UNITED METHODIST 201 W. South St. • 815-338-3310 fumcwoodstock.org Worship: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Sunday school for children 9:45 a.m. ■ FREE METHODIST 934 N. Seminary Ave. • 815-338-3180 Worship: 10:30 a.m. ■ GOOD NEWS CHURCH Meeting at Dorr Township Community Room, 1039 Lake Ave. 815-575-9224 goodnewswoodstock.org Worship: 10:15 a.m. Sunday ■ GRACE FELLOWSHIP 200 Cairns Court • gfchurch.org Worship: 9 and 10:45 a.m. Sunday ■ GRACE LUTHERAN 1300 Kishwaukee Valley Road 815-338-0554 Worship: Videos on website each weekend; parking lot services at 9 a.m., listen on 89.3 FM ■ HOUSE OF BLESSING 2018 N. Route 47 (First Presbyterian Church building) cbhbfil413.com
FLASHBACKS
Nov. 18-24, 2020
CALL ABOUT CANCELLATIONS AND ALTERNATIVE SERVICES SCHEDULED
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
RELIGION
Nov. 18-24, 2020
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
20
Deadline: NOON Thursday for next week’s issue
Woodstock
I NDEPENDENT CLASSIFIED ADS The
To place an ad: CALL 815-338-8040 • VISIT thewoodstockindependent.com
YOUR AD COULD BE HERE! Social distancing is the most effective tool we have for slowing the spread of the coronavirus. And that means staying home, if you can. Work from home. Play at home. Stay at home. If you must go out, keep your social distance—six
CLASSIFIEDS
feet, or two arm-lengths apart. Young. Elderly. In between. It’s going to take every one of us. If home really is where the heart is, listen to yours and do the life-saving thing.
Visit coronavirus.gov for the latest tips and information from the CDC.
#AloneTogether TOGETHER, WE CAN HELP SLOW THE SPREAD.
YOUR AD COULD BE HERE! @thewoodstockindependent
YOUR AD COULD BE HERE! CALL 815-338-8040
#woodstock4all
YOUR AD HERE
SERVICE DIRECTORY Small Blocks are $40 and Large Blocks are $80 for 4 weeks Call 815.338.8040 for details.
HOME SERVICES
CARPENTRY
AC/HEATING
Leave knowing your home is being checked on regularly with
ASSURANCE HOME SERVICE, INC.
Assurance Home Service, Inc.
A Home Watch Company
Giving you peace of mind, when you are away.
Nov. 18-24, 2020
Are you going out of town?
21 THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
Deadline: NOON Thursday for next week’s issue
Chris & Kathleen Carr
815.790.1247
kathleen@assurancehomeservice.com www.assurancehomeservice.com
ANCHOR CONSTRUCTION SINCE 1977
FOUNDATIONS GARAGE SLABS/ DRIVEWAYS PATIOS/ WALKS/ STOOPS REPLACEMENTS
Contact us today to ensure your family’s comfort.
fully insured
815-482-9542 (McHenry) free estiMates
800-283-4500
americancomfortcentral.com
ELECTRIC CONTRACTOR
ssnyder;Woodstock Heating & Cooling;A19522;3.75x1.75-BW (20Sp)
MENTION THIS AD FOR 10% OFF SERVICE CALL - Service upgrades Since - Repairs 1986 - Maintenance Residential - Commercial
Proud Recipients of the Woodstock Chamber 2020 Professional Service Provider of The Year Award
(815) 338-0282
Delaware Electric Co. Fully Licensed
815-338-3139
woodstockheating.com
HANDYMAN
LANDSCAPING
Eli’s Handyman Service
Expert Landscaping
© 2020 Lennox Industries Inc. Lennox Dealers are independently owned and operated businesses.
HEALTH INSURANCE
A19522-20Sp-3.75x1.75-BW.indd 1
3/5/20 4:35 PM
Bathroom Remodeling Tiles, Painting, Plumbing, Electrical. No job is too small Free estimates
Please contact by text or leave message and I will call you back immediately
815-271-1125
• Spring Clean-up • Lawn Service • Tree Service • Trimming, Edging, Mulch • Free Estimates • Powerwashing 815-905-5852 815-219-8755
TECHNOLOGY
STORAGE FACILITIES LOCAL OUTDOOR STORAGE
Your ad could be here!
12’ wide by 40’ assigned spaces Security cameras Lighted gravel lot at a legitimate business (not a farmfield!)
CALL 815-338-8040
$80 for four weeks
YOUR AD HERE
Boat, RV, Travel Trailer, Enclosed Trailer (Must be titled and have current registration)
Billed to a credit card monthly • $50 per month • Easy in & out all year (815) 337-8873
info@tjtjstorage.com 1317 Lamb. Rd., Woodstock
CLASSIFIEDS
INSURANCE
CONSTRUCTION
RUBES
By Leigh Rubin
HEATHCLIFF
By Peter Gallagher
PUZZLE PAGE
Dec. 27-Jan. 2, 2017
Nov. 18-24, 2020
WORD SEARCH
1 THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
22
SUDOKU
PUZZLE PAGE
SOLUTION
ACETONE
HORMONES
DEHYDRATION
KETOSIS
CARBOHYDRATES
ANTIBODIES
ENDOCRINOLOGIST
LANGERHANS
FRUCTOSE
NEUROPATHY
GLUCOSE
SWEETENER
ASYMPTOMATIC AUTOIMMUNE BASAL RATE BLOOD
EYE DISEASE GLUCAGON
WORD SCRAMBLE
The
1110 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock • 815-337-8230 Mon-Sat 7 AM - 9 PM • Sundays 7 AM - 8 PM
FREE ZUCCHINI APPETIZER
with the purchase of two entrees through November 30th (Must present coupon at time of purchase)
Catering • Homemade Soups • Homemade Desserts
LEVEL
PANCREAS
GUESS WHO?
Woodstock
I NDEPENDENT solution
$1 TACOS ALL DAY ON TUESDAY!
INSULIN
ADRENAL ADVERSE
CRYPTO FUN
CALORIES
PUZZLES & COMICS
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.
PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice of Self Storage Sale The Storage Space LLC, 975 Martha Ln., P O Box 1873, Woodstock, IL. 60098, must receive the delinquent amount of $580.00 for rental of unit #3 at 975 Martha Ln., Woodstock, IL. 60098, name Tares Stokes. Or contents will be sold (no auction) or disposed of on 11/30/20 at 10:00 a.m. at 975 Martha Ln., Woodstock, IL. 60098. Contents: Loveseat, Couch, Cushions, 21 speed Hatchet 26” bike, Tables, Box spring, Mattress, Artificial plant, Ironing board, Books, Pictures & frames, Toolbox, Folding chair, and Bags & boxes contents unknown and other general household. (Published in The Woodstock Independent November 11, 2020, November 18, 2020)L11109
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice of Self Storage Sale Please take notice Red Dot Storage 78 - Woodstock located at 740 Washington Rd., Woodstock, IL 60098 intends to hold an auction of the goods stored in the following unit in default for non-payment of rent. The sale will occur as an online auction via www.
storageauctions.com on 12/1/2020 at 9:30 AM. Unless stated otherwise the description of the contents are household goods and furnishings. Vincent Carbajal Unit #254; Carrie Delich Unit #212. 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 November 11, 2020, November 18, 2020)L11110
PUBLIC NOTICE
ASSUMED NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on OCTOBER 26, 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 MINUTE LANDSCAPING located at 1954 TAPPAN ST, WOODSTOCK IL 60098. Owner Name & Address: JAVIER PEREZ CARBAJAL JR. 1954 TAPPAN ST, WOODSTOCK IL 60098. Dated: OCTOBER 26, 2020 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent November 11, 2020, November 18, 2020)L11111
PUBLIC NOTICE
STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWENTY-SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT MCHENRY COUNTY-IN PROBATE
Case No. 20PR000319 In the Matter of the Estate of WARREN P. WHITING Deceased CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of WARREN P. WHITING Of: WOODSTOCK, IL Letters of office were issued on: 11/9/2020 to: Representative: RANDALL WHITING 925 SUNSET RIDGE RD. WOODSTOCK, IL 60098 whose attorney is: KRAFT, PATRICIA C. 131 E. CALHOUN ST. 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 November 18, 2020) L11112
23
PUBLIC NOTICES
Notice of Self Storage Sale Please take notice Red Dot Storage 6 - Woodstock 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 occur as an online auction via www. storageauctions.com on 12/1/2020 at 9:30 am. Unless stated otherwise the description of the contents are household goods and furnishings. John
Gonka Unit #336; Kelvin Gonzalez Unit #604; Byron Cleaves Unit #805; Will Pourchot Unit #700; John Knuth Unit #200. 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 November 11, 2020, November 18, 2020)L11108
Nov. 18-24, 2020
PUBLIC NOTICE
STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWENTY-SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT MCHENRY COUNTY-IN PROBATE Case No. 20PR000293 In the Matter of the Estate of MARGARET ANNE DONOVAN Deceased CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of MARGARET ANNE DONOVAN Of: CRYSTAL LAKE, IL Letters of office were issued on: 10/19/2020 to: Representative: CATHERINE DEGALAN 5910 PRAIRIE RIDGE DR.
CRYSTAL LAKE, IL 60014 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 November 4, 2020, November 11, 2020, November 18, 2020)L11105
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
ASSUMED NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on OCTOBER 26, 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 NICK’S QUALITY PAINTING AND DRYWALL located at 10507 WRIGHT RD., HARVARD, IL 60033. Owner Name & Address: NICK RUSH 10507 WRIGHT RD., HARVARD, IL 60033. Dated: OCTOBER 26, 2020 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent November 4, 2020, November 11, 2020, November 18, 2020)L11103
Sports
SPORTS
Nov. 18-24, 2020
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
24
Signs of hope
Bryce Shelton Air Force Academy
Five Marian athletes sign college national letters of intent By Sandy Kucharski
NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM
Despite the current postponement of many high school sports, Marian Central Catholic High School celebrated several Hurricane athletes looking ahead to college sports careers with a signing event Nov. 11 at the school.
Bryce Shelton is bound for the Air Force Academy in Colorado. “I get to serve my country while getting a great education as well as being able to wrestle while I am there,” Shelton said. The academy’s teams compete in the Mountain West Conference. In the 2020 high school wrestling season, Shelton was a sectional champion and medaled at the state level, earning fourth place in the IHSA Class 2A individual wrestling tournament. His projected weight to wrestle in college will be 141 to 149. Shelton is interested in studying engineering but will keep his options open.
INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY VICKY LONG
Bryce Shelton sports an Air Force Academy shirt.
Alyssa Graf Converse College
NN SCOREBOARD NN THERE ARE CURRENTLY NO HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS COMPETING. IF YOU HAVE A RECREATIONAL SPORT OR TEAM THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE LISTED IN THE INDEPENDENT SCOREBOARD, PLEASE EMAIL SANDY@THEWOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT.COM
SCOREBOARD PRESENTED BY
815.338.7830
205 E. South St. • Woodstock
Alyssa Graf smiles as she signs her letter.
When Alyssa Graf set foot on the campus of Converse College in Spartanburg, S.C., she knew it was where she wanted to continue her education as well as her athletic career. After a warm welcome from the volleyball coach and team, and meeting some of the dedicated professors, she said, “In that moment I knew, this is where I wanted to grow collegiately and personally on the court and in the classroom.” Graf was recruited to play as a six-rotation outside hitter for the Valkyries. A Division II school, Converse competes in the Conference Carolinas. In addition to her athletic talents, Graf brings an impressive academic résumé to her new college. Listed as top 10 percent in her class, she has been awarded Principal’s List, Academic Excellence, and Discipleship Award honors. She is the co-president of the Pro-Life Club, vice president of National Honor Society, council member of Freshman Mentor Program, and secretary of Spanish Honor Society. She plans to double major in biochemistry and psychology.
June 10-16, 2020
The
stock, Wonder
Published every
g Wood Est. 1987 | Servin Wednesday |
Lake and Bull
Valley, Ill. | www.t
r
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
June 17-23, 2020
| $1.00
The
June 24-30, 2020
kindependent.com
hewoodstoc Valley, Ill. | www.t
s
| $1.00
ns u in jeopardy Phase fas3t puotsplocealAre license liquor we ready to open? Moving too
es, program cut thoughts on tax hik stock, Wonder
Serving Wood | Est. 1987 | every Wednesday
D-200 wants you Published
ndent.com hewoodstockindepe
Lake and Bull
ves? eventually appro have the Education to 1987 | Serving Woodstock, Wonder Lake and Bull Valley, Ill. | www.thewoodstockindependent.com | $1.00 | Est. every Wednesday schools, Published going the two high You are apparently your opinion in a , and programs at e schools sports tunity to share t cuts, eliminating middl co-curricular activ- oppor ask about budge one into survey that will maybe cutting other options no art? and and ses, such as music ents tax increa Woodstock ities maybe stretching out paym g likes. social and prefer save you Or you want to reopening of some been limHow would years, addin its $161 “Eventually, if had Moan hes statewide are with the debt three or four t 200 manage the Mike on Distric ent l branc Schoo ess activities that . Sunny skies ck? y,” Superintend h licenseegoing thoug s, cus- busin ns to the payba t’s $25 mone week, “you’r the coronavirus million bond debt? much if the school millio only2 new driver of the distric 80s By LarryasLough board lastopen to servePage es/ ited by told the ENT.COM in the 70s and And how much spentTOCKINDEPEND See DEBT,expire d driver’s licens Would you mind be WOODS d THE temperatures $120 a year and s shoul of outwith say, s up, tage surplu . LARRY@ tomer n went of advan ctions millio Board le transa property tax people to taketo reopen ghout called facilities , and vehicBy ver solution the Larry Lough week, as pandemic. Specific crowd and capacity next cson Park feet ID cards restaurants throu ic part of whate to know or care side dining at plan – or more? Fireworks at Emri didn’t seem more than 200 ining the athlet WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM observed released limits are included in guidelines. Monday People LARRY@THE Gov. J.B.ofPritzker Lines extended activityonwas the expiration – still a blast How about comb the state ded ent Lots at exten - the differ city. week be had the restau last will le Although “normalcy” will return, state to move to for the state guidelines House for much of licenses, vehic , spilling the patio at Public PAGE 11 Oct. 1 forseems in Woodstock until guidelines continue to encourage face plan. Illinoisthe his Restore next level of 4. the Phaseon ready forthat Woodstock street along license branch around date other permits tables in the and wrapping ration, and concerts of 2up to masks, social distancing, and hand gatherings allow – atPhase 4 will the City Bandrant; by31. E 3, Page PHAS out of the office the south end of the regist Summer July See by d or will t at July 1 on 50 people and permit restaurants, bars, washing as the norm. begin – willlast season in its 136th week have expire the laundroma rated . ram Drive coope l er ood prog recal If you want to visit City Hall, masks weath Eastw and theaters to invite customers inside redu Square. Thethe ict 200 even building along more Local INCubato Retirees in Distr or houraor an are mandatory – and available there. since months three of in time part first big the petit for kids for fourth the Crafts on fireworks have will We waited com ness e ’ fond Peopl has national ‘pitch the state issued a shelter-in-place order their careers with in Emricson Park. library’s summer reading plan PAGE 9 PAGE 8 See PHASE 4, Page 2 And city of Woodstock offices and to prevent spread of the coronavirus By Larry Lough
ENT.COM TOCKINDEPEND LARRY@THE WOODS
SUBSCRIBE
Woodstock prepares for more activity under Phase 4
A&E
SCHOOLS
MARKETPLACE
COMMUNITY
flower walk Neighborhood ck couple honors Woodsto PAGE 14 Obituaries OpiniOn schOOls a&e
COMMUNITY
6
Marketplace cOMMunity
14
18
calendar
20
classified puzzles
12
Local food trucks find hungry customers during shutdown
PAGE 13
INDEX
NDENT PHOTO
BY KEN FARVER
INDEPE had been for a Saturday as it t, was as busy OpiniOn use of coronavirus of Cass Stree time this season. Beca 4 Obituaries 9 by this photo rounds. It will nced the first schOOls nry County 6Fairg stock, as evide return the Square for OpiniOn et a&e ed to at11its winter home at the McHe Downtown Wood day. Mark ers Satur Farm ay and stayed while when the 8 schOOls open each Tuesd 13 cers market had being ace of produ ule the arketpl M sched er concerns, normal summ 11 a&e 19 cOMMunity now resume the
6
n to grow downtow City adds space Call or email for details 22
public nOtices spOrts
TODAY! MARKETPLACE
PAGE 19
INDEX
SUMMER’S START
PAGE 8
23
25
FOR NEW SUBSCRIBERS
The Woodstock Independent
St., 671 E. Calhoun 60098 Woodstock, IL 8-8040 Phone: 815-33 Fax: 815-338-8177 Thewoodstock om independent.c
calendar
classified
24
26
Marketplace
13
cOMMunity
16
as McMahon Thom
INDEPENDENT
PHOTO BY KEN
FARVER
ay on the their home Sund ghout the city. stand outside businesses throu
in that Charlottee Stelfo30 said rated homes and own rd deco hterarea. seller,and daug the ahon ent, INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY TRICIA CARZOLI more than elevator McM 22gerofRosco classified City Mana the sale agreem route Melissalish strucUnder Pomenade nOtices 29 the former grain dayerm public demostockallPride willWood By Larry Lough the site of 24 puzzles first the On long-t of summer 2020, umbrellas protected diners at The Double Yolk Café from sun early in the DeLong Co., city’s the ENT.COM 30 TOCKINDEPEND a “key piece” of and t.from raindrops later as the Woodstock Farmers Market finished its third week on the Square. spOrts morning LARRY@THE WOODS tures on the site. son, thepublicwas developmen 25 town nOtices down Garrett Ander op- plan for According to a much betin Devel pcity mic the develo 26 spOrts “This puts is right for and simil of the director of Econo s the city will When the time , loss of limbs, Wood- city of having contro mean bones on n area, acres the of positi broke town 1.02 ter e c Crash ment, that s. Just days before iof the area north ment of the down place to develop. north of the Squar nal Major Traffi lar critical injurie Regio parcel,” he said County a big , Page 2 will have 16.5 acres tially be developed”Lough , MCAT invest vedThe stock will have . in Woodstock See DOWNTOWN The By Larry involvil last week appro h could poten will M Assistance Team him on the scene of wreck “whic stock The City Counc Grove accident DEPENDENT.CO d grainWood acres the city TOCKIN a Spring blank keptLough g Woodstock gated of the vacate By Larry g more meeting July 21, depending t than 17 That’s what to council’s as hittin a t whocanvas LARRY@THE WOODS kind ofcyclis amon survived enden more than “It’s 000.Indep the purchase Independent nt June 4 for ing a motor Short St. for $200, WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM St., fatal accide to do anything different,” he on what members hear from the public of ninewhether a aLARRY@THE silo site at 313 671 E. Calhoun St., s, nt is seriou 671 E. Calhoun , leading a team policesaid. tree. a accide hours – including restaurants – between now he received traffic a eight IL ation When Woodstock, on inform from five city IL 60098 Woodstock, rs Mike . Based MCAT and then. moreFire/ for issue stock discussing the col- After urged Turner Mayor Deputy police office the Wood or the igated call goes out to Phone: 60098 injury invest s 815-338-8040 4 from a seriou tments who activatedTurner said the issue was raised - June council an hour, City Council to “be than the Woodstock Pritchardagreed “It has to be Fax: 815-338-8177 ct, members Phone: ard of the depar at U.S. 14 and Route 120 (Wash Distri e Pritch 3 Rescu Rob creative” lision in considering changes to to do nothing – for now. See MCAT, Pageby Benton Street bars about the Que death,” said Sgt. Thewoodstock 815-338-8040 Department. to t The issue was a discussion-only Pasta truck being parked on the street food ).truck regulations city’s Street hastheington Woodstock Policeindependent.com us injury” mean Fax: 815-338-8177 Pritchard, 50, ard said “serio from brick-and- item on the agenda for last week’s outside Ortmann’s Red Iron Tavern at complaints Pritch nryaddress Since May 2019, Thewoodstock of the McHe mortar restaurants about their mobile council meeting. Changes to the city’s Church and Clay streets. om been commander independent.c 2012 ordinance could be made at the See FOOD TRUCKS, Page 2 competitors. puzzles
28
calendar
20
s s police resource MCAT expand Virus sparks restaurant competition
We Are Woodstock!
Your news, your business, your community
Print Subscription
$75 1-year
$105 2-years
E-Subscription $50/year
TO SUBSCRIBE: 815.338.8040 • thewoodstockindependent.com rebecca@thewoodstockindependent.com
The
Woodstock
I NDEPENDENT
EVERY WEEK!
2020 HOLIDAY LIGHTS CONTEST Enter to Win!
www.woodstockilchamber.com
thewoodstockindependent.com Offer good for addresses in 60097 & 60098
VARSITY GIRLS GOLF TEAM
CONGRATULATIONS! 815-355-0661
More Info at SportsCityAcademy.com
Does anything shine brighter than Woodstock during the holidays? You can help us light up Woodstock and spread good cheer this season by registering your home, business or block for our new Holiday Lights Contest. We will all “flip the switch” together at 7 PM on Friday, November 27th to honor our “Lighting of the Square” tradition. There are six categories: • Winter Wonderland • Gingerbread House • Clark E. Griswold • Victorian Christmas • Best Decorated Business/Window • Most Festive Block/Neighborhood Winners in each category receive $250. Grand Prize Winner receives $1000 and the Runner-up wins $500, just in time for the holidays. Entries are due 11/23 and details are on the Woodstock Area Chamber website, www.woodstockilchamber.com.
REAL COMMUNITY. REAL TRADITION.
SPORTS
$40 6-months
Marian Central Catholic varsity girls golf team came in second at the Johnsburg Regional. With the help of three senior student-athletes this season, who would have otherwise been playing volleyball, the team earned a trip to the Seneca Sectional. The team was led by senior Lauren McNulty who received all-conference and all-state honors. Thank you to Coach Carver who is retiring from coaching after 30 years at Marian Central.
Nov. 18-24, 2020
FREE 8
PRIDE PROUD
20 students in District 200 receive 2020 PRIDE awards
PAGE 13
linked Project Front Line workers restaurants with
4
11
PAGE 16
SCHOOLS
ed with Finch Farm reviv lavender sweet scent of
3 MONTHS
INDEX
COMMUNITY
As a small business we need you more than ever! Please consider supporting your local newspaper.
sponsored by
SCHOOLS
BUSY MORNING
25 THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
Woodstock Woodstock Woodstock
ENT I N D E PEadNopD t? D E N T besN is E onP WhichIbN DtiE NT I NDEPENDE p a little
The
Nov. 18-24, 2020
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
26
Riley, Mary, and Patrick Connell look on as Dylan signs with the University of Illinois.
SPORTS
Dylan Connell University of Illinois
INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY VICKY LONG
Jenna Golembiewski is all smilles as she signs her letter, committing to Miami University in Ohio.
Jenna Golembiewski Miami University
Strong bonds developed through wrestling have directly influenced Dylan Connell’s choice to commit to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. “Choosing the University of Illinois was something I always had in my head,” Connell said. “After being coached by Mike Poeta in seventh and eighth grade and him leading me to an eighth-grade state title, I always thought we had a special connection. When he decided to take the job as assistant head coach at the U of I, that’s when Illinois
The academic reputation and the beauty of the campus were the factors that led Jenna Golembiewski to commit to Miami University, Oxford, Ohio. “It is considered one of the ‘public ivies,’” Golembiewski said. “plus, they were conference champions in softball last year.” She was recruited to play centerfield for the Division I Redhawks, competing in the Mid-American Conference. Golembiewski was a member of Marian’s regional championship softball and basketball teams. She was named All-East Suburban Catholic Conference in softball in both her freshman and sophomore years, before Covid-19 took away her junior season. She plans to study biology and pre-med in preparation for becoming an optometrist.
became a top school for me.” Depending on his growth, Connell is projected to wrestle 184 or 197 with the Division I Illini, competing in the Big 10 Conference. As a three-time state champion, Hurricane wrestler Connell said being involved with such a great team and having one of the best high school coaches in Illinois was one of his most memorable high school highlights. “Getting to compete alongside all of them makes the best of times,” he said, “and no one will ever understand the bond between a wrestling team.” Connell plans to study entrepreneurship and/or business management/ marketing.
Amelia Fitzgerald Upper Iowa University
Amelia Fitzgerald signs with the Peacocks.
Recognized by the East Suburban Catholic Conference as an All- State softball athlete in 2019, Amelia Fitzgerald has signed to play for Upper Iowa University, Fayette, Iowa. She was recruited to play shortstop and third base her freshman and sophomore years and move to catcher more as a junior and senior. Upper Iowa is Division II and participates in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. “I picked Upper Iowa because I love the environment that the entire school has and how the softball team is like a little family,” Fitzgerald said. “The softball facilities are great, and the players always bring an amazing energy to the game.” She also appreciates the small size of the student body because she looks forward to knowing most of the people there once she’s finished her freshman year. Fitzgerald plans to study biology in preparation for going into pre-med.
MASKS ON, WOODSTOCK!
SEND YOUR PHOTO TO THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
ANNUAL ENROLLMENT IS OCT. 15 TO DEC. 7 We help you navigate the Medicare Maze!
Nov. 18-24, 2020
Get Medicare coverage for the whole you » What is Medicare Advantage? » What does it cost? » Will my prescriptions be covered?
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
Questions about a Medicare plan?
27
Let me help answer your questions.
Call, text, or email to make an appointment. Our appointments are by phone, virtual, or in person.
WE WORK FOR YOU!
A licensed sales agent will answer your call.
SHOW OFF YOUR MASKS!
Offices in Woodstock and Lake Geneva
The
Woodstock
I NDEPENDENT
#woodstock4all
thewoodstockindependent.com
PICTURE THIS
In 1977, officials dedicate a court at Sunset Manor (renamed Hearthstone Manor in 1997) in memory of Reverend J.D. Kelsey. Kelsey founded Sunset Manor in 1903. Pictured, from left, are: Woodstock Christian Life Services chairman Lowell Kline; Cliff Redding, executive director; John D. Kelsey, grandson of Rev. J.D. Kelsey; Woodstock Mayor Frances Kuhn; and Eugene Maxwell, former executive director at Sunset Manor.
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
Kitchens • Baths • Windows • Millwork • Lumber • Doors 815-338-0075 • 1101 Lake Ave., Woodstock • www.woodstocklumber.com
SPORTS
JOHN JONES 815-575-0401 • johnjonesins@gmail.com
Michael Shalitis of Sophie’s Whiskey and Wine lounge in the Ace Triangle is “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 your photo to woodstock4all@thewoodstockindependent.com. We’re all in this together, Woodstock.
SHOpLOCAL HELP YOUR COMMUNITY BY SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES!
HOUSE WASHING • ROOF CLEANING GUTTER CLEANING
Nov. 18-24, 2020
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
28
Print • Copy • Design • Promote 301 E. Calhoun Street • Woodstock, IL 60098 815.338.7161 • www.copyexpressyes.com
WE PRINT
Banners • Blueprints • Booklets • Brochures Business Cards • Calendars • Car Magnets Envelopes • Flyers • Folders • Forms • Labels Letterhead • Menus • Mugs • Notepads Postcards • Yard Signs and more!
FOX FRAME SHOP {
KN 95 Masks Sold Here
}
226 W Judd Street # 1 • Woodstock, IL • (815) 338-5867 • foxframeshop.com
SC
Sewing Concepts We’re With You Every Stitch Of The Way!
110 S Johnson St # 110 Woodstock, IL 60098 (815) 338-7754 • sewingconcepts.com We repair all makes and models of sewing machines
AUTHORIZED DEALER
M-F 10 AM - 5:30 PM | SA 9 AM - 4 PM | Closed Sunday
ClearChoice Services is locally owned and operated. Hard at work every day, they not only work on residential properties but commercial, too.
www.clearchoiceillinois.com 815-347-6548
