Woodstock Independent 12/9/2020 by Woodstock Independent

The

Woodstock

I NDEPENDENT

Dec. 9-15, 2020

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

Virus spikes; vaccine coming County has plan for handling vaccine, still to decide priority for use By Larry Lough

Illinois is hoping for more than 100,000 doses of the coronavirus vaccine next week. McHenry County will have to wait a little longer. With 43 COVID-19 deaths in the

county over the past three weeks and confirmed cases rapidly increasing, it can’t get here fast enough. (See chart on Page 2) Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Friday the vaccine shipment would be distributed first to the 50 counties with the highest per capita death rates. Those include Lake, Kane and Winnebago counties,

NIGHT FOR SHOPPING

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MARKETPLACE

Ex-offenders have program to help them in starting over PAGE 13

SCHOOLS

D-200 music faculty share their talents in tiny recitals

but not McHenry. When the vaccine is available, McHenry County will be ready, according to Susan Karras, nursing director of the county’s Department of Health. “Plans for a mass vaccination were in place before the pandemic per the health department’s emergency See COVID-19, Page 2

PAGE 9

SPORTS

Ex-Marian runner competes in fall for UIS, keeps eligiblity

PAGE 26

INDEX

Obituaries

Opinion

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Classified

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Public Notices

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The Woodstock Independent

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

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER

Debbie Kirchhardt of Gilbert, Ariz., browses merchandise at EmpowHer Boutique on the Square during Ladies Night Out last week. Two more shopping events are scheduled. Story and more photos on Page 15.

Will city forgive business loans? By Larry Lough

LARRY@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

About 55 local businesses that borrowed more than a quarter of a million dollars from the city to help them through the early days of the COVID19 pandemic could see those loans forgiven. Mayor Brian Sager suggested last week that the City Council investigate

whether the continuing effect of the coronavirus on the business community warranted forgiveness of the maximum $5,000 loans. “The question, I think, ...” Sager said, “is whether the city just says that this is something, given the extended period of time of COVID, that we just forgive those loans to our local businesses rather than have them repay those $5,000 loans.”

Given the opportunity to react, no council members commented during their Dec. 1 meeting. Sager instructed the city staff to investigate the idea for consideration at the council’s meeting Dec. 15. During a special meeting March 25, the council approved the $500,000 loan program in a package of emergency measures involving refunds, fee See LOAN, Page 3

NEWS

Dec. 9-15, 2020

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

COVID-19

WEEKLY COVID-19 CASES FOR McHENRY COUNTY

Continued from Page 1

response plan,” she said in an email. “Since March, the department has been preparing in anticipation of when a COVID-19 vaccine becomes available.” The plan includes setting up indoor and drive-thru vaccination clinics, she reported, and the county has obtained an ultra-cold freezer “so that all options for cold chain storage of any manufactured vaccine will be available” to the county’s residents. The Pfizer vaccine, which is expected to be approved and shipped first, must be kept at 70 degrees below zero Celsius. “Because the vaccine will not be widely available after it becomes FDAapproved, distribution of the vaccine will be prioritized,” Karras wrote. “Who will be the first to receive these vaccines has yet to be determined.”

Priorities established

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that health care workers and nursing home residents be given priority for the vaccine. While decisions will be made by state and local health officials, the governor has indicated the state will follow CDC guidelines. According to Pritzker, about 655,000 people in Illinois qualify as frontline health care workers – 162,000 in Chicago and 493,000 outside of the city. And about 110,000 adults statewide live in long-term care settings, the governor said. After that group, distribution is planned to “other essential workers and persons at higher risks of severe COVID-19 illness, including persons 65 years of age and older,” according to the state’s vaccine plan. Then it will go to “critical populations” as defined by the CDC and its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Then the general population can receive the vaccine. Federal approval for the vaccine manufactured by Pfizer could come as early as this week, with distributions starting a week later. Another vaccine from the drug company Moderna

IN BRIEF

Church business manager charged with funds theft

Nearly a year of investigation has led to the arrest of a Crystal Lake man on a charge of theft of about $35,000 from Resurrection Catholic Church in the 2900 block of Country Club Road east of Woodstock. Christopher C. Trimpe, 59, was held briefly on $40,000 bond after his arrest

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During a news conference Friday in Springfield, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announces plans for distributing vaccine for the coronavirus. could get approval this month also. But Pritzker’s office reported it would be several months before the state had an adequate number of vaccine doses to offer the general population. The vaccine requires an initial dose, then another three to four weeks later. “With the two-dose timeline, no single person will be fully vaccinated even by Christmas,” Pritzker said in a news conference Friday, “and it will likely be months before people with low risk factors for COVID-19 see their first dose. But the very fact that we have this timeline is the result of incredible private sector innovation and long standing public investment in scientific research.”

Precautions urged

Because distribution will be a long process, Ngozi Ezike, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, emphasized the importance of maintaining social distance, wearing face coverings, avoiding large gatherings, and getting a flu shot. Avoiding other illnesses – such as flu – is considered essential to avoid last week on a felony charge of theft. The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office reported it began investigating last January after the Diocese of Rockford reported Christopher C. funds missing from Trimpe a financial account managed by the church. Financial irregularities were discovered

medical resources being diverted from COVID-19 treatment, health officials say. Availability of hospital beds continued to shrink last week statewide. In McHenry County, only 5 percent of medical/surgical beds were available as of Friday. and ICU bed availability was less than 11 percent, according to the Department of Health. Still, Northwestern Medicine reported it was not using beds at its Woodstock hospital for coronavirus patients. “Patients are receiving care for COVID-19 in the emergency department,” reported Michelle Green manager of media relations for Northwestern Medicine. “If a patient requires inpatient hospitalization due to COVID-19, they would be cared for at our hospitals in McHenry and Huntley. We are also providing inpatient rehabilitation [in Woodstock] for people who were hospitalized with COVID-19 and who need to regain independence before they can return home.”

Death toll rising The

state

Friday

reported

in the parish’s outreach program account, which is used to assist the less fortunate. During the investigation, Trimpe, the church’s business manager, was identified as a suspect, police said. The charge alleges that since 2014, Trimpe had used funds from the account for his own personal use. Trimpe was taken into custody Thursday without incident and taken to the McHenry County Adult Correctional Facility. He was released on bond shortly after 3 p.m. that day.

03/29 04/05 04/12 04/19 04/26 05/03 05/10 05/17 05/24 05/31 06/07 06/14 06/21 06/28 07/05 07/12 07/19 07/26 08/02 08/09 08/16 08/23 08/30 09/04 09/11 09/18 09/25 10/02 10/09 10/16 10/25 11/01 11/08 11/15 11/22 11/29 12/6

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

* Change to state metrics

Deaths

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

additional 148 COVID-19-related deaths – an increase of 1,000 over the previous 10 days – bringing the Illinois death toll since the pandemic began to 12,974 among 770,088 confirmed or probable cases. More than 10.9 million test results had been reported. The statewide seven-day average case positivity rate was 10.3 percent Friday, the 12th straight day it has hovered between 10.1 and 10.9 percent. Capitol News Illinois contributed to this report.

Coffee with police chief canceled for December

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Woodstock Police Chief John Lieb has canceled the monthly Coffee with the Chief meeting that was scheduled for Monday, Dec. 14. The status of the January 2021 meeting will be announced later. For more information, call Tamara Reed at 815-338-6787.

Continued from Page 1

- Brian Sager, mayor, city of Woodstock of the outstanding loans because a “bad debt” percentage had already been subtracted for accounting purposes. The money could be made up in various ways, including expense cuts or transfers from accounts such as the city’s budget reserve fund, which Finance Director Paul Christensen said stands at nearly $20 million.

Closing out TIF 1

Oberweis starts process that could bring recount Jim Oberweis of Sugar Grove, Republican candidate for Congress in the 14th District on the Nov. 3 ballot, announced last week his campaign had formally asked for a discovery recount in DuPage County and would make a similar request in the six other counties, including McHenry County. “A discovery recount does not change a single vote, but it does allow us to see if the outcome might change with a full recount,” Oberweis said in a news release. Official results showed incumbent Rep. Lauren Underwood defeated Oberweis by about 5,000 votes among more than 400,000 cast in the race. Oberweis had declared victory the day after the election based on early returns that showed him leading the Democratic incumbent. In response to Oberweis’ pursuit of a discovery recount, Underwood spokeswoman Andra Belknap issued a statement: “... Mr. Oberweis lost. As he has acknowledged, a discovery recount cannot change the outcome of this election. Congresswoman Underwood is in Washington focused on the job she has been elected to do.”

NEWS

In other business last week, council members: n Agreed to about $1 million in final expenditures from the city’s first tax increment financing program, which expires on Dec. 31. That’s how much the city expects when TIF 1 collections end this fiscal year. Expenditures include a $732,600 transfer to TIF 2 for the ongoing renovation of the Old Courthouse and Sheriff’s House; $197,000 toward the debt from 2010 revenue bonds that paid to buy and remediate the former Die Cast factory site off Clay Street; $35,000 for trash enclosures inside

the district; $18,300 for repair and replacement of bricks on buildings in the district; and $10,000 for the city’s annual facade improvement program downtown. n Amended parking restrictions on West Judd Street that had been in place to control student parking on streets north of Woodstock High School since that was the only high school in School District 200. Councilman Gordie Tebo said he was teaching at WHS when restrictions were established. “It’s important for the city to undo things, as well as do things, when it’s no longer appropriate,” he said. n Approved an estimated tax levy for 2020 that, for the 10th year in a row, forgoes the maximum property tax revenue allowed under state law; an increase about about $4.5 million in the taxable value of property in the city is expected to provided the city with more than $71,000 in new revenue. Rates and levies will be finalized in the spring.

IN BRIEF

Dec. 9-15, 2020

waivers, and deferments designed to help businesses cope in the early days of COVID-19. The program of fouryear loans at 3 percent interest delayed the first payment until May 1, 2021. Garrett Anderson, the city’s director of Economic Development, said 56 loans had been granted from among 62 applicants. With one loan already repaid, $225,000 remained from the program, which borrowed the money from the city’s capital improvements budget. That money, however, has already been used for cash-flow purposes of the city’s Restaurant Relief Grant Program until the city receives $300,000 from the state for the 27 grants issued. With winter months coming and a second surge of the virus expected, the council had rejected a staff suggestion that the remaining city loan funds be returned to CIP for other uses. Borrowers are required to document $50,000 in annual gross revenue. About half of the applicants are downtown businesses. City Manager Roscoe Stelford said the city staff would determine what forgiveness would cost the city. He said that loss would not be the full amount

“The question is ... whether the city just says that this is something, given the extended period of time of COVID, that we just forgive those loans to our local businesses rather than have them repay those $5,000 loans ...”

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

LOANS

NEWS

Dec. 9-15, 2020

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

OBITUARIES

Larry Normal Eslick, 72

Larry Norman Eslick, 72, passed away on Nov. 30, 2020, in McHenry, Ill. Larry was born on Sept. 29, 1948, in Woodstock to the late Neuton and Emma (Brunner) Eslick. He married Betty Blumhorst in 1975 and resided in Woodstock his entire life. Larry graduated from Woodstock High School in 1966 and enjoyed Larry Norman his many friends Eslick and athletics. After graduating from high school, Larry served in the U.S. Army from 1966 to1968 stationed in Hawaii and Vietnam. He was a Specialist 4th Class 9th Division in Vietnam and 25th Division in Hawaii. After his honorable discharge from the Army, he began driving a truck as a cattle hauler for Blumhorst Trucking. He then became an independent owner-operator of Eslick Trucking, where he purchased his pride and joy – a 1990 Peterbilt semitruck. Larry was an excellent mechanic and always kept his truck in tip-top shape up until the day he passed. He could fix anything. In retirement, he continued driving his truck for Dahm Enterprises based in Woodstock, Ill. He always had so much pride in what he did and who he did it for. One of Larry’s greatest honors was attending the VNC Honor Flight Trip in 2015 and 2017, respectively.

PUBLIC SAFETY LOG Woodstock Police Department

■ Glenn B. Campbell, 60, Woodstock, was arrested Nov. 19 in the 700 block of Prairie View Lane on a McHenry County warrant charging failure to appear. Released with notice to appear. Court date Dec. 24. ■ Daniel G. Rivera, 30, Chicago, was arrested Nov. 20 in the 600 block of Lake Avenue on a Kane County warrant charging failure to appear. Bond $3,000 plus FTA fee of $75. Released on personal recognizance. Court date Dec. 17. ■ Taquan T. Johnson, 19, Woodstock, was arrested Nov. 21 in the 100 block of Newell Street on charges of failure to signal when required and no valid driver’s license. Bond $2,500. Released on personal recognizance. Court date Jan. 21. ■ Isaiah J. Boyle, 22, Maple Grove, Minn., was arrested Nov. 22 at Washington and Main streets on charges of disobeyed stop sign and no valid driver’s license and a Boone County warrant charging theft. Held on $100,000

Larry also had a passion for building, fixing, and restoring classic cars. He was a current member of the Northern Illinois Streeters Car Club, and a former club member of the C.A.A.T.S Club. Nothing made him happier than leaving early on a summer morning, picking up a hot cup of coffee and a Riverside apple fritter before heading off to a car show in his 1968 Camaro or 1970 Chevelle SS. Some of Larry’s favorite hobbies and pastimes included tinkering on anything mechanical, attending car shows, walking around the farm with his grandsons, going to the races, and being with his loved ones. He is survived by his two children, Michael (Kristine) Eslick and Ashley (Chris) Marulli, both of Woodstock; three grandsons, who he cherished deeply, Carson, Rowan, and Huckson Marulli; his brother, Allen Eslick of Leitchfield, Ky., and sister, Karen (Ken) Hansen of Woodstock; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Neuton and Emma Eslick; his brothers, Eugene and Glenard Eslick; his sister-in-law, Erna Eslick; and his best friend, Don Hansen Sr. A Celebration of Life and Memorial Ride will take place this spring at a later date when we are able to gather and honor Larry’s remarkable life on earth. In lieu of flowers, donations to honor Larry can be made to the Veterans Network Committee Honor Flight of Northern Illinois. For information, call Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, 815338-1710, or visit slmcfh.com.

and $2,500 bonds. Court dates Jan. 7 and to be set.

McHenry County Sheriff’s Office

■ Amanda M. Knight, 33, Wonder Lake, was arrested Nov. 27 on a charge of criminal trespass to residence. Charges are only accusations of crimes, and defendants are presumed innocent until proved guilty.

Woodstock Fire/Rescue District EMS calls for Nov. 26-Dec. 2: 64 Fire Runs Nov. 26

John ‘Jack’ Haldeman, 75

Albert J. ‘Al’ Reuter, 51

John “Jack” Haldeman, 75, of Woodstock, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020, at the Northwestern Hospital-Huntley. He was born in Woodstock on May 23, 1945, to George and Rita (Phannenstill) Haldeman. He married Patricia Smith on June 26, 1965, in Woodstock. Jack was owner and operator of Haldeman and John ‘Jack’ Sons Excavating Haldeman Co. in Woodstock. He was a graduate of Woodstock Community High School in the class of 1963. He was a volunteer on the Woodstock Rural Fire Department for 30 years and was a lifetime member of the Woodstock Moose Lodge. He enjoyed bowling, softball, fishing, travel, and gambling. Jack is survived by his wife, Patricia; two sons, Jeffrey (Ann) and Jason Haldeman; two daughters, Jamie (Derek) Schmieding and Jeni Salois; five grandchildren, Alli (Derek), Kali (Sean), Leah (Jessie), Tyler (Ashley), and Kiel (Shanyia); two great-grandchildren, Braylin and Charli; a brother, Ronald (Jane, deceased) Haldeman; a sister, Cheryl (Ike, deceased) Klingenberg; and his faithful dog, Jeanne. He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant son, Michael. All services will be private. For information, call Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home at 815338-1710, or visit www.slmcfh.com.

Albert J. “Al” Reuter, 51, of Woodstock, passed away on Friday, Nov. 27, 2020, at the Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington. He was born May 14, 1969 in McHenry, the son of John A. “Jack” Reuter and Janie (Malone) Reuter. He married Michelle Lundgren on Aug. 17, 1991. Al was a member of Ceramic Tile and Brick Layer Workers Union Local 67. Albert J. ‘Al’ He was well known Reuter as one of the best tile men in the business. He worked for many companies during his career and had a long line of customers who would wait for Al to free up enough time to do their job. In his spare time, he enjoyed four-wheeling, snowmobiling, and spending time with good friends. He is survived by his children, Carlie M. Reuter, Caysie L. Reuter; their mother, Michelle Reuter; a sister, Brandi (Reuter) Butenschoen; a brother, Andrew (Laura Vitek) Reuter; his parents, Jack Reuter and Jane Reuter; a niece, Kamryn Butenschoen; a nephew, Keyan Colburn; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. A memorial gathering will be arranged at a later date when COVID restrictions have been eased. For more information, contact Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, Woodstock, at 815-338-1710, or visit slmcfh.com.

fire; shift commander, truck, ambulance, engine 9:01 p.m. – 500 block of Washington Street, outside rubbish/trash/waste fire; shift commander, engine 9:29 p.m. – 200 block of Joseph Street, carbon monoxide incident; engine, ambulance, shift commander Nov. 29

8:22 a.m. – 700 block of Suzanne Street, unintentional alarm system activation, no fire; shift commander, truck, ambulance, engine 2:58 p.m. – Wanda Lane and Eastwood Drive, brusk or brush/grass mixture fire; engine, shift commander Dec. 1

11:52 a.m. – 1900 block of Sheila Street, smoke from barbecue/tar kettle; shift commander, truck, ambulance, engine

4:55 p.m. – 1200 block of Lake Avenue, passenger vehicle fire; engine, ambulance, shift commander 6:04 p.m. – 10600 block of Happy Trail, lockout; engine

11:33 a.m. – 400 block of North Madison Street, unintentional smoke detector activation, no fire; shift commander, truck, ambulance, engine 7:43 p.m. – 1100 block of Walden Oaks Drive, unintentional detector activation, no

12:59 p.m. – 2000 block of Eastwood Drive, traffic accident with no injuries; engine, shift commander, ambulance 3:31 p.m. – 8200 block of Castleberry Drive, unintentional smoke detector activation, no fire; engine

Nov. 27

Dec. 2

IN BRIEF

Holiday traffic patrols get 144 arrests, tickets

Eight arrests were made and 136 citations were issued when the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office joined other state and local law enforcement agencies during a traffic crackdown over the Thanksgiving holiday. Unbuckled motorists and impaired drivers were the focus of the program to reduce highway fatalities, according to a news release. Deputies made two arrests on DUI charges and wrote eight tickets for seat belt violations. Seven citations also were written for electronic device use while driving and 121 for speeding. Other arrests made were no valid driver’s license and driving while license suspended or revoked (two each) and reckless driving and outstanding warrant (one each). The law enforcement mobilization was funded by federal traffic safety funds through the Illinois Department of Transportation.

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OPINION

Dec. 9-15, 2020

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

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

As virus cases rise, it’s still deadly serious For the first time, the coronavirus last week surpassed heart disease as the leading cause of death in the U.S. So, no, it’s not just like the flu. About every five days, 10,000 Americans die from the disease – about 2,000 a day. So, no, it’s not going to magically disappear. Denying the seriousness of COVID-19 and minimizing its threat to public health haven’t helped. It’s worse than ever in this country, and scientists say we haven’t seen the worst. As confirmed cases surge in the second wave, many of the nation’s hospitals are overwhelmed. In McHenry County, only 5 percent of medical/surgical beds were available at the end of the day Friday, and less than 11 percent of ICU beds were empty. Check the COVID-19 table on Page 3 of The Independent today to understand the rising numbers of new cases and deaths reported locally. In June, 85 percent of deaths in the county were people who lived in long-term care facilities. As of Friday, that number had fallen to 64 percent, which should be cause for alarm. That should be no surprise. By mid-summer, the age group responsible for the most confirmed cases in McHenry County was 20 to 29 – the most socially active (selfish? reckless?) sector of the population. While they might not be dying from the virus, they’re spreading it to older people who are more vulnerable. But it might be only a matter of time before younger people suffer serious consequences. As of Friday, nearly 48 percent of confirmed cases of COVID-19 were in people 40 and younger. And who knows what are the long-term effects of having contracted but survived the virus. Gambling with your health is dangerous. A record-breaking 227,00 new cases of coronavirus were reported in the U.S. on Friday alone – the

We’re running out of beds. What are we going to do, doctor?

They might have some spares in there.

EDITORIAL CARTOON BY LUKE GOINS

first time the daily case count had topped 220,000, according to Johns Hopkins University. The U.S. death toll over the weekend exceeded 275,000 for the year, and projections show that number could double by March. Make no mistake. This pandemic is deadly serious. The good news is, vaccines should be available this month – for health care workers first, and then for at-risk citizens. Those are primarily residents of long-term care facilities. Most of the population, however, has months to

wait before being inoculated. That means for the public good – call it your civic obligation – hang in there a few more months doing the things the medical community is asking of us: Wear a mask in public; avoid crowds when you can, and keep your distance from others when you can’t; wash your hands regularly; stay home if you possibly can. Let’s survive this winter surge, let the vaccine get us past the virus, and learn from this frightening episode how better to live with the next pandemic.

» YOUR VIEW

Santa hopes to be back inside his hut next year I am rather upset by the Woodstock Santa Hut this year not having a Santa, and I understand why, because of the worldwide virus problem, even though I thought there could have been a safe way of having Santa from afar but still being in the hut. And my surprise was that they were having a Santa at the Opera House for the kids. I had brought up the idea of having a barrier just after you went into the Santa’s Hut, about six to eight feet away, so the children could at least talk to Santa and leave a letter or Christmas list in a box by the door. And the hut being in the open air

would make it safer. I have been a Santa for the Woodstock Lions Club for 38 years, never missed a year, even the year my daughter died just a few days before Christmas, and for over 20 of those years I ran and organized the Santa Hut program with fellow Lions, such as Henry, Ralph, and many others. The Santa’s Hut has been around for many, many years, and the people who got me involved was the old Mr. Bohn and Mr. Buschkopf, using his old office at the pharmacy to get changed. This would have been my 39th year serving as Santa (I mean, Santa’s helper), like many others who have helped out over the years the Lions for many years before me, and in the last few years the Woodstock Rotary

Club. I am sorry and feel bad that I will not be your Santa this year for all the kids and parents I have seen over the years. Merry Christmas, and hope to see you next year. God bless you all. John Cole (Santa) Woodstock

‘Share the Love’ to promote random acts of kindness Zach Brokaw’s mission in life was to make the world a kinder place. Sadly, in June 2015, Zach’s life was tragically cut short when he passed away at the age of

20, as the result of an automobile accident. He fell asleep at the wheel after an exceptionally long work week. Just six months later, “Stuff the Stocking for Zach” was born. Zach was an only child, and this fundraiser was created as something positive for his family to focus on during the holidays, as well as a means of benefiting the community while honoring something Zach was passionate about. Zach was an Eagle Scout, and from a very young age he felt compelled to help others less fortunate than himself. He truly believed that a little kindness went a long way, and always tried to bestow kindness upon others whenever possible.

Continued on Next page

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are unable to sponsor the fourth-grade museum field trip as in years past, so this year’s fundraiser will focus on bringing hope and joy into people’s hearts during these troubling and uncertain times. All proceeds will go to our “Share the Love” Valentine’s Weekend Giveaway, when we will be surprising people throughout the area with random acts of kindness in Zach’s memory! Gifts may include anything from flower deliveries to local shut-ins, food for families in need, toys for hospitalized children,

I Will Light Candles this Christmas By Howard Thurman I will light candles this Christmas, Candles of joy despite all the sadness, Candles of hope where despair keeps watch, Candles of courage for fears ever present, Candles of peace for tempest-tossed days, Candles of grace to ease heavy burdens, Candles of love to inspire all my living, Candles that will burn all year long. The poem has even more meaning for me, knowing that the Rev. Thurman, who was born in 1899, led a delegation of African Americans to India in 1935 when he met Mohandas Gandhi. He left India with an understanding of and commitment to nonviolent resistance, which shaped a generation of civil rights leaders, including Martin

Luther King Jr. The poem’s message is timeless. Sadness, despair, fears, tempest-tossed days, and heavy burdens are everpresent, so joy, hope, courage, peace, grace, and love are always needed. Its message is right-on for this year. COVID-19 invaded our lives and our community in March. Schools were shuttered. Businesses, churches, and entertainment venues were closed. Weddings, funerals, graduations, and family gatherings and celebrations were postponed or rethought. Nursing and group home residents were confined to their rooms, and their helpers were taxed, and on and on. We’ve all had tempest-tossed days, sadness, heavy burdens, despair, and fear. Despite all of that, we are blessed. Christmas is just a few weeks away, and the reason for the season awaits our devotion. Churches are planning virtual worship services; families are rethinking their gatherings; and people are reaching out to help one another. As we wait for Christmas, we will light candles, because there is something comforting about the soft glow of burning candles. Join me in lighting candles of joy, hope, courage, peace, grace, and love. Cheryl Wormley is publisher of The Woodstock Independent. Her email address is c.wormley@thewoodstockindependent.com.

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and much more. We may pay for someone’s groceries, fill their tank with gas, pay for their meal at a restaurant, or pop in and take care of someone’s veterinary bill. The possibilities are endless! We also plan to support local businesses by purchasing gift cards we can distribute for goods and services. If you know of a particular family in need, please reach out and we will do our best to include them in our giveaway. Monetary donations or gift cards to local dining establishments, as well as grocery and/or gas cards, may be sent to Diane Brokaw, 8912 Ill. Route 120, Woodstock, IL 60098.

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

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Zelle and PayPal may also be used by selecting the Friends & Family option, and using dianebrokaw@juno.com. Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated and will be accepted through Jan. 10, 2021. If any questions, call 815-276-4194. Please help me end this year on a positive note by continuing to honor my son’s legacy, and let’s start off the new year by spreading some much needed love and joy! Thank you, one and all. Diane Brokaw Woodstock

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OPINION

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Sorry for leading you down this rabbit hole, but my passion for truth wants to set the record straight. This week, let’s focus on the Rev. Thurman’s poem “I Cheryl will Light Candles Wormley this Christmas.” We will leave “The Declarations Work of Christmas Begins” for later in the month.

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

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I credit Peter Anderson with opening my eyes and heart to Howard Thurman. Peter concluded his and Patty’s 2013 Christmas letter with Thurman’s poem “The Work of Christmas Begins.” Many of you will remember the Andersons. Peter was principal of Northwood Middle School in the 1990s, and Patty owned Daybreak Bookstore. Their children Jeremy, Jill, and Nick were active in D-200 schools and the community. I closed my Christmas Declarations that year with “The Work of Christmas Begins,” crediting both men – Howard Thurman for writing the poem and Peter for sharing it. In 2014, I found a reference to the Rev. Thurman’s poem “I Will Light Candles this Christmas,” which included “The Work of Christmas Begins” as a second stanza. So beginning that year, I closed my Christmas Declarations with the two poems combined as one. I had an aha-moment last week when Jim and I started using Presbyterian Today’s Advent & Christmas Devotional 2020. The devotional’s introduction stated that it brings “the inspiring words of Howard Thurman’s poem ‘I Will Light Candles this Christmas.’” But the poem that was printed didn’t include what I thought was its second stanza. I researched more and learned I had been combining two poems as one.

Woodstock

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

‘I Will Light Candles this Christmas’

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Hi there! My name is Bear. I am a Lab/ retriever mix available for adoption at Helping Paws Animal Shelter. I entered the shelter along with my nine brothers and sisters, all who have since been adopted. Now it’s my turn! I am full of life and have so much love to share. I am a very fun and silly pup so I’m looking for a family who is ready to play. Tug-of-war is my specialty! Aside from playing with my toys, my favorite pastime is hanging with my human friends. I love being around others, all I need is someone to call my very own best friend. If this can be you, call Helping Paws and make sure to set up a visit with me, Bear!

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Schools

9 THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

Tiny recitals attack big pandemic COURTESY PHOTO

By Janet Dovidio

National Honor Society coadviser Shannon Landwehr (left) and LUCHA club adviser Carolina Giraldo deliver donations from Woodstock High School to the Woodstock Food Pantry.

NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Screen shots of Tiny Recitals by music faculty members of Woodstock School District 200. Fulcher, Stacie Savittieri, and Jillian Forbes performing as a string quartet. “I don’t have 2021 lined up completely,” Peiffer said, “but we will see performances from Rich Stiles, Brian Jozwiak, Deb Schweis, and myself with several others joining in the fourth quarter. “The arts have always helped people get through challenging

“We don’t just teach music, we do music,” said Duane Peiffer, music teacher at Creekside Middle School. “We felt it would be enjoyable and, hopefully, inspirational to our students to see us actively doing music outside of the regular classroom.” The teachers began releasing recitals every two weeks starting in mid-October. Students in their virtual classes have learned to work with new apps. Teachers have recorded “how-to” videos and offered many breakout rooms. “If you have been in Woodstock for a while, you know that we have a tradition of very strong music programs, thanks to all the talented and committed music professionals in the district as well as a supportive administration and community,” Peiffer said. Thus far, the project has featured

Kaylie Stouffer singing and playing “Feed the Birds,” Christy Johanson singing “Rainbow Connection,” and Amanda Storer performing Arban’s “Fantasie Brilliante” on trumpet. The next several weeks will feature music teacher Hugo Alcazar on tenor saxophone with three guests playing a funk tune, and orchestra teachers Lyndra Bastian, Cara

times. This Tiny Recital series is a way for us to provide a connection (and hopefully a little joy) to our students and our community through our music.” These recitals are accessed on the district website, woodstockschools. org. Choose the Community category and click on D200 Music Faculty Performances.

WHS food drive benefits local pantry By Janet Dovidio

NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Cooperation among several Woodstock High School student groups produced a bountiful outreach to benefit the Woodstock Food Pantry and the people it serves. The idea began at a LUCHA (Latinos Unidos) meeting. Members shared ways to help the community. Student Melisa Paredes-Lopez suggested a food drive. LUCHA adviser Carolina Giraldo, social studies teacher, mentioned it to activities director Patrick Podgorski. “He should be given all the credit for trying to get more groups involved,” she said. “The Key Club and National Honor Society jumped at the idea.” Each club informed family and friends through social media and virtual announcements to their classes. School counselor Shannon Landwehr and math teacher Brigid Fujino, Key Club advisers, used the school’s social media to publicize the effort. They also sent reminders to faculty and staff. National Honor Society co-advisers Rich Stiles, director of bands, and Lyndra Bastian, orchestra Please see FOOD DRIVE Page 10

SCHOOLS

Music faculty members in Woodstock School District 200 found a way to bring joy to people during the pandemic – sharing their many talents on social media and the district’s website in a program called “Tiny Recitals.”

Dec. 9-15, 2020

D-200 music faculty provides some light in dark times

Honor Society members doing service work

extra help. eLearning is not easy for everyone, and finding the motivation to finish work can be difficult.”

NHS President Theresa Presisto and Vice President McKenna Sweet reached out to the principals at Creekside Middle

School and the elementary schools to offer tutoring by NHS members. Creekside Principal Michael Wheatley helped to create the program. At first virtual tutoring was available at specific times on Fridays. This plan soon changed to more beneficial one-on-one Google Meet sessions that met the scheduling needs of tutor and student. Teachers and counselors recommend students for tutoring, and parents can contact the child’s teacher to ask for help. The NHS/CMS students find a common time after school during which they can work together. “It has been going really well for both the NHS students and the students at CMS and Westwood Elementary School who are receiving this extra help,” Bastian said. “I am happy that we were able to set this up. Seeing more of our students feeling successful is rewarding and important to all of us working in D-200.”

Donations could be dropped off between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. That allowed for a contactless drop-off. The organizing clubs offered incentives for the totals collected. Bastian’s varsity orchestra class turned in the most items. Jack Walsdorf’s German III class had the highest percentage of items per person. The reward? They each received a pie in the face during class time!

“Although we were running this food drive to build up enough of a supply for the holiday season,” Giraldo said, “we need to continue to remember that the Woodstock Food Pantry needs this support all year round. We look forward to holding another food drive in the spring. “It’s great to see the students reimagining ways to give back to the community. Key Club, LUCHA and

NHS look forward to collaborating on other projects in the future.” Woodstock Food Pantry President Bob Pierce complimented this effort, which collected 556.5 pounds of food. “I spend a lot of time at the pantry,” he said. “I see how giving the residents of Woodstock are with donations of food and money. I also would like to thank all the volunteers who keep the pantry open.”

By Janet Dovidio

NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Members of the Woodstock High School National Honor Society have found several ways to be helpful during the coronavirus pandemic. In addition to academic accomplishments, a major component of membership in NHS is service to school and community. At the beginning of the year, board members met with co-advisers Rich Stiles and Lyndra Bastian to explore ideas for safely serving the community. “I teach at the middle and high school levels,” Bastian said. “I noticed a need at the middle school level for students to get

FOOD DRIVE

Continued from Page 9

teacher, guided their members in the effort. Because of COVID safety restrictions, the students could not collect the food themselves. The school’s custodial staff placed containers outside the school entrance each morning.

COURTESY PHOTO

The Woodstock High School National Honor Society meets virtually.

STUDENT OF THE WEEK CHRISTOPHER GHITA

Do You Think Woodstock Is Age Friendly? Did you know that soon older people will outnumber younger people for the first time in history? Woodstock wants to be a great place for people of all ages, and often older people and younger people want the same things like great parks, safe streets and a wide choice of housing. The Community Foundation for McHenry County awarded Woodstock a Transformational Grant to develop an Action Plan to become the most age friendly livable community in McHenry County. NIU’s Center for Governmental Studies is helping us complete the plan and your input is needed! You can help decide what improvements are most important by completing the survey at the link below or scanning the QR code. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WoodstockResidents

Prefer a paper copy? Pick one up at the Woodstock Public Library or City Hall. Input is needed from residents of all ages!

In appreciation for your time, after completing the survey, you can enter a drawing for one of several Chamber Bucks Gift cards.

Questions? Contact Terry at twillcockson@woodstockil.gov

Christopher Ghita is a senior at Marian Central Catholic High School. He is the son of Jean Ghita and Lisa Ghita, Crystal Lake. “Chris is a truly dynamic young man. His positive attitude brightens our halls everyday. His giving spirit, excellence in academics and involvement in athletics are remarkable. Chris is a model example of what it means to be a well-rounded individual, but what makes him stand out most is his genuine care for the well-being of others,” said one of his teachers. Christopher has been on honor roll and high honor roll. He is a member of the National Honor Society and the French Honor Society. He has earned the Marian Academic Excellence Award and the IHSA Scholastic Achievement Award. Christopher is the treasurer for the French Honor Society, as well as, a member of the mentor program, the Pro-Life Club and the varsity soccer team. Outside of school, he helps to beautify and maintain the gardens at St. Thomas the Apostle Church. He is an altar server and he referees at Lippold Park. When asked who inspires him, Christopher said, “Out of everyone in my life, my grandmother has always inspired me. Nana believed in everything I did and was always so excited to see what I had in store for whatever I was going to do. Allowing me to always look on the bright side, she changed not only my life, but the lives of many others.” When asked what makes him feel successful, Christopher said, “I feel that I am successful because of my drive to keep going, no matter how difficult my life can be. ‘Never stop fighting for what you believe in and for the people you care about’ is a quote that I try to live by each day as I believe it is key to keep moving forward.” SPONSORED BY

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111 E. Van Buren Street Woodstock, IL 60098 (815) 206-5967 readbetweenthelynes.com

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Summer program evolves into winter activity – with prizes!

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

Change of reading seasons

By Tricia Carzoli

NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

A child chooses a book for the Woodstock Public Library reading program. meaning the kids could not come in to turn in their reading logs. Logging was completed online, but Tripp said she knew some families had a difficult time with the change.

Support from businesses

The winter reading program will be similar to the summer reading program. For every three hours youths read, they can earn prizes. They also can earn a raffle ticket for weekly prizes or the grand prize. Returning this winter is the

opportunity for children to choose prizes including books, toys, and coupons to local businesses, while teens are able to earn other prizes such as chips, candy, books, coupons to local businesses or water bottles. “We have had great support in years past from local businesses like Kingston Lanes,” Tripp said, “and this year we were able to add coupon prizes from Casting Whimsy and Read Between the Lynes.” The winter reading program began

A lollypop tree, raffle prizes, and buttons are offered for participants.

INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY TRICIA CARZOLI

Dec. 1 and will end Jan. 20. Students can log reading hours with the timer on the Beanstack app, which can be accessed through the library’s website, or patrons can stop in at the children’s desk to pick up paper logs. Craft kits will be available in the children’s department. Books are available as e-books, digital picture books, audiobooks, and digital magazines through Digital Library of Illinois, TumbleBooks, and RBdigital to aid in contactless reading as well.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

The Woodstock Public Library reading program is back! What is usually dubbed the summer reading program, has been re-imagined as the winter reading program for patrons who might have missed out on summer prizes. “At first, we decided to do a winter reading program just so we could use up the badges and lanyards we put together for the summer,” Young Adult librarian Kate Tripp said, “[but] the more I thought about it, the more important it was that we try to have a ‘regular’ reading program where the kids could come in and get prizes – or at least as regular as we could make it.” Tripp explained that young patrons look forward to the summer reading program all year long, but the turnout for the past summer was less than half of what the program usually sees. Part of that could be attributed to the fact that the library was closed,

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June 10-16, 2020

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ENT.COM TOCKINDEPEND LARRY@THE WOODS

Moving too

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INDEX

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SCHOOLS

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Public notices tell you, as a citzen, what is being done by your government. Public notices keep you up to date about ow!and n what’s happening withtyour city, county k o t h ur rasig school board, well as other governmental Yo bodies. Public notices tell you, as a citzen, Why wedone needbypublic notices? what is do being your government. Public notices keep you up to date about what’s happening with your city, county and school board, as well as other governmental • Public notices tell you, as a citzen, whatas is a citzen, bodies. Public notices tell you, being done by your government. what is being done by your government. • Public notices keep you up to date about what’s Public notices keep you up to date about happening with your city, county, and school what’s happening with your city, county and district, as well as other governmental bodies. school board, as well as other governmental bodies. Public notices tell you, as a citzen, what is being done by your government. Reading public notices helps you be a more informed citizen. All public notices in The Woodstock Independent are available online at publicnoticeillinois.com. The

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‘They want something better’

Employers can benefit by providing ex-felons a job, second chance By Susan W. Murray

NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Charles, a 41-year-old McHenry County resident, grew up “in a diverse community where there were gangs and drugs.” By the age of 13, he was caught up in both. At 17, he went to prison for the first time at the Joliet Correctional Facility. He spent 13 years of his life incarcerated. “There were many instances when I should have been dead,” Charles said. “At one point, I was, almost.” Upon his last release, he realized how tired he was of the life he had been living. “I wanted to do better for myself,” he said.

Up against long odds

Minimum wage jobs filled the gaps

between prison stretches, but they didn’t add up to a career path. While considering getting a commercial driver’s license, Charles heard about the STEP Forward program – Stateline Transforming Employment Potential. Launched in 2018, the program grew as a response to Thomas the needs of Faber McHenry County employers. As a business services representative at the McHenry County Workforce Network, which assists job seekers in finding positions, Thomas Faber tries “to find out what local employers need.” That need, especially as the economy improved after 2010, Faber said, was for “more and more skilled workers.” In pondering that problem, Faber came to a somewhat surprising

solution. “I don’t think that we’ve considered people who have criminal backgrounds,” he thought. The FBI’s centralized database lists 70 million people in the United States who have criminal records. That’s nearly 28 million more than have bachelor’s degrees and represents 21 percent of the population. “We need to be open to the possibility that ex-offenders can be good workers,” Faber said.

Workshops start process

A board member of the Stateline Society of Human Resource Management, Faber took his idea to other board members, hoping it could address employers’ needs and help ex-offenders. The board reacted enthusiastically and set up a STEP Forward Steering Committee. Faber and the committee created a five-week series of workshops to be run through the Workforce Network to help ex-offenders plan a return to work, identify a career

See WORKFORCE, Page 14

■ Residence at 9360 Ryan Court, Wonder Lake, was sold by Dennis B. Broeske, Chuckey, Tenn., to Steven M. Duval, Wonder Lake, for $295,000. ■ Residence at 8407 Acorn Path, Wonder Lake, was sold by The Elleen K. Jakubowski Declaration of Trust, Capron, to Mark Wasserman, Wonder Lake, for $125,000. ■ Residence at 1210 Portage Lane, Woodstock, was sold by John P. Kunzie and Judith Ann Kunzie, Woodstock, to Constance Werth and Steven Werth, Woodstock, for $225,000.

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

Adam Furman, operations manager at Variable Operations Technologies Inc. in Crystal Lake, said four of his company’s 24 employees have come from the STEP Forward program for former offenders.

Transactions filed in the McHenry County Recorder’s Office Sept. 30 to Oct. 2. ■ Residence at 3717 Greenwood Drive, Wonder Lake, was sold by Johnathan M. Ruck, Crystal Lake, to Daniel D. Fowler, Wonder Lake, for $150,000. ■ Residence at 3001 Courtland St., Woodstock, was sold by Kenneth Karl Leisering, Crystal Lake, to Ryan Black, for $165,000. ■ Residence at 3911 Thompson Road, Woodstock, was sold by Dona M. Novickis, Crystal Lake, to Samantha N. Schrader, Wonder Lake, for $259,900. ■ Residence at 2457 Fairview Circle, Woodstock, was sold by D.R. Horton, Inc. - Midwest, Vernon Hills, to Barry Treliving, Woodstock, for $364,301. ■ Residence at 1501 Ashley Court, Woodstock, was sold by Emily Muehlenkamp, Woodstock, to Michael J. Rogers, Woodstock, for $178,950. ■ Residence at 484 W. Jackson St., Woodstock, was sold by Josh Robinett, Goshen Ky., to Tara N. Northway, Woodstock, for $185,000. ■ Residence at 914 Clay St., Woodstock, was sold by ABM Olive Tree Holdings LLC - Beldi, Lakewood, to George J. Burkhart, II, Woodstock, for $195,000.

Dec. 9-15, 2020

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

Marketplace

MARKETPLACE

Dec. 9-15, 2020

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

IN BRIEF MCC speaker series will explore healthy ecosystems “Regenerative Agriculture: Details of a Profitable Journey” will be presented at 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, as the next program in the virtual speaker series Forefront: Ideas in Food and Farming, sponsored by the Center for Agrarian Learning at McHenry County College. Nationally recognized North Dakota farmer and rancher Gabe Brown will discuss the principles of healthy ecosystems and describe how attendees can use them to cultivate healthy Gabe soil, plants, aniBrown mals, people, and even profits. He will also share the personal story of how he and his family took a broken, degraded, and unprofitable farm and regenerated it into a healthy, profitable farm teeming with life. The session is free , but registration is required. Registration, which ends at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, can be made at mchenry.edu/forefront. A Zoom link will be emailed 48 hours before the event.

Grants offered to arts, food, rec businesses Deadline is Dec. 31 for McHenry County Small Business Transformation Grants, a $350,000 program to help businesses in the arts, entertainment, recreation, and hospitality and food service deal with the effects of COVID-19. According to a news released, grants of $15,000 to $50,000 will be offered to help business transformations in response to the pandemic experience. Examples include expanding e-commerce; developing new industries or markets; rehabbing space; or buying additional equipment. Funds should be available in March/ April 2021. The program is being launched by the county’s Planning and Development Department with funds from a Community Development Block Grant. To be eligible, a brick and mortar businesses must have been in existence at least two years, have five to 49 employees, and be located in lowmoderate income areas, which includes most of Woodstock. Application is required via an online portal, and staff will not be available to guide applicants. For more information, visit mchenrycountyil.gov.

WORKFORCE

Continued from Page 13

path, write a résumé, and handle themselves in job interviews, with tips on how to keep a job and advance at a company. McHenry County College supported the program with pre-apprentice training and then created boot camps – short-term training in various fields, including manufacturing. Faber recruited volunteer presenters from MCC, local employers, human resource departments, and state and government agencies. “The first workshop had two participants and six volunteers,” Faber said. “We outnumbered them.” But the word got out, and soon more participants were signing up for the five-session workshops.

healthcare, agriculture, and food industries meant that he was considered an essential employee. “That was a great feeling,” he said. “I take pride in going to work every day.”

Creating believers

Adam Furman, Vo-Tech’s operations manager, said that four of his company’s 24 employees have come from the STEP Forward program. His sister and fellow Vo-Tech employee, Jennifer Chrachol, first heard of the program. She learned that companies that hire and train someone from STEP Forward are eligible for cost reimbursement and subsidies for the person’s salary.

He also does not measure how long it takes the workshops’ participants to get a job. “All are individuals, and some are more ready than others,” he said. This year, STEP Forward received the Pinnacle Award from the national HR society in Washington, D.C., in recognition of the initiative’s positive impact on the local HR and business communities. Since receiving the award, Faber has heard from HR society chapters in Rockford and Springfield that want to replicate the model. STEP Forward recently wrapped up its fall workshops – held via Zoom - with three participants who have

Combining work, training

Faber sits down with each exoffender who comes to the Workforce Network, including some convicted of armed robbery and murder, but he is comfortable meeting face-to-face. “A majority of them have gone through a transformation,” Faber said. “They want something better.” He is less interested in the crimes his interviewees have committed and more “in how transparent they are.” “If they’re honest, that’s someone I can work with and who an employer can work with,” Faber explained. After Charles completed his workshop sessions, he identified an interest in CNC – computer numerical control of machine tools. After starting classes on lathe and mill operation through the Technology and Manufacturing Association, Charles heard from Faber about an opportunity to work at Variable Operations Technologies (Vo-Tech, Inc.) in Crystal Lake for 20 hours a week, getting onthe-job training while continuing his education. Afraid that people would look down on him for his many tattoos and his “vernacular,” Charles dedicated himself to being on time, paying attention to detail, and being a hardworking employee. He “always had a strong work ethic,” he said, even when he was involved in the drug trade. “This time, putting my best foot forward led me in the right direction,” he said. When Charles finished his classes, he was hired full time as a CNC technician at Vo-Tech. The job came with a steady income, insurance, vacation time, and a gym where employees may work out. During the pandemic, Vo-Tech’s production of computer-automated machining systems for the nuclear,

COURTESY PHOTO

Charles participated in the STEP Forward program, which runs through the McHenry County Workforce Network and is designed to fill local employers’ needs while giving ex-offenders an opportunity for employment. “I’m so grateful for them,” Charles said. While acknowledging the financial pluses of the program, Furman said he would advise other companies not to sign on “just to benefit from the program.” “Hiring people is always a risk,” Furman said, and he praised Faber for the job he does to screen people before recommending them to a local employer. “These people are hungry to learn, to get a job, and to start a new direction in their lives,” Furman said. “It’s hard to find that sort of person, even without a criminal background.” Furman makes it a point to go out on the floor and talk with his employees each day before heading to his office. “You have to get to know the people and build a relationship with them to create trust,” Furman said. “We’re trying to be that company that gives people a second chance.”

Plaudits and plans

Faber said he resisted the urge to judge the STEP Forward’s success by “looking at the numbers.” “I value the good fit and the retention,” he said.

career dreams as diverse as robotic systems engineer, a paralegal, and nursing. The emphasis is to “think bigger,” Faber said. “Ex-offenders will have better success if they resist taking just anything and look for the job that’s the right fit,” he said. Faber plans a second employer workshop for next summer to encourage local businesses to hire STEP Forward participants, familiarizing business owners with the tax credits, grants, and other funding available and having attorneys on hand to talk about legal issues. This year, Charles received an individual achievement award from the Illinois Workforce Partnership for overcoming barriers and getting back to work. He will soon start a TMA apprenticeship to be a certified CNC machinist and has been inspired to create TikTok videos, such as “Top Jobs for Ex-Felons in 2021,” in an effort to reduce recidivism. “I want to be a man of value,” Charles said, “a man who has knowledge in his industry and can make his company better.”

Community

15 THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

Ladies on the loose

Casting Whimsy tea shop owner Paula Aitken talks with a shopper.

Meghan McGrath and her mother, Deb, check out the merchandise at Studio D during Ladies Night Out on the Square last week.

COMMUNITY

At Interiors Anew, Sara Burke works with a customer.

Dec. 9-15, 2020

INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY KEN FARVER

Shoppers have two more chances this season to experience Woodstockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ladies Nite Out on the Square. COVID-19 restrictions have modified the event this year, spreading out the fun over multiple Thursday nights. Many stores will offer evening shopping hours until 7 p.m. on Dec. 10 and 17. The Thoughtfulness Shop has free raffle tickets for a gift basket prize; T-Mobile is giving away gift bags and hand sanitizer; Studio D Jewelry is sponsoring masks; Habitat for Humanity ReStore is offering souvenir Ladies Nite Out 2020 cups. Social distancing and health protocols are being followed by all businesses.

COMMUNITY

Dec. 9-15, 2020

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

Let chrysanthemums add color to your home

In my columns, I try to promote the use of native plants in your landscape. Sometimes though the heart must have what the heart desires. I’m talking about chrysanthemums, which add so much interest and color in our fall gardens when all the other flowers are done blooming for the year. They are called “The Queen of Fall Flowers.” The chrysanthemum was first cultivated in China as a flowering herb around the 15th century B.C. The boiled roots were used as a headache Nancy remedy, sprouts Shevel and petals were eaten in salads, Gardening and the leaves were brewed for a festive drink. In the 8th century A.D., the chrysanthemum was cultivated in Japan and used in the official seal of the emperor and many prominent families. Japan has a national holiday – Chrysanthemum Day – which is called the “Festival of Happiness.” Karl Linnaeus, renowned Swedish botanist, introduced the plant to the western world in 1753. He named it by combining the Greek words “chrysos” and “anthemon.” They originally resembled daisies, and ancient growers would not recognize the many cultivars of our modern mums. They were first introduced in the U.S. in colonial times. Since then they have been hybridized in many countries in Europe and in the U.S. Many garden centers sell blooming potted mums in the fall when people want to perhaps achieve an outstanding final show of color at the end of the season before winter sets in. Chrysanthemums are good for a colorful display of four to six weeks. Mums are the most widely grown potted plant in the

COURTESY PHOTO

Referred to as “The Queen of Fall Flowers,” chrysanthemums add color when all others are done blooming. country and are one of the longest lasting of all cut flowers, making the chrysanthemum the largest commercially produced of all flowers. These potted mums, which are referred to as “florist” or “garden” mums, are used as annuals and discarded after the blooms have faded. I would not discourage you from buying potted mums, but it’s like throwing your money into the compost bin. While there are no native chrysanthemums, there are “hardy perennial” mums that, with some advance planning, you can actually plant in the

GIVE THE HOLIDAY GIFT OF PATRIOTISM “unwrapping the past” Do you have an American Revolutionary Patriot in your family tree? Volunteer genealogists for Kishwaukee Trail National Society Daughters of the American Revolution will assist you in discovering your Patriot. Call Registrar Marcia Flanagan at 815-527-5049 or email us at KishwaukeeTrail1961@gmail.com.

ground to accentuate an entranceway and provide fall colors in your seasonal flower beds. These “hardy” mums grow in zones 5 through 9 of the U.S., and we are in zone 5. They need at least six hours of sun a day, but the more sun they receive the better their growth, blooms, and hardiness will be. The best time to plant them is early spring, which gives them time to establish roots before blooming. These plants grow fast, and you should have flowers in the first growing season in early September through October. They

can also be planted in the fall before winter sets in by cutting the foliage down to six inches and mulching heavily. If you wait too long to plant in the fall, just like any plant, they can experience frost heave or the roots and the plant crown could freeze and die. Mums have continuous blooms. Behind every set of flowers is a set of buds ready to bloom. To enjoy flowers all fall, dead head any spent flowers. Nancy Shevel of Marengo is a master gardener and a columnist for The Independent.

We Are Woodstock!

Your news, your business, your community

KNow what’s happening

IN WOODSTOCK EVERY WEEK! serving Woodstock for 32 years

By Cynthia Kanner

Blood drive planned Dec. 27 in parking lot at St. Mary

St. Mary Church in Woodstock will sponsor a blood drive from 8 a.m. to noon Sunday, Dec. 27, on the Versiti Jingle Bus in the church parking lot, 312 Lincoln Ave. According to a news release, all COVID-19 safety precautions will be followed on the bus. Appointments are encouraged. To schedule a time to donate, visit donate. illinois.versiti.org/donor/schedules/ drive_schedule/5589286.

Holiday food drive will benefit local food pantries Donations of canned and nonperishable items will be collected Saturday, Dec. 12, in the rear parking lot of state Rep. Steve Reick’s legislative office at 1072 Lake Ave. in Woodstock. Food may be dropped off from 9 a.m. until noon, when volunteers will collect items from cars that will be directed by signs through the lot. The food will be distributed to food pantries in eight communities of Reick’s 63rd District, which include Harvard, Marengo, Union, Woodstock, and Wonder Lake. This event will follow social distancing guidelines, and people donating do not

have to leave their cars. The food pantries have indicated they need canned meats; fruits and vegetables; other nonperishable food items; and paper products. Donations of money will also be accepted. For more information, visit repstevenreick.com/2020/11/25/holidayfooddrive/.

Some services suspended at county administration offices In-person purchase of animal registration tags and request services for birth and death records have been suspended at the McHenry County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, until Dec. 16. In a news release, the Department of Health announced that access to the MCDH Animal Control was currently limited to appointments only. Animal registration tags can be bought via mail or by calling 815-459-6222. Birth and death records from 2010 to the present may be requested in person at MCDH’s Crystal Lake location,100 N. Virginia St. Vital records before 2010 are available through the county clerk’s office. Residents seeking vital records from the health department may also submit a request online. For more information, visit mcdh.info.

and glued at center, make great snowflakes that can be decorated with markers, old buttons, or other tiny things that have been accumulating around the house (best not to purchase glitter, though!). There are simple tips, too, for staying green and that simply means turning your Christmas lights out when you go to sleep and using LED strands if your old lights give out. And, when you’re ready to wrap that gift, try using products made from paper or hemp to wrap them and avoid using glossy foil and metallic wrapping. And, remember to contact your town or city about old Christmas tree light collections; be sure your tree is mulched locally; and recycle all the wrapping that you can for another year. Cheers to a green and safe holiday season to you and yours from the Environmental Defenders. Cynthia Kanner is executive director of the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County and a columnist for The Independent.

100 N Benton Street Woodstock, IL 60098 (815) 566-7065

Make Hattie & Myrt your happy place for the holidays! Christmas Wish List

Ladies come in anytime and make a list of items you would love to see under the tree! We make it easy for your loved ones to pick up the wrapped gifts. WATCH OUR FACEBOOK FOR WEEKLY LIVE EVENTS

Shop Safe With Us!

Private shopping appointments available Nov. 22nd & 29th and before and after business hours through December 24th. Call, email or message us on Facebook for more information. BRING THIS AD IN FOR A FREE GIFT WITH PURCHASE!

COMMUNITY

IN BRIEF

Defenders shirts and masks, and sustainable gifts. You can even buy a membership in the Defenders online (no packaging, either!). There are other ways, too, to keep things greener, such as making a homemade gift or planning a winter’s walk, perhaps with hot chocolate for someone special. We have so many beautiful natural areas in our county, and one can imagine a hot drink (in a reusable mug to keep as a gift) with a candy cane to stir it up. Maybe there’s a coupon one can think of that can be made at home ... for a dinner “made by kids” or a “I’ll watch any movie you want” from parents. Or, an “I owe you” for a future dinner out at your favorite restaurant. And, when it’s time to trim the tree – which you can buy live to plant later or from a local tree farm that permits “cut your own” outings – think about creating home-made ornaments to make together or give as a gift. Remember all those toilet paper rolls one stocked up on? The paper tubes, when cut into strips

Dec. 9-15, 2020

With more time spent inside and less ambition to do big shopping at crowded stores, for reasons we can all relate to, many people are thinking of different ways to give this holiday season. Of course, online sales will skyrocket, Environmental but then so will Defenders the amount of The Green Scene packaging that comes with it. We, here at the Environmental Defenders will certainly see a deluge of polystyrene (“Styrofoam”) after this holiday season at our collection sites, unfortunately. Likely, our volunteers will need to make more than one run to our plastic foam transfer area, which increases pollution. One thing leads to another. So first, consider local, local, local. One of the best ways to give and

give back is to support Main Street shops and purchase items that do not come with packaging and that are sustainably produced and/or made from sustainable materials (i.e., not plastic).While that might mean using a car to get to those places, there are likely some shops right around the corner in your own community or a neighbor who sells crafts at of his or her home, keeping things closer to YOUR home. Maybe there’s a local musician who will give music lessons via Zoom for that someone special. And, these days, those places, those people need all the support they can get. A gift certificate to a local restaurant, perhaps, or local brewery for a growler. If planning well, one could do one round of picking up some local gifts and call it a day. Purchasing a gift from a reusable shop is another way to go … and I would be remiss if I didn’t mention our own Defenders’ book stores, The Green Spot (Woodstock) and The Green Read (Crystal Lake). In addition to offering great books, they carry earrings, puzzles,

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

Ways to ring in a green new year

A SIGN OF THANKS A collection of signs displaying personal expressions of thankfulness popped up in front of Woodstock High School over the Thanksgiving holiday. Appreciation was expressed for things including community support, books, farmers and the Blue Streaks.

COMMUNITY

Dec. 9-15, 2020

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER

PICTURE THIS

A snowy winter scene depicts the Woodstock Square decorated for the holidays in 1963.

Give the gift of history! Half off new individual and family gift memberships to the McHenry County Historical Society between now and December 22. Visit gothistory.org or call 815-923-2267 for more information.

Don Peasley Photo Collection, McHenry County Historical Society

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

ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH

special needs parent out there will tell you their most fervent wish: let me live one day longer than my child. Her eyes, though, were the ones that welled up with tears. “I loved the residents. I really did. I hated to leave, but you get older and you have to make enough to support your family. I’d go back there again, if I could.” It struck me how many times she used the word “love” to describe her former job. As I noted it, the song began to play in my head: “All You Need Is Love.” But my brain switched up the lyrics: “All We Have Is Love.” My husband and I can make all the plans we want. Yet, ultimately, love is the only thing that will keep our son safe and cared for when we are gone. We have a list of guardians that reaches far into the next generation of nieces and nephews. We know they love our son, but we also know they won’t live forever, either. Will their children want the responsibility? Will anyone really be up to task? No legal document or family bond will be able to take the place of that most essential emotion: Love. We may have to depend on the love of strangers who care for people like our son.

Strangers who will change adult diapers, wash adult bodies, and make sure birthdays are not forgotten. Strangers who will do all of this while earning unbelievably low wages for what they do. Certainly, the pandemic has depleted some of the energy of staff at Sheltered Village. Throughout the spring and early summer, when residents were locked down, members of the community showered them with gifts, games, treats, and cards. If you can, remember Sheltered Village this season, too. Send an encouraging card to the staff. Sponsor a resident for a Christmas gift. Donate to a Christmas party planned for Dec. 12. For more information about these opportunities, call Lisa Tate at 815-814-5637. After Christmas, and when the pandemic is a memory, find ways to honor and support those who care for the most vulnerable people among us. And if you see people like my son in public, keep contributing thoughts of kindness and compassion to the greater reservoir of love. It really is all we have. Julie Peters and her husband, Kevin, live in Woodstock with their son, Colin, a young adult with fragile X syndrome and autism.

Grace Lutheran Church Woodstock Longest Night

Monday, December 21st at 7:00pm (Livestream)

Christmas Eve Services 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

401 St. Johns Road • Woodstock, IL 60098 For everyone’s safety: 6 ft social distancing is practiced Temperatures will be taken upon entering the church Mask are mandatory (mask & gloves are available) Fogging and disinfecting is done prior to services for COVID safety

(815) 338-5159 • stjohnswoodstock.com

Christmas Worship Services Full Christmas Eve Service (Online)

Brief Parking Lot Services

(December 24th at 4:30 pm & 7:30 pm) Please check Grace Lutheran Church’s website for more information www.gracewoodstock.org

Grace Lutheran Church, ELCA 1300 Kishwaukee Valley Road, Woodstock 815-338-0554 — www.gracewoodstock.org

COMMUNITY

“Really! Do you have a relative with special needs?” “No, I used to work at a place here in town. Everyone was like your son. I loved working there!” I asked whether she was referring to Sheltered Village, a residential facility in Woodstock that cares for nearly 100 adults with developmental disabilities. “Yes,” she said. “That’s the place.” Most residents at Sheltered Village have no family members to care for them. Many need help with the most basic functions – toileting, bathing, and feeding. All them depend on staff members to let them know they are cared for. It’s a job my husband and I do daily for our child. Staff at places like Sheltered Village do this for other people’s children. I’m not sure I could do it. Maybe she saw that thought on my face. “Honestly, I loved it. We played games with them and stayed with them when they were sick, and we sat with them when, you know, when it was their time.” That was meant to reassure me. But it also triggered the deepest fear of every special needs parent. Many of our children will outlive us. Who will take care of them when we are gone? Every

Dec. 9-15, 2020

My son flaps his hands and makes loud noises in public. Usually people are very kind about this. They smile. They give us space. I can’t remember the last time I perceived a look of distain. When he was younger, his sounds and occasional tantrums got different reviews. Some people didn’t see his disability. They saw a spoiled child and a mother Julie who needed to Peters teach him how Guest columnist to behave. Now that he is an adult, people tend to be a bit more understanding. They seem to say to themselves, “Oh, that’s what it is.” But out of habit, I apologized to the woman who waited on us at the pharmacy counter. “Don’t worry,” she reassured me. “I used to work with people like him. I know all about it!” Special needs allies are rare. So, I seized on the chance to make a connection.

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

For some among us, love is all we have

Dec. 9-15, 2020

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

Happenings

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

calendar

ONGOING

CHRISTMAS TREE WALK

Woodstock Opera House 121 Van Buren St. Through Dec. 23 Friday - Sunday 1 to 4 p.m. Monday - Thursday 5 to 8 p.m.

COMMUNITY

VISIT SANTA

Stage Left Café 124 Van Buren St. Through Dec. 23 Friday - Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. Monday - Thursday 5 to 7:30 p.m. Visit WoodstockOperaHouse.com for free timed tickets.

9 WEDNESDAY DIY HOLIDAY GIFTS AND TREATS FROM THE KITCHEN-Holiday Jam

Woodstock Public Library virtual event 7 to 8 p.m. Email katieb@woodstockil.info for the link

NETWORK TO SUCCESS JOB CLUB

McHenry Co. Workforce Center 1 to 3 p.m. Visit Mchenrycountyworkforce. com to register.

10 THURSDAY

HEALTHCARE, LABORATORY, IMAGING, TECHNICIAN NETWORK EVENT

McHenry Co. Workforce Center 1 to 2:30 p.m. Visit Mchenrycountyworkforce. com to register.

LADIES NIGHT OUT ON THE SQUARE

Woodstock Square 4 to 7 p.m. woodstockilchamber.wellattended. com/events/ladies-nite-out

11 FRIDAY

CHANUKAH BEGINS CLARA’S DREAM - A ONE HOUR NUTCRACKER Woodstock Opera House 121 Van Buren St. 7 p.m. Limited tickets, $27 woodstockoperahouse.com

12 SATURDAY

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

CLARA’S DREAM - A ONE HOUR NUTCRACKER Woodstock Opera House 121 Van Buren St. 2 and 5 p.m. Limited tickets, $27 woodstockoperahouse.com

13 SUNDAY

CLARA’S DREAM - A ONE HOUR NUTCRACKER Woodstock Opera House 121 Van Buren St. 2 and 5 p.m. Limited tickets, $27 woodstockoperahouse.com

14 MONDAY

PRIDE MEETING

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

CHRISTMAS MOVIE TRIVIA-VIRTUAL

Woodstock Public Library virtual event 6:30 to 8 p.m. Email pamelaf@woodstockil.info for the Zoom link

15 TUESDAY

INTERVIEW VIRTUAL WORKSHOP

McHenry Co. Workforce Center 1 to 2:30 p.m. Visit Mchenrycountyworkforce. com to register.

WOODSTOCK CITY COUNCIL MEETING Woodstock City Hall 121 W. Calhoun St. 7 p.m.

17 THURSDAY HISPANIC CONNECTIONS MEETING Woodstock Chamber of Commerce Noon 127 E. Calhoun St.

STRESS MANAGEMENT VIRTUAL WORKSHOP

McHenry Co. Workforce Center 1 to 2:30 p.m. Visit Mchenrycountyworkforce. com to register.

LADIES NIGHT OUT ON THE SQUARE Woodstock Square 4 to 7 p.m.

To submit calendar items, email pr@thewoodstockindependent.com woodstockilchamber.wellattended. com/events/ladies-nite-out

WOODSTOCK FIRE/ RESCUE DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING 7 p.m. wfrd.org

18 FRIDAY

MICROSOFT EXCEL COMPUTER CLASS McHenry Co. Workforce Center 10 to 11 a.m. Visit Mchenrycountyworkforce. com to register.

JAZZ NIGHT

HOUR NUTCRACKER Woodstock Opera House 121 Van Buren St. 2 and 5 p.m. Limited tickets, $27 woodstockoperahouse.com

20 SUNDAY YONDER PRAIRIE WORKDAY

1150 S. Rose Farm Road 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. conservemc.org

CLARA’S DREAM - A ONE HOUR NUTCRACKER

Stage Left Café 124 Van Buren St. 8 p.m. Tune in on Facebook at Woodstock Opera House.

Woodstock Opera House 121 Van Buren St. 2 and 5 p.m. Limited tickets, $27 woodstockoperahouse.com

CLARA’S DREAM - A ONE HOUR NUTCRACKER

21 MONDAY

Woodstock Opera House 121 Van Buren St. 7 p.m. Limited tickets, $27 woodstockoperahouse.com

19 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

CLARA’S DREAM - A ONE

Resurrection Catholic Church

FIRST DAY OF WINTER

24 THURSDAY CHRISTMAS EVE

25 FRIDAY CHRISTMAS DAY

31 THURSDAY NEW YEAR’S EVE

1 FRIDAY NEW YEAR’S DAY

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. online ■ ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN 401 St. John’s Road • 815-338-5159 Worship: 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

■ For the third straight meeting, the Woodstock School District 200 Board of Education struggled with the question of equity between sports opportunities for boys and girls. ■ Howard and Olivene Walkington celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary.

25 years ago – 1995

■ Chicago Bear Rashaan Salaam signed autographs at the Hall of Fame Memorabilia store in Woodstock. ■ Woodstock High School Principal Jocelyn Booth presented a proposal to the Board of Education that students be required to complete all graduation requirements in order to participate in commencement. The board accepted the proposal.

20 years ago – 2000

■ The D-200 Board approved nine changes in the WHS curriculum, including the addition of a business computer course. ■ Members of the Olson Middle School Green Team donated 18 boxes of clothing and two boxes of shoes from the school’s lost and found to be sent to orphanages in former Soviet republics.

15 years ago – 2005

■ Woodstock Christian Church hosted it third annual Live Nativity. ■ Joy Glenn, Woodstock, started “Renta-Grandma,” a business to give parents some much-needed help, pinch-hitting with the kind of relief grandmas are famous for.

10 years ago – 2010

■ Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County received a three-year, $4.5 million grant to serve children whose adults were in prison. ■ The Woodstock Fire/Rescue District signed a five-year contract to staff the village of Lakewood’s fire department. ■ The Donahue family celebrated the family-owned furniture store’s 60th anniversary with an open house. Donahue Furniture opened on East Calhoun Street in 1950 and relocated to Route 47 in 1967. Family members present were Geraldine Donahue, widow of store founder Gerald Donahue; and three of their children: Lynn Donahue Stewart, Sally Donahue Schaefer, and David Donahue.

5 years ago – 2015

21 ■ Percheron gelding Doc and his driver, Terry Leonard, were giving free carriage rides around the Square as part of Woodstock’s holiday scene. “The colder the temperatures, the happier Doc is,” Leonard said. “He works 14 days a year and gets 351 off.” It was Leonard’s 19th year as carriage driver. Over the years, the Woodstock Chamber of Commerce & Industry sponsored the service; however, in 2015, the city of Woodstock picked up the tab. ■ Madrigal singers from Woodstock and Woodstock North high schools were set to entertain at their annual dinner and dessert, respectively. Dressed in elaborate Renaissance-period clothing, the madrigals performed 16th and early 17th century music. ■ Santa had taken a short leave of absence from his duties at the North Pole to spend time visiting with Woodstock-area children. The Big Man in Red was meeting with children in Santa’s Hut in the Park in the Square.

1 year ago – 2019

■ Turkey Tag Team, a collaboration among Woodstock High School, Rotary Club of Woodstock, and Northern Illinois Food Bank, gathered fresh food items to deliver to 21 deserving Woodstock families for Thanksgiving. Turkey Tag Team was in conjunction with the year-long WHS Blessings in a Backpack program, coordinated by the same three sponsoring groups, which provided shelf-stable food each weekend for families at risk of chronic hunger. ■ D-200 earned a solid B+ from parents who answered a 22-statement survey during fall parent-teacher conferences. That was consistent with the grade parents handed out the previous year. The big difference was the number of surveys completed: 1,422 in 2019 compared with 965 in 2018. The top-scoring statement both years – 96 percent in 2019 and 95.36 percent in 2018 was “I feel my child is treated with dignity and respect by the school staff.” ■ Jeff Van Landuyt announced he would retire as director of Public Works in March, but that was delayed until the end of 2020. As director, Van Landuyt was managing the largest city department with a staff of 62 authorized positions in six divisions and a $6.6-million budget. He had held a variety of roles in municipal public works over nearly four decades, beginning in Woodstock’s Waste Water Treatment division in 1981.

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■ 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

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PUBLIC NOTICE

4. The representative in supervised administration shall file an inventory within 60 days; and shall file annual reports and accounts, the first of which is due on or before 60 days after the expiration of the one-year anniversary of this Order and annually thereafter. ENTER: Michael J. Chmiel, Judge 11/18/2020 Name: Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donnell & Associates, Ltd. Attorney for co-executors 1515 E. Woodfield Rd., Ste. 112 Schaumburg, IL 60173 (847) 413-9500 /s/KATHERINE M KEEFE (Clerk of the Circuit Court) (Published in The Woodstock Independent December 9, 2020)L11114

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice of Self Storage Sale The Storage Space LLC, 945 Dieckman St., P O Box 1873, Woodstock, IL. 60098, must receive the delinquent amount of $530.00 for rental of unit #66 at 945 Dieckman St., Woodstock, IL. 60098, name Niel Krepel. Or contents

will be sold (no auction) or disposed of on 12/28/20 at 10:00 a.m. at 945 Dieckman St., Woodstock, IL. 60098. Contents: Wood bed frame, Mattress, Vacuum, Toy dump truck, Sterilite tubs, Cabinets, Plywood counter top, Miscellaneous household items, and Bags & boxes contents unknown and other general household. (Published in The Woodstock Independent December 9, 2020)L11115

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice of Self Storage Sale The Storage Space LLC, 945 Dieckman St., P O Box 1873, Woodstock, IL. 60098, must receive the delinquent amount of $530.00 for rental of unit #18 at 945 Dieckman St., Woodstock, IL. 60098, name Niel Krepel. Or contents will be sold (no auction) or disposed of on 12/28/20 at 10:00 a.m. at 945 Dieckman St., Woodstock, IL. 60098. Contents: Leather recliner, Chair, Leather couch, Fan, Books, Garden decorations, Clothes hangers, Mirror, Pictures, Solar system poster, Solar

lights, Miscellaneous household items, and Bags & boxes contents unknown and other general household. (Published in The Woodstock Independent December 9, 2020) L11116

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on DECEMBER 1, 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 LILY RAYNE BEAUTY BAR located at 103 E. JUDD ST., WOODSTOCK, IL 60098. Owner Name & Address: KYLIE SCHULEMANN 1 W. PADDOCK ST., CRYSTAL LAKE, IL 60014. Dated: DECEMBER 1, 2020 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk)

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STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWENTY-SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT MCHENRY COUNTY, ILLINOIS Probate Division Case No. 20PR000322 Estate of Carol S. Deering, Deceased ORDER ADMITTING WILL TO PROBATE AND APPOINTING REPRESENTATIVE On petition for admission to probate of the Will of the decedent and the issuance of Letters of Office, the Will having been proved as provided by law, IT IS ORDERED THAT: 1. The Will of Carol S. Deering dated April 20, 1995, be admitted to probate; 2. Letters of Office as independent co-executors issue to Connie Lynn Palmberg and Richard Deering upon approval of oath and bond without surety. 3. The representative in independent administration shall file annual reports; the first of which is due on or before 60 days after the expiration of the one-year anniversary of this Order and annually thereafter;

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NOTICE OF CHANGE TO DBA CHANGE OF BUSINESS/OWNER(S) ADDRESS File # 17911B Public Notice is hereby given that on NOVEMBER 16, A.D. 2020, a Certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk of McHenry County IL concerning the business known as JON PAGLES DESIGN located at 650 CHIPPEWA RD. UNIT 1 HARVARD IL 60033 which certificate sets forth the following BUSINESS/OWNER ADDRESS change in the DBA thereof: BUSINESS MOVING TO: 900 W. DIGGINS ST., HARVARD IL 60033. Dated this 16th day of NOVEMBER, A.D., 2020 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent November 25, 2020, December 2, 2020, December 9, 2020) L11113

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Sports

‘Being able to keep running is truly a gift’

The 2020 X-C season was good practice for Marian’s Ryan Jones

home course, we swept the race, winning the men’s and the women’s titles.” Two weeks later, Jones, who earned all-state status in Class 2A

By Dan Chamness

NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

It was a year of competition for University of Illinois-Springfield freshman Ryan Jones, but as far as eligibility purposes, it did not count. The Marian Central Catholic High School graduate, a freshman crosscountry runner for UIS, was one of the lucky few who had a chance to have a cross-country season during the fall months. “I was very appreciative of the opportunity to safely compete this fall,” the former Hurricane runner said. “I think the fact that we were able to still compete and have a season is a testament not only to our coaches, but the coaches in the Great Lakes Valley Conference overall. Every runner on the UIS team stayed healthy throughout the entire season. As far as my eligibility, I will make that decision in the future based on where I am with my education. But at this point, I still have four years of eligibility in cross-country.” All three races were attached to the GLVC moniker, and Jones started his career with a 6,000-meter race, which is 3.72 miles. He finished the race in 19 minutes, 45.04 seconds. “That opening race was my favorite meet thus far,” Jones said. “I loved it because in addition to being on my

as a high school cross-country runner, had his first chance at 8,000 meters on a college cross-country course. Traditionally, the NCAA Division II distance is 8,000 meters for conference, regional, and national competitions. The Prairie Star freshman finished

35th in the Great Lakes Valley Conference-East Divisional Finals, which also was held in Springfield. He toured the course in 26:54.55. He was the seventh man for UIS, which took third in the East Division Finals with 68 points. Lewis University (40 points) and University of Southern Indiana (47 points) were first and second. “This has been a unique crosscountry season and a unique year for everyone involved,” Jones said. “This pandemic has put uncertainty in almost everything. Being able to keep running is truly a gift. I will never forget this season.” Two weeks later, on Oct. 25, the UIS team finished the season at the GLVC Cross Country Championships. To show the strength of the East Division, the top three teams in the East Division were also the top three teams in the finals. Jones, who dropped his

East Divisional time by more than 23 seconds, finished in 26:31.21. As he did in the East Division, he finished 35th. Lewis took first with 51 points, while Southern Indiana had 57 points. Illinois-Springfield had 69 points for third. During the cross-country season, Jones was in Springfield. Some of his classes were held in the classroom, while others were held remotely as he would sign on to his computer from his dorm room. Since Thanksgiving, the Marengo resident has been home learning remotely exclusively. “I prefer to learn in the classroom,” Jones said. “Athletically, many steps have been made to ensure that everything is safe as possible when training. The cross-country team has grown very close, very quickly. We work as one so that we can all get better.”

for the state to emerge from these restrictions, the Board is prepared to restart lower risk winter sports quickly. In addition, the Board hopes to re-establish contact days in January for any winter sports that cannot begin, as well as spring and summer sports. The introduction of the contact days will be based on mitigations from the Governor and the Illinois Department of Public Health at that time. Further guidance on contact-days limits will be established at a future Board meeting. “The Board re-iterated that they remain committed to creating as much opportunity as possible for all sports that remain

to be played this school year. They intend to evaluate the equity of each season as a potential resumption date in January begins to materialize. The Board appreciates the flexibility displayed by our schools throughout the pandemic, and although they recognize the challenges each modification creates, they continue to ask schools to be adaptable in the New Year. The Board continues to evaluate season start and ending dates depending on when winter season resumes.” Responding to questions regarding the use of weight rooms and open gyms, the board believes local schools and their

districts may interpret the application of this according to the guidance for public health and fitness centers. “To reiterate, the Board has no expectation to begin any winter sports seasons until 2021, but will remain agile in their preparation and willingness to adapt should a window present itself sooner.” The board will meet Dec. 14 and plans to discuss sports/activities state series, possible adjustments to IHSA By-law 3.022 and 4.022 for semester academic eligibility, and the latest information regarding Tier 3 Resurgence Mitigation limits.

COURTESY PHOTOS

Former Marian standout Ryan Jones was able to get on course for a fall cross-country season, running for the University of Illinois-Springfield.

IN BRIEF No high school athletics for Christmas; maybe in 2021

The timeline of winter sports was discussed Dec. 2 during a virtually meeting of the Illinois High School Association Board of Directors. A press release issued by executive director Craig Anderson said: “Given Governor Pritzker’s current mitigations, the Board has no expectation of starting low risk winter sports prior to January. The Board and IHSA staff will continue to monitor the Tier 3 Resurgence Mitigation in effect currently. When there is a timeline

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 PLEASE EMAIL SANDY@THEWOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT.COM

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Santa was spotted getting in an early morning jog Dec. 5, just before St. Nicholas Day. Rumor has it that Santa clocked in 3.1 miles in just under 30 minutes to benefit the McHenry County Santa Run. The race, which usually takes place in downtown Crystal Lake, was made virtual this year. The event supports Mainstay Therapeutic Farm, CASA of McHenry County, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Girls on the Run NWIL, Turning Point, and the Kiwanis Club of Crystal Lake.

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