The
Woodstock
I NDEPENDENT
Feb. 17-23, 2021
Published every Wednesday | Est. 1987 | Serving Woodstock, Wonder Lake and Bull Valley, Ill. | www.thewoodstockindependent.com | $1.50
‘I laugh, smile, and cry’
Woodstock woman appreciates ‘silver linings’ after vicious dog attack By Tricia Carzoli
NEWS@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM
A&E
86-year-old pianist carries out his ‘secret mission’ at library PAGE 11
BUSINESS
“It felt like years,” Woodstock resident Kellyn Carey VandeWalker said as she recalled the moments when she was attacked. “All I kept thinking is get this dog off of me.” On the COVID-19 floor at Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital,
VandeWalker is a beacon of hope for her patients, but today the patient care technician is in need of all the optimism she can get. On Feb. 5, an unexpected attack from a dog would forever change the life of the woman who has dedicated her career to caring for others. “I had no idea my nose was gone,” she said with the composure of a
seasoned medical professional, meticulously recounting the details of the event that had occurred just four days earlier. The Woodstock High School graduate became a certified nursing assistant while still in high school. She recently married Alec VandeWalker, a patient safety companion at the See ATTACK, Page 3
RIGHT TO BARE ARMS
Cold weather activity can be to visit local microbreweries
PAGE 13
COMMUNITY
Mental health counselors find virus has increased their work
PAGE 15
INDEX Obituaries
4
Opinion
6
Schools
9
A&E
11
Business
13
Community
15
Calendar
25
Classified
28
Public Notices 28w Puzzles
30
Sports
31
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 FARVERI
Shawna Gray, a secretary in the administration office of Woodstock School District 200, prepares to receive the coronavirus vaccine from Chris Wizceb during a clinic last week in the auxiliary gymnasium at Woodstock North High School. Story on Page 2.
‘Learning gaps’ created by COVID By Larry Lough
LARRY@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM
Concerned that the COVID-19 disruption of the school year has caused “learning gaps” in some students – and social-emotional upset for many – administrators in Woodstock School District 200 have developed a plan to address the issues. Superintendent Mike Moan laid out
for the Board of Education last week a three-stage program for each of the elementary, middle school, and high school levels. That involves steps to be taken now “to meet needs we know are there,” then during the summer, and over the next two school years. “We can’t tell you exactly where the learning gaps are,” Moan told the board, “until we have students back on
a regular basis.” At the time of the Feb. 9 board meeting, D-200 had had only seven days of in-school instruction after beginning the academic year in August with remote learning from home for all students. Parents of about 40 percent of students chose to continue the online learning program, while most students are involved in a hybrid plan that See GAPS, Page 2
NEWS
Feb. 17-23, 2021
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
2
Educators get vaccine during clinic at WNHS Staff Report
NEWS@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM
Thousands of shots were taken last week in the gymnasium at Woodstock North High School. But they had nothing to do with basketball. It was a vaccine clinic. About 2,500 educators and school staff from northern McHenry County were administered the COVID-19 vaccine over two days late last week. According to Nadine Grismer, a school nurse in Woodstock School District 200, 1,671 school employees had signed up for vaccinations on Feb. 11. Most were from District 200, but some came from Johnsburg District 12. The next day, it was the turn of more than 935 school employees from Marian Central Catholic High School, McHenry, Hebron, Harvard, Wonder Lake, and Richmond. Grismer said the plan was to vaccinate about 160 people an hour in the nearly 20 hours the clinics were open over the two days. Sixteen school nurses from D-200 were joined by school nurses from neighboring school districts, along with volunteer nurses, paramedics, and pharmacists from the surrounding communities. The vaccine was supplied by the McHenry Count Department of Health. As of Friday, Illinois had administered more than 1.6 million COVID-19 vaccine doses, with 10 percent of the population having received at least the first dose. But the demand is much greater, according to Ngozi Ezike, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health. She and Deputy Director Andrew Friend testified before a legislative committee Thursday during a more than three-hour hearing, noting the state faces significant challenges in meeting vaccine demand with limited federal supply. “Our greatest challenge,” Ezike told the committee, “is that we don’t have enough doses to satisfy all of the people that need it, want it, and that are eligible.” Educators are part of the Phase 1B rollout of vaccinations, along with people 65 and older. Health officials say they’re still delivering second doses to people in 1A, front-line health care workers and residents of longterm care facilities. And Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced 1B
WEEKLY COVID-19 CASES FOR McHENRY COUNTY Report Infections 03/29 04/05 04/12 04/19 04/26 05/03 05/10 05/17 05/24 05/31 06/07 06/14 06/21 06/28 07/05 07/12 07/19 07/26 08/02 08/09 08/16 08/23 08/30 09/04 09/11 09/18 09/25 10/02 10/09 10/16 10/25 11/01 11/08 11/15 11/22 11/29 12/06 12/13 12/20 12/23 12/30 01/08 01/15 01/22 01/29 02/05 02/12
52 133 (+81) 234 (+101) 348 (+114) 503 (+155) 703 (+200) 953 (+250) 1,175 (+223) 1,407 (+232) 1,584 (+177) 1,733 (+149) 1,849 (+116) 1,911 (+62) 2,002 (+91) 2,119 (+117) 2,268 (+149) 2,470 (+202) 2,703 (+233) 2,946 (+243) 3,210 (+264) 3,396 (+186) 3.598 (+202) 3,828 (+230) 4,002 (+174) 4,199 (+197) 4,343 (+144) 4,527 (+184) 4,705 (+178) 4,992 (+288) 5,298 (+306) *6,035 (+737) 6,906 (+871) 8,170 (+1,264) 10,301 (+2,131) 11,602 (+1,301) 12,432 (+830) 15,091 (+2,659) 16,176 (+1,085) 17,310 (+1,134) 17,971 (+661) 18,850 (+879) 20,314 (+1,464) 21,270 (+956) 22,028 (+758) 22,610 (+582) 23,126 (+516) 23,556 (+430)
Plus 29 probable deaths
Deaths
2 3 (+1) 7 (+4) 16 (+9) 28 (+12) 39 (+11) 50 (+11) 61 (+11) 69 (+8) 73 (+4) 83 (+10) 87 (+4) 90 (+3) 96 (+6) 97 (+1) 101 (+4) 106 (+5) 108 (+2) 112 (+4) 113 (+1) 113 (+0) 113 (+0) 115 (+2) 116 (+1) 116 (+0) 118 (+2) 118 (+0) 119 (+1) 119 (+0) 120 (+1) 120 (+0) 120 (+0) 120 (+0) 120 (+0) 136 (+16) 147 (+11) 163 (+16) 176 (+13) 181 (+5) 189 (+8) 191 (+2) 208 (+17) 216 (+8) 225 (+9) 235 (+10) 249 (+14) 255 (+6)
* Change to state metrics
would be expanded Feb. 25 to include all adults with pre-existing conditions. Although state officials reported more vaccine doses were coming into Illinois, Melissa Adamson, McHenry County’s public health administrator, recently said easing restrictions on public gatherings would require additional local vaccinations, “And we’re just not there yet.” To streamline access to accurate information about the vaccine, Adamson’s department has set up a call center to answer questions and assist online enrollment to get vaccinated. People may call 815-334-4045 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
IN BRIEF Woman critically injured when car hits trash truck Crews from the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District had to remove the driver of a car who reportedly suffered life-threatening injuries in a collision with a commercial trash truck on South Eastwood Drive early Friday. Firefighters had to extinguish a fire in one of the vehicles and needed 15 minutes to remove the driver, a 39-year-old woman, from her 2011 Chevrolet Cruz before she was taken to Northwestern Medicine Woodstock Hospital for immediate treatment. According to a news release from
GAPS
Continued from Page 1
alternates between in-person classes and remote lessons.
Focus on math, literacy
Individual and small group instruction is a key to the administrators’ plan, especially for math and literacy (reading and writing). So is the use of federal funds from the CARES Act – Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act – for two years to hire additional “intervention” staff for literacy in elementary schools, literacy and math in the middle schools, and math classes along with math and writing labs in the high schools. Moan said the plan sought to move past educational issues created by the coronavirus, which caused D-200 to use remote learning exclusively from March until Feb. 1. “We are still pushing forward,” Moan told the board, “and we have great goals and expectation, and making sure whatever gaps we have we can close in a short time and be ready for our kids to have success moving forward.” Part of that plan will involve a summer review of prior grade-level skills and preview of next year’s gradelevel skills, much like the district’s ongoing “everybody reads” project to raise students’ skills to their grade expectations. Besides addressing skills, D-200’s plan includes screening for students who need additional social-emotional support. In urging the board in December and January to resume inclass instruction, many parents said the social isolation of online learning from home was affecting their children’s mental health. Kevin Lyons, communications director for D-200, said the pandemic
the Woodstock Police Department, the woman’s southbound car apparently crossed the centerline and hit the truck head-on. Police reported her failure to wear a seat belt was believed to be a contributing factor in the severity of her injuries A LifeNet helicopter was requested but was unavailable because of weather conditions. The 57-year-old driver of the trash truck declined medical attention. Names of the drivers were not immediately released. No passengers were in either vehicle, police said. The first call to WFRD came in shortly after 2 a.m. in the 600 block of South Eastwood Drive. The road, which is Route 47 through Woodstock, was closed until shortly after 7 a.m. Friday. had affected “everyone in some way but not everyone in the same way.” “Some students have maintained their past grades or even surpassed them,” Lyons said in an email. “Others have done well academically, but have suffered emotionally or socially from the lack of interactions with classmates, teachers or even their own extended families. Other students have struggled learning remotely or have had trouble focusing for other reasons.” While helping all children reach grade-level skills in math and reading is critical, Lyons said, “so is making sure students are able to cope through some difficult times. That’s why our intervention strategies are designed for both academic and social/emotional needs.”
‘Hardships during pandemic’
Keely Krueger, assistant superintendent for early childhood and elementary education, said gaps could be detected from local classroom assessments as well as teacher observations. “We have literacy assessments that we are using to help identify those students who are at grade level in reading,” she reported in an email. “Interventions are being provided to those that are not. “Teachers are able to use assessments in math to determine what skills kids have and what needs to be focused on during math instruction.” Those evaluations will help to identify students “who could benefit from summer school and additional interventions,” she said. Krueger also said a “social and emotional screener” was given to elementary students in the fall and would be given again “to identify students who need additional social/ emotional support due to the hardships they may have experienced during the pandemic.”
How to help
Continued from page 1
Cards and well-wishes can be sent to Kellyn VandeWalker c/o Grace Fellowship Church, 200 Cairns Court, Woodstock.
Huntley hospital, and had been studying to become an emergency medical technician and then a paramedic.
A GoFundMe page has been set up at gf.me/v/c/2rj3/help-kellyn-recover As of Monday, the fund had raised nearly $14,000 toward a $30,000 goal.
‘Yelling to call 911’
mind to tell the children to lock up all the dogs and open the front door for the EMTs. She asked them to call her mother and she told her, “It is bad.” “When she told me she was bitten by a dog,” mother Erin Carey said, “I thought she got bit on her arm or something. She told me it was her face, and I asked how bad it was. She told me it was bad, and I immediately asked bad like part of your face is missing bad? And she said yes.” INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER From then on, VandeWalker was concerned about the children who had Kellyn and her mother, Erin Carey, recall the events of the day and diswitnessed the horrific attack – and with cuss what they will write in her medical journal – which includes every getting help. She was taken to Northmedical appointment, silver lining, and progress for her daughter. Cards of support line the window sill behind them. western Medicine-Huntley where, about 20 minutes later, she was transsink, blood dripping as she went. ferred to Northwestern Medicine ChiTraining kicks in cago, where she received a CT scan and “It was on my socks, and dripping on As a nurse, she knew what was going 100 stitches. my phone, so I was locked out of my Feel good about looking great. BUFFALO GROVE a towel FromFeel there, a health care team was great. phone,” she said. “I was yelling for any- to come next. She grabbed good about looking Feel good about looking TueN Masksgreat. required DEER PARK 20530 one to call 911” – all while telling them while talking with the paramedics,Masks put required assembled. Masks required GRAYSLAKE 823 Ce Contactless check-in she was going to be OK. on her shoes, and had the presence of GURNEE See ATTACK, Page 4 6695 Gra Feb. 17-23, 2021
NEWS
On her day off the night shift Feb. 5, the former president of the Best Buddies program for Woodstock School District 200 volunteered to watch a child with special needs whose stepmother was having surgery that day. The child was at home for remote learning, but older siblings were occupied with their own schooling, so VandeWalker focused on the youth. After the school day was over for him, the two ran an errand before returning to the home. “I made food for [myself], and went to the couch where the family dog was sleeping,” she said. “I heard the dog make a strange noise, so I pet him and said, ‘Are you OK, Buddy?” The next thing VandeWalker knew, the dog, who had never bitten before, attacked her face. “I didn’t know how bad it was,” she said. “But it felt like years that the dog was on my face.” VandeWalker said one of the older siblings called the dog and the animal released its grip on her. She ran to the
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Feb. 17-23, 2021
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“The doctors keep telling me that my case is unique and complex,” VandeWalker said. “So it is something they really don’t’ know what to do with.” Nevertheless, three doctors took on her case and expect she will undergo 20 procedures, including at least three major reconstructive surgeries. Those will include taking cartilage form her ear to rebuild the bridge of her nose and using a flap of skin on her forehead to graft skin to close the hole. “It is a three-part reconstruction,” mother Erin Carey said. “It will be structural, internal, and external.” But Carey said her daughter has “built-in caregivers.” “Her husband and her twin sister Kiara – who also is a patient care technician at Northwestern Medicine in Huntley – are able to do wound care,” Carey said. “I can’t … it is pretty gruesome.”
VandeWalker said her spirits were high: “I have a bright outlook.” Every day she looks for the silver
OBITUARIES
PUBLIC SAFETY LOG
Lynn Diane Brown, 71, of Woodstock, passed away peacefully on Feb. 13, 2021, in Crystal Lake. She was born on July 12, 1949, in Harvard to Roland and Margery (Wright) Brown. Lynn was a devoted mother to Christopher (Stephanie) Spitson and Michael (Madeline) Spitson, and loving Lynn Diane Nana to Allison Brown and Mason. She worked as a dispatcher for the McHenry County Police Department and city of Kissimmee Police Department for many years. She enjoyed playing cards, watching the Chicago Cubs, Blackhawks, and had a true passion for animals. She was loved and will be truly missed. In addition to being survived by her sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren, she is survived by her sister, Carole (Paul) Jachimek; as well as nephews; a niece; and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents. Visitation will be held Friday, Feb. 19, 2021, from 4 to 7 p.m., with a brief service at 6:30 p.m. at Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, 1211 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock, IL 60098. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to Helping Paws or JourneyCare Hospice. For information, call Schneider, Leucht Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home at 815-338-1710 or visit slmcfh.com.
■ Reyman Solis, 24, Lake in the Hills, was arrested Jan. 31 in the 2000 block of South Eastwood Drive on charges of driving under the influence and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. Bond $3,000. Released after posting $100 and surrender of driver’s license. Court date March 11. ■ Daniel Sanchez, 18, Harvard, was arrested Feb. 2 in the 11000 block of U.S. 14 on charges of speeding and no valid driver’s license. Bond $2,500. Released on personal recognizance. Court date March 11. ■ Male juvenile, 14, Woodstock, was arrested Feb. 3 in the 400 block of Leah Lane on charges of failure to yield to emergency vehicle, improper lighting (headlights), no registration light, and no valid driver’s license. Bond $2,500. Released to parent. Court date March 11. ■ Robert B. Marin, 34, Hebron, was arrested Feb. 4 in the 1600 block of South Eastwood Drive on charges of improper lane usage, driving under the influence, and driving under the influence with blood-alcohol over 0.08 percent. Bond $3,000. Released after posting $100 and surrender of driver’s license. Court date March 19. ■ Victoria P. Kusio, 26, Mount Prospect, was arrested Feb. 7 at Eastwood Drive and Calhoun Street on charges of improper lighting and no valid driver’s license. Bond $2,500. Released on own recognizance. Court date March 18. ■ Eleazar Saaverda Hernandez, 43, Woodstock, was arrested Feb. 8 in the
Lynn Diane Brown, 71
INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY TRICIA CARZOLI
Kellyn’s core team in her recovery is her family, twin sister Kayla and mother Erin. “We believe there is no pain without purpose,” Erin said.
Woodstock Police Department
lining. One day, she said, she was just thankful that she could see out of her eyes. Another day, she was thankful 1400 block of Commons Drive on two counts of domestic battery. Taken to jail. Bond and court date to be set.
McHenry County Sheriff’s Office
■ Bryan P. Clark, 38, Bull Valley, was arrested Jan. 29 on a charge of possession of a controlled substance. ■ Daniel K. Ohlrich, 31, Wonder Lake, was arrested Feb. 1 on a charge of retail theft of merchandise more than $300 and theft/false representation less than $300. ■ Carolyn M. Wolf, 32, Wonder Lake, was arrested Feb. 1 on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol, driving under the influence with bloodalcohol content of 0.08 percent, and leaving the scene of an accident/vehicle damage. ■ Daniel M. Hill, 34, Wonder Lake, was arrested Feb. 8 on a charge of domestic battery/bodily harm.
Woodstock Fire/Rescue District EMS calls for Feb. 4-10: 79 Fire Runs Feb. 4
9:55 a.m. – Short and Railroad streets, rail vehicle fire; truck, shift commander, ambulance 2:48 p.m. – 8400 block of Mason Hill Road, traffic accident with no injuries; truck, shift commander, ambulance 6:45 p.m. – Lucas Road and Route 47, traffic accident with injuries; engine, shift commander, ambulance Feb. 6
7:44 p.m. – 1800 block of Sebastian Drive, local alarm system/malicious false alarm; engine, shift commander, ambulance, command car
that her smile was turned up. The next day, she was extraordinarily thankful that her sense of smell had returned. “I thought it was gone forever,” VandeWalker said. She remembers vividly smelling a rose-like bubble-gum scent at the hospital after her first reconstruction appointment three days after the attack. “It was so strong.” One thing VandeWalker is not leaving to chance is her mental health. “I know that mental and physical health is an important aspect of recovery,” she said. Her mother said they had bought a pedal cycle to keep VandeWalker’s legs strong and that she had already reached out to mental health professionals. “I laugh, smile, and cry,” VandeWalker said. “I try to find the silver lining – but I know there are moments that I cry. I think that you don’t know how many people care about you until something like this happens. ... I put up the cards because I want to be able to see them when I’m having a tough day.” Feb. 7
12:34 p.m. – 4500 block of South Route 47, traffic accident with no injuries; engine, shift commander, ambulance 6:16 p.m. – 100 block of Van Buren Street, unintentional alarm system activation, no fire; command car 6:46 p.m. – 3300 block of Castle Road, unintentional alarm system activation; engine, shift commander, ambulance, command car 11:36 p.m. – 20000 block of Collins Road, Marengo, assist police or other agency; engine Feb. 9
11:14 a.m. – 11600 block of Catalpa Lane, unintentional detector activation, no fire; engine, ambulance 11:17 a.m. – U.S. 14 and Lake Avenue, traffic accident with no injuries; shift commander, ambulance 1 p.m. – 600 block of North Madison Street, malfunctioning smoke detector activation; engine, shift commander, ambulance Feb. 10
11:50 a.m. – 1100 block of North Rose Farm Road; unintentional transmission of alarm/other; truck, shift commander, utility pickup
5
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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
Local seniors find roadblocks to vaccine
COVID-19’s vaccine rollout in Illinois – and especially McHenry County – could be seen as a case of over-promising and under-delivering. While health officials (and the politicians they advise) never really promised you would be vaccinated on a date certain, their announced schedule created expectations that this process would be much smoother and quicker than it has been. For example, the Illinois Department of Public Health revealed late last week that McHenry County had vaccinated not quite 17 percent of its more than 44,000 people ages 65 and older – ranking us in the bottom 10 percent of counties in Illinois. Statewide, more than 27 percent of those seniors have had at least the first of two required doses. That segment of the population is part of Phase 1B for the vaccine, along with first responders, educators, grocery store workers, and others. Those seniors were told in mid-January to enroll with the county Department of Health and wait for an email inviting an appointment to get the shot. A month later, it appears most are still waiting – and they don’t seem to be getting any closer to the front the line for their first dose. In the meantime, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced last week that Phase 1B eligibility would be extended to include people under 65 with pre-existing health problems. And over the weekend, the IDPH said a larger number of vaccine doses would, starting this week, be directed to serve the growing number of people who need a second shot – which means fewer first doses will be available because of the limited number of vaccine shipments from the federal government. If there is good news, it might be in the realization that COVID-19 has been around here for nearly
» YOUR VIEW
Supporting clean energy is the way to go forward The Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA passed in 2016) allowed for funds to help invigorate the clean-energy sector, protect the environment, provide new job opportunities, and move Illinois into a future that acknowledges the dire need to wean off non-renewable sources of energy, such as coal, oil, and natural gas. FEJA has already brought clean energy projects, like community solar, right here to McHenry County. Enter CEJA – The Clean Energy Jobs Act, being considered now in the state Legislature, will continue the proven track-record of providing jobs, transitioning workers from the fossil fuel industry
INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER
A hallway is blocked at Woodstock North High School during a vaccine clinic there last week. a year, and the vast majority of seniors have escaped infection without widespread vaccination of the population. It’s just that the availability of vaccines two months ago created something of a false sense of urgency – though reports about variants of the virus have justifiably heightened our concern recently. When the state distributed the first doses of vaccine in December, they went to the 50 Illinois counties with the highest death rates per capita, which did not include McHenry County. Fortunately. Still, even if the coronavirus has caused the death of “only” one of every 1,200 county residents, it has sickened one of every 13 of us and our neighbors. And, as the table on Page 2 shows, the virus is making hundreds more people ill every week.
to the clean-energy sector, and bring with it a dedication to provide environmental justice to communities of color and low income that have been disproportionately affected by dirty energy. With CEJA, the plan is to get to 100 percent renewable energy by 2050, cut carbon from the power sector by 2030, reduce pollution from gas and diesel vehicles in the transportation sector, and create jobs and economic opportunity for every part of Illinois. It provides hope to workers and business leaders and to the next generation of students looking for a secure career. Acting now with urgency through smart legislation that protects the environment while providing job and career opportunities to Illinoisans everywhere is within our grasp … if the public servants we hired vote YES on CEJA in 2021. Please
Seniors have a special concern in those statistics. Nearly 90 percent of the virus-related deaths in McHenry County have been people 60 or older. Melissa Adamson, the county’s public health administrator, offered some assurance a month ago that seniors would not be left behind. “We will need to further prioritize within the Phase 1B group,” she said, “but we will make sure everyone who is interested in receiving the vaccine will have the opportunity to do so before moving on.” Obviously, that did not mean “before moving on” to people who need a second dose. They need to be a priority because of the limited window to fully vaccinate them. We’ll assume there will be no other exceptions.
contact your legislators and Gov. Pritzker and ask them to pass CEJA now! Cynthia Kanner, executive director Environmental Defenders of McHenry County
GM commercial showed right direction for planet
General Motors’ Superbowl commercial, featuring Will Ferrell hilariously starting a feud with Norway over who will have the most electric cars was pure genius. And GM touting their 30 new [electric vehicles] by 2025 to 100 million people at once was a monumental step in the right direction for our planet! Karen Campbell Bolingbrook
» OUR POLICY n The Woodstock Independent
welcomes letters of general interest to the community. n We reserve the right to edit for clarity, content, and length. n Please limit letters to 400 words. Longer submissions may be considered for a guest column. n Letters must be signed and include the writer’s address and a telephone number, which will be used for verification purposes only. It will not be published. Unsigned letters will not be considered for publication. n Email letters to pr@thewoodstock independent.com or mail or drop them off at our office, 671 E. Calhoun St., Woodstock, IL 60098.
Let’s do that again. I’ll lead it off … n My sister, who is often on vacation this time of year, decided to make one day each week a vacation day. On vacation day, Nann does vacation things – spends the afternoon reading a book or playing games on the computer, orders vacation-like food from a nearby restaurant, wears vacation clothes, and sends “postcards” – actually, e-cards – to family and friends. One vacation day, she sent 24. n Jim and I have enjoyed matching music and food. When we had pizza the other night, Pandora provided Italian music from the time I started making the dough until we were pleasantly full of veggie pizza with anchovies and pepperoni. When we ate Mexican food, Pandora entertained us with rancheras and mariachi music. n Reaching out with phone calls, texts, cards, letters, emails, FaceTime, Zoom, etc. are all win-wins. The sender wins, having connected with a family member, friend or neighbor. And, the recipient wins, having the joy of knowing someone cares. n A couple of more ideas: movie nights, daily workouts, sledding, special breakfast and …. Send your bloom-where-planted ideas to me at c.wormley@thewoodstockindependent.com or mail them to me at 671 E. Calhoun St. Cheryl Wormley is publisher of The Woodstock Independent. Her email address is c.wormley@thewoodstockindependent.com.
CONTACT INFO FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS U.S. Sen. Richard Durbin Chicago office 230 S. Dearborn St. Suite 3892 Chicago, IL 60604 312-353-4952
Gov. J.B. Pritzker Chicago office James R. Thompson Center 100 W. Randolph St., 16-100 Chicago, IL 60601 312-814-2121
McHenry County Board Chairman Michael Buehler 1630 Quail Way Crystal Lake, IL 60014 815-334-4224 mjbuehler@co.mchenry.il.us
U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth Chicago office 230 S. Dearborn St. Suite 3900 Chicago, IL 60604 (312) 886-3506
State Rep. Steve Reick District Office 1072 Lake Ave. Woodstock, IL 60098 815-880-5340
Woodstock Mayor Brian Sager 121 W. Calhoun St. Woodstock, IL 60098 815-338-4302 mayor@woodstockil.gov
State Sen. Craig Wilcox District Office 5400 W. Elm St., Suite 103 McHenry, IL 60050 815-455-6330
Dorr Township Supervisor Susan Brokaw 1039 Lake Ave. Woodstock, IL 60098 815-338-0125 supervisor@dorrtownship.com
U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood McHenry County Office 333 Commerce Drive, Suite 700 Crystal Lake, IL 60014 630-549-2190
“In these times we fight for ideas, and newspapers are our fortresses.” – Henrich Heine, German poet, writer
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OPINION
the next week. She stole the show.” “You might want to check her Fourth of July appearance with the Boston Pops,” Connie suggested. “Must have been Cheryl 2019, since nothing like that would Wormley Declarations have happened in 2020 with COVID. It’s really moving, too.” “She’s so uplifting,” I said. “Her messages are so positive and inspiring.” Connie wrapped up that part of our conversation by saying: “So, what’s wrong with you being a Pollyanna? That’s who you are. We all need to be reminded of the good that’s available to us.” That did it. Writer’s block removed, I was ready. With the children back in school at least part of each week, vaccines being administered, and our county in Phase 4, there is a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. It’s as if spring is on the way. It’s time, once again, to see ourselves blooming where we are planted. That means taking advantage of opportunities we are given and being grateful for whatever our present situation might be. Way back in March, nearly 11 months ago, when we were just starting to stay at home to slow the spread of the virus, I asked all of you to send examples of how you were putting joy, fun, and caring into your stay days.
671 E. Calhoun St. • Woodstock, IL 60098 Phone: 815-338-8040 www.thewoodstockindependent.com
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Feb. 17-23, 2021
As I write, it’s shortly after 11 a.m. on Saturday. Snow is falling very gently, and it’s 3 degrees. It’s another beautiful winter day in a string of more than two weeks of snowy, cold weather. How I wish I had a pair of snowshoes. I’d love to be out in it. I missed my Friday noon column deadline this week. I had writer’s block Thursday and Friday. I made two feeble attempts to write. Each time, I completed about three paragraphs before I mentally ripped the paper out of my typewriter, wadded it into a ball, and threw it into a wastepaper basket. Mentally – because I compose on a laptop, so there’s no paper to wad, just a delete key to tap. So why was I having so much difficulty writing? Because … I really questioned being a Pollyanna-columnist again as we travel in the COVID-19 lane. I wanted to write about blooming where we’re planted, but I was getting nowhere. The spell was broken Friday afternoon when my 4-H and college friend, Connie, called. Our calls are one of the blessings of the pandemic. It prompted us to talk weekly after years of communicating with birthday and Christmas greetings. I shared my writer’sblock dilemma with her. “Have you considered writing about Amanda Gorman?” Connie asked. “First, being selected for the inauguration and then the Super Bowl. Talk about different audiences.” “In fact, I have written about her,” I replied. “And, I included the text of her inauguration poem in Declarations
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Schools
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Caroline Cherniak named to St. Ambrose dean’s list
Feb. 17-23, 2021
Caroline Cherniak of Woodstock was named to the dean’s list for the fall term at the St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa. A student much achieve a GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale to earn the honor.
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
COLLEGE CURRENTS
Rockford U. recognizes four locals for grades
UW-Platteville grads include five locals COURTESY PHOTO
Junior high math teacher Emma Wodek assists St. Mary student Gabi Ferrarini with a new Chromebook laptop computer bought with the assistance of the St. Mary of Woodstock School Foundation.
Foundation ‘enriches’ St. Mary education By Janet Dovidio
NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM
Students at St. Mary Catholic School benefit from improved technology, a renovated auditorium, and an additional bathroom because of the St. Mary of Woodstock School Foundation. “The foundation was created by Ray Benoy, Ty Keller, and Richard Merryman in 1986 for the sole purpose of supporting and enriching the educational experience at the school,” said Jeff Gillaspie, foundation president. “For over 30 years, the foundation has held fast to that mission.” The staff at St. Mary School provides an annual “wish list” for school improvement projects. “St. Mary School is so blessed to have the support of the foundation,”
Principal Vince Sossong said. “Through their assistance, we are able to provide many needed improvements and resources to our students. The whole school community is the beneficiary.” Sixty new Chromebook laptop computers were purchased to support the blended in-person and virtual learning at the school. St. Mary’s IT director, Carlos Gonzalez, donated a weekend of time to set them up. The new handicap-accessible restroom in the main building, installed by BPS Plumbing Solutions, is located outside the school office and across from the auditorium. That site provides a nearby location for school activities that include older relatives and also enhances the school’s inclusive education needs. A future project will add an accessible ramp to the front of the building.
The auditorium now has a new luxury vinyl plank floor. Sossong and preschool parent Esau Hernandez donated their time for the installation. That project was scheduled to take place over the 2020 spring break, but was postponed to Christmas break because of COVID-19. “This past year with the pandemic was extremely challenging for the teachers and staff,” Gillaspie said, “and we’re happy to support their extra efforts by providing resources to improve the school environment and enhance education for the students.” Current foundation officers besides Gillaspie are Monica Amraen, vice president; Anne McCoy, secretary; Darren Fortin, treasurer; and board members Alice Howell, Harry Jablonski, Gina Kenyon, Virginia Peschke, and Larry Rafferty.
Five local students earned degrees during the summer or fall 2020 at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. They are Wonder Lake residents Paige Schnulle-Ward, elementary education, an Brennen Ward, criminal justice; and Woodstock residents Jarod Baker, forensic investigation; Zachary Emricson, industrial engineering; and Kristin Lemke, soil and crop science.
Jasmine Castaneda on dean’s list at Elmhurst
Jasmine Castaneda of Woodstock was among students named to the Elmhurst University dean’s list for the fall term of the 2020-21 academic year. The dean’s list is composed of students attained a GPA of 3.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
Edgewood College honors Isabel Rose for fall term
Isabel Rost of Woodstock has earned semester honors for the fall 2020 semester at Edgewood College in Madison, Wis. Fulltime students who achieve a 3.5 GPA for the semester are eligible for the honor.
SCHOOLS
Four local students earned academic honors for the fall 2020 semester at Rockford University. Named distinguished scholars for earning at least a 3.75 GPA were Caitlin Senn of Wonder Lake and Kayla Brady and Blake Shallenbarger, both of Woodstock. Morgan Radcliffe of Woodstock was named to the dean’s list for earning at least a 3.5 GPA.
COLLEGE CURRENTS Ben Woodson earns B.A. from Miami University Ben Woodson of Woodstock was among more than 1,000 students from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, who received degrees during the virtual fall commencement on Dec. 11. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in interactive media studies.
Kelly Read on dean’s list at University of Delaware Kelly Read of Woodstock has been named to the dean’s list for the fall 2020 semester at the University of Delaware in Newark, Del. To be eligibile, a student must be enrolled full-time and earn a GPA of 3.5 or above (on a 4.0 scale) for the semester.
Hofstra University dean’s list includes Claire Helfman Claire Helfman of Woodstock was named to the fall 2020 semester dean’s list at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y. Eligibility requires a GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
Dylan Kapp earns master’s degree in computer science Dylan Kapp of Woodstock has earned a Master of Science degree in computer science from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Ga. He was among about 3,800 undergraduate and graduate students who earned their degrees during the fall 2020 semester and were recognized during the institute’s 259th commencement exercises Dec.11-12 at Bobby Dodd Stadium.
Local students named to dean’s list at Aurora U. Aurora University has named several Woodstock-area students to the dean’s list for the fall 2020 semester for earning a 3.6 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale. They are: Wonder Lake – Jazmyn Bottcher, nursing; Casey Dycus, health science; and Erik Fallon, graphic design Woodstock – Sarah Drafall, nursing; Maria Esquivel-Cervantes, early child/ special education; Brian Flores, business administration, Spanish; Courtnie Gabala, nursing; Fatima Gomez, social work; Lesly Guarneros, business administration; Hanna Major, psychology; Ingrid Navarro,
Spanish, biology; Dulce Olivar Lopez, nursing; Angel Ortega, pre-social work; Citlaly Velasco, nursing; Molly Viktora, pre-nursing; and Diana Zovkic, art.
Two local students named to dean’s list at Wheaton Mary Campbell of Wonder Lake and Michael Forrester of Woodstock were named to the dean’s list for the fall 2020 semester at Wheaton College. To earn dean’s List honors at Wheaton, an undergraduate student must carry 12 or more credit hours and achieve a 3.5 GPA or higher on the 4.0 scale.
Kasey Theil earns degree in education at U of Iowa Kasey Theil of Woodstock earned a Bachelor of Arts in English education from the College of Education at the University of Iowa in Iowa City.
Jacob Schmitt earns B.S. from Wisconsin-Stout Jacob Schmitt of Wonder Lake graduated in December 2020 from the
University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie, Wis. He earned a Bachelor of Science in construction. UW-Stout is Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University, with a focus on applied learning, collaboration with business and industry, and career outcomes.
Local students on dean’s list at University of Iowa Five local students were among more than 7,400 undergraduates who were named to the dean’s list for the 2020 fall semester at the University of Iowa. They are Mya Cermak of Wonder Lake, neuroscience; and Woodstock residents Andrew Gippert, finance; Linzie Harding, psychology; Samantha Stevens, health and human physiology; and Zachary Taylor, psychology.
Carroll University names Keegan Given to dean’s list Freshman Keegan Given from Wonder Lake made the dean’s list for the fall semester at Carroll University in Waukesha, Wis. The son of Greg and Lisa Given, he is studying computer science.
STUDENT OF THE WEEK MELISA
PAREDES-LOPEZ
Melisa Paredes-Lopez is a senior at Woodstock High School. She is the daughter of Luz B. Paredes and Jose L. Paredes, Woodstock. “Melisa, an orchestra student for nine years, has a strong work ethic and an intrinsic desire to realize her fullest potential. Melisa is incredibly ambitious and dedicated, but never selfish. She is always positive, on top of her work, and willing to help guide and lead her peers. The focus and discipline she’s put on herself during eLearning are evident,”said one of her teachers. Melisa is on high honor roll and is a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society. She is a member of Spanish club, girl’s soccer, L.U.C.H.A, varsity orchestra and Future Latino Leaders. Outside of school, she is involved with the St. Mary Catholic Church Youth Group. When asked who inspires her, Melisa said, “Someone who motivates me is my uncle Adan Lopez who passed away in 2011 just before he was about to receive a bachelor’s degree in business administration. At the time, being so young, I wasn’t able to assimilate how important his learning career was to him, but as I grew older, I understood that he was willing to make many sacrifices, in order to achieve his goals. He taught me that, although at times it may seem hard, it will all be worth it. You just have to have hope and the will to keep moving forward.” When asked what makes her feel successful, Melisa said, “I feel that I am successful because I am very goal-oriented. When I put my mind to something, I do not allow myself to stop until I have accomplished it. Also, I always push myself to want to be better, both as a person and as a student, with the hope that, I will be someone in life and help make a difference in our world.” SPONSORED BY
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111 E. Van Buren Street Woodstock, IL 60098 (815) 206-5967 readbetweenthelynes.com
A&E
11
Piano on its last legs
By Tricis Carzoli
NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM
‘Secret mission’ resumes
At that point, his passion – and his mission – was reawakened. “I love playing the piano – in fact, I don’t have time for anything else right now,” Bouvin said. “I can play for three, four, five hours at a time in my apartment. I’m always busy playing piano, or looking for songs, or learning them.” He checks out piano songbooks through homebound services at the Woodstock Public Library. Circulation manager Carrie Zamorano, who frequently took music to his home, mentioned that the library had a grand piano and invited him to play. “I originally planned to play at nursing homes,” Bouvin said. “I wanted to do music therapy for those who might
INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY TRICIA CARZOLI
Ray Bouvin entertains patrons at the Woodstock Public Library for an hour every Friday morning. need it. But Carrie asked me. “I was a little nervous that I wasn’t good enough, but I am so happy I did this. It is something that I have to give to others. And, it is what I call my secret mission.” His mission, he said, is to provide music therapy for those who need it – to provide a respite from the daily stress and to allow listeners to refocus through the harmonies that resonate from the old wooden library piano keys when he commands them.
Love songs of yesteryear
For six years Bouvin has been a regular at the grand piano located in the adult fiction section at the front of the library. The piano was re-homed from the Woodstock Opera House, where it once sat, often unused. It found its place and its purpose among both books and literary aficionados. Bouvin succeeded at fitting his Friday song set into the library ambiance – now masterfully forcing the 88 oncesilent keys to play to his tempo and crescendo, creating effortless refrains that entertain staff and patrons alike. “When the piano is used,” library director Nick Weber said, “people enjoy it. It is one of the things I look forward to – Friday mornings with Ray.” On most Fridays around 10 a.m.,
Bouvin can be found playing love songs from the 1920s, ’30s, ’40s, ’50s, and ’60s. For some, it is a time not to be missed. Susan Fosnot is a frequent visitor during Bouvin’s usual time slot. “Live music is where it is at,” she said. “This is free live music every Friday.” She and others have been coming for a couple of years on Fridays to enjoy his music. “The piano gets more use from Ray than it does anyone else,” Weber said. “He usually plays for a longer time, but, during COVID, we limit our patrons to an hour – which includes Ray.” Bouvin packs as much music in as he can during that one hour. “I usually play around 700 songs per year,” he explained. “You have to rotate or people get tired of you.”
‘Loosen up a little’
The library provides access to music, and Bouvin provides the atmosphere. reference librarian Bailey Rewoldt helps him make copies of the music he wants to keep, and he graciously accepts requests. If he doesn’t have it, he brings it the next week. He keeps a brown bag with him with his song sets written on it, and he
marks down the number of times he’s practiced the piece as well as the number of times he’s performed it at the library. He also places motivational messages that have come to him in various ways – movies, books, or people he’s encountered – in his binders or on the piano. One such message was written on a napkin last week: Loosen up a little. Bouvin said the message came from a movie he’d recently watched. “It helps me to see that,” Bouvin said. “To not be so nervous, you see.” The music is therapeutic for others, but for Bouvin as well. “I hope people enjoy the music as much as I do,” he said. “People sometimes come up and wave and say, ‘Thank you, Ray,’ and sometimes we have an opportunity to talk … which is part of my mission – to reach people.” Bouvin and his wife raised three daughters and have nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. One of those great-grandchildren – a boy who is 7, shows promise in following in Bouvin’s piano-playing footsteps. He hopes that his collection of music along with his artwork and sketches will someday shed light onto his life and his passions for future generations. “I hope they get to know me a little more through my music,” he said.
ARTS & ENTERTANMENT
Woodstock resident Ray Bouvin is on a mission. “I think of David in the Bible,” the 86-year-old Bouvin said. “David, we know, slew Goliath as a young boy, but he was a tremendous musician, and he was asked to play beautiful music for King Saul to help him. In a way, I want to heal people with music therapy.” Music has been in Bouvin’s bones since he was a teenager and his mother received a free piano. He took piano lessons on the instrument before he decided he had better things to do and friends to see. Then, he taught himself. A Chicago native, he married his grade-school sweetheart, had children, raised a family, drove a cab in Chicago, made art, and eventually found his way to Woodstock. But, wherever he went in his 20s and 30s, it was always with a piano. One fateful day, however, when he was in his 40s, Bouvin and his family were living in Wisconsin, and, after a day spent in Chicago, they returned to find that his piano missing. “I don’t know where it went, or why I never got another one,” Bouvin said. “I just know that I never did. Not until 2010.”
The piano is a familiar fixture in the front of the Woodstock Public Library. “It is a nice feature to have. It is unique,” director Nick Weber said. “Perhaps only a handful of libraries across Illinois have a piano – and, mostly, upright. We are very fortunate.” The library piano is available to those who can play a complete piece that provides pleasant background music for library patrons and must not include singing or any other accompaniment. Children must be supervised. However, Weber indicated, the piano has an irreparable crack forming in the main structure of the instrument. “Once that breaks,” he said, “we do not have a piano. So we are looking for anyone who is trying to get rid of a grand piano or a baby grand piano.” Anyone looking to donate a piano can contact assistant director Martha Hansen, marthah@woodstockil.info.
Feb. 17-23, 2021
86-year-old has ‘secret mission’ at library piano
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
Friday mornings with Ray
BUSINESS
Feb. 17-23, 2021
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Congratulations to
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By Larry Lough
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Holzlager Brewing
At Holzlager, the room has been remodeled for an expanded brewing operation, company President Mario Cortez explained. About 1:30 Saturday, two guys were sitting at the bar, so I pulled up a stool a few seats away. Mario served up a 12-ounce glass of El Heffe, a Mexican dark lager (“light body, light roast, extremely enjoyable,” the menu says), which he likened to a Modelo Negra. It cost $6 for a 12-ounce glass, and I left with a fourpack of 16-ounce cans for $12. I had selected El Heffe during my online scouting mission in advance of Saturday, in part because its alcohol content was only 4.4 percent, and this
INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY LARRY LOUGH
Customers gather at the bar at Kishwaukee Brewing Co. Holzlager Brewing personalizes a 12-ounce glass.
Kishwaukee Brewing
was just the first stop of the afternoon. A dozen local brews were available Saturday in 8-, 12-, and 16-ounce glasses, many also ready to go in cans and growlers (32 ounces). Holzlager invites you to bring in food, or the staff can fix you up with a pretzel from Turano bakery or pop a pizza in the oven. Technically a brewery with a tasting room, Holzlager now offers video gambling. “It pays the bills,” Mario said, leaving him and his partners to tend to the business of making tasty craft beers.
ShadowView Brewing
When I arrived at ShadowView, a customer was at the bar talking with
About 15 cars and trucks were in the parking lot at Kishwaukee Brewing Co. when I arrived. Eight people were seated at the bar and a dozen others were at tables in the large room that can handle a crowd – as soon as the pandemic ends. Owner Dan Payson chatted with customers around the big taproom with a high ceiling and an industrial vibe as people enjoyed good brews and good company – but not food. For my third beer of the afternoon, I chose a light-tasting option, a 12-ounce glass of “traditional German style” Pilsner ($5; ABV 5.0 percent). The only surprise was getting to speak briefly with a local school board member who showed up at Kishwaukee to get a couple of growlers filled. Perfect ending to a solo afternoon of exploring local breweries.
Transactions filed in the McHenry County Recorder’s Office Dec. 1 to 2. ■ Commercial building at 11515 U.S. Highway 14, Woodstock, was sold by HRM CSOK LLC, Boise, Idaho, to Woodstock VZ On 14 LLC, Palatine, for $1,975,000. ■ Vacant land, approximately 92 acres, on McConnell Road, Woodstock, was sold by McConnell Road Farm LLC, Northfield, to The CDP Revocable Living Trust, Orland Park, for $621,746. ■ Residence at 13120 Perkins Road, Woodstock, was sold by Joseph W. Shlllields and Gloria K. Shields, Knoxville, Tenn., to Maria T. Flores, Woodstock, for $235,000. ■ Residence at 11103 Lucas Road, Woodstock, was sold by The Eric J. Vachulcik and Elizabeth C. Vachulcik Joint Tenancy Trust, Huntley, to Antonio Talarico, Woodstock, for $445,000. ■ Residence at 1401 Sandpiper Lane, Woodstock, was sold by Woodstock Community Unit School District No. 200, Woodstock, to Jesus Perez, Woodstock for $240,000. ■ Residence at 2290 Preswick Lane, Woodstock, was sold by D.R. Horton, Inc. - Midwest, Vernon Hills, to Jeanne Schierhorn, Woodstock, for $279,990. ■ Residence at 8611 Shady Lane, Wonder Lake, was sold by Gregory B. Roth, Woodstock, to Patrick M. Lamz, Wonder Lake, for $172,000. ■ Apartment building at 500 - 508 Lake Ave., Woodstock, was sold by Kenneth P. Eriksen, Bull Valley, to Thomas J. Timm, Crystal Lake, for $900,000. ■ Residence at 9007 Highland Drive, Wonder Lake, was sold by Michael Pollina, Warsaw, Ind., to Kelley O’Dell, Wonder Lake, for $196,500.
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
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Saturday afternoon. 3 degrees outside. Wife’s in the city visiting the daughter. Your college basketball team just got beat. Sounds like the perfect time to visit Woodstock’s three microbreweries, all of which have been in the retail beermaking business for less than two years. This “reporting” project had been months in development, a strategy was set, just waiting for the right time. If you want to avoid crowds, seems like one of the coldest days of winter would be perfect for sampling some cold craft brews. First would be Holzlager Brewing Co., which is barely 100 steps from the side door of The Independent’s office. Then the drive east to ShadowView Brewing at U.S. 14 and Lake Shore Drive, the only local brewery with a food menu, perfect for lunch. Finally, Kishwaukee Brewing Co. in Cold Headers Industrial Park off McConnell Road, the newest of the three, having opened just this past fall. They all had something in common: Owners were on duty Saturday. And you had to wear a mask. Oh, and the beer was cold.
co-owner John Koziol at the other end, and a couple were seated at one of the tall tables. I sat at another. It had been seven hours since breakfast, 10 minutes since I had finished an El Heffe, and lunch sounded good. But first, how about an “easy drinking brown ale ... a bit nutty”: Brown Eyed Squirrel (4.6 percent ABV), a 16-ounce glass ($7), since I’m eating. “Let’s keep it simple,” I told my server, Jonathan. Chicken tenders ($8) with the garlic barbecue dipping sauce, and the onion rings ($5). ShadowView’s salads separate the menu from the usual bar food, but you also can choose from a good selection of appetizers along with pizza, burgers, chicken sandwiches, and homemade desserts. When Jonathan brought my food, he noted the southwest sauce with the onion rings was “awesome.” He wasn’t wrong, a creamy complement to the golden rings, but not as spicy as I was hoping. The appetizer lunch filled my deep-fried-foods quota for the month. “That was the best unhealthy meal I’ve had all week,” I told Johnathan as he cleared the table. Both John and brother Mark Koziol, the head brewer, were on site Saturday. They offer customers a dozen craft beers in 4-, 12-, and 16-ounce glasses. A selection of wines also are available, along with a bloody mary or margarita.
Feb. 17-23, 2021
Visiting Woodstock’s microbreweries a good winter afternoon tour
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Cold weather, cold brew
REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS
14 THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
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Community
15 THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
‘People are struggling’ Rising waves of distress
By Susan W. Murray
NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM
‘Injury to our humanness’
The nightly newscasts give numbers for new cases of COVID-19, deaths from the virus, and Illinois’ positivity rate. What lies hidden is the effect on people’s psyches of nearly 11 months of stay-at-home orders and restrictions on the normal activities of everyday life. “People are struggling,” Lemke said. “There’s a lot of unrest – both internal and external.” “The global picture,” BensonPryor said, “is the isolation.” Pulled away physically by the pandemic, people are now pulled apart “emotionally and psychologically because of their differences
In August, Kaiser Family Foundation, a nonprofit devoted to national health issues, released results of a mental health tracking poll, conducted in mid-July 2020, that asked respondents about their feelings and behaviors over the previous two months. Asked whether their mental health had been negatively impacted because of worry and stress over the coronavirus, 53 percent of adults in the U.S. responded that it had, up from 32 percent in March when the question was first asked.
In other findings: 36 percent reported difficulty sleeping. 32 percent reported a poor appetite or overeating. 18 percent reported difficulty controlling their temper. 18 percent reported frequent headaches or stomachaches. 12 percent reported increasing alcohol or drug use. 12 percent reported worsening chronic conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY SUE MURRAY
Sara Lemke, a licensed clinical professional counselor and certified alcohol and drug counselor. sits in the office of her new practice, Revival Therapy in Crystal Lake. Lemke quit her six-figure job with a large behavioral health provider to open her own counseling practice on Feb. 1. Lemke said she saw an increased need for mental health services as a side effect of the pandemic. Because they are unable “to do what they normally do,” Lemke said, “people are struggling.” in views,” Benson-Pryor said. “Our drive for attachment is suffering. This is an injury to our humanness.”
Raft of repercussions
Just weeks away from the first anniversary of Illinois’ stay-athome order, counselors are seeing patients with an array of effects from that isolation. Keisman listed some of the common trials: finances, adjusting to working from home, and schooling children while trying to maintain a
job “and [your own] sanity.” “We’re seeing a lot more marital discord,” she added. “It’s probably too much to be around the other person all the time with no outlet,” Lemke said. Keisman reported that some counselors in her practice are seeing patients who have been through a “complicated bereavement” following the death of a family member without loved ones at the bedside, a small funeral service afterward – or none at all.
There are patients, Keisman said, who are so fearful of catching the virus that they do not leave their homes. People who normally isolate from others or were suicidal or highly depressed before the pandemic “are having an even harder time,” Benson-Pryor said. They are dealing with “fears, phobias, anxiety, and panic. See COUNSELORS, Page 16
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On just the second day that her new Crystal Lake counseling practice – Revival Therapy – was open, licensed clinical professional counselor Sara Lemke fielded nine phone calls from people looking for services, resulting in the addition of five new patients. One call came from a women’s mental health resource in the county that was looking to partner with private providers to handle its client overload. Lemke was not surprised, having heard from other therapists that they were unable even to keep up with incoming calls. “I am inundated,” said Torrie Benson-Pryor, who owns Secure Alliance Counseling in Woodstock and sometimes works 11-hour days. Lindsey Keisman is the director of Pivotal Counseling Center, with offices in Woodstock and Lake in the Hills. Of the 12 counselors in the practice, 75 percent are completely booked, Keisman said, and the others have limited availability. Finding a slot for those who need a nighttime or after-school appointment is tough, Keisman said.
Feb. 17-23, 2021
Counselors fear packed schedules first wave in mental health tsunami
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Feb. 17-23, 2021
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
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INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY SUSAN W. MURRAY
Signs around Woodstock advise requirements for masks and social distancing, tell of closing businesses, and ask patrons to refrain from political discussions. One of the pandemic’s side effects is a sense of isolation – first physical to reduce the virus’s spread, and then emotional and psychological because of differences in views, said Torrie Benson-Pryor, a licensed clinical social worker, whose Secure Alliance Counseling practice is in Woodstock.
COUNSELORS
Continued from Page 15
People are basically just surviving at this point.” Lemke particularly worries about people at either end of the age spectrum. The elderly have a tendency to feel “a little isolated,” she said. They might have lost a spouse, the children are out of the house, and they’re no longer going to work. Add in being at increased risk for the virus, the inability to see family and friends, and the struggles some have with technology – making getting a vaccination appointment more difficult – and the sense of aloneness becomes even more acute. Lemke also pointed to children and teens who, after a month or so of summer vacation from school, complain that they miss their friends. “Now, they’ve had a yearlong summer,” she said. “Part of their
maturation is social interaction.” Before the pandemic, pediatricians, educators, and parents had raised warning flags about children’s and teens’ screen time. “Now it’s almost on steroids,” Lemke said.
Unhealthy filling of the void
There’s no shortage of advice on how to deal with this extended period of separation. On its website, the Centers for Disease Control lists suggestions for coping with stress: take deep breaths; eat healthy, well-balanced meals; exercise regularly; get plenty of sleep; and avoid excessive use of alcohol, tobacco, and substances. Lemke explained that such advice rings hollow to people who “have lost the sense of freedom to live their lives.” All of the normal activities of life – going to work, to school, to church, to restaurants, and out with friends – have constraints. “Most people feel angry,” Lemke said. “None of it feels fair. It’s hard to
utilize true coping skills when you feel you’re being oppressed.” If told to take a walk to de-stress, “most people are beyond that,” Lemke said. To fill the void, she said, people are turning to addictive behavior: alcohol, gaming, pornography, food, and/or shopping. “Anything to get a little of a dopamine hit,” Lemke said. Statistics on alcohol use during the pandemic bear out her observation. As stay-at-home orders took effect across the nation in late March, Americans made liquor store runs. Nielsen reported that alcohol sales in stores rose 54 percent in late March over the same period in 2019. By late April, online alcohol sales had risen 500 percent. A Rand Corp. study published in late September showed that in 2020, the frequency of alcohol consumption increased 14 percent over the previous year among all adults, ages 30 to 59. Among adult women, the increase was 17 percent.
Delayed reaction?
Therapists’ appointment books are filled, but at this point, the numbers that measure a community’s psychological health are not setting off alarm bells. The Woodstock Fire Rescue District classifies its ambulance runs by type. In 2019, 440 were noted as “psychological,” Lt. Chad Williams reported. WFRD Chief Mike Hill said that classification is “a catch-all category” that can include someone suffering a “behavioral episode” or a diagnosed mental health condition. That is determined by the dispatcher based on talking with the person who made the call for help, Hill said. The number of such EMS runs was down in 2020, to 419 – still an average of more than one a day. In the most recent reporting week (Feb. 4-10), 11 “psychological” runs were made among 79 total calls. Similarly, Jenn Balleto of the McHenry County Suicide Prevention See COUNSELORS, Page 18
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Feb. 17-23, 2021
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COUNSELORS
Continued from Page 16
Task Force reported that the county’s deaths by suicide were down in 2020 to 25, from 28 in 2019. But Balleto cautioned that “it may be a couple of years before we see the full impact from the pandemic.” Balleto said that when the housing crisis hit in 2008, there were 17 suicides in McHenry County. As job losses, bankruptcies, and foreclosures mounted, so did the suicide rate – climbing to 29 in 2009 and 37 in 2010, the year that the Suicide Prevention Task Force was founded to combat the problem. While disturbing to contemplate, the same model – in which the full impact of isolation on the community’s mental health is not apparent for a year or two – could loom, with therapists’ packed schedules representing the first warning wave. “We don’t know how this will play out in the future,” Lemke said. She added another concern. “Therapists are exhausted and overwhelmed,” Lemke said, and the long-term effect of the demands on doctors and nurses is unknown. “People need to understand how critical this is,” she said. “We count on these people for our care.”
With a little help from our friends
Asked how people can help one another with the challenges that the pandemic has presented for mental health, licensed clinical professional counselor Sara Lemke had three pieces of advice:
3 Have patience with others. “We need to learn to give each other a little bit of grace,” Lemke said. “We’re all struggling in our own ways right now.”
3 “Support one another.” While some people might not be able to take a walk, practice meditation, or seek help on their own, they are willing to follow another’s lead.
rent with 3 “Be transpa you are w o h t u o b a s r othe onest H . id a s e h s ,” g feelin n lessens communicatio ts others anxiety and le d help. know you nee
The McHenry County Mental Health Board provides a list of mental health services within the county on its website. Visit mc708.org/service/.
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What music activities are you involved in at school and what instrument do you play? I am a member of the Woodstock High School Chamber Orchestra and Freshman Orchestra. I have taken private lessons from Lisa Chodorowski since 5th grade. I also play the piano; having had lessons from Anita Tebo. I also enjoy singing in the Woodstock High School Treble Choir. What got you interested in Music? My family loves music. I grew up going to my brothers’ band and choir concerts. The joy I felt there encouraged me to start learning. My grandmother gave me my grandfather’s violin when I was young. I really wanted to learn to play. My mom also wanted to learn, so we have learned together. What is your favorite part of participating in Chorus and Orchestra? The best part of participating in Chorus and Orchestra is being with wonderful friends and teachers who love music and want to bring joy into this world through sharing their musical talents. What do you plan to do with your musical talents in the future? I plan to continue working on my skills and playing throughout my life for family and friends. Music makes me happy.
Teagan DeVaul
Woodstock North High School, Sophomore What music activities are you involved in at school and what instrument do you play? Right now I play the violin in my high school’s concert orchestra. What got you interested in Music? Even as a kid, I have always loved singing along to the radio or movies and was fascinated with learning how to play instruments. I tried to teach myself piano on a toy keyboard and I played around with a drum kit too. In 1st grade I found out about the string program that was available to 4th graders and I have been obsessed with orchestra ever since. What is your favorite part of participating in Orchestra? My absolute favorite part of being involved in Orchestra is when we master a piece and perform it in front of an audience. Even if it is only a rehearsal though, being surrounded by people as passionate about music as I am coming together to create something beautiful is one of the best feelings ever. It is that overcoming feeling of pride and payoff that makes me fall in love with this artform over and over again. What do you plan to do with your musical talents in the future? I don’t see myself taking on a career that has anything to do with the arts. With that said, I am definitely going to keep this passion in my life. When I enter college I plan on joining a campus orchestra group or at least practicing my instrument as much as I can. It is a hobby I never want to lose.
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Feb. 17-23, 2021
Woodstock High School, Freshman
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St. Ann’s seriously into food ministry By Janet Dovidio
NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM
A blog entry on the website of St. Ann’s Episcopal Church in Woodstock features the quote “We Love to Eat!” Several years ago, the church’s Outreach Committee observed that food was a large part of the activities at St. Ann’s. That grew into a ministry for providing food to people in need. Through cooperation with the Northern Illinois Food Bank and Faith Leaders of McHenry County, Pastor Scott Zaucha learned of a need for a mobile food pantry in this area. “We agreed to be the host site,” Zaucha said. “Pastor Cathy Daharsh at Bethany Lutheran in Crystal Lake, Father Paul White at Holy Apostles Catholic in McHenry, and the Rev. Eric Fisher from First Congregational in Crystal Lake were instrumental in getting this started.” Food distribution happens every other Monday. The dates and location are listed on St. Ann’s website, stannswoodstock.org. The regional food bank provides food, and St. Ann’s manages the volunteers. Dick Hattan heads the logistics and volunteer
COURTESY PHOTO
Volunteers unload food from a truck from the Northern Illinois Food Bank and distribute the goods at the mobile food bank of St. Ann’s Episcopal Church of Woodstock. recruitment. Distribution takes place on the parking lot next to St. Ann’s, which is owned by Northwestern Hospital. “We are thankful for their generosity in providing this space, and we are thankful to the hospital staff who come together to volunteer,” Zaucha said. “If
the lot becomes unavailable as the old Woodstock Hospital building is torn down, we will distribute directly from St. Ann’s.” In addition to the mobile food pantry, St. Ann’s congregation sponsors a food pantry garden, Walmart gift cards, and donations to the Woodstock Food
Pantry. “We decided not to plant our vegetable garden in 2020, as it takes a lot of volunteer time, and our volunteers were concerned about large group work,” Zaucha said. “We plan to plant this year.” Church members give generously to funds that are used to buy Walmart gift cards. The church hopes recipients use them for food and necessary items like personal hygiene products. Over the past year, St. Ann’s has distributed several thousand dollars worth of cards. Abundant donations of food items are collected for the Woodstock Food Pantry. Specific needs are communicated to church members by three people who represent St. Ann’s on the food pantry board: Victor Chudoba, Craig Halvorsen, and Jean Radford. “Since I came to St. Ann’s almost three years ago, I have been blown away by the generosity of the congregation and their desire to reach out to our neighbors, especially those most in need,” Zaucha said. “This desire has been amplified in the pandemic. Our call is to love our neighbors as ourselves and to respect the dignity of every human being.”
PICTURE THIS
Awards are presented to St. Mary’s High School athletes by Coach Mel Stuessy, holding football trophy, in 1951. From left, front: Eugene Salzman, Joe Burg, Ken Gorski, John Dunham, Dan Sheahan, and Don Freund. Back: Tom Lalor, Dick Freund, Bob Nihan, Tom Groden, Dick Menzel, Charles Zoia, and Coach Stuessy.
The McHenry County Historical Society & Museum is offering free activity kits for third- through fifth-graders. The range of topics include pioneer, trains, and quilts. To get your kit, email Karolina Kowalczyk, MCHS volunteer and outreach coordinator, at karolina@mchenrycountyhistory.org.
Don Peasley Photo Collection, McHenry County Historical Society
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Feb. 17-23, 2021
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Two mysteries are associated with this month’s photo. The Woodstock Independent is hopeful that readers can solve them. The first is the date on which Legionnaires installed Woodstock’s street signs. Note in the photo the signs for Dane, Washington, Oak, Amsterdam, Dacy, and Pleasant streets, as well as Forrest, Stewart, and Highland avenues. The one clue we have comes from a Woodstock Sentinel newspaper article, in January 1930, instructing Legion Club members to meet at the Legion Club Rooms to help install 200 new street signs. The second mystery is where this photo was taken. At one point, the Legion Club Rooms were at 228 Main St., the current location of Oliver’s. In 1930, the American Legion Hall was not yet in its next location on Clay Street, just north of the train station parking lot. The building in the background appears to be a church. Does that help in identifying the location? If you can contribute any information, please contact Maggie Crane at MaggieC@woodstockil.info. – Susan W. Murray
Cub Scout Pack 350 is collecting items for the Woodstock Food Pantry from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 6, at Free Methodist Church, 934 N. Seminary Ave. Other Scout troops and packs are invited to help. For more information, call 815-970-7382.
patched to save a dime and to prevent my dad’s limbs from getting caught, because of a fringy pantleg rip, in a power takeoff. Or, what about my old blue books from UW-Madison, especially the ones with the “A’s” affixed to the front? Those marks were validation for all of the hours I spent, huddled in the stacks, studying for tests long before computer access to every piece of knowledge was available from a laptop in an apartment. And what if I hadn’t saved the letters that my mother and dad wrote (with a carbon) to my sister and me when we were both studying at university? What would I have shared by phone with Joyce at night during the pandemic while we searched our minds for the background to our parents’ words? I did surrender those pickle jars on that Tuesday morning a few weeks ago. I didn’t even save the scrap of paper in my mother’s handwriting. I realized, though for me, cleaning out and carting away stuff involves so much more than tossing a couple of jars. Jan Bosman of Woodstock taught English and business education in public schools for more than 30 years.
Pet Week of the
SAVING JUST ONE PET WON’T CHANGE THE WORLD BUT, SURELY, THE WORLD WILL CHANGE FOR THAT ONE PET.
“Wolverine” 3-month-old male
Free program to explore Speaker series for seniors to native plant gardens Two members of the Wildflower Presaddress issues of balance ervation and Propagation Committee of
Practical strategies to decrease the fear and likelihood of falling and improve the quality of life for older adults will be presented virtually via Zoom at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18. McHenry County College is offering “Wise and Well: A Healthy Balance” as the next event in its educational speaker series, “Experts and Insights.” The session will be led by MCC’s physical therapist assistant department faculty who hold doctoral and master’s degrees in physical therapy and gerontology. The series is free and open to the public, but online registration is required at mchenry.edu/experts. Registrants will receive a link to the webinar the day before the event. Sessions may be viewed via Zoom on a computer, iPad, or smartphone.
McHenry County will present a virtual program on “Native Landscaping for Your Home” at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 30. Participants will see examples of local native gardens, learn how to choose plants and attract backyard pollinators, and find helpful resources to get started with projects that are beautiful, sustainable, and budget friendly. The program is free for McHenry County residents and $5 for nonresidents. The program will showcase native plant gardens that have been planted in the county and describe how people can bring native plants into their home landscape. Register for the webinar through McHenry County Conservation District, Program 6930 at mccdistrict.org.
Meet Wolverine! This sweet face is in search of his valentine. Wolverine is a retriever mix with lots of spunk. He is a fun and outgoing pup who is always ready to play. His lively spirit is sure to light up a room and put a smile on your face! If you can offer this happy boy a loving home, contact Helping Paws Animal Shelter to set up a visit!
To see this pet or others or to volunteer to help walk dogs, call the shelter at:
815-338-4400
Temporary hours: M/W/F/SA 12 PM - 4 PM by appointment only 2500 Harding Lane, Woodstock (Off Rt. 14 at the Lake Shore Dr. traffic light)
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Scouts’ food drive March 6 to benefit local food pantry
Upcoming topics in the series will include “Let’s Talk about Death,” on Thursday, April 15; “Big Hair, Don’t Care: The Business of Fashion and Decadence in the Palace of Versailles,” on Thursday, May 6; and “Stumbling upon the Goddess: Why Greek Mythology Can Save Your Life,” on Thursday, June 3.
cassette tapes of church concerts. She is listening to each of the tapes, putting a few on a thumb drive, and trashing the rest. “It’s dreadful,” she says, “that no one wants to rehear the concerts from once upon a time.” My sister Joyce of Madison, Wis., is good at shredding old medical documents and tax records, but no one dare touch any of the genealogical artifacts that she has accumulated over 50 years. For most of us, tossing expired coupons is simple, and so is ripping up myriad requests for donations. However, Dale M. says that random nails and screws are his keepers because “You never know when you might need one.” Sheltering-in-place during the pandemic provided countless people the opportunity to clean out closets, drawers, and work benches. With rummage sales on pause, garages are bulging with garbage bags full of items easily sacked; but what about that pair of patched bib overalls that hang in my closet? The pair that dad wore 50 years ago to muck out the barn. The very pair that my son and grandsons have worn to Homecoming “FarmerDress-up-Days” multiple times. These are the same overalls that Mother
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These pickles, in their heyday, tasted better than any name-brand dills you could buy. Many columns have been written about hoarding, and some fingers point directly at older folks. In fact, I once saw a plaque, hanging on my primary physician’s office wall, that addressed the steps to take to declutter and de-own. I read it while I was having my blood pressure taken. Although logical, the words were not particularly calming. Basically, the steps dealt concretely with the familiar, “Keep, donate, or toss.” The author of that list, however, had never experienced my mother’s dill pickles, nor could the author relate to the care and time it took for my mother, Veronica, to preserve them. For me, though, a host of memories were attached to that Mason jar, and right then I wondered, What is on each of our throw-away-or-keep list? Cindy M. of Crystal Lake says she can part with old Christmas decorations and almost any piece of clothing. However, she continues: “Do not go near my bookcases. My books are treasures that I like to see lined up on the shelves.” Eva W., a piano teacher and former choir director, has saved multiple
Feb. 17-23, 2021
Several garbage pickup Tuesdays ago, I chose to discard two jars of pickles from a shelf in my furnace room. I knew the contents were inedible because the color of the juice was murky rather than clear. I have a reputation for keeping items beyond their usefulness in my refrigerator, closets, desks, or on pantry shelves. So, it was no surprise that those Jan pickles had been Bosman retained far too Guest columnist long. But, on the way to the garbage can, I noticed writing on a small piece of paper tape that had been attached near the top of one jar: “Dill Pickles, 1981.” Yes, I know – no problem throwing away that 40-year-old relic with the faded dill and garlic nestled near the cucumbers from my parents’ garden. But, wait a minute! The message had been written by my mother, who died in 2005. This handwriting showed up on a jar of pickles that she had prepared during one of her many busy farm-wife days.
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significantly,” ’re regressing “Theyevery was| Serving Woodstock, Wonder Lake and Bull Valley, Ill. | www.thewoodstockindependent.com | $1.50 that 1987 | Est. same to Published Wednesday an email the idea is the parent wrote in ng. to the plan, but cing to one and social distan pos- read at the board meeti is in need of By Larry Lough require masks ENT.COM health ngs as safe as TOCKINDEPEND “Their mental LARRY@THE WOODS make school buildi ts who want to another. wrote ,” studen ention interv lle Bidwell, a sible for those member Miche instruction. learning plan ss Roscoe Board in-cla hybrid a to . but City Manager Months after mented return of Education members last psychologist, agreed sing concerned they might have for the work, the council last week that but never imple Board increa l parents who was adopted – class$3 million, Stelford told “I’ve become additi onal could cost ts back into the heard from severa ng said. she learni d Chevy. d enhancements – to get studen remoteBy District week I’m seeing,”settle Larry Lough for a fully loade with what 2 stock School t to the desire concerned that to n. ENT.COM to stu- DEPEND OLS, Page ging rooms of Wood is being dusted off were damaTHE See SCHOstate’s $58 million projecfrom as much as $6.4 millio andLARRY@ WOODSTOCKIN is out ctive ion sal The ineffe quest propo ay was 200, that the highw know the cost . e “We–alldepending improve Lough Feb. 1. By Larrybe said. “Ther be the same, they actually get the first of two shots – before availability on dents’ mental health Sager given the City widen and for use starting will Festival won’t ” Mayor Brian and 1B in the inoculation. The county has Route 120 es are being made the Woodstock WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM risks, 14 toLARRY@THE in Phase others and many porta- there,teachers to take Days coming Members of Some small chang a Cadil- U.S. we have tment of Trans takeMod- more than 44,000 residents in that age but Groundhog give motorists Pfizertoand thewant to receive Illinois Depar begintimes unless are times we don’t Council hope to PAGE 11 are ones treatment School e they travel what there ifetim bare-b when group, health officials said. in-a-l vaccines. erna lightwill ience tion’s High Woodstock North de landlac exper this is a onces in to upgra risks. … [But] pitche ighted, nicely 2 and city The county department was using 65 people city 25,000 than More Page disof points the primary two of one be The 47, e. E 47 could be a well-l and signag See ROUT caping,for that is now Route n older had registered for the vac- Jewel/Osco pharmacies in Huntley McHenry vaccinatingmillio ing, lands tribution scaped boulevard spend about $3 special ed to cine by the middle of last week, the to schedule 1B vaccinations, and both businesses educators against COVID-19. County had plann through the city. dstock was extra Woo up with an ‘Family feel’ to come g re Mercy and Northwestern hospital systhey of Department do County students McHenry s Society vaclocal filmin Honor of rate sluggish the But on Squa Day’ But unles sharing building for ‘Groundhog and that number was tems have begun to vaccinate seniors. reported, Health least at be will it means cinations projects as things’ ‘amazing PAGE 13 PAGE 17 See VACCINE, Page 2 the third or fourth week of February expected to grow substantially before PAGE 9 Published
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“N Cheese” ChatPage 19. take it any hotdogger Zach 13 “We can’t business last week. photo on 17 stock and fellowtown last week. Another massive said of Wood son r.” inlocal as part of aKatie” Fergu 15 vehicle while cOmmunity furthe since summ 20 er “Ketc INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY TRICIA CARZOLI hup bile has involved r Wienermo se IDES has denied calendar ent scam that That’s becau By Larry Lough r Maye s,calendar Osca 20 to information on theNiki White and Paige Schlotman pose for a selfie with Woodstock WIllie during Friday’s unemploym otnts of Illinoi ENT.COM Huntley residents 22 0027-fo reside TOCKINDEPEND police access classifie LARRY@THE WOODS atd least 350,0 complaints. fraud the Groundhog Days festival. Stories and photos start on Page 15. off kick on to Groundhog the of 22 Awakening classified action say. ls 24 officia received state’s want to conduct their own uzzlesstate ptpolice have new Illinois Depar ) as the puzzles “They 24 Woodstock “Here is your Lieb said. “We 25 of reports on (IDES are public nOtices ficant” number investigations,” yment Security ity of major public nOticesstock25 Police Department the e ment of Emplo issued by Key Bank,” a “signi 26t fraud, Police Chief John “I trust and believ spOrtsemploymen gone Wood Mayor Brian prepaid debit card plastic for the most part.” two weeks he was in.spOrts locals of COVID-19. 0 them will do just that,” hampered26 attached to the the effect Lieb said. In the withlaint, comp cope says the letter the $5,00 taking the ys, 18 reports came a quart li2 er of By Larry than over the holida reportLoughAfter D, Page the More rants Sager said. card. FRAU ENT.COM See chose not to comp to your funds.”The “We go ahead and take WOODSLieb bars and restau But the council The DEPEND THE er.,” TOCKIN “Convenient access the Woodstock LARRY@ loans went Larry Lough By to t numb and other60 percent transa have their children going to happen Monday,” Moan told e in Woodstock give them a repor payroll, rent, the wouldction. really Woodstock Scores of peopl those debt cards and help with idein cate thingthat WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM to t LARRY@THE some statew the board at its meeting last week. “... program learning hybrid the a for enden for g when ed grants Indep to n “I’m lookin at a time loans Independent n Darre area have receiv St., in- I feel incredibly confident in the staff between or weeks days will expenses place” order significantlydivides their Converting 56 Councilma stock said 671 E. Calhoun e,” Wood ess in St., Calhoun E. 671 in simpl town busin and the job they’re going to do on Mon“shelter40 percent ue. 60098 and remote learning. of students in school classes About small businesses Woodstock, IL 60098 Woodstock, IL , himself a down not obtain a 000. Flynnsaid reduced their reven setting Moan 8-8040 did staff had day; I really do.” the faculty and 200 District sedwere cost the city $280, Phone:on discus Phone: 815-33 of the City WoodstockcilSchool ers r, but one who ownehard decisi 815-338-8040 Counto memb overworked D-200 students have not been in in-school for prepare to learnremote a continue loans expected That was the the than ing Fax: 815-338-8177 g more 815-338-8177 for forgiv Fax: endin loan.which the Board of Education 3 classes, instruction home as in-class fromtions to remain in emer-ingcondi Council last week,Thewoodstock LOANS, Page school buildings since COVID-19 conntee the Thewoodstock See guara a about as sion suchweek for the first time – this om time decided in mid-January would begin cerns surfaced in March. They contindresumed month of discus independent.com a year or two. independent.c am that was create since community for Feb. 1 after guidance by local health ued remote learning from home when esses theMarch. gency loan progr help local busin this school year started Aug. 17. Superintendent Mike Moan said officials had “evolved.” last spring to “I feel incredibly good about what’s a survey of parents indicated about See SCHOOLS, Page 3
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calendar
17 WEDNESDAY
The Land Conservancy of McHenry County 7 p.m. To register, visit: conservemc.org/
WOODSTOCK WEDNESDAY
18 THURSDAY
STRESS MANAGEMENT
McHenry County Workforce Center 1 to 2:30 p.m. online Register at us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0tcOGgqjIuGNcSLso2lwYzlNV3PXf_BjMi
VIRTUAL CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP
Independence Health & Therapy 4 to 5 p.m. Zoom meeting zoom.us/j/99771621377?pwd=aV k0UmpjUXBvSlB0d1BqRGZXWk JPUT09
WOODSTOCK D-200 PARENT SPEAKER SERIES
Dr. Ken Ginsburg: “Building Resilience in Uncertain Times” 7 to 8:30 p.m.
ORIGINAL OPEN MIC NIGHT
25 THURSDAY
Stage Left Café 125 W. Van Buren St. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. $5 donation Advanced sign-up is required. aplacetoshinemusic.com/songwriter-open-mic.html
19 FRIDAY
MARIAN VIRTUAL SCAVENGER HUNT
7 to 8:30 p.m. onlline $35 per household marianscavhunt.givesmart.com
20 SATURDAY
WINTER MARKET AT THE FAIRGROUNDS McHenry County Fairgrounds Building D 11900 Country Club Road 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. woodstockfarmersmarket.org
23 TUESDAY
DISTRICT 200 SCHOOL BOARD OF EDUCATION 7 p.m. Live-stream woodstockschools.org
NATIVE PLANTS FOR SMALL SPACES WEBINAR The Land Conservancy of
VIRTUAL CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP
Independence Health & Therapy 4 to 5 p.m. Zoom meeting zoom.us/j/99771621377?pwd=aV k0UmpjUXBvSlB0d1BqRGZXWk JPUT09
WOODSTOCK FIRE/ RESCUE DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING 7 p.m. wfrd.org
26 FRIDAY WINTER SHRUB IDENTIFICATION
The Land Conservancy of McHenry County 11 a.m. To register, visit: conservemc.org/
28 SUNDAY
MCC FACULTY RECITAL McHenry County College 3 p.m. mchenry.edu/live free
MARCH
2 TUESDAY
WOODSTOCK CITY COUNCIL
PRIDE MEETING
7 p.m. Onlline woodstockil.gov
Woodstock Chamber of Commerce 127 E. Calhoun St. 6 p.m.
4 THURSDAY
WOODSTOCK D-200 PARENT SPEAKER SERIES
COFFEE WITH THE CHIEF
Dr. Ferney Ramirez: “You, Your Child and the School ... How to Positively Manage the Crisis We Are Living at Home” 7 to 8:30 p.m. Spanish only Zoom link available at woodstockschools.org/parentspeakerseries
6 SATURDAY
McHenry County Fairgrounds Building D 11900 Country Club Road 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. woodstockfarmersmarket.org
SECOND SUNDAY VIRTUAL CONCERT SERIES McHenry County College Sessions Jazz Quartet 3 p.m. mchenry.edu/live free
Free Methodist Church 934 N. Seminary Drop-off times: 9 a.m. to noon 815-970-7382
16 TUESDAY
FREE OPERA HOUSE TOURS
Resurrection Catholic Church
WOODSTOCK OPERA HOUSE SPOTLIGHT SERIES
14 SUNDAY
CUB SCOUT PACK 350 FOOD DRIVE
8 MONDAY
12 FRIDAY
Livestream featuring Karen Reshkin & Mike O’Regan 8 p.m. $10 individual ticket woodstockoperahouse.com
WINTER MARKET AT THE FAIRGROUNDS
All day Woodstock Opera House 121 Van Buren St. Free woodstockoperahouse.com 815-338-5300
Woodstock Police Department 656 Lake Ave. 7 p.m. 815-338-6787
WOODSTOCK CITY COUNCIL 7 p.m. Onlline woodstockil.gov
DISTRICT 200 SCHOOL BOARD OF EDUCATION 7 p.m. Live-stream woodstockschools.org
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.
COMMUNITY
Pete Morton from the U.K. will perform 7 p.m. woodstockfolkfestival.org
McHenry County 7 p.m. To register, visit: conservemc.org/
Feb. 17-23, 2021
PLAN YOUR NATIVE PLANT GARDEN WEBINAR
English only Zoom link available at woodstockschools.org/parentspeakerseries
To submit calendar items, email pr@thewoodstockindependent.com
25 THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
Happenings
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Feb. 17-23, 2021
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
26
FLASHBACKS 30 years ago – 1991
■ Eva Bornstein resigned as executive director of the Woodstock Opera House, declining to state a specific reason for leaving.
25 years ago – 1996
■ Northwood Middle School was named one of 266 Blue Ribbon Schools in the country by U.S. Secretary of Education Richard Riley. Woodstock School District 200 Superintendent Joseph Hentges said: “The faculty, including Peter [Anderson, principal], the kids, the parents, they have achieved what is done rarely by schools across the nation. They have been identified as one of an elite group of schools, not only for its academic efforts, but for its efforts at educating and involving the whole child.” ■ The Claussen Pickle Co. donated $2,000 to the Woodstock High School choral program.
20 years ago – 2001
■ Amy Farver and Laura Mongelluzzo were co-stars in the WHS production of “The Miracle Worker.” For Farver, it was a dream come true to play Annie Sullivan. Farver had seen the play as a thirdgrader. That summer, she started in the summer youth theater program. As was done in 1991, the 2001 cast gave a special performance for all D-200 third-graders. Tony Casalino, WHS theater director, produced “The Miracle Worker” in ’91 and 2001. ■ The Illinois Main Street program turned down Woodstock’s membership application. The Woodstock Chamber of Commerce and the city of Woodstock had sought approval for the program that provided assistance to local governments in preserving and enhancing historic downtown districts.
INDEPENDENT FILE PHOTO BY BILL DEAN
FEB. 20, 1991 – The Woodstock Boy Singers, under the direction of Anita Tebo, sing their rendition of the national anthem before a Blue Streak-Waukegan boys basketball game. Front row (from left) are Philip Nelson, Dan McCoy, Abe Marsh, Casey Tebo, Matthew Zippe, Benjamin Peterson, and Jeremy Little; (back row) Greg Klein, Peter McCoy, Tom Reed, Chad Nielsen, Jason O’Leary, Gordie Tebo, and Cale Simes. Eighty-seven boys were in the group at one time or another from the start in 1989 to the final concert in 1996. The WBS performed in concert and at special occasions in the community. “We sang for the cast and crew of ‘Groundhog Days,’” Anita Tebo said. “Harold Ramis called everyone (about 300 people) inside the Moose, and they all sat down and listened to us.” One of the last concerts featured 31 current Boy Singers and 23 alumni. “About four or five of the alumni accompanied at various times during the concert,” Tebo said. “Truly magical.”
■ Cartographer Tom Willcockson, Woodstock, was hired by the city of Chicago to create a map of Millennium Park to provide directions for visitors. ■ Former Chicago Bears linebacker Dick Butkus was the guest speaker at the St. Mary Men’s Club Smoker.
given to an individual for distinguished community service. Schnulle, who said his family’s roots in Woodstock dated back 100 years, actively supported many Woodstock events and Woodstock and Woodstock North high school booster clubs. ■ Local artists honored Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy through songs, videos, montages, and spoken words at the ninth annual Music4Martin event at Grace Lutheran Church. Stephen Schuch, who had participated since 2007, said, “[Music4Martin] is a good opportunity for local kids around here to play and to get a chance to put their beliefs out there.”
10 years ago – 2011
5 years ago – 2016
15 years ago – 2006
■ Carl “Butch” Schnulle was the 2011 recipient of the Harold Buschkopf Award, the chamber’s highest honor
■ The Woodstock School District 200 Board of Education voted unanimously to discontinue its long-standing
middle-school football program. Woodstock’s schools were the only remaining members of the Junior Fox Valley Conference still offering football at the middle-school level. ■ Classic Cinemas Woodstock Theatre announced it would host “A Tribute to Harold Ramis,” showing “Ghostbusters,” “Stripes,” and “Animal House” in its Harold Ramis Auditorium. ■ Haley Ahr became the first WNHS girls basketball player to score 1,000 points when she sank a free-throw in the Thunder’s game against Cary-Grove. She joined Josh Jandron on the school’s Basketball 1000 Point Club.
1 year ago – 2020
■ Marian Central Catholic High School’s theater department was preparing for its spring musical, “Annie.” Senior Laura Colcernian was cast in the titular role of
Annie, and junior Joseph Walsdorf was set to play Warbucks. ■ Holocaust survivor Steen Metz, 84, shared his personal experiences of brutality and survival during Nazi occupation in Denmark and deportation to Theresienstadt Concentration Camp in Czechoslovakia with Woodstock North sophomore English students. A member of the speaker’s bureau of the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center in Skokie, Metz said his hope was that his audiences would keep the vivid memories of the Holocaust alive … and ensure the world would not forget. ■ Woodstock co-op swimmers Nick Phillips and Quinn Cynor shared the title of Most Valuable Swimmer of the Fox Valley Conference meet. Each won two individual events. Phillips won the 50- and 100-meter freestyle events, and Cynor won the 200 IM and 100 back.
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FREON WANTED: We pay $$$ for cylinders and cans. R12 R500 R11 R113 R114. Convenient. Certified Professionals. Call 312-291-9169 or visit RefrigerantFinders.com
The Woodstock Farmers Market is looking for help! The position would involve: • Physically set up the summer market (5 am-7 am) • Work in the Farmer’s market booth (7am-1 pm) • Tear down the barricades (1 pm-2pm) Approximately 9-10 hours on Saturdays and Tuesdays. The Saturday market will start on April 17 and run through October 23 (28 Saturdays). The Tuesday market will start on June 1 and run through September 28 (18 Tuesdays). You would be working 46 days in the summer. This position requires that you have a large enough vehicle with appropriate wiring to pick up the market trailer (14 feet) in Woodstock and return it to its designated space at the end of the market. Timeliness is essential. Reliability a must. The ability to keep accurate records is required. Anyone interested contact Keith Johnson, 815-382-4240 for more information!
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28
@thewoodstockindependent PUBLIC NOTICE
ASSUMED NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on JANUARY 21, 2021 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 TAQUERIA EL BUEN SAZON located at 1951 CHARLES ST., WOODSTOCK IL 60098. Owner Name & Address: CARLOS H. VAZQUEZ and MA DEL ROSARIO RODRIGUEZ FLORES1951 CHARLES ST., WOODSTOCK IL 60098. Dated: JANUARY 21, 2021 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent February 3, 2021, February 10, 2021, February 17, 2021)L11134
PUBLIC NOTICE
STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 22nd JUDICIAL CIRCUIT MCHENRY COUNTY PUBLICATION NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE (ADULT) Request of MUSARRAT KHANUM KAMRAN Case No. 20MR001118 There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: MUSARRAT KHANUM KAMRAN to the new name of: MUSARRAT KAMRAN The court date will be held on March 10, 2021 at 8:45 a.m. at 2200 N. Seminary Ave. Woodstock, McHenry County in Courtroom # 201. Dated at Woodstock, IL, JANUARY 27, 2021
/s/Musarrat Khanum Kamran (Published in The Woodstock Independent February 3, 2021, February 10, 2021, February 17, 2021)L11135
PUBLIC NOTICE
STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 22ND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT McHenry County Mundia K. Mwanangumbi, Plaintiff vs. Carl Smith, Defendant Case Number: 20DV000680 PUBLICATION NOTICE NOTICE IS GIVEN YOU, Carl Smith, defendant, that this case has been commenced in this Court against you, asking for Dissolution of Marriage and for other relief. UNLESS YOU file your answer or otherwise file your appearance in this case in the office of the McHenry County Clerk of Court, McHenry County Government Center, 2200 N. Seminary Avenue, Room 136, Woodstock, Illinois 60098, on or before March 17, 2021, A JUDGMENT OR DECREE BY DEFAULT MAY BE TAKEN AGAINST YOU FOR THE RELIEF ASKED IN THE COMPLAINT. Dated: FEBRUARY 3, 2021 /s/ KATHERINE M. KEEFE (Clerk of the Circuit Court) Name: Mundia Mwanangumbi Address: 625 Legend Ln., McHenry, IL 60050 682-472-8555 (Published in The Woodstock Independent February 10, 2021, February 17, 2021)L11136
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 $580.00 for rental of unit #57 at 945 Dieckman St., Woodstock, IL 60098, name Jennifer Moy. Or contents will be sold (no auction) or disposed of on 2/26/21 at 10:00 a.m. at 945 Dieckman St., Woodstock, IL 60098. Contents: TV, Tupperware tubs, Laundry baskets, Wrapping paper, Small table, Clothes hangers, Backpacks, Sweaters, Kitchenware, Photos, and Bags & boxes contents unknown and other general household. Published in The Woodstock Independent February 10, 2021, February 17, 2021)L11137
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice of Self-Storage Sale Please take notice Red Dot Storage 6 - Woodstock located at 2105 S. Eastwood Dr., Woodstock, IL 60098 intends to hold an auction of the goods stored in the following units in default for non-payment of rent. The sale will occur as an online auction via www.storageauctions. com on 3/2/2021 at 9:30 am. Unless stated otherwise the description of the contents are household goods and furnishings. Cheryl Darby Unit #800; John Knuth Unit #200; Caroline Metcalf Unit #305. All property is being stored at the above self-storage facility. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply. See manager for details. Published in The Woodstock Independent February 10, 2021, February 17, 2021)L11138
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice of Self-Storage Sale Please take notice Red Dot Storage 78 - Woodstock located at 740 Washington Rd., Woodstock, IL 60098 intends to hold an auction
YOUR AD COULD BE HERE! CALL 815-338-8040 of the goods stored in the following unit in default for non-payment of rent. The sale will occur as an online auction via www.storageauctions. com on 3/2/2021 at 9:30 AM. Unless stated otherwise the description of the contents are household goods and furnishings. Raymond Morgan Jr. Unit #142; Michael Hooper Unit #152; Cynthia Singsime Unit #249. All property is being stored at the above self-storage facility. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply. See manager for details. Published in The Woodstock Independent February 10, 2021, February 17, 2021)L11139
PUBLIC NOTICE
STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWENTY-SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT MCHENRY COUNTY-IN PROBATE Case No. 21PR000020 In the Matter of the Estate of DENNIS GOAD Deceased CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of DENNIS GOAD Of: HARVARD, IL Letters of office were issued on: 1/29/2021 Representative: VICTORIA HANSEN 811 CHESHIRE CT, UNIT 4 FREEPORT, IL 61032 whose attorney is: MICHLING PLAZA & ASSOCIATES 101 N. THROOP ST. WOODSTOCK, IL 60098 Claims against the estate may be filed within six months from the date of first publication. Any claim not filed within six months from the date of first publication or claims not filed
within three months from the date of mailing or delivery of Notice to Creditor, whichever is later, shall be barred. Claims may be filed in the office of the Clerk of Circuit Court at the McHenry County Government Center, 2200 North Seminary Avenue, Woodstock, Illinois, 60098, or with the representative, or both. Copies of claims filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to his attorney within ten days after it has been filed. /s/KATHERINE M KEEFE (Clerk of the Circuit Court) (Published in The Woodstock Independent February 10, 2021, February 17, 2021)L11140
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF CHANGE TO DBA CHANGE OF BUSINESS/OWNER(S) ADDRESS Public Notice is hereby given that on January 7, A.D. 2021, a Certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk of McHenry County IL concerning the business known as JAG REAL ESTATE located at 1710 S. Eastwood Dr., Woodstock IL 60098 which certificate sets forth the following BUSINESS/OWNER ADDRESS change in the DBA thereof: OWNER ADDRESS CHANGE JOSH BROWN FROM: 1710 S. EASTWOOD DR., WOODSTOCK IL 60098 TO: 1303 VERMONT RD., WOODSTOCK IL 60098. Dated this 28th day of JANUARY, A.D., 2021 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent February 10, 2021, February 17, 2021, February 17, 2021)L11141
PUBLIC NOTICE
(Published in The Woodstock Independent February 10, 2021, February 17, 2021)L11143
PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE
ASSUMED NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on FEBRUARY 12, 2021 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 KAYZ HOMEGROWN BLENDZ located at 5912 GIANT OAKS RD. WONDER LAKE IL 60097. Owner Name & Address: STEVE KROLL 5912 GIANT OAKS RD. WONDER LAKE IL 60097. Dated: FEBRUARY12, 2021 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent February 17, 2021) L11145
PUBLIC NOTICE
ASSUMED NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on FEBRUARY 11, 2021 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 WALTERS FARMS located at 6202 JOHNSON ROAD, HEBRON IL 60034. Owner Name & Address: PHILIP D. WALTERS AND SUSAN M. WALTERS 6202 JOHNSON ROAD, HEBRON IL 60034. Dated: FEBRUARY11, 2021 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent February 17, 2021) L11146
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Feb. 17-23, 2021
ASSUMED NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on FEBRUARY 12, 2021 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 KAYZ COUNTRY BLENDZ located at 5912 GIANT OAKS RD. WONDER LAKE IL 60097. Owner
Name & Address: STEVE KROLL 5912 GIANT OAKS RD. WONDER LAKE IL 60097. Dated: FEBRUARY12, 2021 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent February 17, 2021) L11144
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
NOTICE OF CHANGE TO DBA WITHDRAWAL OF NAME File # 12488 Public Notice is hereby given that on FEBRUARY 4, A.D. 2021, a Certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk of McHenry County IL concerning the business known as ARTISTIC EMBROIDERY CREATIONS located at 5203 HOME AVE., MCHENRY IL 60050 which certificate sets forth the following WITHDRAWAL OF NAME change in the DBA thereof: RALEIGH SHOWENS OF 5203 HOME AVE., MCHENRY IL 60050. Dated this 4th day of FEBRUARY, A.D., 2021 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk)
PUBLIC NOTICES
RUBES
By Leigh Rubin
HEATHCLIFF By Peter Gallagher
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Feb. 17-23, 2021
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Sports BOYS BASKETBALL
High school athletes return to matches meets and games
Feb. 17-23, 2021
By Sandy Kucharski
SANDY@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM
It’s business almost as usual for most winter high school athletes. Boys and girls basketball players have returned to the court, bowlers are active on the alleys, and swim team boys have returned to the pool. “Everyone is very happy to be back playing,” said Chris Kirkpatrick, Woodstock High School’s athletic director. “It has been a long time coming.” Woodstock North’s athletic director, Bobby Mickey, shared the excitement about resuming winter sports. “The mental and physical health of athletes is extremely important to me,” Mickey said, “and I am happy to have competition back. The athletes are excited to be back as well, and it is great to see them reconnecting with their teammates and coaches.”
See ATHLETES, Page 34
SPORTS
■ Feb. 9 Woodstock fell to RichmondBurton 71-62. Unable to overcome a big first-half deficit, the Streaks were led Jack Novelle with 25 points, followed by Zach Adams and Liam Mickle with nine each. ■ Feb. 9 Marian Central fell to Carmel Catholic High School 57-48 in its season opener. ■ Feb.11 Woodstock North defeated Harvard 55-35. Leading scorers were Justin Ortiz and Cole Brey with 12, Rex White with 11, and Jacob McConnell with 5. ■ Feb. 12 Woodstock fell to RichmondBurton 58-26 at home. Mateo Alcazar led with 8 points. ■ Feb. 12 Marian fell to Marist 72-36 at Marian’s home opener. ■ Feb. 13 Woodstock fell to Burlington Central 79-38. ■ Feb. 14 Woodstock North topped Harvard 68-34. Cole Brey dropped a massive 32 points, including six 3-pointers.
Game on for high school athletes
INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER
Woodstock High School’s Liam Mickle fights for possession Feb. 12 when the Streaks took on Richmond-Burton at their home opener.
Pomili to go from Marian H.S. to Marian U. By Sandy Kucharski
SANDY@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM
INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY VICKY LONG
Woodstock North’s Jacob Baun drives up the court Feb. 14 against Harvard.
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INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY VICKY LONG
Marian Central High School football player Marlon Pomili signs his national letter of intent to play for Marian University as dad Milo (left), twin brother Markus, and mom Mary look on.
Marian Central Catholic High School’s Marlon Pomili committed Feb. 3 to continuing a football career that started nearly a decade ago when he signed his national letter of intent to play for Marian University, a private Roman Catholic university in Indianapolis. Pomili played six years of youth football for the Crystal Lake Raiders before he became a Hurricane, specializing in kicking and punting since the age of 9. His favorite high school memories include practicing and watching everyone develop and get better. “My favorite highlight would be kicking the only points against See POMILI, Page 33
NN SCOREBOARD NN BOYS BOWLING
GIRLS BOWLING
■ Feb. 10 Woodstock co-op fell to Grant Community High School 2,671 to 2,448 at Kingston Lanes. Woodstock North’s Tyler Fink led the team with a 567 series. Woodstock’s Jacob Piquette tallied the team high performance with a 212 in game 1.
■ Feb. 9 Woodstock co-op defeated Jacobs 1,733 to 1,710. Norah Mungle led the team with a 478 high series. ■ Feb. 10 Woodstock co-op defeated Grant 2,824 to 2,131 at home, led by Ceri Deacon’s match high 611 series and match high game of 225. Norah Mungle followed with a 511 series. Gosia Mucha, Alli Fansler, Hannah Fink, and Mika Abeyta also contributed to the win.
SPORTS
Feb. 17-23, 2021
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
32
INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY KEN FARVER
Alli Fansler bowls for the Woodstock girls co-op Feb. 10 at Kingston Lanes.
QUINN CYNOR SWIMMING
Norah Mungle sends a ball down the alley Feb. 10. The co-op girls defeated Grant.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Woodstock High School senior Quinn Cynor is off to an amazing boys swimming season. Due to COVID-19, the team had a shift in scheduling but competed in its first dual meet versus McHenry at Woodstock North High School. Quinn won two individual events and was a member of two winning relays. He set school records in the 50-freestyle and the 100-breaststroke. Quinn now owns all individual school records and is a member of two of three relay records. We are looking forward to an amazing senior year for Quinn the remainder of the season. sponsored by
Woodstock co-op bowler Tyler Fink rolls a ball on the way to a 567 series Feb. 10 at Kingston Lanes.
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BOYS SWIMMING ■ Feb. 10 Woodstock co-op defeated McHenry 100-50. Quinn Cynor broke two
records, his own in the 50 free, 21.03 seconds; and the 100 breaststroke record, 58.83.
TRUST THE TORCH.
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
NN SCOREBOARD NN
Feb. 17-23, 2021
SPORTS
INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY VICKY LONG
Co-op boys swim coach Ian Shannahan and senior Quinn Cynor look at the scoreboard confirming Cynor’s record-breaking time in the 100-yard breaststroke Feb. 10.
LAND AUCTION: Wednesday, March 10 • 10am CST Northern Illinois & Southern Wisconsin: Stephenson County, IL (Tracts 1 & 2) – East of Free-
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Swimmers and coaches observe the social distancing rules by positioning seats at least six feet apart on the pool deck.
POMILI Continued from previous page
Johnsburg on our first drive,” he said. “We would win the game 3-0.” Planning to major in business management, Pomili said several factors led him to choose Marian University. He felt the city of Indianapolis would provide many business resources, and it is also a beautiful place to be. Marian’s football program competes for a national championship every year and has been a serious contender. “Being able to play on a team that has the potential to win it all every
year while getting a private education that excels in my area of study is an opportunity I could not pass on,” Pomili said. The pandemic has made the recruiting process a challenge for high school seniors, with colleges canceling recruiting camps and limiting in-person visits. “The biggest effect was not having my senior-year film,” Pomili said. “I relied on raw video from training sessions with my trainer, Chris Nendick.” He is looking forward to playing in his final high school season, which starts the first week of March, with all of his fellow seniors.
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Call or go to our website for a detailed list of property locations as well as the auction brochure, information booklet, and more! Online bidding available! Bidder pre-registration is strongly encouraged! INSPECTION DATES - 3 LOCATIONS: Tue, February 9 • 2-4pm, Tue, February 23 • 2-4pm & Tue, March 9 • 2-4pm. Meet a Schrader Rep at Tract 1 along Springfield Rd (Stephenson County property East of Freeport), at the buildings on Tract 5 (Boone County property East of Belvidere), OR at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center Rockford - 200 S Bell School Rd, Rockford, IL 61108. Owner of Illinois Tracts: Donald K. Busch, Sr. Owner of Wisconsin Tract: D.M.D. Investment, Inc. Auction Managers for Illinois Tracts: Matt Wiseman • cell: 219.689.4373 #475.156271, Jason Minnaert • cell: 309.489.6024 #475.182783 & Dean Retherford • cell: 765.427.1244 #475-152966 Auction Company: Schrader Real Estate and Auction Company, Inc. #478.025754 (Sponsor), #444.000158 (Auctioneer) Auction Manager/Auctioneer for Wisconsin Tract: Rex D. Schrader II • office: 800.451.2709, a registered Wisconsin auctioneer #2669-052, #56447-90 Wisconsin Auction Company/Wisconsin Broker: Schrader Real Estate and Auction Company, Inc. #116-053, #937019-91 Terms: 10% down payment due when bidding concludes; balance due at real estate closing. A complete list of terms are available online & in the brochure.
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NN SCOREBOARD NN GIRLS BASKETBALL ■ Feb. 9 Woodstock North beat Harvard 81-9 in the team’s season opener. The Thunder tied a school record for most points in a game and also set a record for most three-point goals in a game with 18. Senior Madison Czischki and sophomore Sophia Fabian led the Thunder with 17 points each.
Feb. 17-23, 2021
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
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SPORTS
INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY VICKY LONG
Woodstock North’s Fabio Velasco looks to make a move Feb. 13 in the Thunder’s home opener.
ATHLETES
Marian is live streaming all home basketball games. To watch, fans are asked to create an account at nfhsnetwork.com/users/sign_up, search for Marian Central Catholic High School, and click Follow. Links to Woodstock and Woodstock North games can be found on the schools’ websites: bluestreakathletics. com and wnhsathletics.com.
Continued from page 33
Marian Central High School’s athletic director, Curtis Price, agreed that reconnecting with teammates was important for the athletes. “The pandemic has created so many challenges,” he said, “and giving our student-athletes a chance to play gives them a sense of normalcy.” INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY VICKY LONG
North’s Allison Goers goes up for a layup Feb. 9 against Harvard.
■ Feb. 9 Woodstock girls fell to Richmond-Burton 29-28 in their home opener. Jania Lejman led with 10 points.
INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY VICKY LONG
Team bonding is an important part of sports. Woodstock North’s starters exchange high fives Feb. 9 in their season opener against Harvard. From left are: Allison Goers, Lacey Schaffter, Katelynn Ward, Colette Jones, and Madison Czischki.
A few changes
On closer examination, a few things are different about the recently resumed sports season. All the athletes, with the exception of swimmers in the pool, are wearing masks. When not in play, they are seated in spaced out chairs on the sidelines and decks. And the fan base is very small. Stands and bleachers that are typically filled with cheering parents and students have only a few scattered spectators.
No way reflecting their true interest in the competitions, fans are just adhearing to the strict COVID-19 spectator policies in place. The Woodstock District 200 policy allows home fans only, with two parents/relatives allowed per studentathlete for each basketball game and swim meet. Boys and girls bowlers will each be allowed one guest for home matches only. Away fans are not permitted at bowling or basketball contests at this point. All fans must wear masks at all times and maintain social distancing norms. “We are currently not allowing spectators at our home events,” Marian’s Price said, “but I’m hopeful that will change. “
Turning to technology
In an effort to allow parents to follow their athletes and keep fans in the game, most schools are now live streaming games and meets.
INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER
Blue Streak freshman Jania Lejman eyes the hoop Feb. 9 in a close game against Richmond-Burton.
■ Feb. 12 Woodstock North beat Harvard 61-9. The Thunder were led in scoring by Lacey Schaffter with 17. ■ Feb. 12 Woodstock defeated Richmond-Burton 32-30. ■ Feb. 13 Marian fell to Carmel Catholic High School 62-27.
INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER
INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY MARGIE PAFFRATH
Marian freshman Christian Bentancur is in action Feb. 12 against Marist.
Woodstock’s Zach Adams reaches for a pass Feb. 12 for the Streaks.
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