Woodstock Independent 3/18/2020 by Woodstock Independent

The

Woodstock

I NDEPENDENT

March 18-24, 2020

Published every Wednesday | Est. 1987 | Serving Woodstock, Wonder Lake and Bull Valley, Ill. | www.thewoodstockindependent.com | $1.00

Census wants you to count

HOME FARM GARDEN

Feds urge you to fill out form online, but paper still available By Larry Lough

Aquaponics farming • Preparing your gardens Straw bale gardening • State ag policies

LARRY@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Time to stand up and be counted, Woodstock. But it might be easier if you do it sitting down in front of a computer. You probably already have received a postcard urging McHenry County

A special publication of The Woodstock Independent March 18, 2020

HOME, FARM & GARDEN 16-page pull-out section can help you prepare for spring PAGE 19

A&E

residents to “be counted” and assuring them the process is “safe and secure.” And by the end of this week, you should also have a notice from the U.S. Census Bureau with information about how to respond online (including your unique 12-digit household ID). While the postcard was printed in English and Spanish, the census questionnaire

will be available online in 13 languages. Paper forms will be sent to households that might not have internet access, which the Census Bureau estimates to be about 20 percent of the population. What does the census form want to know? Number, names, sex, race, and

Please see CENSUS Page 2

MORE MARCH MADNESS

When laughter needed most, comedy concert called off PAGE 13

COMMUNITY

It was a week when city felt coronavirus pandemic effect

PAGE 35

INDEX Obituaries

Opinion

Schools

A&E

Marketplace 16 Community

Calendar

Classified

Puzzles

Public Notices 45 Sports

The Woodstock Independent

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

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER

A shopper stops to get a photo of depleted supplies of toilet paper at Jewel-Osco in Woodstock. The coronavirus pandemic has caused local schools to close and events to be canceled. Story on Page 4.

D-200 weighs debt plan options By Larry Lough

LARRY@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Taxpayers won’t escape without some pain in dealing with the $161 million bond debt of Woodstock School District 200. It comes down to a matter of, “You can pay now, or you can pay later.” And while a number of factors will

play into the decision of the Board of Education, members last week were presented with two paths – neither desirable: Take a two-year “hit” in the bond levy that would raise a homeowner’s property taxes by as much as $700 each year, or spread the debt out and add up to eight years to the payoff schedule. “I don’t think either of these is going

to go over well with [taxpayers],” board member Bruce Farris said. School officials do have other options, including some reduction of the debt by spending down the district’s reserve fund, which Chief Financial Officer Risa Hanson told the board was now more than $25 million. D-200 has used that surplus and

See DEBT, Page 3

NEWS

March 18-24, 2020

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

CENSUS

Continued from Page 1

relationships of people living in your household on April 1, and whether you’re a homeowner or renter. Plus a telephone number in case the government has questions about your answers. There is no citizenship question, but the government does want to know whether anyone in your house is of “Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin.” What won’t the census ask? Anything about your politics, bank accounts, or Social Security number. If someone seeks that information, it’s probably a scam.

For more information

Lots of details about the census are available on the website of the city of Woodstock (woodstockil.gov), which has an interest in full participation of its residents. “It’s a much bigger deal in Illinois government than it is in other states,” City Manager Roscoe Stelford said. That’s because local population is “tied so dramatically to state revenues” that are distributed to local governments, he explained. That makes Illinois “special census friendly,” Stelford said, which encourages communities like Woodstock to pay for population surveys to measure growth between the decennial counts.

ed print e r e sw m ensu t the for c e h u t o t u g abo fillin ders ish, but ges. n i m re an gua card and Sp ther lan t s o P glish 11 o in En e offers onlin Over 10 years, he said, one individual means about $2,000 in funding to the community from “various types of state aid.” That’s an additional $1 million if you add 500 residents. And as the population of Illinois dwindles, growth in Woodstock could mean the city gets a larger piece of the

‘Only nine questions’

state revenue pie. “It’s important we get the word out,” Stelford said, “that it’s important to get people to participate.”

Federal effects

Federal funding also is often based on “per capita” numbers for social

service programs that provide help to senior citizens, veterans, and lowincome families, among others. And a loss in population statewide is likely to mean the state will lose a seat from its 18-member congressional delegation. April 1 is the official “Census Day,” but you can complete your household count anytime before then. Reminder letters and postcards will be sent this month to households that don’t respond, according to he Census Bureau, then a follow-up letter and paper form will be mailed the second week of April. In May through July, the Census Bureau will send workers to visit households that did not return their forms or did not answer many of the questions. The online form and census phone support are offered throughout the process in English and 12 other languages. Help is available by phone tollfree, 800-923-8282 or 301-763-4636. The Chicago regional office for assistance is at 800-865-6384. People locally also can find help at the Woodstock Public Library, 815-338-0542. Through September, a “Post-Enumeration Survey” will measure coverage error (people missed in the count or counted more than once). The deadline is Dec. 31 for the Census Bureau to report state population totals to the president for apportionment of seats in the U.S. House.

State encourages full census participation By Peter Hancock

CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS PHANCOCK@CAPITOLNEWSILLINOIS.COM

SPRINGFIELD – People throughout the United States have begun filling out their census forms online, and state officials in Illinois are pulling out all the stops to make sure the state gets an accurate headcount. By Friday this week, about 95 percent of all households in the country will receive a postcard in the mail inviting them to fill out their census form online or by phone in their language. “The census is only nine questions – nine questions that impact every single person in your hometown, our state and across the country,” Grace Hou, secretary of the Illinois Department of Human Services, said during a news conference last week. “These nine questions are important for your family, your neighbor, your city, your county and your state because your response determines Illinois’ infrastructure,

meaning roads, hospitals, schools, grocery stores and fire stations.” The U.S. Constitution requires that a census be taken every 10 years to apportion seats in Congress. Responding to the census is mandatory for all people living in the U.S., regardless of their citizenship, although the questionnaire does not ask about citizenship. The census form asks the names of all persons living in the household as of April 1, their dates of birth, ages, race and ethnicity, their relationships to each other, and whether the home is occupied by the owners or renters. In addition to allocating congressional seats, the federal government uses that data as the basis for distributing hundreds of billions of dollars each year to states and local communities for things like education, health care, housing, highways, and other infrastructure. State governments also use census data to redraw congressional and state

CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS PHOTO BY PETER HANCOCK

Illinois Department of Human Services Secretary Grace Hou (center) briefs reporters last week at the Capitol in Springfield about the start of the 2020 census. With Hou are the agency’s census co-directors, Oswaldo Alvarez and Marishonta Wilkerson. legislative district lines. Recent census estimates have shown Illinois has been losing population and is at risk of losing at least one of its 18 congressional seats. Because of that, the Illinois General Assembly last year put $29 million in the state budget for IDHS to help ensure an accurate count. Hou said $20 million of that had already been distributed in each of the state’s 102 counties to work with local organizations to maximize the census count.

Hou said IDHS was tasked with implementing the census in Illinois because, as the state’s main social service agency, it deals directly with “hard-to-count” populations, including the homeless. In previous years, people received a census form in the mail to be filled out, but this is the first year the U.S. Census Bureau has offered an online option. People will first receive a postcard in the mail inviting them to complete the form at my2020census.gov.

Challenger update

Continued from Page 1

property tax revenue to reduce the debt by about $15 million over the past two years. “We planned for that abatement, if we want to use it,” Superintendent Mike Moan said. “I think by September, we want to have a plan for the long term ... at the board’s discretion.”

This graph shows the growth of the bond debt levy for Woodstock School District 200 if the Board of Education were to do nothing toward restructuring the debt. The board, which began discussing options two years ago, will resume the discussion next month. Lots of other factors the school district can’t control also are involved in restructuring the debt, she explained, including taxes, economies, and credit ratings of state and local governments; inflation forecasts; and global political events that affect Washington, D.C. Much of the debt dates back to D-200’s aggressive building program during a housing boom more than a decade ago. Three new schools were built to accommodate the anticipated growth in enrollment that never came after the housing recession.

The district has 11 outstanding bond issues with payoff dates currently into fiscal year 2034. But the district does not have the hundreds of new taxpayers who were expected to be here to help pay off the debt. The urgency to act is driven by the existing debt service schedule that would see the bond debt more than double on 2021 property tax bills if the district does not act. Board President Carl Gilmore said the board would further consider its options at its next meeting, April 7.

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NEWS

Jennifer Currier, vice president and senior analyst with PMA Securities of Chicago, told the board that other factors also were involved in restructuring and refunding the debt. “The thing that’s missing from this is the coronavirus,” she said at the board meeting last week. “That’s one thing that is driving very high demand for municipal bonds.” That’s a good thing – at least for now – as that demand by investors who are fleeing the stock market will drive bond rates lower, Currier said. The board might want to act soon to take advantage of what she called “historical lows” in those interest rates. “Rates have come down considerably in the last two weeks,” she said. “Rates may come back a little bit. The question is, how much?”

March 18-24, 2020

Coronavirus has effect

The board also heard about the growth of the Challenger Space Center at Olson Middle School, where the former Aurora University program moved last summer. Keely Krueger, assistant superintendent of early childhood and elementary education, told the board the center had hosted 140 “full missions” and 21 “half missions” since opening in September, with an additional 103 full missions and 10 half missions scheduled through the end of the school year. And 136 schools have already signed up to return next school year, Krueger said. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and other community groups are visiting on weekends, she reported, and the program is looking to add a “Lunar Quest” moon mission to complement the center’s current “Mission to Mars.” Summer camp options also are being explored. The program is being driven, Krueger said, by the question, “What are those other opportunities we can bring to kids?” In other business, the board hired Stephanie Watson as principal at Olson for the 2020-21 school year at a salary of $95,000; she currently is an assistant principal in Community Consolidated School District 15 in Palatine. She will succeed Diana Frisbie, who is retiring at the end of the school year.

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

DEBT

NEWS

March 18-24, 2020

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

OBITUARIES

Margie Stumpf, 47

Margie Stumpf, age 47, of Woodstock, Ill., passed away March 11, 2020, surrounded by family. Margie was born on Nov. 4, 1972, to George and Betsy (Greed) Powers. She married Tom Stumpf on Sept. 29, 2000. Margie attended Marian Central High School in Woodstock, Ill., and went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in human resources from Illinois State University. She worked in human resources for six years for Hewitt Associates and a couple of other consulting firms before becoming a stay-at-home Mom to raise three beautiful young children. Margie was an avid sports fan, especially Notre Dame and Villanova. Margie is survived by husband, Tom; son, Daniel; daughters, Kathleen and Caroline; mother, Betsy Powers; sister, Helen (Tony) Wember; brother, George (Beth) Powers; and numerous nieces and nephews. Margie is preceded in death by sisters Betsy (Bill) Kearley and Patricia Powers; father, George Powers; and mother-in-law, Ann Stumpf. Visitation was Sunday, March 15, 2020, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, 1211 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock IL 60098. Funeral Mass was Monday, March 16, 2020, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 312 Lincoln Ave., Woodstock IL 60098, with interment at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Rush University Breast Cancer Research. For information, call the Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home at 815-338-1710, or visit slmcfh. com.

Coronavirus concerns spread By Larry Lough

LARRY@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Woodstock’s City Council this week will consider an ordinance to grant the mayor additional spending powers in a state of emergency. The city attorney’s office drafted an ordinance to allow the mayor to approve purchases and payment of bills when a declaration of emergency has been declared by either the governor of Illinois or the McHenry County Board chairman. Both Gov. J.B. Pritzker and County Board Chairman Jack Franks made those declarations last week amid the coronavirus pandemic. The proposed ordinance was the latest development in a flurry of COVID19-related announcements in Woodstock late last week. They followed a recommendation last Wednesday by the McHenry County Department of Health, which urged municipalities and organizations to consider postponing nonessential public events and meetings. By mid-day Friday, both the state and county had declared a state of emergency, Woodstock School District 200 said students would be out of their classrooms for at least two weeks, and the city canceled most events on city property – including performances at the Opera House and Stage Left Café – until April 13 because of risks involving the coronavirus pandemic. On Sunday, the Woodstock Public Library announced it would close Monday, apparently until April 13. According to a memo to the council

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER

Bottled water was among the commodities in high demand last week with local shoppers who stocked up during the pandemic. by Paul Christensen, the city’s director of finance, the change in city code had ramifications beyond the current pandemic. “It should be noted that while the coronavirus has prompted the creation of this proposed ordinance,” the memo said, “it has been developed to support a broad range of emergency situations, if they should occur in the City of Woodstock.” Christensen’s memo to the council noted that current city ordinance

included an emergency purchase power to the city manager. “However, in light of the coronavirus, City Staff is concerned that this emergency purchase provision may not be enough,” the memo says. The memo says the administration “is confident that these new City Code provisions would allow the City to continue to operate in a state of emergency and provide essential services to our residents.” Shut down announcements on Page 35

light, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and driving while license suspended. Released after posting 10 percent of $2,500 bond. Court date March 26. ■ Austin D. Elliott, 21, Woodstock, was arrested March 13 at Seminary and Greenwood avenues on charges of no registration light, driving under the influence, and driving under the influence with over 0.08 percent blood-alcohol content. Released after posting 10 percent of $1,000 bond and surrendering driver’s license. Court date March 26.

arrested March 3 on charges of aggravated cruelty to animals, animal torture, and six counts of cruelty to animals. ■ Albert E. Rios, 28, Woodstock, was arrested March 3 on a charge of domestic battery/physical contact. ■ Tanis J. Kahabka, 56, Woodstock, was arrested March 3 on charges of disobeying traffic control device and driving on suspended driver’s license. ■ Luis F. Tapia, 19, Woodstock, was arrested March 6 on charges of speeding 26-34 mph over limit, fleeing/attempt to elude police, disregarding stop sign, and improper traffic lane usage. ■ Emmet J. Zywiec, 18, Wonder Lake, was arrested March 6 on charges of domestic battery/bodily harm and violating order of protection.

PUBLIC SAFETY LOG Woodstock Police Department

■ Juan D. Gonzalez, 22, Woodstock, was arrested March 5 in the 2200 block of Seminary Avenue on a McHenry County warrant charging criminal damage to property. Held on $100 bond. Court date to be set. ■ Alan E. Jasnow, 45, Woodstock, was arrested March 5 in the 400 block of West Judd Street on warrant charging violation of an order of protection. Taken to jail. Bond and court date to be set. ■ Fernando M. Cruz, 30, Woodstock, was arrested March 6 in the 700 block of Seminary Avenue on charges of disregarding a stop sign, driving under the influence, and driving under the influence with over 0.08 percent bloodalcohol content. Released after posting 10 percent of $3,000 bond. Court date March 26.

■ Antonio D. Carbajal, 20, Woodstock, was arrested March 8 at U.S. 14 and Doty Road on charges of speeding and driving while license suspended. Released after posting 10 percent of $2,500 bond. Court date April 16. ■ Nathaniel H. Rigg, 33, Woodstock, was arrested March 9 in the 600 block of Lake Avenue on a charge of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. Released after posting 10 percent of $50,000 bond. Court date April 15. ■ Valissa A. Moore, 51, Woodstock, was arrested March 10 at Church and Main streets on charges of aggravated assault, resisting a peace officer, and pedestrian failure to obey railroad signal. Taken to jail. Bond to be set. Court dates April 23 and 24. ■ Danielle M. Kunce, 28, Harvard, was arrested March 11 at Dean and Calhoun streets on charges of no registration

McHenry County Sheriff’s Office

■ Luis Maldonado, 33, Woodstock, was arrested March 3 on charges of improper passing on shoulder and driving on suspended driver’s license. ■ Ryan M. Thomas, 37, Woodstock, was

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

CAMPAIGN STOP

Sex assault plea includes sex offender registration

McHenry County and the city of Woodstock want the public’s help in improving the look and feel of homes, businesses and infrastructure in the city. A brief survey is available to help prioritize projects for forthcoming block

County DOT supervisor earns inspector credentials Helena Sullivan of the McHenry County Division of Transportation has earned the title of certified public infrastructure inspector from the American Public Works Association. The designation recognizes people who have proved their ability to promote quality public infrastructure throughout their community. Sullivan has worked as a construction team supervisor for MCDOT for nearly three years. Her responsibilities include managing three civil engineers, inspecting roadway and bridge projects, and managing the countywide guardrail repair program. Her recently completed bridge projects include structure rehabilitation on Union Road over the Kishwaukee River and O’Brien Road across Nippersink Creek.

NEWS

Neighborhood project seeks public comments

grant funds available. The public may complete the survey at surveymonkey. com/r/mchenrycountyCD The project could mean up to $160,000 a year over the next five years for neighborhood improvements. Surveys must be completed no later than Thursday, April 2.

March 18-24, 2020

A Wonder Lake man will have to register as a sex offender after serving a six-year prison term for criminal sexual assault, a class 1 felony, following a negotiated plea. McHenry County Judge Michael Coppedge last week accepted the plea deal that was agreed to by Randy Peterson, 57. The deal negoRandy tiated by AssisPeterson tant State’s Attorney Suzanne Groebner will require Peterson to register as a sex offender for his natural life.

5 THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

IN BRIEF

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER

Catalina Lauf of Woodstock talks with Dan Stavler of Harvard during her final week of campaigning Thursday night at the VFW. She was a candidate for the Republican nomination for 14th District Congress.

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OPINION

March 18-24, 2020

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

Opinion

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

Cheryl Wormley Publisher, Co-Owner

Paul Wormley Co-Owner

Woodstock, IL • 1987

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

Cheryl Wormley Larry Lough Sandy Kucharski Ken Farver

Do yourself, neighbors a favor: Be counted Only good things can come from your participation in the 2020 U.S. Census. Growth in local population – especially considering that the number of residents in Illinois is expected to drop – would mean Woodstock could qualify for a larger percentage of state and federal funds. That would ensure the continuation, and probable expansion, of local programs for roads and bridges, schools and school districts, hospitals and emergency healthcare centers, and social service programs. That census questionnaire you fill out online or on paper isn’t just the federal government being nosy. It’s required by the U.S. Constitution that everyone who lives in the country be counted every 10 years. What the census form wants to know is who is living at your address on April 1, 2020, and how you’re related. The information tells us about who’s still here and who’s new in our neighborhoods, city, state, and nation. That kind of general information can be helpful in many ways, especially for a growing community like Woodstock. Not only do we get the government funding we need for our populations of senior citizens, veterans, and low-income families, but we give prospective employers an idea of the potential workforce in this community as we invite them to move to and expand in Woodstock. And being counted is easy. For the first time ever, the Census Bureau will allow – even encourage! – responses online. But you still may provide your information by phone or mail (in paper form), if that’s the way you want to do it. But do it by April 1, the official 2020 Census Day. By now you should have received instructions in the mail about how to respond online. Some

People are encouraged to fill out their 2020 census forms online, but you can do it by phone or on paper if you prefer. people will have received a paper form. Need help? Assistance is available through toll-free phone lines – 800-923-8282 or 301-763-4636). Or you may call the Chicago regional office for assistance at 800-865-6384. Want to confer with someone closer to home who can answer your questions? The Woodstock Public Library might be able to help, 815-338-0542. If the Census Bureau doesn’t hear from you, you’ll get a letter reminder, then a postcard, and by midApril another letter with a paper form. Starting in May, the Census Bureau will send

workers to households that did not return their forms or did not answer many of the questions. Of course, you might also be contacted by a scammer posing as a census work. They probably will try to get your Social Security number or bank account information. No census worker will ask for money or a credit card, and if someone does, that should be reported to police. While April 1 is the “official” day to be counted, you can do it before then. The sooner the better. It will be good for you – and your community.

» YOUR VIEW

SWCD elections showed conservation important The recent McHenry County Soil and Water Conservation District’s directors election results were significant, with 442 votes cast in a competitive election. This demonstrates many county residents recognize the value of services provided by the SWCD and the importance of conservation. Primary services include soil and water conservation support, which not only protects prime farm soil, but protects water quality. These same practices lead to improved

soil health, enabling the land to retain more water. Given the increasing rain events and flooding, retaining water on the land through improved soil health is an increasingly important concept. Certainly the recent letter to the editor “Letter: Flood insurance surest way to protect your home if waters rise” suggests the community as a whole needs to invest more in soil and water conservation, to protect homes and businesses, or at least help keep insurance premiums affordable. Add to that the related benefit of new pollinator habitat that helps many other species and supports biodiversity.

Local and state policy officials must recognize the value of their local SWCD and support them with needed resources. Doing so, all landowners will have access to help, and the whole community will benefit. Dean Farr Crystal Lake

Concrete steps could use hand railings for safety My recent experience suggests that the city of Woodstock needs to pay more attention to pedestrian

safety. I have asked the city to install railings on concrete stairs on both sides of an intersection in our neighborhood as there are on other stairs in our area. Further, since the stairs are old and appear to have tipped somewhat over time, I asked the head of the public works department whether they were safe. His response was, “They [the railings] would have to be custom made.” No indication of when or if they will be installed, or whether the city would have a qualified engineer inspect the stairs, as I suggested. Continued on Next page

water for 20 seconds (as long as it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice). You also are practicing safe personal space – 6 feet – and are covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. You also avoid touching your face and eyes. All are good habits even when the world isn’t combatting a pandemic. Help neighbors and friends by offering to pick up groceries or run errands. Kudos to the people who work in stores, businesses, restaurants, and industry for keeping commerce humming. Make phone calls, email, text, and write letters that will brighten the days of recipients and you. Kudos to the postal people who are keeping mail service going. Read books, watch movies, assemble jigsaw puzzles, and play virtual and board games. Kudos to the library for instituting curbside service. Patrons can call or request books online and then pick them. Tackle long-avoided or pushed-tothe-back-burner projects. Purge closets, drawers, and cabinets, and give what’s still in good shape to charity. And, go outside. Fresh air is good. Take a walk. If you have a kite, fly it. After all, it’s still March. Cheryl Wormley is publisher of The Woodstock Independent. Her email address is c.wormley@thewoodstockindependent.com

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Continued from Previous page

The City Council needs to recognize the inherent danger posed by the lack of railings and determine as soon as possible whether these stairs and all others at corners in Woodstock are safe. Mike Burditt Woodstock

Roundabouts represent myriad art opportunities Recently we visited Quito, Ecuador. They appear to have a long history using traffic circles. These traffic circles are nicely landscaped and a pleasant addition to their community.

Many of these traffic circles have sculpture as focal point. As with art, it lifts all who see it. A recent article in The Independent talked about the design beginning on modernizing Route 47. It specifically spoke of the contract being let to design the amenities such as landscaping now. What a perfect time to include sculpture in the design. It can be properly shown and be light for all to enjoy. Considering the total cost of the project, this would add little to the overall cost. And, it would be another expression of the unique character of Woodstock. Ron Newman Wonder Lake

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already in the city when the governor made the announcement about 5 p.m., shuttering Symphony Hall for the 8 p.m. concert. Even Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Cheryl Day parades were Wormley called off. Declarations Families who had travel plans over spring break had to decide to go or not. Some had the decision made for them. Colorado ski destinations are now closed, following the Colorado governor’s concerns about the mounting number of people testing positive for COVID-19. All of this is being done to slow the spread of the coronavirus, which hits the elderly and people with compromised immune systems and respiratory conditions hardest. The loss of lives in China, more than 3,000, and Italy, more than 800, is testament to its ferociousness. The run on grocery stores for paper products (especially toilet paper), soaps, hand sanitizers, disinfectants, as well as food has been a sight to behold. So what to do between now and, hopefully, not longer than mid-April? I think some good is coming from this already. Unless you have been asleep for that past month, you are frequently washing your hands with soap and

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

March 18-24, 2020

The COVID-19/coronavirus thing has me wondering what’s next. And, I’m not alone, I’m sure. Who would have thought even 10 days ago that schools would be closed, not only in Woodstock, but throughout the state? Many colleges and university students wouldn’t be returning to campus after spring break. Their course work for the rest of the semester would be virtual. In the past week, local churches canceled congregant worship services and Opera House and Stage Left activities and performances were canceled through April 12. Woodstock Public Library activities and events through April 12, including the ever-popular Mini Links, were canceled, too. A build-up seemed to start when the NCAA’s March Madness and the Big Ten men’s basketball tournament were canceled. Professional basketball, hockey, and baseball were put on hold, too. High school sports aren’t being played either, at least through the end of spring break, the last week of March. Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s announcement March 12 banning all gatherings of 1,000 or more and his recommendation to postpone gatherings of 250 or more shuttered Chicago’s theaters, Symphony Hall, and the Civic Opera House. Jim and I know; we had tickets to the CSO Thursday night and were

Woodstock

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March 18-24, 2020

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McHenry County Primary Care Providers

To learn more about Mercyhealth physicians, visit mercyhealthsystem.org or call (888) 396-3729.

Family Medicine Kim Albright, MD, FAAFP Mercyhealth Richmond (815) 678-4528

Heijin Kang, MD Mercyhealth McHenry (815) 344-4499

Emily Shen, MD Mercyhealth Crystal Lake South (815) 356-7494

Graziella Bistriceanu, MD, MPH Mercyhealth Woodstock (815) 337-7100 • (888) 983-7100

Mabria Loqman, MD Mercyhealth Crystal Lake East (815) 455-0850

Rameeza Sheriff, MD Mercyhealth Harvard South (815) 943-1122

Roshi Gulati, MD Mercyhealth Woodstock (815) 337-7100 • (888) 983-7100

Viquar Mundozie, MD, FAAFP Mercyhealth Harvard South (815) 943-1122

Baby Min Than, MD Mercyhealth Woodstock (815) 337-7100 • (888) 983-7100

Syed Hassan, MD Mercyhealth McHenry (815) 344-4499 Mercyhealth Richmond (815) 344-4499

Shahariar Saikh, MD Mercyhealth Woodstock (815) 337-7100 • (888) 983-7100

Rhonda Verzal, MD, FAAFP Mercyhealth Algonquin (847) 458-5440

Krishanthi Seneviratne, MD Mercyhealth Crystal Lake South (815) 356-7494

Shailesh Virani, MD Mercyhealth Harvard South (815) 943-1122

Joseph Fojtik, MD, FACP Mercyhealth McHenry (815) 344-4499

Nathan Kakish, MD Mercyhealth Woodstock (815) 337-7100 • (888) 983-7100

Bibiano Ronquillo, III, MD Mercyhealth Woodstock (815) 337-7100 • (888) 983-7100

Monica Gavran, MD Mercyhealth Woodstock (815) 337-7100 • (888) 983-7100

Camelia Marian, MD Mercyhealth Algonquin (847) 458-5440 Mercyhealth Barrington (847) 381-3000

Internal Medicine

Pediatrics Allen Castillo, MD Mercyhealth Harvard South (815) 943-1122

Nathan Kakish, MD Mercyhealth Woodstock (815) 337-7100 • (888) 983-7100

Aisha Mirza, MD, FAAP Mercyhealth Woodstock (815) 337-7100 • (888) 983-7100

Rick Chitwood, DO Mercyhealth McHenry (815) 344-4499

Sandhya Karna, MD Mercyhealth McHenry (815) 344-4499

Ranjana Nath, MD Mercyhealth Crystal Lake South (815) 356-7494

Terri Crawley, MD, FAAP Mercyhealth Woodstock (815) 337-7100 • (888) 983-7100

Karen Ann Klawitter, MD Mercyhealth McHenry 3922 Mercy Dr. (815) 344-4499

Patrick Phelan, MD, FAAP Mercyhealth Woodstock (815) 337-7100 • (888) 983-7100

Douglas Henning, MD Mercyhealth Crystal Lake East (815) 455-0850

Schools

By Kevin Lyons DISTRICT 200

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McHenry County Spelling Bee winner Trey Neuhart, a Creekside Middle School seventh-grader. conglomerate, and then sealed the contest by spelling “zazen,” another Japanese word for Zen meditation. The exotic words never rattled Trey, who also plays basketball and football and runs cross-country. Trey said he felt confident on both. “For the Japanese words,” he explained, “you can sound them out fairly easily.” This was Trey’s first time at the McHenry County event, although he did win his fourth-grade spelling bee

at Prairiewood Elementary School. In preparation, he spent many hours studying the 26-page spelling word guide with more than 4,000 words. “I spent most of my time looking through the words and learning their pronunciation,” he said, “because from my experience, that’s where I got most of my words wrong.” Trey said he was excited about the trip and the competition. He has family in Virginia and hopes to see them when he’s in Washington, D.C.

Governor declares ‘Act of God’ days

District 200 updates its approach to eLearning lessons this week Staff Report

NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

In a note Monday to parents of students in Woodstock School District 200, Superintendent Mike Moan revised the district’s eLearning approach based on the latest declaration from Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker. Here is part of Moan’s note: “I want to thank you for your continued patience and cooperation during this very fluid time as we

work through the COVID-19 outbreak. After our message home on Friday, Governor Pritzker declared Tuesday through Friday as Act of God days for Illinois schools. Monday remains an eLearning Day in District 200, but Tuesday through Friday are now designated Act of God Days in District 200 as directed by the governor. “Sunday, I was informed by the Illinois State Board of Education that students should not be graded for work over this period. Our teachers

have worked hard to create meaningful lessons, and they will still provide work for the entire week. Even if it won’t be graded, these are valuable educational lessons, and I recommend and request that our students continue to do the work. ... “This is an unprecedented time for our schools, and we ask for your continued patience and cooperation as we work through the situation. We will continue to update you as events unfold, and our district office remains open. ...”

‘Senior Day Off’ sessions planned April 14 at MCC High school seniors who have no school on Tuesday, April 14, are invited to attend “Senior Day Off” informational sessions starting at 9 a.m. at McHenry County College, 8900 U.S. 14, Crystal Lake. In 90 minutes, prospective students will learn how to save money by starting their education at MCC. Staff will discuss various career paths students can pursue with an associate degree or by transferring to a four-year school, and they will review financial aid opportunities available. The event will conclude with a tour of the campus. The event is free to attend, but registration is required. Spots can be reserved by visiting mchenry. edu/dayoff. For more information, email Ina Hall at ihall@mchenry.edu or call 815-455-8914. The college will host a separate Senior Day Off for Marian Central Catholic High School students from 1 to 2:30 p.m. April 9. Interested students can register through the school.

SCHOOLS

Two Japanese words that began with “Z.” Good thing Trey Neuhart is a spelling ninja. The seventh-grader from Creekside Middle School became the second consecutive student from Woodstock Community District 200 to win the McHenry County Spelling Bee when he beat out eight other contestants. Bob Gerloff, then a seventh-grader at Northwood Middle School, won the county bee last year. The local contest, sponsored by the McHenry County Regional Office of Education and the Northwest Herald, was held March 10 at McHenry County College. Trey won a trip for himself and a family member to Washington, D.C., to compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee May 24-29. Eight of nine contestants were knocked out in the first round, according to moderator Brent Maring, who noted that the words were difficult. Trey first correctly spelled the word “zaibatsu,” which refers to a large Japanese business

Davin Stavroplos from Woodstock, who is studying political science at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, was inducted as a member of the Whitewater Student Government Senate. Elections were held in the fall of 2019, and 23 new members were inducted for the 2020 calendar year. WSG Senators hold positions in five different districts across campus. The placement of senators into these five districts depends on where senators live and attend classes. To become a senator, students go through an application process, which includes collecting signatures in their desired district, appearing on a ballot, and undergoing a campus-wide vote.

March 18-24, 2020

Creekside student spelling winner of McHenry County bee

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Seventh-grader catches some Z’s

IN BRIEF Woodstock resident inducted in student government Senate

SCHOOLS

March 18-24, 2020

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STUDENT OF THE PATRICK WEEK BANACH

Patrick Banach is a sophomore at Woodstock North High School. He is the son of Aneta and Ziggy Banach, Woodstock. “Patrick is one of our best office runners. He is always quick, efficient, and polite. Patrick is always willing to “go the extra mile” and donates his free time to help the front office in any way possible. He follows the Thunder way and has pride in WNHS,” said one of his teachers. Patrick was on the honor roll his freshman year. He plays basketball and manages it as well. Outside of school, Patrick participates in the Woodstock Christmas Clearing House. When asked who inspires him, Patrick said, “My grandma, she always tells me to be the best I could be. She always wants me to work my hardest and to help others who are in need. She wants me to go to church every week because God will always be with you.” When asked what makes him feel successful, Patrick said, “I always try to help out people. If someone needs me to help them, I will try to help them out. I try to make new people that come to North feel at home and comfortable.”

Discover what matters. And build your life around it. 222 Church St., Woodstock, IL 815-337-6051 aurora.edu/woodstock

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Hours: Mon-Thurs 10-6, Fri 10-5, Sat 10-4 Sundays by appointment only Contractors Welcome! 2104 S. Eastwood Drive (Rt. 47) Woodstock, IL 815-334-5985

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Nadine Grismer, nurse at Clay Academy in Woodstock, has received the 2020 Lina Rogers Award for public school health professionals from the McHenry County Health Department.

Clay’s nurse honored by health department Staff Report

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Clay Academy school nurse Nadine Grismer has received the 2020 Lina Rogers Award for public school health professionals from the McHenry County Department of Health. Grismer, who has worked at several schools in Woodstock School District 200 over the past 10 years, was recognized last year as a National Board Certified School Nurse after completing a rigorous credentialing process. For the past six years she has worked at Clay Academy. The award is named after Lina Rogers, a pioneer in public nursing in the early 20th century in New York. She is considered the first school nurse and spent her career advocating disease management, hygiene, and health education. She also authored the first book for school nurses. Deborah Fuller, a teacher at Clay Academy, nominated Grismer for the award, citing her work with students, ranging from dental hygiene education and encouraging good nutrition habits to referring students

to social service agencies, among other endeavors. “Mrs. Grismer demonstrates great enthusiasm and is a powerful positive influence in our school and in the community at large,” Fuller said. “She goes above and beyond to assist students and staff not only with our health at school but our health in general.” The Department of Health also recognized Grismer for her work fostering positive relationships between adults and adolescents, her efforts to establish a Kindness Closet at Clay for students who need clothing and other items, and helping to raise awareness about epilepsy. Grismer’s medical career started in 1993 when she was a hospital corpsman in the U.S. Navy. She was then a certified nursing assistant, followed by becoming a licensed practical nurse. She graduated in May 2001 as a registered nurse and began a position in the emergency room at thenCentegra Hospital in Woodstock. Illinois has only 117 certified school nurses. The requirements include a bachelor’s degree, a minimum of 1,000 hours of clinical experience, and passing the National Board exam of 200 questions.

Staff Report

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March 18-24, 2020

SCHOOLS

A Woodstock High School senior is heading to state competition after winning first place in the Illinois Design Educators Association Regional Competition at McHenry County College. Drew Tillman, who matched his skills against students from Huntley, Crystal Lake, Marengo, Harvard and McHenry, won first in the Regional Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) 3D Architecture category for his design of a residential home. Drew is a student in Steven Thompson’s engineering design class who took a quick interest in architecture during high school. “I’ve been doing it since my sophomore year,” Tillman said. “There’s so many options you can do with the software. It’s realistic and it helps you explore your ideas more than just drawing it out on paper.” With his Feb. 28 win at regionals, Tillman will have an opportunity to challenge student designers across Illinois at the state CAD competition on April 18 at Illinois State University. He has been accepted at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he plans to study architecture and eventually practice in the field. Tillman said he was keeping an open mind about what buildings he would like to design. “Any, and all of it,” he said. “I’m kind of leaning toward hospitals and buildings like that.”

COURTESY PHOTO

Woodstock High School senior Drew Tillman shows his award-winning CAD design of a residential home. Tillman’s design was first place in the Illinois Design Educators Association Regional Competition at McHenry County College qualified for the state CAD competition April 18.

‘I remember’ inspires seventh-grade winner District 200 names 10 Young Authors winners By Kevin Lyons DISTRICT 200

“Write what you know” is common but valuable advice for fledgling authors, and seventh-grader Rylie Amundson knows everything about her family cabin. Rylie’s book, “At Our Cabin,” was among 10 selected by judges this year in the Young Authors competition for Woodstock School District 200. The Creekside Middle School student will join her fellow winning students at the state Young Authors Conference May 16 in Bloomington. Dedicated to her grandfather, who built the family cabin in Galena, Rylie’s story builds on her reflections on fishing, tubing, and kayaking – but mostly on family bonding. “‘I remember.’ Those are powerful words,” she wrote. “You can use them to tell a story, write a book, or cheer you or someone else up. For me, all of those have happened. For

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WHS student bound for state CAD contest

Rylie Amundson holds the book she wrote for the Young Authors competition. “At Our Cabin” was chosen for the state conference. me, the words ‘I remember’ have a lot of meaning.” Rylie said she was honored that a panel of teachers and community volunteers enjoyed her book, and she thinks they would like her cabin as much as she does.

“It’s a place that’s really close to my heart,” she wrote. ‘It’s a place where my family has come together and made a safe environment where I can kind of find myself.” English is her favorite subject, and she hopes to be a journalist someday. “I want to travel the world and write stories about the places I go, the people I meet and what I do,” Rylie said. Kristen Sauber, a District 200 literacy and technology coach who helps to coordinate Young Authors, said participation in the program was a great way to motivate students and encourage the creative process. “We hope that students feel a sense of accomplishment as they work through the process of taking their idea to a published work,” Sauber said. “We hope they develop a love of writing and enjoy finding their own voice.” District 200’s other winners and their titles were: n Olivia Gustafson, second grade, Olson Elementary School, “Air Monkey” n Hazeleigh Rosemann, third grade, Westwood Elementary School,

“The Out of This World Adventures of Laine and Todd” n Elsie Kolpfenstein, kindergarten, Verda Dierzen Early Learning Center, “Buzz Buzz is Lost” n Stephanie Davila, fourth grade, Mary Endres Elementary School, “Kiwi el Koala/Kiwi the Koala” n Martha Baker, fifth grade, Prairiewood Elementary School, “Traffic Troubles” n Bryce Schwanke, fourth grade, Dean Street Elementary School, “Investigation 47” n Chloe Albrecht, fifth grade, Greenwood Elementary School, “How the Lobes Met: A Brainy Adventure” n Noah Folden, fourth grade, Clay Academy, “The Villains vs. The Heroes” n Joseph Gerloff, eighth grade, Northwood Middle School, “The Observer.” The state conference gives students opportunities to meet other writers from across Illinois who love reading and writing as much as they do, Sauber said. Students participate in writing workshops and read excerpts from their own books.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

March 18-24, 2020

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D-200

Musicians

of the Month

MY SHELTER PETS ARE MY BEST FRIENDS

Evelett Bernal

Dean Street Elementary, 5th Grade

What music activities are you involved in at school? I am in chorus at school. What got you interested in Music? When I was really young, I remember my uncle and aunt playing the guitar for us and I really enjoyed it. What is your favorite part of participating in Chorus? I love to hear the voices of other people and how they fit together in harmony. What do you plan to do with your musical talents in the future? I love to write original songs and I want to start out singing and sharing those songs on YouTube.

Colin Graf

Dean Street Elementary, 3rd Grade What music activities are you involved in at school? I play the recorder at school in music class. What got you interested in Music? I like doing stuff with my hands and fingers and I really like using them to play the recorder. What is your favorite part of participating Music? I really like when we can share out our own songs. What do you plan to do with your musical talents in the future? My dad and I love music. He plays music with his friends and I want to play music with my friends and invite people to hear it.

Colten Batcheller

Dean Street Elementary, 5th Grade What music activities are you involved in at school and what instrument do you play? I play trumpet in the band. What got you interested in Music? I always liked the trumpet, but not sure of the exact reason. My interest is highly due to The Tropidelics. What is your favorite part of participating in Band? I feel like I am progressing. What do you plan to do with your musical talents in the future? I am not there yet, so canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t say.

Amelia Shaffer

Dean Street Elementary, 5th Grade What music activities are you involved in at school and what instrument do you play? I play the cello in Orchestra and I am also in Chorus. What got you interested in Music? Seeing my brother play an instrument and sing. What is your favorite part of participating in Orchestra? The concerts and helping out with the 4th grade Orchestra. What do you plan to do with your musical talents in the future? Continue to play at least in middle school.

OLIVIA MUNN WITH CHANCE AND FRANKIE: ADOPTED 2014 AND 2016.

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A&E

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Amidst all the negativity these days, the Opera House was aiming to bring a little bit of joy to the community. The Daily Show Writers Comedy Tour was supposed to take the stage on Saturday, March 28, with four comedians – all writers for TV’s The Daily Show with Trevor Noah – bringing the laughs. But not unlike the days after 9/11, these days there’s nothing funny about the coronavirus. Daniel Campbell, managing director of the Opera House, announced Friday that all performances at the Opera House and Stage Left Café would be canceled until April 13. It was too soon to know about any of the shows being rescheduled. The statement from the Opera House said impacts of COVID-19 had been closely monitored, along with information from the McHenry County Department of Health, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, the Illinois Department of Public Health, and the office of Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

Wants more comedy

In an interview before the cancellation of shows, Campbell said he would love to bring more comedic events to the community, adding to the Opera House’s already rich roster of events. “One of my goals when I became director here two years ago was to

try to diversify the programming, try to expand the offerings we have,” he said. “One of those things we’ve been trying to do is more comedy.” He said he hoped that a relatively new comedy show for Woodstock – Laughstock – would return this coming summer for a third year. “I’ll talk with some of the interested parties who were involved with that in the past and see if they want to try to bring that around again,” Campbell said. “It is my hope at this point that we continue that because it’s been a very popular festival; it’s just a matter of finding some comics and getting them lined up and having a really fun evening on stage again.” He called comics “a great form of entertainment.” “I’d like to see, on a regular rotation, maybe two or three a year come through the Opera House to help fill out our programming,” Campbell said. “We’ll continue to look for those type of events. We’re trying to give our public a little bit of everything.” The final performances at the Opera House were of Theatre 121’s “Matilda the Musical” this past weekend. However, seating capacity for each of the three performances was limited to 250 patrons “at the recommended directive issued by Governor Pritzker. ...”

See SHOWVERSE Page 14

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

By Lydia LaGue and Larry Lough

“[W]e have decided it is in the best interest of our Patrons and Community at large to cancel our upcoming public performances and activities,” the announcement said. “Beginning Monday, March 16th, through Monday, April 13th, all performances and scheduled activities at the Woodstock Opera House and Stage Left Café are canceled. ... “While we regret having to take this course of action, we believe it is our civic duty to do what we can to support and protect the general welfare and health of our community. We appreciate your continued support of our 130-year-old historic theater and look forward to returning in April with our future scheduled events.” Patrons who have purchased tickets for canceled events will be contacted about rescheduling the events or credits, the announcement said.

March 18-24, 2020

Opera House cancels comedy show, all events until April 13

Once, theater seasons were predictable. Shows generally ran from October to May, followed by a lull in the summer when people are more likely to be out of town or engaged in outdoor activities. A recent trend has developed, however, with more theater companies offering actors and audiences opportunities throughout the year. Many people have a secret (or not-so-secret) desire to perform on stage, and one of the Jeff reasons I hear Cook most often for Showverse their dream not coming true is their apprehension about – gasp – the audition. It’s intimidating, for sure, to walk into a room and perform a song or a monologue in front of people who are – let’s not mince words – judging you. And if the thought of auditioning sends shivers up your spine, you’re not alone. Even the most experienced actors feel that mix of nerves and excitement, whether they’re meeting the directors for the first time or have worked with them for years. There are some methods actors use to overcome that anxiety. I recently reached out to friends in the industry to share their tips for preparing: “Before I go [in the room], I isolate myself for about 10 or 15 minutes and just breathe and get myself in to character. It reduce(s) my fears significantly.” – Julie Billimack, Crystal Lake “I plan to do something immediately after an audition, so I’m not just going home and dwelling on what I did or didn’t do. Something mundane, like grocery shopping.” – Angie Kells, Woodstock “Get as familiar with the characters, plot, script, and music (if it’s a

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When the Laughter Died

Some advice on auditions from the experienced

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

March 18-24, 2020

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SHOWVERSE

Continued from Page 13

musical) as I can. That way, a cold read or singing doesn’t throw me. I also try to crack a few jokes while waiting outside the audition room; getting a chuckle – or even a groan – can ease the tension for me and possibly others.” – Paul Lockwood, Woodstock “Make sure you’re prepared. Even if you’re very nervous, you can always fall back on training. Closer to go-time: deep breaths.” Katherine Damisch, Glenview “I make sure to 1) Get a good night’s sleep the night before, and 2) This sounds silly, but I give myself a pep talk and take deep breaths. That usually helps me!” - Aly Blakewell, Palatine “I only try out for parts I really want. That way, I already know my character front to back and feel very comfortable. A few times it has backfired and I get a different role, but I feel confident in what I am doing.” – David Baker, Woodstock “I try to consciously smile a lot at the audition because I find that smiling relaxes me and creates a more personal connection with others.” – Sue Jacobson, Buffalo Grove

“I always have something blue somewhere on my body – Celtic color for strength and protection. And when it’s all over, I’ll eat because I can’t eat before a show or audition due to nerves.” – Regina Belt, Crystal Lake “I meditate for about 10-15 minutes prior. Visualization of success is key for me.” – David Gasior, Johnsburg “All emotional energy has the same base; it’s how you choose to direct it that creates how others see it. If there’s nervousness, I choose to release it as the emotion the character needs to show. When I set that intention, I never feel stressed.” – Jim Pierce, Crystal Lake “On the way to the audition, I listen to music I can jam to or get involved in. I also drink a whole bottle of water, chew a piece of gum, and I absolutely have to use the washroom before I go in the casting room.” – April Noel, Crystal Lake There, now you have no more excuses; get out there an audition! * * * “Matilda The Musical” was the hot ticket in town before the Opera House canceled all programs

through April 13 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The musical, based on the classic novel by Roald Dahl, tells the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Skillfully directed by Jordan Rakittke and starring a talented mix of Opera House veterans and newcomers, this production is an outrageous and loving homage to the novel with a wink and a nod at the 1996 movie. If you haven’t seen this wonderfully funny and outrageous Theatre 121 production, get your tickets now! * * * Remember, if you have an upcoming show or person you’d like us to spotlight, let us know at showversemail@gmail.com. The deadline to submit for the next column us April 1! For a full list of upcoming performances at the Woodstock Opera House, please visit https://www.woodstockoperahouse.com/operahouse/ calendar. Until next month, Enjoy the Show!

IN BRIEF

Fundraiser for Folk Festival on April 5 at Unity Center

Several performers are scheduled to play at the ninth annual Woodstock Folk Festival spring fundraiser concert, which will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 5, at Unity Spiritual Center, 225 W. Calhoun St. Reservations at 815-353-5696 are recommended. A $15 donation is suggested. All proceeds will support the 35th annual Woodstock Folk Festival, which is scheduled for noon Sunday, July 19, on the Woodstock Square. Visit woodstockfolkfestival.org for event updates.

MCC art galleries show paintings of instructor

An art exhibit titled “Anathema,” by McHenry County College art instructor Sonya Baysinger, has been extended to run March 30 to May 1 in Gallery One and Gallery Two at MCC, 8900 U.S. 14, Crystal Lake Baysinger’s jewelry, sculptures, drawings, and paintings have been exhibited nationally and internationally to critical acclaim.

Continued on Next page

In Woodstock, our businesses thrive thanks to a community of entrepreneurs and leaders. Phoenix Woodworking is one of the many manufacturers that call Woodstock home. Given Woodstock’s outstanding location, ample workforce and creative spirit, Phoenix Woodworking is able to create beautifully crafted projects for hospitals, schools and office buildings. If you are looking for your perfect home and a fiercely independent business community, Woodstock has it all.

REAL INDEPENDENT. REAL CREATIVITY.

15 THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT March 18-24, 2020

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“Anathema,” an exhibit by art instructor Sonya Baysinger, will be on display March 30 to May 1 in Galleries One and Two at McHenry County College.

Continued from Previous page

MCC exhibit will honor former photography instructor Art Hand An art exhibit in remembrance and celebration of retired photography instructor Art Hand will reopen March 30 and run through May 1 in the Epping Gallery in Building B at McHenry County College, 8900 U.S. 14, Crystal Lake

The exhibit features a selection of Hand’s artwork as well as several photographs created by some of his former MCC students. Hand taught photography at MCC for 24 years before he retired in 2012. He died Dec. 1. For more information, call Sandra Lang, gallery curator, at 815-455-8785 or email her at slang@ mchenry.edu.

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She teaches metalsmithing and jewelry at MCC and 3-D design and sculpture at Columbia College of Art and Design in Chicago. She has been teaching art for more than 20 years. For more information, call Sandra Lang, gallery curator, at 815-455-8785 or email her at slang@ mchenry.edu.

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“Shell,” an archival inkjet print from Art Hand’s iPhone photo series, will be on display as part of an exhibit celebrating his life and legacy at McHenry County College from March 30 to May 1.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

March 18-24, 2020

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

Marketplace REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

Transactions filed in the McHenry County Recorder’s Office from March 4 to 10 . ■ Residence at 9800 Creekside Drive, Wonder Lake, was sold by Gurveer Singh Khangura, Rocklin, Calif., to Edward and Lindsay Ditusa, Wonder Lake, for $250,000. ■ Residence at 107 E. Melody Lane, Woodstock, was sold by The Vernon J. Lev Living Trust, Lake In The Hills, to Dylan Kapp, Woodstock, for $150,000. ■ Residence at 1209 Thomas Drive, Unit 403, Woodstock, was sold by Judicial Sales Corporation, Chicago, to Russell Steffen, Burlington, Wis., for $58,460. ■ Residence at 431 Leah Lane 1B, Woodstock, was sold by Judicial Sales Corporation, Chicago, to Hometown, Ltd., Woodstock, for $55,000. ■ Residence at 10910 Williams Court, Woodstock, was sold by The Bryan Wayne Riggsby Trust, Crystal lake, to Steven Michael Williams, Lakewood, for $380,000. ■ Residence at 411 Herrington Place, Woodstock, was sold by Douglas E. Rost, Janesville, Wis., to Janice Rachelle Barmann, Woodstock, for $308,000. ■ Residence at 1266 Blakely St., Woodstock, was sold by Kathleen Lowery, Woodstock, to James C. Reuter, Woodstock, for $230,000. ■ Residence at 9513 Prairie Edge Road, Wonder Lake, was sold by Stanislaw A. Mosson, McHenry, to Alondra Reynoso, Wonder Lake, for $216,000. ■ Residence at 3116 Thompson Road, Wonder Lake, was sold by Key Rental Properties LLC, Wauconda, to Grace C. Krokidas, Crystal Lake, for $550,000. ■ Residence at 605 Saint John’s Road, Woodstock, was sold by The Herbert W. Kreft and Lillian M. Kreft Trust, Woodstock, to Melvin L. Passfield, Woodstock, for $175,000.

‘A lot of long faces’

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY SUSAN W. MURRAY

Manager Annette Menge feeds a treat to Maggie May, a Labrador retriever, who had come to work with her owner. In the 24 years that Patrick Haverty has owned the store, the pet food section has expanded.

Woodstock Farm & Lawn closing after more than 40 years By Susan W. Murray

NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

What owner Patrick Haverty called “a nice little business” is closing after 41 years of providing livestock feed, pet food, Western wear, and lawnand-garden supplies to its Woodstock customers. The Woodstock Farm & Lawn, 2020 S. Eastwood Drive, is expected to close by mid-April. Before the closing was announced to the general public, the store sent letters to its regular customers to invite them to shop for bargains between Feb. 27 and March 4. In addition to sales on its inventory, the store is holding contests for various prizes.

Livestock feed and pet food went on sale last week. Haverty said his retirement was the reason for closing up shop.

Three generations

Haverty’s father, Charles, bought Woodstock Farm & Lawn when he was looking for something to do after retiring as the president and CEO of Xonics Xray Machine Co. in 1985. “He wanted something to keep his mind active,” Haverty said. “He could think rings around us.” Then living in Elgin and working with a business broker, Charles Haverty learned that the 6-year-old Woodstock Farm and Lawn was for sale. Four years after buying the business, he brought Patrick aboard in 1989. Patrick, who had worked as a horse trainer, had been accepted to veterinary school at the University of Illinois

that year, but he had a wife and two sons. Going to school full time did not seem like a practical option. Haverty began commuting to Farm & Lawn from Broadview. “I put my little Toyota Tercel to the test,” Haverty said. Two years later, Haverty moved to Woodstock. where he and wife Carol had their third son, Jim. In 1996, Haverty bought the business from his father, and in 2002, he purchased the real estate. The Havertys’ son Jim is now one of Farm & Lawn’s employees.

Successful run

With the news of the store’s closing, “I had to face a lot of long faces,” Haverty said. He attributed Farm & Lawn’s success to the staff’s “friendship with customers.” The “customer loyalty,” Haverty said, Please see FARM & LAWN Page 18

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FARM & LAWN

Continued from Page 16

turned into “word-of-mouth referrals.” The store’s two full-time and two part-time employees will move on to other jobs, but in the meantime, Farm & Lawn keeps them busy. “There’s plenty to be done here,” Haverty said. “You could make a fulltime job of just throwing things away.”

Changes over the years

Woodstock Farm & Lawn is housed in a building that includes two large rooms of retail space, as well as a sizable storeroom. A pole building behind the store contains wood shavings for horse bedding and ice melt salt. Over the years, the store’s inventory has changed to adapt to local trends. While Haverty said there were still plenty of five-acre horse farms, the larger horse farms are succumbing to development. “We became a lot more pet-related than livestock-related,” Haverty observed. The store’s special events revolved around pets, including pet photos with

Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. While the store carries fewer lawn and garden items now than in the past, Haverty said, its custom seed mixes for wild birds have been a big seller. With news of the store’s closing, Haverty said, a customer came in and bought 50 bags for his bird feeders and to share with his friends. Western wear has remained a steady business, Haverty said, if not all that it was in the early 1980s, when “Urban Cowboy” was a sensation.

Down the road

Farm & Lawn’s property was sold on Feb. 14 to KNM Land LLC for a machine shop business. Haverty said he and his wife had two dogs and wanted to get more. “I’ll try and find things to keep my mind busy,” he said. One possibility is taking up the card game duplicate bridge. “I might go back to it to not lose my marbles,” Haverty said. And that iconic boot that hangs in front of the business? It is being sold to Niko’s Red Mill Tavern.

One sad note

In the midst of the preparation to close, the store’s cat for the past

two-and-a-half years went missing. Wally was last seen in the store about 15 minutes before closing on Feb. 10. The next morning, he was nowhere to be found. Haverty thinks he might have gone out of the store undetected with a customer and was possibly picked up by someone. On its Facebook page, the store has posted pictures of Wally, along with the offer of a reward with no questions asked. The plan had been for Wally to live with Jim Haverty after the store closed. Wally followed Chuck, an orange tabby, who was the store’s cat for 20 years. Haverty said Chuck was an excellent mouser, although that was not Wally’s skill. “Wally was pretty lame,” Haverty said. Though not a mouse hunter, Wally had a knack for public relations. “Wally was good with kids and a great ambassador for the place,” Haverty said.

Grateful for customers

Thank-you notes from local charitable groups are tacked to the wall next to the front door of Woodstock Farm & Fleet. Each year, the Havertys hold a fundraiser for local charities in memory of their son Stuart, who died in an accidental fall at Soldier Field in 2010. This year’s “Stutember” fundraiser will be held at Porkies Pig Roast in Woodstock.

Haverty said it was a strange feeling to close the store doors to stage the floor for the final sale. “I’ll miss the friendly faces,” he said. Haverty wanted to thank the people in the area. “If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have made a living for the past 31 years.”

Wally, the store’s cat and mascot for the past two-and-a-half years, has been missing since Feb. 11. A reward is being offered for his return.

Woodstock Farm and Lawn, 2020 S. Eastwood Drive, will be open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday until it closes, in roughly mid-April.

INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY SUSAN W. MURRAY

The cigar store Indian has been a longtime fixture at Woodstock Farm & Lawn. “I’ve been here 35 years, and he was here before me,” manager Annette Menge said.

Jim Haverty, manager Annette Menge, and Woodstock Farm & Lawn owner Patrick Haverty will continue to serve customers until the store closes in mid-April.

HOME FARM GARDEN

Aquaponics farming • Preparing your gardens Straw bale gardening • State ag policies

A special publication of The Woodstock Independent March 18, 2020

HOME, FARM & GARDEN

March 18-24, 2020

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

INTRODUCING INTERNAL M E D I C I N E R ES I D E N T C L I N I C I N WO O DSTO C K The Rosalind Franklin University Internal Medicine Residency Clinic, located on the Northwestern Medicine Woodstock Hospital campus, is staffed with board-certified Northwestern Medicine physicians and resident physicians who provide comprehensive care for adults of all ages and genders. In addition to diagnosing and treating illness, internal medicine physicians also provide preventive care, including routine check-ups, health risk assessments, immunizations, screening tests and personalized counseling on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. To schedule an appointment with an internal medicine resident in Woodstock, call 815.338.6600. TTY for the hearing impaired, 815.759.8020.

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BETTER

New state ag director talks agenda, ethics, trade wars

By Ben Orner

BORNER@CAPITOLNEWSILLINOIS.COM

Farming and family

Costello, son of 12-term U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello, was born and raised in Belleville in a family with a rich agricultural history in southern Illinois. His great-grandfather operated a dairy farm in Sesser, while his grandfather ran an orchard and raised beef cattle. “Every other weekend I spent on my grandfather’s farm,” Costello said. Costello graduated from Southern Illinois University and enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in the famed 82nd Airborne Division in Operation Desert Storm. After returning home, he began a career in law enforcement, rising from a patrolman to assistant police chief. He was the top cop at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources when Pritzker tapped him as ag director. Bolstering the Democrat’s ag experience is the nearly eight years he spent in the Illinois House of Representatives, which included more than five years working with farmers and agriculture groups as chairman of the Agriculture and Conservation Committee. “I think those relationships that I’ve built over the years have helped me to get to a point where I’m very effective at moving agriculture forward in the

CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS PHOTO BY BEN ORNER

Jerry Costello II, newly appointed director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, is pictured in his Springfield office. state of Illinois,” he said.

Ethics

Costello’s appointment came after Pritzker asked for the resignation of the previous ag director, John Sullivan, who was ousted for failing to disclose the contents of a 2012 email that pointed to a possible cover-up of a “rape in Champaign” and “ghost workers” in Gov. Pat Quinn’s administration. “I have a good relationship with John Sullivan,” Costello said. Sullivan was chairman of the Senate’s agriculture committee when Costello was chairman in the House. “It’s an unfortunate situation,” he said, “but we are where we are, and we’re moving forward.” Though Costello said he didn’t read every email he received because he had at times gotten thousands in a day, he said he had a reputation of being “very ethical.” “I can assure you that there was a very in-depth background review before the governor and his team offered the appointment,” Costello said.

Working with governor

Costello was not a stranger to Pritzker when his administration asked whether he was interested in the job. Costello served on the governor-elect’s agriculture transition committee in 2018. “We have a very good relationship,” Costello said. “I am extremely pleased

to work with him and for him.” Costello said he expected to be a main courier of Pritzker’s $420 million plan to expand broadband internet throughout the state in a program called Connect Illinois. The initiative would especially impact rural and agricultural communities by connecting people to educational, health and business resources with high-speed internet. “If we want to keep up with the future, and we want to educate rural kids properly,” he said, “we’ve got to have the technology to do it.”

Flooding and climate change

Another issue Pritzker has made a priority is addressing climate change. Illinois farmers suffered through record precipitation during last year’s spring planting season, which scientists including, state climatologist Dr. Trent Ford, have connected to climate change. Flooded fields delayed plantings and decreased corn and soybean production by about 20 percent. “I believe that it’s absolutely happening,” Costello said of climate change. “You’re living in a shell if you don’t realize something different is going on right now.” Costello’s former House district, a chunk of southwest Illinois along the Mississippi River, was heavily impacted. Corn and soybean production in the district’s main counties, Monroe and Randolph, dropped by about 30 percent last year.

Initiatives on his mind

Costello said one of his top priorities would be to expand a program launched last year that encourages farmers to grow cover crops, which are planted between cash crop seasons to protect soil and manage erosion. That also includes working with soil and water conservation districts to ensure that “from an environmental standpoint, we’re doing everything we can to make sure that we’re getting the best yields for farmers, but at the same point in time, leaving the earth in the best possible state.” “At the end of the day,” he said, “the most important part of this industry is leaving it in a position to where we can pass it on to future generations.” Other initiatives at the top of Costello’s mind are expanding the state’s new hemp program and helping urban communities grow fresh fruits and vegetables in so-called food deserts. “We can help in a number of ways,” he said, “and work with people that maybe aren’t considered traditional farmers.” Costello says he wants to bring ag stakeholders together, from farmers to consumers to groups affected by the industry. He also wants to educate people about agriculture’s importance to Illinois’ economy, showing how everything is connected from planter to dinner plate. “You’ve got producers and users,” Costello said. “One really cannot survive or be without the other.”

Trade war uncertainty

Illinois farmers have been hit hard

Please see PRIORITIES, Page 28

HOME, FARM & GARDEN

SPRINGFIELD – Jerry Costello II had some decorating to do in his office. The new director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture still had framed pictures stacked against a wall in his mostly-empty corner office in Springfield. You could forgive him, though; he had been on the job since only March 2. Among the few things on Costello’s desk were a family portrait and an old dairy cowbell passed down to him through generations. “Agriculture is a passion of mine,” he said during an interview. “It’s something that’s been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.” Costello, 51, is just getting settled in, but he says he has a clear vision for the ag department, including uniting stakeholders, expanding the department’s initiatives, and working with Gov. J.B. Pritzker to support farmers and rural communities.

March 18-24, 2020

“One of the things that we’ve got to make sure that we’re doing,” he said, “is we’re working with the federal government to maximize what we can as far as making sure our farmers are protected.” The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported this spring would be wetter than normal, which does not bode well for farmers as water tables are high and soil is saturated from winter precipitation. “We’re working very hard in the near term to address and fight flooding such as it may be this spring,” Pritzker told reporters recently after an event with Costello. “Rebuilding our levees and protecting our basic infrastructure is a top priority.”

CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

PRIORITES: FLOODING, BROADBAND

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March 18-24, 2020

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Living greens more than plants; they’re connectors By Cheryl Wormley

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

FAMILY, FRIENDS REMEMBERED

March 18-24, 2020

Some would describe my love for living greens as being over the top. When a houseplant needs to be pruned, I carefully propagate new plants from the cuttings. When outside plants need dividing, I find new homes for them either somewhere else in our yard or with a willing recipient – family, neighbor, or friend. I ache, actually grieve a bit, when plants no longer thrive, and I do my best to revive them, often without success. Case in point, a cherished Rex begonia from a college friend’s mother-plant died a year or so ago. When I noticed it struggling, I gave it a boost of plant food and water. Looking back, I think the poor thing would have been better off left alone. Plants that are most dear to me were gifts. Whenever I water my collection of bird’s nest sansevieria, I think of my grandmother Smith. One of those thick, green, pointed-leaf plants lived happily in a pink-andwhite pot in the center of her round, oak dining room table. She gave me a start from that plant about 50 years ago. I’ve carted its offspring from Illinois to Georgia to New Mexico and back to Illinois. And I’ve grown future generations for my sisters, sons, and nieces. I love the beautiful Christmas cactus that was my mother’s before she gave it to me. It thinks for itself, just as Mom did. It’s in full bloom every Thanksgiving, just as she bloomed in

COURTESY PHOTO

Cheryl Wormley’s legacy Christmas cactus has a schedule of its own. It blooms for Thanksgiving. her own way and time. My most recent houseplant gift came from my older sister, Nann. It’s a Gryphon begonia. Its silvery specked, pin-wheel-like, glossy green leaves grow to nearly dinnerplate size. I had admired the one in Nann’s living room so often that she started one for me. This winter, mine adorned itself with a lacy bloom. That’s a brief introduction to my houseplants. Now, let’s go outside. My dad had a row of hollyhocks in front of the milking parlor on our farm east of Oswego. His were red – his favorite color. They were stunning against the white parlor and cow barn. Hollyhocks are delightful biennials. If you plant them from seed, it takes two years before they bloom. And since the seeds from the first bloom won’t bloom for another two years, having hollyhocks each year means planting seeds two successive springs. After that, they will reseed themselves. Mine, a mixture of reds, pinks, and white, grow wherever they want in the big flowerbed behind our house. I have other plants from my growing-up farmyard, too. Mom loved flowers. The first blooms each year were red tulips. She would count how many buds and flowers were in

the front yard – often more than 150. Now, I have red tulips in front of our house. She also grew beautiful bearded iris – deep purple, bright buttery yellow, bronze, and purple and white. Iris tubers need to be divided every three to five years. When those times came, Mom would ask whether anyone wanted some of her iris. I was an eager recipient. At one time there were three peony bushes in Mom and Dad’s front yard – two identical pinks and a white with a pink center. I remember Mom in her late 80s helping me

dig about 4-inch hunks of roots, so I’d have a start of each color. The pink one liked being transplanted. The white one didn’t survive its parental separation. Peony blossoms last only a few weeks when they pop open in early summer, but the memories their fragrance stirs last all year. When I think about it, I have purchased very few of the plants in our flowerbeds. We have ditch day lilies (the orange ones that are hardy enough to grow along roadsides in the summer) and lily of the valley from my friend Denise Graff Ponstein. And, oh, I must tell you about the Maude Foster lavender chrysanthemums. Maude brought them from her yard in Sequim, Washington, to Albuquerque, New Mexico, when all of us were living and working at Menaul School. I carried some to Woodstock, planting them first in our yard on Jackson Street and then taking starts to Margaret Drive. Thankfully, they are hardy. I nearly killed them when I overzealously spread Preen on the garden in hopes of eliminating vine weed. Allow me one more bit of plant genealogy. Several times, I have purchased plants from the Bull Valley Garden Club’s annual spring sale. It’s been awhile since my last purchase – a three-leafed peony in a 3-inch plastic starter pot. Nancy Jung, a long-time member whom I admired greatly, extolled its virtue, saying it was from her yard and especially unique. It’s now a lush bush, and it truly is special – some of its blooms are white, and others are a vibrant rosy pink. Yes, I cherish plants and flowers – especially the way they connect me with beautiful people. Cheryl Wormley is publisher of The Woodstock Independent.

HOME, FARM & GARDEN

’m a plant lover – real plants that grow, not perfect-looking plastic plants. I have houseplants, and I have flower gardens.

HOME, FARM & GARDEN

March 18-24, 2020

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

HOME, FARM & GARDEN PHOTOS BY TRICIA CARZOLI

Heather Montoya and Mitchell Havemann, owners of Tribe Country Farms, hold a raft bed of lettuce.

Tribe Country Farms’ aquaponics system holds 110,000 gallons of water that brings nutrients to the plants. The self-sustaining system requires only 30 gallons of water to be added to the system each day.

YEAR-ROUND FARMING

More than 2,000 non-GMO-fed Tilapia bring nutrients to the plants through the water supply at Tribe Country Farms.

Tribe Country Farms offers fresh lettuce 12 months a year By Tricia Carzoli

HOME, FARM & GARDEN

he farm-to-table trend is strong in McHenry County because of the expansive farmland and ample seasonal markets.

Co-owner Mitchell Havemann, who built the aquaponics system, shows the roots under a raft bed.

But out on Rose Farm Road in Woodstock, Tribe Country Farms is using aquaponics technology to deliver fresh lettuce all year long. Heather Montoya and Mitchell Havemann knew the demand for fresh produce in this area was strong, and the brother- and sister-in-law team were confident they could fill it. The pair own Tribe Country Farms, 716 N. Rose Farm Road, growing several types of lettuce as well as basil and microgreens through aquaponic technology, which is “the combination

of growing both plants and fish in one recirculating system,” Montoya explained.

Local ties; broad education

Havemann grew up in Crystal Lake before moving to Woodstock. Montoya also grew up in Crystal Lake before attending Colorado State University, where she learned about the value of aquaponics. “The method allows us to use onetenth of the water traditional farming methods use,” Montoya said, because the water is filtered and recirculated throughout the agriculture system. She further took a master’s class in the method in Wisconsin and, along with her brother-in-law, decided Woodstock would be the perfect location for an aquaponics farm. “There was land here,” Havemann said. “And we really enjoyed the community – and we knew Woodstock supports local. It was a good fit.”

Embarking on a dream

With the high value being placed on locally grown produce and the thriving Woodstock farmers markets, the two bought land in November 2018, excavated it, and began the planning and building process, resulting in a 6,000-square-foot ultra-modern greenhouse. “We grow indoors, all year long, so we aren’t impacted by weather.,” Montoya said. “And our facility is all climate-controlled by a weather station located in our building that automatically adjusts the side panels. fans, and roof.” Those side panels of the building are screened in, but can be opened to circulate air. The facility is technologically advanced, but for Havemann, who has a mechanical and electrical background, and Montoya, who earned her degree in agriculture business, the strongest reason to farm using

aquaponics is to add as little as possible to the produce. Havemann built the aquaponic system, which holds 110,000 gallons of water that brings nutrients to the plants. The self-sustaining system requires only 30 gallons of water to be added to the system each day. Havemann and Montoya also feed the larger fish three times a day and the baby fish five times a day. The fish are important.

Lettuce begins with fish

Tribe Country Farms raises more than 2,000 non-GMO-fed tilapia, which are stationed at the highest point of the system. Each tank holds 600 gallons of water, and each day, one of the company’s seven tanks is run through a filtration system. “The solids are filtered out,” Montoya explained, “and the nutrient-rich water that is left behind is used in the

raft beds that are filled with plants.” The water flows under the floating raft-beds, while the plant roots grow into the water, leaving lengthy root trails as the raft beds are elevated from the water. That water is then put back into the fish tanks before the process begins again. “The plants grow faster than if they were in soil – 40 to 50 days from seed to full grown, depending on the type of lettuce,” Montoya said. “You don’t need to wash our lettuce,” Havemann added, “because it isn’t grown outside or in soil.”

Hard work proves successful

In January 2019, Tribe Country Farms officially began selling Certified Naturally Grown lettuce, basil, and microgreens to the community and local restaurants. “Certified Naturally Grown is a way for smaller businesses to be recognized as organic,” Montoya said. “It costs a lot of money to be certified organic,” Havemann explained. “And many smaller businesses just can’t afford it – even though they may be organic. Our lettuce grows in water and never touches soil. “The color is vibrant because of the nutrients,” he continued. “We don’t use any chemicals, [ pesticides or herbicides], all the nutrients come from

the fish.”

Consistent quality for all

Tribe Country Farms is able to provide both residents and restaurateurs with locally grown lettuce, basil, and microgreens throughout the year. The business is leaving its mark because of the quality of its produce, Montoya said. “Our lettuce is consistent yearround in quality and price,” she said. “We pick it fresh every day, so it stays fresh for two to three weeks. We will be picking 300 heads of lettuce every day – no matter what season it is. In the winter, many restaurants are cutting off one-third of the lettuce because it is bad – because the lettuce is traveling from other parts of the country or a different country altogether.” The farm sells produce and tilapia to many local restaurants in Crystal Lake, Woodstock, and surrounding areas. The general public also can buy from Tribe Country Farms’ in-house farmers market. The walk-in market is open from 2 to 5 p.m. Tuesday; 9 to 11:30 a.m.Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday; and 2 to 5 p.m. Friday. Hours will be updated on their social media accounts and their website: tribecountryfarms.com.

Pet Week of the

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

To see this pet or others or to volunteer to help walk dogs, call the shelter at:

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March 18-24, 2020

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The McHenry County Historical Society presents “Picture Postcards: The Happy Invention” at 4 p.m. on Monday, May 11, at the Society’s museum (6422 Main St., Union) presented by Katherine Hamilton-Smith. In America, the first picture postcards were printed for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, making Illinois the birthplace of the American picture postcard. Since then, billions of postcards have captured every aspect of life, including our social history. A $12 donation is requested

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for individual programs. For information or to buy tickets, call 815-923-2267 or visit www.gothistory.org.

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Straw bale gardening, a simple and economical alternative to raised beds A peck of pluses

By Sandy Kucharski HOME, FARM & GARDEN

An organic container

“Straw bale gardening is a form of container gardening,” Truog said. “Growing plants in a decomposing straw bale is like growing in a compost pile.” Once rooted in a properly conditioned bale, plants need only routine watering. The gardens are capable of supporting most varieties of vegetable and flowers that sprout out of the top and side. Truog does not recommend using hay bales as they contain grasses and, thus, seeds, and she advised that straw bales should be clean and free of seed heads as well.

COURTESY PHOTO

Thomas Truog, a member of the Huntley Heartlanders 4-H Club, waters one of the straw-bale gardens his club planted at the McHenry County Fairgrounds.

Get growing

Set up the desired number of bales in any aesthetically pleasing pattern, such as a horseshoe or rows, choosing a location with the appropriate amount of light. Place a weed barrier such as landscape cloth or cardboard down and set the bales on the fabric with the strings going around the sides instead of over and under the bale. The straw can be conveniently located anywhere in the yard to take advantage of the best lighting. Raw bales need to be conditioned for about 10 days to jump start the decomposition process and prepare them for planting. There are a variety of methods for conditioning the bales, but Truog recommends the method perfected by Joel Karsten, the University of Minnesota horticulturist who authored “Straw Bale Gardens.”

Karsten’s method outlines 10 days of alternating applications of prescribed amounts of high nitrogen fertilizer – without herbicides – and soaking with water. Complete details can be found in Karsten’s books or on YouTube videos. The conditioning will encourage the growth of microorganisms, composting the straw, basically creating virgin soil. Since the growth of these microorganisms can create heat, gardeners need to be sure the conditioning is done outdoors only. To prepare for planting, the addition of two inches of soilless medium is recommended, taking care to be sure that nothing used on the straw bale garden contains soil residue, including tools and gloves. As soon as the temperatures are consistently in the 50s, seeds or live bedding plants can be planted directly into the bale.

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The inspiration for the method is said to have come from a farmer who noticed straw bales that were unintentionally left out on the field after the fall harvest were sprouting plants in the spring. With a little management, the bales were capable of sustaining the new growth and maintaining the plants to maturity. Today, the practice is growing in popularity, and new applications and advantages are germinating with every user. Visitors to the McHenry County Fair in the past two years might have noticed a couple of these on display near the conservation tent. Kim Truog, a landscape design assistant with Countryside Flower Shop, Nursery & Garden Center, helped the Huntley Heartlanders 4-H Club to create the straw bale gardens, and she shares her expertise through seminars for 4-H and customers at the store.

March 18-24, 2020

ardeners looking to bring a little more farm into their plots – as well as convenience and ease of care – should consider planting a straw bale garden. This natural and aesthetically pleasing growing option is ripe with advantages.

“The applications are mind-boggling,” said Truog, who was introduced to the method by a relative. The woman had a yard that was full of trees, but she found the bale garden could be located anywhere, and she was able to find a good spot that was not conducive to a traditional garden. This flexibility in the placement of the straw bales allows gardeners to change the look of the beds from year to year. It also accommodates rotation for species or use on contaminated soil. The bales work where space is very limited, and even on concrete, making them useful for urban food deserts. As a raised bed of sorts, the hay bale garden is convenient to work with, especially for people who find bending over a challenge. In addition, the raised design deters pests such as caterpillars because they tend to avoid going vertical. Where raised beds don’t necessarily look natural, the straw bale gardens do. “It combines the farm community with the urban community,” Truog said. Traditional raised beds can be a costly investment in materials and labor, but straw has a relatively inexpensive start-up cost. Perhaps the most difficult step will be finding straw bales to use. Many gardening centers offer them for sale in the fall as decoration or year-round for other landscaping uses. Better yet, take out the middleman and the added costs and cultivate a relationship with an area farmer for buying a few bales each year. “Planting in the straw basically eliminates soil borne disease,” Truog said. She cited the success she had last season with pumpkins. While crops planted in the ground suffered from a very wet season, the straw bale pumpkins thrived. Along with pumpkins, she’s had success with most flowers and vegetables, with the possible exception of root crops like carrots. The bales lend themselves very well to vining plants with the addition of posts and wires. To learn more, look for seminars on the topic such as the one Truog teaches at Countryside Flower Shop & Garden Center in Crystal Lake. She also plans to offer a presentation for McHenry County 4-H this spring.

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COW BED TO FLOWER BED

BACK TO CLASSROOM

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March 18-24, 2020

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Gardenfest teaches trends, techniques

Staff Report

HOME, FARM & GARDEN

arn your green thumb at the annual McHenry County Gardenfest. Participants will learn about new garden trends, plants, and techniques at this day-long series of garden-related seminars and workshops. Gardenfest 2020 will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 4 at McHenry County College, 8900 U.S. 14, Crystal Lake. Gardenfest is an annual educational event co-sponsored by MCC and the University of Illinois Extension McHenry County Master Gardeners. Fifteen breakout sessions – presented by industry experts, University of Illinois Extension educators, Extension master gardeners, and MCC instructors – will

PRIORITIES

Continued from Page 21

by a trade war with China that enters its third year this spring. The Trump administration signed the first phase of a trade agreement in January, but the president said he would not lift America’s tariffs until phase two was completed. “What’s very concerning to me,” Costello said, is how the Trump administration’s trade negotiations might be straining America’s

cover myriad gardening topics. The morning keynote speaker will be William Moss, a TV garden host, author, producer, and educator. He will present “Get Out and Grow Veggies 2020,” which will review 20 of the best veggies to grow in the Chicago-area based on nutrition, productivity, maintenance, and other factors. Moss also will discuss new varieties with new features and old varieties with newly discovered attributes. The afternoon keynote speaker will be Nina Koziol, a garden writer who is a garden design and horticulture instructor at the Chicago Botanic Garden and the Morton Arboretum. She will present “The Gardener as Artist,” a look at public and private gardens – from the quirky and magical to the elegant and innovative – and the plants and garden art within them. Other 2020 Gardenfest topics will include “Landscapes and Gardens

from a Designer’s View,” “Backyard Blueberries and Raspberries,” “Tool Care and Sharpening,” “Best New Plants for 2020,” and “Native Plants.” This year’s Gardenfest boasts two keynote speakers and 15 breakout sessions offered in three segments; each segment lasts about an hour. Lunch will be served midday in the MCC cafeteria, and vendors will sell garden-related wares. Attendees also are eligible for door prizes. Registration for Gardenfest is available online at mchenry.edu/ gardenfest. Registration deadline is March 27; the cost is $45. Tickets can also be purchased at the door the day of the event (for an added $5 fee, first come, first served). For more information, visit mchenry.edu/gardenfest, email conferencecenter@mchenry.edu, or call 815-479-7570. Call to confirm any cancellation or postponement of this event.

relationship with China. During the trade war, China has found other partners to meet its demand of top Illinois exports like pork and soybeans. “You can put Band-Aids on this stuff by taking people’s eye off the ball and giving temporary aid,” Costello said, “but we’ve got to have long-term relationships in place in order for the product to maintain what it’s worth.” He also did not express confidence in the administration’s negotiation strategies. “I don’t know what the interests are

at this point in time,” Costello said. “I would like to say that I do. I’m not in a position right now to make that judgment.”

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Awaiting confirmation

Costello is technically the “acting” director until the Senate Executive Committee votes to confirm him. The committee, whose chairman is state Sen. Antonio Munoz, D-Chicago, consists of eight Democrats and four Republicans. A spokesperson for Munoz said the

committee “looks forward to reviewing his credentials” within the window of 60 session days it is has to vote. Costello hopes the record of bipartisanship he says he built as House ag committee chairman secures his confirmation. “It’s about working together,” he said. “We were able to work together to get a lot of things done for farmers in the state.” In the meantime, maybe Costello can find some time to hang those pictures.

29 THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT March 18-24, 2020

HOME, FARM & GARDEN

Real Charming. Real Community. Real Woodstock. In Woodstock, the independent streak runs deep. And being a good neighbor goes a long way. Young at Heart Senior Pet Adoptions, a non-profit funded by the community, is focused on providing care and adoption services for pets 13-years-old and

up. Visit its new facility and find a pet that will love you no matter how old you are. If you are looking for your perfect home and a community that prides itself on supporting each other, Woodstock has it all.

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March 18-24, 2020

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Grow your food for health, cost reasons Vegetable gardening is an interesting hobby in which the entire family can be involved. “Home grown” veggies are fresher, may have better nutrient values, and end up costing less that buying them at the market. Gardening provides healthy outdoor exercise, teaches self-sustainability, and gives you control over the pesticides used on Nancy your food. Shevel If starting a new vegetable garden, choose the best location with regard to good soil, adequate sunlight, and away from trees and shrubs that will compete for plant nutrients and moisture. Locating your garden near to your house assures an adequate water supply and less damage from wildlife. Many vegetables and herbs are colorful and attractive, adding to a pleasant focal element to your landscape. All plants prefer certain growing

conditions, so yearly soil testing is important. There are inexpensive ($40) handheld digital soil analyzers or soil test kits ($25) that come with supplies for 40 tests, which can be found online or in garden centers. Mail-in soil test kits are also available at the Master Gardeners office in Woodstock at the Farm Bureau, 1102

McConnell Road. Once you have the results and recommendations from your soil test, you can determine the best choice of fertilizer components – nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium – your soil needs for best results. Do not prepare the soil when it is too wet, or damage to the soil

JJ&&JJ

structure might result. Squeeze a handful of soil – it should not be too sticky and should form a ball that will crumble easily. Turn the ground over to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. Break up large clumps by striking them with the back side of your spade or rototiller. If fertilizer is needed per your test results, add to the soil and rake or till to work into soil to 1- to 4-inch depth. Level the garden with a hand rake or harrow. The next steps you take will be determined by the weather and whether you are starting with seeds or plants. The material for this column was resourced from the University of Illinois Master Gardeners manual. If you have any gardening questions, please call the McHenry County Master Gardeners office at 815-3383737 or email your questions to uiemg-mchenry@illinois.edu. Starting in April, you can visit the office between 9 a.m. and noon Monday and Wednesday to talk with Master Gardeners about any gardening concerns. Nancy Shevel is a Master Gardener.

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a little late for this “spring cleanup,” just be careful not to damage any new growth. When I refer to perennial gardens, I do hope you will consider using more “native” perennials in your gardens. Perennials are considered the backbone of most flower gardens and typically live three or more years. Since perennials are more

growing vigorously. Use a general all-purpose fertilizer (13-13-13 or 5-10-5) at a rate of one to two pounds per 100 square feet. It is important to brush any of the fertilizer granules off the new plant foliage to prevent burning. Always read and follow instructions on the label. For info on suggested annuals for Illinois, go to web.extension.illinois. edu/annuals/directory.cfm For info on suggested perennials for Illinois, go to web.extension.illinois.edu/perennials For info on suggested native plants for Illinois, go to web.extension.illinois.edu/wildflowers/directory.cfm The material for this column was resourced from the University of Illinois Master Gardeners manual. If questions, call the McHenry County Master Gardeners office at 815-3383737 or email to uiemg-mchenry@ illinois.edu. Starting in April, you can visit the office between 9 a.m. and noon Monday and Wednesday to talk with Master Gardeners about any gardening concerns. The address is 1102 McConnell Road, Woodstock, which is the Farm Bureau building.

March 18-24, 2020

It’s been accepted custom for many years to get the perennial gardens cut down in the fall for a clean look with a light layer of mulch. This is some people’s preference, but leaving up the perennials gives the gardens interest in the winter and a wilder look that we enjoy. Save yourself some work and let the leaves that have blown in to the garden stay right where they land, and they will provide a light mulch and a more natural look. New perennials should be mulched to help give them more time to develop roots and avoid frost heaving in the spring. In the winter, goldfinches thrive eating the seed heads of coneflowers, so cutting them down removes this valuable food source. Butterflies, moths, bees, and many beneficial insects overwinter in the stems of plants in the Illinois landscape, so just changing a few gardening habits can make a huge difference! In spring, try to get out in the gardens to cut back the perennials before they start growing. If you run

permanent, good soil is essential. Plants have three basic needs that are fulfilled by soils: moisture, air and nutrients. Each of these components is critical to good plant growth. A soil tester or test kit is of great value and can be obtained online, at garden centers, and at the Master Gardeners office in Woodstock. The ideal soil pH for most perennials and annuals is slightly acidic (between 6.0 and 6.8). Follow the recommendations for your soil test results. You may have to raise the pH (make it more alkaline) by adding ground limestone or lower the pH by adding sulphur – both are usually available at garden centers or online. In the spring, pull back the mulch and look for new growth – put the mulch to the side just in case it is needed for quick cover against a later spring frost. Trim perennial plants back to the new growth. After the frost is over and the mulch has been removed, the entire garden should be fertilized. This is also when the amendments from the soil test should be added. Maintaining fertility levels in the soil keeps plants

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About perennials, annuals, native plants

IN BRIEF

MCC has ongoing series of agriculture workshops The Center for Agrarian Learning at McHenry County College is conducting a series of in-depth agricultural workshops through August with experts in the food and farm economy. According to a news release, the workshops will be open to individuals of every skill level and businesses of any size. The workshops explore some of the hottest topics facing farmers today. Classes will include navigating farm-related legal issues, scaling up for wholesale markets, preparing operations for each season, and determining whether a loan is needed to grow your business. Registration is required to attend these workshops, and costs vary. More information and registration details can be found at mchenry.edu/ agworkshops. The workshops are presented by MCC’s Center for Agrarian Learning, which launched in 2019 as a resource hub designed to connect growers to the people and ideas they need to succeed. For more information about the Center for Agrarian learning, visit mchenry.edu/cal or email Sheri

Doyel at sdoyel@mchenry.edu or call 815-479-7618.

Documentary will explore changing future of farming The Land Conservancy of McHenry County and McHenry County College’s Center for Agrarian Learning will present a new documentary film, “Seasons of Change on Henry’s Farm,” at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 2, at MCC’s Luecht Conference Center 8900 U.S. 14, Crystal Lake. For a quarter-century, Henry and Hiroko Brockman have run Henry’s Farm, a biodiverse family farm in Congerville, less than 3 hours from McHenry County. Armed with intimate knowledge of soil, plants and microclimates, Henry Brockman produces 650 varieties of organic vegetables every year. But Henry realizes climate change will force him to re-envision the future of farming – for himself and for coming generations. The free program will begin with a reception where people can meet the filmmakers. The film will start at 7 p.m. Director Ines Sommer and producer Terra Brockman will host a Q&A session after the film.

Spring always brings promise amid our times of uncertainty Spring officially arrives this week, and with it we can expect even more moderate temperatures after a winter of relatively moderate weather. Welcome to Home, Farm & Garden, The Independent’s celebration of the spring Larry season. Lough Of course, Editor spring comes this year amid the coronavirus pandemic, which has turned a lot of our lives upside down. Several events are listed in this section, but you should check with the venue or sponsor to determine whether cancellations or postponements will affect your plans. Inside this special edition you will find stories and photos about

announcements

HOME, FARM & GARDEN

March 18-24, 2020

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things that are growing around Woodstock as we get back into the gardens and fields for activities that reflect our life in the Midwest. Amid the newness of spring, you can read about the new year-round business of growing vegetables with aquaponics technology at Tribe Country Farms in Woodstock. And you will find lots of information on gardening, including straw bale gardening. Of course, this special edition would not have been possible without the support of our many business partners in the community, whose advertisements you will find throughout. We thank them for joining us in bringing you this section. And we hope you enjoy Home, Farm & Garden. Please, let us know what you think. Larry Lough Editor

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APRIL

19 - Thursday CREATIVE LIVING SERIES

3 - Friday TALISK

20-22 - Friday-Sunday MUSICAL “Matilda” Theatre 121 Woodstock Opera House 815-338-5300 woodstockoperahouse.com

26 - Thursday FRIDA - VIVA LA VIDA

Great Art on Screen Woodstock Opera House 7 p.m. 815-338-5300 woodstockoperahouse.com

27 - Friday A NIGHT AT THE OPERA Concert Woodstock Opera House 7:30 p.m. 815-338-5300 woodstockoperahouse.com

28 - Saturday THE DAILY SHOW WRITERS COMEDY TOUR Woodstock Opera House 8 p.m. 815-338-5300 woodstockoperahouse.com

29 - Sunday “ROMEO AND JULIET”

Bolshoi Ballet Cinema Broadcast Woodstock Opera House 2 p.m. 815-338-5300

Concert Woodstock Opera House 8 p.m. 815-338-5300 woodstockoperahouse.com

4 - Saturday PORTLAND CELLO PROJECT: PURPLE REIGN Woodstock Opera House 8 p.m. 815-338-5300 woodstockoperahouse.com

5 - Sunday “ALL MY SONS”

A Theatre Cinema Broadcast Woodstock Opera House 2 p.m. 815-338-5300 woodstockoperahouse.com

9 - Thursday “CASABLANCA”

Oscar Film Series Woodstock Opera House 7 p.m. 815-338-5300 woodstockoperahouse.com

17-19, 24-26, May 1-3 - Friday-Sunday “MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS” Theatre 121 Woodstock Opera House 815-338-5300 woodstockoperahouse.com

16 - Thursday CREATIVE LIVING SERIES “After, words” Katherine Gray Woodstock Opera House 10 a.m.

McHenry County Conservation District Prairieview Education Center 2112 Behan Road Crystal Lake 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. mccdistrict.org

22 - Wednesday EARTH DAY

“50 Years of Defending” Documentary of Environmental Defenders of McHenry County McHenry County College 8900 U.S. 14 Crystal Lake 7 p.m. envirodefmc@gmail.com

25 - Saturday ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENDERS OF MCHENRY COUNTY Restoration workday 2222 S. Dean St. Woodstock 9-11 a.m. envirodefmc@gmail.com

30 - Thursday LEONARDO 500

Great Art on Screen Woodstock Opera House 7 p.m. 815-338-5300 woodstockoperahouse.com

MAY 7 - Thursday “CITIZEN KANE”

Oscar Film Series Woodstock Opera House 7 p.m. 815-338-5300 woodstockoperahouse.com

9 - Saturday RED ROSE RAGTIME BAND Woodstock Opera House 8 p.m. 815-338-5300 woodstockoperahouse.com

A Theatre Cinema Broadcast Woodstock Opera House 2 p.m. 815-338-5300 woodstockoperahouse.com

16 - Saturday HEARTACHE TONIGHT

Eagles tribute band Woodstock Opera House 8 p.m. 815-338-5300 woodstockoperahouse.com

21 - Thursday HERMITAGE: THE POWER OF ART Great Art on Screen Woodstock Opera House 2 p.m. 815-338-5300 woodstockoperahouse.com

23 - Saturday CROCE PLAYS CROCE

A.J. Croce Woodstock Opera House 8 p.m. 815-338-5300 woodstockoperahouse.com

30 - Saturday WOODSTOCK WATER WORKS Aquatic Center opens for season Emricson Park 7 a.m.-5 p.m. 815-338-4896

JUNE 12-14, 19-21, 26-28 - Friday-Sunday “NEWSIES: THE BROADWAY MUSICAL” Woodstock Opera House 815-338-5300 woodstockoperahouse.com

20 - Saturday WOODSTOCK CHALLENGE

Run and pool party Emricson Park To register: signmeup.com/133324 815-338-4363

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“Chicago Renaissance: Literature and Art in the Midwest Metropolis” Liesl Olson Woodstock Opera House 10 a.m. 815-338-5300 woodstockoperahouse.com

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18 - Saturday EARTH DAY CELEBRATION

10 - Sunday “FLEABAG”

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Our Congratulations to Eric! Eric Anderson, CFP® Financial Advisor Anderson Wealth Management, along with the entire Woodstock branch of Benjamin F. Edwards & Co., is pleased to announce that Eric Anderson has obtained his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM certification. Trust. Integrity. Mutual Respect. These are principles that guide us as we deliver the informed investment advice you deserve, and the client-first service you expect.

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Community

March 18-24, 2020

Government affected by coronavirus disruptions Staff Report

NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Here is a sample of what local government agencies and institutions have announced about changes caused by COVID-19.

COMMUNITY

City of Woodstock

In an effort to reduce public transmission of the COVID-19 pandemic, the city of Woodstock announces programming changes at all public facilities effective Monday, March 16, 2020, and extending until Monday, April 13, 2020. Program changes will be posted on-site at facilities as well as on facility websites and social media sites. Participants are encouraged to call facilities to confirm cancellation of events if there are any questions. This includes public programs at the following facilities: Woodstock Opera House & Stage Left Café – all public performances and gatherings in both locations are cancelled, from March 16 through April 13, whether produced by the Opera House or other groups. Patrons will be contacted regarding rescheduling or the issuing of credits for canceled programs. Woodstock Public Library – all public programming is canceled from March 13 through April 13, whether scheduled by the library or other community groups. The library building will be closed to the public starting March 16. Curbside materials delivery will begin March 17, noon to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and noon to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday. No curbside delivery Sundays. The library is also offering amnesty for fines due through the month of April. Woodstock Recreation Center – no group sports or large gatherings in the gym will be allowed from March 16 through April 13; however, all fitness classes at the Recreation Center will remain held as scheduled. Woodstock Recreation Department – The following classes will proceed as scheduled – tae kwon do, dance, swim lessons, gymnastics, and piano lessons. If parents are uncomfortable sending their children to these classes, please

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The week that wasn’t in Woodstock

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY LARRY LOUGH

“Postponed” was a popular work on this kiosk promoting events at the Woodstock Public Library. Then on Monday, the word was “closed” – the library shut down amid concerns about risks from the coronavirus. contact the Recreation Department at 815-338-4363 to request a credit for any future classes missed. Intensive cleaning is being done continually at the library and the Recreation Center, and discussions are ongoing to review and evaluate any future need to close these buildings based on state, county, and federal guidelines to control this pandemic situation. While these limitations to social interaction are very difficult to announce, the city’s primary concern is for the health and safety of residents. All other departments at the city of Woodstock remain open for business and city services including police, Public Works, Finance, Economic Development, Building & Zoning, and Human Resources continue to be fully staffed and available to provide a consistent level of service to residents. Online payment of water bills and applications for various permits and programs is

also an effective and efficient way to do business whenever possible. Call the City Manager’s Office at 815-338-4301 with questions or concerns.

School District 200

Woodstock School District 200 schools will be closed to students beginning Monday, March 16, due to health concerns for our students, families and staff. We are following Centers for Disease Control recommendations on limiting the gathering of large groups. Schools will remain closed all of next week and during our scheduled spring break, March 23 to March 27. In addition to student health concerns, we are concerned about the possibility of our students transmitting the COVID-19 virus to other vulnerable groups, including the elderly. We are aware of the difficulties many of our families will face without children able to attend school, but it is our

responsibility to do our part to mitigate the pandemic by halting the gathering of more than 6,300 students and hundreds of staff members every day. We will remain in communication with our families during this time and communicate updates directly and via our website about any decision to reopen schools and other pertinent information. During the closure, students and staff will continue school through our eLearning plan starting Monday March 16. We realized that eLearning can never replace the value of student/teacher classroom learning, but an abundance of caution is needed to protect our students, staff and the greater community.

St. Mary, Marian Central

Bishop Malloy has approved the following directives for dissemination by the Catholic Education Office: Beginning on Monday, March 16, See CANCELED Page 37

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CANCELED Continued from Page 35

classes at all Diocesan elementary and high school facilities are to be suspended until at least March 30, at which time the situation will be reevaluated, and further directives will be provided. During this time period, however, schools are expected to put into place e-learning/distant learning protocols. The suspension of on-site classes also includes ALL athletic, extra-curricular, and co-curricular activities both on and off-site. The suspension of these athletic, extra-curricular, and cocurricular activities is to begin immediately and will be re-evaluated at the same time the school situation is re-evaluated. Administrators, we recommend that during the next two weeks that you direct your school or parish maintenance staff to do a deep cleaning of your school facility and that you also limit access to your building. Families & staff, we ask that if anyone is planning on traveling outside the continental United States during the upcoming spring break that you inform your school administrator and place yourself on a 14-day self-quarantine when you return. This is important because you will not be allowed to return to school until that period of time has elapsed. And the quarantine period begins the day you return. Because this is an ever-evolving situation, there may be more information and directives that will be communicated to you through School Speak, parishes, social media, and the diocesan website. Also, please check your e-mail regularly.

McHenry County McHenry County Board Chairman Jack Franks has declared a state of emergency for McHenry County in response to the county’s first presumptive case of coronavirus. The declaration activates the emergency operations plans of the McHenry County Department of Health and the McHenry County Emergency Management Agency, and requests state and federal funding and resources to combat a potential outbreak. Franks made the declaration upon the joint recommendation of county Public Health Administrator Melissa Adamson and EMA Director David Christensen. “Declaring a state of emergency is not a decision to be made lightly. However, with a McHenry County resident now presumptively diagnosed with coronavirus, I have the responsibility to ensure that we can bring all available local, state and federal resources to bear to blunt the impact and bring this to as quick of a conclusion as possible,” Franks, said. “This declaration should not be taken as a cause for panic or alarm. ...”

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McHenry County Courts

The 22nd Judicial Circuit of McHenry County and Michael J. Sullivan Judicial Center remain open, and the court will continue to perform court-related functions. The court formally activated the Judicial Circuit Pandemic Continuity of Operations Plan. Upon activation, the Court has taken steps to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus, while continuing to perform essential and statutorily mandated functions. All communication related to the functions of the 22nd Judicial Circuit should be directed to the trial court administrator at 815-334-4385.

CALL 815-943-4700 www.jsmallenginerepair.com

403 Airport Rd., Harvard, IL 60033

COMMUNITY

March 18-24, 2020

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

Earth Day going strong at 50 Environmental Defenders plan activities to celebrate Not only is the organization for which I have the honor of working turning 50 this year (as I’m hoping you’ve heard!), but so is Earth Day! In fact, the Environmental Defenders is closely connected to the spirit of environmental stewardship that blossomed in 1970 as a response to increased concern over rising pollution, which was much related to Rachel Carson’s book, “Silent Spring,” published some years earlier. “Silent Spring” was a startling expose on the dangerous

effects of pesticides on the American countryside. A quick history of Earth Day: In 1969, Gaylord Nelson, then a U.S. senator from Wisconsin, came up with the idea for a national day to focus on the environment after witnessing a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, Calif. Earth Environmental Day began Defenders as a national The Green Scene “teach-in” and was held on April 22 to maximize the number of college and university students who could be reached.

Enter Dennis Hayes, a young activist who had served as student president at Stanford University. Dennis, who was selected as Earth Day’s national coordinator, worked with student volunteers and staff members from Sen. Nelson’s Senate office to organize the project. A global phenomenon, Earth Day engages more than 1 billion people planet-wide and reaches many more. The theme for Earth Day this year is “Climate Action.” This brings both a sense of urgency and opportunity: URGENCY in that daily life habits as well as legislation can have global effects that can help mitigate climate change, and OPPORTUNITY through legislation now being rolled out in our state’s Legislature in the form of CEJA

– the Clean Energy Jobs Act. Some of you might even have hitched a ride to Springfield on March 4 for Clean Energy Lobby Day. Today, Earth Day is still mostly about local action that comprehensively raises awareness crucial to helping to protect our planet, which in turn creates lasting change. Here in McHenry County, the Environmental Defenders is proud to cosponsor the annual Earth Day celebration with the McHenry County Conservation District, which we have been doing for many years. n The annual event this year will be Saturday, April 18, at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. See your MCCD Landscapes Magazine for all the details! Included will be an opportunity to drop off clean polystyrene (Styrofoam), clothing, fluorescent bulbs and tubes, and VHS and cassette tapes. n Then, on Wednesday, April 22, you’re invited to McHenry County College for a screening of the Environmental Defenders’ documentary, “50 Years of Defending,” at 7 p.m. … on Earth Day itself (free and open to the public). After the film, a panel will discuss environmental advancements throughout the Defenders’ 50-year history and take a peek at future plans. n Finally, on Saturday, April 25, the Environmental Defenders will hold a restoration workday from 9 to 11 a.m. on its property at 2222 S. Dean St. in Woodstock. Email envirodefmc@gmail.com if interested in helping out! So, in honor of Earth Day’s 50th anniversary, I am pleased to share all that is happening, and there’s much more. Schools, other organizations, businesses, and municipalities will hold their own Earth Day activities. The important thing remains that we celebrate the planet that we all call home – and perhaps think of just one thing (and commit to it) that we can do on this day to start a new life habit that will help preserve and protect our magical marble. Cynthia Kanner is executive director of the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County.

JEWISH REFORMED CONGREGATION TIKKUN OLAM 503 W. Jackson St. (St. Ann’s Episcopal Church building) Call 815-455-9236 or email tikkunolam@ hotmail.com for service information. n McHENRY COUNTY JEWISH CONGREGATION 8617 Ridgefield Road, Crystal Lake 815-455-1810 Worship: 7 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m. Saturday NEW LIFE CHRISTIAN CENTER 5115 Dean St. • 815-337-4673 Worship: 10 a.m. Sunday

■ The Woodstock City Council voted to waive a conservation provision that required a review of developments built on certain types of soils in the cases of the new Dakota Ridge, Winslow Acres, and Birchwood subdivisions. ■ Woodstock School District 200 was conducting an opinion poll of residents’ feeling about local education.

25 years ago – 1995

■ The Bud Swartout COACHES Scholarship Fund was established at Woodstock High School. ■ D-200 Superintendent Joseph Hentges said co-curricular sports and activities would not be cut if the upcoming education fund referendum didn’t pass.

20 years ago – 2000

■ The City Council approved the rezoning of property near U.S. 14 and West Lake Shore Drive for commercial use, clearing the way for the construction of a retail center by Centerville Associates. ■ The Woodstock Police Department unveiled architectural plans for its new station on Lake Avenue.

15 years ago – 2005

■ Fire destroyed Edgetown Bowl, 1330 S. Eastwood Drive. ■ Woodstock Police Chief Joseph Marvin announced he would retire.

10 years ago – 2010

■ The choirs of five Woodstock churches – 57 singers – presented “Lord of Light,” a musical celebration of Jesus’ life, to raise funds for Woodstock Area Community Ministry and Family Health Partnership. The participating churches were Grace Lutheran, Redeemer Lutheran, First United Methodist, St. John’s Lutheran, and St. Mary Catholic. ■ Chicago Tribune columnist Rick Kogan was the Creative Living speaker. Photographer Charles Osgood traveled to Woodstock with Kogan. ■ Seven students were completing the first class offered by Aurora University Woodstock Center, 222 Church St. The class, organizational behavior and leadership, was one of 12 classes to be offered as part of a Master of Business Administration degree at AU-Woodstock.

5 years ago – 2015

■ About 90 people, including residents, business owners, and elected officials, had met with Urban Land Institute volunteers with the goal of helping city officials to determine a way to redevelop the Old Courthouse and Sheriff’s House. The study, called a Technical Assistance Panel, was funded with a $20,000 grant from the McHenry County Community Foundation. MCCF had allocated another $20,000 for the city to pay for a follow-up study once the TAP report had been issued. ■ The threat of funding cuts from Springfield caused the city of Woodstock to institute a hiring freeze. Deborah Schober, human resources director, said as many as seven open positions would not be filled. The city’s 2008-12 hiring freeze had resulted in the reduction of 29 full-time equivalent positions. ■ Members of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5040 voted to sell their building on Throop Street. Post 5040 was facing declining membership as older members died and younger veterans were less likely to join. Commander Jason Moody, an Air Force veteran who served two tours of duty in Iraq, said, “A young guy coming out of the military today has a family, a job or school. He doesn’t have time to join the VFW.”

1 year ago – 2019

■ Nearly 3,500 filled the Woodstock North High School gymnasium for the funeral of McHenry County Deputy Jacob Keltner, who was killed while serving a warrant in Rockford. The funeral procession included more than 800 police vehicles from throughout the Midwest. ■ Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Gwendolyn Brooks was the inspiration for Woodstock’s Atrocious Poets’ National Poetry Month project. The Atrocious Poets invited young and old to seek inspiration outside their own windows, as Brooks did, and to submit their poems for publishing in The Woodstock Independent. ■ The theater programs at Woodstock and Woodstock North high schools were collaborating to present six performances of the musical “Grease.” “Casts and crews from both schools have been working hard to present this audience favorite,” tech director Sue Lewis said. Thirty-seven students were in the cast.

COMMUNITY

■ REDEEMER LUTHERAN 1320 Dean St. • 815-338-9370 Worship: 8:45 a.m. Sunday ■ RESURRECTION CATHOLIC 2918 S. Country Club Road 815-338-7330 Worship: 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Sunday; 5 p.m. Saturday; 8 a.m. weekdays ■ ST. ANN’S EPISCOPAL 503 W. Jackson St. • 815-338-0950 Worship: 8 and 10 a.m. Sunday ■ ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN 401 St. John’s Road • 815-338-5159 Worship: 5 p.m. Saturday; 9 a.m. Sunday ■ ST. MARY CATHOLIC 313 N. Tryon St. • 815-338-3377 Worship: 7:30 a.m. Monday - Saturday; 12:15 p.m. Monday-Friday; 5 and 6:30 p.m. (Spanish) Saturday; 7:30, 9 and 10:30 a.m., noon (Spanish), 5 p.m. Sunday ■ THE BRIDGE CHRISTIAN 2620 Bridge Lane • 815-496-0548 Worship: 10 a.m. Sunday ■ THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS 2016 Hartland Road • 815-334-1703 Worship: 10 a.m. Sunday ■ THE VINE CHRISTIAN CHURCH 1132 N. Madison St. • 815-338-3380 Worship: 10 a.m. Sunday ■ UNITY SPIRITUAL CENTER 225 W. Calhoun St. • 815-337-3534 unitywoodstock.org Worship: 10 a.m. Sunday ■ UPPER FOX VALLEY QUAKER MEETING 4614 Pioneer Road, McHenry 815-385-8512 Discussion and singing, 9 a.m. Sunday Worship, 10 a.m., fellowship, 11 a.m. Sunday ■ WOODSTOCK ASSEMBLY OF GOD 1201 Dean St.• 815-338-1316 Worship: 10 a.m. Sunday ■ WOODSTOCK BIBLE CHURCH 118 Benton St. Worship: 10:30 a..m. Sunday

30 years ago – 1990

March 18-24, 2020

■ BAHA’I COMMUNITY OF WOODSTOCK Gatherings are open to the public the second Saturday of each month. For information: 815-337-0126 woodstock.bahais@gmail.com ■ BLUE LOTUS TEMPLE & MEDITATION CENTER 221 Dean St. • 815-337-7378 Meditation: 10 a.m. Tuesday, Saturday; 7 p.m. Monday, Wednesday ■ CASA DE BENDICION 8015 Ridgefield Road, Crystal Lake (Crystal Lake Christian Church) Worship: 1 p.m. Sunday, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday ■ CHRIST LIFE 13614 W. Jackson St. • 815-338-4934 Worship: 10:30 a.m. Sunday ■ COVENANT REFORMED BAPTIST CHURCH 4609 Greenwood Road P.O. Box 463 • 815-575-9612 Worship: 10 a.m. Sunday ■ EDEN BAPTIST 1903 N. Seminary Ave. • 815-814-7847 Worship: 3 p.m. Sunday (Spanish) ■ FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST 111 W. South St. • 815-338-2731 Worship: 10 a.m. Sunday ■ FIRST PRESBYTERIAN 2018 N. Route 47 • 815-338-2627 Worship: 9:30 a.m. Sunday school for children 9:45 a.m. ■ FIRST UNITED METHODIST 201 W. South St. • 815-338-3310 fumcwoodstock.org Worship: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Sunday school for children 9:45 a.m. ■ FREE METHODIST 934 N. Seminary Ave. • 815-338-3180 Worship: 10:30 a.m. ■ GOOD NEWS CHURCH Meeting at Dorr Township Community Room, 1039 Lake Ave. 815-575-9224 goodnewswoodstock.org Worship: 10:15 a.m. Sunday ■ GRACE FELLOWSHIP 200 Cairns Court • gfchurch.org Worship: 9 and 10:45 a.m. Sunday ■ GRACE LUTHERAN 1300 Kishwaukee Valley Road 815-338-0554 Worship: 5 p.m. Saturday (informal traditional); Sunday 8:30 a.m. (traditional), 10:45 a.m. (contemporary) ■ HOUSE OF BLESSING 2018 N. Route 47 (First Presbyterian Church building) cbhbfil413.com Worship: 1 p.m. Sunday

FLASHBACKS

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

RELIGION

COMMUNITY

March 18-24, 2020

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

Happenings

calendar

18 WEDNESDAY WOLF OAK WOODS WORKDAY 8930 Route 120 9 a.m. to noon conservmc.org

WORKSHOP

McHenry County Workforce Center 500 Russel Court 1 to 2:30 p.m. 815-338-7100 workforcecenterRR@yahoo.com mchenrycountyworkforce.com Reservation required

GRIEFSHARE

MEMORY MAKERS STORYTELLING GROUP Woodstock Public Library 414 W. Judd St. 9:30 a.m. 815-338-0542 woodstockpubliclibrary.org

SPANISH CONVERSATION GROUP Woodstock Public Library 414 W. Judd St. 6 to 7 p.m. 815-338-0542 woodstockpubliclibrary.org

19 THURSDAY

SENIOR ACTIVITIES/BINGO Dorr Township 1039 Lake Ave. 10:30 a.m. Lunch $5 donation 815-338-0125

KIWANIS WOODSTOCK MEETING

Woodstock Public Library 414 W. Judd St. Noon to 1 p.m. woodstockkiwanis@gmail.com

HISPANIC CONNECTIONS MEETING Woodstock Chamber of Commerce 127 E. Calhoun St. Noon woodstockilchamber.com

STRESS MANAGEMENT

St. Mary Parish Conway Center 312 Lincoln Ave. 2 to 3:45 p.m. $15 registration 815-338-3377

MURDER & MAYHEM BOOK CLUB Woodstock Public Library 414 W. Judd St. 7 p.m. 815-338-0542 woodstockpubliclibrary.org

21 SATURDAY

WOODSTOCK FARMERS MARKET McHenry County Fairgrounds Building D 11900 Country Club Road 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. woodstockfarmersmarket.org

YONDER PRAIRIE WORK DAY

Yonder Prairie 1150 S. Rose Farm Road 9 a.m. to noon conserveMC.org

HABITAT RESTORATION BOGER BOG 2399 S. Cherry Valley Road 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. mccdistrict.org 815-455-1537

22 SUNDAY YONDER PRAIRIE WORK DAY Yonder Prairie

PLEASE CHECK WITH SPONORS OR VENUES ABOUT CANCELLATIONS OR POSTPONEMENTS OF EVENTS To submit calendar items, email pr@thewoodstockindependent.com

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

$15 registration 815-338-3377

23 MONDAY

HABITAT RESTORATION BOGER BOG

FAMILY GAME NIGHT Woodstock Public Library 414 W. Judd St. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. 815-338-0542 woodstockpubliclibrary.org

24 TUESDAY

AS SEEN ON PINTEREST: FAMILY CRAFT Woodstock Public Library 414 W. Judd St. 7 to 8 p.m. 815-338-0542 woodstockpubliclibrary.org

25 WEDNESDAY

JOB SEARCH WORKSHOP McHenry County Workforce Center 500 Russel Court 9:30 to 11 a.m. 815-338-7100 mchenrycountyworkforce.com

SPANISH CONVERSATION GROUP Woodstock Public Library 414 W. Judd St. 6 to 7 p.m. 815-338-0542 woodstockpubliclibrary.org

26 THURSDAY SENIOR ACTIVITIES/ BINGO Dorr Township 1039 Lake Ave. 10:30 a.m. Lunch $5 donation 815-338-0125

GRIEFSHARE

St. Mary Parish Conway Center 312 Lincoln Ave. 2 to 3:45 p.m.

815-338-3377

28 SATURDAY

3 FRIDAY FRIDAY FUN DAY

2399 S. Cherry Valley Road 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. mccdistrict.org 815-455-1537

Woodstock Public Library 414 W. Judd St. All day woodstockpubliclibrary.org

READ TO A DOG

4 SATURDAY

Woodstock Public Library 414 W. Judd St. 2 p.m. 815-338-0542 woodstockpubliclibrary.org

WOODSTOCK FARMERS MARKET

INTERVIEW WORKSHOP McHenry County Workforce Center 500 Russel Court 1 to 2:30 p.m. 815-338-7100 workforcecenterRR@yahoo.com mchenrycountyworkforce.com Reservation required

29 SUNDAY

MCHENRY AREA JAYCEES EASTER EGG HUNT Emricson Park 1313 Kishwaukee Valley Road 10 a.m. mchenryareajaycees.org

OPERA HOUSE TOURS

WESTWOOD PARK RESTORATION WORKDAY 1599 Hillside Trail 9 a.m. to noon Conservemc.org

APRIL

2 THURSDAY SENIOR ACTIVITIES/ BINGO Dorr Township 1039 Lake Ave. 10:30 a.m. Lunch $5 donation 815-338-0125

GRIEFSHARE

St. Mary Parish Conway Center 312 Lincoln Ave. 2 to 3:45 p.m. $15 registration

Resurrection Catholic Church

McHenry County Fairgrounds Building D 11900 Country Club Road 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. woodstockfarmersmarket.org

Woodstock Opera House 121 Van Buren St. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free tours run about 30 minutes woodstockoperahouse.com

DAR GENEOLOGY WORKSHOPS

Woodstock Public Library 414 W. Judd St. 10 a.m. to noon 815-338-0542 woodstockpubliclibrary.org

5 SUNDAY

MONTHLY DRUM CIRCLE

Culture, Arts & Music 1039 Wanda Lane 3 to 4 p.m. $10 suggested donation RSVP encouraged, 815-575-8587

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.

MUSIC

847-507-1352

THE STAGE LEFTOVERS

D-200 CHORAL FESTIVAL

March 25, 7 p.m. Stage Left Café 125 Van Buren St. woodstockoperahouse.com

March 16, 7 p.m. Woodstock High School 501 W. South St. 815-338-4370

March 27, 7 p.m. Stage Left Café 125 Van Buren St. offsquaremusic.org $5 donation

March 19, 7:30 p.m. Stage Left Café 125 Van Buren St. $5 donation aplacetoshinemusic@gmail.com 847-507-1352

WNHS NIGHT OF JAZZ AND PERCUSSION

JAZZ NIGHT

A TRIBUTE TO CAROLE KING AND JAMES TAYLOR

MILES OVER MOUNTAINS CD RELEASE SHOW

March 27, 7:30 p.m. Woodstock Opera House 121 Van Buren St. $15 woodstockoperahouse.com

March 19, 10 a.m. Woodstock Opera House 121 Van Buren St. $25 woodstockoperahouse.com

THEATER

‘MATILDA’

Woodstock

$15 adult, $12 senior, $10 student, $10 groups of 20 or more

‘ROMEO AND JULIET’ BOLSHOI BALLET CINEMA BROADCAST March 29, 2 p.m. Woodstock Opera House

Jan. 15-21, 20

BROADCAST

121 Van Buren St.

March 26, 7 p.m. Woodstock Opera House 121 Van Buren St. $15 adult, $12 senior, $10 student, $10 groups of 20 or more woodstockoperahouse.com

March 13, 7 p.m.; March 14, 5 p.m.; March 15, 2 p.m. Marian Central Catholic High School 1001 McHenry Ave. 20

‘ALL MY SONS’ - A CINEMA

Woodstock Opera House

‘FRIDA, VIVA LA VIDA’

‘ANNIE’

woodstockoperahouse.com

April 4, 2 p.m.

MOVIES

March 20, 21, 8 p.m. March 21, 22, 2 p.m. Woodstock Opera House 121 Van Buren St. $29 A seating, $26 B seating; students and seniors, $27 A, $24 B Presented by Theatre 121 woodstockoperahouse.com

March 22, 2 p.m. Stage Left Café 125 Van Buren St. $10

March 14, 8 p.m. Stage Left Café 125 Van Buren St. $18

$13 student, $13 groups of 20 or

woodstockoperahouse.com

CASABLANCA - OSCAR FILM SERIES April 9, 7 p.m. Woodstock Opera House 121 Van Buren St. $7 woodstockoperahouse.com

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PAGE 13

Woodstock home owners see slow housing recovery

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SUBSCRIBE TODAY! FREE By Larry Lough

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• thewoodstockindependent.com KNowswhat’s happening SUBSCRIBE: 815.338.8040 e it t s a C rebecca@thewoodstockindependent.com IN WOODSTOCK EVERY WEEK! ie D n 671 E. Calhou St., IL k, Woodstoc 60098 Phone: 815-338-8040

sell New approach to

COMMUNITY

March 13, 7 p.m. Woodstock North High School 3000 Raffel Road 815-334-2132

March 20, 8 p.m. Stage Left Café 125 Van Buren St. $5 donation jazzonthesquare.com

LECTURE

$18 adults, $15 senior citizens,

March 18-24, 2020

OPEN MIC NIGHT

121 Van Buren St.

CREATIVE LIVING: Liesl Olson - Chicago Renaissance: Literature and Art in the Midwest Metropolis

A NIGHT AT THE OPERA

ORIGINAL OPEN MIC

$5 students and seniors, $10 adults 815-338-4220

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

entertainment

PLEASE CHECK WITH SPONORS OR VENUES ABOUT CANCELLATIONS OR POSTPONEMENTS OF EVENTS LISTED HERE

Deadline: NOON Thursday for next week’s issue

Woodstock

I NDEPENDENT CLASSIFIED ADS The

ILLINOIS CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING NETWORK

To place an ad: CALL 815-338-8040 • VISIT thewoodstockindependent.com

WANTED TO BUY FREON WANTED: We pay CA$H for cylinders and cans. R12 R500 R11 R113 R114. Convenient. Certified Professionals. Call 312-598-1758 or visit RefrigerantFinders.com

FOR RENT 2 Bedroom Apartment Water & Gas included No smoking, No pets $795 per month

Northern ICANS - Run Date Week of 3/15/2020 Call 815-337-0628

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March 18-24, 2020

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YOUR AD HERE CALL TODAY

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SERVICE DIRECTORY Small Blocks are $40 and Large Blocks are $80 for 4 weeks Call 815.338.8040 for details.

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RUBES

By Leigh Rubin

HEATHCLIFF By Peter Gallagher CROSSWORD

Dec. 27-Jan. 2, 2017

March 18-24, 2020

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

SUDOKU

1110 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock • 6am-9pm • 815-3378230

FREE APPETIZER

with a purchase of two lunch or dinner entrees through March 31,2020 (breaded mushrooms or mozzarella cheese sticks)

Catering • Homemade Soups • Homemade Desserts

CLUES ACROSS 1. Currency of Guinea 5. Avert something bad 10. Sounds 12. Immediate dangers 14. Legendary Tar Heels coach 16. Californium 18. Work standards government dept. (abbr.) 19. Coastal Scottish town 20. Triangular lower back bones 22. Trouble 23. A way to smile 25. Something that is not what it seems 26. Of she 27. Temporary living quarters 28. Bag-like structure in a plant or animal 30. Indicates near 31. Spiritual leader 33. Soup dish 35. Philippine island 37. No longer fashionable 38. Peaks 40. Alabama football team 41. __ King Cole 42. Digital audiotape 44. Open trough 45. The woman 48. Cools down 50. Turkic language 52. Body part 53. Pulse steadily 55. Embedded computer hardware company 56. Indicates shape 57. Thou (plural) 58. Odd and remarkable 63. An evening party 65. National capital of Zambia

66. Tantalizes 67. Dark brown or black CLUES DOWN 1. Not naturally outgoing 2. Exclamation of pain 3. Polynesian garland of flowers 4. Surrounded by water 5. Church towers 6. Hot beverage 7. Body parts 8. Travel documents 9. Railway 10. Gradually wear away 11. Measuring instrument 13. Minor dust-ups 15. Strongly alkaline solution 17. Extreme scarcity of food 18. Dash 21. Philly culinary specialty

23. Popular lager __ Adams 24. Snitch 27. Trimmed 29. Greek god of desire 32. Take to the limit 34. Cool! 35. Sound mental health 36. Native American group 39. Test for high schoolers 40. Rocky peak 43. Preferences 44. Bother 46. Call attention to (slang) 47. Snake-like fish 49. Bulgarian capital 51. Don’t know when yet 54. Italian Seaport 59. Brooklyn hoopster 60. Where to bathe 61. Equal, prefix 62. Beverage container 64. Denotes openness SOLUTION

CRYPTO FUN

PUZZLE PAGE

SOLUTION

PUZZLES & COMICS

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

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on FEBRUARY 27, 2020 An Assumed Name Business Certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk in McHenry County, IL under the following business name and address, and setting forth the names and addresses of all persons owning, conducting and transacting business known as: Woodstock Myofascial Therapy located at 665 W. Jackson St. Woodstock, IL 60098. Owner Name & Address: Gabrielle Fisher 509 E. Kimball Ave. Woodstock, IL 60098. Dated: FEBRUARY 27, 2020 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent March 4, 2020, March 11, 2020, March 18, 2020)L11006

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on FEBRUARY 28, 2020 An Assumed Name Business Certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk in McHenry County, IL under the following business name and address, and setting forth the names and addresses of all persons owning, conducting and transacting business known as: WORK IN PROCESS located at 1711 EDGEWOOD DR., ALGONQUIN IL 60102. Owner Name & Address: SCOTT A. DALE 1711 EDGEWOOD DR., ALGONQUIN IL 60102. Dated: FEBRUARY 28, 2020 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent March 4, 2020, March 11, 2020, March 18, 2020)L11007

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWENTY-SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT MCHENRY COUNTY-IN PROBATE Case No. 20PR000062 In the Matter of the Estate of LLOYD W. MUELLER Deceased CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of LLOYD W. MUELLER Of: CRYSTAL LAKE, IL Letters of office were issued on: 2/27/2020 to: Representative: AMY E. PLACENCIA 772 CONCORD DR. CRYSTAL LAKE, IL 60014

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on MARCH 9, 2020 An Assumed Name Business Certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk in McHenry County, IL under the following business name and address, and setting forth the names and addresses of all persons owning, conducting and transacting business known as: “MORE THAN A GIFT” BAGS located at 1931 N. ORLEANS APT 1A, MCHENRY IL 60050. Owner Name & Address: STEVEN W. FRANZEN 1931 N. ORLEANS APT 1A, MCHENRY IL 60050. Dated: MARCH 9, 2020 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent March 18, 2020)L11012

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on MARCH 10, 2020 An Assumed Name Business Certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk in McHenry County, IL under the following business name and address, and setting forth the names and addresses of all persons owning, conducting and transacting business known as: OXI FRESH CARPET CLEANING located at 18619 ALTENBURG ROAD, HARVARD IL 60033. Owner Name & Address: TODD N. RUTHERFORD 18619 ALTENBURG ROAD, HARVARD IL 60033. Dated: MARCH 10, 2020 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent March 18, 2020)L11013

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on MARCH 10, 2020 An Assumed

Name Business Certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk in McHenry County, IL under the following business name and address, and setting forth the names and addresses of all persons owning, conducting and transacting business known as: Gardner Environmental Services (GES) located at 312 Tall Grass Drive Harvard IL 60033. Owner Name & Address: David Gardner 312 Tall Grass, Harvard Illinois 60033. Dated: MARCH 10, 2020 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent March 18, 2020)L11014

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on MARCH 10, 2020 An Assumed Name Business Certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk in McHenry County, IL under the following business name and address, and setting forth the names and addresses of all persons owning, conducting and transacting business known as: Brennan Lawn & Landscaping Services located at 310 N. Cunat Blvd. Richmond IL 60071. Owner Name & Address: Daniel Brennan 310 N. Count Blvd. Richmond IL 60071. Dated: MARCH 10, 2020 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent March 18, 2020)L11015

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 4/2/2020 at 9:30 am. Unless stated otherwise the description of the contents are household goods and furnishings. Ivy Sagrado Unit #214; Lois Mosby Unit #439. 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 March 18, 2020)L11016

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on MARCH 12, 2020 An Assumed Name Business Certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk in McHenry County, IL under the following business name and address, and setting forth the names and addresses of all persons owning, conducting and transacting business known as: “GREENWAY RECYCLE GROUP” located at 5623 Wonder Woods Dr. Wonder Lake, IL 60097. Owner Name & Address: Brian R. Engelbrecht 5623 Wonder Woods Dr. Wonder Lake, IL 60097. Dated: MARCH 12, 2020 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk)

(Published in The Woodstock Independent March 18, 2020)L11017

PUBLIC NOTICE

SENECA TOWNSHIP 16506 Garden Valley Rd. Woodstock, Il 60098 Board of Trustees 2020-2021 Meeting Notice

Regular Monthly Meetings April 14, 2020 - following the Annual Town Meeting May 12, 2020 - 6:30 p.m. June 9, 2020 - 6:30 p.m. July14, 2020 - 6:30 p.m. August 11, 2020 - 6:30 p.m. September 8, 2020- 6:30 p.m. October 13, 2020 - 6:30 p.m. November 10, 2020 - 6:30 p.m. December 8, 2020 - 6:30 p.m. January 12, 2021 - 6:30 p.m. February 9, 2021 - 6:30 p.m. March 9, 2021 - 6:30 p.m. April 13, 2021 - Following Annual Town Meeting Annual Town Meeting April 13, 2021 - 6:30 P.M. Budget Hearing Meetings (2020-2021 Fiscal Year) May 11, 2021- 6:15 P.M. - Town Fund & Road District Fund /s/Dawn M. Seemann Seneca Township Clerk (Published in The Woodstock Independent March 18, 2020)L11021

PUBLIC NOTICE

SENECA TOWNSHIP 16506 Garden Valley Rd Woodstock, Illinois AGENDA ANNUAL TOWN MEETING April 14, 2020 6:30 P.M. Call to Order: Town Clerk, Dawn Seemann , Pledge of Allegiance Call for nominations for Moderator by Dawn Seemann, Town Clerk a] Call for motion to close nominations b] Vote for Moderator Administer Oath of Office for Moderator by Town Clerk Introduction of Township Officials Purpose of Annual Town Meeting---transacting such business as the electors are by law authorized to transact. Moderator entertains the following a] Reading and approval of the minutes of the 2019 Annual Town Meeting b] Motion to set the 2020-2021 fiscal year for the Township as April 1, 2020 thru March 31, 2021 c] Motion to set the date for the 2020 Annual Town Meeting, second Tuesday of April 13, 2021 Reading Supervisor’s Annual Report for Township & Road District for fiscal year April 1, 2019—March 31, 2020 by Town Clerk Other business to come before the meeting Motion to adjourn (Published in The Woodstock Independent March 18, 2020)L11022

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE

MATTHEW W. MUELLER 25W067 WINDHAM HILL CT. NAPERVILLE, IL 60540 whose attorney is: WILBRANDT, LAURENCE A 65 S VIRGINIA ST CRYSTAL LAIKE, IL 60014 Claims against the estate may be filed within six months from the date of first publication. Any claim not filed within six months from the date of first publication or claims not filed within three months from the date of mailing or delivery of Notice to Creditor, whichever is later, shall be barred. Claims may be filed in the office of the Clerk of Circuit Court at the McHenry County Government Center, 2200 North Seminary Avenue, Woodstock, Illinois, 60098, or with the representative, or both. Copies of claims filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to his attorney within ten days after it has been filed. /s/KATHERINE M KEEFE (Clerk of the Circuit Court) (Published in The Woodstock Independent March 11, 2020, March 18, 2020)L11008

March 18-24, 2020

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWENTY-SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT MCHENRY COUNTY-IN PROBATE Case No. 20PR000041 In the Matter of the Estate of SANDRA J KLEIN Deceased CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of SANDRA J KLEIN Of: LAKE IN THE HILLS, IL Letters of office were issued on: 2/13/2020 to: Representative: KAREN K CROW 1115 SYCAMORE ST LAKE IN THE HILLS, IL 60156 whose attorney is: WILBRANDT, LAURENCE A 65 S VIRGINIA ST CRYSTAL LAIKE, IL 60014 Claims against the estate may be filed within six months from the date of first publication. Any claim not filed within six months from the date of first publication or claims not filed within three months from the date of mailing or delivery of Notice to Creditor, whichever is later, shall be barred. Claims may be filed in the office of the Clerk of Circuit Court at the McHenry County Government Center, 2200 North Seminary Avenue, Woodstock, Illinois, 60098, or with the representative, or both. Copies of claims filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to his attorney within ten days after it has been filed. /s/KATHERINE M KEEFE (Clerk of the Circuit Court) (Published in The Woodstock Independent March 4, 2020, March 11, 2020, March 18, 2020)L11004

owning, conducting and transacting business known as: COMPLETE EXTERIOR CONTRACTORS located at 8711 ALDEN RD, WONDER LAKE IL 60097. Owner Name & Address: KYLE AVERKAMP 8711 ALDEN RD, WONDER LAKE IL 60097. Dated: FEBRUARY 27, 2020 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent March 4, 2020, March 11, 2020, March 18, 2020)L11005

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

ASSUMED NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on FEBRUARY 24, 2020 An Assumed Name Business Certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk in McHenry County, IL under the following business name and address, and setting forth the names and addresses of all persons owning, conducting and transacting business known as: NEW CHINA located at 3722 W ELM ST. MCHENRY IL 60050. Owner Name & Address: MEI ZHEN YANG 2710 ARBOR DR. MCHENRY IL 60050. Dated: FEBRUARY 24, 2020 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent March 4, 2020, March 11, 2020, March 18, 2020)L11003

SPORTS

March 18-24, 2020

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

Sports Kammin leads Coe College’s win over No. 1

Zach Kammin (Woodstock) helped Coe College’s baseball team overcome Washington University 14-5. Washington University, a St. Louis-based NCAA Division III team, is ranked No. 1 among Division III teams. Kammin, who worked 5.0 innings, improved to 1-0. He allowed one earned run on three hits. He fanned six and Dan walked four. Chamness Thus far this The College year, Kammin Report has the lowest earned-run average on the team at 0.82. In 11 innings, he has allowed one earned run on four hits. He has fanned 20 batters, which is team leading, and walked six. Opponents are only hitting .111 off Kammin. Coe is 3-3 overall and 1-0 in the American Rivers Conference. SOFTBALL POINT Emily Miller (Marian Central Catholic), a North Central College softball player, was 3-for-4 in NCC’s 13-1 win over Alfred State University. She drove home two runs and scored once. She had hits in four other games to help North Central to improve to 7-1 during a trip to Fort Myers, Fla. She was 1-for-1 with a pair of walks and a double in a 26-0 win over Elms College. She scored three of the Cardinal runs and drove home three others. In the wins over Drew University (1-0), Clark University (5-3), and Nazareth College (3-2), she was 1-for-3 in each of the games. In the win over Clark, she walked and scored twice as well. She scored the only run of the game against Drew. Thus far, Miller has started all eight games. She has a .560 batting average, which is second on the team. One athlete has hit in all three trips to the plate, but has been at-bat only three times. In 25 trips to the See COLLEGE, Page 47

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY VICKY LONG

Woodstock North Thunder baseball coach John Oslovich talks to his players about baserunning March 12, the day before all school activities were suspended.

Delay of game

High school sports spring season canceled because of coronavirus By Sandy Kucharski

SANDY@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

On March 2, the high school spring sports season officially kicked off. Less than two weeks later, it has come to a screeching halt. As of Friday, March 13, Woodstock District 200 canceled classes until March 30. Along with that, all afterschool practices, meetings and sportsrelated activities were canceled as well.

The Diocese of Rockford followed suit closing all Diocesan elementary and high school facilities, including Marian Central High School. until at least March 30. The closures affect high school students involved in baseball, softball, girls soccer, boys tennis, boys and girls track and field, and lacrosse, a spring sport at Marian. While the possible season-wide cancellation of sports is a hardship for the young dedicated athletes, Marian’s athletic director, Curtis Price, put the situation in perspective “The safety and welfare of everyone involved are the most important,” Price said in an email.

Thunder girls work out on the track March 12.

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER

Woodstock High School tennis player Eli Woodson gets in position to return the ball March 12.

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY VICKY LONG

47 THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

STANKO SIGNS WITH CARDINALS

March 18-24, 2020

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER

dish, Miller has 14 hits, two of which are doubles. She has nine RBIs, eight runs scored, three walks, and one stolen base. She has an on-base percentage of .607 and a slugging percentage of .640. In the field, she has made 12 putouts and one assisted putout with no errors. MESSAGE FROM CHAMNESS The coronavirus seemingly has affected every phase of life, including athletics. But there will be a College Report. Next week, at the very least, we will have a career completion article on a fall athlete. We will continue to run those articles, which normally run during the summer, until college athletics resume or until we run out of athletes. At this point, the latest report from the main governing body of college athletics, the NCAA, all remaining winter national championships have been canceled as well as spring national championships. This will probably lead to all teams forgoing the season, because the ultimate prize, a national championship, will not be available for any team. Whether or not you agree with the NCAA, please keep in mind, the main concern is the safety of the players, coaches, officials, fans, and any another other personnel that would be essential to athletics. We believe we have a complete list of fall athletes. We should have a complete list next week. For now, the career completion pieces will start

with Woodstock graduate Luke Beattie (Utah State University cross country), Woodstock North graduate Isabella Mazzanti (University of Dubuque cross-country), Marian Central Catholic graduate Rachel Giustino (Murray State University volleyball), Marian Central Catholic graduate Alex Kaufmann (Murray State University volleyball), and Woodstock graduate Jake Schmitt (University of Wisconsin-Stout football). If one of these athletes has not finished a college career or if there is someone absent from this fall list who should be included, please email me (Dan62801@aol.com) as soon as possible. Please put “Woodstock Independent” in the subject line of the email. Dan Chamness writes The College Report for The Independent.

NN SCOREBOARD NN NO SCORES TO REPORT ALL SCHOOL SPORTS CANCELLED THROUGH MARCH 29

SCOREBOARD PRESENTED BY

815.338.7830

205 E. South St. • Woodstock

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER

Marian Central Catholic High School’s Harrison Stanko signs his national letter of intent March 6 to play football at North Central College.

ATHLETE OF THE

WEEK GARRISON HERENDEEN TRACK In Woodstock North High School’s first track meet of the season (seven-team indoor meet at Sycamore High School), junior Garrison Herendeen took first place in the high jump, clearing 6’1”. Great start to the season!